Jeff's Enthusiasm

John McCarthy was there at LAI's 30th Anniversary celebration, so after trying several times earlier, I was able to get a copy of "Journey With Jeff" into his hands. John was the one to encourage Jeff's love of acting. ~~~ The "Enthusiasm" chapter in the book is their story. ~~~ "John, a recreation therapist at LAI, directed a residence production of The Wizard of Oz with Jeff in the role of the Cowardly Lion. He tells this tale: 'Everyone in the cast was doing a fine job playing their parts. When it was time for Jeff's entrance dressed as the lion, he let out a loud, ferocious, powerful, heart-felt growl! The audience thunderously applauded. Jeff did not merely say his line and play the role--for all practical purposes Jeff became the Lion. Jeff knew the story so well he was able to improvise dialogue with Dorothy, the Scarecrow, and Tin Man. It wasn't a recitation of lines, Jeff lived the part and the audience felt his enthusiasm and believed his convincing portrayal of the Lion. That's typical Jeff. I've never met anyone so enthused about stories and movies than Jeff Reisch!"

Lifetime Assistance Inc. Celebrates 30 Years!

What a wonderful party! 700 people were there for dinner, and to hear our host Don Alhardt (Channel 13 TV) introduce the people behind LAI's success, and then ready to Rock and Roll to 50's music. (See photo on the right ~~ Jeff would have been loving this!) ~~~ The highlight of guests was J Mac, the Athena High School athlete with autism who made national news when he scored 20 points in a basketball game, and when he met President and Mrs. Bush. He gave autographs and posed for pictures with several people after dinner. There was a slideshow of people and activities down through the years - and Jeff was up there! But the many clients who attended were anxious to get to the dancing, and the M.C. known as Bowser, played rock 'n roll music and hoola hoop contests, and dance contests, so several people ended up with "Bowser" tee shirts. ~~~ The best part of the evening for me came with the people who said they had read "Journey With Jeff," and thanked me for it. One of the training staff was surprised when I told her she was a Caregiver, too. She had never thought of her job that way -- her "eye-opener" from the book was the way we as parents coped with having a child with special needs. We had a long, warm conversation. My husband and I sat at a table close to the stage, with long-time friends, and new friends. It was an awesome celebration!