nssa sponsors unprecedented national town hall meeting ...one week stay at a la bella casa villa on...

Volume 6 No. 1 www.nssainfo.org Spring 2010

On November 13, 2009 more than 1,000 individualswith autism, family members, advocates, serviceproviders, community members, and elected officialsgathered at 16 satellite sites across the country todevelop a policy agenda for addressing the unique andunmet needs of adults with autism. Advancing Futuresfor Adults with Autism (AFAA) is a national consortiumof leading autism advocacy organizations and serviceproviders seeking to create meaningful futures foradults with autism that include homes, jobs,recreation, friends, and supportive communities.

NSSA co-sponsored the Long Island Satellite Site ofthis unprecedented National Town Hall Meeting, alongwith Eden II Programs, Developmental DisabilitiesInstitute, The Cody Center, The Elija Foundation, andAsperger Syndrome and High Functioning AutismAssociation. At each site, working groups (includingadults with autism, family members, communitymembers, neighbors, employers, service providers,representatives of funding and support agencies, electedofficials and others) worked to establish priorities formeeting the needs of adults with autism in several

key areas, including employment, housing, safety,recreation, transportation and social opportunities. TheTown Hall was organized from a central Chicago TownHall hub, with more than one thousand participantsacross the country linked via live webcast. Proposalsdeveloped during the course of the day-long sessionwere voted on electronically by all participants todevelop a focused national agenda for change.

The prevalence of autism in the United States hasincreased in the last decade, from 1 in 10,000 to 1 in110. With this dramatic increase has come a greaterdemand for effective services for adolescents and adultswith autism and for accurate information on whatconstitutes appropriate evidence-based intervention andpractice. The need continues to far exceed the availableresources. The Town Hall meeting was a first step indeveloping a national policy to address these issues.

In addition to co-hosting the Long Island SatelliteSite, NSSA was well represented at the National TownHall meeting with several of its staff members as wellas families participating. NSSA’s Executive Director,Nicole Weidenbaum, along with Jason Watson,Coordinator of Adult,

NSSA Sponsors Unprecedented National Town Hall Meeting:Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism

Shelley Ourian and Nicole Weidenbaumat a round table discussion

Gerry Weldon, Jason Watson,Kathy and Michael Mannion

Continued on Page 7

Volume 6 No. 1 www.nssainfo.org NSSA NEWS Spring 2010

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ALLEN S. PERL

President

GAYLE V. FREMED

Vice President

JOSEPH KEENAN, ESQ.Treasurer

DAVID STOLLWERK

Secretary

WILLIAM J. AKLEY, P.E.Director

LARRY CERIELLO, ESQ.Director

BRAM WEBER, ESQ.Director

GERARD WELDON

Director

Nassau Suffolk Services for AutismThe Martin C.Barell School

80 Hauppauge RoadCommack, NY 11725

Phone: (631) 462-0386Fax: (631) 462-4201

Email: [email protected]: www.nssainfo.org

NICOLE WEIDENBAUM, M.S.Ed., SASExecutive Director

KATHY MANNION

Associate Executive Director

MISSION STATEMENTNassau Suffolk Services for Autism (NSSA) offers hope to people with autism and theirfamilies by providing high quality life-long support through services which enable peoplewith autism to function better in everyday life.

NSSA offers the most advanced treatment and training programs for the benefit of peoplewith autism, and will continue to pioneer, through research, comprehensive treatmentmodels which can be adopted nationally.

Prize ExtravaganzaNSSA is proud to offer four

fabulous prizes at this year’s Dinner forOur Children. Made possible throughthe generosity of friends and supporters,the prizes will be auctioned live atthe dinner on Saturday, April 17th atthe Crest Hollow Country Club,Woodbury and include the following:

A tour and tast-ing for 6 guests ofthree North ForkVineyards: MarthaClara Vineyard,Osprey Dominion,and Waters Crest.Dynasty Limou-sines will graciouslyprovide five hours of service. �

A week stay at Wild Dunes, Isle ofPalms, SC only 30 minutes fromCharleston Intl. Airport. The oceanfront condo sleeps 8 and is offered fromSaturday, June 19th to Friday, June25th. On-site are 4 pools, a salon, spa,2 Tom Fazio designed golf courses andseveral tennis courts. Compliments ofBarnett Associates of Garden City. �

One week stay at a La Bella CasaVilla on the French side of St. Martin.The Villa boasts nine impeccably dec-orated bedrooms, each with its ownprivate bathroom. Ideal for a familyvacation or for a group of friends, theVilla features a pool, ocean and sunsetviews, a long list of amenities, and isconvenient to the airport and shop-ping. In high season the Villa rents for$20,000 per week. Winner must callto arrange dates. Compliments of theSantorelli Family. �

The experience of a lifetime for4 baseball fans: Watch battingpractice from thedugout, then youwill be escorted toyour seats to enjoya NY Yankee 2010regular seasonhome game. Don’tforget to bring your camera. Winnermust call to arrange for a mutuallyacceptable date. Weekend, Boston RedSox, and NY Mets games excluded. �

We hope you will be there to joinus for a wonderful evening.

Wild Dunes

St. Martin Villa

Spring 2010 NSSA NEWS www.nssainfo.org Volume 6 No. 1

Opening the Door to Opportunity By Jason Watson

Sometimes you come across extraordinary individuals,who open the door to incredible opportunities for others.One such individual is Rob Prokopiak, the GeneralManager of Ruby Tuesday in Commack.

I met Rob without theslightest thought to thewealth of future opportu-nities that he wouldopen as a result. Duringour meeting, Rob and Idiscussed our program,individual characteristicsof our students and clients,autism in general, and out-lined vocational tasks thatmight be suitable for ourclients and students.

Initially we began withtwo adult clients oncea week and. quickly addedtwo additional Barellstudents on a second day.From there the opportunityand subsequent successspread quickly. We now have 13 individuals fromNSSA’s Education, Adult Services, and ConsultationPrograms, who participate four to five days each week.

During a typical one hour morning shift, NSSAclients and students complete several tasks, which theRuby Tuesday staff refers to as “the weekly sparkle.”The NSSA crew takes down chairs, set tables withsilverware, salt and pepper shakers, and restaurantspecial menu cards. They also sanitize the tables andchairs and dust the numerous wall ornaments that are asignature of the Ruby Tuesday decor. Our crew sees toadditional dusting and wood polishing during their shift.Ruby Tuesday’s assistance in providing NSSA withopportunities truly helps us both. This is our goal withall of our vocational partnerships.

Rob Prokopiak offered a unique opportunity to oneof NSSA’s consultation students. After meeting todiscuss some potential additional jobs, he put together

a list of kitchen tasks including food preparation. Thiscould not have been a more perfect fit for Kathryn DiMartino, a student in NSSA’s Consultation Program,whose favorite TV channel is the Food Network. For

several months now, shehas worked in the RubyTuesday kitchen withchef Carlos Rubio andher teacher KristinMcCrossin. Kathrynhelps with food prep taskssuch as weighing andmeasuring cheese portionsand counting food such aschicken and shrimp fororders. When I stoppedby one afternoon to seehow she was doing in hernew role, Kathryn’s faceglowed with happiness.There could not be abetter example ofmatching skill sets andindividual preference

with opportunity and tasks. I recently received a call from the mother of one of

our Education Program students. She had visited RubyTuesday to see her son and his fellow students at work.She was very impressed and happy with both how wellthey were doing and how nice and welcoming the RubyTuesday staff was. The experience of these studentsexemplifies how NSSA’s Vocational Services Programis unlocking the potential possessed by each of ourstudents and clients.

I would like to express my sincere appreciationof everyone at Ruby Tuesday, Commack. This includesmanagers Carol Fantauzzi and Brock Quaranta, as wellas all of their co-workers, who have welcomed NSSA’sstudents, clients, and staff. My special thanks to Mr.Rob Prokopiak for opening the door to NSSA. Hisdecision has had an everlasting and positive impact onthe lives of our students and clients. �

NSSA requests your help in securing opportuni-ties for our students and adult clients to volunteeror work at local companies or businesses.Our students and clients work quietly andproductively under the supervision of our highlyskilled staff.

We also welcome the opportunity to secure work,such as mailings or assembly tasks, which our clientsand students can complete at NSSA.

Please direct leads to Jason Watson, Coordinatorof Adult, Family, and Vocational Services at631-462-0386 ext 14. �

Please Help NSSA Find Vocational Opportunities

Pictured from Left Kristin McCrossin, Kathryn DiMartino,Carol Fantauzzi, Rob Prokopiak, Mark Guarascio,

Grant Surprenant, and Andy Williams


The ABC’s of OMRDD

In September 2008, then Nassau County ExecutiveTom Suozzi established the Nassau County AutismCoalition in response to the issues and concerns broughtto him by parents of individuals with autism residing inNassau County and autism advocacy groups servingthose individuals and their families. To form the NassauCounty Autism Coalition Mr. Suozzi brought togetherparents, consumers, professionals, physicians, educators,advocates, service providers, and government agencies.

Comprised of more than thirty different organizationsserving individuals with autism, the Coalition workeddiligently for more than a year to identify areas of needand make recommendations for policy changes neededto enhance the lives of individuals with autism and theirfamilies. The Coalition made recommendations in theareas of research, education, adult issues, health policy,and family support.

On September 29, 2009 the Coalition presented itswork at a conference held entitled: Roadmap forAutism: Recommendations for Federal, State, andLocal Policy. NSSA played a prominent role in thework of the Coalition. Nicole Weidenbaum, NSSA’s

Executive Director and Kathy Mannion, Associate Ex-ecutive Director co-chaired the Coalition’s EducationCommittee and were actively involved in the AdultServices and Logistics Committees as well.

The Coalition has expanded to include SuffolkCounty and been renamed The Autism Coalition ofLong Island. Both Nicole and Kathy serve on its newlyformed Board of Directors. NSSA is eager to help movethe work of the Coalition forward to address the needsof the entire Long Island Autism Community. �

Nassau County Autism Coalition

“Educating Physicians and Pediatricians is one of mypassions,” remarked Kathy Mannion, referring to herparticipation in Stony Brook Medical School’sDevelopmental Disabilities Day, held on December 11th

at the University Medical Center. Now in its second year, the program was so successful

on its first run in 2008, it became a permanentaddition to the first year curriculum at the MedicalSchool. Students spend the afternoon with parents ofdevelopmentally disabled children, listening intently asthese passionate mothers and fathers share their storiesof fighting for a diagnosis, racing against time, and theheartache often felt by parents, knowing somethingcould have been done sooner or better.

“They are so young. What a wonderful time toimpress a sense of urgency upon them. When you thinkof the importance of a timely and accurate diagnosis,there’s no better place to begin,” Connie Grassleasserted. NSSA’s Coordinator of Development andmother of an adult son with autism, Connie wasdelighted to take part in this innovative program.

“When I spoke to the students, I made analogies tomy tenure at Sloan Kettering, where no one everquestions the importance of an accurate and timelydiagnosis and treatment recommendations are based ondata and a sense of urgency,” stated Kathy, NSSA’sAssociate Executive Director and mother of two adultchildren with autism. �

NSSA Outreach

Educating Future Doctors

Nassau County Autism Coalition Committee chairs

For parents of children with autism, the route toaccessing the services their children need can be adaunting journey. As part of NSSA’s Outreach efforts,Terri Manzione, NSSA’s Coordinator of Outreach andQuality Management, shined a light on this process in aNovember presentation at The Cody Center for Autismand Developmental Disabilities in Stony Brook.

Entitled “The ABC’s of OMRDD,” the talk gavefamilies and interested professionals informationabout the services provided by the Office of Mental

Retardation and DevelopmentalDisabilities (OMRDD) and howto access them.

Terri will again present thisinformation at NSSA on April 22at 10am and April 27th at 7:30pm.For further information or toregister for the presentation,please contact the NSSA office at631-462-0386. � Terri Manzione


NSSA owes a debt of gratitude to Walter Siebert,whose impeccable work graces the Walk of Fame at theentrance of NSSA’s headquarters. Walter supervised theinstallation of the Walk and donated the services of his crew forseveral days of labor. Over the years, each time a new orderof engraved bricks has been delivered, Walter graciously installsthem free of charge.

We thank Walter for his generous and abiding supportand hope you will consider him for you own masonryneeds. Based in East Islip, W. Siebert Contracting canbe reached at 631-627-2277. �

NSSA Salutes Walter Siebert

Holiday BoutiqueThe scent of mulled cider welcomed shoppers who

braved blustery rain to attend NSSA’s Holiday Boutiqueand Craft Fair. With a wonderful selection of vendors,the Boutique offered shoppers an array of unique giftsthat included clothing and jewelry, mosaics, faux floralarrangements, body scrubs and butters and much more.NSSA moms filled an entire room with gifts theylovingly crafted that included holiday decorations,chocolate bouquets, delicious homemade baked goodsand soup.

The December 5th event raised $6,281 for NSSA andwe thank all who participated and shopped. �

Thanks to Joe Ricciardi for helpingat the the Holiday Boutique

From L. NSSA dad Joe Longo with Walter Siebert

Thank YouDemon Knights

NSSA thanks our friends of the Demon KnightsMotor Cycle Club. On November 7th the club hostedtheir 6th Annual Bikers Helping fundraising eventat Grizzly’s Sports Den, Bay Shore and raised $3,300for NSSA! Scores of NSSA staff came to partakeof the festivities. The consensus: A rockin’ timewas had by all. �

NSSA Staff with the Demon Knights at Grizzly's

In an all too fleeting world, mark your thoughts with permanence:

BUY A BRICK LEAVE A LASTING IMPRESSIONCommemorative Bricks for NSSA’s

Walk of Fameare available in two sizes:

4” x 8” @ $100 each & 8” x 8” @ $250 eachFor further information call NSSA at 631-462-0386


On February 28th, 2010 NSSA held itsfirst Bowling Fundraising Event, whichwas well attended by students, families,and staff. The very accommodatingCommack Vet Lanes closed the alley tothe public and opened its doors solely toNSSA families and friends, all of whomwere in great spirits! Music andrefreshments added to the fun, as did theexcellent hosting abilities of the buildingmanager, who gave many a free gameand also got our crowd laughing!

Thank you to all who attended andcontributed to this event. We hope forit to become an annual affair for ourstudents to enjoy. Congratulations toBarbara Mullaney and the Walfordand Haiduk families, winners of ourraffles! Also congratulations to the fifty-fifty winner, Stacey Agosta, whogenerously donated her winnings backto NSSA! �

Fun in the Fast Lane By Liz Massell

NSSA celebrated its 11th Annual Golf Classic on July20th at Plandome Country Club. The popular event wasattended by nearly 120 golfers who enjoyed a beautifulday on the links. We thank Joe Longo for masterfullychairing the event, which raised $48,479 for NSSA.

A Putting Contest introduced before Tee off provedto be a popular innovation that drew many players andmuch applause. Golfers played 18 holes in the shotgunscramble format that is customary for the event. Barrassoand Sons sponsored hole-in-one prizes at four par-threeholes to make play even more interesting. Prizes wereawarded to First and Second Place Foursomes as wellas Longest Drive and Closest to the Tee.

We thank our Sponsors for their generous support andare pleased to acknowledge: Raffle Sponsors: Joe &Donna Longo, Breakfast Sponsor: Lareddola, Lester &Associates. Front and Back Nine Sponsors: Pat & MaryBeth Miranda, Lunch Hour Sponsor: Gibbons Pools,Inc., Dinner Sponsors: Barrasso and Sons and The Jack

Fanning Memorial Foundation, Hole In One Sponsor:Barrasso and Sons, Green Sponsor: Brown & Brownof NY, Cocktail Hour Sponsor: Giaquinto Masonry,Inc., and Live Auction Sponsors: Bill Haugland andPlandome Country Club.

For providing Tee sponsorships NSSA is grateful to:All System Precast, Barrasso and Sons, Inc., DimeSavings Bank of Williamsburgh, Essroc Cement, FrankBros. Fuel Corp., Gorton’s, The Jack Fanning MemorialFoundation, Lareddola, Lester & Associates, LehighCement Co., Luxottica Group, Margolin, Winer &Evens, LLP, Michael J. Berger & Co., LLP, NationalGrid, Northeast Solite, Robbins and Cowan, Inc., andSalerno Brokerage Corp.

We hope you will join us for NSSA’s 12th AnnualGolf Classic taking place on Monday, July 19, 2010at Plandome Country Club. Please contact the NSSAoffice at 631-462-0386 for registration and sponsorshipinformation. �

Golf Classic

Barbara Mullaney wins the raffleJack gets a lesson from dad Ron


Casino Night in its 5th YearNSSA’s Casino Night has become a highlight of the

summer season. On its fifth anniversary the event drewover 350 guests, who enjoyed a glorious evening ofcasino games in the relaxed and beautiful atmosphereof the Swan Club, Glenwood Landing

Chefs tending the outdoor grill prepared barbecue fa-vorites. Judging by the crowd bopping in their seats,Casinos by M & M hit all the right musical notes, whilethey offered games from Blackjack to Bingo.

The evening netted NSSA $24,906. For their generoussupport we offer heartfelt thanks to our BlackjackSponsors: The Fremed and Walford Families and ourMoney Wheel Sponsors: National Grid and MilbrookProperties, Ltd. Thanks too to our guests and volunteerswhose support is so critical to NSSA’s efforts.

We hope you will mark your calendar for this year’sevent to be held on Thursday, August 5th. Call theNSSA office at 631-462-0386 to reserve a spot. � Lisa Tibaldi and Donna Lee give roulette a try

A Show of His OwnOn June 4, 2009 NSSA Consultation Student, Brian

Mannion, hosted his own art show at Paul D. SchreiberHigh School in Port Washington. Brian, who was a senior

at Schreiber at the time, has shown an interest in drawingsince he was a young child. Over the years his teachersin the Port Washington School district have helped tonurture and develop his talents and encouraged him topursue studies in drawing, cartooning, digital photography,and digital video editing. The result is Brian’s creationof the World of Spytoons, an intricately detailed, exciting,and imaginative place consisting of 198 characters andvarious environments. Each drawing reveals a newadventure whether the Spytoons are fighting off the “ badguys”, enjoying a vacation, or teaming up with “specialguests” which include characters like Jiminy Cricket,Power Rangers, Rugrats, Care Bears, Ninja Turtles,and Muppet Babies.

When asked what he would like people to know abouthis artwork, Brian said, “Spytoons show their hearts torepresent that they are champions and they are loving. AllSpytoons have hearts.” Brian’s future goal is to create afilm and do the voice-overs for each of his characters.

Congratulations Brian! �Brian Mannion and his art show

Vocational, and Family Services, and Terri Manzione,Coordinator of Outreach and Quality Management, andMichael Mannion, Teaching Assistant and Siblingwere active participants in the lively discussions heldthroughout the day. In addition, NSSA thanks GayleFremed, Samantha Grassle, Tom Rosenthal, andJerry Weldon for their participation as well. KathyMannion, Associate Executive Director of NSSA

served as coordinator of the LI Satellite Site. At the end of the day this unique national consortium

united to set national priorities for adults on the autismspectrum and to transform public policy andprogramming for teens and adults with autism spectrumdisorders. Moving forward AFAA will continue tocollect information, develop strategic solutions andadvance the national agenda. �

Continued From Cover Story…Advancing Futures


Now in its third year, NSSA’s Summer Camp gave36 children and teens with autism an entertaining andcreative week of fun. A cooperative effort with ourfriends at the Suffolk Y-JCC, the Camp comes at a timeof the year when very few organized activities areavailable for children with autism

Campers spent a week sampling and participating ina variety of novel activities. They enjoyed yoga,swimming, time on the playground, running through the

sprinkler, and numerous sports activities. The camperswent on day trips to the Holtsville Ecology Center, NYParty Zone, and bowling. They cooked, created tie dyedshirts and other arts and crafts masterpieces. Both campersand their families were delighted with the experience.

Our sincere thanks go to the Office of MentalRetardation and Developmental Disabilities for its grantsupporting the Summer Camp. We look forward to thisyear’s session. �

Summer Camp Was a Blast!

Daniella and Sabrina havefun in the bounce house

Jason in the tye-dye t-shirthe created at camp

Austin helps Johnwith an art project

Brandonbowling

Preheat NSSA All-Purpose Room to 72 degreesMix:

(4) large cheese pizzas

(3) twelve packs soda

One-half dozen card and board games

Medley of tween and teen NSSA students

One dozen HS students from the

Wheatley School, Old Westbury

Fold in Teenaged Conversation

Drizzle with Smiles and Laughter

Such was the recipe for success on November 10th,when NSSA was a grateful participant in the “WheatleyDay of Service and Learning.” Wheatley High Schoolstudents arrived with eyes as wide as their smiles, eagerto meet and share their day with NSSA students. AfterNicole Weidenbaum led a discussion on autism andNSSA’s programs with the visiting young men andwomen, the group was introduced to several NSSAstudents and joined them in the basement for lunch,games, chat, and laughter. Staff took turns runningdownstairs, to stand on the sidelines and enjoy thiswonderful interaction. Thanks to the Wheatley Schoolfor a great opportunity!

Wheatley Day ofService and Learning

Holiday AppealOur heartfelt thanks to NSSA’s generous

supporters for answering this year’s HolidayAppeal. In all $22,382 was raised in a verychallenging economy and we are truly touchedby such kindness. �

NSSA Wish List!NSSA is in need of the following new or used items.If you can donate, Please call us at 631.462.0386.

3 New desk topcomputers

2 Portable stereoswith CD player

1 TV with DVD player1 Automatic laminator1 Automatic holepuncher

1 Copy machine2 Projector ceiling

mounts1 Computer printer

with scanner4 portable room dividers

1 Snowblower2 Cleaning carts2 Toaster ovens2 Microwaves1 Mail delivery cart2 Vacuums1 Dirt Devil2 Large capacity

Paper shredders1 Small refrigerator2 Garden supply kits1 Digital camera1 video camera


NSSA’s 11th Annual Wine Tasting & Auction held onNovember 7, 2009 at the Cherry Valley Club of GardenCity was the most successful to date! Our benefactorscontinue to inspire us with their generosity. We are wellaware of the challenges facing not-for profit agencies dueto the state of the economy, so we are especially gratefulfor the continued support of our friends this year.

Fedele Miranda of Empire Merchants once againgenerously provided the event with a vast and variedarray of international wine selections and luxury spiritsto please the palates of our guests. This event would notbe possible without his generosity year after year.Thank you so much!

We also thank our sponsors: Merry & Richie Slone,Miranda Sambursky Slone Sklarin Verveniotis LLP,Andrew Nygren and UBS Wealth Management, and theCahill, Fanning, Longo, and Miranda families. Yoursupport helps make our work possible.

Much gratitude also goes to Mark Zaino, the cateringmanager of Cherry Valley Club, and his first-class stafffor providing delicious food selections to complementthe wine, efficient and friendly service, displays, anddécor. Mr. Zaino and his gracious staff make our eventappear effortless and allow even our volunteers to relaxand enjoy the evening.

The very generous prize donations of our supporterscontribute enormously to the success of NSSA’sevents. At this year’s Wine Tasting we proudly offeredprizes that ranged everywhere from a VintageDiamond Watch compliments of Mary Miranda, toWatercolors by Enoc Perez and Diane Olsen, and ahand-crafted crèche from Catherine & Edwin Olson.

For adding so much to the Wine Tasting, we thank eachand every one of our prize donors.

We give very special thanks to our friend MarkSantospirito. At the very busiest time of the year for hisbusiness and family, he takes considerable time, eachyear, to solicit and acquire major auction prizes for ourevent. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts foryour commitment to our cause.

Our dedicated Wine Tasting committee also deservesa load of thanks. Our gratitude goes out to Committeemembers: Alissa Brodsky, Colleen Cahill and PeteOrzel, Donna D’Eri, Bill Donlon, Gina Doria, MaureenFanning, Joann Froehlich, Connie Grassle, Joe & DonnaLongo, Mary Beth & Pat Miranda, Janet Mizrahi, DianeOlsen, Bettye Rainwater, Carol Ruocco, Lisa Walford,and Maxine Wilson.

Special thanks to all of the families and friends whovolunteered their time and especially to our youngvolunteers: Alex Donlon, Daniel Grassle, Brandon Fremed,Zach Gates, Ricky Harwin, Zach Harwin, Nate Krinick,Joseph Miranda, Anthony Pellicano, and Dana Kahati.

Last, but far from least, we thank our guests and thereaders of this newsletter. Your support and interest arevital to NSSA and bring us closer to fulfilling our mission.

We look forward to seeing you again at our 12th

Annual Wine Tasting & Auction on Saturday, November6, 2010 for another oenological and fun-filled eveningat the Cherry Valley Club! �

Wine Tasting

From left: Edward Olson, Tom Olson, Peter Orzell,and Joe Longo did a great job pouring!

Our thanks to Erica and Peter Haroldfor their generous support


AnniversariesCongratulations to: - Gina Doria for her 15 years of service to NSSA - Kim Baratoff, Maria Garrett, Barbara Henke,Stacey Leo, Nancy Marksteiner,and Jaime Reyna for their five years of service.

BirthsCongratulations and very best wishes to:- Marie and Jon Ruggiere on the birth ofJonathan on May 1, 2009

- Rich and Nicole McKee on the birth ofLogan on July 30, 2010

- Kim and Nick Baratoff on the birth ofAlexandra on January 14, 2010

- Rachael Kern on the birth ofLily Rae on January 18, 2010

Staff Notes, Announcements, & Congratulations!

News from the Development Office…To supplement the funds raised through NSSA’s spe-

cial events, the Development Office works to securefunding from foundations, corporations, businesses, and

government offices on an on-going basis. The Develop-ment Office is proud to announce the receipt of thefollowing grants and donations: �

February 2010 - Autism Speaks granted $8,743 to NSSA’s Green Team projectJanuary 2010 - The Demon Knights MC donated $3,300 to NSSADecember, 2009 - Ronald McDonald House Charities of the New York Tri-State Area, Inc.granted $10,000 to furnish a computer labOctober, 2009 - North Shore Autism Circlegranted $7,500 to NSSA’s Gym/Swim Program at the Suffolk Y-JCCOctober, 2009 - Transitions Salondonated $995 to NSSASeptember, 2009 - The EJ Autism Foundation donated $1,000 to purchase notebook computersSeptember 2009 - Senator Craig Johnsonawarded a legislative grant of $7,500 for improved security at NSSA’s headquarters.August, 2009 - The Initial Teaching Alphabet Foundationgranted $15,000 to support one-to-one instruction of reading and writing

For an easy donation to NSSA, please considerpurchasing Gift cards and Supermarket Gift Cards. Hereis how it works: Many stores and restaurants that youprobably already frequent, offer gift cards at a discountto charitable organizations like NSSA. So if you wereto buy a $100 gift card at face value, NSSA wouldreceive percentage of the value of the card as a donationfrom the store.

If just 25 families spent $100 per week on groceriesusing gift cards from Pathmark, Waldbaum, or Stop andShop, by the year’s end NSSA would receive $6,500,enough to purchase new computers for each classroom.

At the moment the NSSA office has gift cards inthe following denominations:

Pathmark: $10 and $25Stop and Shop: $10 and $100Waldbaum: $10, $25, $50, and $100

Each month NSSA generates a list of gift cardsavailable from many very popular stores and restaurantsyou may frequent already. Please call 631-462-0386 ifyou would like a current list.

A sample list is on the opposite page. �

NSSA’s Gift Card Program

GraduationsBest wishes to - Dara Careri: M.S. in Inclusive ElementaryEducation, Hofstra University

- Johnathan Chouinard, M.S. in General andSpecial Education grades 1-6, Touro College.

- Christina Fasano: M.S. in Special Ed., Dowling College.- Barbara Mullaney: M.S. in Literacy, Dowling College

WeddingsOur best wishes to - Courtney Thorsen and Adam Pattisonmarried August 29, 2009.

- Diane Molini and Steve Sassomarried October 3, 2009

- Kim Zylowski and Michael Dempseymarried November 28, 2009

80 Hauppauge RoadCommack, NY 11725

April 17, 2010 – NSSA will host its 18th Annual Dinner for Our Children at the Crest Hollow CountryClub, Woodbury, NY.

April 23, 2010 – NSSA will host “A Special Night for our Special Kids” at Adventureland, Route 110,Farmingdale, New York. 6:30pm-9:30pm

FYI: Autumn Adventureland is scheduled for 6:30-9:30pm 10/1/10. Rain date 10/8/10.

May 22, 2010 –Our 4th Annual Jack’s Run, will be held at North Hempstead Beach Park (formerly Bar Beach),Port Washington. Visit www.FirstGiving.com/NSSA to make a donation or for a link to on-line registration.Call 631-462-0386 for further information and sponsorship opportunities

June 12, 2010 – Bar Night at Mulcahy’s Tavern, Wantagh will take place between the hours of 4:00 and8:00pm. Call 631-462-0386 to purchase tickets in advance.

July 19, 2010 – NSSA’s 12th Annual Golf Classic will be held at Plandome Country Club. Call Gina at631-462-0386 for ticket and sponsorship information.

August 5, 2010 – The 6th Annual Casino Night will take place at the Swan Club, Glenwood Landing. ContactConnie Grassle at 631-462-0386 or by email at [email protected] for ticket or sponsorship information.

November 6, 2010 – NSSA’s Wine Tasting and Auction will celebrate its 12th anniversary at the CherryValley Country Club, Garden City. Call 631-462-0386 to arrange admission or for sponsorship opportunities.

December 2- 4, 2010 – NSSA is a participating charity at this year’s Americana ManhassetChampions for Charity Shopping event.

PRESORTEDFIRST-CLASS MAIL

US POSTAGEPAID

HICKSVILLE, NYPERMIT NO. 238

For information regarding any of our upcoming events please call 631-462-0386

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