May 2025 Newsletter

"Don't stop when you are tired, stop when you are done" ~ David Goggins

Editorial 

Dear Dawn to Dusk Community,

Two years ago, after reading Benjamin Franklin's biography by Walter Isaacson, I was inspired to put into practice, in a systematic manner, the 13 virtues that Benjamin Franklin talks about in the book. Benjamin Franklin used to focus on one virtue every week for the 13 weeks in every quarter and repeat the virtues 1-13 every quarter. He maintained a worksheet where he would not only track his performance with the virtue for a given week but also evaluate if he didn't do well with any of the other 12 virtues on any day. This practice assisted Benjamin Franklin with acquiring moral perfection. 

I have adopted a similar practice with focusing on one virtue every week, repeating the 13 virtues over the course of every quarter. This practice has helped me to be mindful and intentional with the one virtue at a time.  I have also taken to writing a few thoughts, goals and intentions every morning that aligns with the virtue for the week. While perfection is ideal and I am nowhere close to it, I certainly see growth and improvement in self and feel optimistic that I am headed in the right path with guidance from none other than one of the founding fathers of our wonderful nation. It is no wonder that with such high thinking he and the other founding fathers set America on the path to greatness.

May is a special month for Dawn to Dusk. As the warmer weather and the beauty of spring graces us, we also get ready to celebrate our anniversary. Through Covid-19, Dawn to Dusk had multiple starts and stops and some false starts. However, we recognize May 17 2021 as our launch date as its on this day that we opened in-person and since then have consistently stayed open and steadily grown both in size and service offerings. Like every year, we are celebrating the anniversary with all our participants on May 14, picnicking in a park. We look forward to celebrating this memorial day for Dawn to Dusk as we enter the fifth year of our existence. Thank you all for your support and company through the years and looking forward to celebrating more anniversaries with you!

Wishing you good health and wellbeing always.

~Sesh Subramanian

Life Skills and Growing Independence

In April, we were thrilled to get back into the Gardening Club at Dawn to Dusk! With spring in full bloom, the participants had the opportunity to begin their gardening journey by exploring the plant life cycle. The participants explored the foundational concepts of plant growth, including the role of soil, water, and sunlight. Using small pots, they gently planted seeds and learned how to care for them with daily watering and careful observation as sprouts began to emerge. Participants eagerly observed the transformation of their seed into a plant, tracking changes using a ruler and measuring tape and reflecting on the different stages of plant development during group discussion. Our budding gardeners also planted an assortment of herbs including rosemary, cilantro, mint and basil, as well as different legumes such as beans and peas, preparing for a diverse harvest later in the season. This project has sparked curiosity while also building patience, observational skills, and individual responsibility, all while supporting sensory engagement and life skills development. 

Self Expression Through Creativity

April’s Artist Study focused on the breathtaking beauty of Cherry Blossoms, a timeless symbol of spring. The participants explored the cultural and artistic significance of these iconic trees, which were originally gifts from Japan, and are admired worldwide for their delicate, short-lived blooms. Known to represent renewal and the beautiful, fleeting nature of life, Cherry Blossoms offered a thoughtful and inspiring theme for creative expression. Throughout the activity, participants were guided through a visual of Cherry Blossom art from major festivals in Washington D.C., Newark, and Philadelphia. While the goal was not to replicate specific works, these images sparked meaningful discussion and inspired each participating artist’s individual interpretation. 

The participants created their own Cherry Blossom paintings on canvas, experimenting with mixing red and white to make soft and dark pinks, as well as using pure shades of white and black to capture the look and feel of blooming flowers against the dark bark of the Cherry Blossom trees. Using cotton swabs to create clustered flowers and the technique of paint blowing to mimic movement and organic design, the final pieces were vibrant and unique, each one reflecting the artist’s perspective. These finished pieces are currently on display within the center and will be available to take home next month!

Physical and Mental Health and Wellbeing

With the arrival of spring, our Walking Club has officially returned to the schedule at Dawn to Dusk! After a long and chilly winter that kept us mostly indoors, the warmer April mornings brought the perfect opportunity to step outside, stretch our legs, and enjoy some fresh air. Many participants have chosen to take part in Walking Club as an alternative to Health Matters, making the most of the pleasant weather. A full lap around our building totals 0.2 miles, and participants are encouraged to walk at their own pace and choose how many laps they would like to walk. Some enjoy a single lap, while some of our participants have walked up to six! The Walking club offers a refreshing way to get moving, support cardiovascular health, and build social connections through friendly conversation. This activity has quickly become a favorite way to begin the day, and we are excited to see the participants setting goals, enjoying the outdoors, and starting each morning with a healthy, energizing routine. 

Leisure and Recreation

April’s Book Club sessions brought participants together in the cozy Quiet Room, where they settled into comfy recliner chairs and enjoyed calm, quiet time immersed in a story. Each week, participants took turns reading aloud and listening to one another to read three amazing books. All the Way to the Top tells the inspiring true story of Jennier Keelan-Chaffins, a young girl with cerebral palsy who became a powerful voice in the disability rights movement. The Tree That Would Not Die introduced readers to a nearly 600-year-old tree that survived generations of change, symbolizing resilience and history. Finally, The Great Kapok Tree invited participants to explore a vibrant rainforest setting while learning about their environmental responsibility through a beautifully illustrated narrative. After each reading, staff facilitate group discussion by asking comprehension questions provided for each book, and encourage the participants to share their own thoughts and ideas as well!

Community Corner

Community Outings: 

In April, Dawn to Dusk participants had the opportunity to explore a refreshing mix of both indoor and outdoor community outings as we welcomed the return of warmer weather. This month’s destinations included scenic visits to Helmetta Park, North Brunswick Community Park, and Thompson Park, where participants enjoyed nature walks, group games, and time to connect with one another in an open-air setting. For those who prefer quieter environments, visits to Barnes and Noble bookstore inside of the East Brunswick Mall offered the chance to browse books, discover new interests, and engage in meaningful conversation. We also returned to a well-loved favorite, Knob Hill Country Lanes, where participants shared laughter and friendly competition during bowling. Each of these outings supports not only social connection but also the ongoing development of community navigation and safety skills. Through consistent engagement with local spaces and businesses, we aim to build up the participants’ confidence and connection within our broader community while enjoying enriching and fun experiences together.

Lunch Outings: 

In April, Dawn to Dusk participants enjoyed a flavorful variety of lunch outings that offered both familiar comforts and new experiences. This month’s destinations included Popeyes, Panera Bread, Applebee’s, and IHOP, with each location providing different opportunities to explore new meals or enjoy familiar favorites. Participants sampled a variety of dishes, including crispy chicken tenders and biscuits, as well as savory soups, sandwiches, and classic diner-style breakfasts. Our team continues to support participants in making their own meal choices, whether that means ordering something they know and love or trying a familiar dish prepared in a new way. We recognize that dietary preferences vary widely, and we aim to ensure each lunch outing destination provides an array of options to choose from. As always, the month concluded with our Lunch Choice outings, where each team select their favorite dining spots to cap off the month. For a full list of May’s destinations, check out our Team Community Outings schedule.

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.