Valentine's Day Greetings

Lucrezia  Belardo, pictured here, and other ARC of Rockland Seniors create hundreds of Valentine's cards to be distributed to men and women in veterans' hospitals throughout the state. ARC Seniors work on the cards year 'round. The Seniors deliver the cards to the Veterans Services Agency in New City prior to Valentine's Day. Veteran's Services sees to it that the cards reach the veterans. "Valentine's Day is a perfect time to connect with people who have served our country," says ARC Team Leader Sue Roth. "ARC Seniors enjoy being part of this meaningful project."

From left: NY State Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski,
NY State Senator David Carlucci, Evette Caminsky,
Jessica Smith, Rockland County Clerk Paul Piperato,
Sandra Hendrickson, Commissioner of Human Rights
S. Ram Nagubandi, Philomena Simons, Shaheem Melvin, Maxem Thebaud, Clarkstown Supervisor Alex Gromack and Clarkstown Councilman Frank Borelli.
Not present in photo is Honoree Gerard LaFleur.

ARC Bestows Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards

More than 100 people were on hand when Shaheem Melvin, Maxem Thebaud, Evette Caminsky, Jessica Smith, Gerard LaFleur, Philomena Simons and Sandra Hendrickson were honored during ARC of Rockland’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Ceremony, Wednesday, January 11. ARC Executive Director Karyl Caplan quoted Dr. King, "‘It really boils down to this. All life is interrelated. Whatever affects one destiny, affects all.’ This morning’s honorees are proof of this sentiment. In their daily lives, in their work, in their role as advocates for people with developmental disabilities, the honorees serve as examples."

To Your Health!

In line with ARC of Rockland’s new Wellness Program, only nutritious items are now available in cafeteria vending machines. Roasted corn, fresh salads, yogurt, fruit and baked sweet potato chips have replaced candy bars and cupcakes.  Staffers and people who receive services through ARC have given a rousing thumbs up to the emphasis on good eating habits. Pictured at left is Laura Dertinger.

Around the World

Students in the Prime Time Upper School are studying countries. Modes of transportation, unique customs, languages and foods are among the topics covered. Videos and interactive Smart Board lessons bring virtual travel to life. Hand-made passports record the various countries visited. Lessons include cooking classes during which students prepare and taste dishes representative of the country being studied. Pictured at left is Teaching Assistant Jennifer DiCrosta with student Chinedum Irobunda.

A New Day Has Begun...

Clowning Around

Macaroni the Clown is pictured here with Madeline Katz during the annual holiday party hosted by the Pearl River Lions Club. Residents of two ARC homes in Pearl River attended this year’s event which featured dinner, gifts and entertainment. The Lions have been hosting a holiday party for ARC residents for more than 20 years. 

Show Stoppers!

The Prime Time for Kids Upper School winter performance played to a packed house. With colored strobe lights blinking and a steady stream of musical accompaniment, students sang and danced to intricately choreographed numbers in three acts. The production featured Don’t Stop Believing, Firework and All You Need is Love. Wearing holiday colors and accompanied by Upper School staff members, the young entertainers had the audience enthralled. Following the production, parents, grandparents, friends and relatives were invited to join the students for a congratulatory reception.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

The Prime Time for Kids Winter Holiday Show brought rave reviews from proud parents, siblings, grandparents and friends. The young performers sang and danced their way to stardom with such favorites as Feliz Navidad, Jingle Bells and Frosty the Snowman. The production included choreographed numbers and colorful costuming. Dr. Janet Masotti, Assistant Director of ARC Children’s Services thanked the stars of the show, the educational staff and Prime Time music therapist Debbie Surace for their hard work. Donna Bogin, Director of ARC Children’s Services said, “It took teamwork to coordinate this show. We are grateful
to everyone who helped our students spread holiday cheer!”

Bikers with Big Hearts

Santa and his elves, all members of the Wingmen Motorcycle Club, made their annual appearance at ARC’s Prime Time for Kids on Friday, December 16. Preschoolers shouted with glee as the entourage rolled into sight. Following his arrival, Santa distributed gifts to every preschool child. “The children love this event,” said ARC Assistant Director of Children’s Services, Dr. Janet Masotti. “As soon as they hear the roar of the bikes, they know Santa is on his way! The Wingmen help to make this season an especially happy one for all of the children in our preschool. We are grateful to Santa and his elves for making sure to stop by on their holiday rounds.”

Happy Holidays

Seems Like Only Yesterday...

Debbie Zallo-Pragdat began her career as a teacher with Prime Time for Kids 35 years ago. During a December 15 Employee Recognition Ceremony, Ms. Zallo-Pragdat received a standing ovation from her colleagues as ARC Executive Director Karyl Caplan thanked Ms. Zallo-Pragdat (pictured top left) for the professional excellence she continues to bring to Prime Time. Other Prime Time staff members received awards for 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years of service. Ms. Caplan congratulated the entire Prime Time staff for a wonderful year.

Project Joy

People who receive services through ARC of Rockand, staffers, families and friends donated gifts for People to People's Project Joy. Spearheaded by ARC Day Habilitation, the toy and gift drive enabled ARC to fulfill the anonymous requests for children from two needy Rockland families. Items included coats and jackets, dresses, hats, gloves, socks, pajamas, underwear, educational toys and Legos. "At this time of year, we find it especially meaningful to give back to the community," said Melissa Chavarria, Team Leader. "This is the 15th year that we have participated in Project Joy. We distributed the 'wish list' several weeks ago and within days, we began receiving the items. We used all  monetary donations to purchase whatever had not already been donated. It is a great feeling to know that by working with People to People, we're helping to brighten the holidays for children who might not otherwise have received gifts. Project Joy is not just a joy for the recipients of the gifts, it's a joy for those of us who give the gifts."

Jessica Pizzutello and Alison Lenci

Judy Hetzel

Above and Beyond

Alison Lenci received ARC of Rockland’s first annual Above & Beyond Award for having saved the life of a person on October 27, 2011. During a December 13, Employee Recognition Ceremony, ARC Executive Director Karyl Caplan thanked ARC staff for all that they do every day for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. “But once in a while, somebody does something extraordinary to help someone,” she said. Such was the situation when ARC Assistant Director of Day Habilitation Alison Lenci successfully performed the Heimlich Maneuver on a choking victim. In presenting the award Senior Director of Day Habilitation Jessica Pizzutello said, “Alison set an example for all of us.” As she had been trained to do during such an emergency, “Alison acted as if it were impossible to fail.” Congratulations and many thanks to Alison Lenci. 

Also honored during the Employee Recognition Ceremony were staff members who have achieved milestones in their service to ARC. Employees who have been with ARC of Rockland for 5, 10, 15 and 20 years were presented with certificates and awards. A special award went to Judy Hetzel, Seniors Division Assistant, for 30 years with ARC of Rockland. 

Employee Recognition

Staff members from ARC Residential Services were honored during a breakfast at Terrace on the Hudson in Haverstraw on Wednesday, December 7. “How fortunate ARC of Rockland is to have you as our staff,” said ARC Executive Director Karyl Caplan. “This has been an especially tough year—first with Hurricane Irene and then with the disastrous October snowstorm during which so many of our houses lost power. During such difficult times, you were there—you made sure that everyone got through each crisis with ease. Thank you for all that you do every day.” 

Staffers who have been with ARC for 5, 10, 15 and 20 years received special longevity recognition and awards.

Sibs Celebrate!

Members of ARC's Sibling Support Club enjoyed a holiday party replete with ice cream sundaes and a grab bag of gifts. The December 6 event took place at ARC's Prime Time for Kids Learning Center in New City. The Sibling Support Club is geared toward brothers and sisters of children with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. The group meets regularly to share games, crafts, outings, snacks and conversation. Under professional guidance, children ages 5-12 have a terrific time with peers who share their life's experiences. Discussions provide the opportunity for children to discuss some of the challenges and joys they face as siblings of youngsters with disabilities. To learn more, please call 845.267.2500 ext. 3051. 

From left: Kevin Hanlon, Courtney Littleford (Recreation Instructor), Bob Baird (Rockland Journal News) and Michael Hanlon

Home Run!

ARC of Rockland's Mary Bahr was honored as the oldest player in Rockland's Touching Bases softball league during the November 19 luncheon at North Rockland High School. ARC staffer, Courtney Littleford was named Coach of the Year and presented with the Coach Kathy Hanlon Memorial Award in memory of Ms. Hanlon who passed away in 2009. Forty-six players from ARC received trophies at the celebratory event. Founded in  2002, the League is geared towards adults with disabilities. Volunteers attend games and help players 'round the bases if requested, pitch to hitters or serve as enthusiastic cheerleaders. Teams are comprised of players representing Rockland agencies that help people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. Executive Director of Touching Bases is Bob Baird, noted columnist for The Journal News.

Caring Community

Stars in Their Eyes

More than 300 people attended the 24th annual Stardust Ball, Friday, November 18 at The Crowne Plaza in Suffern, New York. The evening featured a delicious dinner and dancing to the music of DJ All Stars. “This event is one of the highlights of the year,” says Ervin T. Williams, ARC Coordinator of Adult Recreation. “Everyone loves getting dressed to the nines and dining out in style. As always, the music was great and the dance floor was filled. The Stardust Ball was elegant and fun—a perfect combination.”

Say It With Chocolate

Aspiring chocolatiers enrolled in ARC Careers are pictured at left creating and packaging chocolate pops. The sweet treats will be distributed to all ARC staffers during upcoming Employee Recognition events. Prepared in ARC of Rockland's state-of-the-art kitchen at ARC headquarters in Congers and packaged at ARC Careers in Pearl River, the pops are a delicious way of saying thank you to ARC's dedicated and caring staff. To learn more about ARC Careers or to order pops for special occasions, please call Amy Hurwitz at 845.735.2702.

The Gift of Giving

Students in ARC’s School-Age Division prepared Thanksgiving bags for Prime Time families in need of a little extra food at holiday time. The students collected nonperishable items and Prime Time staff members and parents contributed turkeys. Prime Time Children's Family Services Coordinator Anna Culianos, LMSW, donated colorful gift bags. “Thanksgiving is the ideal time to teach the importance of caring and sharing,” says ARC Director of Children’s Services Donna Bogin. “Giving back to the community is a valuable lesson to learn at any age.”

Top Honors for Artwork

Chryse Tibbits was the First Place winner in the Holidays Category of Westchester Arc’s Fall Art Show. The show, entitled Renewable Treasures featured works created from recycled or found materials. The award-winning artwork is on display at Arc of Westchester’s gallery265 through February. Ms. Tibbits’ piece, entitled Heart is made from aluminum foil, nuts, shells and paper.

The Water’s Fine!