LifeLong LearningSM

2013 Volume 1

Transitioning with Kyle G.Anderson Center delivers a carefully executed process through which an individual transitions from his/her childhood program into adult services. The staff ensures exceptional continuity of care to help foster continued personal growth and individual independence. This unique program supports our adults’ continued development and growth toward the

achievement of a well-rounded life-style and integration into the com-munity. The following article high-lights the thoughts of Harvey Way resident Kyle G. as he transitions to his new home. It is written in Kyle’s own words with the assistance of staff member Danielle Lichwick.

Hi, my name is Kyle G. and I just moved into Harvey Way, Anderson’s newest residential house. Harvey Way is located in Newburgh, NY, all the way down in Orange County. Moving to Harvey Way was very exciting. It was a nice change from being on campus. Before moving, I will admit that I was a little scared. I have lived on campus all my life and I was very nervous because I was moving into a new house that I didn’t know a lot about. I was also nervous because I had not met any of the new staff. Finally being able to move off campus was a great feeling though. Pack-ing up all my belongings meant that I was finally able to move out of the campus en-vironment.

While at Harvey Way, we always have lots to do. Some of the outings that we have done are going to the mall, Orange County Chop-pers, and the Harness Racing Museum in Goshen. We also celebrate everyone’s birth-days whether it is a peer or a staff. A few of

my peers and I participate in the baking of the birthday cakes, which is really fun. In the spring, we have a garden that we are going to grow our own vegetables in. Also in the back yard we have a bocce ball court and basketball hoop in the drive way. I cannot wait until spring is here so we can enjoy these activities.

I really enjoy sports especially basketball and football. Some of my other interests include soccer, tennis, swimming, and dancing. I greatly enjoy that we are active in the community because I like to go out and experience new things and meet people. I live with four other guys from campus. They are Chris, Jason, Chan, and Steven. All of us became great friends here at Harvey Way, even though we knew each other from campus. I really enjoy playing basketball with Chris. Jason and I both have a great interest in music which I appreciate a lot. Steven and I both like to dance at Harvey Way when we listen to the radio or CD’s. Chan has the most energy out of all the guys in the house and that’s something that I like a lot. I even heard Chan sing a few times which is very awesome.

Executive Director’s Message 2

Executive Director 2

Family Corner 3

Staff Kudos 3

Fundraising Highlights 4

Wishes Coming True 5

Notes & Notables 6

Special Olympics 7

Save the Dates 8

w h a t ’ s i n s i d e

Look for our “Supportive Environment” logo at a business near you!

Executive Director’s Message

The Anderson Village

The close of 2012 marked a milestone at Anderson Center for Autism. The master site plan is complete with the last of the renovations on campus concluded. Malcolm Hall has reverted to its original name, The Spruces, which was etched over the entrance in 1939. We have slightly adjusted the name to the Business Center at The Spruces, reflecting the building’s new purpose. It is home to administration, i.e., Finance, Human Re-sources, Staff Development, Corporate Compliance, Develop-ment and yours truly, the Executive Director. This stunning overhaul has restored the historical beauty of a building whose stones were quarried on the grounds when it was originally

built. The Business Center at the Spruces also completes “An-derson Village”.

I am also thrilled that we have recognized our brilliant past by reconstructing Dr. Anderson’s library. The Anderson Historical Library—located in the atrium of the Business Center at The Spruces—honors his life and the Anderson family’s memory. Another gesture of respect is found in the village street signs bearing the names of family members.

On January 24, 2013, five key members of the executive team: Patrick Paul, Bill Wilson, Maria Espie, Tina Chirico and I were honored by both Boards of Trustees with a plaque placed out-side the Business Center commemorating the completion of the master site plan. We were all deeply moved by this act of generosity. A formal open house is slated for June 11th (details will be forth-coming).

While Anderson Village is brimming with new construction and beau-tifully restored buildings, we never lose sight of our past and those who have come before us. I encourage you to take notice when you are visiting.

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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

b o a r d o f t r u s t e e s Anderson 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.

Anderson Foundation for Autism, Inc.

Lifetime Honorary Trustees

A Word from the Executive Director

Margaret Cusumano, Chair

John Maserjian, Vice Chair

Justin L. Cole, Treasurer

Tondra Lynford, Secretary

Susan Angeles, Trustee

Gregory S. Burns, Trustee

Barry R. Feirstein, Trustee

Vance A. Gage, Trustee

Joseph T. Kirchhoff, Trustee

Harold L. Mangold, Trustee

David W. Melby, Trustee

William F. Melcher, Trustee

Marisa Perez-Rogers, Trustee

Maryann R. Pilon, Trustee

Robert Shoemaker, Trustee

Rebecca A. Valk, Trustee

Anderson Center for Autism*

Ellen L. Baker

Michael McNaughton

David W. Melby

Jaime Rodriguez-Tellez

Wilfred Rohde

Sarah E. Sholes

Fritz Sonnenschmidt

Francis M. Synan, Chair

Eric D. Gorman, 1st Vice Chair

Elizabeth P. Corcoran, 2nd Vice Chair

Justin L. Cole, Treasurer

Richard W. Lewis, Secretary

Neeraj Alimchandani, Trustee

Elinor B. E. Arnold, Trustee

Rebecca M. Blahut, Trustee

Pompey Delafield, Trustee

Joseph Lepore, Trustee

Peter M. Olympia, Jr., Trustee

Jeanne R. Raichle, Trustee

John A. Scileppi, Ph.D., Trustee

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

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Family Corner

Employees of the MonthCongratulations to our February Employees of the Month…

Children’s Services Education:

Kelsey Van Norman, Teaching Assistant in Classroom 312, is commended for her collaborative and thorough work style in both her morning residence (Dogwood) and in the classroom. Kelsey has taken a lead role in the classroom, provides excel-lent instruction to students and implements support strategies and plans with integrity. Her kind and respectful manner has made a huge impact on the students.

Children’s Services Residential:

Samantha “Sammy” Mongillo is a Direct Support Profes-sional in Sycamore house. Sammy has been a driving force in

the house, always willing to offer new ideas and pitch in to enhance systems and delivery of services to the young ladies residing there. With a background in Communication Sciences Disorders, Sammy works effectively with students, encourag-ing them toward functional skill development in all areas.

Adult Services:

Uriel Adams, Residence Manager at the Enderkill IRA for near-ly 11 years, has brought a very positive and enabling approach to his program. He is focused on promoting the independence of the men he works with. He has built a strong team at the IRA and all his staff follow Uriel’s lead and approach. He is ex-tremely flexible with his schedule and always willing to lend a hand with any undertaking. Whether it’s DJ’ing a dance, man-ning the BBQ grill at family picnics, or providing oversight at an IRA, Uriel has been a team player throughout his time with Anderson Center.

Staff Kudos

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Facing “That Day”

Nearly 30 years ago, William and Theresa S. faced the “hard-est day of their lives” bringing their son Anthony, a teenager, to live two hours away at Anderson Center. “He had limited language and was demonstrating very serious behavioral issues”, recounts Theresa. “Knowing that something is the right thing to do and actually doing it without being struck with worry, guilt, and sadness—especially when it involves one of your chil-dren—are two very different things. But,” she says, “We put our trust in Anderson Center that day”.

Today, Anthony is 43 and “has come a long way”, says his proud mom. “Of course, hindsight is 20/20, but despite the ups and downs, if we could go back, we wouldn’t change a thing about our decision. We’d be very happy if our story could com-fort other families as they too face that day. We are Anderson Center parents with 30 years’ experience under our belts, so we can say first-hand that the staff is outstanding, sincere and keep you informed so you feel like you are close by. Working at an agency myself, I understand the dedication and the type of talented, empathetic people that staff members need to be. Neil Pollack is phenomenal and sincere—he leads the way and opens his heart to all of the individuals Anderson serves”.

Anthony has lived at Shelly Hill since it opened in 1994 as An-derson’s first adult residence. “That is truly his home”, Theresa shares. “His fellow residents are like the brothers he never had and the sons I never had. He also visits home some weekends”, Theresa adds. “He loves to eat, so the first thing he says when

he comes through the door is “Deetballs”—his word for meat-balls. As a typical Italian mom, that is music to my ears!”

“Anthony has brought so much joy into our lives and has kept us going”, Theresa shares. “Because of him, we have been blessed with lifelong friendships and experiences that we and his sisters treasure. The older we get, the more we know that our decision was in everyone’s best interest. He’s calmer, safe, happy in his true home and, most importantly, we gave Anthony a life to live on that day so long ago”.

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

s t a f f k u d o s

Program Initiatives

“Noteworthy” Cards

What is “Noteworthy”? It is a program showcasing our students’ artwork on notecards. This project has proven to be a win-win for everyone involved. Here’s how it works… First, the works of students in the Art Program serve as the catalyst for the card designs and

themes such as Flowers, Rainbows, Four Sea-sons, and more. Once the cards are produced, other students get involved with packaging and maintaining the inventory. Students are proud of their “Noteworthy” contributions.

Perfect as party invitations, thank you notes, birthday cards, and much more, the cards are quickly growing in popularity. “Noteworthy” continues expanding and this past year, a “Cel-ebrations” theme was added.

Each package of eight cards is $10 with the pro-ceeds used to continue the project. Now, we are happy to announce that “Noteworthy” cards are available to a broader audience under the Shop tab of our website at https://shopander-soncenter.org/shop/category/noteworthy-art/.

It is evident that the collaboration between the Art and Transition Departments showcases meaningful outcomes of this project. We look forward to its continued success.

Annual AppealAs a crucial part of our fundraising efforts, Anderson Center sends out an Annual Appeal. Donations received are used to directly benefit the children and adults we serve by enhancing existing programs and strengthening our ability to pursue new opportunities. Thus far, our 2012 Annual Appeal has raised $34,000, and donations continue to arrive daily! THANK YOU to all who have given and/or spread the word by asking your friends and family to make a gift to Anderson.

Your support is essential to our success. We encourage anyone who has not yet responded to the appeal to consider making a donation today! You can also help by sharing the appeal with others to build additional support. The Development office is happy to work with you to personalize a letter that fits your needs.

We still have packages available, including a personalized Anderson Center for Au-tism zip drive showcasing Courageous Journey, a beautifully moving video. For more information, please contact RonDeena Ross at 845.889.9224 or rondeenaross@acenterforautism.org.

Fundraising Highlights

f u n d r a i s i n g h i g h l i g h t s

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Andrea was eager to talk about the Children’s Services Clinic’s new exam table. “The table makes it so much easier to con-duct exams”, she says. The old one was held together by duct tape. The new table provides a more comfortable experience for the students. It also comes with some updates such as a built-in step and adjust-able position back. This allows treatment to be conducted with less stress to patients. When asked if another exam table would be helpful, Andrea answered with a resound-ing “Yes”!

Children’s Services was also granted their wish for a Vein Finder. This small tool uses infrared technology to non-invasively locate good veins on an individual. Since many of our students (and adults) require blood draws, we are always look-ing for ways to make them more efficient and mini-mize anxiety. The Vein Finder finds a vein “the first time, almost 100% of the time”, An-drea remarked. Therefore, students are pricked far less of-ten. This one tool has also dramatically cut down on trips to off-site medical offices for blood draws.

Heidi had a lot to say about some other items donated to Health Services via the Wish List—Pulse Oximeters. These small non-invasive devices measure an individual’s oxygen level and pulse rate by being placed gently on any finger for approximately 15 seconds. They have really improved routine and emergency healthcare procedures. Heidi explained that “It can be difficult for staff to assess the often subtle cues associated with an individ-ual in an acute respiratory situation. With these devices, a nurse obtains a reading from staff over the phone. Individuals suffer-ing from an asthma attack, seizure disorders, respiratory illnesses and those who might need to monitor oxygen levels are impact-ed by the accessibility of these devices. In an era of extraordi-

nary growth in Anderson’s Adult Services Residential Program, the Pulse Oximeters are an invaluable addition. They provide di-rect care staff with a proactive and reactive means of assessment.

They also allow faster communica-tion between nursing staff and other loca-tions. This time, it was Andrea’s turn to ask and ask she will. She hopes to add Pulse Oximeters to the Children’s Resi-dential Program.

In the final moments of our conversation, both Andrea and Heidi decided to request something new. They are seek-ing thermometers for all program locations.

It is important to note that prior to these donations, an-other individual generously donated AED’s (defibrilla-tors) to each adult residence to support the staff’s ability to respond to a medical emergency if neces-sary. On behalf of

Anderson Center for Autism, we want to thank the donors. To-gether, we will fill in the gaps that exist between the home and the hospital.

If you are struck by these stories and would like to support our Wish List, please contact Eliza Bozenski in the Development Department to obtain current information on items needed. As you can see, your support and donations make an enor-mous difference! Eliza can be reached at 845-889-9594 or

ElizaBozenski@ACenterforAutism.org

“Wishes” Coming TrueRecently Eliza Bozenski, Director of Agency Affairs, sat down with Andrea Rosa, Nurse Supervisor-Children’s, and Heidi Schlip-mann, Nurse Supervisor-Adults, from Anderson’s Health Services Department to discuss the recent donations made to their department from Anderson’s Wish List.

Celebrating the Holidays

Tree Lighting

Students and staff gath-ered together to light and decorate our newly donated tree in the cen-ter of campus. The Sta-atsburg Fire Dept. gave Santa Claus a special ride to the celebration where he met up with Mrs. Claus and friends where afterwards every-one enjoyed hot chocolate and cookies.

Hanukkah

Rabbi Hecht made a special trip to Anderson Center to celebrate Hanukkah with our stu-dents. The students played games, sang, ate snacks, and lit the menorah.

Holiday Food Drive

Students Michael R., Bill H., Jacob L., Max. K., and Jare R. were surprised to learn that some people are less fortunate and may not be able to have a special holiday dinner. This realization led them to organize a food drive so the students could help people in the nearby community. The students collected and decorated donation boxes. Students hung flyers to encourage donations. Jacob and Michael checked the boxes each week. Overall, enough food was collected for 15 families. More importantly, Michael, Bill, Jacob, Max, and Jare realized the joy of helping others. Great work everyone!

Notes & Notables

Notes & Notables

Supporting the Arts

For many of our children and adults, verbal communication is difficult, if not impossible. For-tunately, through our expand-ing Art Program individuals can share their thoughts and feel-ings through painting, drawing, and photography.

In celebration, the Center hosts an annual exhibit featuring works by our artists. This year’s winter exhibit was entitled “Do You See What I See?” Board Member Joe Lepore hosted the event at his LCS Facility Group in Poughkeepsie and even pur-chased a painting for his office after admiring it all afternoon. A record 28 artists were showcased, including individuals from both the Children’s and Adult Programs. It was the first time ever for these two groups to exhibit side-by-side.

The program has expanded significantly since it began in 2004. In addition to the traditional hung artwork, the event featured Anderson’s popular Noteworthy Cards (see related article un-

der Program Initiatives).

The show was a complete hit, with one attendee exclaiming “I just finished my holiday shopping!” Sale of the artwork and cards totaled $1,520 for the Art Program and the artists themselves. Ander-son thanks Mr. Lepore for his generosity in offering his space. We are certain he and the LCS staff will cherish the painting he purchased.

n o t e s & n o t a b l e s

c e l e b r a t i n g t h e h o l i d a y s Santa’s VisitSanta came to Anderson Center from the North Pole to deliver special presents. Everyone had a wonderful time celebrating the ho-ho-holidays.

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Special Olympics

Medals at the AlleyAfter qualifying at re-gionals, five student athletes represented Anderson in the 2012 Unified Bowling event in Jefferson Valley, NY. This event teams up Special Olympians with Special Olympics

Coaches that compete against others from the Hudson Valley region. The athletes’ dedication was rewarded with a variety of medals and a wonderful time!

Michael R. & Jarmar Richardson—Bronze

Imani B. & Special Olympics Volunteer Louise—Silver

Chipper C. & Kwame WiafeAkenten—Silver

William H. & Special Olympics Volunteer Diane—Bronze

Max K. & Raymond Smith—Gold

Back to CourtAfter weeks of practice, our adult athletes recently had their first basketball scrim-mage at the Wassaic Cam-pus. They worked together, showed good sportsmanship, and most importantly, had fun. The team put up 37 points in the win. The sea-son’s off to a great start!

Halftime HeroesAdult athletes Ella J., Ed B., Ed H., Mar-cos D., Matt R., and Jai M. recently had the opportunity to play during halftime of a Marist game. They played against the “A” squad of the Running Red Foxes who have been play-

ing together for years. Despite the crowd, the athletes remained composed, passed the ball, took great shots, and thoroughly en-

joyed the opportunity.

Coaches’ Clinic

Anderson recently hosted a track and field Special Olympics Coaching Clinic. Twenty employees trained to become Certi-fied Coaches. Five of our seasoned adult athletes also volun-teered to become mentors to our less experienced athletes. Thanks to our local SO-HVR directors Linda Efraimsen and Ellen Pikula for providing this opportunity.

Team Invitational

In conjunction with Special Olympics New York (S.O.N.Y.) and Pine Plains High School, Anderson recently hosted our first basketball invitational. Ten teams from Hudson Valley and Al-bany regions showcased their skills. Thanks go to PPHS, their student athletes, and Anderson volunteers for a wonderful day!

Freezin’ for a ReasonS.O.N.Y.’s 2013 Freezin’ for a Reason Polar Plunge at the Sharpe Reservation in Fishkill, NY, showed, once again, that for a good cause people will jump into a freezing lake! Anderson’s team “A Bit Chilly” joined hundreds of others to take a dip to raise money for sports.

Athletics CommitteeAn Anderson Athletics Committee, was just created made up of student athletes Brandon B., Max K., and Tracy F., plus adult athletes Marcos D., Matt R., Chrissy C., and Ed B. They are joined by our SO Program Coordinators Kwame, Amanda, John, and Jamar. This gives the athletes a chance to express their thoughts regarding upcoming events, practices, and other sports they hope to pursue.

s p e c i a l o l y m p i c s

Save the Dates

4885 Route 9 · P.O. Box 367

Staatsburg, NY 12580-0367

Ph: 845-889-4034

www.AndersonCenterforAutism.org

s a v e t h e d a t e s

May 18, 2013ACA’s Cultural Festival on May 18, 2013, at Anderson Center for Autism

June 6, 201312th Annual Golf Tournament on June 6, 2013, at Dutchess Golf Club (formerly Dutchess Golf and Coun-try Club) in Poughkeepsie, NY

June 11, 2013Open House Celebrating Completion of MSP on June 11, 2013, at Anderson Center for Autism

October 5, 201312th Annual Gala on October 5, 2013, at The Grandview in Poughkeepsie, NY

October 19, 2013ACA’s Open House & Harvest Festival on October 19, 2013, at Anderson Center for Autism

For details, participation and sponsorship information, or to register for the events, please contact RonDeena Ross at 845-889-9224.

Like Us on Facebook

Looking for a great way to stay updated on all of the ab-solutely won-derful things

happening here at Ander-son? We invite and en-courage each one of you to “like” us on Facebook! With updates nearly every day, we’ve highlighted holiday events, Special Olympics events and many other noteworthy happenings including photos like this.

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