Flowering in Magnolia

By Amanda Flitter
Staff Writer
September 18, 2008 10:51 pm
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On a quiet road in Magnolia, three ladies are the talk of the town.
They have been described as social, classy, and chic — and they are changing how people look at the lives of the physically and mentally disabled. Each woman has a developmental disability, but with some daily assistance from trained house staff, all three are living active, independent lives and are important members of their new community.
Residents Eileen Doherty, Mary Beth Barnjum and Elizabeth Chaisson can be seen volunteering locally, taking walks, and hosting neighbors for cookouts. Although they just moved to Magnolia in May, they are already fitting in well with the neighbors, many of whom visit the women.
“There have been all these lovely connections that have happened because neighbors took time to get to know them,” said Jane Bowden, the house director. She has worked with the women for five years.
“Even the neighborhood cat has taken a liking to the ladies!” Bowden said of a stray who regularly visits.
The newly renovated, four-bedroom home on Lowe Drive the women live in is part of the North Shore Arc, a nonprofit disability services organization that offers supervised and supported living for people with developmental disabilities.
Joanne Wahl, division director for residential services and supports, said the Arc offers “a very stylized service” because each case is customized depending on the needs of the people.
The women originally lived in an old Victorian house on Washington Street in Gloucester, but the two flights of stairs to the laundry room became too much for Doherty and Barnjum, who are in their early 60s. The staff at Arc suggested they move to a ranch-style house.
The house in Magnolia is a one-floor ranch, and after extensive renovations it now has everything the ladies need — a porch, handicap accessible bathrooms, a growing perennial garden, and a laundry room with the latest machines.
“We don’t miss the old place at all,” Doherty said.
Staff at the house assist the women, but their lifestyle is fairly independent. Each has house chores and jobs to go to.
Anita Pacheco, one of the house managers, has known the women for two years. She takes them to their appointments, helps around the house, brings them on walks, and takes them to activities such as bowling and bingo.
“I leave here every day, no matter what, with a smile,” Pacheco said. “I take away a lot from these women.”
Pacheco said the ladies’ visibility changes people’s perceptions about the disabled and opens doors in the community.
The story of the three women is as unique as their personalities.
Doherty and Barnjum have been roommates for 18 years. They first met when Doherty taught Barnjum how to read. It led to a long friendship with memories of walking together to Friendly’s and Tony’s Marketplace when they lived in downtown Gloucester. Now, they walk to the local Dunkin’ Donuts.
While Doherty and Barnjum are in their early 60s, Chaisson is only 23.
Chaisson said that, when she first heard that her housemates weren’t in her age group, she was worried, but things have worked out well. Bowden said they have formed their bonds over common interests — such as shopping.
While the women have connected through their similarities, all have distinct hobbies and volunteer commitments that keep their days full of activity.
Barnjum is an avid craftswoman who knits, crochets, and weaves key chains. In Gloucester, she gained local celebrity status for sitting outside their old house on Washington Street while she worked. People honked as they passed and gave her yarn for projects; and when she moved, people were concerned.
“People were calling Arc and asking, ‘Where’s Mary Beth?'” Bowden said.
“She was a fixture, really,” said current neighbor Sandy Spinola, who would drive past Barnjum on her way to work.
Sitting outside on the lawn and waving to passing cars was one of the things Barnjum missed after the ladies moved. But thanks to two sunny yellow garden chairs, she is still able to sit outside and crochet in Magnolia.
When she completes her projects, she sells them at local craft fairs and to anyone who comes by. She also teaches her talent to local children.
Spinola said her grandson goes to the house and Barnjum teaches him how to make key chains.
“She’s so patient with the kids,” she said.
Doherty likes to write poetry in her spare time, and some of it can be found framed on the walls. She began writing again after she lost her job at a bank.
“God works in funny ways,” she said. “If I had never been laid off from the bank, I might not have gone back to writing poetry.”
She’s also an avid traveler, and is preparing to go to Walt Disney World in Florida for the third time. She also volunteers at the Second Glance, a thrift store in Gloucester.
Chaisson has a gift for working with animals and helps at the Cape Ann Animal Aid shelter walking dogs.
“I love dogs,” she said. “I have a very kind heart with dogs.”
Spinola said the three women bring a great aspect to their quiet road.
“The ladies just make a nice balance in the neighborhood,” she said.
The women are happy to be a part of the community, and wouldn’t have it any other way.
“We love it here,” Doherty said. “We’re happy here.”

URL: http://gloucestertimes.com/pulife/local_story_262225118.html
Amanda Flitter can be reached at gt_reporter@gloucestertimes.com.
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