Dan Breslin, left, and son Peter.

Disabled veterans often show fortitude in their rehabilitative activities, especially with an innovative treatment program called “Waves for the Brave.” Sponsored by the VA Boston Healthcare System, the popular effort teaches veterans to surf as a part of their extensive rehabilitation programs. About 25 disabled veterans and 50 volunteers participated in the July 2011 program at Nantasket Beach in Hull, Mass. There will be three surfing activities this July-September.

Dan Breslin, a Compuware partner sales engineer in Waltham, Mass., and his 17-year-old son, Peter, have volunteered with the program for the past two summers.

“My son and I took up surfing about five years ago and were delighted to learn of this program where we could use our surfing skills to work with disabled veterans,” Breslin said. “The veterans we worked with were all ages covering a wide array of injuries from stress disorders to amputees, paraplegics and quadriplegics.”

This past summer Breslin and his son joined other volunteers in working with Wayne, a quadriplegic.

“When he tumbled off the board, we’d panic,” Breslin said. “He didn’t. He knew he could float in his life vest and resurface and we’d be there to stabilize him and hoist him back on the board. He was not a small guy and I must confess, this was an exhausting endeavor. Yet it was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had, all the more so because I got to do this with my son.”

Surfing with incapacitating disabilities requires “a lot of courage from the vets and a lot of support from us,” said Randi Woodrow, amputee rehabilitation coordinator for VA Boston Healthcare System. “Depending on the level of disability, we can have up to eight volunteers with one patient.”

She added: “The veterans love it. It increases their self-confidence and gives them bragging rights with their friends. It carries over into their daily lives with the confidence that ‘If I can do this, I can do anything.’”

Woodrow values the Breslins’ service as volunteers.

“It’s just so nice to have private citizens from the community help out, those who are not VA employees,” she said. “It’s good to have the community support.”

For Breslin, the experience was rewarding.

“On the most basic level, it was incredibly satisfying for me to take something I’ve enjoyed so much and be able to share it with this amazing group of deserving vets,” he said. “The Waves for the Brave event enabled both Peter and me to gain a greater appreciation for the challenges faced by vets as well as the wonderful work the Veterans Administration does to assist and rehabilitate injured vets.”

Asked whether they plan on participating again this summer, Breslin said: “Yes, definitely this summer and probably every summer for the near future.”

Identify the real geeks. At top left, it's Larry Parrott, vice-president for innovation. In dark coat, it's Chief Technology Officer Paul Czarnik. The students are from Marcus Garvey Academy in Detroit.

Get your geek on!

Compuware experts distributed geek glasses to 210 students at Detroit’s Marcus Garvey Academy March 23, and helped the kids see the exciting possibilities of careers in technology.

Chief Technology Officer Paul Czarnik, Vice President of Innovation Larry Parrott, and Software Developer Jesse Dorsey presented the case that with effort students could become innovative programmers.

“In the industry, there is a shortage of technical skills, which will get worse as time goes on,” said Czarnik. “We need to reach out to kids as young as possible to get them interested in the field. We’re trying to get kids to focus on math, technology and science so they can get great jobs.”

Czarnik encouraged students to become programmers by explaining that it is “the most fun.” He added:

“You can make as much money as possible, so get good at math and English. It’s not about a job but a career.”

Parrott stressed that innovation is important in everything.

“I want kids to leave with a new respect for this subject because innovation will change the world,” he said. “It’s changing our industry, and our CEO Bob Paul says it’s the most important thing we do.”

Parrott engaged the students with many questions and particularly liked how one young man defined the difference between creativity and innovation.

The student said: “Creativity is what you think up. Innovation is what you do.” As a reward, Parrott gave him some stress toys to keep him relaxed and able to come up with good ideas.

Software developer Dorsey, who is also a video game entrepreneur, engaged the students by asking them to help him develop a video game.

“It was sweet how he made the video game,” said Anthony Dyson, 13. “I would like to do it myself one day.”

Dorsey, a college student, impressed the kids by telling them that he started learning about programming when he was 10.

“You can learn programming now,” he said. “Everything is free and on the Internet.”

“But have you ever failed?” one student asked.

“Like Michael Jordan said: ‘The only time you don’t win is when you quit,’” Dorsey said.

Assistant principal Craig McKee appreciated Compuware’s visit to the school.

“The kids need the exposure,” he said. “They want to see how the things they are learning relate to the real world. Most of the time they think programmers are on the other side of the world. Now they see them in their own backyard.”

Led by Chief Administrative Officer Denise Starr, Compuware has been a longtime partner with the middle school.

“Compuware has been very good to us,” McKee added. “You’ve donated gloves, hats, belts and uniforms. We’re also looking forward to seeing more of the world of technology with our visit to Compuware headquarters May 18.”

Sounds like the kids are on their way to becoming true geeks.

The wisdom of his words still hold true today.

Just ask Rodney Delli-Gatti of Compuware’s Atlanta office.

An account manager with the company’s professional services division, Delli-Gatti is “on the case” with metro Atlanta’s controversial water supply, which is being diminished through drought. He and his wife, Dionne, are active members of the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper organization, an environmental advocacy nonprofit with more than 5,000 members. The organization is dedicated to protecting and restoring the Chattahoochee River Basin – a source of drinking water for 3.5 million people in greater Atlanta.

“We participate and represent the organization at various educational and fundraising events,” Delli-Gatti said. “These range from black tie dinners, community outreach events, film festivals, concerts, silent auctions and, oddly enough, ribbon- cuttings at sewage facilities.”

They are also planning to participate in the “Sweep the Hooch Cleanup” on April 14. The Delli-Gattis have encouraged friends to help them and, other members of the organization, pick up trash at 18 sites along the 48-mile stretch of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Last year 3.3 tons of trash was pulled out of the area.

Asked why he has invited friends to help with the cleanup, Delli-Gatti said:”The river serves as a place for drinking water, agriculture, recreation and power for the Atlanta metropolitan area. So it is important to keep our waterways clean so that future generations can enjoy the river on a daily basis.”

Preparing children to appreciate and take care of the river is a special concern for the Delli-Gattis.

He has donated funds to support the organization’s floating classroom, on which thousands of students each year learn about water quality and lake ecology through hands-on activities aboard the 40-foot catamaran. The custom-built boat includes a glass bottom viewing well and holds up to 49 passengers. Last year, nearly 4,000 students and teachers participated.

“I personally have enjoyed donating to the floating classroom, as it gives local children, including inner-city kids, an opportunity to experience the beauty and importance of our rivers and lakes. Hopefully one of them will become a riverkeeper!”

Sally Bethea, executive director of the organization, values the support from the Delli-Gattis.

“They clearly believe in our mission to protect the river, which supplies drinking water to businesses and families in metro Atlanta and many other communities,” she said. “Through roles on special committees, to volunteer projects, events and member recruitment, Rodney and Dionne have shown their commitment to protecting the vital natural resources that sustain all of us.”

Knowing the value of water, Benjamin Franklin would be proud of the Delli-Gattis’ environmental advocacy now and for future generations.

Deborah Oakes

Some people are born “givers.” They take pleasure in giving back to the community.

Take Deborah Oakes of Compuware’s Milwaukee office.

Oakes, 24, joined the company as an information analyst in August 2011. Three months later she was using her web design skills to help students involved in a nonprofit called FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology).

Dubbed a “varsity sport for the mind,” FIRST combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology to help young people develop a passion for these fields. Under strict rules, limited resources and time limits, teams of students are challenged to build and program a robot to perform tasks against a field of competitors. Several volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team.

As one of the mentors, Oakes has helped renovate the website for the Brookfield, Wis., East High School FIRST Robotics Club and teach 25 students about the technology and best practices involved.

“At the meetings, I work one-on-one, or in smaller groups with the students, teaching them basic HTML, how to read the cascading style sheets and how to use WordPress to build a website,” she said. “I helped them create a lot of new content and work with them weekly updating a blog for the site.”

Oakes says they meet four times per week during the robot- building season from January to March. Meetings last three hours each, except for Saturday meetings, which go from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Outside of build season, students meet once a week during the fall and spring after the regional competition.

The teens take their website seriously.

“Once the students understood the new technology involved, they became proactively engaged and approached me about working on the site on a regular basis instead of me approaching them” she said. “It’s rewarding to see them take ownership of the website and put effort into it. They want to utilize best practices and be an ‘industry leader’ so to speak – They want other teams to imitate our website.”(www.beastrobotics.com)

The website’s blog chronicles the building of Brookfield’s 2012 robot in line with the year’s theme, “Rebound Rumble.” The amazing robot can sweep up small foam basketballs and shoot in baskets set at different heights and point values. It will vie for the gold in the regional competition, March 22-24, in Milwaukee.

“Last year was our most successful season,” Oakes said. “We won the GM Industrial Design Award and placed third overall in the standings. We hope to win more awards this season and hopefully progress to the national competition in St. Louis.”

But whatever the results of the competition, Brookfield’s team members are all winners, according to Oakes.

“President Obama recently said the countries that out educate us today will out compete us tomorrow,” she said. “I firmly believe that FIRST offers students an advantage to remain competitive later in life. Most of our alumni from the team have gone into science and engineering fields, and they’ve received fantastic scholarships for their involvement in FIRST. I believe these students are some of the future leaders in science and technology because they’re so bright already, although some can’t even legally drive a car yet.”

Brent Green, with friends, is at upper left.

For some people, doing volunteer work is a nice thing to do.

For others, like Brent Green, it’s a calling.

That’s what drives Green to work with the Appalachia Service Project, a Christian non-profit organization specializing in home repair for low-income families in rural Central Appalachia. Each summer about 14,500 volunteers are assigned to 30 different locations in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina.

Green, a Compuware project manager, is a volunteer from First United Methodist Church of Northville, Mich. For 14 years, he has led more than 75 people from his church to spend a week in early July helping the “poorest of the poor” in coal country.

During this time, Green and his teams have made many low-income homes warmer, safer and drier.

“We’ve done a variety of home repair jobs, working on porch and roof repair, putting in new windows, clearing drainage ditches and replacing floors,” he said.

“The work is great and humbling,” he added. “A lot of people go on these trips thinking that they’re going to give more than they get in return. But it’s overwhelming for some to see how much they get back in terms of the gratitude and heartfelt thanks from the families we help.”

Carolynn Bailey, the organization’s manager of volunteers, says there is a tremendous need for home repair.

“We help 500 families each summer, but that’s just 1 out of 10 referrals,” she said. Referrals come from churches and the departments of human services in different states.

She added: “Many of those we help have been left behind by service organizations.”

Bailey genuinely appreciates Green’s dedication.

“Brent is a really special person, “she said. “There’s not much we can do to reward him, but without people like him, the ministry wouldn’t happen.”

Green, though, takes a more humble view.

“We’re all here to serve each other with the gifts that we’ve been given,” he said. “Being Christlike is what it’s all about in a lot of cases.”

Alex Francoeur

Thanks to Alex Francoeur, dozens of employees in Lexington, Mass., responded to the call to “Go Red” on Feb.3, the American Heart Association’s National Wear Red Day.

Popular in the Boston community, National Wear Red Day is designed to encourage employees of local companies to donate $5 and/or wear red. It is a way to raise awareness and funds to promote a cure for heart disease.

Francoeur, a Compuware test engineering team lead, believes the statistics for heart disease are “pretty alarming.” His family has had a history of high blood pressure, and a few relatives have had cardiovascular problems.

“Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the U.S.,” he said. “It kills more people per year than the next three top killing diseases combined. It is rewarding to know that my company can get behind an effort that I am passionate about.”

He added: “I was surprised to see how successful we were! For our first time participating, we raised $300. I am excited to see if we can increase participation and fundraising for next year.”

Said participant Joe Partynski, a tier I team lead: “It would be great to increase participation and fundraising, as there is always more that can be done. I do believe, however, that this year’s turnout was a great start.

“If nothing else, it made people at least aware of cardiovascular disease and stroke. It is important to help fund such critical research that helps so many people every year.”

Bon secours: Martine Nothern comforts E.R. visitors.

PARIS — Martine Nothern has an extra large dose of compassion.

For six years, she has shared her goodwill with patients and family members as a volunteer with the Fondation Claude Pompidou, a non-profit organization established in 1970 to take care of people in hospitals, as well as the elderly and handicapped children.

Nothern, credit manager for Compuware, volunteers three hours Thursday evenings in Paris at the emergency department of the Lariboisiere hospital, one of the biggest emergency departments in France.

“When in the hospital, I spend most of the time in the waiting room and at the reception desk,” she said.”I comfort patients and their families; I help them with the medical process, since volunteers are a positive link between the patients and the medical staff.”

She added: “More important, I listen to the patients. I am a ‘human presence’ while they are waiting for several hours in a painful and stressful situation.”

For four years, Nothern also has been a team leader for volunteers in the emergency department. She trains new volunteers and manages the team of eight people.

The hospital appreciates her efforts.

“It is quite a pleasure to work with you and your team,” said Professor Patrick Plaisance, head of reception and treatment in the emergency department. “You have been very helpful to us, faithful, committed volunteer professionals.”

Nothern demonstrates her professionalism by her ability to empathize with particularly vulnerable patients.

“I have special moments when comforting young children who come with their injured or sick parents, and elderly patients who sometimes have complex problems,” she said. “Also of concern are patients who have addictions and more particularly their families, who very often feel disoriented and are pleased to find a volunteer who is available to listen to them for a few minutes.”

A smile and a thank you from the patients and families are gratifying, Nothern says.

“I feel especially helpful to society while caring for the patients and their families,” she said. “My volunteer time brings balance to my work time at Compuware, as well as my private life, while giving me a sense of fulfillment.”

Running buddies: Vesna Temelkovski, right, and Rachael Smith

Keeping the lights on is a challenge for many low-income people in Michigan.

But 30 Compuware employees participated in The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) Treadmill Challenge January 27 to help make a difference in their lives.

The event, held at the Wellness Center, helped raise money for Detroit-based THAW, a nonprofit which provides emergency energy assistance to those who cannot pay their utility bills and face a shut-off.

Compuware, in its fifth year participating, raised $7,344 for the organization.

“It is so nice that the Compuware employees are so supportive year after year,” said Rose Sarti, special events coordinator for THAW. “We don’t need to beg them to get involved; they just do it because they support the cause.”

Vesna Temelkovski, a financial analyst, ran on the treadmill for the fifth year and raised the most money among Compuware employees: $1,400.

“I have an amazing network of colleagues, family and friends who support me and the cause,” she said.

“Laura Fournier, the chief financial officer, is my biggest cheerleader, and she always makes a generous contribution for the organization.”

Participating in the Treadmill Challenge is rewarding for Temelkovski.

“Running is one of my passions,” she said. “I am able to blend my love of running with helping those who are struggling with their utilities. It makes me feel I’m able to help out…even just a little.”

Bob Jakes, a quality assurance analyst, celebrated his 65^th birthday by raising the second most funds: $1,210.

He “survived” a one hour bike ride to help those “who cannot afford paying their heating bills, which is very important in these economic times.”

Sarti emphasizes the precarious situation facing many impoverished people.
“There are many state and federal cuts that are taking place within the low-income community, so the need is growing,” she said. “Every dollar that comes into THAW helps the families that are in need.”

The Treadmill Challenge is an ancillary event to WWJ Newsradio 950′s 31-hour radiothon for THAW, which has raised $370,000 to date. The utility companies match dollar for dollar all monies raised, including funds collected in the Treadmill Challenge.

Ray Villalobos

For those with spinal cord injuries, the challenges can seem overwhelming.

But with proper physical therapy, many quadriplegics can grow beyond their obstacles and do everything they can to help themselves and others.

So says Ray Villalobos, Compuware program director for professional services, who serves on the board of the Mary & Charles A. Parkhill Foundation for Spinal Cord Rehabilitation in Bloomfield Hills.

The foundation helps injured individuals without the healthcare benefits or private resources required for ongoing therapy and exercise. The organization raises funds for patients to obtain vital physical therapy, and the hope that goes along with striving for and reaching goals.

Villalobos was inspired to help with the foundation by the dramatic story of Charlie Parkhill.

“Ten years ago, Charlie was a very successful CPA until he suffered a traumatic, life-altering injury,” Villalobos said. “While vacationing with his wife in Mexico, Charlie was hit by an ocean wave which broke his neck and left him a quadriplegic. He went from having everything to being washed up and paralyzed on a Mexican beach.

“But Charlie did not give up. He underwent aggressive therapy and is now able to walk 95 feet unassisted. And even though he has suffered a traumatic injury, he has helped a lot of people.”

Combined with donations, the foundation’s four annual “Bocce Palooza” fundraisers have raised $225,000. These funds have gone toward awarding 12 grants of $1,000 to $28,000 depending on individual need.

Villalobos has chaired the committee for the previous fundraisers, and is looking forward to “Bocce Palooza 5″ on February 18 at Palazzo di Bocci in Orion.

Bocce is an Italian game involving rolling metal or plastic balls. The fundraiser features a popular Bocce tournament , a silent auction, speakers ,as well as food and drink.

“The event takes up much of my time from October to February,” Villalobos said. “Since its inception, we have selected the Palazzo di Bocci because it is wheelchair accessible, and clients can play bocce without difficulty. Charlie is a speaker, as well as some grantees who discuss how their therapy scholarships have made a difference in their lives.

“We hope to raise $30,000 this year. Compuware has been helpful as a silver sponsor of the event and also for putting out a press release for us.”

Parkhill is very appreciative of Villalobos’ support of the foundation.

“I think the world of Ray,” Parkhill said. “He has such a big heart, and his project management skills in professional life serve him very well in doing these fundraisers. We simply could not have done these events without Ray.”

Moreover, Villalobos was elected to the foundation’s board in July 2011. He joins other board members in deciding how to spend the funds, who should get the grants and oversight of the foundation’s business.

His board activity includes programs that the organization decides to support. Recently, the foundation donated one thousand catheters to the University of Michigan hospital for spinal cord injury patients who couldn’t pay for them.

“Our goal is to give them hope,” Parkhill said. “Ray is such a great guy to help us in this effort.”

A thank-you note from a Judson Center youngster.

For foster children, a little attention goes a long way.

Just ask Donna Belgan, chief development officer at the Judson Center, a social services agency in Royal Oak, Mich., that provides a variety of services for children in need.

Belgan says that Compuware’s 25^th annual Christmas party for 33 foster children was “amazing” for the boost it gave the kids.

“Our kids loved it,” she said. “They don’t often have the opportunity to feel special and celebrated, and the party puts all the attention on them. It’s very important to the kids when they have been abused in the past. It really makes the difference in their lives.”

Judy Lenzotti, a Compuware mainframe software developer for 36 years, has headed the holiday effort since the beginning. She and Brenda Daughenbaugh, a Vantage support team leader who has helped coordinate the party for 15 years, made sure the children felt cared for and special from the party’s goodies, crafts, games and gifts.

They were assisted by nearly 90 employees who acted as elves working behind the scene, even starting in October.

“They did a terrific job helping organize the party and activities, collecting candy, gathering employee donations and making and stuffing the Christmas stockings,” Lenzotti said. “They also donated great stuffed animals, shopped for bargains on Black Friday, wrapped presents, transported them all over, and did whatever else we needed!”

She says there was plenty of food and wonderful treats that employees made or bought.

“The decorated Santa cookies, assorted treats, pizza and pop were a hit with the children,” Lenzotti said.

What’s more, employees assisted the kids while they made bead bracelets and other crafts. They also set up tables for face-painting, nail- polishing and tattoos. They took pictures of the kids and printed them so the children could take them home.

Software developer Len Redmond was one of the volunteers who helped coordinate the children’s games.

“The kids really enjoyed playing ladder golf, Wii games, ball toss into nets, pop bottle bowling and table tennis,” Redmond said.

He was touched watching the kids get about 90 gifts from Santa’s elf, Steve Jones, the husband of Compuware employee Mary Kate Jones, who was also involved in organizing the event.

The kids, ages 3-17, received multiple gifts, some of which included art & craft sets, games, books, power rangers, learning toys, to jewelry, mp3 players and chargers and hot wheels sets. Each child also got a big stuffed animal and a Christmas stocking full of goodies, gloves, lotions and small toys.

“When receiving the gifts, Steve had each child say three positive things about themselves,” Redmond said. “It was very moving seeing the kids clap and cheer for each other in response to their positive statements. Making a child feel good and feel part of a big family, even for one night, is gratifying.”

Additionally, Compuware “adopted” 60 foster children and 15 developmentally disabled adults at the Judson Center and gave them 200 gifts they had requested for Christmas.

On Christmas Eve, Daughenbaugh and her husband delivered 60 gifts to children in the organization’s program for kids with severe emotional disabilities. They also took over a car load of unwrapped presents and clothes to use for new kids and families who come into its programs, often with little but the clothes on their backs.

Lenzotti and Daughenbaugh are proud that each recipient got several gifts and far more than the allotted $40 dollars would normally buy.

“It’s one of the few times you can donate and know that 100 percent of your donation will actually get to the people in need!” Lenzotti said.