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What's Happening Around CSAAC
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CSAAC is ready for winter
CSAAC operates 52 homes in Montgomery County, providing community
living for children and adults with autism. Part of CSAAC's
emergency preparedness plan is to have an emergency bin in
each home for
Shelter-in-Place
emergencies. Each bin has a
three
day supply of
meals, snacks and drinks
for each person at the home
- individuals and support staff.
Every two years, CSAAC replaces the supplies to ensure
that no items are beyond their “best used by” date. This January
2012, all 52 residential homes had their emergency
preparedness supply bins replenished
with the assistance of
individuals from the Vocational Program
who helped coordinate the
purchases and loaded the bins with the correct amount of supplies needed for
each house. A special thank you goes to Janet Knapp, CSAAC's Nutritionist, for leading this project.
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 CSAAC
Annual Holiday party
On Friday, December 16th, children and adults supported
through the CSAAC Residential Program participated in our
annual Holiday Party held in the gym at CSAAC’s Community
School of Maryland. CSAAC's own Executive Director,
Ian Paregol
(a.k.a.
“Santa”)
delivered gifts and posed for pictures with everyone. Philicia
Gainous-Jones, Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator for CSAAC
and her team of volunteers did a wonderful job turning the
gym into a winter wonderland. DJ Michael Cruz from Bialek’s
Music kept everyone dancing and a great time was had by all.
Click
here to view the slideshow
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 CSAAC
6th Annual Honors Gala
On
Friday, November 11th, CSAAC 6th Annual Honors
Gala was held and raised nearly $150,000 for CSAAC
Foundation. Master of Ceremonies, Washington/Baltimore
radio personality Kirk McEwen welcomed the 360 attendees to
the Bethesda Marriott for a night of food, fun and music.
This even could not have been held with the generosity of
CSAAC’s many sponsors including: The Insurance Exchange,
PEPCO, Linemark, Comcast Business Class, Sandy Spring Bank,
Ernst & Young, American Airlines and EagleBank.
Although
Governor Martin O’Malley was unable to attend, he did send
his regards in a letter acknowledging that “For 32 years,
CSAAC has been an integral partner in supporting families
and individuals with autism in Maryland.” We appreciate the
Governor’s kind words. As for the awardees…. Dr. Marcia
Smith, CSAAC’s Assistant Executive Director of Programs, was
recognized with a “Lifetime Achievement Award” for her many
contributions in the field of autism. Other honorees
included CSAAC direct support staff member Bernice Coleman
who received the Hilda Langley Award of Excellence. Gary
Rosenthal Art Studio who was recognized as “Employer of the
Year,” and world-wide consulting firm Deloitte which
received CSAAC’s “Corporate Partner of the Year” Award. The
Casino Night-themed event began with hors d'oeuvres, an
array of gaming tables, and an open bar. During dinner,
awards were presented and were closely followed by a live
auction which included trips to Key West, San Diego and
London as well as magnificent earrings from Adeler
Jewelers. The Connections Band featuring CSAAC’s own Ian
Paregol, Don Rodrick and Eric Valenstein closed out the
evening with live dance music and a crowded dance floor.
Click here to view the slideshow
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 Horse
Show for CSM
On September 27, 2011, Community School of Maryland students
were involved in a very special event at Oatland Stables. In
partnership with CSM, members of the Howard County Horse
Show Association's Junior Board of Directors put on a horse
show for the school students participating in the weekly
therapeutic horseback riding program. Part of the
Association's mission is to "pass on the values of
horsemanship, sportsmanship, mentorship, and community
service." Each year, the young adults of the Junior Board
develop a project which supports these values and the local
equine community. This year, they decided to bring the
benefits of a horse show to students who might not normally
be able to experience such an event.
During the show, CSM students had a chance to mount their
favorite horse and ride around an enclosed ring,
demonstrating one or more skills that they have been working
on in the horseback riding program. Students not yet ready
for riding held the reigns and guided their horse around the
ring. All participants were judged by Evan Crierie of the MD
Horse Show Association, who volunteered her time to
participate in this project. After their ride, each student
was presented with a medal for their accomplishments.
Students also enjoyed getting an official t-shirt,
refreshments, and positive feedback from the judges and
attendees. The young board members really enjoyed
organizing the show, and are already looking to get more of
their peers involved in putting together another great event
next year.
Click here to view the slideshow
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 CSM
Life Science Fieldtrip
During the month of October, the students at CSM studied
life science / animals in science class. What is better
than seeing some live animals to reinforce what you have
learned? On October 28, 2011, the CSM students went on a
field trip to National Aquarium in Washington, DC.
Photos show that everybody
enjoyed the trip including some parents who chose to join
us. We ended the field trip with a nice lunch at the Ronald
Reagan building across from the aquarium. Our next field
trip will be to Port Discovery Children’s Museum in
Baltimore on November 15th for our younger students.
Click here to view the slideshow
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 Introducing
CSAAC "Marvel Mats"
As part of their occupational therapy and pre-vocational
skills services at CSAAC's Community School of Maryland,
many of our students are now making these colorful, sturdy
door mats - and selling them to produce extra funds for
various programs at our school. These 16" x 22" mats are
made from heavy flexible vinyl links, wired together in a
wide range of patterns and colors. They are long-lasting,
weather-proof and nearly indestructible. The open design
allows water and snow to drain through, leaving a textured
surface for wiping off shoes.
Click here for more information
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2011 News and Events
Archive
2010 News and Events
Archive
2009 News and Events
Archive
2008 News and Events
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2007 News and Events
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2006 News and Events
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2005 News and Events
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© CSAAC 2011
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