2021 Winter/Spring Programs

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North East Westchester Special Recreation, Inc.

Ellie Arnemann Executive Director

Nancy Bellini Program Director

Joe Bellini Program Coordinator

Cathleen Benson Sr. Recreation Therapist

Brittany Sinnott Recreation Therapist

Kirsten Shaughnessy Office Manager/Bookkeeper

… and over 100 highly dedicated, qualified and professional part-time staff and volunteers.

63 Bradhurst Avenue Hawthorne, New York 10532 Phone: (914) 347-4409

Fax: (914) 347-5054 www.northeastspecialrec.org

North East Westchester Special Recreation Inc., established in the early 1970’s, is a community based therapeutic recreation agency serving children and adults with developmental disabilities in the north east portion of Westchester County. North East is the second largest agency of its kind in the State of New York and has gained local and state-wide attention for the quality and novelty of programs and services.

The Superintendents of Recreation of the following communities serve as the North East Board of Directors.

Board of Directors Town of Bedford Chris Soi Village of Briarcliff Manor Henry Jamin Town of Lewisboro Dana Mayclim Village of Mt. Kisco TBD Town of Mt. Pleasant TBD Town of New Castle Ike Kuzio Town of North Castle Todd Orlowski Town of North Salem Beverly Golisano Village of Pleasantville Matt Trainor Town of Pound Ridge David Goldberg Village of Sleepy Hollow Matthew Arone Town of Somers Steve Ralston

North East Westchester Special Recreation is a non-profit agency. We receive funding from the New York State Office For People with Developmental Disabilities, town assessments, program fees and donations. Fundraising activities allow us to expand upon our program options and offer programming to more individuals in need of service. 1

To be a community based, therapeutic recreation program coordinated among the various recreation departments.

To provide therapeutic recreation programs to enhance the physical, emotional and social growth of the children and adults with developmental disabilities.

To offer therapeutic recreation programs for those individuals in the community who cannot partici- pate in the various existing programs offered through and by the local municipal recreation departments.

To fund the corporation as a charitable organization on a contractual basis with contributions from the municipal governments and state and federal grants.

To provide therapeutic recreation to all persons with developmental disabilities in the population irrespective of age sex or degree of disability. The programs shall be held throughout the participating municipalities utilizing the existing recreation facilities.

To fund-raise for the organization by conducting direct solicitation and special events, in order to support the organization’s purposes and activities.

REGISTRATION: Each participant in a North East program must have a current Participant Information Form on file. Partici- pants presently enrolled in a North East program may register using the attached Program Registration form.

SESSION DATES: January 19 to May 1, 2021 Registration for in-district residents begins immediately. Participants are enrolled in programs on a first-come, first-served basis. Many of our programs fill quickly, so please register as soon as possible. Registration for out- of-district residents begins on January 4, 2021. You may send your registration to us prior to that date and we will hold it until the 4th. At that time, out-of-district residents will be accepted in the order the registrations were received by our office, as room permits.

TRANSPORTATION: While North East is able to provide transportation for several programs, please consider car pooling and para- transit when possible. Due to the number of requests, we are able to provide transportation to central locations only.

LATE PICK-UPS: If you are late in picking up, we have to pay our staff for the time they must wait with participants after program. For this reason, we reserve the right to charge $10 for every 15 minutes you are late in order to attempt to cover some of our staff cost.

3 INTAKE PROCESS: Persons applying to North East Programs for the FIRST TIME must go through our INITIAL INTAKE PRO- CESS. This includes completion of a Participation Infor- mation Form and personal consultation with one of our full time staff to examine and plan for the program needs of the applicant and his/her family.

At least every three years thereafter, consultations may be arranged to review the needs and interests of each participant and their family. However, additional consultations may be promptly scheduled when a specific concern or difficulty has been identified.

We are continually assessing our programs and our participants needs, We reserve the right to change and/or recommend placement as we deem appropriate. Alt- hough we will discuss this with those involved, the final decision will be with North East.

INCLUSION: We would like to support your child’s interest in participating in your local recreation department programs. We would be available to assess the appropriateness of an in- tended placement into program, visit the participant at the program to ensure continued success or consider provid- ing a staff member to attend the program with the participant for a limited time.

4 FEES: A moderate fee structure exists for most programs. These fees are a small percent of our actual program costs. All program fees must be paid in full with the enclosed registration form unless you have been approved for a payment plan. When necessary, payment schedules may be arranged, and partial scholarships are available on a limited basis to those participants in the North East district. If you are interested in applying for a scholarship or payment plan, please call our office immediately to request the necessary paperwork.

RETURNED CHECKS: Unfortunately, we will have to charge you $20 for any checks returned to us for insufficient funds. This is the fee we incur from the bank for this error.

CANCELLATION POLICY: If a program needs to be cancelled, normally due to poor weather conditions, an announcement will be made on WHUD 100.7 FM. You may also access this information by calling our office. If a cancellation must be made at the “last minute”, we will attempt to call all program participants. If a program is cancelled, we will attempt to reschedule it, if possible.

REFUND POLICY: Cash refunds will be issued when:  A program is cancelled before it begins due to insufficient enrollment.  A participant is on a waiting list.  Medical reasons cause the participant to stop attending the program. A physicians note is requested to verify the illness.  In the event that the participant attend the program prior to requesting a refund, a prorated portion of the program fee will be refunded. 5

North East Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Program Staff Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday (times vary according to program responsibility)

Phone: 914-347-4409 Fax: 914-347-5054 Web Site: www.northeastspecialrec.org Please note that current program information and directions are available on our website. Facebook: Like and check out our page!

E Mail: Ellie Arnemann [email protected] Nancy Bellini [email protected] Joe Bellini [email protected] Cathleen Benson [email protected] Brittany Sinnott [email protected] Kirsten Shaughnessy [email protected]

Others: Chappaqua Transportation 914-238-4404 Mt. Kisco Boys & Girls Club 914-666-8069 Mt. Pleasant Community Center 914-769-0155 JV Bowl 914-245-7771 6

The following pages provide details for our programs this Winter/Spring 2021 session. Our programs are presented by the day of the week they are offered. In order to find a program appropriate for your son/daughter:

 Please look for the day of the week that they need programming.  Refer to the program description to learn more about the program.

North East Programs are NUT FREE!!!

This means that peanut butter sandwiches and other nut products should not be sent to our programs.

We have a number of participants who are extremely allergic to these foods and we are interested in their safety.

Since we cannot regulate the outside world, if your son/ daughter is expected to be in the community with us and has this allergy, please send their epiPen. 7

Please keep the following things in mind when sending your son/daughter to North East Programs:

 Please label items of clothing, when possible.

 Please refrain from having your son/daughter bring expen- sive electronics to program. We cannot be responsible if they are lost or broken. In addition, we would like your son/daughter to be involved in our activities rather than their devices.

 If your son/daughter is on a restricted diet, please send any special food or beverages to program with them.

 If your child requires medications during program time, please ensure all necessary paperwork is completed as per our agency’s protocols. All medication must be given to one of the full-time staff.

 Please be sure to let us know, in writing, if someone other than yourself is going to pick your son/daughter up from a program. They must have an ID with them.

 Please notify us if there is a change in your son/daughter’s health condition, medication or if they have newly diag- nosed allergies.

 Please let us know if we can improve upon our services. We like to do a good job!

 Please continue to bring them to North East! We enjoy spending time with them!

Cooking with Friends Code: 302 3:30 - 5:30 pm Jan. 19 - Apr. 27, Except Feb. 16, Mar. 30 (13 Weeks) Bradhurst Community Center, Hawthorne Ages: 15+ Fee: $190

Come on out and have some fun learning how to cook and bake with friends!

Everyone in this program will have a chance to learn how to cook and bake new recipes from scratch! We will get to learn important skills such as making a shopping list, following a recipe and even tricks on measuring our ingredients

An added bonus to this program: each person will make their own cookbook with the recipes to take home and share with their families!

Bowling Code: 302 3:30 - 5:30 pm Jan. 19 - Apr. 27, Except Feb. 16, Mar. 30 (13 Weeks) Jefferson Valley Lanes Ages: 15+ Fee: $275, Transportation Fee: $142

Join us for a program that offers training for Special Olympics Bowling, as well as a chance to socialize with friends and teammates.

We will be following CDC guidelines and making every effort to keep everyone safe. Numbers both on the bus and at program will be limited. MASKS MUST BE WORN THE ENTIRE TIME and social distancing will be enforced!

Space is limited.

Bowling takes place from 3:45 to 5:30 pm. Please be ready to bowl at that time. Bowlers arriving after 4:30 will miss the first game.

Round trip transportation from Mt. Kisco Boys & Girls Club. Pick up 3 pm, Return at 6 pm. WARC, pick up only at 3 pm, Bradhurst, return only at 6 pm

Participants that use Para-transit, please use 3:30 and 5:30 as your pick-up and drop off times.

Participants must have current Special Olympics Parental & Medical forms in order to compete in Competitions. 10

Team Sports Code: 402 6:30 - 8:00 pm Jan. 20 - Apr. 28, Except Feb. 17, Mar. 31 (13 weeks) Mt. Kisco Boys & Girls Club Ages: 15+ Fee: $240 Aspects of this program are specifically planned to provide a positive, encouraging atmosphere. We work to improve qualities of sportsmanship, as well as self-confidence and self-esteem.

This program works on improving skills in various individ- ual and team sports. These sports include Floor Hockey, Volleyball, Basketball and Track & Field. Horseback Riding Code: 104 Bus leaves Bradhurst at 4 and returns at 6:30 Apr. 7 - May 26 (8 weeks) Hollow Brook Riding Academy, Putnam Valley Ages: 16+ Fee: $400

Horseback Riding combines sport, recreation and education. It has proven to be helpful for people with disabilities with results showing improvement in their cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being.

Your child will learn how to groom a horse and each child will get the opportunity to ride each week. 11

Fitness Frenzy Code: 403 6:00 - 7:30 pm Jan. 21 - Apr. 29, Except Feb. 18, Apr. 1 (13 Weeks) Leonard Park Gym, Mt. Kisco Ages: 15+ Fee: $180 No Transportation

While Special Olympics continues to phase into opening, we are now able to train more in sports related events! This Winter/Spring come back and join us at Leonard Park. We will still work on our physical fitness, as we gain skills in sports like floor hockey, basketball and track & field.

Teamwork, good sportsmanship, success and fun keep this program exciting and enjoyable, as well as promotes positive community interactions for all.

Please note a Special Olympics Medical is required to be eligible for any Special Olympics Competitions.

No transportation is provided for this program.

Food and Film Code: 309 5:30 - 9:00 pm Jan. 15, Feb. 12, Mar. 12, Apr. 9 American Legion, 1 Legion Way, Mt. Kisco Ages: 16+ Fee: $25 each session

This term, North East is offering our “Food and Film” program to take the place of our North East Night Club.

We will still enjoy food from local restaurants in a safe and healthy environment. Instead of the DJ and dancing, we will enjoy a movie for the evening. We may have Ital- ian, Chinese, Mexican or Pub food on the menu.

It’s a night out without really going out, but it will be fun. We hope you will join us.

Face coverings must be worn, except when we are eating.

Space is limited.

Sorry, this program is NOT wheelchair accessible.

Afternoon Games at Bradhurst Code: 308 3:30 - 5:00 pm Jan. 22 - Apr. 30, except Feb. 19, Apr. 2 (13 weeks) Bradhurst Community Center, Hawthorne Ages: 16+ Fee: $120

That’s right! GAMES!

Who doesn’t love a good hangout session with some friends, snacks and games? Come join us on Friday afternoons to kick the weekend off with some fun! Board games, cards, puzzles...what else could you ask for?

There is no transportation for this program.

Dinner & A Movie Code: 110 5:00 - 8:30 pm Mar. 5, Apr. 16, May 7 New Castle Community Center, Chappaqua Ages: 12 – 18 Fee: $105

Spend a Friday night with your friends. Learn to prepare a meal from beginning to end, then sit down and enjoy a movie.

We will be working on developing the skills needed to prepare a meal, clean up the area and demonstrate appropriate table manners. Dinner conversations will be encouraged.

After enjoying our meal, we will work on our money skills as we pay the cashier with play money to enter the movies.

Curling Code: 103 Bus leaves Bradhurst at 4 and returns at 6 Jan. 22 - Mar. 19, Except Feb. 19 (8 weeks) Ardsley Curling Club Ages: 16+ Fee: $160

We will be offering Curling. Yes - Curling that sport that you love to watch during the Winter Olympics.

Curling is a tactical indoor winter sport that many of our athletes enjoy. It requires strategy, physical ability and team effort; athletes work in teams of 4 in an attempt to place their rocks closest to the center of a series of four rings called the house. You can use a adaptive stick to push the stone or try the starting block. Join us while we try our hand at putting a stone in the house and even a little sweeping. It’s a great way to spend a Friday afternoon with old and new friends alike. The kids have a great time cheering on each other.

Participants will need a extra pair of shoes (ones that have clean bottoms). It’s cold on the ice, so a coat, hat and gloves are also recommended.

16 2020 Champions For North East A fundraising program to support our programs

Gold Medal Supporters The Family of Louis Brusco Jost Mrs. Angela Brusco Mr. Michael Brusco The Fleming Family The Longhitano Family The MacFadyen Family The Segal Family Ms. Elizabeth Straight

Silver Medal Supporters The Bedell-Lane Family The Feidelson Family Jose & Wendi Ferreira The Hirt Family The Keltz Family The Kiley Family The Meehan Family The Schwartz Family

17 2020 Champions For North East A fundraising program to support our programs (continued)

Bronze Medal Supporters The Angi Family Mr. Phil Arena The Birbrower Family The Brunherota Family Dr. Louis Brusco, Jr. The Chamberlain Family The D’Adamo Family The DelGaudio Family The Harris Family The Humphrey Family The Jeris Family The Karp Family The Kirk Family The Koch Family The Orlando Family Charles & Jane Pieragostini The Pyne Family Denise M. Salvatore Memorial Foundation The Valvano Family

And, thank you to all our Fan Club supporters!

Thank you for supporting our programs!

Saturday Clubhouse Code: 100 Previously Making & Moving, Fun Time and Ready, Set, Play 9:30 am –2:00 pm Jan. 23 - May 1, Except Feb. 13, 20, Apr. 3 (12 weeks) St. Theresa School, Briarcliff, NO transportation Ages: 4+ Fee: $290

Saturday Clubhouse at St. Theresa will be like a mini day camp. Join us for a fun filled day of activities.

We will have many activities for the children to enjoy:  Movement: Learn some new dance moves  Gym: Skills training for soccer and basketball  Music: We have our fabulous Music Therapist, funded by the Somers Lions Club.  Art: We will explore our inner artist with many different mediums

The children will be grouped by age and ability. The children will be in the same group each week, with the same staff.

Saturday Clubhouse continued

Due to the current health concerns, we will remain at St. Theresa School in the afternoon. We will stay outside as much as possible.

Each week, will be a different theme at St. Theresa’s. For example:

 Winter Wonderland: Snowmen, snow activities and other special fun!  Valentine’s Day: Red & Pink and fun activities to cele- brate this special day.  Dr. Seuss Day: Lots of fun stories to read and Oh the Places we’ll go!  Earth Day:What can we plant? What can we recycle?  And many more

There will be lots of fun activities and good times

Fantastic Friends Code: 114 9:30 am - 3:00 pm Jan. 23 - May 1, Except Feb. 13, 20, Apr. 3 (12 Weeks) Bradhurst Community Center, Hawthorne Ages: 15 - 25 Fee: $440

A transitional program designed for teens and young adults, the Friends program fosters independence in a safe and healthy environment. Our participants are encouraged to socialize with peers and engage in activities in the community. All this is done under the supervision of our pretty remarkable staff that main- tains a 3:1 ratio.

Due to the unique circumstances of the current period, Friends will look a little different this year. We will still have trips, but the Winter portion of the program will be in-house/indoor activities with some traveling in the afternoon. Some of the fun things we will do this session are: Floor Hockey Skills, arts and crafts, cooking, music, gym and bowling. Other trips will occur as the weather cooperates and allows us to be outdoors. Once the weather gets warmer, we will go to Blue Mountain, Pound Ridge, the Bronx Zoo, our annual garden party and more. We are always looking for fun & SAFE activities and trips to take. We strive to offer the best programming we can.

We will follow all safety precautions recommended by the CDC, State and Local Health Departments. These include limited enrollment, limited transportation, face coverings and social distancing where possible.

Escapades Code: 115 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Jan. 23 - May 1, Except Feb. 13, 20, Apr. 3 (12 Weeks) New Castle Community Center, Chappaqua Ages: 14+ Fee: $290

Come and have a fun filled day .

Every Saturday there will be cooking, crafts, games and more! We will also have some time with our wonderful music therapist. We will end the day with a fitness activity! Bring your lunch and join the group as we start off this program with a bang for the new year!

Funds for the music therapist are provided by the Somers Lions Club!

Adult Trips Code: 408 Please note, you MUST call the office each week to get the trip details. Face Coverings required. Ages: 15 + Note: First 2 trips are on SUNDAYS!

SUNDAY, January 24 Mt. Pleasant Community Center 1, Valhalla $45 We have plenty of space and lots of fun ideas to do at the Mt. Pleasant Community Center. Get ready for some gym time, arts and crafts, no bake cooking projects and lots of fun & games. We will supply lunch.

SUNDAY, January 31 Mt. Pleasant Community Center 2, Valhalla $45 Another fun day at the Mt. Pleasant Community Center. This week, we will include a mini Floor Hockey Skills tournament with awards! Lunch will be included!

Saturday, February 6 Bradhurst & Bowling 1 $50 We will start the day at Bradhurst with some fun outdoor activities then onto the Jefferson Valley Lanes for an afternoon of Bowling.

Saturday, February 27 Bradhurst & Bowling 2 $50 Another day of games at Bradhurst and Bowling at Jefferson Valley Lanes.

Adult Trips Continued Code: 408

Saturday, March 6 TBD We are holding off planning or this date.. It will definitely be something fun! Thanks for your patience.

Saturday, March 13 Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, NJ $55 Come join us at this interactive Science Museum and Learning Center. There are lots of cool things to see and learn about.

Saturday, March 20 $45 Day at Blue Mountain, Peekskill We will be outdoors enjoying a nature-filled day. There will be hiking, outdoor games, archery and crafts. We will also have a bar-b-que, so lunch is provided. Please join us!

Saturday, March 27 Turf & Tennis, Elmsford $45 We have a facility that has LOTS of space, so please join us for a day of sports & fitness. We will play soccer, football and various other activities. Our staff will coordinate competitions and awards will be given! What a great way to stay in shape!

Adult Trips Continued Code: 408

Saturday, April 10 Pound Ridge Reservation $45 We are heading back outdoors for some fresh air, hiking, nature studies and a cook-out!

Saturday, April 17 Bronx, Zoo $50 One of our favorite places. The Bronx Zoo offers outdoor, safe activities and the opportunity to see animals from all over the world. Truly awesome!

Saturday, April 24 Garden Party, Bradhurst $45 Who doesn’t like a party? We will plant, get our garden into shape for the summer and do some crafts. Hopefully we will have an entertainer to put on a show! Lunch will be provided.

Saturday, May 1 Walkway Over the Hudson $45 We are ending our program year the way we started it! The Walkway Over the Hudson is a true wonder and place of amazing views. Bring a camera, for some great photos! Of course, we will stop at the Caboose Ice Cream Shop for a special treat!

25 Spring Trip: Lake George Code: 404 May 6, 7, 8 & 9, 2021 Ages: 16 +, ASD/DD/NI Fee: $650 Details TBD. Previous overnight experience with NE is required for this trip.

We are on our way to beautiful Lake George. Lots of fun outdoor activities to do: Fort William Henry, the Mini Ha Ha Miniature Golf, hiking, shopping and lots more!

There are currently no scheduled competitions. We will make every effort to set up some ourselves

Our Logo represents our Philosophy:

Circular: reflects unity and wholeness

Tree: symbolizes growth, strength and knowledge

Sunburst: opens new directions, awareness and warmth

Handshake: shows friendship, sharing and cooperation

Compass Needle: points to the northeast as the area being served.