MEMBERSHIP CONNECTS YOU

When you sign up for AHRC Nassau membership, you become a member of our chapter, The Arc New York and The Arc of the United States. Sign up at www.ahrc.org/membership. 4 4 4 4 4

Be a champion in your community and join supporters dedicated to fostering positive outcomes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

By becoming a member of the AHRC family, you’re contributing your voice to a network advocating for meaningful opportunities for people who benefit from support services.

As a family-led organization, AHRC Nassau has cultivated an environment where parents, volunteers, and caring staff advocate to enrich the lives of people in their community.

Add your voice to the coalition and become a purpose-driven ally providing for Nassau County by staying informed and taking action.

Lifetime memberships are available. Annual memberships start at as little as $15. Make a difference and become a member now.

Membership Includes:

• Voting rights (apply to non-staff members living in Nassau County who are 18 years and older)

• A subscription to AHRC Nassau News, our tri-annual newsletter

• Membership with The Arc New York

• Membership with The Arc of the U.S. & The Arc Today, a publication of the national Arc

• AHRC Nassau publications and invitations to special events (as requested)

*Adapted fromTheArc NewYork.

At Wheatley Farms & Arts Center: Connection, Purpose, and Opportunity Bloom

Just a short walk from one of Long Island’s oldest sycamore tree, the Thomas S. Gulotta Wheatley Farms & Arts (WFA) Center is buzzing with exciting projects. Since opening in August 2022, the center has hosted neighbors, community partners, and friends on educational projects deepening connections to nature, the arts and each other.

Community Classes: The “Little Soap Lady” Makes a Splash

Elaine Sanderson, a.k.a. “The Little Soap Lady,” created opportunities for suds and smiles at the WFA Center, this spring. During inclusive classes, Elaine shared the therapeutic art of soapmaking with lavender, vanilla, coconut, and sandalwood. Attendees enjoyed learning a new skill while making new connections.

In addition to successful soapmaking classes, this year the center also hosted classes including knitting/crocheting and cake decorating.

To find and register for upcoming classes visit

ahrc.org/communityworkshops

Welcoming Families & Staff from the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

In the early spring, AHRC Nassau hosted young adults from the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District to learn about the educational programming taking place on the grounds. The occasion welcomed students, parents, and teachers. While teachers and students participated in soapmaking and plantings, parents learned about AHRC Nassau's post-secondary options. The planting activity, led by Kim Nistal, Assistant Farm Manager, provided students with hands-on experience planting daisies in individual pots which they later took home.

AHRC’s Inclusive Dream Project Continues to Address Local Food Insecurity

As the AHRC Dream Project evolves, we’ve increased our contributions to the community with the help of local volunteer organizations. From the Wheatley Farms’ Clubhouse, Girl Scout Troop 3322 worked alongside self-advocates Noah Probert, Coleen Mackin and AHRC community members to put together 50 meal kits supporting approximately 200 neighbors facing food insecurity.

“It was so much fun. I helped put the food in the boxes. It made me happy to work with the Girl Scouts,” said Noah.

Once completed, the meal kits were then delivered to local food bank, NOSH Delivers! by volunteers from AHRC Day Services. Inspired by Dr. King’s dedication to community action, the Dream Project is a fully inclusive volunteer project. This initiative is ongoing throughout the year and made possible in part by a grant from The Arc of the United States and funds raised by the AHRC Day Services team and Community Relations Liaison Lynne Brewer.

Remembering Nanette Muzante Wheatley Farms Harvest Festival

“Fall for All” is more than just a one-day event. It’s an opportunity to welcome the community to enjoy a carefully curated schedule offering a wide range of activities accessible to all. From sensory-friendly spaces to creative mask-making and face painting, every experience has been designed to foster inclusivity and ensure that every visitor can participate and enjoy the festivities. For more information, please visit ahrc.org/fallforall.

It is with tremendous sadness we share that Horticulturalist Nanette Muzante passed away on June 21.

For 25 years, Nanette managed AHRC’s greenhouse maintaining beautiful greenery year-round while sharing her profound knowledge of plant life with people supported, families and friends throughout the community. Whether driving her golf cart across campus to check on flowerbeds or selling hanging plants at Deep Roots Farmers Market in Glen Cove, the vibrant flowers and fresh greenery that Nanette planted will continue to thrive along with our memory of her.