Winter 2014
Gail and Don Mitzner, major donors. The Gail and Don Mitzner Adult Services Pavilion and The Gail and Don Mitzner Psychiatric Services Wing.
RibbonCutting For the Charles Evans Health Services Center
Alicia and Scott Kabak, major donors. The Alicia and Scott Kabak Behavioral Health Pavilion.
On Sept. 16, with officials, donors and honored guests on hand, ACLD held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the new Charles Evans Health Services Center. The health center is a state-of-the-art facility aimed at meeting the health care needs of Long Island’s growing autistic and developmentally disabled population. The new, 22,000-square-foot facility combines a modern outpatient medical facility on the first floor and an adult services center on the second floor. The layout allows for smooth transitions between reception, exam rooms and treatment rooms, and features a larger waiting area to avoid congestion and enhance privacy. There are also four dental suites stocked with the latest digital X-ray equipment for better imaging, reduced patient exposure to radiation, and a more environmentally friendly approach to care. Joel Pashcow and Bonnie Pfeifer Evans, trustees of the Charles Evans Foundation.
The
Enviable Life Ball
The 2013 Enviable Life Ball, which took place on May 30, honored First Senior Vice President of Valley National Bank Thomas Iadanza and our very own Education Consultant of ACLD, George Singfield. The evening had a “Casino Night” theme, complete with blackjack, poker, craps and roulette. The cocktail reception started at 6:30 p.m. and was followed by dinner and a program, which included speeches by our distinguished honorees. A special thanks to our master of ceremonies, Joe Sabatino, who traveled from Los Angeles to attend and emcee the event. The night was filled with laughter, dancing and games. The hard work of the entire committee, staff and volunteers was evident in every detail, making the ball a tremendous success.
The night was filled with laughter, dancing and games.
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Transitioning Leadership This year will mark the final year of service for Aaron Liebowitz as ACLD’s executive director. There Aaron is no greater moment of Liebowitz challenge and opportunity Executive an organization has than Director the transfer of executive leadership. As such, the Board of Trustees has already begun searching for a successor by launching an Executive Search Committee. Through their work, ACLD has selected a wellqualified executive search firm that works in the realm of not-for-profit and health care executive recruitment and placement. Harris, Rand, Lusk is based in New York City and has a nationwide scope of practice. The selection process is expected to be approximately six months. ACLD is hoping for a period of overlap between the new executive director and Mr. Liebowitz to facilitate a smooth transition. Both Mr. Liebowitz and the Board look forward to securing the very best candidate who has the vision and expertise to bring ACLD to the next stage of its development and who shares the values and culture that have made ACLD such a special place.
Annual
Golf Outing The annual ACLD Golf Outing was held on Sept. 9 at Glen Head Country Club. The event honored Richard Kessler D.O., the chief medical officer at ACLD, and the physicians of ACLD’s Health Services Center. Twenty-three foursomes took to the links and enjoyed a challenging and fun-filled day of golf. A buffet dinner and auction followed, as well as a program filled with speeches and tributes to our honorees.
Opening Soon! Magnolia Manor is an eight-bed specialized care facility for individuals who require significant medical supports. The building is under construction on our Bethpage campus and is expected to open in mid-2014. Magnolia Manor will allow ACLD to service people as they age and/or develop medical conditions that may require skilled nursing care. Winter 2014 • Page 3 • www.acld.org
Fundraiser ACLD held its annual Fashion Show Luncheon on Oct. 8 at the North Ritz Club. Thirteen models, both individuals and volunteers, along with two escorts, walked the runway in support of ACLD. Fashions were provided by the exclusive Stony Brook boutique Flair. More than 240 attendees were treated to an auction, vendor room, lovely luncheon and, of course, the models proudly showing off their beautiful gowns and dresses!
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Pictured with County Executive Mangano: Erica Rodriquez and her father Robert of Massapequa; Patrick Duffy of Massapequa; JP KilCullen of Garden City; Dean D’Accolti of Seaford; Kevin Duggan of Franklin Square; Anthony D’Accolti of Seaford; Matthew Field and parents Marc and Lori Field of East Rockaway; Sam Moser of Baldwin; Matt Unterberg of Merrick; Matt Brown of Hewlett; Evan Zaransky of East Rockaway; Trish Logan of ACLD; Tyler Peresiper of East Rockaway; Ryan Wainer of East Rockaway; Chris Altomare of Bellmore; Adam Greene of Merrick; Kara Ognibene of Merrick; Nassau County Parks Commissioner Carnell Foskey; and Patricia D’Accolti, executive director of Children’s Sport Connection
Endeavors Patrica D’Accolti, (left), Executive Director, Children’s Sports Connection, Juliette McKenna, Director of Development and Community Relations, ACLD.
Volunteers Honored On Dec. 11, Children’s Sports Connection held a celebration dinner at Carlyle on the Green in Farmingdale. The dinner celebrated the hard work of all the volunteers and the Board of Directors, and the dreams they have fulfilled for so many children on Long Island. The success of CSC is credited to Patricia D’Accolti, the group’s executive director, whose guidance and seemingly endless energy is the driving force behind the organization. ACLD was spotlighted at the event and Juliette McKenna spoke to the attendees to express her gratitude to Ms. D’Accolti, the CSC board of directors and volunteers, for their hard work in collecting sports equipment to benefit the children and adults of ACLD. Jamie Stuart of News 12 hosted the reception.
ACLD, in conjunction with Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and the Children’s Sport Connection, hosted a sports equipment drive from Oct. 15-Nov. 15 at the Nassau County Aquatic Center in Eisenhower Park. Thanks to the help of local children and parents who donated gently used athletic equipment, every child at ACLD can enjoy the opportunity to play sports. ACLD hosts a youth program for those with developmental and learning disabilities. The drive also benefited children from various programs throughout Nassau County.
A Visitor to ACLD
As Reported by Mary Candela Just recently we had a technician come into our facility to install a new machine. He came in several times over the course of 2 weeks to give training. During these visits he observed people coming and going, and the conversations that took place between staff and the individuals that we serve. When he finally completed his training he stopped by my office and asked if he could tell me something completely unrelated to the purpose of his visits here. He went on to tell me that in his line of work he visits many nursing homes, and agencies such as ours. However, he has never seen such care and attention given to people by the staff they were with. He said they were treated as “human beings”. He said that he would like to come to a facility such as ours if he needed services. He wanted to commend us for our work and said he needed to tell someone how good it made him feel to see these interactions. It made my day. I thanked him and told him that I would share his praises of ACLD with others.
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Priceless Generosity Elizabeth Mastellone, a senior at Holy Trinity Diocesan High School, chose ACLD for her Girl Scout Gold Award project titled “A Friend in Need.” The goal of her project was to keep the individuals at ACLD active and social. To achieve this, she solicited donations from her church for games, toys and books. The generosity of her church community was incredible. Elizabeth received a total of 152 games, toys and books, which she then presented to the individuals at ACLD. “The adults’ and children’s faces were priceless,” Elizabeth said. “It was a great feeling knowing that I made them smile. This ongoing project was a great experience and I am so happy to have been able to make a difference with the disabled population.”
Artist
Exhibit On Sept. 13, the BRIDGES and OASIS day habilitation programs hosted an art show at Levittown Hall. The tables were filled with unique paintings, crafts, jewelry and sewn items, and there was even a Meet the Artist table where individuals proudly sat to greet guests. The art show was a huge success, with the majority of the items sold to impressed buyers. The individuals worked on the projects for months and were eager for the day to come. All money went directly to the artists for them to enjoy.
“It was a great feeling knowing that I made them smile. This ongoing project was a great experience...”
The Roaring Twenties Semi Formal
Every fall, ACLD throws a semiformal dance for the individuals served. Volunteers throughout the agency form a committee that meets on a monthly basis to plan the party and set a new theme. The 2013 dance was held on Oct. 12 in the Melville Marriott Long Island and featured the theme “The Roaring 20s/Flappers and Fellows.” Winter 2014 • Page 6 • www.acld.org
A Notable
Exemplary Commitment On Nov. 7, NYSACRA held the annual Long Island Region Direct Support Professionals Conference at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center in Ronkonkoma, N.Y. The conference was attended by DSP staff from agencies across Long Island and featured a keynote address by David Hingsburger and an energetic debate on DSP competencies by Joseph Macbeth. Two ACLD DSPs were honored at the event and received the Long Island Region Excellence Award: Tilda Collazo (Straight Path DSP) and Linda Andrews (Day Habilitation Supervisor at Connections). Both were nominated for their dedication and commitment to their respective programs and for their compassion toward the individuals they serve. Congratulations Tilda and Linda! ACLD thanks you for providing an enviable life to the individuals you serve!
Jessica Swany is a 21-year-old student at LIM College in NYC. In addition to this, she is a Gotham City cheerleader for the NY Giants and a fitness instructor at Retro Fitness in Bay Shore. Most notably, Jessica is one of the 2014/2015 Miss Long Island finalists. Jessica has chosen ACLD as her platform for the Miss Long Island contest, as she hopes to gain more awareness of children and adults with learning disabilities. She emceed our Fashion Show and was “Santa’s helper” at Kramer Learning Center. Jessica hopes to attend as many ACLD events as possible, and would like to give some exercise/dance classes for the children at Kramer.
Shining Stars of the Month Hauppauge Day Services Program ACLD would like to recognize Elena Cohen as its Shining Star of the Month for her exemplary service in assisting an individual who was choking. In August, an individual at the Hauppauge Day Services program began choking shortly after being served a meal. Elena immediately recognized the signs of distress and sprung into action. After performing two abdominal thrusts, the individual began to be able to cough and was taken via ambulance to St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center for further evaluations. Also to be commended for her assistance is fellow staff member Christine Taboada, who escorted the individual to the hospital. ACLD likes to acknowledge staff members who use skills learned in training to assist individuals in need, and would like to thank Elena and Christine for their work in keeping our individuals safe. ACLD is happy to report that the individual was cleared by the hospital and returned to the program shortly after the incident. Bethpage Day Services ACLD would also like to commend Sarah Lerich as its Shining Star of the Month for her tremendous efforts in assisting an individual who was choking. In October, an individual at Bethpage Day Services was being assisted by staff to eat his lunch. While eating, the individual began to choke and turn blue. Sarah immediately noticed the distress and performed abdominal thrusts, which dislodged the food. A fellow staff member, Jennifer Braccia, called the nurse on staff and the individual was taken to the emergency room for an evaluation as a precaution. ACLD would also like to recognize Doug Duany, who escorted the individual to the emergency room.
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and Thanks Employment Recognition Day is a very important day for ACLD. It is the chance to give recognition to the businesses that employ our individuals and to the individuals that work so hard all year long at their jobs. On Oct. 8, ACLD honored these businesses and employees at Carlyle at the Palace. Awards and heartwarming speeches were given, followed by a bountiful buffet breakfast.
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Giving Thanks During the month of November, each of the Day Habilitation centers hosted a luncheon (feast!) to celebrate Thanksgiving. Sometimes food is charitably donated by restaurants, but mostly the catering is provided by the kindness and generosity of the families of the individuals as well as members of the staff.
Playing with
Pumpkins
Every year, Day Services has an annual pumpkin decorating contest. Each core room purchases and decorates their own pumpkin to enter into the contest. A winner is chosen and announced at their annual Halloween dance.
Winter 2014 • Page 9 • www.acld.org
Commemorative Gifts In Memory Of: Arthur Engel David Katz Mona & Rodger Blinder Jordan Greene Carol K. Hoexter Benjamin Rosof Sheila & Irving Hochberg Sandra & Sanford Weinberg Russell Kwiat In Memory Of: Gary Etman Ellen & Paul Alexander
In Memory Of: Marvin & Roslyn Roemer Ellen & Stefano Lucchetti In Memory Of: Judith Policaro Ron & Shirley Maas Wildwood House In Memory Of: Marsha Levy Laurette Uziel In Memory Of: J. Stanley Shaw Richard & Nathalie Paladino
In Memory Of: Ruth Cohen Richard Butler
In Memory Of: Irene Franks Tom & Gail Linder
In Memory Of: Ursula Rosenberg Rita Engel
In Memory Of: Angelo Percudani Roseann Fortcher
In Memory Of: Leo Zimmerman Doris Shaw Lori & Howie Kessler The Development Department The Plainview-Old Bethpage Senior Club Anita Arrigo
In Memory Of: Allyn Kanowsky’s sister, Merrie Ellen & Alan Spiegel
In Memory Of: Sylvia Hill Doris Shaw
In Memory Of: Edward Sydell William & Elaine Turley
In Memory Of: Sally & Marty Slutsky’s Granddaughter Rockland Tennis Club Marlene Engel & Bernie Perry In Memory Of: Laura Kotel’s Mother, Rose Rockland Tennis Club Bernard Perry & Marlene Engel In Memory Of: Marvin Robert Krassner Mark E. Arroll
In Memory Of: Beatrice Mensch Tillene & Walter Pinsker
In Memory Of: Sheila Penn Leonore Susswein & Joe Monteforte Roberta Schleicher Suzette Gray Isabel & Larry Schwartz Ruth & Milton Tamarin Rita Engel In Memory Of: Jeffrey Schleicher Ilene Wolfson Meister & Family Clara Blinderman Laurie & Donald Haber
In Memory Of: David Harmon Doris Shaw In Memory Of: Mildred Busk Anne Emmerson In Memory Of: Alan McCulloch Joan Dorn In Memory Of: Richard Alan Mann The Tynan Family Louis Dreyfus Citrus, Inc. Barbara & Richard John Joseph Angi Anthony Angi In Memory Of: Josephine DiNucci The Tynan Family In Memory Of: Gloria Gerecht Rita Engel In Memory Of: Melvin Sadler Doris Shaw In Memory Of: Marcelle Kouvant Susan Shanzer In Memory Of: Julia Maggs William & Elaine Turley In Memory Of: Ruth Swersky Doris Shaw In Memory Of: Loretta Ellen Spiegel In Memory Of: Kate McQuade Ann McQuade In Memory Of: James Vichot James & Lawrence Schwartz Edward Masin
In Memory Of: Deborah Taylor Joseph Rancatore Steve & Jane Garypie Kay Peterson John & Margaret Goldsmith In Memory Of: Nathan Kessler Anne & Tom Emmerson Ellen & Alan Spiegel The Commack Special Education Office In Memory Of: Joseph Gottheim Jack & Judy Weinstein In Memory Of: David Harmon Ginger Portnoy In Memory Of: Joanne McCarthy Shirley & Ron Maas In Memory Of: Judge Joel Asarch Gigi Raphael In Memory Of: Thomas S. Burley Sheila & Irving Hochberg In Memory Of: Carol Principe Doris Shaw In Memory Of: Larry Holt Sandra & Sanford Weinberg In Memory Of: Murry Gordon Bloom Aggie & Jerry Wohl In Memory Of: Charles Davis Aggie & Jerry Wohl
Continued on next page Winter 2014 • Page 10 • www.acld.org
Commemorative Gifts
Continued from last page
In Memory Of: Louise Rind’s mother, Edna Aggie & Jerry Wohl In Memory Of: Barry Feldman’s mother Aggie & Jerry Wohl In Memory Of: George Boerum Shirley & Ron Maas In Memory Of: Helen Bernie Perry & Marlene Engel In Memory Of: Gabriel C. Godman Joe Godman In Memory Of: Roset Erwteman Gail Linder In Memory Of: Sammy Bernie Perry & Marlene Engel In Memory Of: Mildred Kalista Marilyn Blair Edna M. Quibell In Memory Of: Moe Bernie Perry & Marlene Engel In Memory Of: Lucille Crawford Larry & The Markson Connections Family In Memory Of: Fred Malizia Larry & The Markson Connections Family In Memory Of: Michael Auletta Anne & Tom Emmerson
In Memory Of: Warren Blicht Anne & Tom Emmerson Paul & Ellen Alexander Doris Shaw Alan & Ellen Spiegel In Memory Of: Louis Campanelli Doris Shaw In Memory Of: Ralph Schneider Rosalie Harvey S.K. Buckner Carol Clinger Michael & Casilda Hamilton Jean Scanlon Joan Porcaro Susan Salmansohn Mr. & Mrs. Minsky Marie Coyle Dorene Lebowitz Nancy & Alexander Mitchell Judith Green F. Robert & Lorraine Lohmann In Memory Of: John Mazzola Anne Emmerson In Memory Of: Billy Schultz Doris Shaw In Memory Of: Ted Mierzejewski Anne & Tom Emmerson
In Memory Of: Arnold Burns Doris Shaw In Memory Of: Edward Baron Carol Hoexter
In Honor Of: Jeffrey Shaw Carole & Dennis Goldstein Helen Licitra
In Memory Of: Alan Lustberg Ellen & Paul Alexander
In Honor Of: Helaine Berkowitz Linda Sable Phyllis Wiener Steven & Maryann Haar Melvyn & Arlene Schoen
In Memory Of: Paula Hoffman Anne & Tom Emmerson
In Honor Of: Joseph & Josephine Montana Joanne & Charles Kerr
In Memory Of: Joseph Daggett Anne & Tom Emmerson
In Honor Of: A Happy and a Healthy New Year 2013 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 Ms. Clare McCann Mrs. Barbara Ryan Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Pirrone 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 Alan & Ellen Spiegel
In Memory Of: Elaine Colton Anne Emmerson In Memory Of: Leon Rosenblatt Roberta Schleicher In Memory Of: Alfred Samaniego Doris Shaw In Memory Of: Elisabeth Loyola’s Father, Manny Staff & Friends of Chichester House
In Memory Of: Ethel & William Alter Myrna Klein
In Honor Of: Alan Alexander receiving the Thomas Choma Longevity Award Roberta & Bob Slatkin
In Memory Of: Stanley Kaplan Claire Kaplan
In Honor Of: Dennis Goldstein Doris Shaw
In Memory Of: Seymour Cantor Anne Emmerson
In Honor Of: Dr. Steven Witkin 1st Recipient Rita Engel
Continued on next page Winter 2014 • Page 11 • www.acld.org
Commemorative Gifts
Continued from last page In Honor Of: Thomas Fry Sister Joan Fry
In Honor Of: Seymour Merberg’s 90th Birthday Lois & David Rosen Martin & Nina Rosenzweig Sheila & Gerry Berman In Honor Of: Samantha’s Bat Mitzvah Fran Freeman In Honor Of: Arnie Aaron’s second Bar Mitzvah Fran Freeman In Honor Of: Adrienne & Mort Green’s 50th Wedding Anniversary Sue & Burt Rubin In Honor Of: Harry Margolis Tom & Gail Linder In Honor Of: Paul Alexander’s Birthday Irving Taub Norman Lichtman Martin Saepoff Lenore & Herbert Wachtel In Honor Of: Tillene Pinsker “The Chippies” In Honor Of: Colleen Crispino’s promotion Sandra & Sanford Weinberg In Honor Of: Ira Zimmerman’s retirement Sandra & Sanford Weinberg
In Honor Of: George Singfield receiving the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award Sandra & Sanford Weinberg In Honor Of: Susan & Michelle Tilleli Elias Properties In Honor Of: Sidney Cohen Gail Linder In Honor Of: Linda & Dennis Regan’s Birthday’s and 40th Wedding Anniversary Bonnie & Richard Perlman In Honor Of: June Fox’s Birthday Suzanne Stultz In Honor Of: Sidney Cohen Gail Linder In Honor Of: Jill & Mark Katz’s 20th Wedding Anniversary Tillene & Walter Pinsker & Family In Honor Of: Gail & Don Mitzner’s 50th Wedding Anniversary Tillene & Walter Pinsker & Family Ira & Joyce Rich Carol & Gene Solomon Albert & Linda Anikstein Sandy & Warren Albert Nancy & Richard Silverman Barbara & Richard Brody Richard & Edythe Greene Chuck & Bonnie Rappaport Laurence & Karen Bilsky Howard Sklar Rappaport, Glass, Levine & Zullo, LLP
In Honor Of: Elliot & Aaron’s Graduations Tillene & Walter Pinsker
In Honor Of: Michael Blair Mary T. Reilly
In Honor Of: Steven Topper’s recovery from surgery Jordan & Ina Koplan Norman & Gloria Samuels
In Honor Of: Samantha Diamond well wishes for the Jewish New Year Mark Thomsen
In Honor Of: Alan & Ellen Spiegel’s 50th Wedding Anniversary Anne & Tom Emmerson
In Honor Of: Carole, Dennis and Richard Goldstein Angela M. Davis
In Honor Of: Marilyn & Alan Lesk’s Wedding Anniversary Carol & Gene Solomon Chuck & Bonnie Rappaport Laurence & Karen Bilsky Howard Sklar Richard & Nancy Silverman Albert & Linda Anikstein Rappaport, Glass, Levine & Zullo, LLP
In Honor Of: Marc Kaplan’s Bar Mitzvah Claire Kaplan
In Honor Of: The opening of the Gail & Don Mitzner Pavilion Ruth and Stanley Roberts Pine Hollow Country Club Sklar, Heyman, Harsfield & Cantor Anikstein Family Foundation Harriet Goldmark Janet & Lee Edelstein In Honor Of: Ellen Spiegel Ailine Guist Joyce & Edward Rubin In Honor Of: Alan & Ellen Spiegel the after school center in BayShore named after them Jerry Goldberg In Honor Of: David Wagner well wishes for the Jewish New Year Herbert & Rita Wagner
Winter 2014 • Page 12 • www.acld.org
In Honor Of: Mark Zucco Angela Critchley In Honor Of: Allison LaMont Evelyn & Ken Burack In Honor Of: Lenny & Joan Model’s 60th Wedding Anniversary Ellen & Paul Alexander In Honor Of: Chloe Dubin’s Bat Mitzvah Gail Linder In Honor Of: Paula Meyers Silverman Sally, Alan, Sharon & Sheldon Fleishman Beth & Ron Wolslen In Honor Of: Doris Shaw Dorothy Eisenberg
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