The Runner's Alley/Redhook Memorial 5K Race is filling up fast. It sells out every year, so be sure you're registered to run!

The 100 Club is filling fast, too, and there aren't many spaces left. For a$100 race entry fee, you get a special catered lunchbuffet, private port-a-potties, preferred parking, a goody bag and more. Plus, you are donating more money to Krempels Center! Our Team Krempels trains every Tuesday afternoon, leaving from the parking lot of Redhook at 4pm and running, walking, or wheeling the course. If you'd like company for your training, please join us. We are still signing up volunteers--folks to help with parking, water stations, recycling--just to name a few things. ContactSue Chaseif you'd like to sign up. We hope to see you Sunday, May 26that Redhook for the 5k race!

Outcomes Study to Show Long Term Impact

Since its inception in 1995, Krempels Center has strived to meet its mission of improving the lives of people living with brain injury from trauma, tumor or stroke.There is hardly a program day that goes by without witnessing examples of the benefits our program brings. To add hard data to anecdotal evidence, Krempels Center formed a task force in January of 2011 to develop a study to measure the impact of ourservices on members' quality oflife. The Outcomes Task Force has included Krempels Centerstaff, volunteers and members, with UNH faculty fromthe departments of therapeutic recreation, occupational therapy, psychology, social work and communication and speech disorders.The study isintended to assess members' perception of the quality of their physical and psychological health, including stress, social relationships, and their environments which includes basic needs as well as access to community resources.

 Krempels Center piloted the survey tool this spring and members reported that they enjoyed the opportunity to participate. Several graduate social work students are now tabulating the results and we anticipate that it will yield real qualitative answers to Krempels Center's impact on members' lives. KC plans to formally launch the ongoing evaluation process in fall of 2013.

Writing Poetry in Write On!

Creative writing can be a daunting activity for anyone and having a brain injury makes it more difficult still.Yet creative writing is one of Krempels Center's most requested groups.

Our Write On! group is facilitated by an MBA intern, an occupational therapy intern and a speech intern, each with the perspective of thatintern's own field and all understanding that the group is much more than a creative outlet.This group can help members re-learn the complex and necessary skills of reading and writing, while working on attention, memory, planning, sequencing, fine motor skills, and visual processing. Our interns create a safe and non-judgmental environment, placing emphasis first and foremost on what our members can do and the worthwhile truths they have to share. Introducing poetry of Robert Frost, Richard Blanco, and Shel Silverstein helps to open the heart and mind. One week it may be examples of haikus, another week a longer, more narrative structure or a word collage. Sitting in on a recent group, I was struck by the clarity of purpose of all the participants--whether comfortable with writing or not. Everyone chose to read their piece aloud and in every case, the group was attentive, supportive, and vocal in their feedback.

 The spring semester ends May 3rd here at Krempels Center. This particular trio of interns has made the group a stand-out this semester and has raised the bar for future semesters of writing.

Join us for Fireside Chat

Friday, May 3rd is our last Fireside Chat until September. We are always looking to spread the word on the work we dohere at Krempels Center. Come to one of our low-key presentations and learn what we're all about. You'll also attend our Community Meeting where you'll meet our membership and see how we start the day at Krempels Center. Details: Friday, May 3rd at 9:45 11:00 am at the Community Campus, 100 Campus Drive, Portsmouth, NH. RSVP via emailor call 603-570-7178. Our fireside chats began inNovember 2010as a way to educate people about brain injury from trauma, tumor or stroke. We sincerely hope that you can join us.