putting ability first the league for people with disabilities 2012

THE LEAGUE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
PUTTING ABILITY FIRST
11th ANNUAL GENTLY-WORN
FUR SALE
FALL 2012
Saturday, November 17th
11:00am - 4:00pm
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for more information.
GREEN... WORKS!
LEFT: Kenyetta Booker was
promoted to Director of the
Adult Medical Day Program in
February. Prior to becoming
Director of Adult Medical Day
and Chief Nursing Officer of
the League, she worked as
the Medical Coordinator for
two years.
LEFT: Christine Kukis was
promoted to Director of Autism
Services & Programs (ASAP) in
January 2012. Kukis began her
career part time at The League
in 2007. She earned her
masters degree in Clinical
Pyschology in 2008 while she
was the Manager of Individual
Support & Respite Services.
IMPORTANT UPDATES
PROMOTIONS & STAFF UPDATES AT THE LEAGUE
BUILDING ON STRENGTHS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Every day, Jacob rides the mobility bus and anticipates his arrival at The League’s Career Center in
Towson. Jacob, who has autism, is proud to be enrolled in the first session of a vocational initiative
that many want to be a part of – Green Works, a new horticulture training program.
Thanks to a generous grant from the TKF Foundation and in partnership with TALMAR Gardens and
Horticulture Therapy Center, The League has hired horticultural expert, Peter Dunn who facilitates
Green Works. “People with disabilities want to work. Basically, what Melissa Street, Job Coach, and
I do is train our participants so that they can be self-sufficient working in a nursery or with a
landscaper. The vocational services and support that The League provides is anchored in a clear
understanding of each person’s unique needs and preferences,” commented Peter Dunn.
ABOVE: Emily Carmichael was
named Camp Director of the
Year for 2011 from Camp
Counselors USA, an award she
received last March. Emily has
worked at Camp Greentop for
10 years and became Director
in 2011.
ABOVE: Jacqueline Booker has
been promoted to Charge PA
(Program Assistant). She has
also completed the 20 hour
Medication Technician Training
course and is now a Certified
Medicine Technician (CMT).
TALMAR’s greenhouse and The League’s existing large fenced garden and courtyard areas are used
for group education and trainings. TALMAR’s Director and horticultural therapist, who also is
involved in the training, Cate Murphy, recommended specific plantings that were added in The
League’s garden to create a simulated work environment. These plants and plant related materials
are used to educate, stimulate, exercise and build skills for participants. Developing better social
skills, improving motor coordination, enhancing self esteem, and acquiring job skills are just a few
of the many benefits.
During the 12 weeks in training, he learned the basics of grounds maintenance. Jacob explains, “I
picked up branches, swept, raked leaves, pushed mulch back in the beds, and used the backpack
blower.”
Vanessa Foster, Director of Vocational Services at The League mentions, “Empowering individuals
with disabilities is at the core of our mission. This program supports our goal to build on the
strengths of our participants and to help them to be productive citizens in our community. People
like Jacob really want to get a job but their disability, makes it hard for them to access training and
employment opportunities. The League can give them the support needed to develop necessary
skills.”
2012 MILESTONES DINNER
SPECIAL EDITION
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
MEET THE HONOREES
PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENING
2012 SPONSORS
TEAM WALT REACHED THE RIM!
MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR
WALT WILLIAMS AND FRIENDS RAISE OVER $40,000 IN 100 MILE BIKE RIDE
Over the weekend of July 28th and 29th, Walt Williams headed “Team Walt” as part of The
League’s participation in the Catoctin Challenge, a 100 mile charity bike ride in Frederick County.
Through the efforts of many, the Catoctin Challenge has raised more than $40,000 to date for the
D.C. Kitchen and The League at Camp Greentop!
Dear Friends of The League,
PRESIDENT & CEO
David A. Greenberg
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
Andrew Slutkin -- Chair
Dianna Rosborough -- Vice Chair
Alan Spero -- Treasurer
Sara Palmer -- Secretary
MEMBERS
Carol Dodson
Edward Duggan
Thomas Ellis
Renee Gordon
Michael Hettleman
Janice Jackson
Suzanne Levin-Lapides
Rob McFeaters
Arthur S. Mehlman
M. John Meyer
Terry Rakosky
TJ Senker
Frank Settleman
Natalie Sherman
Susan Talles
Arnold Wallenstein
Ralign Wells
Phil Wetzler
Walt Williams
Judy Zerwitz
OUR MISSION
The League for People with
Disabilities is committed to offering
individuals the opportunity to:
• gain independence
• increase self-sufficiency
• improve quality of life
CORE VALUES
• Accountability
• Independence
• Mutual Respect
• Participant Focus
• Quality
Two weeks ago another successful summer at Camp Greentop
concluded. Throughout 2012 we are celebrating Camp Greentop’s
75th anniversary and legacy of as one of America’s first residential camps for people with disabilities. Since its first summer
session in 1937, Camp Greentop has have provided life-changing
experiences for more than 10,000 individuals.
To celebrate this milestone, The League for People with Disabilities established the Fund for Camp to support camper scholarships, staff recruitment and training as well as to enhance respite
programming. The Fund for Camp will ensure that The League’s
recreational and respite programs for people with disabilities are here today, tomorrow and
for future generations. In addition, we have hosted several commemorative events and
initiatives ranging from reunions to a spectacular dinner for 300 at The American Visionary
Art Museum. We reconnected with past campers and friends up at Camp Greentop and also
benefitted from the Catoctin Challenge, a charity bike ride from Frederick to Gettysburg this
summer.
After Day 1 of riding, there was an evening of food, fun and comradery at the
Blue Lodge in Blue Ridge Summit, PA. Several League board members joined
us in support of the event and Walt’s ride. During Day 2, Walt and his team
took a brief rest stop at Camp Greentop to see some of his biggest fans cheer
him on in the final stretch of the bike ride. The trip included a few flat tires
and close calls, but Team Walt completed the challenge and renewed the
commitment to the Catoctin Challenge in 2013. Thank you to all of our
supporters and riders, and we hope to see everyone next year!
I am proud to share that Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland, a friend of The League,
recognized our organization as its 2011 “Volunteer of the Year” for our participant volunteers’ hard work in both packaging and delivering meals. (See Below)
I would like to thank each and every one of your for your ongoing
support. Please help us to continue providing services to those in
need by making a contribution with the envelope provided. From
everyone at The League, thank you!
Kindest regards,
Andrew G. Slutkin
Chair, Board of Directors
MEALS ON WHEELS HONORS THE LEAGUE
AS VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR ORGANIZATION
In 2011 The League for People with Disabilities began offering participants in its Day
Habilitation Program the opportunity to volunteer at Meals On Wheels, a nonprofit that
provides nutritious meals to individuals who are unable to shop for or prepare their own
meals. This partnership grew with the number of interested and eager League volunteers
who not only participated in the packaging of the meals, but also delivered them three days
a week to needy recipients throughout Baltimore City.
Recently, at a volunteer appreciation luncheon hosted by Meals On Wheels, The League was
presented with a plaque of recognition for “Volunteer of The Year.” Many staff members and
participants from The League have had the pleasure of helping Meals on Wheels fulfill a very
valued and necessary need within the community, and continue to maintain this relationship
to ensure that services provided by Meals on Wheels remain consistent.
The League gratefully acknowledges the Community Learning and Retention Specialists who
continue to encourage and assist our participants during their community integration and
work experiences. Specifically, Jamal Brunson, Charnell Black, Joseph Green, and Dwaylon
Carter have been integral in helping our participants build the confidence, social awareness,
vocational skills, and community connections
needed to become more independent and
self-sufficient.
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE
2012 CATOCTIN CHALLENGE
CORPORATE SPONSORS!
AUNTIE ANNE’S PREZTEL PERFECT
AVEMCO
DIAMONDBACK BIKES
EMBRACE HOME LANS
FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES
FIRST FINANCIAL GROUP
FIST IN POST FILMS
FOURTH RIVER DEVELOPMENT
THE GREENE TURTLE
THE OTT HOUSE PUB
OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE
ROY ROGERS
SIMPLE IT CARE
THE SOUTHERN GALVANIZING COMPANY
SAFEWAY
TOLL HOUSE CHIROPRACTIC, PA
UBS
WALMART
WOODSBORO BANK
EOPLE WIT
RP
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FO
DI
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LIT
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The 75th anniversary celebrations didn’t
stop after our Milestones celebration! On
July 14th, we invited past campers,
counselors, and directors, as well as
friends and supporters of Camp Greentop
to join us for a celebration up at Camp.
Smokey the Bear even joined us with
some National Park Rangers. Guests were
invited to share stories ranging from how
Camp Greentop has impacted their lives
or their favorite camp memory. A big
thanks to our Camp Greentop family for
supporting us for the past 75 years and
we look forward to many more! To
support The Fund for Camp, visit
www.leagueforpeople.org.
THE L
EA
G
Happy Anniversary Camp Greentop!
1937-2012
Above: Past and present Camp Greentop Directors all gathered
together to celebrate the 75th anniversary.
Left to Right: Longtime Greentop
camper, Terry Berzofsky is happy to be
back at Camp; Counselor Katie Phipps
shares a smile with a camper during
the festivities.
Annual Awards &
BACK of milestones event
Advocacy Dinner
Saturday, May 19th • 5:00 - 9:00pm
at the American Visionary Art Museum
On Saturday, May 19th, we celebrated the continually evolving relationship of The League for People with
Diabilities’ Camp Greentop and The Rotary Club of Baltimore with two major milestones. 2012 marked the
centennial anniversary for the Rotary Club of Baltimore as well as the 75th anniversary of The League’s Camping &
Therapeutic Recreation program, fondly referred to as “Camp Greentop”.
Hosted at the unique American Visionary Art Museum in downtown Baltimore, the event drew 300 guests who
showed their support for our distinguished honorees that evening - Rotarian of the Year Erin Weigel, Rotarian of the
Century Bob DeLisle, Richard “Dick” Frye, Renee & Barry Gordon, and the Catoctin National Park Rangers.
With the help of all of those involved, we raised $70,000 for The Fund for Camp! We would like to thank everyone
who made this year’s event such a tremendous success – our outstanding honorees, our generous sponsors and
silent auction donors, our Board of Directors, Dinner Committee Members, staff and supporters. We would also
like to thank all who came out to support The Rotary Club of Baltimore, The League, and Camp Greentop.
thank you to our
Generous Sponsors
pLATINUM sPONSORS
BGE Baltimore Gas & Electric
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Johns Hopkins Physical Medicine
& Rehabilitation
PNC Financial Services Group
Mr. & Mrs. Andy & Amy Slutkin
Left to Right: Smokey The Bear came to visit with John “Trapper” Kempisty, a National Park Ranger; Former Camp
Director, Dick Dorn and his wife Nancy; Tom McFadden former Park Superintendent, Catoctin National Park shared stories
Gold sponsors
CS Technology
Blanche Gordon & Family
MEDI-RENTS
bronze sponsors
silver sponsors
Building Owners & Managers Association
Anonymous Advocates
Herbert & Joan Friedman
Kenyetta Booker, RN BSN
Gorfine, Schiller & Gardyn, P.A.
The Fish Family
Mr. & Mrs. David & Wendy
Gallagher, Evelius & Jones LLP
Greenberg
Heritage Financial Consultants, LLC
KPMG,
LLP
Barbara & Michael Hettleman
Pat's Gutter & Home Exterior
The Gordon Brothers & Families
Services
The League for People with Disabilities
Progressive Health Group
Board of Directors
RCM&D Inc.
Suzanne Levin-Lapides
Penza Bailey Architects
In honor of Judy and Arnold Zerwitz's
50th Wedding Anniversary, with great
love from their children and grandchildren
Right: Jeff Penza, a leader amongst
the Rotary Club of Baltimore, and
handed out several Rotary awards
to start off the program.
Below: Honoree Dr. Barry Gordon with David &
Laurie Hodgson and The League’s President & CEO,
David A. Greenberg.
Above: Chair of The
League’s Board, Andy
Slutkin and his wife, Amy.
Above: League Board Member Judy Zerwitz with her
husband Arnold, and Board Member Art Mehlman and
his wife Judy, Milestones Committee member.
Above: Ricky Gnibus, a member of The League’s Medical
Day Choir, and his father with John “Trapper” Kempisty,
a National Park Ranger.
Above: Renee & Dr. Barry Gordon are
presented with a campership in their honor
joined on stage with Milestones Committee
Chair Suzanne Levin-Lapides, League Board
Member Wendy L. Shiff, The League’s Chair of
the Board Andy Slutkin, and The League’s
President & CEO David A. Greenberg.
Above: Three of a Kind concluded the evening with
music and camp themed songs for guests to enjoy.
Above: Superintendent, Catoctin Mountain
Park Ranger, Mel Poole represented the
Catoctin Mountain Park Rangers when they
were honored by The League for their hard
work of maintaining the Park for use by
Camp Greentop over the years.
Above: Terri Parrish, David Ward, Honoree Dick Frye,
and League Board Member, Janice Jackson.
Below: Chad Casserly, Former
Greentop Director and Vicki Glenn
join in the celebration.
Left: Silent auctions tables with over 50
items, including sports memorabilia and
vacation packages.
Right: Michael Hettleman,
and Honoree Renee Gordon,
who are both co-chairs for
The League’s Fund for Camp.
Above: Rotarians Jeff Penza and Harold Madison present the
Rotarian of the Century award to Bob DeLisle, along with The
League’s Chair of the Board Andy Slutkin and President & CEO,
David A. Greenberg.
Above: Vice President of The League’s
Camping & Recreation Program, Bill Morgan
with Judy Moser, who has been attending
Camp Greentop for 49 years.
Above: Jackie, a member of
The League’s Medical Day
Choir raises the flag during
The Pledge of Allegiance.
Above: Senior Vice President of The League Stephen
Freeman, and his wife Marian with fellow Rotarians,
Harold Madison and Kali Malik.
Right:
Phil
Wetzler,
League Board Member
congratulates Honoree
Dick Frye. Dick surprised
us all by presenting an
additional donation check
for over $13,000 to The
Fund for Camp to help
send children to a Camp
that helped shape his own
life.
Above: All of The League’s Board Members gathered for a
group photo. Thank you for all of your support!
Right: Kenyetta Booker,
Director of The League’s
Medical Day Program
and her fiance, Ulysses
Housten.