January 2025 Newsletter

“If you’re in the luckiest one percent of humanity, you owe it to the rest of humanity to think about the other 99 percent.”   ~ Warren Buffett

Editorial 

Dear Dawn to Dusk Community,

Happy New Year! We look forward to another year of working closely together and providing services that will enhance the lives of your loved ones and our special needs community members as a whole. In addition to continuing to expand and improve our services, one important theme for me for this year is to make a larger impact on our overall community and even the larger caregiving sector. 

For those that are not familiar with the Dawn to Dusk story, we began with the idea of developing an Adult Medical Day Care to primarily provide services to the elderly with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. However, fate had other plans and through the COVID-19 pandemic, we learned about the DDD Day Habilitation program and decided to get approved and also provide Day Services to adults with special needs. Little did we know at that time that this will become our primary service and drive Dawn to Dusk’s growth. As we enter our 5th year, we have grown far more than I had originally anticipated and earned the goodwill and trust of our stakeholders and the general community. I intend to spend a significant amount of time this year thinking about ways to make a larger impact within this community, helping and supporting our individuals, their parents and family members. I invite other stakeholders to reach out to me with the challenges they face and ideas and thoughts they may have and see how we can work together to make an impact. Broad areas that come to mind are- Transportation, Housing/Long-term care, Employment, Self Direction and Technology.

Having worked for 25 years in the Financial Sector in a job and organization I loved, then shifting to something so different and unique and loving it even more, I feel fortunate to wake up everyday looking forward to getting to work and making a difference. Famous investor Warren Buffett says “I tap dance to work every morning”. He loves what he does and I truly understand what he means. I feel the same!!!

Thank you for your support and good wishes and wish you all a joyous, peaceful and fulfilling new year.

~Sesh Subramanian

Self Expression Through Creativity

With the festive season upon us, our Music with Mike  sessions, led by the talented musician Mike Montrey, have brought extra cheer and a burst of creativity to Dawn to Dusk. Mike, known for his engaging performance style and musical versatility, has been a fantastic part of our program, encouraging participants to express themselves through music. During these sessions, our participants have not only enjoyed listening to holiday tunes, but have also actively engaged by singing along and using jingle bells to add a festive rhythm. Each participant has been able to request their favorite holiday tune, creating a personalized and interactive fun experience. Whether singing solo alongside Mike or joining in with the music as a group, everyone embraced the joy of music-making, further enhancing the communal spirit. This blend of individual participation and collective enjoyment exemplifies the unique, adaptive approach we strive for at Dawn to Dusk, offering everyone a chance to shine in their own way. 

Physical and Mental Health and Wellbeing

At Dawn to Dusk, we recognize the importance of winding down after a bustling day, and our “Reading and Relaxation” sessions are crafted to foster a tranquil environment where participants can dive into the pleasure of a good book, surrounded by the comforting presence of friends. Selecting from a variety of books available on our Dawn to Dusk Library shelf, participants can settle into comfy chairs in the serene setting of our Quiet Room. This activity not only offers a calm and safe space that encourages relaxation and passive focus but also enhances opportunities for personal growth and peaceful engagement. The combination of thoughtful reading and a supportive environment provides a perfect backdrop for participants to unwind and enjoy moments of quiet introspection and relaxation.

We also engaged in a number of sensory table top activities to promote creativity and a sense of comfort via engaged participation.

Leisure and Recreation

At Dawn to Dusk, our recent "Animals in the Winter" session provided a captivating educational experience, guided by our staff. Participants engaged in a lively discussion about how animals adapt to colder weather, beginning with a collective reading of a document that illustrated various winter survival strategies. We explored key terms like "hibernation" and "migration," enhancing our understanding through interactive questions that encouraged participants to think about animal behaviors in the winter. The session also included a creative activity where everyone drew animals they learned about, depicting their unique adaptations. This blend of reading, discussion, and art not only made learning fun but also deepened our participants' appreciation for nature's seasonal rhythms.

Community Corner

Community Outings: 

As December rolled in, bringing with it the chilly embrace of winter, we adapted our community outings to enjoy the warmth and comfort of indoor activities. Our participants cherished their time at the South Brunswick Library, where they delved into books and participated in interactive exhibits, fostering a love for learning despite the cold outside. 

The indoor scavenger hunts at Quakerbridge Mall, Target, and Walmart turned shopping trips into thrilling adventures, with participants eagerly searching for items and solving clues amidst the festive decorations. At Knob Hill Country Lanes, the excitement continued as participants demonstrated their bowling skills, the lively atmosphere filled with cheers and encouragement from friends. These indoor outings provided not only refuge from the cold but also valuable opportunities for social interaction and skill-building, making December a month rich with engaging and cozy experiences.

Lunch Outings: 

Lunch outings with friends are always a highlight for the participants at Dawn to Dusk, and December offered a festive array of dining experiences that warmed us during the chilly weather. This month, we enjoyed a variety of culinary delights, starting with the cozy ambiance of Monmouth Junction Kitchen, where home-style cooking brought comfort and joy to our group. At Capriccio’s Pizza, the slices were more than just food; they were a slice of happiness, enjoyed amidst laughter and good company. We also ventured to The Habit Burger Grill, where the aroma of freshly grilled burgers filled the air, offering a tantalizing taste experience that was both satisfying and delicious. Popeyes brought a taste of Louisiana to our table, with its spicy chicken and hearty sides proving to be a hit among participants. These outings are more than just meals; they are opportunities for our participants to engage with the community, make menu selections independently, and practice budget management in a friendly and supportive setting.These cherished moments not only foster independence but also enhance the enjoyment of exploring diverse flavors together. As we wrap up the year, we look forward to continuing these delightful dining experiences and carrying the joyous spirit into the new year.. 

Special Events: 

Holiday Sing-Along: On December 24th, the halls of Dawn to Dusk were filled with the joyful sounds of our holiday sing-along, a festive event that celebrated the diverse cultures of our community. Participants and staff came together, led by a small group of singers, to delight in holiday tunes from various traditions. This group sing-along, expertly orchestrated by our wonderful activities team—Maureen, Keri, and Karen—provided an opportunity for everyone to share in the universal joy of music. The selection of songs spanned different cultures, each bringing its unique flavor and festive cheer to the gathering, fostering a sense of inclusion and community spirit. The event was not just a sing-along but a vibrant celebration of unity, where everyone could feel the season's warmth through the power of song. This joyful occasion underscored the collective spirit of Dawn to Dusk, thanks to the enthusiasm of our participants and the thoughtful curation by our activities team.

Holiday Games: Throughout December, particularly in the final two weeks, Dawn to Dusk has embraced the festive spirit by celebrating the various holidays that our participants observe. Our activities have ranged from crafting holiday cards to engaging in the traditional Dreidel game, bringing a sense of joy and cultural appreciation to our center. We've also added some fun and games, such as 'Name That Tune,' where participants guess the names of holiday songs. Another favorite has been our jingle bell pass; when the music stops, the holder shakes the bells. Additionally, we’ve enjoyed challenges like unwrapping gifts while wearing socks on our hands, among other festive activities. These events have not only been entertaining but have also fostered a deeper understanding and enjoyment of the season's diverse celebrations.Coming together as one during the holidays is so important to bring our holiday cheer!

If you have any questions or suggestions about the Day Program, please contact Emily at: emily@dawntoduskwellbeing.com          

Photo Gallery

Enjoy some special moments and smiles in our photo gallery here.