September 1st, 2010
On September 1, Springbrook staff and family members gathered under a tent on the lawn of the Loomis Center on the Main Campus to honor the 2010 Direct Supprt Professional (DSP) Graduates.
Patricia Kennedy, Springbrook CEO, opened the ceremony by congratulating the graduates, “I am proud to offer this unique opportunity to Springbrook employees, all of whom are to be commended for their ability to balance a full time job, family commitments and the rigorous coursework this program entails.”
The DSP Program is a cooperative effort between Springbrook and Morrisville State College. In the program, participants take 30 hours of college credit in classes such as management and human service skill building and complete an internship.
Class valedictorian, Jeffrey Thorne, spoke, “I want to thank Springbrook for this opportunity to learn and grow. I also want to thank my family for beinging there while I was in school and giving me the time to study.”
Congratulations to this year’s graduates Jeffrey Thorne, salutatorian Anna Stathoudakis, Rachel Griffis, Angela Palmer, Julie Pietrefesa, Robert Scofield and Melissa Tansey!
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August 23rd, 2010
The Home and Community Based Waver Services (HCBS) department held an Open House on Thursday, August 19, 2010 to show off their new home. Over fifty Springbrook staff, clients and family members came out to enjoy a bar-b-que and celebrate the grand opening of the new location.
Open House guest were treated to tours of the offices, hamburgers and hotdogs cooked by Deputy Executive Director Seth Haight and a table full of sweet treats made by the Day Hub participants and staff, whose catering talents are in high demand around Springbrook.
HCBS recently moved from East Street in Oneonta to Country Club Road, in Oneonta’s west end. The new site adjoins the Community Connections Day Hab and includes the HCBS offices, the Day Hub, an eat-in kitchen and a provider room.
With the dust finally settled, participants and staff are adjusting to their new quarters. When asked how he liked the new space, Will, who is legally blind said, “I’m still learning where things are.” Staff member Sharon elaborated, “We had a fire drill the other day, and we now have a new system in place until he knows the surroundings more.”
Congratulations to HCBS on their new home!
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If you need to reach the HCBS department, note that their phone number has also changed. They can be reached at (607) 643-0297.
Deputy Executive Director, Seth Haight, grills hamburgers and hot dogs for the bar-b-que.
Will has lunch with his mother and Sharon while discussing the new location.
- HCBS clients enjoy the bar-b-que while spending time with family and friends.
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August 20th, 2010
It is with great pride that the 2010 Graduating Class of Springbrook’s Direct Support Professional (DSP) Program Announces its Commencement Exercises
Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at10:30am on Springbrook’s Main Campus.
Please R.S.V.P. to (607) 286-7171 Ext. 380
Light reception to follow
Rain location will be in the gymnasium of the School at Springbrook
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August 10th, 2010
Springbrook’s HELP (Helping Enrich Lives of People with Disabilities) Committee is gearing up for the 5th Annual Rubber Duck Derby!
This year’s Rubber Duck Derby and Annual Family Day will be Saturday, September, 25, 2010 from 10am to 4pm at Fortin Park.
The event will include the FLAME the band, a basket raffle, cake walk, games, food, a DJ, face painting, the Duck Derby Race, and more!
Ducks are $5 for one or $25 for a Six Quack and the first 25 ducks to cross the finish line win. The grand prize is $1,000 and the last duck to cross gets $100!!!
For more information call Elaine at 607-286-7171 ext. 240 or Jackie at 607-286-7171 ext. 380
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August 3rd, 2010
Students at the School at Springbrook received a special treat when Oneonta Outlaws General Manager Steve Pinder invited them to Damaschke Field to meet the team on Thursday, July 22.
The event was special for the students and residents, many of whom are avid sports fans. Springbrook Recreation Therapist Laurie Spicer routinely takes students to games at Damaschke Field, but this was the first time they have had the opportunity to meet the team in person.
Accompanied by Springbrook staff, the students arrived at the field to watch the team warm up for batting practice. The Oneonta Outlaws players showed tremendous generosity and kindness. They took turns signing baseballs, posing for pictures, and stopping to greet each student individually.
For many, the highlight of the afternoon was the opportunity to “play ball” with the team including playing catch and getting an opportunity at bat.
After the practice, the students and residents from Springbrook’s Community Homes were invited to watch the game against the Glens Falls Golden Eagles.
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July 22nd, 2010
We know that until all our children are back home in New York, our work will never be done. You realized this, too, and when we asked, you helped. Now the dream is becoming a reality.
The day has finally arrived! Join us as we break ground on the Tom Golisano School at Springbrook!
••••••••••••••••••••••
When: Thursday, July 29, 2010 - 12:00pm-2:00pm - Ceremony Starts Promptly at 12:30pm.
Tours will be available following the ceremony. Luncheon will also follow for invited guests.
Where: Springbrook - 2705 State Highway 28 - Oneonta, NY 13820
Click Here for Directions
Please RSVP to Beth Peterson at (607) 286-7171 ext. 283 or petersonb@springbrookny.org.
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June 30th, 2010
Autism and other developmental disabilities do not disappear once a child turns 18. Yet, although there are many heartwarming stories about children, it is harder for families to find stories about what happens when their child grows up. One family hopes to provide some answers. After all, who better to share stories of struggles and triumph than a Springbrook family?
In the new blog, Mission of Complex: Our Journey Through Hyperlexia, follow the Katz family as they chronicle the life of their 20-year-old son, Nate, and share their observations on hyperlexia (which is on the autism spectrum) both during Nate’s childhood and today, in order to provide other parents with hope and guidance.
As the blog’s first entry reveals,
“”Mission of Complex? That’s typical Nate word play on “Mission Accomplished,” and one of our favorite bits of Nate-speak. What I hope this blog can do is give help and solace to parents struggling with younger kids posed with similar challenges. I know that when Nate was 9 or 10, we were desperate for stories, any stories, of a 20-year-old like Nate. There weren’t many, let only ones that ended up with a kid in college! How we got here from there is a fascinating story, at times frustrating, at times funny, at all times rewarding.
Our family has never presented ourselves as inspirational people, or as experts in autism or hyperlexia. Yet, we find ourselves living in the midst of an inspiring story, with much to offer. The Mission of Complex blog will share stories, memories, paths taken and, hopefully, serve as a sounding board for families and professionals who are looking for fellow travelers who are a bit further on up the road.”
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June 25th, 2010
The New York State Legislature has officially passed a bill to remove the words “Mental Retardation” and similar terms from the government lexicon. This long awaited bill will change the name of the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD) to the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). The legislation also removes “Mental Retardation” from State statutes and regulations, specifically the New York Mental Hygiene Law.
OMRDD Commissioner Diana Jones Ritter will formally announce the name change in the coming weeks.
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June 18th, 2010
Corinn (center) receives her certificate, accompanied by Carl Letson (DDSO Director) and Carol Krueger (Lead RN)
Congratulations to Corinn Parsons, LPN, who recently participated in the Extraordinary Caregiver Recognition Program! Nominated by the School at Springbrook, Corinn was one of only 25 candidates from across the state selected to participate in the program.
The Extraordinary Caregiver Recognition Program, sponsored by the School of Social Welfare at Stony Brook University, recognizes and supports caregivers like Corinn, who provide hands-on care to individuals with developmental disabilities. Often these caregivers, who come from diverse cultural backgrounds, are the people on whom many individuals with developmental disabilities rely for meeting their basic human needs. Although many of these frontline caregivers provide compassionate care above and beyond the call of duty, they rarely receive recognition and attention for their exceptional service — until now!
The Extraordinary Caregiver Recognition Program allows the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities’ stakeholders — like Springbrook – to recommend frontline caregivers for this program. The Stony Brook University School of Social Welfare has designed a comprehensive education and training program that helps direct caregivers and co-workers cope with the stress of a demanding job.
During this program, Corinn had the opportunity to participate in a wide range of subjects, including family relationships, health, finance, diversity and multicultural issues. Upon completing the program, Corinn was honored in a presentation and certificate ceremony held at the Broome Developmental Center Theater.
Congratulations, Corinn! Thank you for all of your hard work at Springbrook!
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June 11th, 2010
On Thursday, June 10th, family, staff, classmates and friends gathered in the School at Springbrook gymnasium to celebrate the 9 graduates’ accomplishments. Friends and teachers honored each student, recounting stories from their years at the School at Springbrook and bestowing upon them awards in Adaptive Physical Education, Certificates of Achievement and diplomas from their home school districts. Congratulations to the Class of 2010! We are all so proud of you. We look forward to hearing about your new adventures in the years to come.
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