Director’s Column
A current popular feature in the local Wausau Daily Herald is called "Why My Job Rocks!" Readers are encouraged to submit their thoughts of enthusiasm for the job they do every day. It’s always good to read of people’s positive attitudes about their respective pursuits….That inspired our Director to write the following:

Why my job rocks…
When I realized there weren’t a lot of jobs that were going to pay me to drive real fast, I found the next fastest paced job; that of working with young people and their families with the most awesome team of people in the terrific community. It takes a whole town to raise a child, and sometimes when things go awry, it takes a few more.
As Executive Director of Marathon Youth Services, Inc. and a licensed therapist, I have the privilege of working with our community’s youth who need treatment and supervision at Reynolds Group Home, and young adults with special needs in the supervised living settings at Grand Place, Hamilton House and Prospect Place. These young people bring issues, challenges and plenty of memorable moments.
My job rocks because I work with great young people, but also because I work with the best co-workers that have dedicated themselves to making the success of our work outstanding. Our team of bright, mature and eternally optimistic staff not only get the job done, but they do it with style and personality that make lasting changes with the people we work.
Everyday they make my day and bring humor and a lighter side to some pretty intense situations. I also have the opportunity to work with so many other associated professionals that are doing their best for our community, and maybe your family. Thanks… Doug Adams

Some thoughts of the Season from Rick Ferree, Program Coordinator at Reynolds Group Home…always worth the read.

The holiday season is upon us in once more….the whirlwind of days, months and years continues, and as observed by many of us reaching the crest of ‘The Hill’ or beyond, it only seems as if the velocity of this thing called time only increases. I take care to invest myself daily in the things for which I am grateful.
Amongst the foremost in my mind today……

The blessing of life……
A beautiful and loving wife and mother of my children….
High achieving children, compassionate, considerate and kind
The gift of health, for myself and those I love…..
A handful of true friends….
Trees and rocks and streams….
The wind in my hair……
The capacity to think……
The promise of tomorrow…..
The opportunity to contribute……..
The list goes on……

Enveloped in all of these spoken and unspoken…….is a passion for living. A true passion for living is to have passion for giving. The images of an orphan boy and a drum…..a penny in the old mans hat…..and the warming of the frigid heart of the grinch…..a story in tune with the spirit of the season…..restoring our youth for only a moment….removing us from the commercial consumption and excesses of the season…... Giving is as simple as an open door, a smile, an acknowledgement of those near you, a sensitivity to individual needs…..giving is community and a notion given us by HE who gave all.

In this season, let us be conscious of the hurt around us…..the vacuum in so many lives, the desperation and need, the loneliness and sorrow…and give of ourselves, of whatever may be of our avail….experience the truest of joys in the giving…..
….as spoken so eloquently by our green friend in his moment of enlightenment…..the season is not found in packages, boxes or bags……
Rick Ferree

In addition to sharing his occasional inspirational thoughts, Rick continues to provide the spirited leadership to the programming at Reynolds Group Home. Supported by an absolutely superb staff (editorial comment), RGH often achieves the seemingly impossible! November was again a month of continuing accomplishments for the residents, and staff.

This month we were joined by a new resident as we prepare another for his discharge. Thao is doing extremely well in his transition to home and is looking forward to discharge on December 22^nd.

Josh got a job with Shopko this month working as a cashier and is enjoying it immensely. Also this month, Karl was accepted as a manager for the Wausau East Freshman basketball team. Way to go Karl!

Following their participation in Make A Difference Day, the guys took on additional raking projects and all put out a great effort. They also continued their regular volunteer activities at the Kennedy Rehabilitation Center in Schofield.

With winter now setting in, the team at RGH is looking into winter recreational activities in anticipation of the snow arriving soon. Any ideas for us?

Remember this picture? That was Mike S enjoying the snow last year at Prospect Place. While waiting for this year’s snow, the guys are busy with many other pursuits.
Mike P and Adam continue their Wednesday night basketball, and both have volunteered to help out with the Special Olympics "Breakfast With Santa" at Mom’s Café in Schofield to raise money for the Special Olympics program. Adam also volunteered to serve lunch at Northland Lutheran High School, the site of their basketball pursuits. He also joined the guys from Grand Place for a bowling tournament in Eau Claire on November 5^th and 6^th. They reported having a great time staying overnight in a motel and participating in the competition.

Additional activities included Adam joining his grandfather in the choir at Mount Olive Lutheran Church and with Mike S, volunteering at the consignment shop twice. All the guys have been attending basketball games at the area high schools and continuing their regular YMCA activities. Somehow, Mike S still finds time to continue in his part time job at Papillon’s Pizza in Schofield. Also, the guys have been having Packer Parties on weekends and enjoying the Pack’s current winning streak.

Our adult program also has a new staff member this month. Brian Lorence joined the staff on November 10. Brian grew up in the Owen-Withee area of Wisconsin and attended college in Vermont, UW-Stevens Point and Minnesota. He came to Wausau this past summer and is helping start a new church, Wausau Vineyards.
Brian reports a wide variety of interests and abilities to include mountaineering, photography, being a musician. We’re all very pleased to have Brian join our team.

With Thanksgiving celebrated this past month, all the young men spent time with their families for part of the holiday. Hamilton House also had a Thanksgiving meal for everyone as well. They also had another celebration earlier in the month for Mark’s 21^st birthday on November 11. Mark also managed to get in the action on preparing the turkey.


Mark is a very busy young man…between his job at Northern Valley Workshop, time with his girl friend and the many activities of Hamilton House the days are pretty full!
It was recently announced that a favorite place for the guys, High Roller in Weston will be closing its doors soon. The guys are continuing to enjoy roller skating as long as possible and most recently went skating on November 19^th. On November 12^th they also made a trip to Dale’s Weston Lanes to hear a rock band. Our most recent addition at Hamilton House, Kevin, has joined in many of these activities as well. He also continues his work in the GOAL Lab at Northcentral Technical College in preparation for admittance to the Automotive Program at NTC.

Grand Place became home to yet another young man this month. Shawn moved in on November 1^st and has adjusted to his new home quite well. We’re certainly pleased to have him with us. Shawn graduated from DCE High School and works full time at Northern Valley workshop. He is a devoted fan of country music, John Deere and NASCAR.
Shawn was with us in time to join in the fun for the trip to Eau Claire on November 5^th and 6^th. He joined Adam, Pat, John and Skyler for the overnight at the motel and the tournament.

On November 12^th the guys were joined by Mike S from Prospect Place for baking pies. They baked 1 cherry and 5 apple pies. The next day they all went to the Wausau Center Mall and out for lunch.

Every Wednesday is still Special Olympics basketball night, and the guys have now started attending bible study at the First United Methodist Church on Monday nights. During the day, Pat has started a volunteer job at the Aurora Day Program and also continues to work at the YMCA on Mondays.

December is now upon us, and with it the Christmas Season. Everyone is looking forward to the spirit of the season, decorating and preparing to celebrate!