Lifestyles for the Disabled

Lifestyles Visits Washington DC

The Lifestyles Respite program recently had the opportunity to visit Washington DC (with a special stop in Annapolis on the way). Participants and staff had an opportunity to visit the Lincoln Memorial, Capital and many others in the DC area. The cherry blossoms were also in full bloom and made for a wonderful scenic weekend in the nation's capitol. Many thanks to the Schwake family for setting up a special tour of the Annapolis Naval Academy.

Click here to check out the photo gallery.

Recipes From the Healthy Cooking Program

The Lifestyles "On the Go" Program is in full swing IN SPRING. One of key programs within OTG is our Healthy Cooking Program. Participants get a chance to work in the Lifestyles Cafe and prepare healthy dishes. Attached you will find a list of some of our favorite recipes. We encourage you to use these recipes in your own home and welcome feedback.

Click here to download the recipe book.

Judge Gigante Speaks to Lifestyles

On Thursday, April 11 Honorable Robert J. Gigante and his team from Staten Island's Surrogate Court. Judge Gigante was kind enough to offer his knowledge to a group of over 20 parents. The parent meeting lasted over 1 hour and gave participating parents an opportunity to ask questions ranging from guardianship to will preparation. Judge Gigante is another great example of the strong community of Staten Island.

Check out the photo gallery.

For more information about upcoming parent meetings, please contact Jackie Tripodi at 718-982-1952 x 269.

Mitsui Sponsors Senior Luncheon

Mitsui and Co. USA has sponsored the Lifestyles Senior Cabaret for nearly 8 years. The cabaret takes place one time per month at the Lifestyles Cafe. It brings 60+ Staten Island senior citizens together and provides a fabulous four-course meal and entertainment by local artists.

More recently, Mitsui has also provided funds that have given us at Lifestyles the opportunity to host Senior luncheons at the Lifestyles Educational Center. Lifestyles is thrilled to have such a generous partner in Mistui USA. Enjoy the photo gallery and call 718 982 1952 x 260 or x 261 for more information about Mitsui-sponsored luncheons and cabarets.

Perkins Fundraiser 2013

Twice a year, we at Lifestyles for the Disabled dine out at Perkins as an extended family and community. Perkins gives back by donating 15% of the net sales from people who attend on Lifestyles behalf.

This is one of the most fun events of the year and brings together a large Lifestyles audience. Pancakes anyone?!?! The Perkins event is made possible by the hard work of Board of Director's member, Judy Loglisci.

Check out the photo gallery.

Lifestyles continues partnership with Wagner College

In 2012, Lifestyles continued to work with one of our strongest community partners - Wagner College.

15 program participants had the opportunity to participate in a college course alongside their class "partners" (a Wagner College student). The class (which included participants traveling to Wagner's campus and Wagner students traveling to see us at the LEC) culminated with short stories being written by the teams. These short stories will be posted shortly. Another great semester with the Wag!

Check out the photo gallery from our most recent work with Wagner.

Frank DeCandido honored by the Staten Island Children's Campaign

On Tuesday, February 26, Lifestyles Board of Director's Member, Frank DeCandido, was honored by the Staten Island Children's Campaign.

The Children's Campaign's annual "Garage-a-thon" was held at the Staaten and raised nearly $15,000. We are proud to have Frank as a member of our board for the last 2 years and we look forward to his continued good work in the Staten Island community.

Check out the full article from SILive.com.

Valentine's Day Dance

On Friday, February 15, Lifestyle held the inaugural Valentine's Day Dance at the Lifestyles Educational Center. Participants enjoyed snacks, music (provided by our own DJ Jeff) and dancing. Another great event, made possible by some of the greatest staff in the WORLD!

Click here to view the full gallery.

St. Joseph Hill Academy

St. Joseph Hill Academy visited Lifestyles on Friday, January 25. On this visit, our fantastic St. Joseph Hill partners helped put together decorations for this year's Valentine's Day dance. Hill will visit again on February 13. This partnership continues to be one of our strongest in the Staten Island community.

Click here to check out the full photo gallery.

On The Go - What Would You Do?

On Wednesday, January 9th, the question of “What Would You Do” was the topic of the Creative Writing, On the Go.

When asked, “What would you do if someone was making fun of a friend”, the topic of “Bullying” turned into a widespread question and answer lesson. An array of reactive feelings and proactive responses were discussed and played out. The students were given pads and asked to write down their feelings on being made fun of, how they feel when friends are made fun of and how to best avoid these situations. As you may imagine the answers were not only heartbreaking but also incredibly insightful. The group took solace in the safety of their peers and staff who they rely on and look to for encouragement. A decision was made that over the next few weeks the group wanted to write a story to help others deal with the topic of Bullying. Our very own Frankie Romano came up with the slogan “Don’t Be a Bully, Be a Star! These words of wisdom we all should adhere to.

Becky Chernok Takes a Stand on Bullying

I will put my foot down and tell people to stop. It is frustrating, mean stressful, and impolite to bully. If you are being made fun of, go to your staff, tell a friend and ask for help. I will also be there to always help anyone out. People who bully are afraid and do not accept all kinds of people. This is their fault and not yours. Remember you are the only you and if someone says bad things just walk away, stay cool and tell someone. You are not a tattletale, you are helping to make sure that person does not hurt anyone else.

Lifestyles Video - 2012 Holiday Season

Please take a moment to see how we at Lifestyles celebrated 2012's holiday season! The following video, created by Lifestyles Media, shows a little taste of some of the holiday events that took place in late November and December. We wish you a happy New Year and we are looking forward to working to create better programs in 2013 and beyond!

Lifestyles Hurricane Relief

Due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy, Lifestyles has opened a distribution center at the Lifestyles Educational Center. Donations from around the country (Wisoncsin, Connecticut, Mass, Georgia) have been coming in with clothing, food and other needed supplies. A team effort has been taking place that included volunteers from all over Staten Island and Brooklyn. If you have any questions regarding this center, please call Kevin Joyce at 917 656 7797.

Virtual Cruise 2012

On Friday, September 21, the SS Lifestyles embarked on its maiden (fundraising) voyage. Guests were given the opportunity to take pictures with the Captain and Admiral, buy raffles for beautiful baskets and enter into the Cruise Grand Prize Raffle (Lifestyles family Mr. and Mrs. John Devoti won the grand prize - a cruise to Bermuda!). Be on the lookout for a video of the event soon! Nearly $20,000 raised! Many thanks to all of the SS Lifestyles Crew for making this event happen!

Beach House 2012

Each summer, the Lifestyles Beach House opens for "business". Located in Bradley Beach, NJ, this house gives participants an opportunity to enjoy all the amenities of the Jersey Shore. From going to the track at Monmouth to dining at at Jersey Shore restaurants, this is one of the most popular activities of the year at Lifestyles.

Perosi's Perspective - A Blog by Greg Perosi - Edition 5

In the last few days I enjoyed hamburgers, hotdogs and salads. I even had Ravioli Sausage, Macaroni with Vodka Sauce and Mozzarella Meatballs.

I saw my friend John Jazz, my Uncle Jeff and his girlfriend Lisa. We had a barbecue with them.

I've listening to songs by Michael W. Smith lately, including Signs, This Is Your Time and Above All. I bought a little Roulette Wheel in Atlantic City when I went there. I've been playing with that at home.

About the Author
Gregory Perosi is 22 years old and a lifelong resident of Staten Island, NY. He is a participant at Lifestyles for the Disabled's DayHab program and is enthusiastic about his work there. Greg is popular, charismatic, compassionate and has a great sense of humor. This blog will be an ongoing journal of Greg's life. He is happy to share his thoughts and activities with the world.

Recap: Third Annual Lifestyles Golf Outing

On Friday, July 27, the Third Annual Lifestyles Golf Outing took place. Over 300 people participated (between the dinner and golf) and the event was a huge success, raising over $25,000.

This could not have been possible without the support of the families and participants of Lifestyles! Thank you to all who came out and supported our program and a big thanks also goes out to those who could not make it but supported it anyway.

We are excited that NY1 was onsite to report on the Golf Outing. You can check out the NY1 story here.

Remember to review our next BIG event - the Lifestyles Virtual Cruise (scheduled for September 21 at the Staaten). Click here for more information about the Lifestyles Virtual Cruise.

Perosi's Perspective - A Blog by Greg Perosi - Edition 4

I spent the most of my time with my family over the last three days and had dinner with my dad on Sunday because my mom and Grandma went to my cousin Gina’s shower.

Yesterday I was at the Greenhouse with Pat and Anna. I put Styrofoam into bags, de-headed basil plants and ripped up packing peanuts. Nancy and Ana helped me. It did not take me long.

I’m going to St John’s with Kevin Hazzard tomorrow I’m also going back to St Slyvesters and now I’m working on my blog. Burak Uzun helped me with the blog.

I've been listening to The Statler Brothers and Charlie Pride lately.

I'm really looking forward to the Lifestyles Golf Outing!

Cup of Joe – A Blog by Joe Padalino – Edition 1

This weekend I sat outside and ate sandwiches with my Papa.

I’ve been listening to Paul Simon, Josh Grobin and Luther Vandross. I sang for my father when he drove me home. At Lifestyles I’ve been doing interviews with the Media Department and running the Lemonade Stand we started in Building 15. I’ve also been working on this blog.

About the Author
Joseph Padalino is a new Participant at Lifestyles for the Disabled. He is a creative thinker who enjoys learning new languages and online mystery games. He is involved in a new entrepreneur program and is running a retail business at the agency.

Perosi's Perspective - A Blog by Greg Perosi - Edition 3

Today I did a Taste Test at The Lifestyles Café with Chicken Marsala, Salad and Vanilla Greek yogurt.

I was with Chef Adrian, Maryanne, Lisa Crecco, Joe Padalino, and Rahmell Boyd. It made me laugh when Joe said that the yogurt was sour. I’m looking forward to going to a Staten Island Yankees game this Saturday. I want to sing Tie A Yellow Ribbon for Lifestyles Radio the next time I am in the studio.

Perosi's Perspective - A Blog by Greg Perosi - Edition 2

This weekend I went to a Disco Party and to my friend Lauren’s 18th Birthday party. I ate hamburgers, hotdogs and Birthday Cake. I spent time with my family too.

Something that made me laugh was when my parents did not like their mussles at the Italian Resturant. My parents are doing good. I feel good about my mom coming to visit Lifestyles this summer.

Burak Uzun helped me with my blog. Rahmell Boyd helped me record interviews at Fastbreak when everyone was playing basketball. He also helped me do a taste test at the Lifestyles Café. The food was great.

I talked about what I’ve been up to in my last Interview on lifestyles radio.

Lifestyles Receives Grant from Northfield Bank Foundation

Lifestyles recently received a $30,000 grant from Northfield Bank Foundation. This money was used to purchase a new van, trailer and golf cart that are all being used to improve the lives of senior citizens on Staten Island.

The Lifestyles "SOS Program", or Serving Our Seniors Program, has been in operation since 2007. The Lifestyles SOS Program is committed to serving the senior citizen population on Staten Island. Services include yard raking, light bulb changes, deck cleanings, light moving jobs, and other miscellaneous jobs around the house. The Northfield Bank Foundation's commitment to improving the lives of senior citizens and the developmentally disabled adults is remarkable and their efforts are felt throughout Staten Island.

Perosi's Perspective - A Blog by Greg Perosi - Edition 1

Last weekend I went to Brooklyn and went into the pool. I ate chicken, ribs and hamburgers too.

Something that I feel good about right now is reporting on the S.I.D.D.C for Lifestyles Media. I'm also looking forward to the Lifestyles Golf Outing Dinner and barbecues this summer.

I listened to some music like Nicolette Larson's "Lotta Love". And I plan on singing Tony Orlando's "Tie A Yellow Ribbon" and "How To Save A Life" by The Fray for Lifestyles Radio.

My parents are good and have been working hard.

I want the readers of this blog to know about all that I've accomplished.

Lifestyles Radio Promo Video

Check out our latest video production: The Lifestyles Radio Video Promo.

St. John's University

St. John's University (Staten Island Campus) continues to work with us at Lifestyles. This summer, we at Lifestyles are excited to be able to use one of their finest (and most technologically advanced) facilities in the Da Silva Academic Center. This facility includes iPads, Thinkpads, a Smart Board, XBox 360, Nintendo Wii and internet access for our participants. St. John's has become one of our truly generous and enthusiastic community partners here on Staten Island.

Inaugural Wagner-Lifestyles Basketball Clinic

On Saturday, April 28 the Wagner College basketball program invited Lifestyles up to the Spiro Center for the inaugural Wagner/Lifestyles Basketball Clinic. Program participants from Lifestyles had a chance to participate in a variety of basketball drills with the Wagner College men's and women's teams. The day culiminated with a 20 minute scrimmage, pittting the Lifestyles participants against the Green and White teams of Wagner.

Click here to read up more on what was truly a great experience!

Also, check out the accompanying photo gallery.