Clear Guidance, LLC, 47 River Street, Suite 210, Needham, MA (2025)

09/05/2025

NATIONAL FOOD BANK DAY

National Food Bank Day on the first Friday in September encourages you to commit to contributing to the cause that believes no one should go to bed hungry.

Hunger may be as close as your neighbor or your coworker in the next cubical. Bare cupboards and empty stomachs look just like yours and mine behind closed doors.

Food banks across the country help some of the 42 million men, women, and children who struggle with putting food on the table. The reasons range from illness to job loss and a general change in circumstances - circumstances that can happen to anyone of us.

For parents struggling to make ends meet, the ability to look their children in their eyes over a meal instead of into hungry eyes is a difference made by supporting food banks. Food banks fill the gap for those living on a meager budget. Many food banks offer educational opportunities that help people change their situation and begin anew. Often, those who have benefited from the programs return to volunteer and contribute to the very food bank that staved off hunger to do the same for others.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL FOOD BANK DAY

Help a neighbor, a friend, coworker or a child by making a donation. Volunteer at your local food bank. Food banks take nonperishable food items and cash donations every day. Check their needs list for the fresh items they are seeking.

09/03/2025

IN THE FIGHT AGAINST ALZHEIMER’S, NOW MATTERS MORE THAN EVER!

Clear Guidance will once again take part in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Sunday, October 26th in Cambridge, MA.

"With new treatments emerging in the fight against Alzheimer’s and all other dementia, now is the time for hope. Now is the time for action. Help us keep the momentum going by donating to the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, the world’s largest fundraiser to fight the disease." - www.alz.org

Here is the link to join or donate to the Clear Guidance team https://buff.ly/uQ8EDkU

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

09/01/2025

HAPPY LABOR DAY!

Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers and is traditionally observed on the first Monday in September. It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894. Labor Day weekend also symbolizes the end of summer for many Americans and is celebrated with parties, street parades and athletic events.

Why Do We Celebrate Labor Day? Click here https://buff.ly/2hwzvrv

08/29/2025

NATIONAL COLLEGE COLORS DAY

On the Friday before Labor Day, National College Colors Day encourages everyone to display their team spirit. Across the United States students, parents, family, fans, and alumni will be wearing their team colors. Be sure you're celebrating by wearing your college team's colors and apparel.

Team spirit has long been a foundation of cheering athletes to victory. Wearing the colors of the school as well as singing the school song goes along with the energy of the day. Not only does it bring back memories, but it carries on traditions. Sometimes, these traditions run deep, too.

Support your team and show your team spirit by wearing your college colors to the game or while watching it on TV. Rally the fans and show your team you know they will go for the win! Tailgating and pregame revelry are all part of the enjoyment of the season. Many alumni enjoy share memories of games from years past, especially the close ones, win or lose.

08/27/2025

CLEAR GUIDANCE OFFERS SPECIALIZED SERVICES TAILORED TO ADULTS WITH DOWN SYNDROME, AUTISM, AND INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES.

Clorinda "Clo" Cottrell - LICSW, Certified Dementia Care Partner (CDCP), National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities Regional Trainer

Ms. Cottrell is a care manager and social worker with over 15 years of expertise in healthcare. Dedicated to supporting clients at every step, Ms. Cottrell prioritizes their preferences, strengths, and unique life stories. With a blend of compassion, expertise, creativity and strategic guidance, Ms. Cottrell helps individuals and families navigate life’s most challenging transitions with dignity and peace of mind.

Ms. Cottrell specializes in supporting aging adults, dependent adults, and individuals with disabilities to make informed decisions that promote dignity, well-being, and optimal quality of life. She brings particular expertise in care for adults with Down syndrome, autism, intellectual disabilities, and aging-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. During her eight years with Massachusetts General Hospital’s Down Syndrome Program, Ms. Cottrell provided comprehensive life span support to individuals, families and care partners, including co-occurring mental health conditions, dementia, and aging-related challenges. Her collaborative approach simplifies care processes, alleviates concerns, and empowers families to face challenges with confidence and clarity.

As a Certified Dementia Care Partner and National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices Affiliated Regional Trainer, Ms. Cottrell offers specialized guidance on dementia care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She provides in-service training, workshops, and care planning to help families and care teams deliver informed, compassionate support.

To learn about all services provided by Clear Guidance, please visit www.clearguidance.org

08/25/2025

THE INTERSECTION OF DOWN SYNDROME AND ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE FACT SHEET

The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) strongly supports the inclusion
of the Down syndrome community in all efforts to address Alzheimer’s
disease.
Below are key facts regarding the connection between Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease.

*Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial third copy of chromosome
21 instead of the typical two. Chromosome 21 carries the amyloid precursor protein (APP)
gene, which is strongly associated with the formation of amyloid peptides and plaques, a
hallmark of Alzheimer’s. Having an extra copy of chromosome 21 puts individuals with
Down syndrome at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

*Individuals with Down syndrome have a higher than 90% lifetime risk of developing
Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is the number one cause of death for individuals
with Down syndrome.

*The average age of onset of the disease for individuals with Down syndrome is 58 years
old. For the general population, onset before age 65 is rare and suggests a form of earlyonset Alzheimer’s disease separate from typical Alzheimer’s disease.

*The average length of progression from onset of symptoms to death for individuals with
Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease is 4.6 years. For the general population, the
average length of progression is 4 - 8 years with some individuals living as long as 20 years.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT:
*Diagnostic criterion for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease often does not take into account
the unique traits and cognitive diversity of individuals with intellectual and
developmental disabilities, such as Down syndrome.
*Individuals with Down syndrome have been historically excluded from clinical trials
and coverage of new drugs and treatments.

IMPACT ON CAREGIVING:
*In contrast with the norm for the general population, individuals with Down syndrome
and Alzheimer’s disease are often cared for by their aging parents.
*Aging caregivers may reach a point at which they can no longer provide this care,
however, institutional options are limited. Many memory or long-term care centers will
not accept individuals with Down syndrome due to the age of the individual and their
dual diagnosis.
*At times, siblings may step in to provide care but this often necessitates a move to a
new state which can impact vital government benefits such as Medicaid and home
and community-based services.

For more information, please contact Anna Fedewa, National Down Syndrome
Society Manager of Federal Government Relations, at afedewa@ndss.org

08/22/2025

NEVER BEAN BETTER DAY
If you've waited for a Never Bean Better Day to enjoy the unconditional love of your canine companion, August 22 is the day! Just like our ever-joyful pets, the day casts away the worries and spreads enthusiasm for life.

The celebration encourages both the spirit of generosity and sharing the joys of life with delight. Go out into the world with your family pet and plant the bean of love everywhere you go. Share it generously, like dogs do when they take care of us when we are sick or down. They give us all their love with abandon in the forms of licks and snuggles. Sometimes our furry friends do tricks and antics only canines know how to do. Other times, they even perform their own love song or woo woo. Every day should be a Never Bean Better Day to share all the love your dog stores up!

HOW TO OBSERVE NEVER BEAN BETTER DAY
In recognition of the celebration, share the Bean wuv. Fetch up some fun and make a difference like Bean, a very special therapy dog, does every day in providing comfort and joy to so many through his physical and virtual presence. Help someone by sharing your time, talent or treasure or just by making someone’s day by getting them to play … human or canine!

NEVER BEAN BETTER DAY HISTORY
The Drager Group, Inc. founded Never Bean Better Day to recognize the unconditional love dogs bring to human lives. The observance honors the birth of a special therapy dog, Bean, who eagerly spreads his Bean wuv everywhere he goes. Bean improves the lives of those who need it most. Visit NeverBeanBetter.com to learn more about Bean and his many talents, canine and not so canine.

08/21/2025

Don't miss out on attending this EXPRESSIVE ARTS THERAPY GROUP at "The Center" in Holliston, MA on September 30th and October 28th from 1:00-2:00pm.

This new program will be facilitated by Franci DuMar of Clear Guidance https://buff.ly/x9jDSrj

Register for FREE through the Sherborn Council on Aging at 508-651-7858 or email at coa@sherbornma.org

08/19/2025

⭐️ ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR DEMENTIA CARE TRAINING ⭐️

There are a few spots still available!

Obtain your credentials before the Summer is over. Become a Certified Dementia Care Partner (CDCP) by attending Essential Skills for Dementia Care Training approved and accredited through the National Institute for Dementia Education.

This full day training offers 7 nursing contact hours and 7 social worker CEs.
Located at the Clear Guidance Office, 47 River Street, Suite 210, Wellesley.
Cost is $275 per person includes lunch and credentialing.
Private organizational trainings may be arranged.

For more information or to register, please contact
Tammy Pozerycki, MA, BC-DEd, CMC, CDCL, CADDCT, CFRDT, CDP, COTP tammypozerycki@clearguidance.org or 508-861-6709

08/15/2025

NATIONAL LEMON MERINGUE PIE DAY

National Lemon Meringue Pie Day on August 15 gives pie lovers and lemon lovers a chance to celebrate. Tart lemon curd and delicate meringue sing together in this deliciously bright pie.

When making a lemon meringue pie, the crust is usually made with a shortbread pastry. The filling for the pie is lemon curd. Of course, the topping is a fluffy and crisp meringue.
Whip egg whites to stiff peaks to make a meringue. Add sugar to make it sweet. Meringues are baked in a slow oven so when they're finished, they come out crisp and golden.

When life throws you lemons, make lemon meringue pie!

Clear Guidance, LLC

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