August 2014
Vol. 10, No. 2
Saturday, September 6!
See inside for details
New Program, New Location, New Opportunities
President’s Message
Dear Friends,
The history of our organization is a testament to an innovative spirit and
willingness to initiate new services to respond to emerging and pressing needs. This
was evident earlier this summer when we held a ribbon cutting to open an advanced
children’s therapies program that is available to any child with a mental health
diagnosis who is in need of an intensive program of therapies. In this issue, you will
read more about this facility and other programs, such as Family Based, Structural
Family Therapy, Grief & Trauma Counseling and Case Management that also meet
the needs of all children.
When Dr. Gertrude Barber founded our organization more than sixty years ago, she
and her early staff realized that children and adults with disabilities needed a variety
of supports to successfully reach their full potential. When they established mental
health services to meet those needs, they were committed to providing the highest
quality, state-of-the-art programs for our individuals. Over the past several years, the
increasing need for mental health treatment has led the Barber National Institute to
make these services available to the wider community of children and adults with a
mental health diagnosis.
While we continue our mission of providing a full range of services to individuals with intellectual
disabilities, there is no doubt that the expertise and experience of our highly-trained professional staff can
benefit all of those with behavioral health needs.
We invite the community to help support our mission by joining us in a number of events, including our
newest event that is just around the corner. This is the second year for Barber Beast on the Bay, and already
it is surpassing the inaugural year. We were all truly amazed last year by the determination and fortitude of
the participants—who all seemed to have a great time accomplishing amazing feats. There’s still time to get
involved by registering, volunteering, signing up for a “Cheer Zone,” or coming to spectate and join the afterparty. It’s a day you won’t forget!
We hope you enjoy these last weeks of summer and find time to relax and rejuvenate. Thank you for
supporting our mission and helping us continue “making dreams come true.”
Sincerely,
Front cover:The Ziezula family
outside of the new Children’s
Advanced Partial program
located on West Ridge Road.
Corey and Christine Ziezula
with Zach, Luke and Lincoln.
John J. Barber
President & Chief Executive Officer
Participate in Erie Gives Day
Your donation to the Barber National Institute can have an even greater impact with
a gift on Erie Gives Day! On Tuesday, August 12, the Erie Community Foundation
will enhance each donor’s gift by providing a prorated match to each donation made
to a participating nonprofit. The Foundation will divide a total of $200,000 ($100,000
provided by The Erie Community Foundation, $50,000 provided
by GE Transportation, $25,000 provided by Erie
Insurance and $25,000 provided by
Donations to the Barber Institute made during Erie Gives
Day will help fund early childhood programs.
Presque Isle Downs and Casino).
The
more
a
nonprofit
raises,
the
Mission Statement
more of the match nonprofit will receive.
We “Make dreams come true.” We provide children
This year, donations to the Barber Institute will help support early
and adults with developmental disabilities and their families
interventions services and early childhood education programs at
the education, support and resources needed to be self reliant,
the Barber National Institute. Donations must be a minimum of
independent and valued members of their community.
$25 and be made online between 8 a.m.-8 p.m. at ErieGives.org;
In addition, we provide the professionals who serve them with
only Visa, MasterCard and Discover will be accepted.
world-class education and training.
3
New Program Serves Children & Families
E
very morning for three weeks, Luke Ziezula headed off to
what he calls “day camp.” But the five-year-old was actually
participating in ACT, the new Advanced Children’s Therapies
program opened by the Barber National Institute this summer.
The facility, located at 4176 West Ridge Road, offers intensive
therapies for children and teens with mental health challenges.
“As soon as we came in I was just so relieved,” said Luke’s
mother, Christine. “It was like a huge weight had been lifted
from us.”
The ACT program serves up to 40 youngsters with an intensive
three-week approach that combines individual, group and family
therapy with medication management, social and coping skills
development, and grade-appropriate education. The goal is to
prevent placement in an institution or hospital, reduce recurring
crises and help children make progress toward recovery.
For Christine, the timing could not have been better. Her
son, diagnosed with ADHD and a mood disorder, has had a
difficult time controlling his emotions. During his last semester
of preschool in the spring, things seemed to get worse. “He
would often cry all day over anything. Every five or ten
minutes he would have a major breakdown, and it had become
unmanageable,” said Christine. “I have three children so I’m not
new to being a mom, but we were at a loss over what to do. We
wanted to know how we could get him help the fastest.”
Christine called one of the school district psychologists, who
immediately began the referral process.
Within days of his admission, Christine was seeing progress.
“We wanted him to learn to manage his emotions, and I am seeing
that already. I see him using the skills that he is learning at home,
and he is not getting so upset,” said Christine.
Christine also saw benefits from the family therapy. “You
realize that this affects the entire family,” said Christine. “Luke’s
siblings were getting less attention, and it felt like the whole
family was struggling and suffering. The therapy has been an eyeopening experience for us.”
John Barber, Maura McLaughlin, director of clinical services, and Atty. Robert Brabender,
vice chairman of the Board of Directors, officiate at a ribbon cutting ceremony for the
new facility.
While in the program, Luke also began therapy in his home to
help reinforce the behavior changes.
Now, Christine and her husband, who were so worried about
how Luke was doing in preschool, are looking forward to
kindergarten in the fall.
A Look at ACT
The Advanced Children’s Therapies program serves all children with behavioral health
challenges, including those with a co-occurring diagnosis of autism or an intellectual
disability. The 8,000 square foot modern facility is tailored to provide a safe and
nurturing environment that includes:
“It was wonderful to have
the therapists, psychiatrist
and nurse right there who all
involved the family right from
the beginning,” said Christine.
“What a fabulous program.”
• Three unique classrooms designed to meet the needs of children ages 4-8, 9-13 and 14-18
• An autism classroom that features sensory adaptations such as filtered light and privacy glass
• Large ground floor recreation space that will offer recreational/exercise equipment
• A “specials” classroom for yoga, art and music therapies, etc.
• Child psychiatrist and nursing office for medication management, intake meetings, etc.
• Deck and enclosed outdoor play area
The program is open year round, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
For more information, contact John Moenk, M.Ed, Program Director, 814.460.6218 or
[email protected]
4
At a Glance:
Behavioral Health Services
I
n addition to the new Advanced Children’s Therapies program,
the range of behavioral/mental health services for children
includes:
Family Based Mental Health Therapy – Intensive in-home
therapy 3-5 times a week to keep children at home. A team of
two master’s level clinicians works with the child as well as the
parents and siblings to restructure the family by establishing rules
and roles within the family. The goal is to transform negative
behaviors and patterns of interactions, and make sustainable
change. While the program is available for any child or adolescent
with a mental health diagnosis, a prescription from a psychiatrist
or psychologist is required. Treatment typically lasts eight
months, with the option of two-week “boosters” when follow up
help is needed.
Structural Family Therapy – a shorter, less intensive program
provided through the BHRS program to address a family’s
communication and structure challenges in the home.
Grief and Trauma Counseling – Treatment for emotional and
behavioral problems brought on by grief or a traumatic event,
including the loss of a loved one, witnessing domestic violence,
physical or sexual abuse, a natural disaster, etc.
Social Skills Training – Therapists help children and adolescents
with social cognitive challenges build social communication skills
and provide caregivers with help to reinforce their children’s
social thinking ability.
Blended Case Management – Professional assistance to locate,
advocate for and coordinate services that address the unique
needs of a child with a behavioral health diagnosis and to
strengthen the family. No referral necessary.
Blended Case Management assists families in accessing resources in their community,
including recreational activities.
Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services – BHRS is a short-term,
intensive program for children from birth to age 21 to help make
lasting behavior changes. Services can be provided in the home,
school or daycare—wherever the child encounters challenges that
need to be addressed.
For more information, contact Rochelle VonHof, lead clinical
supervisor, at 814-878-5526 or [email protected]
Pedal Power
Todd Harvey, Sr. lifted his thick, black-framed glasses off the bridge of his nose to wipe
away the tears.
The father of Todd Harvey, Jr., age 10 and a student in the Elizabeth Lee Black School,
Mr. Harvey talked about what receiving an adapted bike for his son meant to him as a father.
“It’s unbelievable,” he said. “It means so much to me.”
Mr. Harvey was reacting to the partnership between the Barber National Institute and
Variety, the Children’s Charity, which provides adapted bikes to children with physical and
developmental disabilities through the “My Bike” Program.
On July 15, 13 children experienced the childhood ritual of receiving their own bikes to ride
with friends and family. This marked the second “My Bike” distribution in Erie County, with
the initial presentation of bikes to 31 children in May.
While the bikes are presented free of charge to qualifying children, the cost to sponsor
one adaptive bike ranges from $1,300 to as high as over $3,000. The “My Bike” program has
received strong community support, including donations from Highmark Blue Cross Blue
Shield, the program’s founding sponsor.
Logan, 14, pictured with his father, rode his new bike
around the Barber National Institute for the first time
in May. His mom said he rides it at least once a week
and that it “gave him the independence he wanted and
deserves.”
“It gives him that independence he wants and deserves”
Imagine receiving your first bike ever at 14.
For Logan Edmonds, a student in the Elizabeth Lee Black School, the “My Bike” program
made that dream a reality. Since receiving his first bike in May, Logan, who uses a wheel chair,
5
For Adults:
Meeting the Challenges
T
he Adult Mental Health Partial Hospitalization Program at
the Barber National Institute is designed to help individuals
with a mental health diagnosis manage the daily challenges they
encounter.
Lee Waterhouse, 27, knows all about daily challenges.
Waterhouse, who has been in the year-long program for
approximately six months, was born in Bulgaria with a twin sister.
Living in harsh conditions, he was adopted by his current parents
when he was six. With a loving family, Lee now travels often,
enjoys life, loves food and aspires to one day live on his own.
Lee also has schizophrenia and Asperger’s, and that’s where
Kate Knobloch, Adult Mental Health Partial Hospitalization
Program manager, and her staff come in to help.
”It’s about understanding and being able to talk about his
diagnosis,” Knobloch said.
The program provides services from a multidisciplinary team
that includes psychiatrists, psychologists, mental health nurse
clinicians, mental health therapists and trained support staff. A
psychiatrist oversees each participant’s treatment and discharge
planning.
The program is designed for adults who can benefit from a
highly structured and supervised setting. The program consists
of six hours of intensive programming Monday through Friday,
which uses cognitive behavioral therapy to develop better coping
mechanisms, improve management of symptoms and promote
healthy living skills. This comprehensive approach to patient care
incorporates a multidisciplinary team providing education, group
and individual therapy, psychiatric evaluation and medication
management.
Lee is, as Knobloch puts
it, “in the final zone” of the
program. He aspires to live
on his own, have a job, and
continue pursuing his interests
Lee Waterhouse (left) donated the comin scientific topics such as
mission he received from selling his art
black holes, hyperdrives, and
work back to the Barber Foundation.
various trees and plants. Lee
Accepting the donation is Gary Bukowski,
has progressed quickly within
vice president for Advancement.
the program and met all of
his treatment goals relating to
behavior, relationships and family. Knobloch said Lee has more
work to do within the community, but he certainly doesn’t lack the
positive attitude, ambition and people skills needed to succeed.
In fact, Lee has become known for his generous spirit. When
he sold a piece of art work in the Dr. & Mrs. Robert Guelcher Art
Show this spring, he donated the proceeds back into the program.
When asked why, he said he didn’t need the money and wanted
to give it back to those who could use it.
When Lee was invited to speak about his experience within the
program, he asked about the others in the program and wanted to
include everyone.
“The progress that Lee has made really shows what is possible
with the appropriate support,” Knobloch said. “He has an open
mind and he’s open to bettering himself and helping others.”
To learn more about the program, contact Kate Knobloch,
B.S., M.S., Adult Mental Health Partial Hospitalization Program
Manager at (814) 874-5631, or by email at katherineknobloch@
barberinstitute.org.
now has the opportunity to ride along with his peers. “It meant the world to me,” his mom,
Heather, said. “I cried.”
Logan’s smile on that day outshined his bright, lime green helmet, and his enthusiasm for
the bike hasn’t wavered since, his mom said.
“It gives him that independence he wants and deserves,” she said. “I was so proud of him
to see him riding that bike for the first time.”
Logan has been on his bike at least once a week since, Heather said, and they will continue
using the bike more and more around the neighborhood and out to places like Presque Isle
State Park.
Fun awaits
The fun, independence and freedom that Logan has already experienced soon awaits Todd.
And while Todd is excited, his father likely has enough excitement for the both of them.
“I’d run with him and his bike to our house if it wasn’t so far,” Mr. Harvey said, smiling,
before quickly adding, “not that I couldn’t do it, of course.”
And after seeing his son ride around the gym of the Barber National Institute, he took a
moment to reflect on the entire day.
“I never thought in a million years that my son would ride a bike, or do many of the other
things that he’s now able to do,” he said. “But with the help of the staff at the Barber National
Institute, he is doing so many things. Miracles do happen.”
Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper, Todd Harvey,
Sr. and Dr. Maureen Barber-Carey celebrate the
donation of a new bike for Todd Harvey, Jr. at the
“My Bike” presentation.
4
Beast on the Bay Weeks Away
The Beast will roar again.
The second annual Barber Beast on the Bay, a 10-mile obstacle
course challenge sponsored by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
and Saint Vincent Hospital, will be held at scenic Presque Isle
State Park on Saturday, September 6.
More than 20 obstacles stand between each participant and
the finish line. Between crawling under nets, running through
phragmites, and climbing up half-pipes, runners will have their
hands full and meeting the challenge.
What’s on tap for this year?
•A new 10-mile course that begins at Beach 11 and ends at Waldameer
Picnic Grove. The course features water, trails, hard pack surfaces and,
of course, sand.
•Many new obstacles—and no obstacle is repeated.
•A post-race party at Waldameer picnic groves. What better way to
celebrate slaying the Beast than by partying with your fellow conquerors?
•An elite wave for the serious competitor who wants to do every obstacle,
get timed and compete for awards.
•Optional timing for all participants.
Barber Beast on the Bay also offers the Maureen Riazzi Adapted
Course for adults with disabilities sponsored by the Riazzi &
Russo families. The 1.2 mile loop is designed for both ambulatory
participants as well as those in a wheelchair or power chair. (See
accompanying story.)
The event benefits the Barber National Institute and its mission
of “making dreams come true” for children and adults with
autism, intellectual disabilities and mental health challenges.
Between now and September 4, pricing for the 10-mile course
is $100. On September 5 and 6, late registration will be $150. So
what are you waiting for? If you want to be part of the festivities,
act now! Help support the Barber National Institute, enjoy a
day at Presque Isle and challenge yourself with more sand,
mud, water and obstacles than you ever thought possible. More
information, including a course map and registration, is available
at BarberBeast.org.
7
Beast Sightings
The Beast has been having a busy summer around the community. Maybe
you’ve seen him at one of these events!
3 Mile Isle – The Beast never gets ‘tire’d of meeting
new people! Here he is at 3 Mile Isle on June 14.
Biggest Loser – The Beast
thought everyone was a winner
at the Biggest Loser Run/Walk
Challenge held June 21.
Highmark Walk – Hello from the Highmark Walk!
The Beast had fun with friends at the Highmark Walk for a
Healtyh Community on June 7.
4th of July Parade – The Beast rang
in the 4th of July at the Millcreek Parade.
Drs. Mary Beth and Jeff Pinto were on the “beast crew”
of volunteers at last year’s event.
More Than One Way to
Beat the Beast!
You don’t have to run, climb or crawl to
be part of this year’s event—just sign up
to volunteer or be part of a Cheer Zone!
Volunteers are needed for registration, traffic
direction, obstacle monitors and staffing
hydration and nutrition stations. All volunteers
receive a t-shirt and a free beer (age 21+.)
New this year are Cheer Zones, designated
areas on the course where groups will cheer on
participants. Bands, dance groups, cheerleaders
and sports teams—nearly any group can form a
cheer zone and compete for cash prizes.
Learn more—click on the “Get Involved” tab
at BarberBeast.org
Zombie
Run
The Beast survived the
Zombie Run!
Feel Good–Fundraise
For some participants, 10 miles of sand, water and obstacles
just isn’t enough. They want to help children and adults with disabilities
overcome their obstacles.
When signing up, these philanthropic participants choose
the option to raise funds for the Barber Foundation.
Fundraisers receive all of the tools they need to contact their friends, families
and neighbors for donations. Last year, fundraisers collected more than $12,000,
and with the help of this year’s fundraisers, we hope to exceed that.
Fundraising also comes with several benefits. Participants
receive a free or discounted registration, and prize packages will be
awarded for the top fundraisers.
Beast Items On Sale
Let everyone know that you’re getting ready to “Beat
the Beast!” The Gift Shop at Barber Place is now
offering Barber Beast on the Bay charcoal gray, twosided t-shirts, as well as aluminum water bottles. The
Gift Shop also has a great selection of Barber Wear
including shirts and hats, as well as cards, gift bags,
wreaths and other items handmade by our adults.
The Gift Shop is open week days from 10 a.m.-2
p.m.; clothing will also soon be available online at
BarberInstitute.org
8
Presented by
Sponsors of the Barber Beast on the Bay
Dominic DiPlacido
celebrates after
“beating the Beast”
at last year’s Maureen
Riazzi Adapted Course.
A Day To Shine
“I did it!” The feelings of pride,
accomplishment and success were so evident last
year that it was hard not to join in the cheering.
The Barber Beast on the Bay Maureen Riazzi
Adapted Course sponsored by the Riazzi and
Russo Families was the site for celebration as
adults with disabilities completed the obstacle
course challenge designed just for them. This
year’s event promises to be even better with a few
new changes:
• A 1.2 mile course that begins and ends near the
Beach One Parking lot. The new location is an
out-and-back circular loop where spectators
can cheer on participants every step of the way.
• Six obstacles that incorporate popular features
from last year with a few improvements.
• A stretch where the adapted course intersects
with the ten-mile course so participants
from both events have a chance to meet and
complete an obstacle together.
The registration fee is $25, and includes a
shirt, medal and participant “goody” bag. Once
again, able-bodied course buddies are invited
to accompany participants at no charge. More
information, including a detailed course map, and
registration is available at BarberBeast.org. To
receive a paper registration form in the mail, call
814-480-6805.
Art Show Amazes
What do Pinocchio and a school of colorful fish have in
common? Both were the subjects of artwork that entertained
visitors at this spring’s Dr. & Mrs. Robert Guelcher Art Show &
Sale at the Barber National Institute. An eclectic mix of paintings,
sculptures, drawings and photography were created for this year’s
show by more than 125 youth artists as well as 289 adult amateur
and professional artists from across the region.
A panel of judges selected artwork to receive monetary awards,
and visitors to the show also had the opportunity to vote for their
favorite pieces. And the winners are:
Adult Professional Artist
Best of Show - Tom Ferraro for his oil painting, “Red Dress”
Honorable Mention - Kathe Umlauf for her oil on board,
“Whites Roses on Gray Table”
Photography Best of Show - Christine French for “Red Poppy”
Adult Amateur Artist
Best of Show - Brian Maloney, for his wire sculpture
“Lake Sturgeon”
Honorable Mention - Rebecca Merry for her paper sculpture,
“Lies We Tell Ourselves”
Photo (youth artists): Dr. Robert & Betsy Guelcher join Dr. Maureen Barber-Carey and
Bridget and John Barber in congratulating youth winners including Sierra Nicholes, John
Fatter, Jr. and Gavin Sorek.
Photography Honorable Mention - John Misterovich for “Home
Port Bound”
Youth Artist
Best of Show Award - Sierra Nicholes (gr. 11) for the pencil and
graphite drawing, “Le Garcon Qui Aime Lire”
Honorable Mention - Gavin Sorek (gr. 3) for his print, “Spirit Bird”
Photography Best of Show - John Fatter, Jr. (gr. 6) for “Frontier”
Photography Honorable Mention - Austin Fiedler (gr. 12) for
“Up In Smoke”
Tim Timon for his oil painting, “Lion Fish”
People’s Choice Awards
Photography Best of Show - Terry Pytlarz for “Viaduct”
Youth Artist - Casey Krotoszynski, “King of the Jungle”
Durim Loshaj for the acrylic painting, “Parallel Universe”
Adult Artist - Rebecca Merry, paper sculpture “Lion Fish”
Dr. Maureen BarberCarey, left, join Bridget
and John Barber, right, in
congratulating adult award
winners. Front row, from
left, are Rebecca Merry,
Durim Loshaj and Tom
Ferraro. Back row from
left are Kathy Umlauf, Tim
Timon, Brian Maloney,
John Misterovich and Terry
Pytlarz.
9
Around the Institute
10
Learn about
Lifesharing
Sharing your home and
family with an adult with
intellectual disabilities
can be a rewarding and
enriching experience—
just ask our Lifesharing
providers! We are currently
looking for individuals
and families who would be
interested in becoming a
provider in this wonderful
program. Adults with
disabilities are matched with individuals, couples and
families who have similar interests and lifestyles for an
enduring and mutually beneficial relationship. The program
is offered in Erie and Philadelphia, and providers receive a
stipend. For information, visit BarberInstitute.org, or call
program specialist Cherylynn McIntosh at 878-5632.
On the Move
The adult day programs
serving the Pittsburgh
Region have relocated to
a larger, more modern
facility in the same
complex. The move will
enable many of the services
to grow, including the
Community Hab program
that provides adults
with opportunities to access their community and build
skills toward greater independence. The new address is 20
Emerson Lane, Suite 905, Bridgeville, PA 15017; all other
contact information remains the same.
Making Music
Ruth Ann Scanzillo, a member of the Erie Chamber
Orchestra, shares her cello with a preschool student during
the “musical petting zoo”
held for students at the Barber
National Institute in May.
Every month throughout the
school year, musicians from the
Erie Chamber Orchestra visited
with students to demonstrate
their instruments ranging
from violins, trumpets and
drums. Youngsters even had
the opportunity to make their
own music by playing the
instruments!
Looking over some of the donated equipment are, from left, team mascot C Wolf,
Siebenbuerger representatives Walt Watral, Financial Secretary; Mike Wilkosz, director;
Terry Humes, general manager; Dr. Maureen Barber-Carey, Barber National Institute
executive vice president; Connections campers Andrea Hecker and Gabriel Dolak.
Standing back row are Chris Rendulic, Siebenbuerger Club president, and Greg Coleman,
president of the Erie SeaWolves.
Baseball Clinic—It’s a Hit!
Three local organizations teamed up to provide children
with autism a fun and valuable experience this summer.
The Barber National Institute, the Erie SeaWolves, and the
Siebenbuerger Club came together to provide a day-long
baseball clinic for children in the Erie Connections Camp.
A $6,000 donation from the Siebenbuerger Club funded
the clinic, where Erie SeaWolves players and coaches taught
baseball fundamentals such as fielding, throwing, pitching
and base running.
The goal is for youngsters to take what they learned at the
clinic and put it to use on school and neighborhood fields
with their friends, classmates or in a league.
“Being able to participate in activities with your peers is
an important part of childhood,” said Dr. Maureen BarberCarey, executive vice president of the Barber National
Institute. “With so many families living with the challenges
of autism, it is especially important to provide opportunities
for children that will lead to greater inclusion in their
schools and community. We are thankful to members of the
Siebenbuerger Club and the Erie SeaWolves for making this
possible.”
The Siebenbuerger Club also funded a clinic for 30 adults
with disabilities in day programs at the Barber National
Institute. The Club also held an equipment drive to provide
campers and adults with new or gently used gloves, balls and
bats.
Chris Rendulic, president of the Siebenbuerger Club, stated,
“The Siebenbuerger Club is thrilled to sponsor the baseball
clinic for the children and adults of the Barber National
Institute. This year, we have concentrated our efforts into
working with the youth of today; our leaders of tomorrow.
If this event helps just one young person, it is money well
spent.”
11
“Grammy” Honored at Shillelagh
‘Don’t worry, we are in the best place to get help. Tomorrow we’ll
call the Barber National Institute and they’ll know what to do.’
And that is exactly what happened. The staff was there for us
and gave us hope.”
Aidan began intensive therapy in the home, and eventually
entered preschool at the Barber National Institute. He
transitioned into kindergarten in his home school district, and
during summers attended the Barber Institute Connections
Camp.
Now an active 13 year old, Aidan attends school in his Ohio
home district without
outside supports.
Bev DiCarlo, second from left, 2014 Shillelagh Woman of the Year, is congratulated by her
daughter, Erin Dever, left, and Bridget and John Barber.
A child’s diagnosis of autism can have a profound effect on a
family. For Bev DiCarlo, it led to a journey that would take her
to every state in the country, and a story that would inspire many
others living with the challenges of autism.
Bev shared her family’s story of hope as she received the 2014
Shillelagh Woman of the Year at this year’s Golf Tournament held
June 19. The Harborcreek resident was honored for her advocacy
for autism as part of the Race with Grammy campaign that led
Bev to complete half marathons in all 50 states over a three-year
period. Through her efforts, she raised more than $42,000 for the
Dr. Gertrude A. Barber Foundation.
Every step along the way, Bev found motivation from her
grandson, Aidan. At the Shillelagh presentation, she recalled
what it felt like to see the happy, smiling baby begin to change.
“Every day, he would seem to interact less…he stopped making
eye contact and seemed to turn inward. Instead of playing with a
truck, he would turn it over and watch the wheels spin; he could
do that for hours at a time,” Bev explained.
Around the time of Aidan’s second birthday, Bev’s daughter
called to say that he was diagnosed with autism. “Do you know
how scary that is for a parent,” said Bev. “But I told my daughter,
Bev and her
husband, Dave,
have three grown
children, and five
grandchildren.
“Race with
Grammy” came to a
close in October, 2013,
when Bev completed
her final race in Des
Moines, Iowa. In all,
she pounded 668 miles
of pavement and trails, Traditional shillelaghs handmade in Ireland were
traveled more than
presented to the winning foursome at this year’s
115,000 miles by air
Tournament, the Bianchi Honda Team. From left are
Jason Porreco, Dave Spitzer, John Potter and Cory
and car, and wore out
Smith.
13 pairs of running
shoes. Along the way,
she shared her family’s story with fellow racers, spectators and
the media. All of these achievements, though, pale to the joy of
seeing Aidan reaching his goals.
“We feel like we have our happy child back,” said Bev. “We
are so grateful to the Barber Institute for what feels like a miracle.
Not only did they help Aidan, but they were there for our entire
family.”
Mark Calendars for Upcoming Events
The 12th annual Ladies Only Luncheon will be held on Saturday, Nov. 22 at The Kahkwa Club. Invitations
will be sent the week of Sept. 15, and online reservations will also be available at that time. With the seating capacity
being reduced this year to make the event more comfortable for attendees, the planning committee expects the event
to sell out quickly!
We’re also “spreading the news” about this year’s Premier Prize, an “NYC Shop & Stay Get-Away.” Visit www.
BarberInstitute.org for details on this exciting package, donated by Miller Travel and J. Crew. Tickets will soon be
available online and at the Barber National Institute.
The region’s premier event will mark an important milestone with the 50th Anniversary of the Barber Christmas
Ball on Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Bayfront Convention Center. Keep watching BarberInstitute.org for exciting news
about this special occasion!
The community is invited to support our events and activities. For information, visit www.BarberInstitute.org
Barber National
Institute
Educational Opportunities
Bright Beginning Early Intervention (birth-age 3)
The Elizabeth Lee Black School
(Approved Private School)
Autism Center
Happy Hearts Day Care & Inclusive Preschool
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Program
Adult Education & Literacy
Therapies
Connections Summer Camp for children with high functioning Autism/Asperger Syndrome
Traditional & Specialized Family Based Mental Health
Services
Advanced Children’s Therapies (ACT) Program
Speech Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services
Psychiatric & Psychological Services
Nutritional Services
Trauma and Grief Counseling
Health Services Department
Social Skills Training
Barber National Institute
Barber Spirit is a quarterly publication for friends of the
Dr. Gertrude A. Barber Center, Inc.
100 Barber Place • Erie, PA 16507-1863
814-453-7661 • FAX: 814-455-1132
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.BarberInstitute.org
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 355
Erie, PA
John J. Barber
President/Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Maureen Barber-Carey
Executive Vice President
William Gloekler
Chairman, Board of Directors
Bridget P. Barber
Director of External Affairs
Mary Rotunda Cuneo
Manager of Public Relations
Brandon Boyd
Communications Assistant
Living In The Community
Club Erie
Respite Care
Lifesharing through Family Living
Supported Living in homes and apartments
Residential Group Homes
Adult Day Services
Prevocational Services
Transitional Work Services
Supported Employment
Adult Training Facilities
Older Adult Daily Living Centers
Mental Health Partial Hospitalization
Support for Families
Blended Case Management for Children & Adults
Family Support Services
Family and Sibling Support Groups
Agency with Choice, Habilitation Services
Recreational Opportunities
ESO Dances (Expanding Sociability Opportunities)
Camp Shamrock Summer Programs
Keep Connected
Time for Me
Community Resources
Before/After School & Summer Child Care Programs
Consultative services to schools & professionals
Swimming & Water Exercise Lessons
Kids on the Block Puppet Troupe
Gift Shop
For more information about these and other
services, call the Barber National Institute at
814-453-7661 or visit our website at
www.BarberInstitute.org.
Thank You Highmark & Saint Vincent
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and Saint Vincent Hospital are serving as
presenting sponsors for the 2014 Barber Beast on the Bay. Joining in making
the announcement were, from left, Neil Parham, senior community affairs
analyst with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield; John Barber, president of the
Barber National Institute; Scott Whalen, chief executive officer of Saint Vincent
Hospital; and the Beast. Students were on hand to thank the two community
organizations, including, from left, Madison Blair, Mikai White, Charlee Trapp
and Tyler Hodubinski from the PreK Counts program.