ANNUAL REPOR T · James F. Carriero Robert P. Mascali EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Mike Collins, CHAIR Vince Crisafulli Mary Fiorillo-Lentini Rich Frankel Anthony Paganucci Tamara Cookingham

A N N U A LR E P O R T 2 0 1 5

2 | NABA | Annual Report 2015

301 Washington Ave. Albany, NY 12206

www.naba-vision.org 518-463-1211

OFFICERS

Michael P. Collins CHAIR

Richard A. Frankel VICE CHAIR

Vincent Crisafulli TREASURER

Mary Fiorillo-Lentini SECRETARY

DIRECTORS

Takla Awad Patrick Barrington Tamara Cookingham Kathleen Finnigan Gerald S. Gordon Phyllis Hathaway Christopher Horan Florence R. Luborsky Anthony Paganucci Robin M. Pellegrino Steven A. Smith, Jr. Dr. Mark Steiner Edward J. Wladis, MD

EX OFFICIO – FOUNDATION BOARD CHAIR

Stephen S. King

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR

Mark J. McCarthy

2015 NABA Board Of Directors

NABA | Annual Report 2015 | 3

NABA Board of Directors 2015

2015 Board Photo Standing Left to Right:

Gerald S. Gordon, Richard A. Frankel, Stephen S. King,

Chairman of NABA Foundation, Michael P. Collins, Chairman

of NABA Board of Directors, Takla Awad, Mark J. McCarthy,

Vincent Crisafulli, and Mark W. Steiner PhD.

Sitting Left to Right:

Tamara Cookingham, David P. Quinn, Mary Fiorillo-Lentini,

Kathleen Finnigan, Anthony Paganucci and Phyllis Hathaway

Not in Photo:

Patrick Barrington Florence R. Luborsky, Robin M. Pellegrino

and Edward J. Wladis, MD


2015 Foundation Board of Directors Officers

OFFICERS

Stephen S. King CHAIR

DIRECTORS

Leon Aronowitz, II James F. Carriero Robert P. Mascali

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Mike Collins, CHAIR Vince Crisafulli Mary Fiorillo-Lentini Rich Frankel Anthony Paganucci Tamara Cookingham

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Vince Crisafulli, CHAIR Takla Awad Mary Fiorillo-Lentini Robin Pellegrino Mike Collins – (Ex-officio) Board Administration

Ex Officio – NABA Board Chair

Michael P. Collins

Immediate Past Chair

Frank J. Crisafulli

NABA 2015 Board of Director Committees

COMMITTEE

Rich Frankel, CHAIR Jerry Gordon Robin Pellegrino Mark Steiner Mike Collins – (Ex-officio)

DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Anthony Paganucci, Co-chair Tamara Cookingham, Co-chair Kate Finnigan Mary Fiorillo-Lentini Phyllis Hathaway Ted Wladis Mike Collins – (Ex-officio)

AUDIT COMMITTEE

Mary Fiorillo-Lentini Robin Pellegrino Mike Collins – (Ex-officio)


2015 Foundation Board of Directors Officers

Space for more photos


March 2016

Dear Friends,

Independence and opportunity are the two words that best describe what we try to achieve for our clients and employees at NABA. During 2015, we grew as an organization guided by the goals of creating independence and creating opportunity. Our manufacturing department saw a growth in sales from the previous year which translated into new jobs and steady employment. We cut a ribbon on the new Gibney Family Youth Center, which incorporates learning and activity space along with a large open teaching kitchen. NABA received children’s programming funds from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, Inc. In addition, NABA opened the brand new First Niagara Call Center designed to both be a training center and a place of employment. Both of these new facilities give us additional capacity to teach children and adults what they need to become more independent and self-sufficient. Our

Message from the Executive Director


job placement numbers are increasing through partnerships with local businesses. We are providing work experience opportunities throughout the Capital Region and the Hudson Valley for teens and adults.

We are very proud of what we have accomplished and strive to build on our achievements. We are always seeking new opportunities and asking “What else can we do to improve people’s lives?” NABA is a group of dedicated professionals who are deeply committed to our mission. The strength that we get from our community, staff and consumers moves us to bigger and better things. Each year brings opportunities for us to do more. Our goal is to inform people who don’t know about our services and bring them into the NABA family.

Our focus on this simple mission to create independence and opportunities, coupled with your continued support and belief in what we do, will allow NABA to achieve great things in the years to come.

Sincerely,

Christopher Burke Signature

Christopher T. Buke NABA Executive Director


Manufacturing and Rehabilitation Services $6,914,808

Grants / Development / Foundation Income $881,810

Other / Interest Income / Rental Income $110,095

Total Revenues $7,906,713

AmountRevenue

AmountExpenses

Programs & Services $6,990,696

Support Services $916,017

Other Expenses $0

Total Expenses $7,906,713

84.6 %

13.6 %1.8 %

Statement of Financial Activities 12/31/2015

As of 2/26/15

88.99 %

11.1 %


Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany (NABA) Named one of the Times Union Top Workplace in the Capital Region for 2015

George R. Hearst III, Publisher and CEO of the Times Union announced that the Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany, Inc. (NABA) was once the Times Union Top Workplace in the Capital Region for 2015. This was based on a comprehensive analysis conducted by Workplace Dynamics. NABA is one of the area’s top employers.

The companies included in the Times Union Top Workplaces list were selected from a survey of employees measuring qualities such as company leadership, career opportunities, workplace flexibility, compensation and benefits.


The Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany, community leaders, and executives at First Niagara cut the ribbon on a new call center that will assist clients build their resume skills, confidence and improve their ability to find employment. Funding to build the facility was provided by First Niagara.

“First Niagara’s generous support has tremendously helped our initiative to employ people who are blind,” said Christopher T. Burke, Executive Director, the Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany. “NABA has built a call center training program for people who are blind, giving them the skills necessary to obtain call center jobs in the community. This is a great opportunity for NABA and the entire community of people we serve.”

Approximately 70% of working-age Americans who are blind or visually impaired find themselves unemployed. This new facility will help change that statistic with assistive technology and computer skill evaluation, job development, job placement and computer training.

NABA Opens New and Innovative First Niagara Call Center that will Provide Jobs for the Blind and Visually Impaired


First Niagara provided a grant of $15,000 to make the dream of the center a reality. “First Niagara is committed to supporting initiatives that provide great opportunities for the visually impaired and blind to achieve their full potential,” said Kelli Arnold, Eastern New York Market Executive, First Niagara.

NABA plans on training 30 people per year with an outcome measure of successful completion of a two week internship and placement into employment. The mission of the Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany, Inc. is to assist individuals who are blind or visually impaired achieve independence and growth.

NABA Dedication of the Gibney Family Youth Center, Training Kitchen and NABA Blind Artist Gallery

The Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany, Inc. (NABA) had its dedication ceremony for The Gibney Family Youth Center on Thursday, October 8th, 2015. Over 75 people helped celebrate this event and participate in hands on activities in the new training kitchen and enjoyed a preview of the Blind Artists Society’s exhibit.

Through the generosity of our supporters, the Youth Center has been able to provide year-round, on-going and consistent rehabilitation, integrated activities, educational and recreational programming for visually impaired youth ages 8-17. The focus of our Youth Programming is to enhance each child’s opportunity to become independent adults or maintain their independence or regain their independence.

NABA is very grateful for all of the resources given to make the Youth Center a reality. We would like to recognize the following supporters of our Youth Programming. (Continued on next page)


• The Gibney Family Foundation

• Lavelle Fund for the Blind, Inc.

• Ronald McDonald House Charities

• The Hannaford Charitable Foundation

• Marcella’s

• Comfortex

• Skidmore College’s Theatre Department

• Sano-Rubin Construction Services, LLC

• New York State Commission for the Blind

• Wright Family Foundation

With the leadership and backing of our Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and donors, we continue to pilot innovative ways to provide services and support visually impaired youth and their families.


The Mission Statement of The Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany (NABA) is to help individuals of all ages adapt to their vision loss, maximize their remaining vision, achieve their goals, and to be more productive and independent.

Established in 1908, NABA provides services throughout the greater Capital Region to residents of: Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Eastern Montgomery, Northern Dutchess, Rensselaer, Southern Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster, and portions of Warren and Washington counties.

In 2015, NABA served people ranging from 18 months old to over 100 years old. The NABA staff travelled over 68,000 miles in 2015 to provide programs and services to the blind and visually impaired. NABA has a total of 84 employees, 25 of which are blind. NABA partners and collaborates with over 2,000 area businesses, not for profits and government agencies.

INDEPENDENCE • EMPOWERMENT

NABA recognizes the unique needs of those with remaining vision. When vision cannot be corrected with regular glasses to 20/70 or better, the condition is known as low vision. Simple tasks such as reading, writing, shopping, cooking, and watching TV become difficult for an individual. NABA’s certified Low Vision Specialist, Monica Casey-Gee, OD evaluates the person’s functional vision and his/her ability to use available equipment for maximizing use of remaining vision.

Harry M. Judge Vision Rehabilitation Center


What are the causes of low vision?

Low vision can be attributed to a variety of causes such as: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, diabetes, glaucoma, eye injuries, and or birth defects.

How will you know if you have low vision? Do you have difficulty doing any of the following?

• Recognizing faces

• Selecting and matching the color of your clothes

• Seeing clearly with the lights on or feeling like they are dimmer than normal

• Reading newspaper or regular print

How is a low vision exam different from other eye exams?

The exam evaluates how well you see visual cues (faces, street signs, labels, newspaper print, etc.) that you use in your daily activities. The low vision specialist does not dilate eyes so a patient is able to try a variety of magnifiers, reading glasses and other devices while in the office.

What happens after the exam?

The doctor may prescribe various optical devices to enhance the images you see, including high-powered spectacles and magnifiers. NABA staff is available to instruct in proper use of the optical and non-optical aids as it often takes time to adjust to using them. Further recommendations by our professional staff may include:

• Proper lighting or illumination changes

• Sunglasses and filters to reduce glare and photosensitivity

• Closed-circuit television that provides enlargement up to 75 times

• Text-to-speech technology

• Referrals to state-funded programs at NABA


• Senior Exams Alps: 72 consumers

• Vocational Rehabilitation (Adults in CBVH Programs): 36 consumers

• Private Pay: 92 consumers

• Department of Corrections: 8 consumers

• Diamond/Bradbury Fund: 5 consumers

• Independent Living/CBVH: 3 consumers

• Employees at NABA: 11 consumers

• Other: Children in NYSCB Programs: 8 consumers

Low Vision Exams


The Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany (NABA) is offering a series of education programs entitled “Understanding and Living with Low Vision” and “Aging Successfully with Low Vision – What YOU can do!” NABA presented to 3,200 individuals in 2015.

Designed for seniors, healthcare providers and family caregivers, these programs are designed

to educate about the four leading causes of vision loss in older adults, early warning signs, living with and adjusting to vision loss, caring for persons with vision loss, vision rehabilitation services, available resources, and low vision aids such as magnifiers, adaptive devices and “talking” aids. Custom programs can be designed for children, students or teachers on related topics such as blindness or Sighted Guide instruction. These programs are offered free of charge to groups, clubs, businesses and organizations.

NABA offers low vision examinations and vision rehabilitations services that can help individuals live more safely and independently, even if they have a visual impairment that is not correctable with standard glasses, contact lenses, medicine or surgery. Services include teaching adaptive skills for everyday living such as: reading, cooking, and telling time, home management, financial management, personal care and mobility. Vision rehabilitation cannot restore vision to the normal range, but it can help people make the most of remaining vision; helping them live active and independent lives.

For more information about NABA’s Low Vision Education Programs, contact Cheryl Lawyer, Outreach Coordinator, at 463-1211 x 234 or at [email protected]

Low Vision Education Programs


The seventh annual Low Vision Technology Fair was held on October 15, 2015 at St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church. With almost two hundred attendees, the event was designed for people with vision impairment as well as family members, caregivers, educators and healthcare professionals, and as always, free to the public.

October 15th is also recognized nationally as “White Cane Safety Day”. Members of the Albany City Police Department presented, on behalf of Albany Mayor Sheehan, a city-wide proclamation recognizing “White Cane Safety Day” in Albany. Members of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) participated in the recognition, collaborating on pedestrian safety for all citizens and were available to help raise awareness and answer questions. “It’s so important to raise awareness about pedestrian safety throughout the country. Visually impaired as well as sighted citizens need to work together to insure everyone’s safety - especially for white cane and guide dog travelers. “We are so fortunate to have the support of the Albany City Police Department with this initiative,” said Nancy Murray, long-time ACB member and guide dog traveler.

Annual Low Vision Technology Fair Showcases Products And Services To Help The Visually Impaired


Low vision technology companies G. Robert Oyer LLC, C-Tech Low Vision Solutions, Vis-Ability, Humanware, Brailler Depot, Freedom Scientific, Enhanced Vision and AiSquared, along with NABA’s Technology staff, were on hand to demonstrate the latest in hardware, software and devices that help with independent living. “This is the most organized and well-attended event that we attend. We are so glad to be available to help so many people and help support NABA”, said long time exhibitor, Bob Oyer whose company distributes many low vision and blindness products.

The purpose of a Low Vision Technology Fair is to showcase the latest in technologies designed to assist the visually impaired with reading and daily activities. Low vision technology and other companies showcased state-of-the-art products that help with reading and everyday tasks. Other related organizations were there to provide service information including the Buenaus Opticians, Ryan Vision Rehab, American Council for the Blind, NYS Talking Book & Braille Library, WMHT RISE Radio, the NYS Commission for the Blind, Albany-Troy Lions, ShopRite Wellness, Stratton V.A. Medical Center, Independent Living Services and HEAD Nepal.


Two local ophthalmologists were guest speakers presenting the latest in eye health research and treatment, particularly for the “aging eye”. Dr. Nicole Lemanski, practicing with Mabel M. P. Cheng MDPLLC, Latham NY, focused on many conditions, particularly dry eye and cataracts. Dr. Fatima Ahmed of Retina Consultants, Slingerlands, NY spoke in the afternoon focusing primarily on diseases of the retina, particularly age-related macular degeneration.

NABA is already planning a October 12, 2016 Low Vision Technology Fair at St. Sophia’s. Readers can stay up to date by visiting on Facebook. For more information about NABA’s Low Vision Technology Fair, contact Cheryl Lawyer at (518) 463-1211, [email protected] or www.naba-vision.org.

Braille Conversion Services

Many people who are blind have learned to read Braille. NABA can produce large and small Braille projects with a short turn-around time. This service can be used by businesses and educational institutions that wish to make their products and services more user friendly to blind persons in their community.



NABA’s Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (VRT’s) provide in-home, one-on-one instruction which allows their legally blind consumers to manage daily tasks and remain independent. These consumers learn new techniques for ordinary activities ranging from cooking to reading, from telling time to sewing, from using calculators to using washing machines.

Vision Rehabilitation Therapy can involve a wide array of adaptive equipment and teaching methods to ensure that NABA consumers are able to continue living independently at home, obtain or maintain employment, and participate in community life. VRT’s teach usage in prescribed low vision aids in all training areas, which include, but are not limited to:

• Communications activities, such as writing, telephone usage, and using electronic appliances

• Personal management, such as shaving, applying makeup, and managing medications

• Meal management, such as pouring beverages, chopping foods, and using the oven

• Home management, such as vacuuming, doing laundry, and setting a thermostat

• Financial management, such as writing checks, maintaining an accurate register, and identifying money

Vision Rehabilitation Therapy – Independence and Self-Sufficiency


Orientation & Mobility - Safe Travel

Being able to travel independently and safely is a critical part of dealing with vision loss. This entails the individual knowing where they are and how to get where they need to go. NABA Orientation and Mobility Specialists provide instruction in safe travel skills and ways to establish and maintain orientation. O&M services allow the individual to gain better spatial awareness and travel independence. Lessons are individualized, taught inside and outdoors, and may incorporate the use of a sighted guide, cane skills, public transportation, and existing vision as aided by low vision equipment.

Social Work - Adjusting to Vision Loss

Adjusting to and coping with vision loss can be very difficult emotionally. NABA assists individuals adjust to their vision loss, helping them to develop coping, problem-solving and decision-making skills while reducing stress and anxiety. This encourages the individual’s personal growth and complements the vision rehabilitation program.


Vision Rehabilitation Therapy Number of People Served in 2015 and Number of Hours: (29 consumers and 258 hours of services)

Orientation and Mobility Number of People Served in 2015 and Number of Hours: (31 consumers and 218 hours of services)

Social Case Work Number of People Served in 2015 and Number of Hours: (30 consumers and 336 hours of services)

To address the growing need for computer technology skills, NABA assesses the needs of the individual, and recommends a computer system and software that will allow him or her to continue to utilize technology for work or school. Training is provided on how to use the adaptive software and hardware. NABA specialists are available to consult with schools, businesses and other enterprises that may have employees or students needing assistive technology services.

Assistive Technology Instruction

Vision Rehabilitation Therapy Number of People Served in 2015 and Number of Hours: (249 consumers and 685 hours of services)

Orientation and Mobility Number of People Served in 2015 and Number of Hours: (76 consumers and 255 hours of services)

Social Case Work Number of People Served in 2015 and Number of Hours: (33 consumers and 156 hours of services)

Senior Rehabilitation Services (Over 55)

Vocation Rehababilitation Services (21 years old – 55 years old)


Number of People Served in 2015 and Number of Hours: (66 consumers and 483 hours of services)

Adaptive Technology Instruction (18 years old and older)

NABA’s Technology Department conducts a monthly technology training every first Tuesday of the month from 1-3 pm at NABA 301 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY. Trainings are free of charge to the blind and visually impaired.

The purpose of the training is to assist people with vision impairment to better

access their technology devices such as Windows laptops, iPads, and iPhones. NABA’s technology staff is highly-trained and experienced to address issues related to vision impairment when using these devices.

NABA’s technology staff is currently working with students to help learn the basics of device navigation, while maximizing access to technology on their devices, as well as discovering additional accessibility options. Trainings started in May and have been very well received.

NEW TRAINERS WELCOME! NABA welcomes volunteer technology trainers. The more trainers there are the more people that can be helped. If you don’t have the skills to be a trainer, NABA technology staff can work with you to help you get there.

For more information on how to become a trainer or to register for training, contact Fritz Stafford at (518)512-2714, or via email at [email protected]. Participants must bring their own technology devices as no equipment will be provided.

NABA Offers Free Technology Trainings For the Visually Impaired-Volunteer Trainers Welcome


Let me introduce myself; my name is Gloria Hill. Born in Arkansas, I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Arkansas and moved to Albany, where I worked and completed a Masters from SUNY Albany in special education. I was the first kindergarten teacher at the CloverPatch School for children. Later, I held

several positions with the agency now known as, OPWDD or the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities and the NYS Department of Mental Health. I am also a mother and I am responsible for assisting in the care and the well-being of my four grandchildren.

What makes my life different from many was that I was born with cataracts. Surgeries at the age of 7 and then at the age of 20 to remove these were the first of the 22 surgeries I have had to improve and retain my vision. Other surgeries were for retinal detachments in both eyes and three corneal transplants for glaucoma. I am the second person in our region to have artificial cornea transplants in both eyes. I never let my eye problems stop me until 2013, when I noticed my eye sight drastically changed and I was declared legally blind.

I wanted to know what my options were, so I contacted the Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany (NABA). Through the assistance I received from the rehabilitation and mobility specialists at the Dr. Harry M. Judge Vision Rehabilitation Center at NABA; I was once again independent. Over several months, I learned to clean my house, cook for my family, do my laundry, manage my finances, get out to movies and special events, go to church, etc. A Vision Rehabilitation Therapist from NABA came to my home and marked my appliances so I could set them myself and taught me safe ways to prepare meals.

THANK YOU NABA


She made sure I had the correct magnifying devices which helped me make the most of my remaining eyesight. I received a used closed circuit television (CCTV) from NABA, which I call my reading machine. It allowed me to read my books, newspapers, pay bills, etc.

In 2014, my eyes began to change again. When I woke up it seemed like someone was puffing clouds into my eyes a little more each day. Then, there were so many clouds; I was completely blind. I contacted NABA again and their staff was there for me again. I learned to adapt to my new world. They assisted me in transitioning from a world of low vision to no vision; switching from large print to recordings for food labels, financial records, addresses and phone numbers, among other things. The Mobility Instructor worked with me again so I could travel outdoors even though I had no vision.

Yes, my life has changed, but I still care for my family, and enjoy going out with my friends. Through the assistance of the wonderful NABA staff, I am independent. They have opened the gate for me to be creative in my thinking and I allowed me to do what I set out to accomplish. Yes, it is hard to give up driving and having to wait for transportation, but I am independent and feel confident.

For anyone out there that may have a vision problem, or if you know of someone with a vision problem, please contact the Dr. Harry M. Judge Vision Rehabilitation Center at NABA. It can change lives.

In addition to vision rehabilitation therapy (VRT), orientation and mobility (O&M) training, social work and low vision, NABA provides a variety of programs for consumers to prepare them for the field of work. Depending upon factors such as age, skills and prior employment, consumers may participate in some or all of NABA’s vocational services which includes pre-vocational training, work experience trainings, work readiness groups, job seeker workshops and employment services.

NABA rehabilitation staff strives to prepare consumers to be successful employees at their desired vocation, working to develop skills, foster growth of confidence and gain independence in obtaining employment.

Vocational Services: An Overview


Two programs are available for teens, ages 14-18; the first, a pre-requisite to participating in summer employment and the second, SKILLS.

In the program prior to summer employment, students attend NABA for two days where they have the opportunity to try out various entry-level tasks to help NABA Employment Specialists assess work readiness abilities, strengths and interests. This information will assist in finding the most suitable position for participants in the Work Experience Training program. Professional topics are explored such as appropriate work attire, workplace behaviors, resume writing, where to look for jobs, how to fill out an employment application, and interview guidelines.

Pre-Vocational Training

SKILLS (Success is Knowledge, Independence and Life-Long Learning for Students) served 5 teens in 2015. The SKILLS Program focuses on vocational and educational awareness activities combined with recreational activities. In 2015, the group participated in a college tour and visited a retail convenience store meeting with the visually impaired manager. Other mentors included an author and a yoga instructor. Each student completed an interest inventory which directed towards career choices she/he may be interested in. Mock interviews were held and discussions and activities revolving around appropriate workplace attire and behavior were incorporated as well. Some recreational activities the students participated in were goalball, swimming at the Ciccotti Center, and indoor rock climbing.

The SKILLS Program


NABA’s Work Experience Training program allows individuals an opportunity to obtain paid work experience in a real work setting with the support of a job coach if needed. The program is most active in the summer, with the majority of WET participants being high school and college students who are looking to gain experience in the work force. Additionally, adults who have little work experience, have been out of the work force for some time, or who are exploring new career options as a result of vision loss are also eligible to complete WETs. While learning new skills, consumer employees have an opportunity to explore different employment fields and environments prior to making long term career decisions.

Employers who partner with NABA to make the Work Experience Training program successful do so at no cost to their businesses. The participant and Job Coach are NABA employees with all related paperwork, liability and workers compensation being NABA’s responsibility. The Employment Specialist maintains ongoing communication between the participant, employer and Job Coach to ensure a meaningful and productive experience for all parties.

Any issues, concerns, or suggestions are used as learning and growing opportunities and are addressed promptly.

Whether an individual is new to the work force or returning to the work force, the Work Experience Training program allows participants to build their resume while gaining valuable experience and job skills. Participating employers in the WET program often express how much they learned and benefited from having a NABA supported WET candidate. Many employers ask to participate repeatedly and, in some cases, employers have hired WET candidates permanently.

NABA can only provide the quality and professional Employment Services that are helping people with vision loss with the support of leaders in the business community. Below are the employers who have partnered with us in 2015 to ensure that NABA employment candidates have opportunities to show and grow their capabilities as productive employees:

Work Experience Training (WET) Program


• The Bakeria

• CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services

• Courtyard by Marriott, Kingston

• Dutchess Community College, Office of Disability Services

• The FASNY Firemen’s Home

• FYE-Colonie Center, Queensbury

• Golub Corporation

• Goodwill, Clifton Park

• Carolyn E. Hansen, Esq. Attorney at Law and Mediator

• Holiday Inn, Saratoga Springs

• LL Bean, Albany

• Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum

• Moreau Community Center

• Overlook Golf & Recreation Center

• Parsons Child and Family Center

• Price Chopper: Watervliet, Lansingburgh

• Refugee & Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus (RISSE)

• Safe Haven Farm Sanctuary

• Salvation Army

• Sarah Hull Hallock Free Library

• Somers Manor Rehabilitation & Nursing Center

• TJ Maxx, Latham

• Tails Wag Inn

• Sand Lake Town Library

• Siena College Radio: 88.3- The Saint

• United States Committee for Refugees and Immigrants

• Warrensburg Central School District

• YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County


“I think it’s a wonderful experience for students and for us. I love to work with you and with your group. I’m very happy with the whole process and I think it’s just a win-win and I’m really pleased to be able to offer that to students. For me, it’s a joy to have students getting work opportunities.”

-Linda Bertolozzi, Dutchess Community College

“The employee that we had was wonderful so it was really a great experience. He was really an asset to our team, so I would definitely consider doing it again in the future. It was nice to be part of the program as well from my point of view.”

-Rachel Karp, The Adirondack Mountain Club

“We loved that he was a great volunteer and we were really happy with him. He was a great kid with a great sense of humor. He was a tremendous help and it was a great experience.”

- Richard Schaeffer, Somers Manor Rehabilitation and Nursing Center

Past Employer Quotes

Work Readiness Program

This program focuses on individuals learning the skills needed to attain and support employment in a group setting. Topics include communication, stress management, balancing work and personal life, disability disclosure workplace ethics, goal setting and others. The six-day program is held at NABA and is presented by NABA Employment Specialists with guest speakers including Orientation & Mobility Specialists, Vision Rehabilitation Therapists, Social Workers, and local business leaders.


NABA’s skilled and experienced candidates who are ready to obtain permanent employment receive assistance through NABA’s Placement Services. Candidates in the Placement program are assessed and assisted with job seeking activities and job development, as needed. Once hired, NABA provides support to the employer and employee for the first three months of employment to ensure the transition into the new position is smooth and successful. Partnering with NABA’s Placement program allows employers an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to maintaining a diverse workforce while hiring pre-screened and qualified individuals.

Bi-weekly workshops are held at NABA in conjunction with the New York State Commission for the Blind to offer assistance to individuals seeking employment. The workshops cover skills to increase employability such as, resume writing, cover letters, interviews, and soft skills. Attendees have the opportunity to share job leads and support, as well as participate in discussion about their current job search and its successes and struggles. Consumers receive hands-on assistance from NYSCB Counselors and NABA Employment Specialists to aid in participation at the workshop.

Job Seeker Workshop

Job Placement Services


This all-encompassing program begins with a placement assessment to determine if the candidate has the skills and abilities to engage in job seeking activities and, ultimately, independently maintain employment. During the assessment the candidates’ interests, skills, and preferences are explored and a mock-interview is conducted. Any concerns or additional training needs are addressed prior to entering the job seeking/job development phase.

Placement candidates are assisted with creating a resume, cover and thank you letters, completing applications, improving interview skills, and finding job leads.

Employers who hire a NABA Placement candidate have access to NABA’s qualified professionals who can assist with installing and updating assistive technology, ensuring that communication devices work effectively, and addressing any concerns which may arise.

Work Experience Training - Number of People Served in 2015 and Number of Hours: (12 consumers and 157 hours of services)

Employment Services - Number of People Served in 2015 and Number of Hours: (30 consumers and 240 hour of services)

Work Readiness - Number of People Served in 2015 and Number of Hours: (6 consumers and 140 hours of services)

SKILLS Program – Number of People Served in 2015 and Number of Hours: (5 consumers and 132 hours of services)

Diagnostic Vocational Evaluations - Number of People Served in 2015 and Number of Hours: (10 consumers and 139 hours of services)

Work Experience and Placement (Under 21 years old) – Number of People Served in 2015 and Number of Hours: (22 consumers and 362 hours of services)

Teen Pre Vocational Program (Under21 Years old) – Number of People Served in 2015 and Number of Hours: (9 consumers and 108 hours of services)

Number of job coaches hired: 22 coaches and 1743 hours of services)


The NABA Youth Program provides free recreational and rehabilitation programs to visually impaired and blind youth ages 8-18 in a 12 county service area in the Capital Region. These programs run one Saturday per month, over school breaks and for two weeks in the summer. The program exposes children and teens to activities such as roller-skating, swimming, horseback riding, indoor rock climbing and hiking, as well as rehabilitation activities which teach daily living skills and orientation and mobility techniques for increased independence. There is also an emphasis on growing social skills and forming friendships throughout the program.

The build out of a new teaching kitchen was completed in July 2015 thanks to the generous donation of The Gibney Family Foundation. This provides a large, well equipped space for teaching groups of children cooking skills and lessons on nutrition.

Youth and Teen Programs (Under 21 years old)


Year-Round programming was made possible by a generous grant from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind. Now in the third year of the grant, NABA Youth Programs continue to grow. Collaborations have been made with community organizations such as Capital Roots and The Arts Center of the Capital Region, to promote educational and integrated activities.

Family events have been added to give parents an opportunity to meet and for NABA youth to have additional opportunities to socialize with each other outside of the monthly program. Events have included a Halloween party, Movie Night and a Family Picnic.

Year-round programming has also helped to increase referrals for services in Orientation and Mobility, Vision Rehabilitation Therapy and Social Work for NABA Youth. This has given many of the youth an opportunity for one-on-one instruction in their homes and community.

An estimated 19 million children under the age of 15 are visually impaired. Of these, 12 million children are visually impaired due to refractive errors, a condition that could be easily diagnosed and corrected. 1.4 million are irreversibly blind for the rest of their lives. (World Health Organization June 2012). NABA offers a unique vision screening service, aiming to identify and address potential vision problems in children. Early identification of vision problems is vital to ensuring timely treatment and prevention. In 2015, the program screened at 80 sites in 10 counties and 3,422 children were screened for possible vision problems. Out of these children 333 were flagged with vision problems. 90 % of the children who fail the screening exam need glasses or some other corrective action. The other 10% may have major vision issues. All these children are recommended to see an eye specialist.

KidSight


My son recently had a SPOT screening at his Daycare, Bethlehem Preschool. The results flagged him with a possible aniscoria. We just wanted to let you know that we took him to a pediatric ophthalmologist to have them take a look. They did diagnose him with a physiological aniscoria and an astigmatism. Fortunately this is the good type of aniscoria and they say he was born with it. I am very grateful for your program, as the possible causes of aniscoria can be serious. I am glad that we were alerted to

this problem and glad to find out he is ok! Also, we have a follow up appointment to find out what needs to be done with his astigmatism. The doctor stressed that she loves the KidSight program and that it was a great catch. Thank you so much for screening my son and alerting us to these problems!

Merritt

KidSight – What A Wonderful Program – Thank You NABA

My son, David was screened by Kathryn Miklowitz, the nurse from the NABA KidSight Program at his preschool. David was just short of three years old, and was the only child in his school whose screening showed that a visit to an ophthalmologist would benefit him.

We were so lucky to get an appointment with Dr. John Simon of Children’s Medical Eye Consultants where he was diagnosed with


severe amblyopia. His right eye acuity measured at 20/25, and his left at 20/200. That day, we left his office in tears with a prescription for glasses, instructions to start using a patch, and to return in six weeks for a follow-up. By his third visit to Dr. Simon David’s vision had improved to 20/70, and most recently David’s vision in the left eye is now 20/50! He has made progress with each visit to the eye doctor. We are hopeful that he will continue to improve.

I firmly believe that the KidSight program is what saved David’s vision. We never had any reason to think there was an issue with his vision. He had overcompensated with his good eye so well that there were no signs at all. If Kathryn hadn’t come into the school that day, I don’t know if we would have found out about David until much later- and at that point, his prognosis and outcome might not have been so positive. KidSight is an incredible program. As the center’s director, I am very happily hosting Kathryn again this April, and I will continue to do so.

Lori Bosworth Center Director Tutor Time Learning Center - East Greenbush

Vision Rehab Therapy - Number of People Served in 2015 and Number of Hours: (8 consumers and 99 hour of service)

Orientation and Mobility - Number of People Served in 2015 and Number of Hours: (12 consumers and 116 hours of service)

Social Case Work - Number of People Served in 2015 and Number of Hours: (4 consumers and 30 hours of service)

KidSight - Screened at 80 sites in 10 counties 3,422 children were screened and 333 were flagged with vision problems.

Youth and Teen Programs – Number of People Served in 2015 and Number of Hours: (18 children and 7 teens from 8 counties and 100 hours of services)


NABA’s manufacturing department is part of the Ability One Program and NABA is ISO 9001 Certified. NABA also participates in the New York State SHARP Program with the NYS Department of Labor. NABA’s manufacturing department is staffed with individuals who are blind working along - side individuals with other disabilities or no disability at all. Our manufacturing department is a fully-integrated. NABA produces many items for state and federal government customers. NABA is the sole manufacture for all women’s military necktabs for the United States Army, Navy, and Marine Corps.

NABA’s Manufacturing Department


In 2015, the department shipped $5,968,609 worth of product consisting of 132,491 necktabs, 116,393 safety vests, 11,138 construction flags, 122,375 coveralls, 1,897 packs of cable ties, 960 gallons of Geokleen, 1,075 drug test kits, 385 pairs of NYS Trooper Boot Kits, 4,368 urinal blocks, 92 gallons of Snappy Solutions, 1,020 Rim Sticks, 12,150 NYS Winter Hats, 51 Three-Season Jackets, 580 roles of Barricade Tape, 1,000 Kits for Central Business District, 360 Surgical Towels with Barium Strip and 1,404 bed under pads. NABA’s sales for this period grew 34% over the previous year and were 23 % better than budgeted for the year. NABA continues to pursue new opportunities that will allow us to employ additional blind and visually impaired individuals in our service area.

Total Dollars Shipped…...............................$5,968,609

Prepared by

Alexander French (Mechanical Engineer)

David Guillet (Mechanical Engineer)

Fiona Kine (Materials Engineer)

Brent Mexiell (Mechanical Engineer)

Jacqueline Peret (Mechanical Engineer)

Dillon Stoddard (Mechanical Engineer)

Michael Tanner (Mechanical Engineer)

William Zoeller (Mechanical Engineer)

Project Engineer – Aren Paster (CORE)

Chief Engineer – Bharat Bagepalli (MANE)

NABA Manufacturing Department and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute RPI Project - Repacking Workspace Redesign


NABA and RPI capstone have had many years of working in conjunction with one another. Previous projects done at NABA by RPI students include a device to flip neck tabs inside out as well as a machine that melts a strip onto reflective tape. NABA currently employs 80 workers in the manufacturing workspace, 50% of which are visually impaired; it is NABA’s desire to increase the amount of blind labor they employ.

The main objective of this semester’s project is to modify the boot kit, vest, and zip tie processes to transfer labor from sighted to visually impaired workers and improve the accuracy and time associated with each process. All three of the processes were moved within the ergonomic reach recommendation set forth by OSHA .The proposed boot kit process uses a box with dividers to improve the time and accuracy when assembling batches boot kits. The proposed vest process uses a clipboard-like apparatus to fold the vests quickly and

Repacking Workspace Fall 2015 : Brent Meixell (MECL), Alex French (MECL), Will Zoeller (MECL), Fiona Kine (MTLE), Jacki Peret

(MECL), Michael Tanner (MECL), David Guillet (MECL), Dillon Stoddard (MECL)

Sponsor Mentor: Harry Weatherwax; Project Engineer: Aren Paster (CORE); Chief Engineer: Bharat Bagepalli (MANE)

Purpose: To transfer jobs at NABA from sighted work to blind work and increase quality control within product repackaging.

Semester Objec1ves/Requirements: -‐ Redesign the repacking workspace to increase producYvity and efficiency -‐ Redesign zip Ye packaging procedure to allow for operaYon by a blind worker

Vests ● Final Design ○ “clipboard” system with specific dimensions based off of bag dimensions

○ Compared to market vest folders, the “clipboard” helps reduce of ergonomical strains on the user.

Boot Kit

Workspace ReorganizaYon

● Technical Approach and Plan ○ Design containers for pre-‐package storage ○  Implement weight checker for final product ○ Generate new training instrucYons for packaging

Zip Ties ● Technical Approach and Plan ○ Build proof of concept from available materials ○ Prototype zip Ye counter and bag measurement system based on blind tesYng results

○ Generate training plan for new and exisYng workers

● Technical Results and Accomplishments

Vest Sizes [inches]

2mm bags small med small medium med large large

actual size (7x14) (9x14) (11x15) (12.5x15) (13x15)

Uline (9x12) (9x14) (12x14) (12x16) (14x16) percent overall 0 0 0.42 0.39 0.17 number of percent (85000Xpercent) 0 0 35700 33150 14450 cartons (rounding to the nearest whole, 1000 per caton) 0 0 35.7 33.15 14.45 price per caton at discounted price ($) 40 47 58 63 77 sum

cost (price per carton X # of cartons) ($) 0 0 2070.6 2088.45 1112.7 5271.7

Savings vs Size 3 bag 341.7

Measurement Board o  Measures bag similar to fabric

measurement process o  Bag lengths made by adding

successive bag pulls

Figure 3: Zip Tie Station Setup. The red and blue broken semicircles reflect OSHA 3125 ergonomic reach guidelines for male (blue) and female(red) workers

Figure 1: Zip Tie Measurement Board

Zip tie Station components: (left to right) o  Bag Roll, Sealer,

Measurement board o  Funnel, Sectioned Bin,

Scale, Sectioned Bin

Figure 2: Zip Tie Loading Funnel

Zip Tie Loading Funnel o  Bag slides on bottom of

funnel o  Zip ties load easily into

funnel before sealing the package

•  Bin system o  Bin size varies for each

component o  High contrast color scheme

for visually impaired workers o  Top level with table height

•  Bin Stand o  High contrast shelf for

visually impaired workers o  Locking wheels for easy

mobility and stability

Figure 4a – c: (a) vest graphic with final folded area, (b) prototype vest folder, (c) vest folded in bag with folder

(a) (b) (c)

Table 1: Cost-Benefit Analysis based on time saved for one worker over a 40 hour week

Figure 5: Boot Kit divided bin system

Figure 7: Boot Kit bin stand

Figure 8 a-c: (a) ergonomic trash bin, (b) magnetic bottom cups and bins, (c) cane holders

(a) (b) (c)

● Technical Accomplishments ○ Designed accessible workspace aids


consistently and aid in placing the bag around the folded vest. The zip tie process is improved as two separate processes – counting and bagging.

The counting process reduced the labor required to accurately count zip ties into specified quantities by using a talking scale with a custom weigh boat. The bagging process was streamlined and generalized for use by many employees with bag measurement guide, custom funnel, and workspace reorganization. All of the proposed processes were tested and verified to be faster and more accurate than the current processes.

In 1968, on the 30th anniversary of the Wagner-O’Day Act, the National Industries for the Blind (NIB) created the Peter J. Salmon Employee of the Year Award. This year NABA Peter J. Salmon Employee of the Year Award was given to Jason Sheppard.

Jason is one of the fastest employees ever to work at NABA, Janson’s production output is incredibly high, yet he never sacrifices quality. A team player who often uses his sense of humor to encourage others, Jason overcame a rough childhood to become a person of outstanding character. He is a proud husband, father and stepfather who serves as a mentor for kids in his neighborhood and plays an integral role in employee engagement at NABA, serving on the Picnic Committee, Holiday Party Committees, as well as the Manufacturing Advisory Group developed as part of the Quality Work Environment (QWE) initiative. Jason enjoys rap music and would like to pursue a career in the music industry.

Jason Shepard

2015 Direct Employee of the Year


David Barron is NABA’s Chief Financial Officer and has been with the agency for the past nine years. Dave does an excellent job for the agency and has been a key player in the success and growth of NABA. Recently, others have recognized that as well. The Capital Region Business Review selected Dave as the Nonprofit CFO of The Year, 2015.

When Dave joined NABA, the agency’s overall revenue was hovering around $3.5 million. Nine years later, NABA’s overall revenue will top $7.8 Million. Dave is responsible for monitoring all financial transactions at NABA, but is intimately involved in our manufacturing operation which plays to his background and accounts for producing 5.8 million of NABA’s $7.8 million in revenue. Dave is also responsible for monitoring and overseeing the financial operations of the Northeastern Association of the Blind Foundation as well as the agency’s pension.

Christopher T. Burke NABA’s Executive Director said, “I am very proud of the accomplishments of our CFO, David Barron, and I congratulate the Capital Region Business Review for recognizing Dave’s talents and contributions. Dave embraces the mission of the agency and our efforts to help blind people. I rely on him to make sure the agency is in position to always be there for the people we serve.”

David Barron – 2015 Capital Region Business ReviewNonprofit CFO of the Year, 2015


2015 NABA Employees of the Quarter

Tamyra Sheppard – Manufacturing

Kathleen Lather – Administration

Linda Koons – Manufacturing

Casey Depp – Manufacturing

2015 NABA EmployeesMilestone Anniversaries and Retirements

30 Years Kathleen M. Lather Armando Montezuma

20 Years Bonnie L. Arnold Frederick W. Stafford Thanh-Thai Thi Nguyen

15 Years Kathryn Miklowitz Dung Duong

10 Years Takesha Jones Lan Nguyen Malissa Zatlokowicz

Retired in June 2015 Thuy Nguyen

Founded in 1955, the Capital District Blind Golfers’ Association (BGA) has helped provide fun golfing opportunities for blind golfers and their sighted coaches over the past 60 years. NABA took over the BGA in 2013, and has been running the NABA BGA for the past three years. The NABA BGA follows the same rules as the United States Golfers’ Association, with the only differences being that blind golfers are allowed to ground the club behind the ball when in the sand trap or bunker, and also pick the ball up when they are within distance of the club grip from the cup, with one stroke added to the score (this is designed to save time and prevent a course hold up).

The blind golfers enjoy themselves and have a good time all around. One of the members, Raymond Farina, said that “I enjoy playing golf tremendously, [it’s] one of the wonderful things I can do at this time

NABA Blind Golfers’ Association (NABA BGA)


of my life.” Another member, Mike Mercado, who never played golf when he could see, but plays now, says that he “Really enjoys going out to play and [is] really thankful that NABA has made it possible to do that.” Both men appreciate the opportunity to get out and play with other golfers.

We would like to thank the following for working with NABA and allowing our blind golfers to have the opportunity to play on their courses this year:

Albany Country Club and Director of Golf, Glenn Davis;

Eagle Crest Country Club and PGA Professional, John Peterson;

Saratoga Spa Course and General Manager, Bill Richardson;

Schuyler Meadows Club and General Manager, Michael Rezey;

Stadium Golf Club with Head Golf Professional, John Souza;

The Town of Colonie Golf Course and Head Golf Professional, Noel Gerbauer;

Troy Country Club, with Head Golf Professional, Mike Kucera;

Van Patton Robert Golf Course and Head Golf Professional, Bob Kennedy;

Wolfert’s Roost Country Club with PGA Golf Professional, Timothy Lonergan.


Curated by Christina Elliott of Plattsburgh, NABA’s Blind Artist Society, the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and the North Country Association of the Visually Impaired, Inc., hosted joint shows entitled, Clairvoyance II: Artwork of the Visually Impaired. The goal of this show is to proudly exhibit the extraordinary body of work and raise awareness in the arts that visual impairment can never stifle artistic creativity.

In May of 2015, The Strand Center for the Arts hosted the exhibit and then in September of 2015, The Arts Center of the Capital Region, located in downtown Troy, hosted the show. The show was then exhibited in the new NABA BAS Art Gallery and throughout the building at 301 Washington Avenue.

NABA’s Blind Artist Society (BAS) was founded in 2007 by Dr. Paul Beer and his son, Jonathan Beer. The Society is an international society of artists which provides means for the blind and visually impaired artists to gain exposure with their work in online and gallery settings. This exhibit will be moving to an office building in Colonie, New York. We are looking for galleries to host this exhibit and other pieces by our artists.

NABA BAS would like to work with Development Companies, Leasing Agents, Property Managers, Hospital, Assisted Living Communities, etc. to host an exhibit and or use as a moving show in their buildings. If you are interested in hosting an exhibit, purchasing art for your home or business, or becoming a member, please contact Michele O’Hare [email protected] or 518-463-1211 x 241.

NABA BAS and Clairvoyance II:Artwork of the Visually Impaired


April 18, 2015 NABA Visionary Gala- Franklin Plaza To Benefit NABA’s

Rehabilitation Programs and Youth Transportation Program

2015 Volunteer of the YearMary Fiorillo-Lentini

2015 Volunteer of the YearAnthony Paganucci

2015 Professional of the YearJeffrey H. Stern, Ph.D., M.D.


John G. WalshSenior Portfolio Manager

Star and Strand TransportationJay Schneider & Kris McLoughlin

Copper Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

The Hudson River Group at Morgan Stanley

www.morganstanleyfa.com/hudsonrivergroup

Bert TromblySenior Vice President

Financial Advisor

John MalickiSenior Vice President

Financial Advisor

Timothy MeigherSenior Vice President

Financial Advisor

George DanesSenior Vice President

Financial Advisor

Brian Schlaks, CMTVice President

Financial Advisor

© Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC

The Hudson River Group at Morgan Stanley

80 State Street, 12th FlAlbany, NY 12207518-427-5564

www.morganstanleyfa.com/hudsonrivergroup

www.pierrolaw.com

R

Your Home Town Bank

TRUSTCOBANK

On April 18th, 206 guests attended the NABA Visionary Gala at the Franklin Plaza. $104,000 was raised for NABA’s Rehabilitation Programs and Youth Transportation Program. NABA would like to thank, Eileen and Mark McCarthy, Honorary Chairs and their Planning Committee for such a wonderful event. NABA would also like to thank Jim Kambrich, WNYT News Channel 13, and Mark L. Fruiterman, M.D. the evenings auctioneer. The great success of this event was made possible by our sponsors:


16th Annual Visionary Golf Tournament

NABA held the 16th Annual Visionary Golf Tournament at, the Wolferts Roost Country Club on Monday, September 14th. 99 golfers had a beautiful day for golf and a wonderful time.

The day would not have been such a success, without our wonderful sponsors:

Visionary Sponsors

Open Sponsors

Hole in One Sponsored BySpecial Thanks

Putting Contest Sponsored By

Glaucoma Services, P.C.Paul S. Fellenbaum, MD

John G. WalshSenior Portfolio Manager

Dr. James V. Puleo II and & Erin PuleoR

Your Home Town Bank

TRUSTCOBANK

R

Your Home Town Bank

TRUSTCOBANK

Putting Green Sponsor

Knapek, Gabriele & Bottini, LLP Certified Public Accountants

www.kgbcpas.com


Pin Flag sponsors: Albany & Troy Lions Club; Cap Com Federal Credit Union; Law Offices of Overton, Russell, Doerr and Donovan; Michele & Chuck O’Hare; and Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery Group.

Tee sponsors: Bethlehem Lions Club; CBRE-Albany; Consumer Optical; James H. Maloy, Inc.; Main-Care Energy; and Nicholas J. Marino & Co., Inc.

Special Thanks to Kayla O’Hare who donated her talents to design the invitation and program.

Winners for the Scramble Results are as follows: The Low Gross Team, with a prize of a $100 gift card to Wolferts Roost Pro Shop each, were Kevin Cassidy, Jim Conde, Paul Kellogg and Tom Shickle; they came in with the low score of 57. The Low Net Team winners, who also received a $100 gift card prize for their 53.10 score, were Rich Frankel, Paul Petell, Fizank Trossett and Peter Tull. The 2nd Net winners were Greg Sorrentino, Ron Patterson, Dave Hostig and Justin Hearley, with a score of 55.70 and a $40 gift card. The 3rd Net team came close behind that with a score of 56.60, and the teammates to secure the prize of a $30 gift card were Chris Burke, Dan Giovannangelo, and Michael Murray.


Next up, for our specialty contest winners, we have the men’s Closest to the Flag winner, Rich Frankel, who was an even 7’0” from the flag. Mary Lentini, who won for the women, came in first with a distance of 39’3” from the flag. Dave Hostig was the winner for the Men’s Longest Drive, and Diana O’Hare won for the Women’s Longest Drive. Winners for Closest to the Flag and Longest Drive all received a $50 gift card to Wolferts Roost Pro Shop.

For the Putting Contest winners, we had Brian Lotz in first place, Frank Crisittale in second, and in third place we had Joe “I Hit the Pin” Donahue. The winners of the putting contest received gift cards and a bottle of wine, with the first place winner also receiving a custom-made putter. Unfortunately, this year we did not have any Hole in One winner, but would like to thank Northway Golf Center, Price Chopper, and Northway Toyota Scion for sponsoring the prizes in those events.

The 50/50 raffle, which raised a total of $1,200 and a prize of $600, was won by Ron Patterson. Patterson then donated it back to our cause in memory of Russell Hempel, his father-in-law.

Congratulations to all our winners, and a big Thank You to all our sponsors and to all those that participated in the tournament this year – we could not have done it without you, and we hope to see you all on September 12, 2016, at the WRCC!


This year’s casino night had over 200 attendees at the Albany Country Club. We would like to thank the sponsors and the honorary committee who made the night such a success and especially to the Honorary Chairs, Mary Fiorillo-Lentini and Anthony Paganucci and their wonderful committee for all of their hard work. Congratulations to this year’s winners, Michael Cocca and Mary Fiorillo-Lentini.

5th Annual NABA Casino Night toBenefit NABA’s Youth Programs

Straight Flush SponsorsRoyal Flush Sponsors

Four of a Kind Sponsors

Bert & Debbie Trombly, Jr.

Bruce & Patti Rowlands

Marc J. Lifset


Proceeds benefit NABA’s Youth Program. NABA offers year-round programming and activities for youth with vision impairments. This programming offers social, recreational, and vision rehabilitation activities and is free to those who qualify. NABA provides these year round programs to children 8 – 12 years old and teens 13-17 years old.

This year’s event will be on Thursday, October 27, 2016 at Albany Country Club.

Mary Lentini and Michael Cocca 2015 Casino Night Winners


Lions Clubs collaborate and partner with NABA in the counties that NABA serves.

Founded in 1968, the Lions Clubs’ mission is “To support the efforts of Lions clubs and partners in serving communities locally and globally, giving hope and impacting lives through humanitarian service projects and grants.” LCIF works to address humanitarian needs, provide disaster relief, youth support, and vision for those in need.

All over the world LCIF strives to fight eye diseases, improve eye care delivery, increase the number of trained eye care professionals, and make vision care more accessible. LCIF’s sight programs range from developing and improving eye care systems to providing sight-restoring surgeries and treatments to distributing medications to those most at-risk for eye diseases.

Their SightFirst program has helped reduce blindness on a global scale. The program serves as a leading member of VISION 2020, the global initiative for the elimination of avoidable blindness. LCIF also works with Essilor International, the world’s largest manufacturer of ophthalmic lenses, to develop a high-quality, low-cost Lions Lens®. The Lions Lens® program allows for the reduction of cost of refractive services, enabling them to reach and accommodate the needs of more people.

They have been recognized for their services by organizations such as: The Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America’s first-ever International Partner Award, nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, the Dr. Nathan Davis International Award for LCIF’s SightFirst Program, and the Outstanding Achievement Award given by the National Eye Health Education Program.

NABA Encourages Support of Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF)


Silent Auction Donations

Silent Auction DonationsAlbany Civic TheatreAlbany Institute of

History & ArtBake For YouDavid and Sharon BarronBay OpticalMichael and Carol

BrinkmanBroadway Plaza LiquorBuca di BeppoBuenau’s Optician’s, Inc.Buffalo BillsChristopher and

Courtney BurkeC Tech A Company of

Cohen Technology, Inc.Comfort Inn & Suites -

CastletonPam CantyCapital Repertory TheatreCapital Wine & LiquorCirclesCNY Healing ArtsMichael A. Cocca, Jr.Connelly’s Diamond GalleryDifferent Drummer’s

Kitchen Co.Eastern Mountain SportsKate FinniganMary Fiorillo-LentiniFunplex Fun ParkGlennpeter Jewelers

Diamond Centre

Hampton Inn & Suites Albany - Downtown

Hampton Inn & Suites, Saratoga Springs--Downtown

Gail A. HessneyHilton AlbanyHilton Garden Inn

Clifton ParkHilton Garden Inn TroyHoffman Development

CorporationHoliday Inn Express

Clifton ParkHonest Weight Food

Co-op, Inc.Infinity CafeJeanne A. Benas Art StudioJiminy Peak

Mountain ResortJohnny B’s Glenmont DinerSteve and Margaret KingLake George

Steamboat CompanyLamar AdvertisingLaura and Jay LaPalmeCarol LatherLongfellows Inn and

RestaurantMarrello Restaurants and

CateringMary Martin & Co. Day SpaMark and Eileen McCarthyLisa Ryan

Milano/Provence Restaurants

Mirror Lake InnMohegan SunNational Baseball

Hall of FameNew York Football GiantsNew York State

Commission for the BlindNicole’s Restaurant,

Special Events and Catering

Charles and Michele O’Hare

Oldcastle Theatre CompanyOptiGolf Troy, LLCMaureen PaganoPremier Transportation

GroupProctors TheatreJonathan RichardsonRPI AthleticsRumors Salon and SpaRyanswood StudioSaratoga Casino and

RacewayJill Fishon-KovachickSaratoga Performing

Arts CenterSchenectady Symphony

OrchestraSiena CollegeSilver ParrotSpectrum 8 Theatres


Silent Auction Donations

Spirits of TroyStaybridge Suites Albany

Wolf RoadMaureen StraingeSurroundings Floral StudioThe Boat HouseThe Century HouseThe Cheesecake FactoryThe Desmond Hotel

The EggThe GingermanThe Olde Bryan InnThe Pottery PlaceTowne Place Suites

Marriott - Downtown/Medical Center

Tri City RentalsWalmart - Latham Farms

Washington TavernWB MasonWine and Spirits of

SlingerlandsWolferts Roost

Country ClubWRGB/WCWN

Friends of NABA

It is through our generous donors that help to make NABA’s Mission possible. These contributions to NABA directly assist people needing our services, and we are very grateful to you. The following lists represent donors who have made gifts to NABA between January 1 and December 31, 2015. Every effort has been made to ensure a complete and accurate list. Please call us at 518-463-1211 with any errors or omissions. Thank You!

$10,000 +fingerpaintFirst Niagara Bank

$9,999 - $5,0003M Scotchlite Reflective

MaterialCharlotte KullnigSano-Rubin Construction

Services, LLCSeamless Development Inc.

- Matthew Keister

Star & Strand Transportation, Inc.

The Parsons Family Foundation and Leslie Parsons

Tri City Rentals

$4,999 - $2,000Albany Business ReviewMichelle and Walter

BorisenokChristopher T. and Courtney

E. Burke

Capital Region Retina, PLLCFrank and Denise CrisafulliEmpire Wine and Liquor OutletBetty FosterFranklin Hospitality GroupDr. Paul FellenbaumIseman, Cunningham,

Riester & Hyde, LLPHarris Beach, PLLCNicholas J. Marino

& Co., Inc.Martin, Harding & MazzottiCharles and

Michele O’Hare


Ron PattersonPorsche Club of America

Hudson Champlain Region Club

Dr. James H. and Lucille Puleo

Queensbury Cigar & PipeThe Hudson River Group at

Morgan StanleyTimes UnionTrustCo BankUnited Way of the Greater

Capital RegionJohn and Debra WalshWF Ventures, LLC/

St. Croix Tan

$1,999 - $1,000Alexander W. Cruden & Co.David and Sharon BarronCapital District

Transportation AuthorityCohoes Savings

Foundation, Inc.Comfortex Window

FashionsCornea Consultants of

Albany, PLLCVincent and Ulkem

CrisafulliMark HoganJIMCO PaintingJudge Development CorpJim and Susan Kambrich

Steve and Margaret KingLaura and Jay LaPalmeLia Auto Group, Inc.Marc LifsetMary Martin & Co. Day SpaNBT BankNew York Gaming

Association, Inc.New York State Industries for

the Disabled, Inc. (NYSID)Pierro Law Group, LLCPirri Builders LTD/LLCDr. James V. and Erin PuleoRBC Wealth ManagementRegenerative Research

FoundationBruce and Patty RowlandsDavid Rubin and Carole JuSEFCU ShopRite Supermarkets, Inc.The CFGCR’s Kenney FundBert and Debbie TromblyTurner Construction

CompanyUncle Sam Piping

Solutions, Inc.Mary Wilson

$999 - $500Matthew Alinger and

Meika LoeBallston Spa Lions ClubCindy and Paul BeerKevin Berben

Alyson and Michael Bingham

Erika BrowneBuenau’s Optician’s, Inc.Dr. Hao WangCapitol CleanersCapture A Moment

PhotoboothCDPHPTamara CookinghamGene and Ann CrisafulliFenimore Asset

Management, Inc.Mary Fiorillo-LentiniFirstLight FiberDr. Tom Freeman and Mrs.

Phyllis AttanasioDr. Mark and Stacy

FruitermanGalway Lions ClubGE FoundationGlaucoma Consultants of

the Capital RegionHarbridge Consulting

Group, LLCSelwyn Harlow and FamilyJames and Julie KnoxLalit KumarLakeland Industries, Inc.Murray MassryMark and Eileen McCarthyMichael MercadoMike Moran - Perry Ellis

International

Friends of NABA


Friends of NABA

Northway Toyota - ScionKeyBank NABob and Fran O’KeefeDr. Gregory Pinto and

Dr. Natalie AdlerLisa PayneSherry and Ted PutneyMarianne QuinnR. A. Hunsdorfer FoundationRaymour & Flanigan

Furniture/MattressRon and Marianne RomanoMike RuedeDr. Robert and Deborah

SchultzeSight Society of Northeastern

New York, Inc.Liz Benjamin and Steve SmithGary Striar and Cathy DurandTim and Anne StutoSurroundings Floral StudioTangible Development LLCThe CFGCR’s Foy

Foundation Advised FundGlenn W. Thompson, MDDouglas ThornEdward and Lianne Wladis

$499 - $100AnonymousClaverack SeniorsCounty Executive Dan McCoyAlbany Fire Extinguisher

Sales and Service Inc.

Albany Guardian SocietyAlbany Lodge No. 49

BPO ElksAlbany and Troy Lions ClubAlbany Medical Center

FoundationCarrie AlessiMary Ann and John AllenDr. Max and Jean AlleyAmazon Smile FoundationAmerican Housing

Foundation, Inc.Paul AmidonPaul FettucciaCarol and Leon Aronowitz, IILisa AugustDonald and Marie AulenbachBruce Backer and Debra

SpilfogelBailey & Wakil Eye Physicians

and Surgeons, PLLCBank of America Employee

Giving CampaignVincent BelardoPaul and Barbara BentleyNed and Roberta BerkowitzBernardo Bail BondsEdwin BeyerlToby BillerMolly BinghamKaren BlassTracy BohlDominic Bonacquist, Jr.Bouchey Financial Group

Virginia BrennanThe Honorable Senator

Neil BreslinMichael and Carol

BrinkmanThe Brokers Network FamilyRalph BurgerMiriam ButzelC Tech a Company of

Cohen Technology, Inc.CAP COM Federal Credit

UnionCapital BankCapital Wine & LiquorJames F. CarrieroBrian E. Gee and Monica L.

Casey-Gee, ODMargie CastellanaCatholic Charities of the

Diocese of AlbanyCBRE - AlbanyDr. John BennettCenter for Disability

ServicesBarton ChabotMichael and Keira CollinsColonie Democratic

CommitteeVincent ColonnoConnelly’s Diamond GalleryConsumer OpticalTheo CookinghamWilliam and Denise CorbinKirk Cornwell


Andrea CostantinoDenise CrisafulliJoseph CrisafulliJudge Peter CrummyBill CunninghamSharon and Ed CupoliWilliam CurranDagen Trucking, Inc.Anna DaltonRudy DehnChet and Sharon DeLaMaterJohn DennisFrederick DenteBob DietrichDiNapoli OpticiansMike and Jean DiNapoliAbraham Dorsman IIIMartha J. DoyleRalph Drake and Linda

CostantinoMichele DunnDorothy EllinwoodJason EllisFrancis EndryckExtreme MoldingDee Marie FallatiJohn W. FarleyMargaret FarrellFrank FerroKate FinniganFirst New York Federal

Credit UnionCarol FisherFort Orange Press

Rich and Kathleen FrankelRichard FreshourG. Robert Oyer, LLCGalesi GroupArlene GallucciColleen and Hal GearyDr. Todd Giombetti and

Kathleen Brady GiombettiMarilyn GobelMaureen and George

GoodwinMaryanne and Jerry GordonLisa GraneyGreater Ravena

Area Lions ClubLouise and Harris Gregory, Jr.Benjamin HallRobert HallPhyllis HathawayShirley and Jack HentschelBruce and Lisa

HerchenroderGail A. HessneyHIMS Inc.Margaret HoffBryan HollenbaughJennifer and PJ HosnerJoann Hoose PhotographyThe Most Rev. Bishop

Howard J. HubbardHudson River IndustriesPaul HughesHumanWareAnges T. Hurley

Independent Charities of America

InfinigyRobert A. JaffarianJames H. Maloy, Inc.Rensselaer County Executive

Kathleen M. JiminoE. Stewart Jones, Jr.Bill and Judy KahnJustin KaneDan and Georgia KellyJohn J. Kennedy, Jr., MDRuth and Donald KilloranChristopher and Linda

KlapperTracy KleinWilliam KlohckKnights of Columbus

Council #173Lorion KorkoszRev. Thomas J. KrupaLakeside Cider Mill Farm, Inc.JoAnn LantJoseph and Charlotte LaramieLaw Offices of Overton,

Russell, Doerr & Donovan, LLP

David LeiningerMichael LevineLingualink Language

Solutions Inc.Mike and Rebecca

LepkowskiChris and Carleen Madden

Friends of NABA


Friends of NABA

Main Care EnergyRamani and Mrinalini ManiWendy and Matthew MarinoHelen MarkopoulosMeghan MarohnDoug MarrMarra’s Pharmacy, Inc.Sarah P. MarshLousie MarshallJennifer and James

MasulaM. Bernadette and

David MayersohnJames McCarthy, Jr.Amy and Brian McDermottMary F. McGrathWilliam and Doris McKeverMary McPhillipsJudy and John MiddelkoopJim and Pat MillerMJ Anderson PhotographyLinda and James MooreBethlehem Lions ClubMichael J. MurphyMichael and Kristina MurrayStacy MyronJudith Ann Mysilborski, MDMichael and

Jennifer NaimarkOscar NeilsonJohn NigroNortheast Health

FoundationBarbara Nussbaum

NYSPSP for People Who are Blind

Diane O’HareKayla O’HareDavid and Diane O’KeefeOmni Development

Company, Inc.Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery,

PLLCGladys OrtizTimothy and

Kathleen OwensTerry PaganucciDominick F. Paonessa,

MD, P.C.Martha ParaszczakNina PattisonRonald and Barbara PearceJean PeckGreg and Debora PedaAlice PeetzRobin PellegrinoDr. Lawrence and Jenness

PerlmutterSharifa PerryChandrowtie PersaudPaula and Louis PierroFrank PioggiaElizabeth PolandoPontos Society of the

Capital RegionDr. Charles PoskanzerFred and Nancy PrestonJoe Quinlan

David Quinn and Tammis Groft

Michael Radosevich, MDAlexander and Betsy

RemingtonRensselear County

Regional Chamber of Commerce

Gus and Lisa RibeiroElliott and Eileen RosenDaniel and Christina RyanNancy RyanAnn and Chris SagaasJames SandnerSaratoga Springs Lions ClubBrian and Dawn SchlaksSchuylerville Lions ClubScotia Glenville

Lions Club, Inc.SEFCUAnonymous Cynthia Shenker and

James CampbellShepherd Communication

& SecurityDonald and Carol ShuttStephen Sills, MDTom and Kathleen SlaterRichard SleasmanJoseph SorrentinoGail and Ivan SteenDr. Mark and Susan SteinerMaureen and Colin Strainge


Friends of NABA

Mr. Michael R. Suprunowicz, Esq.

Wendy SwiftTD Bank, N. A.John and Mary Ann TenneyMr. and Mrs. John A.

Tesiero, Jr.The Albany and Troy Lions

ClubThe Brailler DepotMr. and Mrs. Ira

Mendleson IVThe Josef Group, Inc.The Prudential Foundation

Matching Gifts ProgramThe Virtual Hospitality

Group, LLCJohn and Valerie ThompsonDustin ToddBill and Pat TolbertNicholas TommasiniNeal and Patricia

TommasiniThe Honorable

Congressman Paul TonkoTown of Greenfield Lions ClubThu TranTransworld Consultanting

Services of Albany, LLCFrancis and Leslie TrossetTroy Sand & Gravel Co., Inc.Roberta and Paul TrzcinskiMary Ann and Michael TurnerTimothy Tyrell

Lee VilardiVis-Ability, Inc.James and Patricia

Warmuth and Elizabeth Warmuth

Harry and Nancy Weatherwax

Henry WellsJoan WhitelightningPhyllis WhitfordWhittaker KidsWine and Spirits of

SlingerlandsElizabeth WorthleyKathleen YanasPaul and Kelly ZanellaMalissa and Jon

ZatlokowiczMike and Kathy ZdebVince and

Stephanie ZilnickiDr. Jitka Zobal-Ratner

$99.00 and underMary Ellen AbdelnourDebra AckartRobert and JoAnn AdamecMarian AllenAnthony AltieriAmerican Legion Auxiliary

Helderberg Unit 977Anonymous Donna AppleConstance Avery

Kathlan AzadianDorothea BacklundJohn and Ro BailoElizabeth BarkerRobert BarkerHelen BartoneRichard and Christina

BeaucheminAdele BeckerKim and Gary BedrosianHelen C. BenoitAnn BennyWalter BerdanBarbara BergeronClarence BerghLucas BerleticMary Jane BernackiAnn BernhardMarilyn BestTheresa BialonJohn BisconeRita and Robert BlockChuck Robie BoothFlorence BorterHelen BosartJoyce Hunt BouyeaJonathan BowenCharlotte BowserGeraldine BradyViola BramkampBonnie BrantiganDavid BriggsKaren BronnerRaymond Brown


Robert BrownStephen BrownWilliam and Tina BrunellKristin BrunoMary Ann and Lawrence

BrunoJeanne BryantTimothy BubniakJoseph BuboltzRita BuchananM. Patricia BudlongMichael BufanoPatrick and Midge BulgaroCarol BurekJames CadetJohanna CafarellaChristopher and Suzanne

CampeseCapital Region Chamber of

CommerceGuy and Valerie Cappuccio

and FamilyVerna CarazzaFrank Carlino, Sr.Alice CarpenterScott CarruthersDominick and Mary Ellen

CarusoGeorge Cefferillo, Jr. CPACentral Penn Sewing

Machine Co., Inc.Madabushi and Padma ChariMadelyn CiceroCraig Ciejka

Philip and Joni CifarelliDiane ClancyFrederick and Janet ClarkMichael, Stephanie & Jim

Clay and Audrey HattonCorby and Lynn ClevelandLeonard and Janet ClickmanWilliam CluffMarian CoccaJanis CohenAnna ColelloJavon ColesFrances F. CollinsJane CollinsWilliam and Rosemary

ColwellAngelina CommissoClara ConcolinoRosemarie ConlonAnne and John ConnorsJames Connors and FamilyJan ContiKathleen CoonanPhyllis CooneyElizabeth Cope and Joseph

GraviniSusan CorahKathleen CorbettLori CosentinoRachelle CotugnoPamela CrossWilma CurreyShirley CurtisDebbie D’Agostino

Nancy DaggettGreta I. DaigleChristine DascherDaniel DavisMichelina De RubertisAnna De SorboMaryLyn deGonzagueArlene DeLangeSherry Delgrego Maureen DemersAnn and Shaun DenvirCarol and Anthony DeRossaBert and Barbara DeRoseMargaret DessingerJohn C. DeubelRichard Di GiovannaCarol and Michael DiCerboJoseph DiCioccioDelores DiCoccoGeorgianna DiehlLisa DiLilloKatherine DineenGeorge and Patricia

DoakmajianDorothy DonelianJoseph DonohueVera and Jonathan DordickCarol DouglasJoan DoulinPeter DrahosRobert DrewDorothy DiscollJohn and Janice DuchessiRose Duci

Friends of NABA


Wilfrid DupuisDawn DesrochesRoberta EhlertChristina ElliottJuly ClancyBryan EmpieJoanne and Edward EndresAudrey EngelsbergMary ErcegEitan and Malka EvanPriscilla Fairbank and Owen

GoldfarbYvonne FauthIrving and Miriam FeldmanKathy FeslerAudrey FiatoLiz FinnWilliam FinnBarton FirstyTodd FischerKatherine Ann FisetJoseph FitzsimmonsMark FitzsimmonsFred FlemingBob ForsterCharlotte FosterTom and Jane FoxSandra FoxAnne FrankFrancine FrankMuriel FrankBill and Joanne FrankKelly FrazierLillian Frederick

Dale “Dick” FrenchGerald FrisbieFulmont Community Action

Agency, Inc.Carolyn GallagherJulia GambleLawrence and Karen

GambleRobert and Dorothy GanzDebbie GarrisonDiane GerdonDr. and Mrs. M. R. Ghazi-

MoghadamWilliam GildayRoseann GleasonBarbara GlynnRobert GoodmanHerbert GordonMary GordonChelle GorgosFlorence GrajewskiTina GrantHerman P. GreeneBarbara GumbelJean GuyonAnne HaggertyJo Lou HallJan HammondJames HanburyMarilyn HartBarbara HartmanCarol and John HausenThe Hawkins FamilyCharlotte Hayes

John and Joan HeffernanClifford HeimJames HeldNancy Ellen HellerRobert HoeffnerAloysius HofakerMike HondroPaul and Susan HouptJonathan and Carol HoweMichele HoweDavid HummelTheresa IppolitoThomas IppolitoBarbara and Victor IscaBecky IulianoLaurie JacksonWilliam JamesEvelyn JaroszEricka JerabeckMargie JoralemonCharles and Mary Beth

JordanKathleen JoyceSister Martha JoyceHarry and Cheryl JudgeMarlene JunqueraJeanette JurusikMary Ellen KalledJeffrey KampfBernice KaniaMichele KansuSylvie KantorovitzSue KarcheskySue-Ann Karker

Friends of NABA


Teresa KeatingKris KeefeMary KeeleyJeffrey KeisterElaine and Robert KennedyFrank KennedyRose KennedyMartin and Joyce KenosianGordon and Judy KilbyFrederick and Doris KirkGeorge and Margaret KlohckAmy KoetheKathy and Ray Kotary Shirley KrollMary KumjianKathy and Tim KurtzBetsey KuziaRobert and Anne LaBountyDorothy LaskyAnonymous Kathleen LatherJean LavigneJim and Nancy LawlerAnonymous Don and Marilyn LeachLeonore LebowitzLois June LeeSally LeGendreKaren B. LevyLeo S. LevySteve and Lois LewisLiberty Ridge FarmLiving ResourcesGloria Lockhart

Dorothy LoseeJill LosiRuth LuippoldDaniel LydonMary and Philip LyfordCarol LynchLynn MacGowanElizabeth MadiganRose MaglioccaArline MallimsonRobert and Elizabeth

MalloryCarole MaloCharles and Sharon ManeriEleanor MarksLouis MarscianoNorman and Micki MassryBethany MathusaMary Mc LaughlinHelen McCallenKaren L. McCannEarl and Norma McDanielFrances T. McDonaldNoreen and John

McFarlandKimberly Evans McGeeIrene Lois McGlynnBrian McGowanDiana McKeoughJohn McKinneyW. Felton McLaughlin, Jr.Tom and Mary Jane

McNamara

Suzanne MedlerFran and Mark MedwidMax and Lois MendelsonAntonio Merante SeniorAnna S. MiddletonSohia MikowasMarilyn MillerLinda MirabelliGail MonastSteve MontanoJames MorrellLouis MossaJoseph and Anna

Mottolese and FamilyVirginia MottoloMargaret MulroyPaula MurphyWilliam MurraySarina NagiJanet NardolilloChristine NashVincent NataleDavid and Judith NatoliGeorge and Grace NedyCarol and Ron NeuMartin NewmanKathleen NietoBonnie and Brian NoonanBarbara NovakNorma NovakJane O’Brien Bernice O’ConnellRobert O’DonnellKathleen O’Neil

Friends of NABA


Mary OchalEmployees of Design and

Construction at NYS OGSOffice of the State

Comptroller, Human Resources and Administration

Matthew OstoyichDonna OverbaughPenney PagonesSylvia and Albert PalmieriGrace and Alfred PalombiJosephine PassamonteAnna PassonnoPast officers Club, New

York State Division PS1Marlene PastoreDorothy PatashnickRobin PauquetteJohn PellerinJohn PepeAnonymous Peter PerryAnonymous Velma Remekie PeynadoEdwin and Winifred

PhilbrookMary PingelskiAnonymous Anonymous Cynthia PlacekJoan PlacekTheresa PlanckJohn Porter

Friends of NABA

Vasileios PrassasGertrude Purcell and

Bill PurcellDr. Brian O’Malley QuinnNathan RaceBarry RamageDominick RappazzoMary Rappazzo-HallEdna RappleyeaJudy RasmussenChristy RaucciJane RauchJanet and John RauschFrancis RecchiaJosephine RecuperoPaul ReinhardtAnonymous Kirk RemekieWilliam and Nancy

ReusswigMary Ann and Don RichardCarmella RichardsJonathan J. RichardsonDorothy RichesonLawrence RickmanFrank RochfordFrancine RockowitzMary Beth and Bill

RockwellFrancis L. RoddyLeonard RoginskiAnne RokeachMary Jane RomanDianne Roosa

Larry and Judity RossiGrace RoznowskiBrother Joe RuaneEdna SajdakJoan SajdakDarby SalluzzoJosephine SargalisTheresa SaustoMary SawyerGeroge and Joanne

ScaringeLeah SchenkelJudy and Sam SchenkerJon SchermerhornClare SchisaShirley SchmittBetty Jean SchnurrSchool’s Out, Inc.Mike and Pat SchuttigBeverly A. ScottMartin ScullyLore ScurrahIrene SefcikLorraine SellnowAntoinette and Richard SenaMarcia SerafinPatricia ShapiroHoward SharpElizabeth ShearmanJean ShecktonMary SheehanFrank ShippJohn and Janet SicklesFred and Mary-Anna


SimpsonAlicia and David SmithBarbara SmithCarol Barrell Smith and

Gary SmithKenneth SmithMarilyn SmithSusanne Lacour and Peter

SmithSharon SmrticJulia SoleauMarie SporeCarm St. GeorgeElizabeth and Edward

Stano, Jr. Arthur Stevens Dorothy StewartNorm and Fran StoneHelen and Robert StoperaKaren StrangCharlene StrongEd and Gloria SullivanArlene SuperkoSweet Season QuiltsStanislaus SwierzowskiRichard TataraAlice TepperThe Capital J. WeekendersThe Home Depot

Foundation Matching Gift Program

The New Paris ShopThomas J. Gorman Fund of

the CFGCR

Shirley ThomasTillie ThompsonLois ThomsonLorraine ThorpePage TomlinsonMarie TompkinsKathy TownsendAdelheid TrachteAlva TrimbleTroy Jewish Community

Religious School Pre-K and Kindergarten

Diane TuckerMichael TumbarelloWillie Tune, Jr.Alice TurcotteUnited Methodist Women

of GreenvilleMaria VamosJohn Van DenburghEdna Van Duzee-WalterClaude VendittiEdward ViglucciDanna ViscantiLinda and Gunnar WalmetAmy WalshJohn P. WalshGrant and Sandy WardRonald WarrenDiane WehnerSue Weidman Rick and Lynne WertMary Ann WheldenTheresa and Albert White

Phyllis WhiteheadPhyllis WhitmanFlorence WhitneyBrian WilcoxNeale and Beverly WilkinsAnna WilliamsLois WilliamsEmily WilsonWilliam WilsonPaul WingFred WinklerLois WinnerJanet WisherEdmund and Joan WnekFrances WoullardGloria YaconoAnn B. YakelJohn J. YanasPatricia YanniNay YeGrace YodisBernard YuhasAlgert ZalJennie ZawiszaPaul ZdanisMark ZebrowskiSteven ZendellRon and Trina ZimmermanBeth and Eric Zuckerman

Friends of NABA


The goal Frank Frost set out to accomplish in 1908 was a simple one –“to improve the conditions of the blind.” Thanks to his ideals, goals, and determination, NABA was born. Today, nearly seventy years after Frost’s death in 1946, NABA is still striving to improve the everyday conditions of the blind and visually impaired.

Established in 2011, the Frank Frost Legacy Society is designed to both honor and to help continue Mr. Frost’s work. We do this by

having members make a commitment to NABA from their estates. These charitable estate gifts can be bestowed in many ways, including through a life-income plan, a bequest in a will, a personal trust, or even the gift of life insurance.

NABA has a gift plan for everyone. Planning for and protecting your future included thoughtful gift planning throughout your life. You might want to consider establishing a charitable gift annuity that will benefit your or your loved ones in your lifetime, and then NABA consumers in the future. All you have to do to qualify as a member is to confirm one of the previous gifts to NABA in writing (certain restrictions may apply).

But what’s the benefit of becoming a member? Well, on top of the feel good sensations you get from helping a wonderful cause for decades and even generations to come, you also get the tax break benefit that comes with donating to NABA. All new members receive a certificate of appreciation and membership from NABA’s Executive Director, along with a small gift of recognition to be cherished for many years to follow.

While these are small – but no less heartfelt – expressions of gratitude, we would also like to honor our members by recognizing them in NABA’s annual report and the Legacy Society’s annual donor

The Frank Frost Legacy Society


recognition publication. This not only gets your name out there and shows your support for the Legacy Society and NABA, but it also helps to encourage others to join in this important cause with you. A final benefit you receive as a member of the Legacy Society is that you will be the recipient of timely information, tips, and ongoing professional gift planning services from NABA.

If you would like to explore more about the Frank Frost Legacy Society, or find the best options for you and your family before making the commitment to join, we strongly urge you to contact us. All discussions and inquiries are private, and we are glad to assist you on a confidential basis in any way we can.

If you are looking for more information on the Frank Frost Legacy Society, please call NABA at this number, (518) 463-1211 ext. 241, and ask for Michele Puleo O’Hare in regards to the Frank Frost Legacy Society. We are happy to answer any questions you may have, and there is no obligation to you for calling.

Anonymous

Bruce Backer and Debra Spilfogel

John S. Bartlett, Jr. (Deceased)

Vincent Belardo

Grayce Burian

Members of the Frank Frost Society

Alexander and Susan Filipp

Bud Kleppel

Charlotte Kullnig

John and Debra Walsh


Charles H. Douglas Charitable Trust Estate of Joyce Rucker

Marcella and Donald E. Weed Memorial Fund

Estate of Ruth J. Culnan Jeannette I. Waterman Trust

Bequests Received from January 2015- December 2015To the Frank Frost Legacy Society

John P. & Mable I. Ogsbury Memorial Trust

Marion L Smith TrustTrust U/W of LeGrand B. FowlerTrust U/W Nina M. Michalewski

Christmas Wish Campaign of WGY and Curtis LumberFirst Niagara BankLavelle Fund for the Blind, Inc.National Industries for the Blind

Grants Received January 2015 - December 2015

New York State Commission for the BlindStewart’s Foundation, Stewart’s Holiday MatchThe Gibney Family Foundation

Reuben GoldwaserPatricia LensinkFrank and Eileen Szepessy

Give A Car For Sight 2015

In Honor of Michael Cocca Tom and Kathleen SlaterIn Honor of Regina Crisafulli Rob and Dorothy GanzIn Honor of Ann Gallagher Sagaas and NABA Becky IulianoIn Honor of Shirley Hentschel Becky Iuliano

2015 Honorariums

In Honor of Michele O’Hare M. Bernadette and David MayersohnIn Honor of Dr. James H. Puleo M. Bernadette and David MayersohnIn Honor of Fritz Stafford Sherry and Ted PutneyIn Honor of Dr. Jeffrey Stern Vera Dordick


In Memory of Bertha Amanat Pontos Society of the Capital Region

In Memory of Grace M. BuchananDonna AppleTracy BohlRita BuchananMike HondroTracy KleinMary SawyerMarie Spore

In Memory of Michael A. Cocca Sr.Charles and Michele O’Hare

In Memory of Nancy Tenney DobertA Gift given by David William GildayNorma NovakEmployees of Design and Construction

at NYS OGSJohn and Mary Ann Tenney

In Memory of Lorene T. FerraroBarbara BergeronGail Monast

In Memory of Jennie Mossa FerroMike BufanoCarol and Anthony DeRossaMichele DunnFrank FerroSuzanne MedlerLouis Mossa

2015 Memorials

Christy RaucciGrant and Sandy WardPaul Zdanis

In Memory of Benjamin “Ben” FranklinMichael, Stephanie & Jim Clay and

Audrey HattonBenjamin HallJo Lou Hall

In Memory of Anna GrabowskiMadelyn CiceroKathy and Tim KurtzPast officers Club, New York State

Division PS1

In Memory of Risa Ann KassoffWilliam Klohck

In Memory of John W. KlohckRobert BrownGerald FrisbieCharlotte HayesRobert A. JaffarianMarlene JunqueraGeorge and Margaret KlohckWilliam KlohckAntoinette and Richard SenaRon and Trina ZimmermanBeth and Eric Zuckerman

In Memory of William C. MarkopoulosHelen Markopoulos


In Memory of Dr. Thomas N. MottoleseKathlan AzadianMary Jane BernackiToby BillerJohn BisconeThe Brokers Network FamilyKaren BronnerKristin BrunoMary Ann and Lawrence BrunoVerna CarazzaDr. John BennettWilliam and Denise CorbinDenise CrisafulliPamela CrossAnna De SorboMaureen DemersJohn DennisJoseph DiCioccioLisa DiLilloKatherine Ann FisetTina GrantCarol and John HausenMichele HoweThomas IppolitoEvelyn JaroszE. Stewart Jones, Jr.Rose KennedyBetsey KuziaJim and Nancy LawlerJill LosiRose MaglioccaEarl and Norma McDanielKimberly Evans McGee

2015 Memorials

Irene Lois McGlynnLinda MirabelliJoseph and Anna Mottolese and FamilyMichael J. MurphySarina NagiKathleen NietoJohn NigroBonnie and Brian NoonanDavid and Diane O’KeefePenney PagonesDominick RappazzoMary Rappazzo-HallWilliam and Nancy ReusswigAnne RokeachGeroge and Joanne ScaringeJon SchermerhornSchool’s Out, Inc.Marcia SerafinMr. Michael R. Suprunowicz, Esq.Sweet Season QuiltsMaria VamosSue WeidmanJohn Yanas

In Memory of Kathryn M. “Kay” PorterCorby and Lynn ClevelandJan HammondRobin PauquetteDanna ViscantiPhyllis Whitford


2015 Memorials

In Memory of Peter J. ReceneDorothea BacklundChristine DascherTom and Jane FoxBethany MathusaTillie ThompsonMarie Tompkins

In Memory of Margaret A. Smith Shirley and Jack Hentschel

In Memory of Gladys TutunjianKim and Gary BedrosianViola BramkampJames CadetGeorge and Patricia DoakmajianDorothy DonelianDiane GerdonMary KumjianJean LavigneBarry RamageClare SchisaSteven Zendell

In Memory of Beverly SpiegelSarina Nagi

In Memory of Stanley C. TonkoRobert and JoAnn AdamecAnthony AltieriAnonymous DonorHelen BartoneTheresa Bialon

Joyce Hunt BouyeaTimothy BubniakPat and Midge BulgaroCarol BurekJohanna CafarellaCapital Region Chamber of CommerceGuy and Valerie Cappuccio and FamilyColonic Democratic CommitteeElizabeth Cope and Joseph GraviniLori CosentinoSharon and Ed CupoliBert and Barbara DeRoseCarol and Michael DiCerboDelores DiCoccoCarol DouglasJohn and Janice DuchessiAnne FrankBill and Joanne FrankFulmont Community Action Agency, Inc.Galesi GroupArlene GallucciDr. and Mrs. M. R. Ghazi-MoghadamFlorence GrajewskiAnne HaggertyKathleen JoyceJeanette JurusikSue KarcheskyJohn J. Kennedy, Jr., MDElaine and Robert KennedyLeo S. LevyLiving ResourcesGloria LockhartMary and Philip LyfordKaren L. McCann


2015 Memorials

W. Felton McLaughlin, Jr.Mary McPhillipsFran and Mark MedwidBarbara NovakMary OchalSylvia and Albert PalmieriGrace and Alfred PalombiJohn PepeGertrude Purcell and Bill PurcellDorothy RichesonLeonard RoginskiEdna SajdakJoan SajdakJosephine SargalisMike and Pat SchuttigBeverly A. ScottJean ShecktonCynthia Shenker and James CampbellFred and Mary-Anna SimpsonMarilyn SmithSharon SmrticStanislaus SwierzowskiRichard TataraMr. and Mrs. John A. Tesiero, Jr.The New Paris ShopDustin ToddLee VilardiLinda and Gunnar WalmetJohn P. WalshRick and Lynne WertEdmund and Joan WnekJennie Zawisza

In Memory of Rita TrescottKathy and Ray Kotary

In Memory of Jean M. WalshMary Ellen AbdelnourOffice of the State Comptroller, Human

Resources and AdminisJoe QuinlanJohn and Janet SicklesThe Capital J. Weekenders

In Memory of Mildred WatrobskiBernice O’Connell


NABA hosted Mr. Chhitup Lama of western Nepal while he participated in a four-month leadership sponsored by the United States Department of State. While in Albany, he resided at the College of St. Rose and worked with their Disability Services Department. He visited NABA to observe lessons, learn about programs and to visit our partners in the community who provide other services to the visually impaired. Mr. Chhitup Lama lives with his wife and infant son in Simikot, in the Humla District, of Nepal. You can learn

more about him and his work at www.headnepal.org.

My name is Chhitup Lama. I am a person with a visual impairment. I have experienced all the sorrows of a partially-sighted child growing up in Humla. Humla is probably the most remote corner of the world, having no access to specialized training in mobility & orientation, hard to have access to a good education, and being outcast because people believe that the blind child brings bad luck to their surroundings. I feel it is time to change the circumstances for people with disabilities, in general, and visually impaired children, in particular. With a single mind and vision to work for the disabled community of Humla district, I established the organization, Himalayan Education and Development (HEAD Nepal) in 2011. I believe in the potential energy of the most neglected. Like a Himalayan spring hiding beneath the snow, I believe that huge potential can be discovered if we give these children a chance to blossom. Therefore, I first started “Head Mobile Blind School” in the mountains of Humla and trained blind and partially sighted children in their own home with their parents.

NABA hosted Mr. Chhitup Lama of Western NepalFour-Month Leadership Sponsored by the United States Department of State


In 2012, I set up a residential training center for blind and partially sighted children in Simikot, Humla. Currently, the center is educating 25 children with visual impairment. Humla is one of the poorest regions in the world, and disabled people are the most disadvantaged amongst the poor. However, I strongly believe that empowering the disabled through education and early intervention will have a positive effect on the general development of Humla and the country at large. I also have founded a skill development/vocational training center where adult people with disability are being trained in different vocational, educational and technical skills for their social and economic inclusion. Along with these, a number of workshops, seminars, and awareness campaign are carried out in order to sensitize persons with disability, the community members, and the stakeholders since the establishment of the organization. I initiated a project entitled “Disability Information Advisory Services” to make every service available and accessible for disabled people, their family and network.

I was selected as a community leader fellow in Community Solutions Program (CSP). The CSP is funded by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and implemented by IREX. CSP program is a four month leadership and professional development course which requires a host agency practicum during the entire course. I was highly privileged to be hosted by the College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York where I worked with the Office of Disability Services to improve accessibility for the students with visual impairment.


At the same time I was lucky enough to be connected to Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany (NABA) where I visited two days each week to learn about their services for the individuals with visual impairment. NABA has a long history and experience working with people with vision disabilities with a lot of support services in several counties of New York State and I have the same vision for Nepali people with visual impairment. I was thrilled to join NABA and learn a lot about their services from the highly professional, skilled and experienced motivating staff. During my fellowship in Albany New York, I had the opportunity to learn about the innovative and very useful, assistive devices/special tools, and technologies to assist people with vision disabilities and ease their daily activities in order to make them independent. At NABA, I was connected to a number of other non-profits who have the similar projects and programs and I learned from them and developed my network as well. Maureen Strainge, Co-Director of Rehabilitation Services supervised me during my entire stay at NABA. I had separate appointments with different staff in different departments of NABA. I found all the staff really motivating and inspiring and learned from their expertise. I volunteered for the NABA Youth Program, I would highly suggest


to anyone looking for a fulfilling volunteer activity. I had several occasions to spend some time and participated in the events. The children’s Halloween celebration at NABA and the NABA Casino Night Fundraiser for the Youth programs are still fresh in my mind and are first-time experiences in my life. Meeting with Chris Burke, the Executive Director, Michele O’Hare, Director of Communication, Outreach and Development, and Alyson Bingham, the Grant Specialist writer at NABA, brought me a level of understanding between HEAD Nepal and NABA which identifies some of the possible areas of future collaboration between two agencies.

I am really grateful to the entire NABA family for providing me this wonderful opportunity to know the agency and its entire works and to learn a lot that will help remarkably to develop my venture back in Nepal. I would like to thank all NABA staff for their amazing learning and friendship, especially Chris Burke, for accepting me at NABA and Maureen Strainge, the Co-Director of Rehabilitation Services for supervising me and helping me for my each and every activity there. I thank everyone at NABA who directly and indirectly helped me personally and professionally. I am grateful to be connected with NABA. I hope we can develop a formal partnership between NABA and HEAD Nepal for cooperative endeavors with mutual benefit for both organizations and the visually impaired people we serve.

Become A NABA Philanthropist!There are many ways to support NABA and the Dr. Harry Judge Vision Rehabilitation Center and its mission. To make a donation to NABA, please call 518-463-1211 ext. 241 or 201 or go to the NABA website at www.naba-vision.org.

How to learn about NABA’s ServicesTo learn more about NABA and the Dr. Harry Judge Vision Rehabilitation Center, please call 518-518-463-1211 ext. 241 or go to the NABA website at www.naba-vision.org.

How to VolunteerTo volunteer, please call 518-463-1211 ext. 201 or go to the NABA website at www.naba-vision.org.

If you received the NABA Annual Report with an incorrect name, mailing address or have any other change, please notify us at (518-463-1211 x 241 or 201). If you would like a copy of this Annual Report in some other format (on audio tape or Braille), please call us at 518- 463-1211 x 231, and we will be happy to send it to you. If you are moving, please call our offices so that we may update our records.

301 Washington Ave. Albany, NY 12206

www.naba-vision.org 518-463-1211

Documents

ANNUAL REPOR T · James F. Carriero Robert P. Mascali EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Mike Collins, CHAIR Vince Crisafulli Mary Fiorillo-Lentini Rich Frankel Anthony Paganucci Tamara Cookingham