News & Events

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HKSB Legacy, Summer 2010 (pdf document)

Latest News Highlights

Save the Date

On April 14, 2012, 9 am to 1 pm, the Foundation Fighting Blindness will be hosting a Long Island Vision Seminar, at the Melville Marriott, Long Island (1350 Old Walt Whitman Road, Melville, NY 11747).

The Foundation Fighting Blindness Long Island Vision Seminar is a public education symposium providing the latest information on age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa (RP), Usher syndrome, and related diseases. Presentations will cover recent scientific advancements, current and upcoming clinical trials, and the latest treatments available. Attendees will also learn about the benefits of low vision rehabilitation and the various tools and devices that can help them in everyday life. Visit the HKSB table for more information on our services, or talk to one of our rehab specialists.

photo of HKSB former President and Board Chairman Fred W. McPhilliamy

It is with great sadness that HKSB reports the passing away of former President and Board Chairman Fred W. McPhilliamy Tuesday, December 20, 2011.

Following a Brooklyn Union Gas company tradition of support to the Industrial Home for the Blind, Fred joined HKSB’s Board of Trustees in the 1970’s, eventually becoming Board Chairman. In 1991, Fred became President of HKSB, retiring in December of 2009.

During his tenure, Fred strengthened the mission of HKSB within the community as a pioneer in the field of blindness rehabilitation. Thousands upon thousands of sight challenged clients have been provided with services and continue to have their lives and comforts improved as a result of their involvement with HKSB. Fred will be missed.

Brooklyn Eagle article: Fred McPhillamy Dies, Led Keller Services for Blind

Please feel free to leave comments and tributes to Fred on the HKSB Facebook page.

Photos of Fred W. McPhilliamy.

photo of Matthew Sapolin, Commissioner Joseph Bruno, and Tom Edwards, HKSB President

The Board of Trustees and Staff of Helen Keller Services for the Blind are truly saddened by the loss of a phenomenal individual – Matthew P. Sapolin, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for Disabilities. Many of us remember Matt when he was just a little boy during those years he attended Camp Helen Keller; others remember his mobility and orientation training sessions; and still others remember him as one of our biggest supporters and an incredible advocate for those with disabilities. He was funny, kind, brilliant, innovative and just wonderful to be around. We are grateful to have known him. (Photo: at HKSB’s annual Friends Reception, from left to right, Matt, Commissioner Joseph Bruno, and Tom Edwards, HKSB President.) Read the Matthew Sapolin obituary in The New York Times. / Article: “Bloomberg Eulogizes Aide Who Led Office for Disabled,” New York Times.

Charity Navigator 4-star rating

HKSB Receives 4-Start Rating from Charity Navigator

Helen Keller Services for the Blind has received a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest and most-utilized independent evaluator of charities.

The Charity Navigator rating page for HKSB

Read a letter from Ken Berger, Charity Navigator’s president & CEO (pdf document)

Double Up 4 Vision Thanks

Thank you to everyone for supporting Team Helen Keller Services for the Blind at the October 22, 2011 Double Up 4 Vision event. We had beautiful weather and an amazing turnout (more than 700 people participated!). More importantly, by teaming up with Lighthouse, we were able to bring more awareness to the general public about low vision and the services we offer, since our team was interviewed and photographed by various media outlets. Thanks again to the HKSB team—Shriya Bhargava-Sears, Melissa Mueller, Geralyn Zuzze, Horace Smith, Peter Boger, and our tandem riders, Diane and Cory Malone. Below is a list of our sponsors, to whom we extend heartfelt thanks, especially to Laura Camelo, whose gift was matched by Ridgewood Savings Bank, helping us meet our $2,000 goal. Lots of photos from the event.

Double Up 4 Vision Sponsors: Camille Asnis, Fieldpoint (Analytic Asset); Peter M. Boger, Ridgewood Savings Bank; Danielle Bonaccorso, Memorial Sloan Kettering; Bart Brosnan, Ridgewood Savings Bank; Ira Price, Woodhaven Optometrics/HKSB; and Karen Barrett, Laura Camelo, Kimberly Clark, Deborah DeGregorio, Diane Drossos-Malone, Thomas J. Edwards, Lamar Ellis, Eddie Foskey, Lorraine LoCurto, Cory Malone, Cheryl Merritt-Giles, Nassau Senior Center, Haviva Novogroder, Antoinette Richards, Deborah Rodriguez-Samuelson, Tessa Rush, Janet Sarro, Sherry Wheatley, and Geralyn Zuzze, Helen Keller Services for the Blind

CLC at Snug Harbor

Children’s Learning Center Visits Staten Island Children’s Museum

Last Friday, September 23, CLC took its students to the Staten Island Children’s Museum in Snug Harbor. There the children were able to explore a rainforest, pretend to be firefighters, learn about bugs and other insects, and even build a home! Lots of photographs, by Igor Kocherov, Diana Leone and Deborah Rodriguez-Samuelson.

Hearts of Vision Chamber Orchestra

Hearts of Vision Chamber Orchestra to Perform in NYC October 27

On Thursday, October 27, 2011, the Hearts of Vision Chamber Orchestra will be arriving from Korea to make its New York City debut at Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall (on Seventh Avenue between 57th and 56th Street) at 7:00 p.m. Ticket prices are just $10.00.

What makes this orchestra unique?

Hearts of Vision Chamber Orchestra is the “World’s Only Visually-Impaired Chamber Orchestra”. It is comprised of members which include 12 visually impaired musicians and 7 associate players led by Music Director and clarinetist, Sangjae Lee. The Hearts of Vision Chamber Orchestra has been widely known for its unique ability to perform in complete darkness, with its entire repertoire of over 90 pieces fully-memorized and for its sensational harmony and deeply moving human story of overcoming challenges.

Tickets may be purchased directly from Carnegie Hall at www.carnegiehall.org.

For more information, please contact Ellie Sturrock at (800) 436-5770 or visit the website: www.zionentertainment.net/ clientsupport@ZionEntertainment.net

HKSB gala

HKSB Honors the Best of Long Island at Annual Gala

On September 15th, Helen Keller Services for the Blind held its 35th Anniversary Sound & Light Gala, honoring the best that Long Island has to offer. Catered by Abigail Kirsch, the event was held at Stage 6 at Steiner Studios in the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

The evening began with a wine-tasting reception featuring Osprey Dominion Vineyards (known for being the first to use windmill energy); Castello di Borghese (Long Island’s oldest and most renowned vineyard); and Long Island Spirits, the latest addition to Long Island’s wine country—featuring a variety of vodkas made with local Long Island potatoes. Renowned illusionist Ryan Oakes provided entertainment throughout the evening. Full story and photos.

Special Visitor to Children’s Learning Center

Elmo Visits CLC

This summer children from the HKSB Children’s Learning Center were visited by a very special friend—Elmo from Sesame Street! Actor Kevin Clash brought his beloved puppet to the children for a morning filled with songs, laughter, and most especially hugs. Lots of photos here. Kevin is a remarkable person whose life and passion for his work can be seen in the soon to be released documentary, “Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey.” More information and list of theaters. Photo album credits: Kevin Clash, puppeteer; Wendy Devitt, organizer; Philip Shane, photographer.

Activities Day at Camp Helen Keller 2011

On July 19, 2011 the Order Sons of Italy in America held its second annual Activities Day at Camp Helen Keller.

The day started off at Farmingdale State College, where Camp Helen Keller is located, as members of the local chapter (Grand Lodge of New York) joined the smiling and laughing children in hula hoops, tag team relay races, soccer, baseball, and other activities.

Later in the morning, sporting their commemorative t-shirts, more than 40 children and camp counselors were bused to Farmingdale Lanes for several rounds of pizza, music, and bowling. Many of the children used a bowling ramp handicap device that let them push the ball down the lanes with ease. The afternoon ended with every child being awarded a mini golf trophy and ribbon. The event was summed up beautifully by an 8-year-old child from Bangladesh attending the camp this year for the first time, who told camp director Bill Dale that she loved getting her shirt and first medal and trophy and that “America is such a wondrous place!” Photos from the day’s events.

Family and Friends Celebrate Helen Keller Services for the Blind’s Annual Preschool Graduation

Friendship was the theme at this year’s HKSB Children’s Learning Center graduation; parents, teachers, and families celebrated the achievement of the 19 students—one of HKSB’s largest-ever Preschool graduating classes. Full story and photos.

Audio Documentary: Beauty and Blindness

HKSB’s Rosemary Romano was interviewed about “beauty and blindness.” Full audio documentary with slideshow on The D Card blog.

Interview About HKSB Low-Vision Services

HKSB’s Frank Primeggia and Dr. Ira Price were interviewed about HKSB Low-Vision Services on 106.7 LiteFM show “Get Connected.” Hear the interview. (Note: the audio level may be low, but can be adjusted on individual computers.)

Domenica Simonetti (Mimi) and Sally DiMiceli

Two Longtime Employees—and Best Friends—Retire from HKSB

Two wonderful ladies, long-time employees, and best friends—Domenica Simonetti (Mimi) and Sally DiMiceli—retired on Friday, January 28th. Full story, link to New York Times article, and news video.

Children’s Learning Center Visits Staten Island Children’s Museum

On September 24, the children from HKSB’s Children’s Learning Center took a field trip to the Staten Island Children’s Museum and spent a beautiful sun-drenched day learning, playing and just having fun. Story and photos.

CLC renovated gym

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Held for Renovated CLC Gym

Congressman Edolphus Towns was honored for spearheading efforts for a $147,000 federal grant that included major capital improvements, expansion, and renovation of the Children’s Learning Center gym. Story and photos.

Assemblywoman Janele Hyer-Spencer tours HKNC

In August, Assemblywoman Janele Hyer-Spencer was given an amazing tour of HKNC. Sue Ryzinski and her staff had Janele sit in on various lessons with consumers (including a barbeque lesson!). Photos.

Day Habilitation Program Holds Annual Picnic

The Day Habilitation Program’s Annual Picnic took place at the end of August in Eisenhower Park in Nassau County, with a theme of “Countries Around the World.” Story and photos.

HKSB and Topics Coffee Featured on IFV News

View the news video.

Children’s Learning Center Treated to Clowns Performance

On August 6, HKSB’s Children’s Learning Center was treated to a special, private performance from Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey Circus! Story and lots of photos.

Activities Day and Finale are Great Successes at Camp Helen Keller

The Order Sons of Italy, through its Gift of Sight Program, hosted an action-packed Activities Day at Camp Helen Keller on July 22. Story and photos. and Camp Helen Keller’s Annual Show, “Remember Then—Music of the 50s” was a rousing success! Story and photos.

HKSB Joins in Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

HKSB participated in a press conference on July 26th in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) hosted by Lincoln Center. Story and photos.

CLC Goes to the Circus!

Courtesy of Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh and Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey, the children of HKSB’s Children’s Learning Center were treated to ringside seats at the “Coney Island Illuscination” — Ringling Brothers’ one-ring circus tribute to Coney Island. Full story and photos.

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