SEPTEMBER 2024 at CP Nassau
Staff Training Days
The annual staff training took place in early September with all departments participating in the required courses and training needed each year. A nice breakfast was served in the morning and then a fun luncheon was held outside in the Gazebo on a beautiful day. At the end of the day, when afternoon training was completed, the staff gathered again for ice cream and raffles. So a day with great information and camaraderie among the various departments here at CP Nassau!
Smiles Through Cars
This organization of luxury car owners visited us for the first time last year and returned for a terrific day this year! It was held outside in our newly re-paved parking lot! There were Ferraris, Lamborghinis, a Yellow Taxi and a DeLorean among other cool cars. Even though there were a few raindrops, these cars and their owners truly did bring tons of smiles!
Employee Recognition
Staff Members Who Embrace the Agency’s Mission of Providing Quality Services to Our Individuals with Disabilities and Go Above & Beyond during their workday are selected for this distinction.
Eight recently selected staff are:
Tinisha Jenkins, Residential
Davonte Powell, Residential
Grace Cayetano, ADS
Sarah Wingenfeld, CLC
Leah Gerald, CLC
Michelle Cresante, RN, QA
Natacha Jeudi, Bayville
Junior Charles, Bayville
Our Life With Art Exhibit at CP Nassau
Life Options held a spectacular art exhibit on September 17th and 18th. The program participants really enjoyed themselves. As they showed off their creations, they also displayed that they are true artists. You can see the different ways they created art in the photos here. Many different mediums were used including watercolor and acrylic paint, some art was computer-generated and some was hand drawn using pencils, pastels or markers.
Visitors enjoyed seeing the paintings, drawings, photography, and sculptures. They were able to experience the art making process as well as they viewed all the creations and were inspired to try their creativity while participating in an art project on-site at the show. Guests had the opportunity to meet and talk with each artist! It was a great experience for the artist and for the visitor. Everyone had so much fun! The artists were all thankful to our Art Therapist, Samantha Hasher who works with them as they get inspired and create!
CP Bayville Celebrates 40 Years
On Wednesday September 18th, the residents, staff, families, and friends of Bayville gathered to celebrate the 40th anniversary of CP Bayville, which opened in June 1984. The theme of the celebration was “Back to the ‘80’s.” Everyone enjoyed delicious food, games, dancing, and music from the 1980’s. The building and grounds were decorated to reflect the feel of the 80’s. Residents and staff dressed in clothing and accessories that were worn in that decade. A great time was had by all. Thank you to all who worked hard to make the celebration so fun and meaningful!
Happy Anniversary CP Bayville!!!
Here is what some of the residents had to say:
“This was my first big Bayville party and it was one to remember!” – Kimberly Lowery
“I had the best time. It was like living in the 80s again!” – Robert “Bobby” Calcagno
“It was fun getting dressed up and partying with mom and dad!” – Doug Masterson
“The party was nice. I like all the people.” – Bryan Pipito
“It was AWESOME!” – Crystal Soldinger
“Party! It was good. I want another one.” – Robert “Papa” Howe
“Everybody had a good time. I liked dancing and shakin’ it!” – Arlene Woody
“It was a lot of fun! Mom was dancing and it was funny.” – Aubrie Kalberer
“It was the best party ever! I can’t wait for the next anniversary!” – Caroline “Tara” Mullen
AYLUS Teen Volunteers
The AYLUS Volunteer Group has made such a positive difference in our Residential Program. They have brought fun, excitement, and joy to all of the residents. They started out by inquiring about each house in terms of preferred activities and level of abilities so as to plan the things that the residents would enjoy.
The activities have included baking cookies and cakes; making pizza: arts and crafts; making greeting cards: learning musical instruments; games and even a mini concert! The residents have enjoyed every minute. Each weekend I would stop by the house to observe the activities. The volunteers (high school students) are always so patient and understanding with each of the residents and assist each to participate. The residents have formed friendships with the volunteers and eagerly look forward to their next visit. In one particular case the students helped a resident get out of his social shell and he is now one of the most active participants in the activities offered.
The teens have helped as volunteers with the development department as well. We nominated the group for the Rising Stars award given by CP_NYS at the annual conference. News next month about that!!
Wellness Committee News
STEP-tember Walking Challenge
The benefits of walking are always promoted to staff and many people do walk daily!
The STEP-tember challenge invites people to take at least 10,000 steps over a 2-week period. The person with most steps wins a $150 gift certificate for sneakers and all who enter have a chance to win a raffle prize that is tickets to a fundraising event.
Here is quote from this year winner (also the winner last year!)
“Thank you for recognizing my efforts for the Step-tember walking challenge. I am deeply grateful and appreciative of all the hard work, time and dedication you continually give on improving the health and well-being of CP Nassau employees through various activities year-round. Know that your efforts truly make a difference.”
Thanks Again,
Cathy Peterson
Program Reviewer/Investigator
Here are this year’s winners
Alzheimer’s Association Presents at CP Nassau
On September 25th and 26th the Alzheimer’s Association presented a 2-part series on Alzheimer’s and Dementia hosted by the Psychology Department and our Wellness Committee. This “Lunch and Learn” series focused on understanding Alzheimer’s and dementia, best practices for care and how to deal with dementia related behaviors. Attendees commented that things they learned would be helpful in work life as well as home life. The series was well received by all culminating in additional training scheduled for 2025!
Photo left to right: Raeshell Harris, Asst. Director of HR at CP Nassau and Chairperson of the Wellness Committee, Alaina Nathan from the Alzheimer’s Association and Sophia Ginos, Director of Psychology at CP Nassau
Pretzels for Sale at CP Nassau with a Special Twist
Students from the Children’s Learning Center at CP Nassau recently teamed up with staff members, including Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists at a very special pretzel stand. While the line for the delicious pretzels was a very long one, there was more than sales happening here! The students involved were working on various skills including ones needed in OT, PT and ST. There were teen students in the pre-vocational program involved who had varying responsibilities as well!
So not only did hungry staff members get to purchase a delicious snack, but some funds were also being raised and some therapy goals were being met! Pretty impressive! The phrase “all in a day’s work” took on new meaning with this effort! Pretzel sales will be taking place for a few upcoming Thursdays from 11:30 am till 12:30 pm in the Breezeway at CP Nassau!
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