Matthew Sapolin
December 2, 2011
The Board of Trustees and Staff of Helen Keller Services for the Blind are truly saddened by the loss of a phenomenal individual – Matthew P. Sapolin, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for Disabilities. Many of us remember Matt when he was just a little boy during those years he attended Camp Helen Keller; others remember his mobility and orientation training sessions; and still others remember him as one of our biggest supporters and an incredible advocate for those with disabilities. He was funny, kind, brilliant, innovative and just wonderful to be around. We are grateful to have known him.
Double Up 4 Vision
October 24, 2011
HKSB would like to thank everyone for supporting Team Helen Keller Services for the Blind at this past Saturday’s Double Up 4 Vision event. We had beautiful weather and an amazing turnout (over 700 people participated!) More importantly, by teaming up with Lighthouse, we were able to bring more awareness to the general public about Low Vision and the services we offer as our team was interviewed and photographed by various media outlets. Thanks again to the HKSB team – Shriya Bhargava-Sears, Melissa Mueller, Geralyn Zuzze, Horace Smith, Peter Boger and our tandem riders, Diane and Cory Malone. Below is a list of our sponsors – to them I extend my heartfelt thanks, especially to Laura Camelo, whose gift was matched by Ridgewood Savings Bank, helping us meet our $2,000 goal!
Asnis, Camille: Fieldpoint (Analytic Asset)
Barrett, Karen: Helen Keller Services for the Blind
Boger, Peter M.: Ridgewood Savings Bank
Bonaccorso, Danielle
Brosnan, Bart: Memorial Sloan Kettering
Camelo, Laura: Ridgewood Savings Bank
Clark, Kimberly: Helen Keller Services for the Blind
DeGregorio, Deborah
Drossos-Malone, Diane
Edwards, Thomas J.: Helen Keller Services for the Blind
Ellis, Lamar: Helen Keller Services for the Blind
Foskey, Eddie: Helen Keller Services for the Blind
LoCurto, Lorraine: Helen Keller Services for the Blind
Malone, Cory
Merritt-Giles, Cheryl: Helen Keller Services for the Blind
Nassau Senior Center: Helen Keller Services for the Blind
Novogroder, Haviva: Helen Keller Services for the Blind
Price, Ira: Woodhaven Optometrics/HKSB
Richards, Antoinette: Helen Keller Services for the Blind
Rodriguez-Samuelson, Deborah: Helen Keller Services for the Blind
Rush, Tessa: Helen Keller Services for the Blind
Sarro, Janet: Helen Keller Services for the Blind
Wheatley, Sherry: Helen Keller Services for the Blind
Zuzze, Geralyn: Helen Keller Services for the Blind
CLC Visits Staten Island Children’s Museum
September 28, 2011
Last Friday, September 23, CLC took its students to the Staten Island Children’s Museum in Snug Harbor. There the children were able to explore a rainforest, pretend to be firefighters, learn about bugs and other insects and even build a home!
View pictures of the trip on HKSB’s Facebook page here
Photographs by Igor Kocherova, Diana Leone and Deborah Rodriguez-Samuelson.
35th Anniversary Sound & Light Gala
September 20, 2011
On September 15th, Helen Keller Services for the Blind held its 35th Anniversary Sound & Light Gala, honoring the best that Long Island has to offer. Catered by Abigail Kirsch, the event was held at Stage 6 at Steiner Studios in the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
The evening began with a wine-tasting reception featuring Osprey Dominion Vineyards (known for being the first to use windmill energy); Castello di Borghese (Long Island’s oldest and most renowned vineyard); and Long Island Spirits, the latest addition to Long Island’s wine country—featuring a variety of vodkas made with local Long Island potatoes. Renowned illusionist Ryan Oakes provided entertainment throughout the evening.
“We wanted to highlight Long Island for a number of reasons this year,” said Tom Edwards, President and CEO of HKSB. “As other service agencies shut down or relocate, we wanted to remind people that we’re still providing services and resources to the residents of Long Island. For more than 100 years we have been providing the residents of Long Island with a full program of services for those among us who live with blindness, deaf-blindness, or visual impairment. Last year we were able to help thousands of people of all ages. And we were able to do this because of people like this year’s honorees, the members of the Edward Smith Mineola Lions Club.”
Since its founding in 1952, the Edward Smith Mineola Lions Club has contributed funds and volunteer hours to charities that benefit the blind and help individuals who are susceptible to becoming blind. Their members provide extraordinary aid and comfort to the community through their activities and generous donations to the groups and organizations that provide services to those in need. The individuals who make up the Edward Smith Mineola Lions Club are truly making a difference in the lives of many Long Island residents.
Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening was HKSB supporter and cheerleader Michelle Charlesworth, WABC-TV’s weekend anchor. Music was provided by the incredible Hank Lane Band.
View photos from the event at HKSB’s Facebook page here (photos by Joe Vericker, PhotoBureau)
Information about the Mineola Lions Club.
Information about Castello di Borghese.
Information about Long Island Spirits.
Information about Osprey Dominion Vineyards.
Elmo Visits the Children’s Learning Center
August 16, 2011
This summer the children from HKSB’s Children’s Learning Center were visited by a very special friend – Elmo from Sesame Street! Actor Kevin Clash brought his beloved puppet to the children for a morning filled with songs, laughter and most especially hugs. Click here for photos. Kevin is a remarkable person who’s life and passion for his work can be seen in the soon to be released documentary, “Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey.” For more information and list of theaters, click here (http://beingelmo.com)
View pictures on HKSB’s Facebook page here
35th Anniversary Sound & Light Gala
August 12, 2011
HKSB is pleased to announce that Castello di Borghese – Long Island’s oldest and most respected winery, and Long Island Spirits, Long Island’s newest addition, will be among the participants at our Gala reception September 15th! For more information:
Second Annual Activities Day at Camp Helen Keller
August 3, 2011
On July 19th, the Order Sons of Italy in America held its second annual Activities Day at Camp Helen Keller.
Members of the local chapter (Grand Lodge of New York) started off the day at Farmingdale State College, where Camp Helen Keller is located. Hoola Hoops, tag team relay races and soccer baseball were just some of the activities that had the children begin the day smiling and laughing. By 11:00 a.m., sporting their commemorative t-shirts, the 40 plus children and camp counselors were then bused to Farmingdale Lanes for several rounds of pizza, music and most especially bowling! Many of the children used a Bowling Ramp Handicap device that enabled them to push the bowl down the lanes with ease! The afternoon ended with every child being awarded a mini golf trophy and ribbon. The event was summed up beautifully by an 8 year old child from Bangladesh who joined the camp this year for the first time – she told camp director Bill Dale that she loved getting her shirt and first medal and trophy and that “America is such a wondrous place!”
View photos here
Children’s Learning Center Graduation in the News
July 11, 2011
The annual Children’s Learning Center Graduation was featured in the Daily News, click here to read the article online
21st Annual Golf Classic
June 30, 2011
On June 20th HKSB held its 21st Golf Classic – an annual fundraiser to benefit Camp Helen Keller. Sponsors included TD Bank; Ridgewood Savings Bank; Aetna; Gundermann & Gundermann; Transitional Computing, Inc.; Winston & Strawn; Van Buren Buick GMC; Joseph Morgano; Joseph Mancino; WP Owners Corp.; Brooks Brothers, Luxottic a and Modell’s. Click here to view foursome pictures.
Friendship was the theme at this year’s Helen Keller Services for the Blind’s (HKSB) Children’s Learning Center graduation. The event was held on June 23rd in Downtown Brooklyn at National Grid’s Auditorium.
Parents, teachers, siblings and loved ones united to celebrate in the achievement of one of HKSB’s largest graduating class – 19 students in all.
Thomas J. Edwards, President & CEO of HKSB opened the day’s festivities by welcoming everyone to the graduation, congratulating not only the students but parents and caregivers. “By working hand in hand with our agency, your children will be better prepared to reach their potential,” he said.
The procession of graduates followed, with Father Mark Lane of the Oratory Church of St. Boniface giving the invocation.
Musical performances, led by music teacher Michel Gentile included the songs “A Little Wheel (in my heart)”, “Joy to the World” and everyone’s favorite, “All Together Now.”
Army Veteran Candice Rodriguez was one of this year’s recipients of the Parent Award for her dedication and commitment as an advocate for children who are disabled.
Among the graduates was a young man named Jeremiah. Nicknamed Cuba after his very first spoken word, Jeremiah was born 24 weeks premature with no eyesight and was actually pronounced stillborn by his doctors. He developed asthma, underwent several surgeries, and spent six months in the hospital after his birth. Jeremiah started attending the Children’s Learning Center in 2008 and eventually learned how to speak. But what Jerry really developed was a passion for music. He can dance, sing, and most especially, loves to play the drums. CLC Principal Garth White has attested to this fact, stating that Jerry can “play the drums like Tito Puente” and has “the perfect pitch.” A rambunctious and happy kid, Jerry will move on to public school after graduation.
The 2011 graduates were:
Shahed Almontaser
Tyler Ballantyne
Nasir Barbosa
Tatyana Blue
David Boules
Kevin Correa
Nyziah Hernandez
Vakel Johnson
Stefany Luna
Jessica Matchuca
Jeremiah Ming
Jaylee Morales
Guadalupe Portugal-Espindela
Norya Qassimi
Benjamin Rodriguez
Melinda Rodriguez
Keythan Velez
John Vidals
Victoria Worrell-Caceres
To see photos of this year’s graduation, visit our Facebook page here
