60 Years - The Arc of Union County

KOHLER SCHOOL
1960’S
1970’s
PHOTO BY: Elaine Martens
Celebrating
60 Years
in the
Community
The KEY
KOHLER SCHOOL
1960’S
Quarterly Newsletter
FALL 2008

[ ]
As good as they were, gone are the days
of bake sales and yard sales as the main supports
for the work provided by The Arc
of Union County. It takes a great
deal more to support the wonderful
menu of services we provide our
community, families and individuals
with developmental disabilities.
We need strength in numbers. That
includes parents and family members
helping us get the message to
our elected officials. Volunteers
to join our cause and help with the
governance of our organization. We
need support from our neighbors,
business friends and social and civic
organizations who realize that our
efforts are good for everyone.
This all takes communication and a common
message. The Arc of Union County has been here
for 60 years and we need your help to be here for
the next generation of families and individuals in
need of our supports and services.
Things are changing so fast in our world that you
can not take a minute to relax. We know that
The KEY
Quarterly Newsletter - FALL 2008
A LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
FRANK X. CARAGHER
THE ARC OF UNION COUNTY
we need to continue to change with the times.
Opportunities that our initial families did dream
of, such as, housing, employment,
inclusive education, and voting
rights are hearing. What will the
future bring? Well probably more
independence and more risk with less
funding support from governmental
areas.
To continue our mission we will need
our community partners, business
friends and social and civic groups to
help us, but clearly we will need more
from the families and individuals who
are enjoying a benefit from our high
quality care and supports. We need
you all to step up for the next family
or individual to receive the same as
you or your family has received.
This is the beginning of our 60 th Anniversary. Not
many organizations can make that claim. Come
join us and celebrate our history and participate
in the new and challenging world we are moving
towards. It is you, your family, neighbors and
workplaces that will help us continue our mission.
We look forward to your joining us.
COVER PHOTO: Early Intervention Physical Therapist, Joelle Kelly
works with student Wyatt Keller, at Bright Beginnings.
MAIN OFFICE
The Arc of Union County
52 Fadem Road
Springfield, NJ - 07081
Office (973) 315-0000
Fax (973) 315-0002
www.arcunion.org

1949-2008 [ ]
To The Arc of Union County’s
Direct Care
Professionals...
THANK YOU!
THANK
Throughout New Jersey, thousands of people have made a career out
of supporting people with developmental disabilities. The job doesn’t
pay much and they rarely get the recognition they deserve, but they remain
committed to the people they support everyday. These dedicated
staff members are known as Direct Support Professionals. They are the
backbones, literally and figuratively, of the supports that enable people
with various needs to live lives closer to their dreams.
YOU
The Arc of Union County’s Board of Directors and administration express
our sincerest appreciation to our employees who improve the lives of
people with developmental disabilities every day through direct support.
Because of you, more than 700 individuals in Union County are living
with dignity and respect in their communities.
THANK YOU!
Assembly
labeling
packaging
Tagging
price labeling
RE-packaging
Collating
stapling
envelope stuffing
Mailing
Linda
DiMARCO
contract sales
Vocational
services
Providing
Quality
Services To
Local
Businesses
Since
1977
Office Phone
973-315-0079
Cell Phone
908-405-1576
www.arcunion.org

[ ]
Camp Star
and the
Dorothy Ann Foundation
TOP LEFT PHOTO
Kaitlyn Maxwell - Vice President and Donald
L. Maxwell - Vice President, stand alongside
their Dad, Donald J. Maxwell - President of
the Dorothy Ann Foundation
TOP RIGHT PHOTO
Several of the Camp Star scholarship recipients
thank the Maxwell family for their financial
support so that they could attend the
summer camp program
On behalf of the children and
families that have benefited from
your generosity, dedication, and
ceaseless hard work…
Thank you
for all these past
20 years of
Camp Star support!
THE ARC OF UNION COUNTY
Established in 1957, Camp Star offers a summer day camp program
to children with special needs, ages 6 to 21 years old. Over the past half century,
Camp Star has provided an invaluable summer time program to children with
developmental disabilities who otherwise might not have had the chance to
socialize with peers or to participate in numerous community activities during
their summer vacation from school.
Providing a summer day camp program for children with special needs is not
accomplished without significant financial support. Therefore, in order to meet
ever increasing expenses, grants are submitted each year to foundations
requesting financial support. Once support is received, each summer a portion
of the money is used to provide transportation to and from camp each day while
other funding may be used to purchase activity supplies or to help support the
hiring of a camp counselor or to provide scholarships to campers that otherwise
would not have been able to attend a summer day camp program.
The Arc of Union County and the Camp Star program have been extremely
fortunate that for almost 20 years, the Dorothy Ann Foundation has helped to
provide camperships to kids and families with financial needs. Donald J. Maxwell
established the foundation, named after his sister Dorothy Ann Maxwell Hall, soon
after she lost her 9 month battle with breast cancer. Dorothy was only 32 years
old. Mrs. Hall had been a Special Education teacher first at Westlake School in
Westfield and then in Berkeley Heights. Thanks to the continued generosity of
this Mountainside based family and foundation, The Arc Camp Star program has
been able to offer 135 scholarships to children and their families. The financial
amount awarded throughout the years has been over $100,000 !!
Not only does The Arc of Union County want to thank all the generous donors
who give each year to the Dorothy Ann Foundation, but especially to Donald J.
Maxwell and his father, who for the past few years, when donations have been
down, have made up the difference themselves by writing sizeable checks so that
no child is left home.

1949-2008 [ ]
T H E N E W A R K M U S E U M
NewarkMuseum.org
Each summer, participants of the six week Camp Star
program have looked forward to and enjoyed a wide variety of weekly
field trips. This summer was no exception. Activities included riding
horses at the Watchung stables, weekly swimming at the Rahway River
Park pool, bowling, taking karate classes, playing miniature golf, going
to Round Valley, visiting Jenkinson’s Aquarium, attending a Somerset
Patriots game and going to The Newark Museum.
New Jersey’s largest museum, The Newark Museum contains 80
galleries highlighting the arts and natural sciences. During the campers’
visit and tour of galleries, one exhibit in particular caught their collective
attention. The exhibit was called the ‘Beaded Prayers Project.’ As
written on the museums website, ‘Directed by artist Sonya Clark, The
Beaded Prayers Project is a worldwide collaborative artwork begun in
1999 comprised of over 4,000 “beaded prayers.” With small pouches
that can fit in the palm of your hand; each piece is crafted by people
from all walks of life, of all ages. While admiring the exhibit, Camp Star
Director Bonnie Cagney was inspired to seek and find the person in
charge of the project. Bonnie had an idea. She wanted to know, if the
campers were so inclined, could they make and contribute their own
prayer packets to exhibit. The museum representative emphatically
answered ‘yes,’ but there was only one problem; the last day of the
exhibit was the very next day.
No problem. Once back at camp, everyone that wanted to participate
creatively made and embellished a unique and highly individualized
prayer amulet. The last step, and perhaps the most important, was to
carefully write and then seal inside the packet their very own wishes
and prayers. The following day the valuable creations were delivered
to the museum. It is awesome to think that such personal pieces of
artwork done by Camp Star participants have now become a permanent
part of the ‘Beaded Prayers Project’ and traveling exhibit. That’s an
outstanding summer happening that won’t soon be forgotten!
PICTURED ABOVE
Margaret Roselli Velotti and Joseph M. Velotti, Chair and
Co-Chair of the Elks National Foundation for Rahway Lodge
#1075 hand Shannon Bolivar, Director of Family Support
Services, a check for $ 00. Seated are participants of Camp
Star 008.
ELKS
RAhway
Lodge #1075
THANKS
to Margaret Roselli Velotti and Joseph
M. Velotti, Chair and Co-Chair of the Elks
National Foundation for Rahway Lodge
#1075, recently $ 00 was awarded
through the Elks Gratitude Grant. A
valuable resource, since 1928 the Elks
National Foundation has granted over $9
million of valuable support to communities
throughout New Jersey! The Elks grant
was used by The Arc to help purchase
sports equipment for the future athletic
field where soccer, t-ball, basketball and
numerous other games will be taught
and played. Just like any other school
aged kids, the children and adults served
by The Arc will have the opportunity to
participate in sports regardless of their
skill levels.
Thanks ELKS Rahway
Lodge #1075 !!

[ 6 ]
Summertime
Volunteers
One day in June, while sitting in the waiting room of a
physician’s office, a young woman, perhaps in her mid 20’s, walked
over to Tracey. A complete stranger, the person slowly sat down
next to Tracey, smiled, and gently touched her arm. For Tracey, it
was a profound moment in time and an experience that captured
Extended School
Year
Summertime
Fun at
Kohler School
PICTURED ABOVE
Tracey Katz of Scotch Plains volunteers
during her summer vacation
A registered pediatric neurology nurse, Cathy Biron
is currently taking a short break from her career to learn American Sign Language
(ASL) and to offer volunteer time one to two times a week at The Arc Kohler School.
When asked how she found us Cathy shared, “I actually did a search on the internet
and found The Arc’s website. My daughter, who is in her 20’s, has developmental
disabilities and has many medical challenges. Along with my professional experience
and as a mom of a child with special needs, I thought sharing my time and expertise
with Kohler would be the perfect fit.” And indeed it has been just that. Cathy
volunteers in the classroom of seasoned teacher Peggy Yorkovich who is fluent
in sign language. With students that are non-verbal, ASL is frequently used in the
classroom as illustrated by the picture on the right. Cathy, seated next to the young
student, is signing ‘red’ to describe the color of the sauce in the plastic dish.
Thanks Cathy, for all your help!
THE ARC OF UNION COUNTY
Kohler School
Phone: 908-518-00 1
her heart and attention. You see the person that made that small
gesture and immediate impression on Tracey was a woman with
Down syndrome.
It was then that Tracey realized what she wanted do as an additional
part of the preparation for her fall Bat Mitzvah; she would offer
volunteer time to an agency serving individuals with special needs.
Sharing the idea with friends and neighbors, it wasn’t long before
a member of Tracey’s Temple suggested calling The Arc of Union
County.
Soon after, Tracey found herself assisting children with
developmental disabilities at The Arc Kohler School in the
classroom of Special Education teacher, Francie Meth. Over the
next 5 weeks Tracey selflessly and joyously shared over 30 hours
of her summer vacation with 3 and 4 year old children. When
asked about the experience Tracey remarked, “Everyone here
is so friendly and welcoming. The kids always seem to like my
offering a helping hand or reading a book to them. I have loved
helping at Kohler and plan to offer more of my free time even after
my September Bat Mitzvah.”
We look forward to seeing you again Tracey !!

1949-2008 [ ]
Offering an inclusive, caring environment for children with and without special needs.
Children’s Services Administrator
MEREDITH EMERY, LMSW
memery@arcunion.org
FIT 2 GO
From July 16 through
August 20 th , this summer
several Bright Beginnings
parents enrolled their
children) in a fitness class
offered through the school.
FIT 2 GO, a Westfield
based company, held two
morning sessions each
Wednesday over the six week period. Instructor,
Katie Slaughter helped students practice moving
and exercising to lively songs and music, while at
the same time learning coordination, movement,
and balance.
Each Monday during the
summer, Judy Klimowicz, a
librarian with the Cranford
Public Library comes to Bright
Beginnings with a big fat bag
full of colorful books.
Always linked by a common
theme, up to three books
are read to each of the three
classrooms of anxiously
awaiting children. “This is the
3 rd summer in which I have
come to the inclusive preschool and I am impressed
with the children’s ability to quietly listen to the stories,”
shared Klimowicz. Well it is no wonder. You can almost
hear a pin drop as Judy practically becomes the book
by reading with a soft and soothing voice while at the
same time making all sorts of rhythmic sounds thereby
bringing the characters, animals and objects of each
BRIGHT
BEGINNINGS
135 Dermody Street
Cranford
908- 76-6660
Bright Beginnings Supervisor
KHADIJAH GREEN
kgreen@arcunion.org
Summer Vacation
Summer may now be over but the memories
of playing in the sprinkler, building sand castles
on the playground and eating popsicles
purchased from the neighborhood ice cream
truck, live on in the young hearts of the Bright
Beginnings preschool students.
Librarian Judy Klimowicz Comes To Visit
story to life. Whether age 2 or 5 years, the children
sit enraptured, giggling with excitement, and clinging to
every word and sound Judy utters.
A librarian with the Cranford library for 40 years, Judy
has seen a lot of changes. “The library has been and
continues to be a great place to work. I have always
loved the challenge of connecting the reader with the
right book. It is also interesting to note that even with
today’s technology the readership
among kids has risen higher than
ever. I am one of those lucky
people who has always loved my
work,” concludes Judy.
Thanks for showing us
how to bring books to
life Miss Judy!

[ 8 ]
KOHLER SCHOOL
For the past several weeks, students in
the classroom of teacher Judy Murphy
have seen for themselves how caterpillars
become butterflies. Learning about metamorphosis the children
watched from day to day as each caterpillar slowly changed into a beautiful
green chrysalis. Over the next two weeks the color of the casings
became darker and darker until almost black. Then magically, on September
10th, everyone watched in utter fascination as one of the sacks moved. Very
slowly and ever so carefully within minutes a beautiful orange and black monarch
butterfly emerged. The class decided to name the butterfly FREEDOM. The next
day, on September 11th, teachers Judy Murphy and Peggy Yorkovich took their
classes on a short field trip to Echo Lake Park. Located just behind the school,
within the park the children walked to the memorial that had been built in memory
of the Union County citizens that lost their life on 9/11. Although the students
didn’t understand the significance of the day, all the children cheered with delight
as FREEDOM found its way out of the netting and into the open air, flying high
and far away, free to explore its new life.
If you would like to help support the
PINK PANTHERS
Nintendo Wii Fundraiser
Please Contact - Linda O’Connell
Director of Nursing & Health Services
973-315-006
loconnell@arcunion.org
THE ARC OF UNION COUNTY
In honor of those
that lost theIr
lIfe on 9/11
Who wants cake
and cookies !!
The Adult Medical Day Care Center self advocacy group named the ‘Pink Panthers’,
recently held a delicious bake sale in the board room of the main office in
Springfield. Shortly after the Pink Panthers arrived on that special day, like music
to the ears of the office workers, an announcement was made that this industrious
group was selling a variety of freshly baked cookies, cakes, brownies, and
as an extra special treat, members of the group were also selling hand crafted,
colorful beaded bracelets. Their second fundraiser in a year, the groups goal is
to raise enough money that by the end of the year, they will be able to purchase
a $250 Nintendo Wii.
For those of you that don’t know what a Nintendo Wii is..........
very simply, it is a gaming system that gets hooked up to a television. The Wii
offers a wide variety of games and programs in which a person or group can
actually interact with what is occurring on the TV screen. In particular, the Pink
Panthers were interested in programs such as aerobics and yoga, which help to
improve one’s sense of balance. Other programs are designed to help burn fat
or to assist in toning certain muscles of the body. With such versatility, the Pink
Panthers decided the Wii was a great way to have fun while at the same time
working to increase gross motor skills.
Great idea Pink Panthers and good luck with your fundraising!

1949-2008 [ 9 ]
Knights
of
Columbus
Knights
I don’t know about you, but when I see gentlemen standing outside my local food store wearing brightly colored
yellow aprons and handing out tootsie rolls, I know that it is that time of year again when the Knights of Columbus
Councils throughout the United States are collecting monetary donations for children that are ‘mentally handicapped.’
An international society founded in 1882, councils are made up of Catholic men who are dedicated to: Charity, Unity,
Fraternity, and Patriotism.
effort was made to develop a way for citizens throughout the country to remember and to support the Knights. After
numerous meetings and sharing of ideas, it was decided that with the support of the Tootsie Roll Company, money
would be raised for ‘retarded citizens.’ Since that
of
time, for one three day weekend each April, members have stood
outside their local food stores, identified by their yellow aprons, accepting donations and handing out Tootsie Rolls.
Nowadays 38 states participate in the drive with the Knights of Columbus raising over $20 million each year! All the
proceeds from the Tootsie Roll drive continue to support projects and programs that aid the ‘mentally handicapped
and the cognitive disabled.’
Elizabeth Council, No. 53
Father John S. Nelligan Council, No. 5730
Columbus
Linden Council, No. 859 (Top Right Picture)
Rev. Dean Martin Gessner Council, No. 3310
Summit Council, No. 783 (Bottom Left Picture)
Westfield Council, No. 1711 ( Bottom Right Picture)
Known throughout most communities as the annual “Tootsie Roll Drive” it actually wasn’t until the early 1970’s that this
particular fundraising project began. Wanting to bring strong recognition and attention to the councils, a concerted
This summer The Arc of Union County has been extremely fortunate to have
received financial support from the following councils:

[ 10 ]
Gateway Regional Chamber of Commerce
“2008 Educator Institute”
Whenever possible, BEFORE receiving a certificate or diploma from high school, it
is important to have a plan in place for post graduation. For some students it may mean
participating in a school-to-work transition program while for others it may mean planning
for college or looking for full time employment.
To help provide suggestions, earlier this year The Arc was contacted by the Gateway
Regional Chamber of Commerce Education Committee and asked to host the 2008
Educator Institute summer workshop. The Arc, always ready to share career opportunities
and information regarding the diverse programs that are available to individuals with
developmental disabilities, immediately agreed to orchestrate the half day event.
In late June, following the conclusion of the ’08 school year, 20 guidance counselors and
teachers representing several local counties and school districts promptly arrived at the
Springfield Arc headquarters on what else but a school bus, ready and eager to learn what
options The Arc had to offer both students with and without special needs. After packets
of information were distributed, staff shared a presentation of the agency’s 60 year history
while at the same time projecting on a screen in the background, the many faces, programs
and businesses that make up the Arc family.
The second half of the workshop provided educators with a mini tour of Arc programs
including two vocational centers, The Arc Kohler School, and Bright Beginnings Inclusive
Preschool. With each stop the visitors learned not only how individuals with special needs
are served but how high school graduates could explore The Arc as a potential career
option. At the conclusion of the tour, lunch was served at the agency’s main office where
final questions and answers were shared.
Guidance counselors and
teachers take a summertime
tour of Arc programs to explore
school-to-work transition
programs for students
and potential job opportunities
for graduates.
If your school would like a tour of
Arc programs, for further information
please contact
DEBBIE DREHER
973-315-0060
ddreher@arcunion.org
THE ARC OF UNION COUNTY
Speak Up !
Write OR Call
Governor JON S. CORZINE
www.state.nj.us
Just click on:
Executive Branch
Office of the Governor
Contact the Governor
Write OR Call
PO BOX 001
Trenton, NJ 086 5
609- 9 -6000
0th Legislative District
Elizabeth, Union,
Roselle, Kenilworth
State Senate
The Honorable Raymond J. Lesniak
State Assembly
The Honorable Joseph Cryan
985 Stuyvesant Avenue
Union, NJ 07083
908-624-0880
1st Legislative District
Berkeley Heights, Cranford,
Garwood, Mountainside,
New Providence, Roselle Park,
Springfield, Summit, Westfield
State Senate
The Honorable Thomas H. Kean
State Assembly
The Honorable Jon M. Bramnick
The Honorable Eric Munoz
203 Elm Street - 1st Floor
Westfield, NJ 07090
908-918-0414
nd Legislative District
Clark, Fanwood, Linden,
Plainfield, Rahway, Scotch Plains,
Winfield
State Senate
The Honorable Nicholas P. Scutari
1514 E. Saint Georges Ave - 2nd Floor
Linden, NJ 07036
908-587-0404
State Assembly
The Honorable Jerry Green
17 Watchung Avenue
Plainfield, NJ 07060
908-561-5757
The Honorable Linda Stender
1801 East Second St. - 2nd Floor
Scotch Plains, NJ 07076
08-668-1900

1949-2008 [ 11 ]
$1,000
Awarded To Support
Arc Programs
STORE
1900 East Linden Avenue
Linden
LEFT TO RIGHT
Will Mikolajczak - Membership Team Leader,
Cari Libysen - Arc Special Events Coordinator,
Slawomir Dziuba - Membership/Marketing Manager
“Although money is getting tighter and tighter, here at the Sam’s
Club in Linden, we know how important it is to support our local
communities,” shares Slawomir Dziuba, the Membership/Marketing
Manager of Sam’s Club located in Linden. Dziuba stated,
“These are hard times for everyone but we work with what funding
we have and try to come up with the best solutions to help
the local non-profit organizations in our area. I strongly support
community involvement and am impressed by staff that give their
free time and energy to local causes. For example, for The Arc’s
springtime Walk-A-Thon not only did several of us donate our
time but Sam’s Club also generously donated a trunk full of oranges
and apples as well as over 500 bottles of water. I particularly
remember how terribly hot that day was with walkers drinking
3 and 4 bottles of water. We actually ended up going back to
the store for more!”
Sam’s Club of Linden
THANKS FOR YOUR
CONTINUED SUPPORT!
Introducing the very talented....
John
Forrestal
Sharing his love of music with
the participants of the CAMP STAR summer day
program, John Forrestal was this year’s Music
Specialist.
Playing throughout most of his life, it was at age 6,
when most kids were still getting toys and games
for their birthday, that John’s parents bought him
a guitar and signed him up for music lessons. By
the 6th grade, John and several classmates had
formed their first band. Playing rock and roll, it
was John’s dad that helped to find and arrange the
bands gigs where they were able to play for local
outdoor community events while at the same time
gaining invaluable experience. As John grew, so
did his talent for understanding music and playing
the guitar. He was so good in fact that during the
summer before his sophomore year of high school,
Forrestal was given a scholarship to attend a one
week summer workshop at the Berklee College of
Music to study guitar. The next summer Forrestal
was offered a 5 week scholarship to study the art of
musical performance and to get private instruction.
Today John is a full time student and a sophomore
at the Berklee College of Music majoring in music
education and the performing arts.
We wish you the best of luck John !!
For information about
FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES
Please Contact - Shannon Bolivar
908-233-0199
sbolivar@arcunion.org

[ 1 ]
WELLS FARGO
STAFF THAT GENEROUSLY DONATED INCLUDE:
Esther Alexander, Rich Auriemma, Diane Bonar, Joe DeMeo, Joyce Fay, Wes
Henderson, Alice Jones, Kirk Oakes, Tara Pfunke, Kristin Quimby, Kristen
Steskel, Gail Sherer, Brian Sheridan and Mary Geiringer.
CHILDREN’S SERVICES
The Arc Kohler School
Bright Beginnings
At Cranford & Mountainside
Early Intervention Services
To The Arc of Union County:
The first Friday of every month my office has
a “DENIM DAY” when employees may wear
jeans to work in exchange for a donation to a
charity chosen by one of the employees. July
was my month to choose and The Arc of Union
County, is the beneficiary. I chose The Arc because
my brother, Richard Hoffman, currently
resides in one of your residential programs and
has used your wonderful and supportive services
for many years.
Please apply this money where it is
most needed.
Thank you and keep up the good work!
Mary E. Geiringer
FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES
Camp Star
Recreational Activities
Six Respite Programs
www.arcunion.org
THE ARC OF UNION COUNTY
A Family
volunteers!
It’s that time of year again when the kids are heading
back to school and no doubt, all the kids will have a
school project or two to get done before the end of
the year.
Here’s an idea for all you school kids....
Why not consider doing what Alexis Sosinski and her
4 children did last school year. They offered their free
time one day to landscape and to plant beautiful flowers
at one of The Arc’s 22 residential programs. As it
turned out, on the day that Alexis and her kids were
scheduled to visit, the weather did not cooperate. Not
wanting to disappoint the women in the program, and
just like so many moms, Sosinski quickly switched
gears coming up with a new project. Instead they
decoupaged vases using colorful tissue paper. The
ladies of the residential program loved it! By the next
day the rain had stopped and although the 4 kids had
already ‘completed’ their school project, the whole
family came back to landscape and plant.
Thanks Sosinski Family!
Your volunteer time was GREATLY appreciated
and will long be remembered. Please come back !
RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS
22 Homes
within the community
and
Supervised Apartment Program
VOCATIONAL & DAY
PROGRAMS
Adult Training Centers
Supported Employment
School-To-Career Services
Specialized Day Programs

1949-2008 [ 1 ]
You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown
ABOVE
Keith Radzion plays Snoopy
BELOW
A group of actors relax before
rehersal
LEFT TO RIGHT
David Modero - Musical Director
Marguerite Modero - Director
Jensyn Oertel - Choreographer
For the second year, Just Off Broadway Productions,
sponsored by St. Nicholas Orthodox Church of Elizabeth has
taken a special collection at the conclusion of their musical
performance to benefit and support The Arc of Union County.
Director Marguerite Modero shared, “We love doing not only
theatre but giving back to the community. I have always
encouraged my students, even in the simplest ways, to give
back and to help others within their community. What we do
is have cast members stand at the exits after the play holding
a collection bucket. It is a simple gesture and yet can help a
non-profit agency like The Arc in many ways.”
During the year Marguerite Modero, the director of You’re
A Good Man, Charlie Brown is an educator in the Garwood
Public Schools where she has taught vocal and instrumental
music along with performing arts and gifted & talented
classes for thirty years. The musical director, David Modero,
is a music educator in Sayreville Public Schools where he
teaches instrumental and general music. Jensyn Oertel, the
choreographer is a recent graduate of Boston Conservatory
with a degree in musical theatre performance and is herself a
Broadway hopeful!
Presenting three performances in July at Lincoln School in
Garwood, preparations for the summer’s theatre production
began in early June. With most of the young cast members
still in school, constantly having to juggle with end of the year
concerts, awards programs, homework and jobs was the norm.
It is hard to believe that with so much going on that within less
than 5 weeks the stage was set, the actors were in costume,
the lights dimmed and the show went on for three nights in a
row. The amount of energy it took to coordinate a show of this
magnitude so quickly and beautifully is unimaginable.
ABOVE
Cast members pose for a picture before
dress rehersal
To the incredibly talented cast and crew of
You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown
THANK YOU
once again for your hard work and generous support!
ABOVE
Daniel Greenberg plays
Charlie Brown
BELOW LEFT TO RIGHT
Actors Megan Modero
and Tracey Discenza

[ 1 ]
LT. Rebekah
“Charlie” Murphy
PART TWO
of many more....
LT. Rebekah “Charlie” Murphy
is the pilot on the right
(All photos courtesy of
Becky Murphy)
THE ARC OF UNION COUNTY
In the last KEY newsletter, you may have read the short article about the daughter of Judy
Murphy, a special education teacher at The Arc Kohler School. Murphy’s daughter, Becky just
happens to be a United States Navy fighter pilot who flies an F-18 jet for a living. Not a typical
career move for a woman, you may be asking yourself how it came about that Becky...better
known by her colleagues as ”Charlie”...became a pilot to begin with. I asked her mother Judy,
that very same question.
Ever since Becky was a young girl, all she wanted to do was play soccer and to be chosen
to play for the US Olympic team. Attending Pingry School on a full scholarship, Becky was a
member of the school’s soccer team. One day, in her senior year, while the team was playing
a game, unbeknownst to Becky, a coach from the Annapolis Navel Academy Women’s Team
was scouting for team members but they were not there for Becky. The scout was there to
evaluate another player. However, it was hard not to notice Becky’s skill and agility and so
after the game, she was sought out. Although the Navel Academy had never been on Becky’s
radar, she decided to apply. With stringent standards to meet, including being nominated by
a NJ State Senator, Murphy decided with excellent grades, great health, and a high exercise
endurance, she was up for the challenge. STORY CONTINUED TOP RIGHT OF PAGE 15.....
This summer Debbie Dreher, The Arc’s Director of Community Affairs, received several phone
calls from students attending the joint degree program with Kean University and the University
of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ). All taking a ‘Developmental Disabilities’
class with Professor Peter Basto, the students were required to visit a ‘facility based residential
program’ for people with developmental disabilities. Listed on the student’s assignment sheet
were potential contacts including The Arc, with whom a visit might be arranged.
The first calls received were from students Michael Miele and Krystal Morales (pictured on
left). Within the week of the initial contact a visit and tour was arranged of one of the 22
residential programs offered by The Arc. In late June, students Mike and Krystal, along with
Mrs. Dreher, visited a fully accessible home, located in Plainfield, and serving 5 individuals.
At the conclusion of the tour and after meeting several of the residents, the UMDNJ students spoke with the group home supervisor
asking numerous questions regarding the program. In summarizing their visit, Mike and Krystal both
commented on the visual warmth and hominess of the program, the cleanliness of the home, its large
size, and most importantly, how all resident’s are afforded the opportunity, regardless of ability, to fully
access the community in which they live. Both graduating in May 2009, Mr. Miele and Ms. Morales will
each earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology/Psychiatric Rehabilitation. Ultimately Miele’s
goal is to become a Clinical Psychologist while Morales would like to work with the state prison system
helping former inmates to stay out of prison, to find meaningful employment and housing.
In July, Adrienne Young and Kia Gooden visited The Arc’s supervised apartment program. Young and
Gooden were able to meet and speak with a number of residents, all of whom live in and care for their
own apartments. Adrienne Young (far right, bottom step) also a student of the joint degree program,
will graduate with a BS in Psychology/Psychiatric Rehabilitation. Kia Gooden (right, sitting on top step)
is a graduate student in the UMDNJ, MS Rehabilitation Counseling Program.
IF YOU ARE A STUDENT WORKING ON A PROJECT OR NEED COMMUNITY HOURS,
PLEASE CONTACT THE ARC. WE WOULD LOVE TO HELP!
rebekah.murphy@cvw .navy.mil
LT Rebekah Murphy
VFA-137, UNIT 601 8
FPO AP 96601

1949-2008 [ 1 ]
Tricky Tray 2008
Come Join
The Fun
GRAND PRIZE
5 Day, 4 Night
Royal Caribbean Cruise
for TWO to
Mexico OR The Bahamas
PLUS
Two Round Trip Vouchers on
JetBlue Airways
Friday
November 14th
The Westwood
Garwood
www.arcunion.org/trickytray 008
This year Becky celebrated
her birthday on the
USS Abraham Lincoln.
LT. Rebekah
“Charlie” Murphy
There are so many amazing things
you can say to describe Becky but
one thing is for sure, when she puts
her mind towards achieving a goal,
she gives it 100%. It is therefore not
surprising that by February of her
senior year of high school, Becky
received an acceptance letter from
the Annapolis Navel Academy. Immediately
following graduation, by
July Becky was a Plebe, engaging in
a rigorous six week training program
in Maryland.
Three weeks after beginning training,
Becky’s mother Judy received a
phone call from the school. Becky had broken her ankle. Remember......one
of the reason’s Becky was attending Annapolis was to play
on their soccer team! Now she would be in a cast for the next six weeks.
OK...so she couldn’t play soccer; Becky still needed to get through the
training program. Not wanting to let down her squadron, Becky did the
next best thing, she became the team’s ‘intelligence officer.’
BE SURE TO LOOK IN THE WINTER KEY FOR
THE THIRD PART OF THIS CONTINUING STORY....
THE ARC’S
FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES
NOW ALSO AVAILABLE THROUGH
SELF-DIRECTED SERVICES
AND REAL LIFE CHOICES
CAMP RECREATION RESPITE
Whether through a Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) case manager,
Real Life Choices (RLC), or Fee For Service(FFS), Family Support
Services(FS) can be accessed by the participant and family in many ways.
Division of Developmental Disabilities - Case Manager:
Those living at home who are registered with DDD can contact their DDD case
manager to request a referral for our After School/After Work, Saturday Children/Adult,
In-Home, or Hotel Respite programs. Those families who are not
registered with DDD can call 973-324-2000 to request an intake packet to start
the process.
Real Life Choices/Self-Directed Services/Fee-for-Service:
The Arc of Union County is a qualified Real Life Choices Provider. In addition,
Respite, Recreation and/or Camp are available through a fee-based system.
Please Contact:
SHANNON BOLIVAR
908- 3 -0199
Continued from page 14...

[ 16 ]
TO OUR ARC CLASSIC
GOLF OUTING SPONSORS
THANK YOU
$3,000
AWARDS DINNER SPONSORS
Investors Savings Bank
Sovereign Bank
$ ,000
REGISTRATION SPONSORS
HRH
WithumSmith+Brown
$1,500
LUNCHEON SPONSORS
Mutual of America
Principle Advisors
$1,000
HOLE-IN-ONE SPONSOR
Principle Advisors
$500
SILENT AUCTION DONOR
S. Seltzer Construction Corporation
$ 00
GENERAL DONOR
Paragon Computer Professionals
$ 50
TEE SIGNS
Barisonek & Dooley
Fanwood Dental Group
Gateway Chamber of Commerce
HRH
Investors Savings Bank
J & E Auto Body
Memorial Funeral Home
Mutual of America
Partners Pharmacy
Principle Advisors
S. Seltzer Construction Corporation
Villani Bus Company
WithumSmith+Brown
$100
DINNER ATTENDEES
John & Edith Coogan
John Redmond
Carmen Rivera
Donna Steinmetz
Corrine Osborne
THE ARC OF UNION COUNTY
As the summer came to a close, under crystal blue skys 60 golfers came together to
spend a beautiful, sunny and cool day playing golf while at the same time supporting
the programs and services offered by The Arc of Union County. Especially during
New Jersey’s and the nations financially challenging times, we are most thankful
for the on-going committment of support by our local businesses and families. For
almost 60 years, regardless of the states fiscal challenges, The Arc has continued to
grow and expand to meet the ever changing needs of the families served. Although
it is tougher than ever as less and less monies are available each year, The Arc
stands firm in its communittment to the individuals served so that they may realize
a full, productive and enhanced life.
TOP PICTURE
INVESTORS SAVINGS BANK
Vince Favalano,
Kevin Cummings,
John Nietzel, Anthony LaFerrara
Classic
LEFT PICTURE
SOVEREIGN BANK
Dan Murphy, Tom Bistocchi,
Mike Minitelli, Pete Capodice
PICTURED ABOVE
MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME
Tom & Jenifer Keiser,
Bob Fahrenholz, Hank Manns
PICTURED BELOW
Michael Sprung, Calvin Sprung,
TWIN CITY PHARMACY

1949-2008 [ 1 ]
Bill Ashnault
Tom Baffuto
Tom Bistocchi
Kevin Buckman
Charles Buono
Pete Capodice
Frank Caragher
Jim Carovillano
Tom Casio
Tom Charbonneau
Tom Charbonneau, Sr.
George Clark
Kevin Cummings
Edith Coogan
Fack Coogan
Louis DeFalco
Classic
We sincerely appreciate all those who came out to help support
the arc of union county
PICTURE ABOVE
TOM CORBIN BROKERAGE
Jeff Maltison,
Tom Baffuto,
Dom Fanuele
Shannon Bolivar
Linda DiMarco
Judy Fritts
Alexis Godbolt
Donna Kell
Thomas Dooley
Norm Edwards
Bob Fahrenholz
Dom Fanuele
Vince Favalano
Anthony Girellini
Brian Golick
Paul Hyman
Jenifer Keiser
Thomas Keiser, Jr.
Anthony Girellini
Brian Golick
Paul Hyman
Jenifer Keiser
Thomas Keiser, Jr.
Anthony LaFerrara
LEFT PICTURE
Louis Petruzzelli,
Steve Napolitaro,
Norm Edwards
RIGHT PICTURE
Peter Phillips,
Earle Phillips,
Alan Trachenburg,
Paul Hyman
TO OUR
WONDERFUL
VOLUNTEERS
Myra Kelly
Nellie Lamberty
David Laska
Carol Morello
Joe Nolan
Drew Lapsley
Rich Lazik
Brian Leddy
Tom Lovelidge
Brian Mahoney
Hank Manns
Jeff Mattison
Ross Mazer
Tim McNulty
Mike Minitelli
Dan Murphy
Stever Napolitano
John F. Nietzel
Frank O’Brian
Earle Parker
Louis Petruzzelli
LEFT PICTURE
John D. Wilk,
John J. Wilk,
Ray Rekuc,
Charles Ponti
PICTURE ABOVE
Ross Mazer, Tom Lovelidge,
Louis DeFalco, Peter Thompson
thank
you !
Peter Phillips
Charles Ponti
Ray Rekuc
Keith Riggin
Miguel Rojas
Justin Roy
Jim Seath
Carl Sicola
Calvin Sprung
Michael Sprung
Thomas Sutton
Peter Thompson
Alan Trachtenberg
Terry Triano
John D. Wilk
John J. Wilk
Winners!
JET BLUE TICKETS
Raymond Rekuc
50/50 DRAWING - $ 50
Edith & Jack Coogan
GROSS TEAM - Score 3 8
Brian Leddy
Brian Mahoney
Frank O’Brien
Carl Sicola
NET TEAM
INVESTORS BANK
Kevin Cummings
Vince Favalano
Anthony Laferrara
John Nietzel
GROSS INDIVIDUAL
MEN-7
George Clark
GROSS INDIVIDUAL
WOMEN-103
Jenifer Kaiser
NET INDIVIDUAL
MAN-7
Kevin Buckman
NET INDIVIDUAL
WOMAN-78
Jenifer Kaiser
CLOSEST TO THE PIN MEN
Paul Hyman
CLOSEST TO THE PIN WOMEN
Jenifer Kaiser
LONGEST DRIVE MEN
George Clark
LONGEST DRIVE WOMEN
Jenifer Kaiser
Nicole Palma
Sue Pickett
Beverly Rivkees
Mark Schwendeman
Elaine Shiel

[ 18 ]
Lifetime Support, Inc.
TD Charitable
For the past several years, Tony Bell has been a
recipient of the valuable services provided
through Lifetime Support, Inc.
Created in 1998, Lifetime Support, Inc. provides essential services and fills an
important gap that few other New Jersey agencies address. Ask any aging parent of a
child with a disability and their primary concern inevitably is, “Who will care for my child
when I am gone?” Lifetime Support serves Union County citizens with developmental
disabilities and their families through advocacy, guardianship, education, financial planning
and management assistance, and community trust opportunities.
Affiliated with The Arc of Union County, Inc., a fifty-nine year old organization dedicated to
improving the lives of people of all ages with developmental disabilities, Lifetime Support is
at the cutting edge of providing services. Fifty years ago, the life expectancy for individuals
with developmental disabilities was considerably less and it was not unusual for parents to
outlive their children. With advances in the field and improved medical care for individuals
with disabilities, this is no longer the case. Agencies nationwide find themselves with a
growing geriatric population and families find themselves scrambling for future planning for
their sons and daughters with disabilities.
Thanks to the generosity of the TD Charitable Foundation, in September Lifetime Support was
awarded $5000. The much needed funding will be used to sponsor informative workshops
and trainings for families to educate them about the guardianship process and to provide
individualized follow-up sessions with families that request more detailed information and
assistance with the process. This critical assistance will help families to understand the
legal aspects of guardianship and what they need to do in order to legally and appropriately
plan for the future of their child.
Lifetime support, inc.
THE ARC OF UNION COUNTY
Foundation
$5,000 Awarded to
Lifetime Support
Designed to offer parents and other family members an opportunity to receive assistance in the following areas:
GUARDIANSHIP - COMMUNITY TRUST - INFORMATION & REFERRAL
Dawn M. Avallone, Esq.
Lifetime Support Administrator
973-315-00 7

1949-2008 [ 19 ]
THE ARC OF UNION COUNTY CONTRIBUTIONS
individuals
Henry Andrews
Werner Baez
Naureen & John Bateman, Jr.
Thomas Bistocchi
Karen & Richard Bukosky
Gail & Brandon Clax
Linda Darge
Richard A. DelNero
Margaret L. DePaul
Madeline Dunn
Angela Fritts
Stanley From
Doug Garno
Michael Gelhart
Ross C. Goldstein
Nancy Gonzalex
Mary Ann Gora
Gerry Hodulik
Dorothea Hoffman
Kerry Hanlon
Arnold & Jean Kroner
David Laska
Aida & Albert Liptak
Lynn Lott
Debbie Louis
Roberta & Martin Makow
Lizette & Grover Martin
McFeeley Family
Eleanor & John McGovern
Carmen Merced
Barbara Nardelli
Memorial Tributes
are a beautiful way
to remember someone
that has touched
your life while at
the same time
supporting programs
and services
offered by
On behalf of The Arc and the Board of Directors,
we thank you for your thoughtful
and generous support
individuals
Ana & Melanio Nistal
Linda O’Connell
Nicole Palma
Deborah Petersen
Deborah Pomianek
Lorraine Portzio
Barbara Repetti
Deb Ritter
Beverly & Norman Rivkees
Denis & James Ryan
Jimmy Sanzone
Catherine E. Sarnowski
Elizabeth & Emil Satkowski
Peggy Schuck
Marylou & William Schultz
Donna & Mark Schwendeman
Georgeann Smith
Sue & Bill Spies
Barbara Tooker
Joanne & Joseph Willmore
Eva Wyatt
R. Yancolowitz
George Zakalak
organizations
The Arc of New Jersey
Fanwood-Scotch Plains Service League
First Presbyterian Community Witness Commission
Knights of Columbus - Summit Council No. 783
Rahway Junior Service League
MEMORIAL
TRIBUTES
MARY L. BROWN
Laurie Salka
RICK FRASCH
Roberta & Marty Makow
DOROTHY L. GERHART JEDWABNIK
Rosemary Payne
organizations
Rotary Club of Elizabeth
Rotary Club of Westfeld
Saint Nicholas CR Orthodox GC Church
Township of Scotch Plains
United Way of Morris County
United Way of Westfield
corporations
Schering-Plough Corporation
foundations
AT&T United Way
Dorothy Ann Foundation
Eddie Gray Camp Fund
Johnson & Johnson Matching Gifts Program
Just Give
Merck Partnership For Giving
Pfizer United Way Campaign
Prudential Foundation Matching Gifts Program
Schering-Plough Workplace Giving Campaign
Second Chance Toys
Turrell Fund
Tyler Foundation
United Way of Camden County
United Way of Greater Union County
United Way of Morris County
United Way of New York City
United Way of Summit & New Providence
Westfield Foundation
“Remembrance
Envelopes”
Available through the
Community Affairs Department
Remember a special someone
or recognize a
particular occasion
Memorial
Birthday
Anniversary
Graduation
Please contact Debbie Dreher
973-315-0060

5 Fadem Road
Springfield, NJ 07081
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 4
SPRINGFIELD, NJ
MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of The Arc of Union County is to empower and support people with developmental disabilities and their
families. This organization will utilize all its resources to ensure our members, their families and all people with developmental disabilities associated with
our organization realize a full, productive and enhanced life.
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT
STAFF
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Frank X. Caragher
ASSOCIATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Deborah Pomianek
ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Lynn Lott
The KEY
Quarterly Publication
EDITOR
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
PHOTOGRAPHER
Deborah Dreher
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
973-315-0060
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Frank X. Caragher
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
008 – 009
PRESIDENT
Daniel Murphy
VICE PRESIDENT
James Lape
TREASURER
Charlene Charbonneau
---
SECRETARY
Susan Flynn
PAST PRESIDENT
Douglas Garno
SENIOR DIRECTORS
Dorothea Cabbell
Kevin O’Brien, PP
Jackie Petruzzelli
DIRECTORS
William Brown
Kay Casserino
Thomas Dooley, Jr. Esq.
Cynthia C. Isaksen
James Kelly
Jerome M. Laday, SPHR
Brian Leddy
John Nietzel
John O’Brien
James Ryan
Seth Phillip Shaffer
Valerie Triano
The th Annual
Tricky Tray
November 1 , 008
The Westwood
Garwood
Tickets on Sale Now!
Please Call
CARI LIBYSEN
Special Events Coordinator
973-315-0020
clibysen@arcunion.org
OR
www.arcunion.org/trickytray2008
www.arcunion.org
973-315-0000