L IFELONG LEARNERSM

L I F E L O N G L E A R N I N GTM

Fall 2010

ACA CELEBRATES 9TH ANNUAL GALA “WE ARE THE WORLD”

· Executive Director’s Message 2

· Family Corner 3

· Fundraising Highlights 5

· Notes and Notables 6-7

WHAT’S INSIDE

Anderson Center for Autism (ACA) proudly hosted its

9th Annual Gala on October 2, 2010, at the Grandview in

Poughkeepsie. Assemblyman Marcus Molinaro and Darin

and Jason Page from Page Park Associates were presented

with the V.V. Anderson Community Service Award. The

Award recognizes a person and a business/organization who

has demonstrated continued commitment and dedication

to furthering autism awareness in our community, as well

as their outstanding leadership and strong desire to make

this world a better place to live, work and play. Both

Assemblyman Molinaro and the Page brothers have been

strong advocates for ACA and autism in the community.

Marc Molinaro continues his legacy of strong leadership

and advocacy for those who need a voice within our community. He has hosted a series of special education rights workshops for parents,

educators and human service professionals. In his role as Assemblyman, he participates in Assembly Minority Regional Forums on Autism

Awareness, which seek input from families, educators and other professionals to help develop policies that support research and assist

communities/families dealing with autism. As a direct result of the regional forums, legislation (A8828) was introduced calling for the

creation of a state Autism Advisory Board that makes recommendations for comprehensive and consistent criteria/regulations for New York

State. He continues to work with Assemblyman Joel Miller and local advocacy organizations to improve the services and quality of life for

individuals with autism and their families; including hosting their first annual movie day suitable for special needs persons.

“The challenges of raising a child on the spectrum can seem so overwhelming – Christy, my wife, and I know this firsthand,” said Assemblyman

Molinaro. “With one in 110 of our children diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, the Anderson Center does such wonderful work

for these special individuals and their families. I am immensely grateful to the Center and Foundation and sharing this recognition with the

Page Family and Page Park Associates is a true honor. They are a great and generous business and family. I am humbled to be honored in

this way.”

This year’s business/organization award was presented to Page Park Associates,

who are reliable, efficient, creative, consistent, determined, and caring. As a

well-respected business within our community, their strong commitment to

hard work and family values makes them a valued advocate for us. We

appreciate their advocacy, volunteerism and support, which range from

hosting an introductory party for us last year to helping us spread the word

about Anderson and autism; to the attentiveness and sensitivity to our needs

and the individual needs of our constituents. (Continued on page 3)

Michael Keegan, Neil Pollack, Marc Molinaro, Margaret Cusumano, David Melby, Jason Page, Darin Page, Joseph Kirchhoff enjoy the Gala

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a u t i s m t o d a y

Thoughts from the

desk of Neil J. Pollack,

Executive Director/C.E.O.

Our 9th Annual Gala was another tremendous success. We had

more than 300 people attend and I am happy to say that more

parents than ever enjoyed the evening with us. The Children’s

Program organized and worked with the students to provide the

evening’s highlight. The Unity Drummers and Dancers entertained

the crowd with their energetic singing, dancing and drumming –

truly a touching moment for the audience.

At the Gala, parents of students stood up to be recognized. I was

thrilled to see so many parents around the room. These are the

people that ACA has a direct, profound impact on every day. Our

parents are ambassadors for Anderson every day as they share their

stories of parenting a child with autism.

Every member of the audience watching the students perform is now

an ambassador for Anderson. The Unity Drummers and Dancers

performance was about the joy of life, the celebration of the moment

and, especially for the parents in the audience, a testament to what can

be achieved with help from Anderson. Together we can make a

difference in people’s lives in our communities, our region, our country,

our world.

With one in 110 children being diagnosed with autism spectrum

disorder, now more than ever we need to be talking about ways to help

our children grow and learn, how families can help their children and

how our communities can build advocacy for those who need help.

Stand up for autism. Become an ambassador for ACA and help have

an impact on your world.

To support the important work of ACA, I also urge you to visit our website www.AndersonCenterforAutism.org and consider a contribution. Your support helps us to develop these very pioneering programs.

b o a r d s o f t r u s t e e sAnderson Center for Autism operates under the guidance of our exceptional Boards of Trustees.

We appreciate the contributions that each of these talented and generous individuals makes towards the achievement of our goals.

David W. Melby, Chair

Francis M. Synan, 1st Vice Chair

Sarah E. Sholes, 2nd Vice Chair

Peter M. Olympia, Jr., Treasurer

Neeraj Alimchandani, Secretary

ANDERSON CENTER FOR AUTISM*

Elinor B. E. Arnold, Trustee

Justin L. Cole, Trustee

Elizabeth Corcoran, Trustee

Pompey H. Delafield, Trustee

Eric D. Gorman, Trustee

Joe Lepore, Trustee

Richard Lewis, Trustee

Jeanne R. Raichle, Trustee

John A. Scileppi, Trustee

*Trustees for Anderson Center for Autism are also trustees for Anderson Center Services, Inc.

ANDERSON FOUNDATION FOR AUTISM, INC.Margaret Cusumano, Chair

John Maserjian, Vice Chair

Robert Shoemaker, Treasurer

Rebecca A. Valk, Secretary

Susan Angeles, Trustee

Ellen L. Baker, Trustee

Barry R. Feirstein, Trustee

Vance A. Gage, Trustee

Joseph T. Kirchhoff, Trustee

Tondra Lynford, Trustee

LIFETIME HONORARY TRUSTEES

Harold L. Mangold, Trustee

William F. Melcher, Trustee

Marisa Perez-Rogers, Trustee

Ellen L. Baker Michael McNaughton Jaime Rodriguez-Tellez Fritz SonnenschmidtWilfred Rohde

A SON’S JOURNEY TO ADULTHOODWhen Roger D. was 12 years old, he came to live at ACA after his family’s

lengthy search for the right residential program. “We looked all over but

found that the best fit for Roger was right in our own backyard,” explains Mr.

D., his proud dad. “Living nearby, we were thrilled that we could visit with

Roger whenever we wanted.”

That was more than 15 years ago, and Roger, now 28 and a resident of the

Allen Road IRA, continued to develop at ACA throughout the years. “When

he aged out of the ACA campus, he went through an extremely efficient

transition to his new setting - a lovely home with five residents. The continuity

of care was exceptional from a staff that directly and indirectly helps to foster

each individual’s independence. And, of course, it’s the best that he’s still so close by,” says Dad.

Roger enjoys eating and being around food in the kitchen. He loves animals and going on rides and smiles when the wind

blows on his face. “ACA sees each resident as an individual person and is dedicated to developing their interests and skills

to their full potential,” says Mr. D.

“Sometimes people are not accepting of someone with challenges – they don’t have the patience. But that’s not the way

it is at ACA. I’ve gotten to know the staff so well over the years and I couldn’t rate them any higher than I do. They do a

tremendous job dealing with the varied needs of individuals and I’m grateful that, as an adult, Roger can still benefit from

their care.”

f a m i l y c o r n e r

(“Gala” continued from page 1) “Page Park Associates is thrilled to be

honored by Anderson Center,” said Jason Page, Managing Partner, Page Park

Associates. “Anderson Center, often silently, provides a remarkable service to

the community, helping so many of those with special needs function in the

often difficult world that we live in. Their mission is endless and their legacy

will be known to many for years to come. They touch the lives of children and

adults through their caring efforts. We are always excited to be a part of their

events and value the recognition that they provided Page Park Associates with

this award.”

The highlight of the evening was a special performance by The Unity Drummers

and Dancers. ACA’s Children’s Program students worked hard on their

performance, which entertained Gala attendees with their lively, inspiring

presentation. Through music, dance, singing, and drumming, 15 incredible

individuals came together to share a celebration of unity.

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Harold L. Mangold, Trustee

William F. Melcher, Trustee

Marisa Perez-Rogers, Trustee

The Unity Drummers and Dancers

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s t a f f k u d o s

Congratulations goes out to Cindy Robinson (Children’s Program - AEC & Residential) and Teresa Josiah (Enderkill IRA) who are recipients of the NYSACRA Regional Conference Awards in Excellence.

The Children’s Residential Program congratulates Joseph Mendez for being accepted into the Extraordinary Caregiver Recognition Program. Sponsored by the School of Social Welfare at Stony Brook University, the program recognizes and supports those who provide hands-on care to individuals with developmental disabilities. Joe will attend a two-day conference and will receive a Certificate of Recognition from Stony Brook’s School of Social Welfare.

Great job, everyone!

STAFF APPRECIATION PARTY

CONGRATULATIONS

It was time to celebrate as everyone enjoyed the festivities at the annual Staff Appreciation Party on

September 10, 2010, at The Poughkeepsie Grand.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING STAFF MEMBERS WHO ARE CELEBRATING

MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES WITH ACA

5 YEARSRobert AllenDelrene AndersonVeronie AndersonJana BlazicekFiona BrownKisha BrownAlbert CheversKathleen ChurchillDonna ComoCharles CurnellKimberly DoeringEdmond EtienneSybil FosterSherry FrankoSharline GiffTracey GregoryBrandy HaightA. J. JohnsonRashide JohnsonRowan JohnsonDale Larsen Andrea LynchPatricia Lucio-PennMark MilroySteven MulveyPeter NackPaul NorthCarolyne OndengeKevin OrendeCasper OwuorJustin PadenJennifer Parsons

Janelle OrrTina PayeurAshok RameshVivian RansomDeron RossMary StormerMaurice ThomasOlevene ThompsonRalph Vanvlack James WhiteheadColleen Young

15 YEARSJeffrey A. MahoneySilka L. Benz

20 YEARSCynthia H. MowrisLarry D. RileySharon E. Scafe

25 YEARSNerio H. CalleGail GrahamJames KaelinSteve SchallenkampDonna M. SzelowskiSylvia M. Taylor-HinesMary D. Weissmann

30 YEARSChristine M. ChodanMaria A. Espie

Jean Pierre-LouisDara PizarroClaude PorterMark RakchevLatoya RansomMarie RodeznoKelly SilkworthShella St. CroixRajher Thomas

10 YEARSRebecca AppolloniaChristine BakerAnthony BattistaMarilyn R. BennettJanet J. BrissettCarlene BrownPatricia CummingsAdrienne N. DelorenzoJennifer EichhornElizabeth K. FosterTracy GardnerRaymond J. GermannSusan GermannEfren Gonzalez Jr.Jennifer LealeSheila MccoyGregoria MercadoJane MiskovitzMagdalene NakakawaMaria NelsonStephanie NoonanCarren Oloo

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING MERITORIOUS AWARD RECIPIENTS

ADULT SERVICESNichol Woolcock

ANCILLARY Rebecca Stanmyer

ADMINISTRATIVE & SUPPORTJennifer Leale

CHILDREN’S SERVICESRenita Falvo

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIPMertlyn Tomlinson

FUNDRAISING HIGHLIGHTS The Hudson Valley Autism Society awarded a grant to the Good Dog Foundation to continue the beneficial work they do. We offer our congratulations to them and are happy to share in the benefits as they are a constant presence in many of our programs.

We are happy to thank Justin and Carol Cole for hosting a wonderful evening House Party on August 7, 2010. This was a great opportunity to meet new people, make new friends and introduce ACA. Thank you for opening your home!

The 2010 Gala raised over $80,000, which directly supports the fundraising efforts of Anderson Foundation for Autism, providing assistance to all of our programs and services. Thank you to all our supporters, sponsors and attendees for joining us.

IMMEDIATE FUNDING NEEDED FOR “ACTIVE LEARNING WITH ACTIVBOARDS”Students with Autism benefit from multi-sensory learning opportunities. ActivBoards provide teachers with visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic tools that motivate and engage students in ways never before possible. Traditional paper and pencil academic tasks are difficult for our students given their visual discrimination, scanning and fine motor difficulties. Use of the ActivBoard negates these issues as the student can work directly on the board using a “wand”, which requires less fine motor ability. Working directly on the board maintains student attention in one area - no need to look back and forth between a white board and their desk.

With ActivBoards, our classroom teachers begin lessons by having students identify their motivators –“What are you working for?” Students benefit from the enhanced, motivating lesson, as well as the delivery of immediate and highly-preferred reinforcement. Given a choice, many students with autism show a preference for engaging with technology versus people. ActivBoard lessons can be also customized to integrate social learning opportunities and technology – two (or more) students can be simultaneously engaged in a common learning task.

One of the more challenging aspects of a teacher’s job at ACA is the amount of data capturing that must occur. Data-based decision making is an integral component of an ABA educational program and having reliable student-performance data is imperative. ActivBoards allow teachers to efficiently capture and monitor current student performance and progress data. With $12,000 from the Anderson Foundation Grants Committee, our ActiviBoards Pilot Program has shown us how valuable this technology can be. Our goal now is to equip all 23 classrooms and the Adult Program with ActivBoards. Total cost with current pricing is $78,600.

PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITEwww.AndersonCenterforAutism.org

for details on program initiatives needing funding

and other ways you can support ACA

On September 1, 2010, our annual Art Show was again hosted by the Pavel Zoubok Gallery in Chelsea, NYC. More than 20 artists showcased their art; including the Adult Services Program’s collaborative pieces. The show was a smashing success and our Adult Services Program greatly appreciated the opportunity! A special thank you to Susan Angeles, Maureen Vincie and Tondra Lynford for spearheading this event and to Pavel for curative design and donating the gallery space.

At the Gala, the Rock with Me campaign raised over $3,000 to fund the purchase of rocking chairs for all homes on campus! Rocking chairs offer vestibular input that has a calming effect on our children and adults when they cannot go outside to play. A very special thank you to the Grants Committee for their energy and work on this initiative, which built momentum throughout the year and culminated in wonderful success.

We are about to launch our 2010 Annual Year-End Appeal and hope you will consider contributing. If you wish to make a donation or get more information on how your donation helps Anderson, please contact the Development office.

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EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIPMertlyn Tomlinson

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A C A n o t e s a n d n o t a b l e s

VILLAGE CENTER OPENSOn September 15, 2010, ACA opened its doors to the Village Center – an integral component of our Master Site Plan. The facility provides space for families to visit with their children and supports operations such as maintenance, security and transportation.

PLUTARCH OPEN HOUSEAfter months of hard work by the residents and staff, Plutarch IRA hosted an Open House on September 14, 2010. It was evident that the young men of Plutarch are settling into their new home with ease. While guests talked with ACA staff, the young men played badminton, kicked a soccer ball and/or listened to music in their rooms. Plutarch residents were also welcomed into the community by their new neighbors who warmly introduced themselves. Congratulations to the team of Plutarch IRA for making this a successful opening and more importantly, building the foundation of a home for our new residents!

HOGS COME ROLLING IN

Special thanks to Jane Gallo and Cindy Robinson for

making the 7th Annual Woodstock HOG T-Shirt

Give Away Ride on August 1, 2010, possible.

HARVEST FESTIVALOn October 16, 2010, a perfect breezy day, families,

friends and students gathered to celebrate the

splendors of autumn at ACA’s Harvest Festival. The

houses all decorated scarecrows to adorn the front

lawn and also made delicious apple desserts for our

guests to sample. Several compliments were paid to

the bakers!! Fun activities included hayrides, arts and

crafts, a bounce house, a ball pit, and a very special

performance by ACA’s Theatrical Productions

Drama / Puppet Club. The smiling faces of those

that attended echoed the great success of the day.

BOOK DELIVERYACA students showed their appreciation when Mrs. Spruyt delivered over 2,000 donated books she collected from schools including JFK/RCK, Timberpoint, Conntequot Elementary, and the Early Childhood

Center. East Islip U-Haul also donated 40 boxes for the

books. Thanks everyone – we can’t wait to read them all!

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SUMMER JOBSAt the suggestion of Nancy Amy, Executive Director

of the Rhinebeck Chamber of Commerce, all summer

the residents of the Wurtemburg IRA participated

in community service jobs by watering flowers and

plants around Rhinebeck. The guys beamed with

pride while out in the community. Pedestrians said

hi when they walked by or smiled to thank them for

keeping the town beautiful. Isaac said that he really

liked taking care of the flowers and remembered

watering plants with his father while growing up in

Brooklyn. The staff was proud to help in this beneficial

relationship with the Rhinebeck community.

FAMILY GET TOGETHER

FESTIVAL OF FUN

On July 17, 2010, ACA celebrated diversity at the Cultural Festival. The staff and students represented a variety of countries and cultures through decorations, crafts and food. Adult Services treated everyone to a “Parade of Countries”. Ray, Karl and the whole Food Services team braved the heat to cook and serve the great food. Ellis W. kept the crowd moving to the beat by providing dance music. And, Cindy R., Anna L., Lori H., Jim W., and all the folks from Operations did an amazing job at set up and clean up.

Staff, from Recreation/Transition to Operations and Residential, spent hours working to make the Festival a success. A HUGE THANK YOU goes out to everyone.

Families of our adult residents enjoyed a wonderful afternoon at our Annual Family

Get Together, held on September 25, 2010, at the Violet Avenue LifeLong Learning

Center in Poughkeepsie. Each year we look forward to this special time when we can

get together to share stories, learn about new initiatives and join in a delicious meal

prepared by the IRAs. We are so grateful that the parents, some of whom have been

with with ACA for more than 20 years, remain continuously involved in their sons’

and daughters’ lives. With the encouragement and guidance they graciously give to

our program and staff, we have been able to sustain tremendous growth and to offer

the best possible strategies for instructing and learning.

STAFF DEVELOPMENTOn September 27 & 28, 2010, Staff Development personnel (Cindy Mowris, Claude Porter & Jennifer Parsons) gave a presentation titled “Mentoring: Creating an Atmosphere of Excellence & Achievement”. The workshop was well received and conference participants were thankful for the information, structure and overall guidance. Also present at the event was Neil Pollack, ACA CEO, who provided a presentation titled “Thriving in the Face of Adversity”. Neil spoke about the trials and tribulations the organization has faced since he began with ACA in 2001 and shared our concept of continually striving for excellence.

FESTIVAL OF FUN

4885 Route 9 · P.O. Box 367

Staatsburg, NY 12580-0367

Ph: 845-889-4034

www.AndersonCenterforAutism.org

Save the Dates!

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2011 If you were unable to attend this year’s Gala, (see cover article) be sure to mark Saturday, October 1, 2011,

on your calendar!! We will be celebrating the 10th Annual Gala next year ~ an event that should not be missed!