Winter 2012
A quarterly newsletter from Miriam: The Learning Disability Experts
In this Issue: page 2 A Message from Judi Scissors page 3 HONK! Chess Mates page 4 Alumnus Profile: Peter Neidorff Miriam Empowers Through Educationn page 5 Trivia Night page 6-7 Donors
Accolades for Miriam Miriam honored for demonstrating exceptional business ethics and a strong community partnership. November was a month of accolades for Miriam! On November 7, Miriam was presented with the Better Business Bureau’s 2012 TORCH Award at a ceremony held today at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel. The TORCH Award is given to organizations which demonstrate exceptional ethical business practices and customer service. Miriam was among 11 businesses and two charities to receive the award. Recipients must show creativity in their ability to manage customer expectations, provide excellent h Awards ceremony on bers attended the BBB Torc customer service and resolve Miriam Board and Staff mem disputes. They must demonstrate the November 2, 2012. ways they inspire their workforce to Faust-Business Manager, Front row: Judy Zafft, Carol nt. , Judi Scissors-Board Preside adopt and communicate their ethics ctor Dire l Joan Holland-Schoo hele Liebman, Mic nt, side Pre t Pas iate med and further their mission. They must Back Row: Gretchen Davis-Im Paul Belfer. Thorp-Executive Director, embody truth in advertising and Steve Rosenblum, Andrew help foster ethics within their industry and community. Miriam also received the Stellar Performance Award at Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis’ annual Champions for Children Summit. Miriam was one of seven organizations to receive the honor on Tuesday, November 13, 2012. Recipients are Variety partner agencies who exhibit the characteristics of an excellent partner to Variety in a collaborative effort to truly serve the whole child. Miriam Board and 13, 2012.
Miriam Foundation 501 Bacon Avenue Saint Louis, Missouri 63119 office 314.962.6059 fax 314.962.0482 www.miriamfoundation.org
Staff members attended the
Variety ceremony on Novemb
er
Left to Right: Andrew Tho rp-Executive Director, Joa n Holland-School Director Gretchen Davis-Immediate , Past President, Judi Scissors -Board President, Judy Zafft, Barbara Bindler , Karen Zorensky, Paul Belf er.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
miriam F O UN D A T I O N
Officers President Judi Scissors Immediate Past President Gretchen G. Davis Vice-President of Programs Lynda Higbee Vice-President of Development Lawrence Langsam Vice-President of Administration/Treasurer Bill Florent Secretary Laurie Caro At-large Michele Liebman
Board Members Paul Belfer Barbara Bindler Susan Bower Lloyd Bruce Amye Carrigan Craig A. Daily Matt Fisher Todd Gentry Lanie Goldenberg Colleen Hogan Raymond Kleeman Berry Rounds Lane Jennifer Lindenmayer Susie Luten Kim Nazaruk Steven E. Rosenblum Barbara Silver Don Steele Anne Tolan Donna Wendel Trish Winchell Carolyn Zacarian Judy Zafft Morrie Zimring Karen Zorensky
A Message from Judi Scissors On July 1, 2012, I became the 61st President of Miriam. I am humbled by the legacy of the presidents that came before me; and it is with this legacy in mind that Miriam continues to find new ways to address the unmet needs in our community. Here is a brief update of what has been happening in the last few months:
Awa r d s
R e b r a n d i n g E f f o r ts
In November, Miriam received two prestigious community awards in recognition of our work for children with complex learning disabilities. On November 2nd, Miriam received the Torch Award for “exceptional ethical business practices and customer service” from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois. Then on November 13th, Miriam received the Stellar Performance Award from Variety, the Children’s Charity of St. Louis, for “exhibiting characteristics of an excellent partner to Variety in a collaborative effort to truly serve the whole child”.
While Miriam has been providing service to the community for over 100 years, we remain relatively unknown in the broader community. Miriam has undertaken an effort to clarify our message to the outside as the “The Learning Disability Experts” providing comprehensive resources for children with learning disabilities.
As Miriam grows it has become apparent that space to provide our services has become a problem. Miriam has hired an architect to complete a Master Facilities Plan to accommodate improved facilities for the School and allow for Miriam Learning Center expansion.
E n d ow m e nt E f fo r ts
Executive Director Andrew Thorp
Advisory Committee Gladys Barker Jackie Bergmann Marcia Broddon Marilyn Fox Julie Frohlichstein Judy Gall Mindee Gall Bettie Gershman Sonya Glassberg Mary Ann Lee E. Bry Lefton Lucy Lopata Bernice “Sis” Mange Bert Melchior JoEllen Rubenstein Virginia Sharp Marlene Zafft
M ast e r Fac i li t i es P la n
Li b r ary R e n ovat i o n For the last year, Friends of Miriam have been working to raise money for the renovation of the Miriam School library. Thanks to their efforts and the generosity of the community, the library is slated for renovation in summer 2013.
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This year we provided $700,000 in scholarships to 60% of Miriam School’s 92 students. A portion of these funds come from the income generated from our endowment. Our Endowment Committee has set a goal to raise an additional $200,000 for our endowment by June 30, 2013; to-date the amount raised is $90,000. I look forward to keeping you apprised of our efforts on behalf of the children we serve at Miriam, and I hope you will be able to join us at future events and celebrations. Your involvement and support is what helps make Miriam strong.
Judi Scissors President, Miriam
miriam F O UN D A T I O N A Production Starring: Everyone! This fall the halls of Miriam School were alive with the sound of music! In partnership with professional musical theatre company, Stages St. Louis, Miriam students began preparing in October for an all-school production of “Honk!,” a musical version of the Hans Christian Anderson tale, “The Ugly Duckling.” From performing to painting scenery to running the audio board, every student had a role in the final production held for family and friends in the Mary Ann Lee Gymnasium on December 18. “Putting together an allschool musical was a wonderful experience for the Miriam School community,” says Joan Holland, Miriam School Director. “All of our students were encouraged to participate in some way, either onstage or behind the scenes. Everyone learned great life lessons – how to work as a team, how to value each part of a project and how to appreciate the rewards that come from committing to a common goal. We are all thrilled with the outcome of our exciting partnership with STAGES St. Louis.”
HONK! THE M USICA L
Chess Mates Miriam’s weekly chess club is one of its most popular after-school activities. Offered for the past two years through the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of St. Louis, Miriam’s program is generously sponsored by donor Elissa Cahn. Researchers and studies have long shown that participation in chess strengthens children’s mental clarity and helps them develop analytical and decision-making skills which transfer to real life. These outcomes are just as applicable for children with learning disabilities and, in many cases, a learning disability can actually prove to be an asset when playing chess. Children with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum often prefer quiet, lowstimulation environments and possess a strong logical-mathematical brain and powers of intense focus; definite advantages when competing. Additionally, many students with dyslexia have a very strong visuo-spatial awareness which provides them with a better command of the chessboard.
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miriam NE W S Alumnus Profile: Peter Neidorff Blessed with an amazing memory for faces and names as well as a passion to help others, Peter Neidorff is a natural in his position as Community Connection Specialist at St. Louis ARC. He started at St. Louis Arc, a United Way of Greater St. Louis Agency, in 2009 and represents the agency at events to share its mission ‘to help people with developmental disabilities and their families by providing a
“Peter’s work ethic and commitment to promoting the mission of the St. Louis Arc is inspiring. He never misses an opportunity to attend a community event that he believes will bring positive attention to the services we provide.” lifetime of high-quality services, family support and advocacy.’ “Peter’s work ethic and commitment to promoting the mission of the St. Louis Arc is inspiring. He never misses an opportunity to attend a community event that he believes will bring positive attention to the services we provide,” Kathy Meath, President and CEO of St. Louis Arc. Peter’s present work has close connections to his past. Many Miriam families are served by the St. Louis Arc and Peter attended Miriam School from the fall of 1985 through the spring of 1992. He credits his time here with helping to shape the man he is today. “During my time at Miriam I struggled most with how to
act appropriately in certain environments,” Peter recalls. “The teachers really worked with me on how to first be aware of how I was behaving, and then how to better control myself.” After Miriam, Peter went on to graduate from Ladue Horton Watkins High School. After living for a few years in Florida, he returned to St. Louis and received two degrees from Webster University: a BA in Broadcast Journalism and an MA in Media Communications. He began working for the St. Louis Arc in August, 2009, as an intern, moved into part-time work in March, 2010, and was promoted to his current title in April, 2011. While his official job duties certainly keep him busy, his commitment to helping others has fostered his involvement in other United Way agencies including Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, Epworth Children and Family Services, Life Skills, Saint Louis Crisis Nursery, and the St. Louis Society for the Physically Disabled. When it’s truly time for him to relax, Peter can mostly likely be found supporting whatever St. Louis sports team is playing. After more than two decades of practicing martial arts, he also recently made the decision to hang up his black belt and work on his golf game. Out on the links he will undoubtedly make even more connections to help the St. Louis Arc and the many other organizations that are fortunate enough to count him as a friend.
Miriam Empowers Through Education Miriam Empowers is the annual speaker series for parents, educators, and professionals working to improve the lives of children with complex learning disabilities. All events are FREE and held in the Mary Ann Lee Gymnasium at Miriam School, but registration is required. To RSVP send your name and workshop preferences to register@miriamschool.org or call 314-968-5225.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at 6:30 pm Getting The Most From Your iPad & Mobile Device
Friday, February 15, 2013 from 8:30 am - 12:00 pm Step Up To Writing: Create proficient writers with proven writing strategies!
Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at 6:30 pm Motivating the Twice Exceptional Learner
Linda Bufkin, Ph. D., Joy Voss, Ph.D. & Jessica Leonard, M.Ed. of Saint Louis University
Maureen Auman, MA, Author of Step Up To Writing
Dr. Jim Russell Ph.D., N.C.C., L.P.C.
Mobile technology may be a new frontier to you as a parent or educator. This workshop will offer tips on how to integrate mobile technology effectively, lists of apps for grade school children with or without special needs, and recommendations about screen time. Don›t miss this interactive play-date to showcase some of the apps that can be used at home or shared in a school environment! 4
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NATIONAL LY RECOGNIZ ED SPEAKER
Hear directly from the author...National speaker Maureen Auman will share the basics about her highly successful writing program. Learn the tools of this researchvalidated, hands-on, multisensory writing strategy approach that helps students proficiently write narrative and expository pieces. Discover how to actively engage children in reading materials to improve comprehension and study skills. Complete sample lessons to see how this program fosters development of critical thinking, listening and speaking skills and helps establish writing as a process rather than as an end product. A must not miss event for any teacher!
This program will describe the real world experiences of the twice exceptional learner. Topics will include the neurobiology of learning and coping with emotional issues, including anxiety, depression, and fear. New research indicates that learners fail more often due to emotional factors, rather than cognitive ones. This is a brain-based lecture for teachers, parents, and professionals to help the twice-exceptional learner stay motivated.
6 pm pen at t 7 pm o s r o Do egin a le of 8 ions b r tab Quest /$160 fo ns each n o s r e p $20 per s of 10 questio ovided! r d 10 roun r, and snacks p te a Soda, w
EXTRA
fun inc 50/50 luding R Heads affle or Tails Dead o r Alive
the benefit s d e e c e Pro ion of th renovat ol Library! Scho Miriam
CASH PRIZE S for winners!! !
Please return form and payment by Friday,January 18th to: Miriam Foundation â—? 501 Bacon Avenue â—? St. Louis, MO 63119 OR fax to (314) 962-0482 Questions? Call Miriam Foundation at (314) 962-6059 VIP Table - only 4 available! Includes eight event tickets, a table at the front of the room, ten ______@ mulligans, and inclusion in all games (heads or tails, etc.) for the entire table.
$350.00
=$___________
Quiz Master Sponsorship Includes eight event tickets, recognition on screen & on quiz
______@
$250.00
=$___________
Round Sponsorship Includes recognition on screen & on quiz sheet for one round
______@
$100.00
=$___________
Table Sponsorship Includes eight event tickets
______@
$160.00
=$___________
Non-member event ticket
______@
$ 20.00
=$___________
Miriam member event ticket Includes 5 raffle tickets
______@
$ 20.00
=$___________
sheets for 10 rounds
I cannot attend but please accept my tax-deductible contribution
=$___________
Miriam annual membership Valid for one year from date of purchase
______@
$ 45.00
=$___________
Miriam lifetime membership
______@
$ 500.00
=$___________
Total:
=$___________
Name Address Phone
Method of Payment (check one) Check Credit Card # Signature
MasterCard
Visa
Discover Security Code
Exp. date
Thank you! m i r i am f o u n d at i o n . o r g | M i r i am N e w s
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S P E C I A L TH A N K S Honors and Memorials LEGACY SOCIETY Anonymous (2) Jacquette Bergmann Barbara & Daniel Bindler ‡Elsie & Fred Block Susan Bower & Stephen Leet ‡Diane GoldsmithSimon Cohen ‡Kate Cook Gretchen G. Davis George L. Diederich ‡Stella Freund Dr. Ira & Judith Gall Bernice Garden ‡Sidney Goldenberg Lynda Higbee Judith LaDoux Hannah & Larry Langsam ‡Babs Levin ‡Hazel Loewenwarter Bernice “Sis” Mange ‡Clarence Mange Judy Mange Marjorie Reiches Judi Scissors Linda & James Shubert Barbara & Arthur Silver Gloria & Sanford Spitzer Patti Teper Andrew & Lisa Thorp Anne & Joseph Tolan ‡Tesse B. Werner ‡Edith Wolff Judy & Jerry Zafft Judy & Lon Zimmerman (‡deceased)
September 15, 2012 through November 30, 2012
IN MEMORY OF
IN HONOR OF
MARVIN DUBA *Mary Duba (JG)
MR. & MRS. DAVID ARONSON New grandson – Jake Esther Lyss-Greenstein & Harvey Greenstein (AG)
ISABEL KAUFMANN *Dorothy Meyerson (MS) DORIS McKINNIS Barbara & Art Silver (AG) ERIC SCHUKAR *Sally & Don Friedman (MS) GEORGE I. SERBEN **Nicholas Serben (MS) CELESTE SINGER Susan Rich (MS) ROBERT SLOSBERG Barbara & Art Silver (AG) NANCY STEELE **Jim & Betsy Backe (AG) *Julie Frohlichstein (AG) *Dr. & Mrs. Arthur Gale (AG) ROSE SYMSACK *Laurie & Bill O’Connor (AG) BEA YOUNG Barbara & Art Silver (AG) KAY WILSON, JR. **Jane Wilson (MT)
FLO BLEUH Special Birthday Joyce Berger (AG) SUSAN BOWER Miriam Board Member **Centro Modern Furnishings LLC (AG) ADELE CORSON Special Birthday Linda Collier (MS) *Ruth S. Kaplan (MS) KATHY HAMMER Elizabeth’s Wedding Steve & Karla Rosenblum (AG) GALE ANN HURD Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame *Dorothy Meyerson & Judy Gorin (MS) HONEY & LARRY LANGSAM Happy Holidays **Lee, Wendy, Meredith & Lauren Taylor (AG)
CAROL & TOM LASKER Happy Holidays Katie, Todd & Madison Weinhaus (AG) CAROLYN LOSOS 80th Birthday *Don Steele (MS) BERNICE “SIS” MANGE 99th Birthday **Suzanne Lasky (AG) *Ken Mange & Family (MS) *Mike Mange & Family (MS) *Rich & Dallas Mange (MS) Leonora Sachar (MS) ELIZABETH & BERT SCHWEIZER Happy Holidays Katie, Todd & Madison Weinhaus (AG) ART SILVER Special Birthday **Ann & Stan Abrams (AG) *Jean Agatstein & Les Loewe (MS) *Dr. & Mrs. Arthur Auer (AG) *Peggy & Billy Cohn (AG) *Carol & Tom Lasker (MS) *Andy Thorp (AG) CAROL WALL/Mitchell Wall Architects Honor **Centro Modern Furnishings LLC (AG)
honors and memorials Funding Key Miriam School Tribute Fund (MS) • General Operating Fund (MT) • Jeffrey Scott Gall Memorial Scholarship Tribute Fund (JG) • Tesse B. Werner Music Fund (TW) • Stella M. Freund Educational Equipment Fund (SF) • Sidney Goldenberg, M.D. Technology Fund (SG) • Annual Giving/Scholarship Campaign (AG) • Miriam Learning Center (LC) • Library Renovation Campaign (LR) Tribute funds provide a continuous source of revenue to the Miriam Foundation’s philanthropic programs. A gift of $10 or more will support the program of your choice. Gifts of $25 or more are denoted by an asterisk (*). Gifts of $100 or more are denoted by a double asterisk (**). All donations are tax-deductible. We do our best to recognize donors accurately. If we have made an error, please contact Jean Kertz at 314.962.6059 or jkertz@miriamfoundation.org. Thank you. Contributions should be made payable to: Miriam Foundation and sent to 501 Bacon Ave., St. Louis, MO 63119
Gifts to Library Renovation Fund July 1, 2012 through November 30, 2012 For more information or to enroll, please contact the Foundation office at 314.962.6059. Thank you.
Newberry Award Winner $10,000 and above Morrie & Miki Zimring
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Show Me Reader
$1,000 - $2,499 Dr. Ira & Judy Gall The Staenberg Family Foundation
Bookworm
$250 - $499 Dr. Deborah A. Wienski & Mr. Ross Tallman
Reader
$1 - $249 Lieschen & Phill Allen Laurie & Joe Caro Craig Daily Mr. & Mrs. Minot P. Fryer, Jr. Marge & Bill Plumley Karen & Joe Sansoni
miriam F O UN D A T I O N Scholarship Campaign Donors July 1, 2012 through November 30, 2012 RUBY $25,000-$49,999 Anonymous – 1 Sapphire $10,000 - $24,999 Lanie & Milton Goldenberg PEARL $5,000-$9,999 Energizer Charitable Trust Michele & Tim Liebman Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis AMETHYST $1,000-$4,999 Anonymous - 1 Jean Agatstein & Les Loewe Dr. & Mrs. Arthur Auer Paul Belfer Dr. Martin & Jackie Bergmann The Milford & Lee Bohm Charitable Foundation Marcia Broddon Anna Marie & Harold Cobb Gretchen Davis George L. Diederich Suzie & Bill Florent Bettie Gershman Herman W. Heyman and Amelia H. Heyman Foundation Larry & Honey Langsam Betty Moulton Kim & Rick Nazaruk Dr. Matthew and Jane Newman Jerry & Peggy Ritter David & Karen Robnak Carl & Fay Simons Ruth & Alvin Siteman Andy & Lisa Thorp Anne & Joe Tolan Carol D. Walton Erik & Donna Wendel Karen & Fred Wolff TOPAZ $500-$999 Susan Bower The Bystrom Family Amye & Dan Carrigan Reed & Melinda Conley Dr. William H. Danforth The Ebb Point Foundation Carol Faust Matt Fisher Walter Gelber Nancy Kalishman Berry Rounds Lane Susie Luten Dr. & Mrs. David Meiners Miriam School Student Council & Students Chris & Molly Myers Don Steele Carolyn Zacarian & David Poldoian
OPAL $1-$499 Anonymous - 9 Jack Abels Linda Adler Audrey & Leonard Adreon Barry & Jackie Albrecht Robin & Scott Alton Katelyn Anderson Jeanne & Arthur Ansehl Anne Bader Sally Balmes Gladys Barker Harriet Baron Jeanne Bauer Leslie Becker Wendy Bell & Steve Werdel Joyce Berger Charlotte Brown Harriet Brown Zelda & Ronald Brown Beverly & Daniel Bryson Lee Ann & Robert Clement Carol Clift Mary Cognata Bob & Donna Cohen Mary Jo Conley Craig Daily Jeff & Debbie Dalin Lynn DeGroote John & Lisa Dinga Kim & Dave Donermeyer Joe & Cara Downs Kay & Leo Drey Ida Early Barbara Elbrecht Susie & Ted Faulhaber Clifford Fields Yvette Fobian Dorismae Friedman Eunice Garrison Janice Gitt Dorette & Ed Goldberg Elaine & Oscar Goldberg Warren & Marcia Lee Goldberg Kim & Steve Goldenberg Marilyn & Arnold Goldman Rick & Sherri Goldman Jo-Ann Goldstein Alisa Gordon & Michael Emch Susan Graber-Kadel & Kenneth Kadel Jessica Gremaud Dolores Grollman Kitty & Hanford Gross Emily & Allen Hagaman Phyllis Heilicher Lisa & Matt Hermann Arnold & Myrna Hershman Samuel Heyman Terry & Harvey Hieken Mr. & Mrs. M. Myron Hochman Christine & Bill Hoffman Colleen & Michael Hogan Kurt & Michele Johnson Debra & Stephen Jonas Sharon Joseph Melissa Kelley
Wayne & Gloria Kaufman Eileen Keck Jean Kertz Linda Kessler Lois Koenen Ann & Don Kornblet Lorraine Laiderman Lori Lamb Molly & Nate Lattimer Gabe & Angie Lavin Debbie Lawler Rita Levis Matt & Diane Lewis Mr. & Mrs. David Lieberman Elliot & Cynthia Lippman Paul & Molly Lochner Carole & Lou Loebner Drs. Todd & Cynthia Lucas Jim & Diann Lutz Esther Lyss-Greenstein and Harvey Greenstein Margot & Ben Manheimer Edward & Patricia Marcanik Ricki & Neil Marglous Jean & Fallon Maylack Jeanne McFadden Tracey Meade & Darryl Talley Ron & Paula Meyer Dorothy M. Meyerson Chuck & Suzanne Michel Rachel Miller Mr. & Mrs. Jesse S. Myer III Yvonne Nagle Dr. & Mrs. Philip Needleman Tam Nguyen Mary and Charles Parker Andrea Parrish Miriam Pessin Carrie Poelker Breanne Reaves Beth Ritter Patti Rooney Ruth L. Rosen Sharon & Jeffrey Rosenblum Kaye & Joe Sansoni Barbara Sarbach Brian & Jen Scharf Sylvia Schulte Judi Scissors Jeff & Celeste Scott Sarah Scott
Samuel J. Scott Audrey Shanfeld Barbara Sharpe Charlyne & Sanford Shifrin Joseph Silverman The Snow Family The Frank & Bessie Spielberg Foundation Don & Chris Steele Rabbi Jeffrey & Dr. Arlene Stiffman William & Lisa Stover Maureen & Fred Strasheim Craig & Jenifer Strobeck Karen Suroff Bert & Margie Talcoff Jalyn Talley Kevin & Lori Vogt Dale & Kimberly Von Hoffmann Stanley & Priscilla Wald Steve & Nancy Weinreich Tom & Tracy Welge & Sons Keith & Jo Wheeler Barbara & Norman Wielansky Deborah Wienski William B. Wilson Gene M. & Marlene D. Zafft Judy & Jerry Zafft Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Zapf Jim & Vicky Zimmerman MATCHING GIFT COMPANIES Anheuser-Busch AT&T Bank of America Boeing CIGNA ConocoPhillips Dean Foods Company Express Scripts Macy’s Merrill Lynch Monsanto Pfizer, Inc. PNC Bank Reuters America LLC US Bank Wells Fargo
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501 Bacon Avenue St. Louis, Missouri 63119
Use your knowledge to build our library Join us for Miriam’s Trivia Night on January 26, 2013! See page 5.