Thanks for your patience while the Meristem Monitor continues with a relaunch process after a summer hiatus. For those new to the Monitor, this is a volunteer effort , with lots of support from staff, to keep members of the Meristem community updated on events, programs, and schedules. Any comments or questions can be directed to lauralynne.powell@gmail.com.

Last day of classes for Fall semester is Friday, December 19. Campus closes at 5 p.m. Campus reopens Sunday, January 4, at 10:30 a.m. (Please see calendar listing for other important dates at the bottom of the newsletter.)

Feast of the Wreaths drew more than 110 people to campus December 5 for a gourmet fundraising dinner that has become a treasured Meristem event. This was the fourth annual semi-formal even and numbers are still being gathered for how much was raised. But guests, which included Meristem families and students as well board members, corporate sponsors, and numerous Meristem friends from the community, enjoyed a cocktail reception, silent and live auctions, musical performances by Meristem students and staff, and a gourmet dinner prepared by chef Erick Johnson of The Chef’s Table in Rocklin.

Chef Erick was last year’s chef and was back after rave reviews. He has become a real cheerleader for the Meristem community. Meal choices included an extraordinary “surf & turf” comprised of filet mignon and salmon, and a vegetarian mushroom gnocchi. Former Sacramento mayor, and current Meristem board member, Darrell Steinberg served as emcee. Meristem student Emily did a gorgeous reading from work she completed in the storytelling class and Harry Lane, who works in Meristem’s TAP and work skills department, told of his time as a Meristem student and his growth to independent living and a career. His words moved the audience to a standing ovation.

Winter Faire, Meristem’s free seasonal crafts event and community open house, was held the next day. Students and community artisans shared their wares with a large crowd that flocked to campus and shopped, enjoyed lunch at the cafe, and toured the farm and grounds. The cafe offered a delicious special menu that included squash soup and a French toast bake, both amazing. State Treasurer Fiona Ma was among the visitors and enjoyed tastes from the Cafe. As treasurer, Ms. Ma is the head of the state’s CalABLE savings program for people with disabilities.

Among the artist and craft offerings were poems by student Katie Larson and accompanying art created for each poem by Aaron Brown. With her permission, we share one of Katie’s poems here:

We ourselves are some kind of
transcending stardust-our own speckled creation
a valiant cry of joy; a sewn tapestry of
softly twinkling lights over
sweetly enduring pine.
Here I welcome the swirling expanse; the sheen of Aurora Borealis green over everything in snowy sight.

Two new instructors have joined the Meristem staff. They are: Luisa Burgess, a former Waldorf instructor, who will be an instructor in the Theatre Arts and Movement Program; and Rachel Finn-Romero, who is teaching in the Ceramics Program.

Dorm students are enjoying some season-themed crafts. ILS director Katelyn Cook notes that some students have chosen to participate in a gingerbread house decorating contest.

Students and parents reminded to share transportation plans. Make sure your student’s SC is aware of travel plans including exact departure and arrival times from and to campus, names of people picking students up, and what kind of travel (parent ride, train, etc.).

Students have a to-do list before leaving campus. They are asked to:

• Remove all expiring or perishable food items from fridges, freezers, and pantries
• Complete laundering dirty clothing
• Clean personal rooms
• Pack up and be prepared for travel with a clear understanding of what those travel arrangements look like

Move-in day for the Spring semester is Sunday, January 4. Campus will open at 10:30 a.m. The campus will be closed during break.

Monthly family Zoom meeting with Executive Director Erin Schirm is Wednesday, December 17, at 5 p.m. Links are provided via email, and tape recordings available after the meeting. Contact: Salina, Salinas@meristem.pro

Erin reminds students and parents to stay challenged during the break. Students have broadened their skills in self care, cooking, and other responsibilities and family members may consider providing space to allow those skills to continue to develop at home. Also, keep in mind the importance of good nutrition, movement, expanding social skills, and developing resilience.

Family support and education opportunities in Spring of 2026 include:

• Monthly family support meetings headed by Shelby Takenouchi. These are online gatherings with a goal to create distinct opportunities for emotional processing and community building. These will now be offered monthly, 90 minutes per session from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Staff is still developing the schedule for next month so stay tuned. Those interested in joining this group may contact Shelby, st@meristem.pro.
• Weekly family resource hours. From 12-1 p.m., once a week, there will be a virtual session that is open to all families. This hour focuses on specific needs shared by families in attendance with discussions on problem-solving and exploring relevant resources.

Those interested in end of year giving are welcomed to do so. These are hard times for nonprofits and every dollar matters. If you’re interested, you can go to the Meristem “Make a Donation” page and do so online here.

We’re excited to share that we have more in our Resource Center, featuring comprehensive guides designed to support autistic young adults and their families on the journey to independence. We have expanded our collection focuses on the skills, strategies, and realistic timelines for building true autonomy—from mastering essential life skills to navigating the path to residential independence. Each article is grounded in our student experiences and the proven Meristem Method, offering practical, actionable guidance you can use today. Whether you’re wondering where to start, how to assess your young adult’s readiness, or what realistic independence looks like, these resources will light the way. Explore the Resource Center.

The Cafe is open to public this week, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday and then closes for Winter break. The last day for public lunches will be Dec. 19 . Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Make reservations at reservations@meristem.pro. Download a menu here.

The cafe reopens January 7 (Wednesday).

The last herbal box of the year has been delivered to subscribers. Student interns, assisted by professional herbalist teacher Amy Branum, harvest, make, and package a wonderful selection of organically derived items that is delivered four times a year to subscribers. Each box contains items that are at least at $100 value. The winter box included chrysanthemum rose tea, thieves blend room spray, a Christmas candle, Winter solstice soap, hand made vanilla, and much more. Subscription for next year’s boxes are available here and they would make wonderful holiday gifts!

• Family Zoom meeting with Erin Wednesday, December 17, 5-6 p.m.

• Campus reopens Sunday, January 4, 10:30 a.m. for ILS move-in
• Cafe will be closed during break. It’s last public lunch will be served December 19
• Staff training will be held January 2 & 3
• Spring semester classes begin Monday, January 6
• Cafe reopens to the public Wednesday, January 7
• Martin Luther King Day, January 19, is a regular day of classes
• Erin’s first family Zoom meeting in the new year will be Wednesday, January 20
• UC Davis’ MIND Institute holds next in its Distinguished Lecturer Series, 4:30 p.m., featuring Andrea Chronis-Tuscano, University of Maryland, on parent mental health of youth with ADHD
• Presidents Day, Monday, February 16, is a regular day of classes
• Meristem Experience, where family members can attend two days of special events on campus, will be March 12-13
• Spring Break is March 14-22, classes resume March 23