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NYSTRA GUESTBOOK - 2010

Welcome! Share a comment, post a question, tell us who you are, etc. to the NYSTRA Guestbook. Please do not post job openings in the guestbook. Please go to the JOB posting page to post job openings.

Note: the @ has been replaced by * in the email addresses to prevent email harvesters from adding your email to their spam lists.


hi everyone.. need some help with resources for a new resident who speaks and understands ONLY russian. we downloaded some music for her and made a russian music CD but does anyone have any other resources I can tap into, please email me some info - greatly appreciated. thanks Ira
Ira alohany08*yahoo.com
selden, USA - Thursday, July 29, 2010 at 08:29:50 (EDT), IP Address: 74880240


I am so saddened by Stuart's passing. I read of it in the Times today. I know he will be missed by myself, his students, colleagues and the many people whose lives he touched over the years. If you go to Stuart's obituary at the NY Times website or legacy.com you can post a remembrance in Stuart's guestbook.
Isabel Tiffen (Kellerman) isabeltiffen*gmail.com
Roslyn Heights, ny USA - Sunday, July 25, 2010 at 21:03:50 (EDT), IP Address: 205188116204
NYSTRA friends: It is with deep sorrow that I inform you of the passing of Stuart Waldman, instructor at Lehman College and dedicated TR professional. He died on Thursday, July 22 after a brief illness. He will be deeply missed but his impact will be with us forever.
robin kunstler robin.kunstler*lehman.cuny.edu
Bronx, NY USA - Sunday, July 25, 2010 at 12:11:44 (EDT), IP Address: 6819276240
To the person looking in Albany NY for a job. Sunnyview is a private rehab that treats TBI. Also a new drug rehab for TBI just open in the Albany area. Good Luck
dave wickes_david*yahoo.com
Walden, NY USA - Saturday, July 17, 2010 at 08:44:53 (EDT), IP Address: 204210157178
I will be relocating to the Albany, NY area in early September and will be looking to stay in the field of rec therapy. I have been working at a state hospital in Massachusetts on the neuro rehab/brain injury unit for 2+ years but I am willing to work with many populations to remain in the TR field. Does anyone have any suggestions or know of any local facilities hiring?
M. Katie Morley, MS, CTRS mkanara*gmail.com
USA - Friday, July 16, 2010 at 20:53:15 (EDT), IP Address: 2414729226
Happy TR Week!!! Remember to take time and enjoy your leisure time!
Loretta LMurray*RomeHospital.org
Rome, NY USA - Monday, July 12, 2010 at 12:16:44 (EDT), IP Address: 208105244122
I Know it will b a busy and fun week for all HAPPY NATIONAL TR WEEK !!! What your facilities are doing have a great time ...
Ira alohany08*yahoo.com
selden, USA - Sunday, July 11, 2010 at 19:29:57 (EDT), IP Address: 74880240
Feeling stressed out?, over worked?, looking to celebrate TR Week with peers? Maybe you need to RENEW? Join your fellow CTRS's as well as other healthcare professionals at New York Presbyterian Hospitals 15th Annual Dinner & Lecture. This years event takes place July 15th. The focus is "What To Do To Renew: Taking Care of the Caretaker". A panel discussion focusing on Mind, Body,& Soul. Start your journey to better health with us!!!. Lots of great tips/resources that you can take with you. Contact MaryBeth Pozzuto, CTRS for further info...212 305-5814...Hope to see you there!
MaryBeth Pozzuto pozzuto*nyp.org
New York, NY USA - Friday, July 09, 2010 at 16:10:49 (EDT), IP Address: 156111148177
New Face to Face Class/ First time offered in New York City Modular Education Program for Activity Professionals-one of the requirements for NCCAP certification. MEPAP Part One offered at Split Rock Rock Nursing Home 3525 Baychester Avenue Bronx, NY 10466 Class Schedule-9am-4:30pm Aug 7-8, Aug 21-22, Sept 11-12, Sept 25-26, Oct 9-10, Oct 30 Class hours will be augmented by weekly online chats. For more info & registration application go to www.ActivityAdvisor.org Linda Redhead, MS, ACC/EDU (845) 380-2419
Linda Redhead, MS, ACC/EDU artsylin*optonline.net
Poughkeepsie, NY USA - Thursday, July 08, 2010 at 12:33:19 (EDT), IP Address: 21621418453
Live, NCCAP-Approved Webinars for Contact Hours and CEU's July 7, 2010: Managing Difficult Employees, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (EDT), 3 contact hours (1.5 hours live, plus 1.5 hours independent project) July 15, 2010: Never Too Old to Learn, 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 pm (EDT), 1.5 contact hours July 20, 2010:Talking Shop: Men’s Activities, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (EDT), 1.5 contact hours July 28, 2010 (NEW), Sensory Stimulation: Tips and Techniques, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (EDT), 3 contact hours (1.5 hours live, plus 1.5 hours independent project) For more information [url]www.recreativeresources.com/webinars.htm[/url]
Kim Grandal kimgrandal*aol.com
Clark, NJ USA - Saturday, July 03, 2010 at 10:25:03 (EDT), IP Address: 6412116204
I am looking for intern sites for in Nassau County with CTRS for a talented graduate student, for the Fall semester. Please contact me if you are interested or know of a good site. Thank you.
Robin Kunstler robin*lehman.edu
Bronx, NY USA - Thursday, July 01, 2010 at 18:44:54 (EDT), IP Address: 6819276240
Great news in follow up to the article about having a TR Week Proclamation from your County Executive in the newsletter by Daryl Willenbrink. Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy has issued the Proclamation! Thanks Daryl for the idea, good job.
Lorrie Prescott lprescott*islandnursing.org
Holtsville, NY USA - Friday, June 25, 2010 at 13:53:26 (EDT), IP Address: 6313819050
Way to go Steve! Well deserved.
Vinnie Bonadies vbonadies*optonline.net
Pearl River, NY USA - Friday, June 11, 2010 at 11:28:51 (EDT), IP Address: 691169250
Attention NYSTRA members: I want to let everyone know that Mr. Steve Victory CTRS and Head Recreation Therapist at Taconic DDSO is the 2010 Employee of the Year!!!!!!!!!!!!! Way to go Steve................
Sue Drumgould Sueddcf1*aol.com
Poughkeepsie, NY USA - Wednesday, June 09, 2010 at 19:12:34 (EDT), IP Address: 6412116204
Could not agree more Ron!
Loretta missloretta*hotmail.com
Utica, Ny USA - Tuesday, June 08, 2010 at 22:05:18 (EDT), IP Address: 747825488
The Newsletter looks great! Check it out... 5 Gold Stars to Joanne for the great game. Inspiring and says what it takes to be a "STAR" member of NYSTRA.
Ron Becker ronald.becker*nychhc.org
Deer Park, NY USA - Monday, June 07, 2010 at 08:21:41 (EDT), IP Address: 6425132254
Looking for recent efficacy research on TR in substance abuse &/or corrections to support a grant request for a TR program in ex-offender group homes.
mary e monahan monahan.me*gmail.com
rochester, ny USA - Friday, June 04, 2010 at 12:31:44 (EDT), IP Address: 746513162
Hi, I actually have had this conversation with colleagues a few times. In the past year I've coded 2 people in my 120 bed facility as little to no activity. They were people who were actually care planned as preferring and benefitting from a calm, quiet environment and had adverse reactions to music/stimulation. For me, sitting in the hallway with others and watching is TV an activity if the person is aware of their environment, interacts with others, appears to be at least aware of the TV and looks at it at times, and if people are interacting with the person throughout the day (even if they do not respond back). I only coded them as little to no activity if they almost never came out of their room, didn't want anyone in, and were too impaired to engage in anything on their own. Hope that helps.
Lorrie Prescott lpres13*gmail.com
Holtsville, NY USA - Wednesday, May 26, 2010 at 10:22:33 (EDT), IP Address: 6313819050
I am s Recreation Therapist with a BS degree from Lehman College. I am seeking a PT/FT position to work evenings. Call me at 646-463-9456. keep up the good work-NYSTRA.
Marrian Green greenmarrian*yahoo.com
BRONX, NY USA - Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 12:59:38 (EDT), IP Address: 646113236
New TR Merchandise now available.......a member wide email went out today Re: the new merchandise that is now available. We will be ordering new TR T-shirts.....orders have to be in by Wed June 2nd in order to guarantee shipment and arrival prior to TR week in July. Please email me with any question you may have Re: any of the new merchandise. Products and prices are also available through the Prodcuts link on this website. I look forward to receiving everyones' orders.
Jen Battle jkallan*nycap.rr.com
Clifton Park, NY USA - Sunday, May 16, 2010 at 23:17:16 (EDT), IP Address: 6724894226
I am wondering how many of you in LTC, when filling out the MDS code any residents as having little or no activity - involved less than 1/3 of the time. My point to my administrator is that I think it is subjective as to what an activity is, especially for the advanced end stage dementia resident who can not initiate or participate on thier own. Is an activity sitting in the hallway with others, or in front of the TV? I have flagged a couple of times for this because I coded three of four residents in this catagory. I would like some feedback from others in LTC. Any thoughts anyone?
Janette Leonidas jleonidas*sphcs.org
albany, NY USA - Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at 13:01:46 (EDT), IP Address: 2410516966
*** Still time to attend this opportunity *** There are 2 deadlines for registration, so register now to receive the most economical pricing (see below). Please see the registration form for more details!!!! Please note that we have used our block booking for hotel rooms and deadline for honouring the TRO rate is today at 5 pm (hotel is almost completely booked). TRO hotel rate at the Sheraton is $120 per night. Type of Registration Advanced - Until May 25th/On-site - After May 25th Full TRO/CTRA Registration $350/$410 Full TRO/CTRA Student Reg. $215/$255 Daily Fees $225/$250 See the entire brochure at www.trontario.org/uploads/2010BrochureFinal.pdf Hope to see you there, Michael Latin Conference Co-Chair
Mike Latin mvlatin*hotmail.com
Hamilton, ON Canada - Monday, May 10, 2010 at 09:35:46 (EDT), IP Address: 7212163186
Continuing Education for Recreation and Activity Professionals. All sessions are LIVE, interactive, affordable, fun, educational and NCCAP-approved!Free Gift: Register for one of the May, 2010 webinars and receive a complimentary Special Event Planning form ($7 value) Thursday, May 6, 2010 Talking Shop: Men's Activities 11:00am to 12:30pm (EDT) Presented by Kimberly Grandal, CTRS, ACC/EDU Cost: $21 per person (group rates available) 1.5 ce's Wednesday, May 19, 2010 Managing Difficult People 11:00am to 12:30pm (EDT) plus 1.5 hours independent activity Presented by Kimberly Grandal, CTRS, ACC/EDU Cost: $40 per person (group rates available) 3 ce's Thursday, May 27, 2010 Getting Good Players to Play Together-Team Building 12 noon to 1:30pm (EDT) plus 1.5 hours of independent activity Presented by Kimberly Grandal, CTRS, ACC/EDU Cost: $40 per person (group rates available) To register or to learn more about these sessions please visit www.recreativeresources.com/webinars.htm
Kim Grandal kimgrandal*aol.com
Clark, NJ USA - Friday, April 30, 2010 at 11:44:57 (EDT), IP Address: 6412116204
Hi NYSTRA Members, I would like to share a program I am in the process of developing, hoping that it might spark the inspiration for you to offer it in your region. Recognizing that resident (client) poets do not have a venue for sharing their creative writings with other poets outside their own facility, I have developed "The Long Island Poet's Society." It is open to Long Island residents in nursing homes, assistive living facilities and day care programs. The first meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 15, 2010 (during TR Week) at the Gurwin Jewish Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Commack. Four nursing homes and two Assistive Living Facilities have registered and will be bringing their resident poets to Gurwin. There will be a total of 22 poets coming to recite their poetry in the company of other poets. Spectators will not be included in this first meeting. Our TR department has decided to offer an intimate environment and create an ambiance similar to a 1950's Greenwich Village coffee house. I am hoping that we will rotate facilites and meet every three months with either the same or alternating poets. If you have any questions regarding this program, you can e-mail me at knash@gurwin.org.
Karen Nash knash*gurwin.org
commack, NY USA - Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 09:41:50 (EDT), IP Address: 749977
Addition to Plinko measurement the side of the Plinko board 1 inch and 3/4. I think this should cover everything. Thanks Sue D
Sue Drumgould Sueddcf1*aol.com
Poughkeepsie, NY USA - Thursday, April 01, 2010 at 14:06:19 (EDT), IP Address: 121522524
Measurements for the Plinko Board. If you do not understand anything let me know. Height-28" Width-24" There are eight spaces at the bottom for the ping pong balls to drop in and they are 3' apart. The plastic is 3/8" wide. The plexglass that goes over the board starts 3 and 1/2 inches from the top and 2 & 1/2 from the bottom. Nails start 1" from the side then 3" apart and 8 across the next row the nails goes inbetween the first row. As long as a ping pong ball can fit thur the game board. Adjustable legs you can you a adjustable bolt and this shoulod be place approx. one foot from the bottom. Game should be use at an angle get better sound etc. Making it out of plywood would be alot light then the plastic that was used for mine. Good Luck let me know if you have any questions.
Sue Drumgould Sueddcf1*aol.com
Poughkeepsie, NY USA - Thursday, April 01, 2010 at 12:26:11 (EDT), IP Address: 121522524
Great Conference this year. Terrific sessions and enjoyable Socials. If you didn't come you missed out. Make sure you come next year..........they just keep getting better.
Thomas McDonald, MPH, CTRS tommymac16*hotmail.com
New Rochelle, NY USA - Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 19:00:33 (EDT), IP Address: 6819899169
Hi Everyone, Just wanted to thank all of you again for giving me the opportunity to serve as NYSTRA President. Thank you to Loretta and MaryBeth, Steve, Robin and everyone else for a fantastic conference. Best of luck to Joanne and the new board. Contact your legislators-licensure is on its way so be part of it now!!!!!!Isabel
Isabel Kellerman isabelkel*aol.com
Roslyn Heights, NY USA - Friday, March 26, 2010 at 06:18:54 (EDT), IP Address: 205188116204
I thought the conference was great this year. Many interesting sessions and pre-conference sessions. Thank you for all the hard work by everyone who ran the conference.
David Wickes wickes_david*yahoo.com
Walden , NY USA - Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 20:08:56 (EDT), IP Address: 2416150223
The 2010 National Canadian TR conference is slated to run June 9th to 11th in Hamilton Ontario - just 60 minutes north of Niagara Falls. A variety of sessions and areas of interest for most any practitioner. Check out the website for Therapeutic Recreation Ontario at trontario.org or, to link directly to the conference brochure and session infomration, try: trontario.org/uploads/2010BrochureFinal.pdf Be well, Michael Latin 2010 Conference Co-Chair
Michael Latin mvlatin*hotmail.com
Hamilton, ON Canada - Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 10:56:06 (EDT), IP Address: 142238252197
So Psyched! Tomorrow is the beginning of two much needed events SPRING AND THE NYSTRA CONFERENCE! Safe trip everyone!
Daryl Willenbrink Daryl.Willenbrink*omr.state.ny.us
Thiells, NY USA - Friday, March 19, 2010 at 11:09:30 (EDT), IP Address: 121522524
Hi everyone, I am not attending the conference this year - GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE ! I have been scouting the job posting page on here. IF anyone knows a suffolk county Rec position - FT please email me. If anyone see some good postings at the conference please send me some info from there as well Thank you all... Happy Spring
Ira Dunne alohany08*yahoo.com
selden, ny USA - Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at 16:49:19 (EDT), IP Address: 6911713319
Looking for a roommate for the conference. Tried to email Yvette if you see this, tried to email you, it didn't go through. Looking to stay Sunday/Monday nights.
Lorrie Prescott lpres13*gmail.com
Ridge, NY USA - Tuesday, March 09, 2010 at 14:54:19 (CST), IP Address: 691142057
Just a reminder to have your CTRS code or ATRA member number for you CEU Sheet as this is the only way we can accept them.
Denise Horton dhorton824*yahoo.com
Massapequa Park, NY USA - Friday, March 05, 2010 at 11:02:33 (CST), IP Address: 7523785208
Conference is just a short 17 days away! Don't forget to registar!
Loretta MissLoretta84*hotmail.com
Utica, Ny USA - Wednesday, March 03, 2010 at 10:36:39 (CST), IP Address: 208105244122
In need of assistance, help or guidance.. Ok so I have been working in recreation for 5yrs now and really in need of my ctrs. I took it in 2004 and now I really need to take it to have it under my belt. I am terrified and need good studying resources. Does anyone think I should use the flash cards or what.. Please help..
shaq zodiac2757*aol.com
valley stream, ny USA - Monday, March 01, 2010 at 18:32:51 (CST), IP Address: 2418654120
anyone need a roomate for the up coming nystra conference ?
yvette chowy216*gmail.com
brooklyn, ny USA - Friday, February 26, 2010 at 09:06:43 (CST), IP Address: 661661989
I am deeply saddened to inform the NYSTRA community of the death of Richard Nadal on Feb. 5. A proud graduate of Lehman College, Richard was a truly inspiring recreation professional and an outstanding motivational speaker who deeply believed in the transformative value of leisure. I know many of you had the chance to hear him speak in classes and at conferences. There will be a memorial on Sunday February 28 from 2 to 5 at the Castle Hill Community Center in the Bronx.
Robin Kunstler robin*lehman.edu
bronx, ny USA - Friday, February 19, 2010 at 10:40:35 (CST), IP Address: 6819395205
Drumming Workshop announcement: Drumming Technique & Therapeutic Rhythmic Activity Facilitation Presented by: Marlon Sobol, MT-BC, LCAT, Manager, IMNF at Schnurmacher Register for any one of these sessions: Thursday, March 11, 2010 w Monday, June 28, 2010 Wednesday, October 6, 2010 w Wednesday, December 1, 2010 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. w Schnurmacher Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing 12 Tibbits Avenue, White Plains, NY 10606 w $125.00 registration, lunch included For more information or to register, please call (718) 519-5840 Each session, participants will learn basic drumming techniques, how to play different rhythms from diverse cultures, how to facilitate drumming circles, therapeutic benefits of drumming circles, how to clinically use the loop machine, and how to rhythmically utilize the tone bars. This course is valued at 6 credit hours. JOIN US ON ANY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING DATES!!! March 11, June 28, October 6, or December 1
Concetta M. Tomaino ctomaino*bethabe.org
Bronx, New York USA - Tuesday, February 09, 2010 at 08:40:32 (CST), IP Address: 655122218

Hi All, Just a reminder if you plan on attending Sue & Sue Again we are limited to 30 people. A few new games and a few surprises too. See you at the NYSTRA conference
Susan Drumgould Sueddcf1*aol.com
Poughkeepsie, NY USA - Monday, February 08, 2010 at 18:13:20 (CST), IP Address: 6412116204

Hello Southern TR professionals, Just a quick note to let you know of an upcoming National and Provincial TR conference slated for June 9th, 10th, and 11th, 2010. Hamilton Ontario is located about 45 minutes north of the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls. Session information and further details will be released soon. Please visit the Therapeutic Recreation Ontario website and look under the 2010 conference button for further details and updates.
Michael Latin mvlatin*hotmail.com
Hamilton, On Canada - Monday, February 08, 2010 at 09:51:36 (CST), IP Address: 142238252197

ACTIVITY PROFESSIONALS OF THE HUDSON VALLEY Workshop-Successful Documentation in Long Term Care for Activities- Kathy Hughes, ADC This session will cover how to create effective care plans & progress notes, examples of individualized goals & interventions, requirements defined in state & federal regulations, the role of Activities in care planning & how the philosophy of culture change has influenced how we document. About Kathy Hughes, ADC… Kathy Hughes is the owner and president of Activities Assistance, a service providing continuing education to Activity Professionals since 1996 and has herself been an Activity Professional since 1977. She has over 30 years of experience in the delivery of activities services to long term care residents and has worked in skilled nursing, assisted living, senior centers and adult homes in central New York. She has consulted to facilities in New York and is currently one of three instructors of the Modular Education Program for Activity Professionals in the state. Ms. Hughes is also the Vice President for the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals. WHERE? Putnam Ridge, a Long Term Health Care Facility located in the beautiful Hudson Valley. WHEN? Thursday- March 25, 2010 SCHEDULE MEET & GREET In the Great Room at 11am EDUCATIONAL SESSION 1.5 CLOCK HOURS SUCCESSFUL DOCUMENTATION IN LONG TERM CARE FOR ACTIVITIES-11:30 AM -1PM Complimentary Lunch to be served in Great Room. HOW DO I REGISTER? Putnam Ridge: Activities Dept. 46 Mount Ebo Road North Brewster, NY 10509 Registration Cost: $35.00 per person. Please make checks payable to Activities Assistance. Any questions? Just call- Linda Redhead, ADC –Director of Activities (845) 278-3636 EXT.2922
Linda Redhead linda.redhead*putnamridge.com
Brewster, NY USA - Monday, February 01, 2010 at 14:13:53 (CST), IP Address: 6625139179

Congratualtions to NYSTRA and all members for the celebration of 15 years! What an outstanding accomplishmnet. I miss all my NYSTRA friends, but stay connected by facebook and other means and I am an active member of NCRTA. Life is good as a university professor. Be well and have a great spring conference.
Peg Connolly mconnolly*email.wcu.edu
Cullowhee, NC USA - Friday, January 15, 2010 at 07:53:52 (CST), IP Address: 962358481

DOCUMENATATION WORKSHOP IN NJ Taking the Write Path: Recreation Documentation for Quality of Life February 3, 2010. Location: Parker at Stonegate Assisted Living Highland Park, NJ Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Speaker:Kimberly Grandal CTRS,ACC/EDU Fee: $145 7 CE's (NCCAP approved) Tired of taking the wrong documentation path? Well, join us for a fun all day documentation seminar that will help put you on the “write path”! This session is designed to provide an educational opportunity for Activity/Recreation Professionals and Creative Arts Therapists in long-term care facilities to learn and utilize documentation techniques, which will enhance the quality of life of the residents. This is an intense and comprehensive workshop that meets the documentation component of NCCAP’s Track 5 for Activity Director Certified. Participants will engage in group exercises and fun games! Topics include: assessment, care planning (traditional and I care plans), RAPs, MDS 2.0 and MDS 3.0 update, progress notes, and attendance records) All participants receive downloadable documentation forms and tools. Refreshments and lunch will be served. For more information please contact Kim Grandal at kimgrandal@aol.com or 732-340-1210. You may also register online or via mail. Visit www.recreativeresources.com/seminars.htm.
Kim Grandal kimctrsacc*aol.com
Clark, NJ USA - Wednesday, January 06, 2010 at 10:15:58 (EST), IP Address: 6412116204