Back to topics...
New Program
Mountainside Hospital - Montclair
Especially for those whose stroke has affected their ability to communicate,
Good Company promises a relaxed environment where people can meet and
interact in a social atmosphere. Join a fun, informal and effective group
designed to help you gain confidence and communicate more easily. Under
the guidance of a Speech-Language Pathologist, games are used to inspire
conversation, while stimulating word-finding, thinking and problem solving
skills. The program is held every Wednesday from 2:00PM to 3:30PM at
Mountainside Hospital Department of Speech and Audiology in Montclair. The
charge is $15 per session. Refreshments will be served. A minimum
one month commitment is recommended for optimum benefit. To register or
for more information call Janet Kalina-Suarez at 973-429-6011
Back to topics...
May 17th Fundraiser Dinner
This year's NJSAC fundraiser/dinner was held on Wednesday, May
17th at The Princess Chateau in Lodi, NJ. It was attended by 46 people.
Ed Schreiber welcomed the guests and introduced Mary Jo who reminded everyone
that this is the tenth anniversary of the establishment of NJSAC. A
sumptuous all-you-can-eat family style dinner was served. We were
entertained by Jerry Castaldo who sang, danced and interacted with everyone.
A special thanks to Laura Winter, stroke survivor, for recommending this great
entertainer. The 50/50 drawing was won by Lorena Kospech, stroke survivor.
The evening ended with the raffle drawing. The first prize of 2
Continental Airline tickets was won by Tom Winger of Bloomindale. The
second prize of a 27" RCA color television was won by Amy Conover, a stroke
survivor from Plainfield.
We thank the following people for their help in making the
dinner a success: David Chaffin, Mary DeJesse, Vicky Galofaro, Jewel Hirschorn,
Lila Nass and Maureen Nelson.
We offer a special thanks to the following people who donated
their dinner tickets for members who would not be able to attend the dinner if
it weren't for their generosity: Bob and Carol Apito, Marty Dougherty, Jane
Giaimo, Chrysa Golashesky, Maureen Murray, Victoria Ponte, Isabel & Noel
Thompson, Donna Varney and Walter and Margrette Zawacki.
Please support and attend future programs run by NJSAC.
We hope the attendance will grow every year that we have a fundraiser/dinner
during May, which is stroke awareness month.
Back to topics...
Search Engine Earns Money for
NJSAC
A new search engine lets you give to NJSAC each time you search the internet.
Every time you search the internet using GoodSearch.com and designate New Jersey
Stroke Activity Center in the "I'm supporting" box, money will be given to NJSAC
without you spending a dime.
Back to topics...
Non-Monetary Donations
Donate your car, pickup truck or van to NJSAC
Tax Deductible - Free Towing - Any Make/Any Model, Running or Not*
Call 973-450-4114
Donate your old outdated computers and other electronic
devices to NJSAC
Working or Not - Free Pickup*
Call Tony at 973-886-1815
Donate your empty ink and toner cartridges for recycling
Great for the environment and NJSAC - Free Pickup*
Call 1-800-844-9544
*Some restrictions may apply.
Back to topics...
Support Our Upcoming Events
March Super Tricky Tray
Sunday, March 26, 2006 at Clifton Boys & Girls Club. Bring your
friends. Purchase tickets in advance and save.
See accompanying flyer for details.
April Totowa Program
The sixth year of sound and movement therapy programs will resume on Friday,
April 14th. The programs are held at the Adult Care Center of Totowa, 120
Commerce Way in Totowa. There is a $10 charge per stroke survivor. Coffee
and refreshments are served. For more information and directions to the
facility call 973-450-4114.
May Fundraiser Dinner
It's time to order your tickets for the Sixth Annual Dinner/Fundraiser to be
held on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 at the Princess Chateau, on Route 46 West in
Lodi. Tickets are $40 per person. Reserve a table for your family
and friends. We are counting on you to make this a memorable event.
Items Needed for Door Prizes
Please donate an item for door prizes that will be part of the festivities
scheduled for the Sixth Annual Dinner and Fundraiser. It can be a new item
that was a gift you never used, a homemade item, a gift certificate, a creative
theme basket or cash with which NJSAC would purchase a gift certificate.
Use your imagination and help make this fundraiser/dinner successful and full of
fun.
Back to topics...
Stroke Survivor's Free Neuro-Reassessment
On Thursday, March 30th, HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Toms River
will be holding a FREE NeuroReassessment Clinic in the 2nd floor gym at 14
Hospital Drive at 2PM. This program is geared toward patients who have
previously suffered a stroke or brain injury. If you feel that your
ability to function has declined over a period of time and would like to see if
therapy would benefit you and perhaps return you to your optimal level of
function, please attend.
Arrangements can be made to do this assessment in your home if you cannot
attend. For more information or to reserve a spot, please call
732-286-5688.
Back to topics...
Poor Response to May
Fundraiser/Dinner
Only 29 people have either bought or donated tickets for the Sixth Annual
Dinner/Fundraiser to be held on Wednesday, May 17th 2006 at the Princess Chateau
on Route 46 West in Lodi.
The event will be a night of fun with a family style dinner which includes an
appetizer, salad, prime rib, roast chicken, beverages and dessert. Special
diets will be available. Entertainment will be by Jerry Castaldo, a
comedian, singer, dancer and guitarist. Door prizes and a tricky tray will
make this an evening to remember.
Tickets are $40 per person. Reserve a table for your friends and
family. Use the order form at the bottom of this
pages and send your order in with a check made out to NJSAC. We're
counting on you to make this event a successful one.
Back to topics...
Bermuda Cruise
Join us on the Bermuda Cruise for stroke survivors, families and friends on
October 7-14, 2006. The 5 Star Celebrity Zenith is a 100% handicap
accessible ship. The Zenith will sail out of Cape Liberty in Bayonne, NJ.
It will sail to 2 ports, Hamilton and St. Georges in Bermuda. Prices per
person include port taxes and government fees.
Concierge Class - $1499
Oceanview Category - $1099
Interior Category - $969
Call Joe Amabile at Cruise Vacations and Tours 1-888-724-5438 for more
information and to put your name on the list for the cruise.
Back to topics...
Holiday Party 2005
The eighth Annual Holiday Party was held on Saturday, December
17th at the Adult Care Center in Totowa. The event was attended by 34 stroke
survivors, family and friends. Thank you to the following people who
helped make this event a success: Bill and Laura Winter who donated the catering
of delicious food, and Vicky Galofaro, Maureen Nelson, Michi and Marion Wiggin
and Geena Vigorito for selling tickets and running the Tricky Tray and 50/50
Drawings.
Back to topics...
Current Programs
UPDATED 12/28/06!
East Orange Aphasia Conversation Group
Kessler Institute for Rehab
240 Central Ave
Every Wednesday at 4:15PM
$10 Per Session
Call Julie Jacobs at 973-414-4700 x5509
Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program
An exercise program for people with arthritis and limited mobility is held
every Monday at 2:00PM. Must have doctor's written permission. Cost
is $3.00 per session. The facility is located at the Center for Healthier
Living in Hackettstown Hospital, 182 Mountain Avenue. To register for the
program call 908-850-6935
Free Livingston Music Therapy Program
A free music program for stroke survivors is held on the first and third
Thursday of the month at the CareOne facility in Livingston. The program
begins at 3:30PM. The facility is located at 68 Passaic Avenue in
Livingston. Call 973-450-4114 to register.
Morristown Free Music Therapy Program
A free music therapy program is held every Tuesday at 2:30PM at CareOne, 151
Madison Avenue in Morristown. Call 973-450-4114 to register.
Morristown Sound & Movement Therapy Program
A free sound & movement therapy program is held on the second and fourth
Tuesday of the month at 3:15PM at CareOne, 151 Madison Avenue in Morristown.
Call 973-450-4114 to register.
Morristown Stroke Discussion Group
A stroke discussion support group led by Dr. Carol Carlson, PhD. is held on
the first and third Tuesday of the month at CareOne at Madison Avenue in
Morristown, 151 Madison Avenue. The program begins at 1PM call
973-714-7652 to register.
Montclair Aphasic Interaction Program
Good Company promises a relaxed environment where people can meet and
interact in a social atmosphere, under the guidance of a Speech-Language
Pathologist. The program is held every Wednesday from 2:00PM to 3:30PM at
Mountainside Hospital's Department of Speech and Audiology in Montclair.
The cost is $15.00 per session. Refreshments will be served. A
minimum one month commitment is recommended for optimum benefit. Call
Janet Kalina-Suarez at 973-429-6011 to register.
Free Paramus Exercise Program
A free exercise program for stroke survivors is held on the second and fourth
Tuesday of the month at CareOne at the Cupola in Paramus. The exercises
begin at 11:30AM. The facility is located at 100 West Ridgewood Avenue in
Paramus. Call 973-450-4114 to register.
Free Saddle Brook Exercise Program
A free exercise program for stroke survivors is held on the first and third
Tuesday of the month at Kessler Institution for Rehabilitation in Saddle Brook.
The exercises begin at 11:30AM followed by a free lunch. The facility is
located at 300 Market Street in Saddle Brook. Call 973-450-4114 to
register.
Free Tinton Falls Exercise Program
A free exercise program for stroke survivors is held on the first and third
Wednesday of the month at Health South Rehabilitation Hospital of Tinton Falls.
The program begins at 2:00PM. The facility is located at 2 Centre Plaza
(off Hope Road) in Tinton Falls. Call 973-450-4114 to register.
Directions for most programs can be found here.
Back to topics...
New Program
East Orange Kessler - New Aphasia
Conversation Group
For people with aphasia, communicating with others often
presents many challenges. Kessler's new Aphasia Conversation Group can
help. Facilitated by a speech-language pathologist, the group will provide
an opportunity for individuals with aphasia to meet, converse and socialize in a
comfortable and supportive environment. Connect with others and practice
real-life communication skills, discuss current events, personal concerns and
other topics, in a fun and relaxed setting! The group will meet monthly
and the cost will be $10 per session. Come to the special kick-off
meeting, Wednesday, September 20, 2006 at 4:15 PM at Kessler Institute for
Rehabilitation, 240 Central Avenue in East Orange. Contact Julie Jacobs at
973-414-700 x5509 to register or for more information.
Back to topics...
Acupuncture and Stroke
Recovery
Yong Choo, acupuncturist, will be speaking to the CareOne
Madison Stroke Support Group on the role of acupuncture in stroke recovery.
All who are interested are welcome to attend on Tuesday, September 19th at 1:00
PM at CareOne, 151 Madison Avenue in Morristown. For more information and
directions call Carol Carlson at 973-714-7652.
Back to topics...
New Device Generates
Stimulating Results
VitalStim is a new FDA-approved device used to treat those who
have trouble swallowing due to stroke and other neurological diseases.
Janet Kalina-Suarez, certified and trained in VitalStim therapy has also found
success in treating conditions such as drooling, speech impairment and facial
paralysis with VitalStim. Janet is a speech-language pathologist in the
speech therapy department at Mountainside Hospital in Montclair, NJ. She
uses specially designed electrodes that deliver small, carefully calibrated
electrical currents to stimulate nerves in the face and/or throat and "re-teach"
muscles how to function properly.Janet states, "Its extremely gratifying to see someone's
quality of life improve so dramatically. I am treating a five-year-old boy
who was born with paralysis on the right side of his face, a woman who rarely
speaks after waking from a coma and a doctor who suffers from numbness of the
left side of his face following a root canal. Most of these patients were
told there was nothing that could help them. I'm happy to offer them a ray
of hope." To learn more about VitalStim therapy, or speak to a
speech-language pathologist, call 973-429-6011.
Back to topics...
NJSAC Still Struggling After 10 Years
DAs you can see on the back page, donations have fallen drastically. Only forty one people attended our fundraiser/dinner in May. Our newsletter currently goes out to 1,276 stroke survivors and 400 health care workers and supporters. Out of all these people who receive our newsletter and participate in the ten programs currently running only 93 sent in the $30 membership dues last year.
Ten years ago, when I went to the Palm Springs Stroke Activity Center in California to do a talk on stroke, I saw a free standing facility where stroke survivors could go daily for free therapy, activities and meals. It is funded by an endowment and has the support of many in that wealthy environment. I returned to New Jersey with the dream of starting a similar organization to serve the long term stroke survivors of NJ.
Current services that NJSAC provides are listed on the back of this newsletter. The only way NJSAC can continue to provide these services is with your support. Send in your membership dues of $30, using the form provided below.
Back to topics...
The Holidays Are Coming
Do you work in an office or have a friend, relative or neighbor who does? Have you ever though that instead of exchanging gifts at the office party, donate the money that would be spent for gifts to NJSAC? Many companies match gifts donated to non-profit organizations. NJSAC will send an acknowledgement to your group and individual tax deductible acknowledgements to donors.
Back to topics...
NJSAC Services
* Therapy for stroke survivors
* Activities for stroke survivors and their families
* Newsletters six times a year that have a wealth of information including new and current programs, present and future activities, available caregivers, assistive devices, and much more.
* Guest speakers on current stroke topics.
* Support groups
* Networking with others who are dealing with the unique problems caused by stroke
* Education and support from the acute phase to long term recovery
Back to topics...
