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Volume 6 No. 2www.nssainfo.orgFall 2010Touchdowns 4 AutismJoe Manzione is busy writing his collegeadmission essay, answering the question “Whyam I unique?” He won’t have much troublethough, as he’s the only student in North ShoreHigh School’s Class of 2011 who has a siblingwith autism.Joe’s younger brother, Stuey, was diagnosed withautism at 2½ years old, and is the inspiration forJoe’s Senior project, “Touchdowns 4 Autism.”The North Shore Varsity Football Team, lead byJoe and his Senior Co-Captain Chris Zbikowski,will help those affected with autism by raisingfunds to support NSSA, where Stuey receivesafter school and other services, and Ascent,where Stuey attends school.Joe and Chris reached out to family, friends,and their North Shore neighbors and businesses.They’ve collected over 425 in pledges for eachVarsity touchdown scored this season, as well asmore than 2500 in straight donations. Last yearthe Varsity team scored 20 touchdowns, and inthe very first play of this season, North Shore ranthe opening kickoff 77 yards, scoring their firsttouchdown 4 autism!If you’d like to make a pledge, donate or comedown and cheer the team on, send an email to:Joseph Manzione and Chris Zbikowskitouchdowns4autism@gmail.com, and Joe orChris will reply with the information you need.All pledgers and donors will be updated throughout the season with the number of touchdownsscored each week, and may choose to donate toeither NSSA or Ascent.After graduation, Joe will spend his thirdsummer working as a counselor at Camp Kehilla,for children with special needs, and then head tocollege where he plans to play football and studyspecial education!
New President of NSSA’s Board of DirectorsBOArd OF dIrECTOrSLARRY CERIELLO, ESq.PresidentBRAM WEBER, ESq.Vice PresidentALLEN S. PERLTreasurerGERARD WELDONSecretaryWILLIAM J. AKLEY, P.E.DirectorGAYLE FREMEDDirectorJOSEPH KEENAN, ESq.DirectorDAVID STOLLWERKDirectorNassau SuffolkServices for AutismThe Martin C. Barell School80 Hauppauge RoadCommack, NY 11725Phone: (631) 462-0386Fax: (631) 462-4201Email: office@nssa.netWeb: www.nssainfo.orgNICOLE WEIDENBAUM, M.S.Ed., SASExecutive DirectorKATHY MANNIONAssociate Executive DirectorPage 2Volume 6 No. 2After 16 yearsof service on theNSSA Board of Directors, LawrenceCeriello was elected to the postof President. Mr.Ceriello is a partnerat Nixon PeabodyLawrence CerielloLLP. He previouslyheld the positions of partner atDechert LLP and of special counselin the Real Estate Department in theNew York office of Cadwalader,Wickersham and Taft. With extensiveexperience in commercial realestate law, Mr. Ceriello has handlednumerous complex transactions,including acquisitions and dispositions, construction and permanentfinancing, environmental complianceand development projects.Mr. Ceriello received his Bachelor ofArts, cum laude, from ManhattanCollege and his J.D. fromSt. John’s University. In our thoughts& prayers It is with tremendous sadness thatNSSA mourns the loss of NancyKostel-Donlon, mother of NSSAstudent Alex and his sister Brianna andwife of Bill, who passed away onSeptember 17, 2010. She will be sorelymissed by the entire NSSA Family. News from the Development Office To supplement the funds raised through NSSA’s special events, the Development Office works to secure funding from foundations, corporations,businesses, and government offices on an on-going basis. TheDevelopment Office is proud to announce the receipt of the following grantsand donations: August, 2010- The Initial Teaching Alphabet Foundation granted 20,000 to support one-to-one instruction of reading and writingJune, 2010- Build-A-Bear Workshop Foundation, Inc. granted 2,700 topurchase EdMark Reading SoftwareJune, 2010- New York Community Bank Foundation granted 5,000 tosupport general operating expensesApril, 2010- Newman’s Own Foundation granted 2,500 for the purchaseof Kurzweil 3000 softwareMISSION STATEMENTNassau Suffolk Services for Autism (NSSA) offers hope to people with autism and theirfamilies by providing high quality life-long support through services which enable peoplewith autism to function better in everyday life.NSSA offers the most advanced treatment and training programs for the benefit of peoplewith autism, and will continue to pioneer, through research, comprehensive treatmentmodels which can be adopted nationally.www.nssainfo.orgNSSA NEWSFall 2010
Island 16 Cinema Welcomes NSSAOf the many wonderfulfriends NSSA has, we areextremely appreciative ofthose who open doors ofopportunity to our students and clients. Island 16 Cinemais one such organization. It may be widely renowned asa cinema de luxe, but at NSSA we treasure most thechance to learn and grow that it offers those we serve.going to Island 16 Cinema was to wear the beige shirt,name tag, visor, and apron that is the theater’s uniform.Students have learned to greet customers and invitethem to enjoy their movie. They assist the cashiers atthe concession stand by retrieving popcorn, soda, andcandy. They fill the popcorn bags and to-go containers.Our students stock the ice bins, straws, and napkins,sweep floors, wipe counters, and clean the theatre whenthe movie lets out. Some of our students have worked asushers and provided directions to the individual theatres.Being at Island 16 Cinema has also given our studentsthe chance to have lunch and socialize with staff. Onestudent, who ushers, speaks to the customers and sharesthe occasional joke. When our students returned afterthe summer break, they were warmly welcomed backby the staff of Island 16, who sincerely missed them.NSSA thanks everyone at Island 16 Cinema for theirkind and generous hearts. Their efforts on behalf of ourstudents have provided opportunities to learn, grow, andwork toward independence. We invite local businesseswilling to offer opportunities to our students and clientsto contact Jacquie Frangoulis by phone at 631-462-0386or by e-mail at jboily@nssa.net. Manager Kathy Sclafani withAndrew D’Eri (L) and Brian MannionLocated in Holtsville, the Island 16 Cinema has becomea favorite vocational training site of the six NSSAstudents who volunteer there each week. Manager ofthe Food Concession, Kathy Sclafani, whose own familyhas been touched by autism, has created a verywelcoming environment for the NSSA students. “Notonly is it personal for me,” says Ms. Sclafani, “but itcreates self-worth for the kids.”NSSA prepares our students before they set foot in anyjob site. The students must master the required job skillshere at NSSA to ensure a positive transition. Instructorsteach them each step required for a particular task, whilethe students are still in the school setting. Like all goalstaught at the Martin C. Barell School, the process ofdeveloping these skills is highly individualized. Oncegoals have been mastered in the school, our students aretaken on short visits to the work site to becomeacclimated to their new surroundings. Our studentsand clients work quietly and productively and areaccompanied on all community outings by NSSA’shighly skilled staff at all times.One of the first goals our students had to learn prior toFall 2010NSSA NEWSwww.nssainfo.orgConcession leads Marybeth Cipriani and DebbieRutherford with Kathryn, Andrew, and AlexVolume 6 No. 2Page 3
Dinner for Our Children A Huge SuccessNSSA’s 18 th Annual “Dinner for Our Children”shattered all previous fundraising records for thegala event. Thanks in very large part to the enormoushelp and support of Mr. Ken Rice, this year’s honoreeand President East, Acosta Sales and Marketing, theApril 17 th dinner raised over 125,000 for NSSA!Mr. Rice not only visited NSSA, he worked tirelesslyin promoting the sale of sponsorships and journalads, and spoke eloquently at the event. We are sovery grateful for his friendship and support.the Crest Hollow staff for providing a delicious andelegant evening. Thanks to Bill Mountzouros for hisfine videography and editing of this year’s video.Michael Possilico and the staff of Casinos by M&Monce again made for a truly memorable evening offun, games, and great music.We thank all our friends and families for so generouslydonating both prizes and their time. Our volunteerswork tirelessly to make each event appear effortless.For their generous help we thank each and everyvolunteer. We are nothing without your help.On the homepage of our website (http://nssainfo.org)we have posted a link to a video of the DinnerDance taken by MyLItv.com.NSSA’s 19 th Annual Dinner for Our Children isscheduled for April 9, 2011. We hope you will markyou calendars and join us. Honoree Ken Rice and NSSA student Michelle RagusoThe Dinner served as the occasion to mark withpride the graduation of three students from the MartinC. Barell School. Ari Almeleh, Alex Longo, andBrandon Mash were praised by Executive DirectorNicole Weidenbaum for their years of hard work andachievements, along with their supportive families.The graduates entered NSSA’s Adult Services Programthis summer with our heartfelt congratulations.We are very grateful for this year’s sponsors, whosesupport contributed so much to our Dinner. It iswith great pleasure that we thank Event Sponsors:Acosta Sales and Marketing; Cocktail Hour Sponsor:The Santorelli Family; Journal Sponsors: Mott’s,Nestle, and Tobay Printing; and Staff Sponsors: Joe& Donna Longo.Outstanding donated Live Auction prizes generatedexcitement from the guests and raised considerablefunds. For their generous donations NSSA thanksThe Santorelli Family, Barnett Associates of GardenCity, Martha Clara Vineyard, Osprey Dominion,Waters Crest Winery, Dynasty Limosines, Steve andSuzanne Kalafer of Flemington Car & Truck Country,Nick Theriault and Lionsgate.We are very appreciative of Kim McCormack andPage 4Volume 6 No. 2www.nssainfo.orgAmy, Joe, and Donna Longo with AlexMorris and Lynn Almeleh with AriDanny and Josine Mash with BrandonNSSA NEWSFall 2010
Fall 2010NSSA NEWSwww.nssainfo.orgVolume 6 No. 2Page 5
Huntington Bay DentalHosts Wine Tasting for NSSAHuntington Bay Dental graciously hosted a Wine Tastingto benefit Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism this pastspring. Dr. Adamo Notarantonio cares for several NSSAstudents and clients. Over the years he has become a greatfriend of NSSA. He and his colleagues at the practicewere inspired to hold the event and generously donatedall the wine to ensure its success. Amanda Patton and hercolleagues at Huntington Bay Dental solicited guests,donations, and the prizes. The March 25th Wine Tastingraised 8,611 for NSSA!Guests sampled a variety of wines that were a deliciouscounterpoint to Dao Restaurant’s Asian delicacies. Ourcompliments to Figaro Liquor of Smithtown for their delicious selections.We thank the local business community, which was lavishin its support of the Wine Tasting. For their kindnessNSSA happily recognizes:34 New Street, A Tisket A Tasket, Abraxas, AMC LoewsTheater - Shore 8, Applebee's-Doherty Enterprises, Inc,Black and Blue, Bottles and Cases, Buffalo Grill,Copenhagen Bakery, Country Village Chemists, CowHarbor Running and Fitness, Dr. Lloyd Landsman,Fantastic Kids Toys, Finnegan's, Five Star Car Wash &Detail Center, Gold Finger Nails, Golf and Body,Greentique, Guido's Italian Restaurant, Hair Together,Hipsters, Honu - Kitchen and Cocktails, JewelryCollection, John W. Engeman Theater, Little SwitzerlandDolls, Lonny’s, Mac’s Steakhouse, Mangiamo’s ItalianRestaurant, Marie’s Toy Store, Marsh’s, Martellis FloristDr. Adamo with Huntington Bay Dental Staffand Gift Shop, Martha Clara Vinyeards, Miss Freeport,Munday’s, Nicky’s, Ooh la la, Panera Bread-DohertyEnterprises, Inc, Piccolo Ristorante, Roots: IntegrativeWellness, Ruvo, Sophi Blu, Starbucks, Stony Brook Wine& Liquor, Super Runner Shop, The Inlet, The Salonat 230 West, The Stage - Nassau Arts Center, TheWindow Shop, TLC Doggy Day Spa, Tutto Pazzo,Village Jewelers, and Waters Crest Winery.Our sincere appreciation goes to all who attended andvolunteered their time. We extend out heartfelt thanks tothe entire staff of Huntington Bay Dental for theirkindness, generosity, and support of NSSA. We could notbe more grateful to you all. NSSA Students and Clients ShineIn Video to Improve Oral Health for People with AutismNSSA students and clientsare showcased in a videocreated by Autism Speaks toimprove oral hygiene forpeople with autism. Recognizing that good oral healthcan be very challenging formany children with autism,Michele SmilesAutism Speaks, with supfor the videoport from Colgate andPhilips Sonicare, presented a dental guide and videoDental Tool Kit on its website. Much of the filming tookplace at the Martin C. Barell School.The guide provides information for improving oralhygiene at home, as well as for both dental professionalsPage 6Volume 6 No. 2and families to makea visit to the dentist'soffice less stressful andmore productive. Tipsare offered for flossing,brushing, and preparingfor a dental visit.To ensure better oralChristina Fasanohealth for someone youteaches David to brushlove with autism, visit:(www.autismspeaks.org/community/family services/dental.php).We think you will agree that our students and clientswere more than ready for their close-ups. www.nssainfo.orgNSSA NEWSFall 2010
Jack’s Run Has LegsOn May 22nd NSSA hosted its 4th Annual Jack’s Run atNorth Hempstead Beach Park, Port Washington. The 5KRun/Walk drew 376 registrants and raised over 47,000for NSSA. Special thanks to Michael and OndineMiranda for their dedication, tireless service, andgenerosity to NSSA and Jack’s Run.We congratulate Men’s Overall Winner Kieran Gibbons,age 45, of Northport, who finished in 17:36.2 at a paceof 5:40. Congratulations to Women’s Overall WinnerShari Sklarfeld, 29, of Plainview who finished in20:22.7 at a pace of 6:34.Kieran Gibbons,Mens’ Overall WinnerShari Sklarfeld,Womens’ Overall WinnerFor their generosity and support we thank our Sponsors:Event: Miranda Sambursky Slone Sklarin Verveniotis,LLP;Gold: The Ricciardi Family and The Emby, Geller, &Goldsmith FamiliesSilver: Bulldog Ventures, The Slone Family Foundation, and The Verveniotis FamilyBronze: Tara Slone-Goldstein & Wayne Goldstein andPat & Mary Beth MirandaPartner Sponsors: Leonard Isaacson, Abbe & ScottSpector, Marisa Tully, US Liability Insurance Group;and George & Patti VandiaFall 2010NSSA NEWSFriend Sponsors: Margie Barres, Crafa & Sofield,Crest Hollow Country Club, Maureen Fanning; JackGayson Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc., William Kreitsek,Sr., Lauren Leighton, Gary Metzger, On TimeReporting, People Care Inc. Home Health Services,Ridgewood Savings Bank, RMI Consulting, SalernoBrokerage Corp., and Lizabeth SquicciariniNSSA salutes Team Jericho for their dedication and efforton behalf of NSSA and Jack’s Run. Team Jericho wascomprised of student and staff groups, that included The9th Grade Student Council, 11th Grade Student Council,Project Care Club, and a Staff Jean’s Day benefit.Collectively the Team raised 4,094!The Jack’s Run post-race buffet is noteworthy forits delectable array of breakfast treats. This year ourbreakfast was made possible through the generousdonations of Bagel Boss, Bagel Chalet, East CoastImports, Entenmann’s, Holiday Farms, Horn of Plenty,Kozy Shack Enterprises, Kuck’s Deli, Salem Drugs,Waterboy, and Western Beef.We thank Dwight Blomberg & Craig Chiger ofStart2Finish, who organized the race. Our sincereappreciation goes to Warren Schein, Paul Blake, PatCatapano, Joe Iannotti, and the entire staff of NorthHempstead Parks Department for their help. We areappreciative of Fire Chief Thomas McDonough and thePort Washington Fire Dept. for donating an ambulancefor the duration of Jack’s Run.Jack’s Run relies heavily on the support of ourvolunteers, whose efforts make the impossible possible.Our families and staff continue to be a source ofinspiration. This year students from Manhasset and PortWashington high schools also volunteered their time andassistance to Jack’s Run. We thank all our volunteers fortheir support and kindness. We simply could not do itwithout you.We will post the date for next year’s run on our websiteand in our next newsletter. We hope you join us againfor next year’s Jack’s Run. www.nssainfo.orgVolume 6 No. 2Page 7
Adult and Vocational ServicePrograms Launch New Initiativesrequire preparation: cleaning, bagging, labeling,weighing and logging. They sort paper, plastics, glass,and metal, and separate items for return deposit. Theprogram provides numerous opportunities for teammembers to develop social skills through interactionwith Suffolk Y-JCC employees and members. At thiswriting, The NSSA Green Team has recycled over 480pounds of materials that have been kept from land fills.The NSSA Green TeamTwo new programs initiated by NSSA’s Adult andVocational Service Programs are drawing both attentionand praise. The NSSA Green Team and “Help Us HelpOthers” Programs are benefiting both their participantsand the community.Launched in January with a grant from Autism Speaks,The NSSA Green Team is teaching environmentalsustainability to Martin C. Barell School studentslearning vocational skills and to clients in NSSA’s AdultServices Program. The NSSA Green Team initiative isteaching participants purposeful activities that promotesocial, communication, and cognitive development. Atboth NSSA and the Suffolk Y-JCC, team members,sporting green team t-shirts, recycle materials that“Help Us Help Others” is another volunteer initiativethat teaches skills to its participants and benefits thelarger community. In this program, NSSA acceptsdonated clothing from NSSA staff and families and thenprogram participants are taught to collect, match, fold,identify, and sort it, and work cooperatively as ateam. The clothing is thendelivered to organizationsserving those in need.The Green Team and“Help Us Help Others”will be on-going programs. We welcome yourdonations of recyclablesand gently used clothing. Ifyou would like more information, please contactJason Watson by phone at631-462-0386 or e-mail atSean Fanning recycles cansjwatson@nssa.net. Computer Lab Opens at NSSANSSA celebrated the completion of its new computerlab. Made possible with a grant in the amount of 10,000from long time supporter, The Ronald McDonaldHouse Charities (RMHC) of the New York Tri-StateArea, Inc, the computer lab will serve both students andstaff at the Martin C. Barell School.The computer lab will meet very specific and significantneeds at NSSA. As standardized curriculum is ofteninadequate to meet the learning needs of studentswith autism, NSSA staff will use the computer lab tocustomize curriculum and thereby optimize student skillacquisition. The Martin C. Barell School students willuse software on the lab’s computers to develop skills inreading, writing, and communication, as well as toreinforce skills acquired in the classroom using thisalternate medium. The lab’s IMac computers will bePage 8Volume 6 No. 2used by some students to learn anddevelop vocationalskills involvingcomputer graphics. Other studentswill gain access tothe computer labas a reward forgood work. Allstudents will leadKatie Reres instructsmore engaged andTyler (l) and Williamenriched lives bydeveloping leisure skills in the computer lab.NSSA thanks RMHC for their longstanding and generoussupport that made this computer lab possible. www.nssainfo.orgNSSA NEWSFall 2010
NSSA Golf ClassicThe 12th Annual Golf Classic at the Plandome CountryClub was a wonderful success for NSSA. The July 19thevent drew 117 golfers and raised over 44,000. Manythanks to Joe Longo for his stewardship of this eventand for his exceptional and longstanding generosity.Live Auction Prizedonors Bill Haugland,PlandomeCountryClub, and Mill PondGolf Course. Manythanks to BrendaSiemer & Sharp Electronics Corporation fortheir donation of a 26”LCD HDTV.We gratefully a knowNSSA Dad andledge our Tee SponPutting Champ Kee Leesors: Barrasso andSons, Inc.; Bayside Building Materials, Brown &Brown of NY, Inc.; East Islip Lumber Co., Inc.; EssrocCement Corp.; Frank Bros. Fuel Corp.; Furey, Furey,Leverage, Manzione, Williams & Darlington, P.C.; GoldCoast Bank; Island Stone Crafters; Koehler Masonry;For their masterful play we congratulate the First PlaceFoursome of Greg Noone, Rob Giammanco, SteveBowden, and Tom Richards. The Putting Contest, thatwas introduced last year, once again drew much interestand many participants. Congratulations to the PuttingContest Winner and NSSA dad, Kee Lee, who parlayedhis winnings into several great raffle prizes.Lehigh Cement; Luxottica Group; Margolin, Winer &Evens, LLP; Michael J. Berger & Co., LLP; NationalGrid; Syosset Fire Dept. Emergency Co. 4; Syosset FireDept. Hook & Ladder Co. #1; Syosset Fire Dept.Syosset Fire Co. 1; The Dime Savings Bank ofWilliamsburgh; and The Euclid Chemical Company.We will post the date for the 13th Annual NSSA GolfClassic in our spring newsletter and on our website:www.nssainfo.org. Hope you will join us next year. The Winning FoursomeWe thank our sponsors for their support and aredelighted to acknowledge Breakfast Sponsors: GibbonsPools & Robbins & Cowan; Green Sponsor: UnitedAsset Strategies, Inc.; Dinner Sponsors: The JackFanning Memorial Foundation & Barrasso and Sons;Front 9 and Back 9 Sponsors: Pat & Mary BethMiranda; and Raffle Sponsors: Joe & Donna Longo.Hole-In-One prizes at four par-three holes weresponsored by Barrasso and Sons. Here’s hoping we havea winner next year! Our sincere appreciation goes toFall 2010NSSA NEWSJoe Longoaddresses the golferswww.nssainfo.orgNSSA Boardmember Joe KeenanVolume 6 No. 2Page 9
Summer in thFor several NSSA Consultation Services Students, the Summer Session opened opportunities to volunteer in vocational sMy First Day at CitifieldOn Thursday, August 12,2010, we went to Citifieldinstto see the Mets play agaourtedstarWes.ckiethe RontraileksvilHictheday attookstation. From there, weWee.the train to the Mets gamstimeehad to transfer thre.ieldCitifin order to get toWhen we went inside, wewehad a picnic first. Thenandtsseawent to ourwatched the Mets game.tentana pitched well and hadDuring the game, Johan SanMetstheforinez scored one runstrikeouts. Fernando Martand IdifielCitwas my first time atand the Mets won Thiss win. Sean Y.had fun watching the Metth BayA Day on the Great Soufrom 11amtripWe went on a fishingh. Ourfischcattoto 3pm to trywho len,GiltainCapwascaptainspotsntferediftook us to severalWeBay.thSouatGrewithin thebait. Weasnowminandidsqudusey bluecaught many fluke and man wekeflutheofAllbs.claw crakeep, socaught were too small tothe sea.inbackmthewe had to throwwe enjoyedWhen we weren’t fishing,ship. Thetheoftopthe weather onWhiledy.winandhotswae of us ateweathers rocking and moving. Somwatboatheing,waitewerate beforeuswek of the ship and some oflunch on the bottom decwe got on the ship .times, a few ofthemselves even though atEveryone seemed to enjoy.tripOverall it was a greatus felt a little sea sick.The WackyWeed WhackingThe NSSA staff tookus to the VanderbiltMuseum, home of theplanetarium. But wewere NOT there to seethe glorious sights inside.No, there was far toomuch work for us to doto give us any time forthat. Instead, we wereassigned to maintain theappearance around themuseum grounds Overthe course of five or six Tuesdaweeds that were growing outsidcontinued to get through it andfor everyone to enjoy. Max M.Our Volunteer Job at theCommunity Thrift StoreThe Community Thrift Shop was bu1964. It is located at 274 New Yorkin Huntington. The Shop has given omillion dollars to the Town of Huntherefore the town gave the CommuThrift Shop a proclamation for overforty years of excellence and servicthe community. They provide the anishelters with stuffed toys, blankettowels. They give emergency goods aclothing to families in need, Huntingand the Veteran’s Hospital. The Thrifservice program run by the AmericanWe volunteer two days a week to heWe sort and hang clothes mostly inin the children’s section.Lee, our boss, is very nice and helpfshows us what she would like usgets their item from donors. I’m glaaffordable to help people in need. APage 10Volume 6 No. 2www.nssainfo.orgNSSA NEWSFall 2010
he Communitysettings and to enjoy the best of Long Island. Here, in their own words, are a few excerpts from their Summer Newsletter.ays, our job was to pull thede It was hard work, but wed make the grounds beautifuluilt inAve.over 4ntington,unityrce toimalts, andandgton Hospital, homeless sheltersft Shop participates in a communityn Red Cross.The Whaling MuseumOn the morning of July12, Iwent to my volunteer jobat theWhaling Museum in ColdSpringHarbor. My friends and Ivolunteered for this job. Ginaand Nomi were our bosseswhoinstructed us on what wehadto do. We cleaned up toys andcut out projects for kids. Wealso served them drinksandsnacks. Some of the things thatwe were asked to do were cutout paper whales and sharks,paint white boats, cleanshelvesin the gift shop, and cutandpaint milk cartons to beused asboats. Matthew K.A Fun Day Out – Bowling andRalph'sOn Friday July 16, we wentbowling,ate at Ralph's and had pizzaat thebowling alley. I am a good bowlerand was able to knock down a lotof pins. I think bowling wasthebest part of my day becauseI hadfun bowling with all my friends andteacher.After the bowling alley, wewentto Ralph's for dessert. I ordered a Hawaiian Blue ice. Itwas very good,but it made my tongue turnblue.I think other kids would havea good time going on this tripbecausebowling is fun and the pizzawas very good. There were alot of thingsto do during the bowling trip. Sean Y.elp the Community Thrift Shop.n the men’s section and sometimesful. When we arrive she explains andto do. The Community Thrift Shopad that they’re making items moreAustin S.Fall 2010NSSA NEWSwww.nssainfo.orgVolume 6 No. 2Page 11
Congratulations GraduatesOn June 18th, in a ceremony celebrating hard work and accomplishment,six students from NSSA programs were graduated. Ari Almeleh, AlexLongo, and Brandon Mash completed their studies at the Martin C.Barell School and moved to NSSA’s Adult Services Program.Matthew Metz, Ari Lucks, and Austin Saleh, all participants in NSSA’sConsultation Services Program, have reached milestones of their own.Matthew now attends Harry B. Thompson Middle School. Ari enteredSyosset High School this September. Austin was awarded a RegentsDiploma from Jericho HS and will complete his studies at the MartinC. Barell School.Congratulations graduates! Only the best in the years to come. From Left: Ari Almeleh, Brandon Mash,Matthew Metz, Austin Saleh,Ari Lucks, and Alex LongoCasino Night is a WinnerOn the balmy evening of August 5th, NSSA held its 6thAnnual Casino Night. The popular event drew a happycrowd that enjoyed both the outdoor grill of summerfavorites, as well as an assortment of casino games. Heldannually at the beautiful Swan Club in GlenwoodLanding, this year’s Casino Night raised over 34,000for NSSA.Club staff fortheir wonderfulwork. We thankCasinosbyM&M for bringing the fun toour event.We are especially appreciative of theHaiduk Familyfor donating theLive AuctionPrize of a weekin St. Martin.Thanks to allour friends whoDonna D’Eri wins the Live Auctiondonated prizes.We are extremely grateful for the efforts of ourvolunteers, who give so much of themselves toensure the success of Casino Night. NSSA moms Anna Slowik and Donna LongoNSSA is very appreciative of our Sponsors, whosesupport means so much to the success of Casino Night.For their generosity we thank:Blackjack Sponsor: The Fremed Family; RouletteSponsors: Friends of Jerry Weldon, National Grid,and The Tullo Family; and Money Wheel Sponsors:Mr. & Mrs. Barshay, The Hein Family, and The Haiduk& Liggio Families.Many thanks go out to Michael Djani and the SwanPage 12Volume 6 No. 2www.nssainfo.orgNSSA Adult Services client Andy Williamsenjoys Casino Night with FriendsNSSA NEWSFall 2010
Summer CampSupervising Clinical Coordinator, Stacey Agostaorganized NSSA’s 4th Annual Summer Camp at the closeof the Martin C. Barell School’s spring semester.Thirty-six campers were selected through a lottery ofchildren with autism enrolled in or on waiting lists forvarious NSSA programs. Camp personnel were drawnlargely from NSSA’s highly skilled teaching staff andalso included several camp counselors who have beenwith the camp since its inception.The week was filled with fun summer activities thatgave the campers social opportunities and kept themhappily engaged throughout each day. Campers wentswimming, played on the playground, created beautifularts and craft projects, and enjoyed a sensory room thatVolunteer Maxwas specially set up for them.with AdiaCampers created beautiful arts and crafts projects thatincluded tie-dying shirts, assembling wooden projects,and painting. They also crafted one of a kind art worksby dipping marbles in paint then rolling them on paper.Numerous fieldtrips kept the campers engaged in thecommunity. Over the course of the week campers had agreat time venturing out to New York Party Zone, bowling,Chuck E. Cheese, and the Holtsville Ecology Center.As it has been each previous year, the NSSA SummerCamp was a wonderfully entertaining week for thecampers and a relaxing break for their parents. Amongthe glowing and anonymous comments left on parentevaluation forms were these:JasonRohit“My son loved the camp and whenhe’s happy, we are all happy,”“I dropped (my daughter) off with a big smileand picked her up with an even bigger smile,”Anna“Thank you for supporting ourfamily by running this camp!”“Summer Camp gave us the opportunity tospend summer time with (our son’s) typical siblingsand occupied (him) in the best way possible,”“If (our son) could give you a review,it would be FIVE STARS.”FrancisAs with all of NSSA’s programs, we will do our best tomake next year’s Summer Camp just as much fun. Fall 2010NSSA NEWSwww.nssainfo.orgWilliam and AndrewVolume 6 No. 2Page 13
Cheers for Bar Night!Thank you to all t
NSSA offers the most advanced treatment and training programs for the benefit of people . 34 New Street, A Tisket A Tasket, Abraxas, AMC Loews Theater - Shore 8, Applebee's-Doherty Enterprises, Inc, . Fantastic Kids Toys, Finnegan's, Five Star Car Wash & Detail Center, Gold Finger Nails, Golf and Body, Greentique, Guido's Italian Restaurant .
