Spring 2014
Long Island Children’s Museum lobby with digital kiosk.
Michael Clyne with Linda Eisen
The “quiet room” created for this autism-friendly production, based on the recommendation of Linda Eisen
ACLD Collaborates with
Long Island Children’s Museum
It’s the “big finish” as the Tortoise finally crosses the finish line to win the race.
The Long Island Children’s Museum asked Juliette McKenna, ACLD Director of Development & Community Relations, to collaborate on their first ever autismfriendly performance. Linda Eisen, ACLD Education Administrator, Children’s Services, was instrumental in helping to develop this performance of “Aesop’s Fables”, which was presented on March 28th. In this production, Mike Kenny used slapstick humor and song to bring some of Aesop’s classics, including “The Boy Who Cried Wolf ”, “The Lion and the Mouse” and “The Tortoise and the Hare” to life. As children arrived to the theater, they received a pair of felt fidgets in the shape of a tortoise and hare, and were told they should look for these characters to appear in the show. LICM had a modified version of the social script developed for this production on view in its lobby’s digital kiosk for arriving guests. A quiet room was created adjacent to the theater for use by guests as needed. The performance was very well-received by the audience and community. LICM is looking forward to offering more theater programming for families with children on the spectrum in the future.
ACLD Board of Trustees Welcomes New Members Two members have been added to the ACLD Board of Trustees. Sharon Cimino of Brightwaters and Lindsay Maleson of Setauket were voted in for appointments beginning January 2014. Ms. Cimino is the President/Producer at Trinity TV Productions, Inc., based in Brightwaters, NY. She and her husband Lawrence have two children, Lindsey and Emily, one of whom utilizes ACLD services. Impressed with their services, Ms. Cimino wanted to be part
of the solution for parents who experienced similar hurdles while looking for the appropriate place for their child. Ms. Maleson is a partner at Nixon Peabody, LLP, based in Jericho, NY. She specializes in health services practice and has successfully represented numerous hospitals, physician groups and pharmacies. A true advocate for health care, she is an immeasurable addition to ACLD’s board. In addition to the appointment of Ms. Maleson
and Ms. Cimino, Megan Gardner, who was elected to the board in December 2009, is the newly appointed Secretary. As a mother and advocate of children with special needs, she is a driving force in her community for support of ACLD’s services, especially the Kramer Learning Center. Prior to her nomination to the board of trustees, Ms. Gardner served as a member of the Joint Conference Committee. She is currently the chair of the Development Committee.
Lindsay Maleson
Megan Gardner
Alan & Ellen Spiegel Diana Fogarty
Splashes of Hope
Splashes of Hope was founded in 1996 by artist Heather Bugée. Propelled by her artistic instincts, she saw that the environments of hospitals, schools and other facilities, would be more conducive to healing and teaching, by improving the aesthetics with positive imagery through her artwork. Splashes of Hope was recently commissioned by Douglas Rabin of Tri-ing for Kids to paint a mural for ACLD’s new school, The Alan and Ellen Spiegel Children’s Center, located in Bayshore. The mural was painted, delivered and installed by Diana Fogarty, Director of Operations at Splashes of Hope.
SPRING 2014 • Page 2 • www.acld.org
The Italian Welfare League
Supports ACLD
A portion of the proceeds from the 2013 Italian Welfare League grant has been used to pay for summer camp for children at Kramer Learning Center. The younger children attend as campers, and the older children attend as counselors in training (CIT). Below are three of the fortunate recipients:
Natalie DeSantis
(From left) Grace, Adreanna, Magic Al, Phoenix and Pablo
Natalie is a model camper who always arrives to camp with a winning smile and a positive spirit. She enjoys all camp activities and meeting new friends through her group. Natalie is looking forward to the opportunity to attend a second year of Jr. Travel camp and the fun field trips it will include.
Kramer Learning Center was thrilled to have Magic Al back for two hilarious performances this April. His presentation was engaging
Evan Carbonaro
and invoked laughter from all of the children
Evan will be attending camp as a counselor in training. He really enjoys working with children and is always ready to help out and take on new responsibilities. He takes pride in being a great role model to the younger campers.
with his exaggerated movements and slapstick humor. Simple scientific principles such as cause and effect were demonstrated in a way that was both memorable and humorous. Some audience members were even chosen to participate in Magic Al’s tricks on stage.
Joseph Losito Joey is an active and adventurous camper. Last summer, he most enjoyed the “Spider Climb” with his camper group. He was often rewarded for his activity participation with balloons and paddle-ball play. In quieter moments at camp, Joey enjoys coloring. Magic Al
SPRING 2014 • Page 3 • www.acld.org
Donate
by Shopping
Marc Engel
Marc is in the ACLD apartment program and works at Target via ACLD vocational placement
“Take Charge of Education” is an exclusive benefit of the Target REDcard program. Through the efforts of Marc Engel, Kramer Learning Center is now enrolled in this program. When you shop with a Target REDcard, register in this program and choose Kramer as your school of choice, you will save 5 percent off your purchase, and Kramer Learning Center will get a donation from Target of 1 percent of your purchase. Every trip to Target becomes a fundraiser for Kramer when you shop and use your REDcard.
SPRING 2014 • Page 4 • www.acld.org
Children’s
Sports Connection Beginning in late 2013, Patricia D’Accolti, Executive Director of Children’s Sports Connection, conducted a sports equipment drive to benefit ACLD. The equipment was distributed to the children at Kramer Learning Center as well as to the group homes. Pictured here are students from Kramer Learning Center who received some of the sports equipment collected.
(From left) Delaney Conlon; Robin Stevens, ACLD ASTRP administrator; Brendan McMahon; Stephen Arnoth; Patricia D’Accolti, executive director of Children’s Sports Connection; and Juliette McKenna, ACLD director of development and community relations.
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
ACLD recently received two generous donations of Mets tickets for our Individuals; Saul Katz, Board Trustee of North Shore-LIJ donated 100 tickets to the game on April 2nd, and Carolann Lubach from W.B. Mason donated 4 tickets to the Opening Day game on March 31st. For the April 2nd game, the tickets were divided among the Individuals & Staff in the Apartment Program, and in the houses in Lynbrook, Alice Court, Thomaston, Plainview, Northport, Oakdale, Sejon, Hawthorne, West Hempstead and Oyster Bay. For the March 31st game, two tickets were given to Plainview House and two tickets were given to Alice Court.
Virgilio Picinic at the April 2nd Mets Game
Long Island Real Estate Group
Dental Donation
The Long Island Real Estate Group announced that it has made philanthropic contributions in 2013 totaling $111,000 to four Long Island charities. “These four organizations were the most outstanding in terms of their reach and the scope of their projects,” said Peter Schapero, chairman of LIREG’s charity committee. The donations went to the Bethpage-based Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities, St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson, Canine Companions for Independence in Medford, and the Coalition Against Child Abuse and Neglect in Bethpage. ACLD received a donation of $25,000, which will help fund a dental examination room in the Charles Evans Health Services Center in Bethpage.
Samuel Yedid, co-president of LIREG; Peter Schapero, chairman of LIREG charity committee; Juliette McKenna, ACLD director of development and community relations; Mark Crean, ACLD director of health services; and Brad Cronim, co-president of LIREG.
SPRING 2014 • Page 5 • www.acld.org
Beth Schwartz, Tom Ellis, Keith Siegal and Julia Delgado singing Michael Jackson’s “Rock with You”
Talent Show
The Bridges Talent Show was held on November 15, 2013. It was held at the Levittown Hall. It’s just one of the fun activities they do every year at Bridges. Bridges is one of three Day Service program options offered by ACLD to the Individuals they serve. These programs foster independence, individualization, integration and productivity as well as emphasize community-based training through educational, social/recreational and volunteer opportunities.
Noah Ackereizen singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”
Kate Warner, Lindsay Eder, Allison Royar, Erika Rodriquez, Jani Olewitz, Abby Levinson, Grace Madrid and Erica Mueller singing “The Shoop Shoop” song Jordan Russo, Brittany (ACLD staff ), Frank Mauiri, David (ACLD staff ), Karen Gropper and Sameer Patel singing “I Can See Clearly Now”
SPRING 2014 • Page 6 • www.acld.org
The children at Kramer Learning Center celebrated World Autism Awareness Day on April 2. In honor of the day, each class designed a puzzle piece representing the uniqueness of the children in the class, and the staff created puzzle pieces representing their departments. The puzzle pieces were put together to create this beautiful mosaic that demonstrates how each of these unique pieces can fit together in harmony. The staff and children were also encouraged to wear blue.
Service Provider
Year of the
Victoria Salmon, day hab supervisor at ACLD’s Choices – Hauppauge Day Habilitation Program, was selected as Long Island’s Service Provider of the Year by the New York State Association of Day Service Providers. Victoria is a dedicated professional who provides quality care to a group of female individuals who require support in the areas of communication, mobility and ADL needs. She creates unique and creative schedules and activities in order to meet the needs of the individuals she supports, as well as to promote pleasant and meaningful experiences. Victoria is a caring and compassionate employee who treats staff, individuals and family members with respect and understanding. She is respected for her advocacy efforts for the individuals. She continually strives to promote teamwork among her staff and commitment to empower the individuals to lead the enviable life they desire and deserve. She received her award on Nov. 14, 2013 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Congratulations to Victoria on a job well done!
Kramer Learning Center Students; Amber, Brandon, Kiran, William and Jovy.
Grant from United Way Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities recently received a donation from the United Way of Long Island. The $9,200 grant will help ACLD improve the services they offer to the community. “On behalf of ACLD, we would like to thank the United Way of Long Island for their continued support in our efforts,” said Director of Development and Community Relations Juliette McKenna, who is pictured with the check. United Way is one of Long Island’s most cost-efficient 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organizations.
SPRING 2014 • Page 7 • www.acld.org
MissLong Island
at Kramer Learning Center “The dance workshop was a rewarding and wonderful experience. I am glad that I can bring joy to the children by doing something that I am so passionate about” -Miss Swany
Jessica and Kaitlyn with Kramer Learning Center students.
Jessica Swany , the Miss Long Island finalist who has chosen ACLD as her platform, conducted a Dance Workshop for the children at Kramer Learning Center. On January 15th, she and her assistant, Kaitlyn McGuinness started each hour-long workshop by having each of the children introduce themselves. Then they taught them a short dance routine and played fun games like freeze tag and duck, duck goose. The class finished with a freestyle dancing session. The workshop was a fun activity for the children, and taught them to work together with their classmates and to follow a few formal dance instructions. Miss Swany said the experience filled her with a sense of joy while teaching the class. Jessica is a dancer so it was very fulfilling to teach the children something that she loves to do. (left) Kaitlyn spending one on one time with one of the Kramer girls
The children, being led by Kaitlyn (l) and Jessica (r), learning their new dance routine
Premier Preschool
Award
Staff members from the Kramer Learning Center attended the “Best of Long Island” event at Chateau Le Mer in Lindenhurst on Feb. 10. Kramer’s third-place win as one of Long Island’s Premier Preschools earned them the invitation to this special evening. The Kramer Learning Center offers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to evaluating, educating and enriching children in its renowned preschool with a disabilities program, as well as through Universal Pre-K and Long Island Head Start. Along with its partnerships with the Great South Bay YMCA, Suffolk Y Jewish Community Center and local school districts, it offers unparalleled resources across Long Island.
SPRING 2014 • Page 8 • www.acld.org
Kramer Learning Center Science Fair The Science Fair was set up for the students of Kramer Learning Center to have an opportunity to explore a wide variety of sensory and science materials. They had a chance to use their sense of sight, touch, hearing and smell in many creative ways. This year we were able to include a “Reptile Museum” with five living creatures for the children to learn about; Rex, the Monitor, Daisy and Spiro, the Geckos, Pebbles the Albino Snake, and Gertrude the Box Turtle.
They had a chance to use their sense of sight, touch, hearing and smell in many... e adult This year some of th ed to visit the individuals were invit e individuals Science Fair. All of th ience Fair at that attended the Sc time there. Josh Kramer enjoyed their ) was particularly Alpert (pictured right visual and sensory fascinated with the agnetic mazes, sand items such as the m opes. He also took boxes and kaleidosc ptiles and wild life an interest in the re . that were on display ed left) Daniel Kearns (pictur at the les enjoyed making bubb g tornados in water station, makin d the neon light the water bottles an very interested in wands. He was also here he touched the tactile section w various textures.
SPRING 2014 • Page 9 • www.acld.org
Commemorative Gifts In Memory Of: James Vichot Larry & Isabel Schwartz Karen & Edward Masin Deann Fordham In Memory Of: Marvin Robert Krassner Mark & Arroll In Memory Of: Jeffrey Schleicher Roberta Schleicher In Memory Of: Raymond Schleicher Roberta Schleicher In Memory Of: Michael Saltser Richard & Anita Adelman In Memory Of: David Wagner Shirley & Sid Schwartz
In Memory Of: J. Stanley Shaw Richard & Nathalie Paladino In Memory Of: Carol Craig William Craig In Memory Of: Roy Mangels Anne Emmerson In Memory Of: Marianne Anstey Anne & Tom Emmerson In Memory Of: Deanna Gentile Adriene & Vincent Gentile In Memory Of: Lois Levy Bernie Perry & Marlene Engel In Memory Of: Gregg Sherry’s mother, Rosalyn Aggie & Jerry Wohl
In Memory Of: Edward Bernard Critchley Timothy Turnbull Family Yvonne Feinstein Mary & Bob Krener Marie Minichiello Evelyn Rechler Catherine & John Montiel John A. Razzano John & Catherine Razzano Pat & Carmela Messina Angela Critchley Carolyn Razzano Tara & Frank Segarra Friends Academy Parent Council Judy Lloyd
In Memory Of: Vera Semal Sheila & Irving Hochberg
In Memory Of: Esther Rothkopf Bernard Rothkopf
In Memory Of: Robert Gerst Ann Baker
In Memory Of: Mike Meditz Rita Engel
In Memory Of: Gloria Silverman Sheila & Irving Hochberg In Memory Of: Marsha Levy Laurette Uziel
In Memory Of: Harold Vantosh Marlene Engel & Bernie Perry
In Memory Of: Meyer Zaremba Bernie Perry & Marlene Engel
In Memory Of: Mary Melle Shirley & Ron Maas
In Memory Of: Patricia Osberg Michelle Friedman In Memory Of: Thomas Vieweg The Giambalvo Family Anne & Robert Kimmey Candice Kruger Singer Cynthia Raia Checkmate Industries, Inc. Ed Kruger Pat & Stan Henry Paul & Irene Jurgens Garo & Valerie Armen Jeff Sindlinger Cecelia Kimmey Dale D. Schuble Frank & Leslie Messina Alcamo Supply & Contracting Corp. Isabelle Privitello Robert H. Clarkson Insurance Agency Mary & John Solano Pompa Bros. Inc. Anthony Pasqua Rebecca Kooper
In Memory Of: Fred Leist Doris Shaw Lisa & Lon Goldstein In Memory Of: Leonard Weiss Rhonda & Harold Cohen In Memory Of: Marvin Bressler Ariela & Fred Wichler & Family In Memory Of: Noel Lamster Marlene Engel & Bernie Perry In Memory Of: Myrna Goldberg Marlene Engel & Bernie Perry In Memory Of: Ralph Schneider Empire Chapter American Cut Glass Assn. Rosalie Harvey In Memory Of: Isabel Schwartz’s Mother Ellen & Alan Spiegel In Memory Of: Robert Lipkin Sheila & Irving Hochberg
In Memory Of: Melvin Feinerman Tom & Gail Linder In Memory Of: Sam Resnick Ellen & Alan Spiegel In Memory Of: Royce Sagenkahn Harriet Zeigher Continued on next page
SPRING 2014 • Page 10 • www.acld.org
Commemorative Gifts
Continued from last page
In Memory Of: Seymour Keith Betty Polis Rita Engel In Memory Of: Royce Bailes Sydelle & Gerry Dresner In Memory Of: Harold Wiener Tillene & Walter Pinsker In Memory Of: Irwin Kaplan Sandy & Sanford Weinberg In Honor Of: Sandi Gutmanstein AnneMarie Solomita Johnna Curry Cindy Johnson Barbara Lubrano In Honor Of: The Shaw Family Jill Epstein In Honor Of: Russell Fox June Fox In Honor Of: Carole, Dennis & Richard Goldstein a Happy & Healthy New Year Angela Davis In Honor Of: A Happy and a Healthy New Year 2014 to: Mr. & Mrs. Tony Millon
Mr. & Mrs. Malcolm Brown Dr. & Mrs. Mark Stoopler Mr. & Mrs. Philip Forgash Mr. & Mrs. Richard Skolnik Mr. & Mrs. Robert Musorofiti Mr. & Mrs. James O’Sullivan Mr. & Mrs. George Winkler Mrs. Barbara Ryan Dr. & Mrs. Edward Rubin Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Linder Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Goldberg Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Ortego Dr. & Mrs. Richard Dibble The Emmerson Family Mrs. Doris Shaw The Trastelis Family The Ramos Family The Sherman Family Mr. & Mrs. John Wolff Mr. & Mrs. J. Rosen The Liss Family Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Zukerman Dr. & Mrs. Ari Bernstein Mr. & Mrs. David Terk Ms. Arline Krimko Mr. & Mrs. Scott Schwartz Drs. Robin & Judy Vicary Alan & Ellen Spiegel In Honor Of: Jerry & Ellen Ayral Thomas Ayral In Honor Of: Dr. Gerald Ente Yvonne Tropp
In Honor Of: John Giovanniello Joseph Giovanniello
In Honor Of: Juan Carlos Zapata Maria & Pedro Zapata
In Honor Of: Bert Gilman Dennis & Carole Goldstein
In Honor Of: Walter Weiss’s Birthday Katherine Weiss
In Honor Of: Bobby Hymowitz’s 95th Birthday Rita Engel Arlene & Al Katz
In Honor Of: Carole, Dennis & Richard Goldstein Doris Shaw
In Honor Of: Michele Wesch Mary Ann Wesch In Honor Of: Carole & Dennis Goldstein Doris Shaw In Honor Of: Jeff Lever David & Lisa Lever In Honor Of: Rebecca Kooper Natalie Goodman In Honor Of: Andrew Pinsker Elaine & Hal Levine In Honor Of: Alan & Linda Blitzer Howard & Eleanor Schweitzer Walter & Beverlee Schiff In Honor Of: Shirley Kwiat’s 95th Birthday Rita Engel
SPRING 2014 • Page 11 • www.acld.org
In Honor Of: Tillene Pinsker The Chippies In Honor Of: Gabriella Wildman’s 67th Birthday The Wichler Family In Honor Of: Rita & Herb Wagner’s 60th Anniversary Libby & Lew Weston Robert & Helen Bader In Honor Of: Ellen & Alan Spiegel Jerry & Carol Goldberg In Honor Of: The birth of Ellen & Alan Spiegel’s grandson, Noah Sandy & Sanford Weinberg