Tis The Season

The Post-D residents are getting ready to decorate for the Holiday season.  They will be adding their own special touch to the center to help put everyone in the Holiday spirit.

OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certification

The BRJD Post- D residents just completed the OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certification course.  Each resident will receive an OSHA certification card to use when applying for and working at certain jobs.  The residents are very proud of their accomplishments and look forward to using this new certification when looking at future career options.

Another mural on its way!

The Post- D residents are going to plan and create a new mural in the BRJD hallways this month.  The rumor is that this mural will involve a city skyline.  Stay tuned to this blog for updates and pictures of the progress. 
  

               

More DJ White

Here are some pictures from DJ Charlie White's recent visit.  Students were treated to a demonstration and then allowed to try the mix station for themselves.  Some of our braver residents came up and gave it a spin.

BRJD Guest Speakers

This past month, the students at BRJD were treated to talks by several guest speakers.  The first speaker was, Brooklyn-based artist and graphic novelist, Laura Lee Gulledge.  She spoke about her first graphic novel, Page by Paige, and followed with a more in depth discussion about her new graphic novel, Will & Whit, which is set in Charlottesville.  Gulledge was followed by Virginia  
 
novelist Jessica O’Gorek.  O’Gorek spoke about her Native American heritage and conservation beliefs, and how these things influenced her writing the Gemini Novel Series.  Both authors stuck around and answered questions about their writings and careers. 

                The following day, the residents of BRJD were treated to a talk and hands-on experience by DJ, Charlie White.  He spoke about job, the training and experience needed, and the local and national music industry.  After a brief talk and demonstration by, the residents had the opportunity to select songs and showcase their own DJ and mixing table skills.

                Everyone at BRJD would like to thank our speakers for donating their time and giving us each a glimpse at new and different experiences and career possibilities.

2013 BRJD Summer Harvest

Our greenhouse and raised growing beds helped provide this colorful harvest.  Many residents, staff, and parents have enjoyed the fruits (and vegetables) of the residents' labor.  The harvest includes many types of tomatoes, and peppers, squash, cucumbers, beans, and gourds.

Plants from the greenhouse

Many of our plants have already left the facility to go to places like Habitat for Humanity.  Some plants are out in the raised beds.  Some plants have gone home with residents, parents, teachers, and center staff.  We had a lot of options this year including several types of cilantro, basil, peppers, and herbs.  Pictured are Thai Basil, Chocolate Beauty Peppers, and Confetti Cilantro, .

New Structures in the Greenhouse

The following was written by Post-D Resident D. to help describe what is shown in the pictures.  Resident D.was directly resposible for the bulk of the work shown:

"We built a frame in between each raised bed, then put netting on (each of the frames) so that the beans, plants, or flowers could grow onto the netting.  This was done to offer support to the plant and so (each plant) could hang down and add some beauty."