CLASP times - CLASP Homes

Summer / Fall 2010
PERSPECTIVES
Saying Goodbye to a Friend
CLASP times
addition, he consistently took the time to tell me what a great job the
staff at Weston Road. were doing, as well as recognizing the work of the
administrative staff.
CLASP Fashion Show Luncheon. Wednesday November 10th 11:30-2. Westport Woman’s Club
Volunteers needed. Call: Robin at 203.226.7895. ext 144
6TH ANNUAL TASTE OF WESTPORT
M
ay 6th marked the 6th year of our fabulous event and found us at
a new venue. Earthplace in Westport couldn’t have been a more
gracious host to us as we set about transforming their auditorium and
Malloy Room into an oasis of culinary delights. Working in tandem with
John Horkel, Earthplace’s Executive Director, decoration committee chairs,
Allison Galloway and Deb Hollis put the “decorating on a dime “premise to
the test. They passed with flying colors! Tiny lights illuminated the back wall
of the auditorium and colored lampshades hung from the ceiling creating
a festive and cozy backdrop for the cuisine served. This year’s returnees
DaPietro’s, Saint Tropez, Rory’s, Blue Lemon, Bombay Grill, Bobby Q’s,
Redbee Honey, Tarantino’s, Tavern on Main, Tengda, Matsu Sushi and
Brasitas, outdid themselves. They were joined by newcomers Café Lola,
CakeSuite, Rizzutto’s and Michele’s Pies. Chris O’Dowd, the Cantering
Caterer set the tone for the evening as preview party attendees snacked
on his delicious hors d’oeuvres and sipped Beija Caipirinhas from Beija
Rum, Cosmos from Jewel of Russia and cocktails and fine wines from
Connecticut Distributers and Greens Farms Spirits. Preview party guests
also had a chance to win door prizes from Silver Ribbon, jewelry designer
Diana Heisinger and Castle Wine & Spirits. Additional drinks were also
provided by Crystal Rock and San Pellegrino.
The Bruce Coviello band generously donated their time and outstanding
music for the 2nd year in a row.
TD Bank and Jeff Mose were major sponsors along with supporting sponsors
Kesten Brown Insurance and First County Bank. Resnick Advisors, Brooks
Community Newspapers, CT Cottages and Gardens, the Mynarski and
Passerelle families, Miggs B Design and the Westport Weston Chamber
of Commerce were also sponsors. Janet Nazarian from Cox Radio once
again spearheaded the stations’ sponsorship and gave her time to sit on
the committee.
The “Chinese Auction” featured items like the always popular margarita
and martini baskets, spa treatments, jewelry and wine to mention a few. The
silent auction offered a chance to bid on tickets to the Daily Show, Martha
Stewart’s show, “A Little Night Music” with Catherine Zeta-Jones, Giants
tickets, dinners at the Palm, a Nantucket weekend , a sailboat cruise, BMW
bikes and impossible to obtain Glee tickets!
All proceeds from the event will go directly to benefit the people served
by CLASP and the programs that enrich their lives each and every day.
We welcome and are always seeking new volunteers to assist us in our
mission of serving people with developmental disabilities.
Photo by JC Martin
SAVE THE DATE
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 6th Annual Taste of Westport, Milestones, Volunteer Recognition, Perspectives...
Photo by Dave Matlow
He was a soft spoken man with a terrific sense of humor and great
perspective on life. When speaking of Bruce the words kind, generous,
thoughtful, smart, and patient all come to mind. But you may be surprised
to know that this quiet banker was also a very romantic soul. At his wife
Jo’s memorial service just over a year ago Bruce spoke so sweetly about
taking the train to Columbia University, and watching the girl in the green
coat. How he met and fell in love with this girl from France. He was
first and foremost a family man. When Jo was sick, he was her loving
care-giver. He fiercely loved all three sons – Ben, Marc and John. He
was extraordinarily proud of these men. He also spoke so enthusiastically
about his grandchildren, and how lucky he was to have such a great
family. We offer his family our heartfelt thoughts and prayers at this time,
and thank them for sharing Bruce with us. The legacy Bruce leaves at
CLASP will be felt for years to come.
Photo by JC Martin
CLASP Homes has lost a great
friend and supporter. On July 25th
Bruce Hawley passed away after
a brief illness. The Hawley family
joined the CLASP Family in 1983.
Ben was one of the initial people to
move into our first home on Kings
Highway in Westport. Both of his
parents, Josephine and Bruce
Hawley, instantly asked “how can we help?” Jo joined with other parents
to run our Walkathon to raise money, and formed a committee to organize
staff appreciation dinners. These included gifts for staff to thank us for our
work. Bruce quickly joined our Board of Directors, and served both as
President, and Treasurer for many years. Bruce was not only a friend to
CLASP, but he was a mentor to me. When I took on the role of President
in 2003 I had been with CLASP for 19 years. During those years I held
several positions, with the majority of my focus being clinical. When I faced
the challenge of overseeing the finances of the organization, I’ll admit I
was intimidated. Bruce Hawley took me under his wing, and patiently
nurtured my understanding of our very complex financial systems. In
“Jenn Bond, Westport Country
Playhouse Community Relations
Liaison, gets cozy with the
Earthplace bear”
We couldn’t be more grateful to our Taste of Westport committee, the loyal
“returnees” and the “newbie’s”, who by the way, put in some very late nights
to pull it all together. And last, but certainly not least, thank you once
again to the wonderful and caring CLASP staff that pitched in!
“Janet Nazarian of Cox Radio (on right) and
Diane Mastrone point to one of the fabulous
auction items”
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
NOW - Join the CLASP Fashion Show Committee
December 20, 21- Barnes & Noble
Gift Wrapping Event
January 2011- Join the 7th Annual Taste
of Westport committee
Call Robin at 203.226.7895 ext 144
CLASP Homes, Inc
246 Post Road East
Westport, CT 06880
MAILED FROM
ZIP CODE 06880
PERMIT NO. 87
PAID
Our mission is to provide homes and opportunities for people with mental retardation and related disabilities. We offer high quality professional services that enhance each
person’s social responsibility, independence, dignity and continued growth. As a not-for-profit community organization, we are dedicated to increasing public understanding of
the people we serve and their ability to be contributing members of the community.
NON PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
www.clasphomes.org
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THANK YOU JUBYNA FAMILY!
O
n May 20th residents and staff dined and danced at the Robert
Jubyna Memorial Dance at Chatham Manor, thanks to the generous
gift from the Jubyna family. Bob’s brother Steve and his wife Re Nee
drove up from Georgia to honor his memory. We’re pretty sure Bob was
looking down with a nod of approval as Steve and Re Nee danced with
many staff and residents until the last song was played.
THANKS TO THE WESTPORT YOUNG
WOMAN’S LEAGUE AND JEN SARACIN!
On April 27, 2010 the Westport Young Woman’s League held it first
“RUN FOR A CAUSE” in conjunction with their annual Minuteman
Race in Westport. Jen Saracin, SLA Program Director and her son
Ryan represented CLASP in the 5K race. Thank you to everyone
who pledged support!
VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION
The Jubynas take to the dance floor
Re Nee Jubyna, Benjamen Babatunde, Angela Vitale, Steve Jubyna
Hyla Shiffrin from Oldfield came to us 24 years ago from Southbury
and she had a very unique way of communicating with people without
using words. You always knew what she was thinking…and there was
that wonderfully contagious laugh. She was only 55 when she passed
away from Alzheimer’s on December 23, 2009.
Emma Curtis, also from Oldfield, came to CLASP from Mansfield
Training School, where her life was quite difficult. She went on to live
a full and well loved life surrounded by many CLASP friends until she
passed away at 77 on April 28, 2010.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS & SPECIAL
ATHLETES 2010
Back in May at the Special Olympics Regional’s and in June at the State
Games in New Haven, CLASP had many winners!
With the support of family, staff and friends alike, everyone had a winning
attitude whether securing a gold, silver or bronze medal or a ribbon for
participation.
Emma Curtis
Donald LeDuc
CLASP was thrilled to nominate Bobbi
Reilly through the Volunteer Action
Center of Mid-Fairfield as volunteer of the
year. Bobbi has an extensive retail and
fashion background stemming from her
years as a personal shopper at Saks and
Bloomingdales that make her a natural to
head up the actual “Fashion Show” part
of our fall fundraiser. Bobbi’s magnetic
personality enabled her to connect with
our ladies to form a strong bond that still
endures today. She has given generously
of her time to help CLASP in whatever
capacity is needed. Bobbi is a truly an
exceptional volunteer and we are so
lucky she has chosen to work with us!
KUDOS TO FRED AT TD BANK!
Donald LeDuc also came from Southbury in the late 1980’s. Donald
was an unrepentant flirt with the ladies. He loved magazines, detested
bad manners and was a lifelong fan of Elvis Presley and all things Coca
Cola. Donald was 65 when he passed away on January 19, 2010.
Hyla with her duck
TD Bank manager and Taste of Westport committee member Fredrick
Petrossi recently received the Vision in Action award and directed the
donation of $500 to be made to CLASP. Fred is very involved in many
community events, but always finds time for CLASP.
Chris Nelson poses in front of the Special Olympic van with picture of torch bearer
Roy Swan, who is also in the CLASP SLA program.
WELCOME
Sharon Mason has joined our CLASP family at our Oldfield Road group
home. She had previously been living at home and is adjusting well to
her new home.
Katlyn Anderson has settled in at Reeds Lane. She was living with her
grandparents and just graduated from high school. She has fun with her
new friends, but still finds the time to see her grandparents and to work
at her new job.
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CLASP SUMMER APPEAL CAMPAIGN
Photo by Dave Matlow
MILESTONES
Bonnie Kaehler grew up in Fairfield and has known Gillian and Betsy
from Webb Road for many years through their Fairfield connection. Now
that Bonnie’s settled in at Webb, the girls can spend more time than ever
enjoying each other’s company.
New participant Anthony Bryan is enjoying all the fun activities the
CCO has to offer.
L to R
CLASP Development
Director Robin Hammond,
Westport Young Woman’s
League member Marita
Driscoll, CLASP
President Tracy Flood
We wish to thank the following individuals
for their support of our Summer Appeal Campaign
as of August 1, 2010.
Alicia & Michael Babcock
Edith Baldinger Trust
Cynthia Bigelow
Andy Boas
Nancy & Dominic Borchetta
Jean Bosch
Nancy & Fred Brown
John Chidsey
Stephen Colhoun
Maggie Daly
Diane Farrell
Elizabeth & George Ford
Susan Galati
Gisele & Roger Guillette
Ingrid & Sam Hawley
Maria & John Kennedy
Janet & Kris Kristiansen
Mara & Pete Kristiansen
Jeffrey Mayer
MBI, Inc
Sue & Derry McBrinn
Linda & Norman McCullough
Kate McGraw
Eileen McNeill
Hilary & Ed Michaels
Joseph O’Callaghan
Jeanne O’D Maisonpierre
Kathleen O’Sullivan
Susan Parker
Marion & Arnold Pearlstone
Pat & Carl Peterson
Beverly Reidy
Flora Richards
Annabel Schwartz
Pat & Tony Tagariello
Ruby Melton Tee
Bonnie Britz Thurnauer & Art Thurnauer
Joseph Valerio
June Eichbaum & Ken Wirfel
Fred and his wife at the Taste of Westport
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