Happenings at IGHL

Vivian Howard-Jones Named IGHL Employee of the Month

2011-12-22T11:09:00.000-08:00

Vivian Howard Jones, DCC at the Kuhn OPTS Center, was named IGHL Employee of the Month for November, 2011.
For photos of the event, click here

IGHL Holds Annual Holiday Pageant

2011-12-21T14:43:00.000-08:00

The Community Center of Saint Rosalie's R.C. Church in Hampton Bays was the site of the Annual IGHL Holiday Pageant, an event that saw scores of IGHL consumers celebrating the holidays of Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanza.

A packed house of parents, family members, IGHL staff and administrators along with IGHL supporters applauded the singing of traditional holiday songs by the The IGHL Chorus.

The event ended with the appearance of Santa Claus himself. CLICK HERE TO SEE PHOTOS AND VIDEO.

IGHL Visits Radio City Music Hall

2011-12-21T13:25:00.000-08:00

A group of IGHL consumers and staff traveled to New York City's famed Radio City Music Hall to see the Christmas Spectacular.

Click here to see photos from the outing taken by Charlie DeGraff, seated, far right, in photo above.

Holiday Tree Lighting at Kuhn Center

2011-12-21T08:07:00.000-08:00

Consumers and staff of IGHL joined together at the Kuhn Center in Manorville to witness the annual lighting of the IGHL holiday tree.

Before the tree lights were switched on by IGHL CEO Walter Stockton, the crowd gathered in the multi-purpose room at the center. There they posed for photos with Santa (a.k.a. Ken Citard, a long-time IGHL supporter) taken by Santa's assistant (Barbara Carey-Shaw, IGHL Director of Clinical Services) and enjoyed cookies and hot chocolate.

Before moving outside for the tree lighting, everyone met in the building's lobby and listened to holiday songs sung by Ray Clifford, a long-time IGHL supporter. Therese Martin, Coordinator of Recreation, was a primary organizer of the event.

Luminita Trifan Named IGHL Employee of the Month

2011-11-01T11:56:00.000-07:00

IGHL CEO presents Luminita Trifan with the award.

Luminita Trifan’s, whose distinctive first name translates to “Little Light” from her native Romanian, is both IGHL’s most recent Employee of the Month and the agency’s most recent American citizen, having earned her citizenship this past August. To view photos from the award luncheon, click here.

3rd Annual IGHL Fashion Fling Held at Westhampton C.C.

2011-10-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

IGHL Fashion Fling committee members (l.to r.) Frank Lombardi, Ann Ligouri, Dori Geier and Mary Beth Maag

IGHL held the 3rd Annual Fashion Fling at the Westhampton Country Club on October 2. Over 160 supporters of IGHL's mission attended the event that highlighted fashions from Renee's Women's Wear of Mattituck.

For photos and video of the event, click here.
For more information from Hampton.com, click here.

2011-10-04T12:49:00.000-07:00

Shevon Hart Named IGHL Employee Of The Month for September, 2011

Shevon Hart, DCC at the Eastport II IRA, was presented with the Employee of the Month award by IGHL’s CEO Walter Stockton at a luncheon on September 27 at the Eastport II residence. In attendance to applaud Shevon’s recognition and celebrate her accomplishments were co-workers, friends and members of her family.

Click here to see a video and photos of the event,

2011-09-18T19:01:00.000-07:00

IGHL HONORS ED MARINUCCI AT ANNUAL GOLF OUTING

Honoree Ed Marinucci addresses the golfers at the recent event.

IGHL's Annual Golf Outing, honoring Ed Marinucci, was held on September 12, 2011 at the Westhampton Country Club.

For a video of the event, click here.

2011-07-26T08:27:00.000-07:00

IGHL Safety Sled Awards Celebrate Safety

Tracie Williams, Assistant Manager of Purchasing,

reacts after her name was called as one of the Safety Sled award

winners.

IGHL staff gathered in the multi-purpose room at the Kuhn OPTS Center on July 17 to help celebrate safety at IGHL and witness the announcement of the prize winners.

Click here to view a video of the event.

2011-07-25T10:48:00.000-07:00

Sarah Shea Is Named July, 2011 IGHL Employee of the Month

Sarah Shea (right), with her sisters Patricia (left) and Kayla (center) at the luncheon.

Sarah Shea, Family Services Coordinator, was named the July, 2011 IGHL Employee of the Month. An awards ceremony attended by her friends, family and coworkers was held at the Kuhn OPTS Center on July 19.

Click here for a video of the event.

Ricky Peterkin, Employee of the Month

2011-06-29T09:58:00.000-07:00

Ricky Peterkin, ADS in classroom 5 at the Kuhn OPTS Center, was presented with the IGHL Employee of the Month Award on Wednesday, June 22. Friends, family and co-workers joined Ricky in the multi-purpose room at the center where Walter Stockton, CEO, and Judi Pirozzi, Director of Kuhn OPTS, spoke about Ricky's contributions to the people with developmental disabilities in his classroom and at the center.

Click here to see a video of the event.

IGHL Staff Compete at Triathlon

2011-06-10T18:58:00.000-07:00

Lisa Pushnick of the Accounting Department and Erick Larsen of the Dietary Department were among the winners.

IGHL held a "triathlon" on June 3, 2011 at Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck in Center Moriches. 12 teams comprised of three IGHL staff members each competed in three events—kayaking, running and bicyling.

CLICK HERE for photos, video and a list of the winners at conclusion of video or CLICK HERE to see the list of winners only.

IGHL Anniversary Luncheon Video

2011-06-03T09:48:00.000-07:00

IGHL Anniversary Luncheon

Click on link above for a video of the IGHL Employee Anniversary Luncheon.

At the conclusion, there is a link to Flickr.com where individual photos can be viewed, downloaded or prints ordered.

IGHL Gala Video

2011-06-03T09:37:00.000-07:00

IGHL Gala

Click on IGHL Gala link above for a 6 minute video of the IGHL 2011 Spring Gala. At the conclusion, there's a link to Flickr.com where individual photos can be viewed, downloaded or where prints can be ordered.

Damaris Santiago's Employee of the Month Award Celebrated

2011-05-31T06:49:00.000-07:00

On May 26, 2011, co-workers, friends and family joined Damaris Santiago, DCC at the Frowein Road IRA to celebrate her being named as IGHL Employee of the Month for May, 2011.

For photos from the event, click here.

Walter W. Stockton, IGHL Chief Executive Officer, praises Damaris Santiago's service to IGHL at Employee of the Month Award Luncheon at the Frowien Road IRA on May, 26, 2011.

Ann Liguori Interview

2011-05-06T11:13:00.000-07:00

Ann Liguori, sports radio and television broadcaster and producer of the award-winning Sports Innerview with Ann Liguori. interviewed Frank Lombardi (Assistant to IGHL's CEO Walter W. Stockton), Dori Geier, Senior Director of Human Resources, and NHL Hall of Famer Pat LaFountaine about IGHL on her radio show.
To listen to the interview, click here.

"Kara's House" Is Dedicated

2011-05-03T19:31:00.000-07:00

(left to right) Jeffrey and Louise Williams, Senior Director of Human Resources Dori Geier and Walter Stockton, CEO of IGHL, at the dedication event held at the Kuhn OPTS Center on April 30, 2011.

On April 30, the newest IGHL home was dedicated to the memory of Kara Lynn Williams, who died suddenly and tragically on March 17, 2010 at the age of 17.

Kara, the daughter of Louise Williams of IGHL’s Department of Human Resources and her father, Jeffrey, was an extraordinary person who, during her life, brightened the lives of so many.

To view photos and videos from the event, click here.

Antionette Migliaccio Celebrates Her 100th Birthday

2011-04-28T10:49:00.000-07:00

Antionette Migliaccio celebrated her 100th birthday on April 27th at a party held at the Pine Street Nursing Facility. Formerly a resident of IGHL's home in Flanders, Antionette has been at IGHL for over 25 years and is the first IGHL consumer to reach the centennial year.
Scores of friends, family and staff gathered to congratulate Antionette, including CEO Walter W.Stockton who presented her with a bouquet of flowers.

For more photos of the event, click here.

Lisa Fareri-Ortiz Named April Employee of the Month

2011-04-28T10:15:00.000-07:00

Lisa Fareri-Ortiz, overnight DCC at the East Moriches IRA, was name IGHL Employee of the Month for April. At an award ceremony held at the house on April 26, Lisa was presented with the award by CEO Walter W. Stockton.
Lisa is a graduate of the Theatre Program at Suffolk Community College and an aspiring actress who was recently cast in the soon-to-be-released movie Happy New Year, starring Hillary Swank, Halle Berry, and other well known stars.
To view photos from the award ceremony, click here.

Talent Show Rocks

2011-04-28T10:06:00.000-07:00

The Annual IGHL Talent Show was held on April 13th at the Center Moriches High School auditorium. Organized by members of the Recreation Department headed by Coordinator of Recreation Therese Martin, the theme of the show was Rock of Ages, with consumers singing along to rock and roll songs from the past and present.

For photos of the event, click here.

Pat Holowzak Is March Employee of the Month

2011-04-01T07:32:00.000-07:00

Pat Holowzak, Residential Manager at the Old Country IRA in Eastport, is the March 2011 IGHL Employee of the Month. A five-year veteran of IGHL who began working as a cook at the home before being named Recreational Counselor, the Assistant Residential Manager before assigned as the RM at the home, Pat was joined by friends, family and colleagues at the house on March 29 as CEO Walter Stockton presented her with the award.

For a video and photo from the event, click here.

Rene Marks Awarded IGHL Employee of the Month Award

2011-03-28T18:02:00.000-07:00

Rene Marks, DSA at the Kuhn OPTS Center, was awarded the IGHL Employee of the Month Award for February, 2011.

Her IGHL co-workers, administrators, friends and family joined Rene to celebrate the occasion at a ceremony held at the center.

Click here for a video and photos of the event.

(L. to R.) Judi Pirozzi, Director of the Kuhn OPTS Center, Rene Marks and Walter Stockton, CEO of IGHL

Annual Saint Patrick's Day Dinner and Chinese Auction at Kuhn Center

2011-03-27T10:47:00.000-07:00

Hundreds of IGHL supporters, family members and IGHL staff and administrators gathered at the Kuhn OPTS Center on March 10 to raise funds for IGHL's programs through the Annual St. Patrick's Day Dinner and Chinese Auction event.

Served by Walter O'Stockton, Tom O'Trakoval and Robert O'Dubester, the diners enjoyed a traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner prepared by the IGHL Nutritional Department, including Melissa Stewart, Eric Larson and Western Bascombe.

For a video and a link to photos from the event, click here.

Carol Williams Receives First IGHL Employee of the Month Award for 2011

2011-02-05T13:08:00.000-08:00

Carol Williams, DCC at the Jamesport IRA, was named as the first IGHL Employee of the Month for 2011.

At a luncheon held at the home on January 25, she was joined by family, friends and co-workers who applauded after CEO Walter Stockton praised Carol for her fine work and presented her with the award.

To view a video of the event, click below.

Claudia Popolizio Named IGHL Employee of the Month for December 2010

2011-01-18T05:43:00.000-08:00

Claudia Popolizio, LPN, was joined by friends and family at the Kuhn OPTS Center on December 14 to receive the IGHL Employee of the Month Award for December 2011.

Click below for a video of the event.

IGHL Visits Radio City Music Hall

2010-12-15T14:37:00.000-08:00

A group of IGHL consumers and staff members visited New York City's famed Radio City Music Hall to see the Christmas Spectacular.

Jamie Pentzel, Assistant Director of ICF Services, brought along her camera and captured images of everyone enjoying themselves in the Big Apple.

Barbara Vargas Named Employee of the Month for November

2010-11-29T08:08:00.000-08:00

Barbara Vargas, DCC at the Halpern House, was presented with the IGHL Employee of the Month Award last November 20 at a ceremony held at the residence.
Over 40 friends and along with members of Barbara's family attended the celebration.

Barbara Vargas, November 2010 IGHL Employee of the Month

(left to right) Jake, Ricky, Barbara and Carissa Vargas

(left to right)Tara Underwood, Liz Snow, Barbara Vargas and Kim Malletti

Lisa O'Rourke, Employee of the Month

2010-11-15T11:37:00.000-08:00

Lisa O'Rourke, Physical Therapist Assistant, was honored at a ceremony held at the Pine Street Day Hab after being named Employee of the Month for October.

See below for photos.

IGHL Holds Annual Halloween Dance

2010-11-02T21:05:00.000-07:00

Mama Lombardi's in Holbrook was the scene of the Annual IGHL Halloween Dance as over 600 consumers and IGHL staff members gathered in costume to celebrate the traditional autumn event.

Click below to see photos from the evening.

Horseback Riding at IGHL

2010-10-22T06:52:00.000-07:00

Consumers and staff from the Kuhn OPTS Center gathered at Fieldstone Farms in East Moriches to see a horse riding exhibition featuring a group of IGHL equestrians who have been taking lessons at the farm.

Click below for a video of the event.

IGHL Hosts Fashion Show and Luncheon

2010-10-04T18:46:00.000-07:00

Friends and supporters of IGHL's mission to provide lifetime alternatives to people with developmental disabilities gathered at the Westhampton Beach Country Club on October 3 for a fundraising luncheon and fashion show.
Click here to view and order prints from Flickr.com

2nd Annual IGHL Craft Fair Held at Kuhn OPTS Center

2010-10-04T14:44:00.000-07:00

The 2nd Annual IGHL Craft Fair was held on September 2, 2010 at the Kuhn OPTS Center in Manorville.

In addition to scores of vendors, the event featured an exhibit of classic autos and the appearance of NY Mets veterans Ed Kranepool and Steve Dillon.

"My thanks to all the IGHL staff who helped organize this event, especially Jeanne Schreiber of our Purchasing Department for all her hard work," said IGHL CEO Walter Stockton.

Marcos Arriola Named Employee of the Month

2010-09-24T07:14:00.000-07:00

Marcos Arriola of IGHL's Purchasing Department was presented with the September, 2010 Employee of the Month Award at a ceremony held at the Kuhn OPTS Center in Manorville on September 15, 2110.

In attendance were his many friends on the IGHL staff, his supervisor, Jeanne Schreiber, who nominated Marcos for the award, as well as members of his family, including his wife Sylvia and his children Kayla and Marcos.

Walter Stockton, CEO of IGHL, praised Marcos for his dedication and commitment to IGHL, presenting him with a plaque, an IGHL jacket and gift certificates.

Click here to view, download and print photos.

2010 IGHL Golf Outing at WHBCC

2010-09-14T09:55:00.000-07:00

Over 150 supporters of IGHL gathered at the Westhampton Beach Country Club on September 13, 2010 to participate in the annual fundraising golf outing.

Tom Trakoval, Walter Stockton and Konnie Kuhn at the outing's cocktail party.

For more photos, go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/36024998@N05/sets/72157624955091118/

The Cypress String Quartet Visits IGHL's Kuhn Center

2010-09-10T15:10:00.000-07:00

The renowned Cypress String Quartet visited the Kuhn OPTS Center on September 10, 2010 to present a concert of classical music to the staff and consumers.

The group is an internationally known musical ensemble that was performing on September 11 at the Quogue Community Hall and visited IGHL as part of their outreach program to the community.

Their busy schedule includes over 90 concerts each year at venues across America and internationally, including the Kennedy Center, Library of Congress, Stanford Lively Arts, Krannert Center and Ravinia Festival.

Both the consumers and staff enjoyed the concert enormously and thank the Cypress String Quartet for the wonderful concert.

IGHL Fishing Trip 8-10

2010-08-24T22:37:00.000-07:00

IGHL Fishing Trip 8-10
On August 12 a group of 35 consumers and 12 staff from the Kuhn OPTS program enjoyed a fun day on the waters of the Moriches Bay aboard the fishing party boat Rosie. It was a perfect day with the fluke biting almost as soon as the hooks were cast into the water. The captain and his crew took good care of all as they assisted with bait, tackle, rigs and any help or instructions that were needed.

IGHL Foundation Golf Outing Honored Pat LaFontaine

2010-08-11T07:19:00.000-07:00

Hundreds of friends and supporters gathered at the Crescent Club in Huntington on August 9 for the Annual IGHL Foundation Golf Outing. Honored at the event was National Hockey League Hall of Fame member and former Islander Pat LaFontaine. Joining Pat on the links were former Islander teammates Bobby Nystrom and Clarke Gillies. The MC for the event was famed sportscaster Ann Liguori.
For a 7 minute video of the event click on the play button below.

2010 Jet-Ski Safety Winners

2010-07-30T08:52:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Jet-Ski Safety Raffle was held on July 29th at the Kuhn Center. The winners of the raffle were awarded prizes ranging from $100 gift certificates to a trip to Atlantic City worth $1500.
For a list of the winners and their prizes click here.

Golf Outing on August 9 Will Honor Pat LaFountaine

2010-07-25T16:52:00.000-07:00

National Hockey League Hall of Fame Member Pat LaFountaine will be the honoree at the Annual IGHL Golf Outing to be held at the Crescent Club in Huntington on August 9. To register for the event and for more information, visit the IGHL web site at ighl.org.

Eunhee Kim Presented With Employee of the Month Award

2010-06-29T10:03:00.001-07:00

At a luncheon and award ceremony held on June 28th at IGHL's Sound Avenue home, Eunhee Kim, DCC, was presented with the IGHL Employee of the Month Award for June, 2010 in recognition for her contributions to the care of the residents of Sound Ave.

For a video of the event and a link to individual photos, click below.

IGHL 5K Challenge Held at SCCC

2010-06-27T05:19:00.000-07:00

The 1st Annual IGHL 5K Challenge welcomed over 200 runners to a race course at the Ammerman campus of Suffolk Community College on June 6th.

Anna Sotiriou of the IGHL Accounting Department and the primary organizer of the fund raising event hopes to see a growth in attendance in the coming years.

"I would like to see over 500 runners in the future," she said. "But it takes time to do that. I'll be urging my co-workers and supporters to help us reach that goal."

Among the participants were members of the Rolling Thunder Special Needs Program, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing challenged individuals with the opportunity to successfully participate in all levels of mainstream athletics.

To view photos and order prints from the event, click here.

"CAMP WEEK" AT IGHL

2010-06-23T12:54:00.000-07:00

Camp Pa-qua-tuck, the summer camp for children with special needs, was the site of the 2010 Annual Camp Week for IGHL's consumers and staff.

To view a video and connect to a link where individual photos can be seen and prints ordered, click on the play button on the screen below or click here to go directly to the individual photos.

2010 Spring Dance at Mama Lombardi's

2010-05-27T08:05:00.000-07:00

CLICK HERE for individual photos from the dance and to order prints.

2010 Health Is Wealth 5K Walkathon/Marathon

2010-05-24T17:18:00.000-07:00

For photos of the 2010 Health Is Wealth 5K Walkathon/Marathon, click here. You can also order prints from this link.
For a video of the event and a list of the winners, see below:

Ed Jodry Presented With Employee of the Month Award

2010-05-19T19:40:00.000-07:00

The IGHL facility at 62 Pine Street in East Moriches was the location of a celebration honoring Ed Jodry, the May, 2010 IGHL Employee of the Month, who was described by Barbara Carey-Shaw, Director of Clinical Services, and Don Carey-Shaw, Physical Therapist, as "....a strong and caring advocate for the individuals at the Pine Street ICF."
Click here for to see photos from the event.

Over 500 Attend 31st IGHL Anniversary Gala Honoring Dennis Suskind

2010-05-14T21:12:00.000-07:00

Over 500 friends, family, consumers and staff members attended the IGHL 31st Anniversary Gala at Flowerfield in St. James on May 13, 2010.
Click here to see photos from the event. For a video, click below

Annual Employee Anniversary Luncheon Held at Ladakins

2010-04-30T13:31:00.000-07:00

The Annual IGHL Employee Anniversary Luncheon was held on April 29 at Ladakin's Restaurant in Moriches. Well over 100 staff members received recognition for service of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years to IGHL's consumers.
The IGHL Advocates, a family organization supporting IGHL, also presented their annual award to an outstanding employee. Mary Herrick, psychologist, received the award and a $500 cash prize.

Click here for photos from the event.

West Main OPTS Visits Museum and Nature Center

2010-04-23T09:12:00.000-07:00

On April 13, five of West Main Street OPTS Day Habilitation consumers ventured out to the South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center in Bridgehampton.

Mary G., Robert B., Dennis A., Billy L. and Pandora R., along with staff members John Fariello, Jean Petrone and Meaghan Gregory spent the day exploring the state-of-the-art museum. They enjoyed interactive habitat exhibits, discovered live animals and watched a wonderful demonstration featuring a salamander and a box turtle. The museum's educators brought them to a touch tank where they were able to handle starfish and other marine creatrues collected from the nearby ocean and bays. West Main OPTS Day Habilitation's adventure to the South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center was a day to remember for both the consumers and staff.

Kuhn OPTS Group Has Hockey Outing

2010-04-19T08:59:00.000-07:00

On April 16, a group from the Kuhn OPTS Center visited the Rapid Fire Arena in Moriches for a morning of hockey.

Click below to view photos from the outing.

62 Pine Street OPTS Staff Named Employee(s) of the Month

2010-04-19T08:26:00.000-07:00

(left to right) Chris Vonatzski, James Lock (OPTS Day Habilitation Director), Laura Pike, Theresa Ritter (front) Ed Green, Sue Fernaandes (Director of Day Program Services), Walter Stockton (CEO), Cristina Hogge (Pine Street Day Habilitation Coordinator) John Enderle, and MaryEllen Tizzio.

   On April 16, the entire staff of the 62 Pine Street Day Hab OPTS was awarded the IGHL Employee of the Month Award.
   The unusual event was inspired by a recommendation by Cristina Hogge, Day Hab Coordinator, whose letter of nomination explained how the staff worked so well together as a team that they each deserved the award.
   "IGHL is fortunate to many outstanding employees," said Walter Stockton, CEO, who presented the awards. "But the staff of this center are extraordinary in the manner in way they cooperate with each other to serve the consumers."

As Floodwaters Rose, Jamesport Staff Members Rose to the Occasion

2010-04-01T20:18:00.000-07:00

Photo above: The women of Jamesport wait to hear if they're going home or if they'll be having a "sleep-over" at the Kuhn OPTS Center.

When the recent heavy rains and flood conditions threatened the chances of the women living at the Jamesport IGHL ability to make it home, three staff members (Michelle Graziano, ARM, Atiqa Muqsit, DCCand Gabrielly Marichal, DCC) waded through waste high water to retrieve clothing and medications for the residents. Even though they had been working since 6AM the day of the storm, they reported to the Kuhn OPTS Center with the girls’ belongings and were prepared to stay through the night to ensure the consumers' well being.

According to Amy Barker, Assistant Director of IRA Service, "The initiative these IGHL staff members took to deal with a crisis and their dedication to the consumer’s they serve are truly remarkable."

Angela's House Spring Gala

2010-03-25T19:29:00.000-07:00

Angela's House held its Spring Gala fundraiser on March 18th at the elegant Watermill in Smithtown.

Over 200 supporters of Angela's House, including IGHL Chief Operating Officer Walter W.Stockton and Senior Director of Operations Robert Dubester, were in attendance.

Click below to view photos from the event.

Annual Saint Patricks Day Dinner

2010-03-14T07:32:00.000-07:00

The Annual Saint Patrick's Day Dinner celebrated its 20th anniversary at the Kuhn OPTS Center on March 12. The rain and wind didn't deter the friends and supporters of IGHL, who feasted on corned beef and cabbage served by IGHL administrators Walter O'Stockton, Tom McTrakoval and Bob O'Dubester.

The event benefited the IGHL Foundation, the Kuhn OPTS Center and the NIS Childrens' Day Care Program. IGHL Foundation Director Frank Lombardi credited the hard work of the many IGHL staff members who pitched in to help and particuarly the dedication of Barbara Montaldo, Administrative Asssitant at the Kuhn Center, Office Manager Joanne Svec and Barbara Hallenbeck of the Recreation Department for the success of the dinner.

"It was a real team effort that resulted in a evening that raised funds that are very much needed," he said. "I also want to recognize all the IGHL supporters of who donated baskets, prizes, and gift certificates for the raffle."

Click here for photos from the event

Press play for photo/video from the event:

Winter Storm, 2010

2010-02-13T11:26:00.000-08:00

Bridget Bauer Is 2010's First Employee of the Month

2010-01-18T17:54:00.000-08:00

Bridget Bauer, Social Worker Assistant at the West Main OPTS Day Hab in Riverhead, was honored at a ceremony held at the Kuhn OPTS Center on Thursday, January 14 where scores of friends and supporters gathered to help her celebrate the occasion.

In photo at left, Barbara Carey-Shaw, Bridget and Gerri McKiernan at the ceremony.

Click here for more photos of the event.

Holiday Tree Lighting at Kuhn OPTS Center

2009-12-02T08:35:00.000-08:00

Over 200 staff, consumers and family members gathered at the front of the Kuhn OPTS Center in Manorville to watch the annual IGHL holiday tree lighting. The crowd was treated to carols by a choir from Junior Girl Scout Troop 2992. Lisa Pushnick of the IGHL Accounting Department is one of the troop's leaders and her daughter Sarah was one of the carolers.

After the tree was lighted, everyone gathered in the multi-purpose room in the center where snacks, hot chocolate and cider were served and all the consumers posed for pictures with Santa taken by Mrs. Claus (AKA Barbara Carey-Shaw, Director of Clinical Services).

"This is something both the consumers and staff look forward to each year," CEO Walter Stockton said. "We began the tradition when the center opened and each year the pine tree in front grows taller and the crowd gets bigger. It's a wonderful opportunity for everyone to get together to celebrate the season."

Click here to view and download more photos from Flickr.

Click here to view and download more photos on Flickr taken by Barbara Carey-Shaw

Yoga at the Kuhn Center

2009-11-25T07:51:00.000-08:00

10-12 participants in the OPTS program at IGHL's Kuhn Center in Manorville have been practicing yoga under the direction of Diane Carey, yoga instructor at Wanda's Workout in Moriches. The class has been meeting once a week and, according to Jay Hart, Assistant Director of the Kuhn Center, it's been a great success.
"The consumers look forward to it each week," he said. "There's a high level of participation and involvement on their part. It provides them with a great group experience and it also helps them maintain their fitness."
Click here to see photos from a recent class

Over 550 Attend IGHL Halloween Dance

2009-10-22T08:16:00.001-07:00

The Annual IGHL Halloween Dance was held on October 22 at Villa Lombardi's catering hall in Hollbrook. Over 550 staff and consumers participated.

"It was a great night for everyone," Barbara Hallenbeck of the Recreation Department said. "This was the biggest turnout ever."

Click here for photos taken by Barbara.

Click here to see photos taken by Western Bascome of the Dietary Department.

Family Fun at Kuhn OPTS Center

2009-10-21T21:20:00.000-07:00

IGHL employees and their families joined with IGHL Fitness Coordinator Karen Roese at the Kuhn OPTS Center on October 22 for an evening of fun and fitness.

Click here to see photos from the evening.

1st Annual IGHL Craft Fair Held at Kuhn Center

2009-09-20T20:37:00.000-07:00

On September 20, the IGHL Kuhn OPTS Center in Manorville was the site of the 1st Annual IGHL Craft Fair. Over 50 vendors participated in the event. Hundreds of IGHL supporters arrived throughout the day to browse and buy.

Click here to see photos from the event. MORE PHOTOS

Tariq Khan and Ted Alpert Honored at Golf Outing Dinner

2009-09-16T07:30:00.000-07:00

IGHL honored Tariq Khan, President, United 7-Eleven Franchise Owners, at The 20th Annual IGHL Golf Outing at Westhampton Country Club. Over 200 supporters of IGHL joined friends, family and admirers of Mr. Khan at a dinner that featured an award given to Mrs. Ted Alpert and her son in recognition of the late Ted Alpert's contributions to IGHL's mission.
Click here to see photos from the event.

Fishing Trip Results in Big Catch for Consumers

2009-09-09T09:06:00.000-07:00

32 consumers from the IGHL OPTS program, most of whom had never been on a boat before, set sail on the good ship Rosie last month for a fishing trip on the Great South Bay.
"It was a great experience for them," said Assistant OPTS Director Jay Hart. "Not only did they enjoy the boat ride, but the fish began biting almost as soon as we put hooks in the water and everyone on board caught a fish."

For photos, click here.

IGHL Walkathon

2009-08-29T09:36:00.000-07:00

Click here to see photos from the IGHL Walkathon held on August 23 at Suffolk Community College in Selden.

Raffle Held at Kuhn OPTS Center

2009-07-27T09:48:00.000-07:00

Click here to see photos from the raffle held on July 23 at the Kuhn Center, including photos of Ann Marie Cucchiara after she won a trip worth $1,500.

Halpern House Dedicated

2009-06-30T08:11:00.000-07:00

IGHL's most recently established home is called The Halpern House. Located on Chapman Boulevard in Manorville and named in honor of the late Matt Halpern, a long-time supporter of IGHL who was described as someone "whose passion, influence and indelible impact were felt in everything he touched. His ability to connect with others imparted a foundation that grows and flourishes, much like his love for the acto of gardening."
To view photos of the dedication, click here .

Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck Camp - 2009

2009-06-22T13:33:00.000-07:00

Click here to see photos from the 2009 Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck experience for the consumers of IGHL. All photos were taken by Barbara Hallenbeck of the IGHL Recreation Department.

Governor Sarah Palin Honored at 2009 Gala

2009-06-11T21:57:00.000-07:00

Click here for photos from the 2009 IGHL 30th Anniversary Gala honoring Governor Sarah Palin. Check back frequently as more photos and videos are posted. Click here for the most recent photos.

Horse Riding Exhibition at Fieldstone Farms

2009-05-27T12:43:00.000-07:00

Health Is Wealth Marathon 5-16-09

2009-05-17T19:47:00.000-07:00

IGHL Spring Madri Gras Dance

2009-05-15T14:31:00.000-07:00

The Annual Spring Dance was held at Villa Lombardi in Holbrook. The theme this year was Madri Gras.

IGHL FASHION SHOW AT C.M. HIGH SCHOOL

2009-05-01T06:57:00.000-07:00

On April 1, IGHL consumers participated in a fashion show held at the auditorium of Center Moriches High School. The event was organized by Amanda Marsh, Bill Flood and Barbara Hallenbeck of the Recreation Department; psychologists Barbara Carey-Shaw, Mary Herrick and LoriAnn Solano (who served as the MC for the evening) and other IGHL staff members and administrators.

UPCOMING IGHL EVENTS

2009-04-20T06:51:00.000-07:00

August 10 - IGHL Golf Outing - Cold Spring Harbor Country Club

August 23 - IGHL Walk-a-thon at SCCC

September 14 - IGHL Golf outing - Westhampton Country Club

September 20 - IGHL Craft Fair - Kuhn Center

September 27 - IGHL Fashion Show - Westhampton Country Club

October 21st - Halloween Dance - Villa Lombardi, Holbrook

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin Chosen as IGHL Honoree of the Year for 2009

2009-01-27T12:08:00.000-08:00

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin has been named “Honoree of the Year ‘09” by the Independent Group Home Living Foundation.

According to Walter W. Stockton, IGHL’s Chief Executive Officer, “ Governor Palin is a devoted public servant and mother who has set a fine example on the national stage for many families having children with developmental disabilities. As a mother with a Down Syndrome child, Governor Palin has become an inspirational symbol to our IGHL families who are coping with their own children’s special needs. These families look to leaders such as Governor Palin for compassionate attention to the educational and therapeutic programs that are improving their own youngsters chances for learning. We at IGHL applaud the Governor for her concern for children with disabilities.”

IGHL , one of New York State’s largest not-for-profit organizations, has more than 5,000 children, adults, and their families benefitting from a wide range of programs, services and support including state-of-the art facilities and over 75 innovative training and educational programs for children and adults with disabilities.

The award will be presented at the organization’s 30th anniversary of service which will be celebrated at its annual fundraising gala to be held on June 7, 2009 on Long Island. The high-profile gala will be attended by parents and family members, as well as by federal, state and local government officials and leaders of corporations who are all committed to helping people with developmental disabilities lead fuller and richer lives. “The annual event is one of the largest affairs on Long Island,” stated IGHL’s Stockton.

For more information, contact Frank Lombardi, Assistant to the CEO, 631-878-8900 ext. 102, e-mail - flombardi@ighl.org

IGHL Cookbook Published

2008-10-29T09:28:00.001-07:00

Recipes from the Heart and the IGHL Family, a cookbook with hundreds of recipes from the IGHL family, is now available for purchase in the lobby of the Kuhn OPTs Center.

All proceeds from the sale of the cookbook will go toward the IGHL Foundation to support IGHL's work on behalf of developmentally disabled children and adults.

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