Welcome to Putting the Pieces Together

JEFFERSON AWARD

Our own President/Co founder, Deborah Wertalik, was an honoree at the prestigious Jefferson Awards Ceremony for 2009. She was one of 26 chosen from over 300 people that were nominated to win this National award. In 1972, along with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and U.S. Senator Robert Taft, Jr., Mr. Beard co-founded the Jefferson Awards for Public Service to create a Nobel Prize for public service. The Jefferson Awards recognize both ordinary people who do extraordinary things and individuals whose public service has had a broad national impact. National winners have included four Justices of the Supreme Court, including Sandra Day O'Connor and Thurgood Marshall; seven Secretaries of State, including Colin Powell and Cyrus Vance; as well as Alan Greenspan, Bob Hope, Lance Armstrong and Stephen Jobs. Over 155 newspapers, television and radio stations herald local "Unsung Heroes" the nation's largest media partnership fostering volunteerism.

First, the selectors review acts of courage, vision, dedication, and tenacity. Is there anything outstanding, unique, heroic about the nominee and his or her character?

Second, they review the impact on the community. Public service is about serving people and communities. As the nominee addresses important issues facing local communities or the country, has the nominee had a measurable impact? Through our Jefferson Awards Media partners, we are applauding "Unsung Heroes." Eligibility includes volunteers as well as paid professionals who go well above and beyond their expected service. "Unsung" means not normally in the media. The Jefferson Awards are a prestigious national recognition system honoring community and public service in America.

Below is the piece that Jessie Zacche wrote that helped the Board to choose Debbie over the many other deserving nominees.

Debbie Wertalik is a wonderful grandmother to her grandson Tyler who has autism. Because of Tyler, Debbie and her daughter, Tara, have started a support group, Putting the Pieces Together, for families with special-needs children. She also has started a year-round sports league called Special Angels Recreation so that every child with special needs can play sports like Tee ball, soccer, basketball, bowling, cheerleading and dance classes with their peers.

Special Angels is open to any child or family no matter where they live or the nature of the child’s disability. She works tirelessly on these programs as well as the many fund raisers needed to support them such as walks, art auctions, tricky trays, dine to donates, coin tosses and the upcoming motorcycle run and golf outing. Her daughter Tara and other group members assist her but she is the heart and soul of the group that includes more than 100 families. She works night and day to run this organization and to raise funds so that special angels can obtain its own field and eventually its own building to run the programs.

As a mother of three special needs children I know what a challenge it is to deal with issues at home and in public; but Debbie goes above and beyond her own family to make things possible for other kids. She has created for us a large extended family. She is a mom to me and a grandmother to my kids as well as a great neighbor and a phenomenal friend and mentor.

Our organization would like to thank Debbie for her tireless efforts and many hours of hard work and dedication to our group. She is an inspiration and we are very lucky to have her as our children's advocate.

Sincerely

Tara Banuls, Vice President/Co Founder

A NIGHT WITH DARRYL STRAWBERRY

Our very own Lori Latteri and Wayne Bardowell went and represented us at the Darryl Strawberry Book Signing in Harrison. Many greats were there among them Bernie Williams, Roy White, Mickey Rivers, Robinson Cano, Joe Pepitone, Mike Torrez, Tim Raines, Josh Boone, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Chase Blackburn, Ray Lucas and more.

Lori made sure that everyone heard about our group she even got to speak to the crowd and Wayne donated his services as a photographer for them since they didn’t have one as an act of good faith in hopes that one day they will do something nice for our children. Thanks to Wayne and Lori many sports greats know that our children are out there playing year round sports. Great Job!

More Meetings To Come for Deidre and Debbie

President Deborah Wertalik had an opportunity to meet Deidre and Don Imus recently and Deidre Imus is very interested in meeting with her to discuss the future of our children. Both women share similar views on Autism and are looking forward to a future meeting where they can discuss doing some wonderful things for our children. Both Deidre and Don were very impressed with our group. This can be a very wonderful opportunity for our organization.

We would like to thank the many wonderful people that were responsible for making our First Motorcycle Run and Car Show a huge success. With almost 300 bikes and 30 cars participated so we far exceeded our expectations. It was both emotional and exciting and a day our org will never forget. I got to ride in the run with my grandchildren a 1 1/2 hr ride through Bear Mountain in a Bergen County Sheriff's car. The scenery was breath taking and the people who helped us along with our hard working PTPT Staff did an excellent job. Next year we hope to double in size and include a Pig Cook Off to ensure we have enough Pig to go around.

There are many runs for autism but our run will directly affect children already diagnosed with autism and other different needs. Our run will take place on June 7th with a rain date of June 14th. We are registering and getting our wristbands at 10am with a blowout continential breakfast and coffee included in your registration fee. We will be leaving from the Orange Lantern 15 Firehouse Lane Paramus at 12pm and returning to the same location by 1:30pm we are also using the Lord and Taylor parking lot across the street. The ride will be a scenic fully escorted ride to Bear Mountain and back. There are 2 live bands, pig roast, bbq, hot dog cart, hot pretzels, popcorn, funnelcakes, Miller drink specials, car show, giveaways, trophies, Gift Certificates, 5 minute massages, and so much more. A big thanks to Kosco our Harley Davidson sponsor. All cars and bikes invited!

Come for a day of excitement and entertainment and a scenic ride for a good cause. Please register now by calling Debbie or Tara at 201-966-8738 to request a mailed packet or email at puttingthepiecestogether1@comcast.net for an emailed copy and we will email our address with the registration form. Our co chairs are Lori Latteri and Jessie Zacche. The ride/car show will be $15 rider $10 passenger for bikes or cars that register by May 31st and day of will be $20 rider and $15 passenger. Wrist bands will be sold for $10 if you don't want to ride and don't have a car to show but want to hang out and celebrate our run.

Our organization was honored at a recent Bergen County Freeholders meeting thanks to Freeholder Walton. Please watch for the cable broadcast in your area it was an Honor and a pleasure to attend their meeting and accept the award. We are so lucky to have our Bergen County Assemblymen, Sheriff Freeholders and local politicians in our corner.

We would like to thank the many wonderful people that were responsible for making our First Walk a huge success. With over 500 walkers we far exceeded our expectations. It was both emotional and exciting and a day our org will never forget. It was a magical moment for our children and every child that attended with so much to do and all free.

Our walk benefiting the children already diagnosed will take place on Saturday, April 25th with a rain date of Sunday, April 26th. Our walk will start at the North Arlington Borough Hall 214 Ridge Road North Arlington in the parking lot and will end at Ripp Collins Field River Road North Arlington with a resource fair and carnival. Check in time is 10am and the walk will start at 12pm. There will be live entertainment, snacks, a resource fair and things for the children to do.

We are looking for walkers to start a team and get sponsors the first 100 individuals to register and collect $100 or more will get a shirt free. Lauren Ryan and Tara Banuls are our co chairs and have worked hard to ensure a very successful and fun filled walk.

We are also looking for Corporate Sponsors see link below to find out price levels and what you get for your sponsorship. You will find that you get a lot of advertisement for a lot less. We will have special performances also the day will be incredible so please join us register early to get your walk kit and start and start your team make a goal and try and achieve that goal. It’s for a good cause our children.

All interesed in walking on April 25 should come to our pre registration tea. Refreshments will be served while our co chair and the local Girl Scouts explain the walk day of events. You will register your team or yourself and get your packets that day. Many valuable pieces of information to share to make your walk team successful.

This Sunday February 22nd 3pm Senior Building 214 Ridge Road North Arlington in the Borough Hall Parking Lot please come children welcome and please Walk so we can continue to give children with Different Needs Choices!

We would like to thank SIMS Metal Management for their generous donation as a corporate sponsor in our upcoming Hearts 4 Autism Walk in April. We would like to thank them for always supporting us and our mission to give children with different needs the choices they deserve. Please visit their website for more information about this wonderful corporation.

Our very own SPARKS Cheer Dance Squad had the honor of meeting and hanging with the Nets Dancers at the Nets private gym recently. The girls did warm ups with the dancers and performed our routine for them and then watched the Nets Dancers perform their routine and they were star struck! Thanks to the Nets Dancers for making our girls feel incredible. They gave them autographed pictures, tee shirts and more important gave them something they won't soon forget! What a memorable night for all.

click on photo for larger image

Please join our Special Angels "Shooting Stars" as they play members of the Lyndhurst Police Dept on March 21st at Lyndhurst High School starting at 6:30pm. Special guests will include Sly the Nets Basketball Mascot. Mayor Di Lascio and Paul Passamano will be playing on the children's team. Tickets are $5.00 per person and there will be refreshments and an ad journal for any business that would like to advertise. For more information please contact Debbie or Tara at 201-966-8738.

We have been asked by the Bergen County Special Services to share an office space in Paramus 2 days a week at their CAPE Program a one stop shop for autism this is a very big honor for us. We will have the opportunity to get more help for our parents and more connections to speaker meetings and the opportunity to use their facility to host speaker meetings and workshops. I would like to thank the BCSS for their confidence in our programs and for feeling that our organization is capable of providing quality services for children affected by autism and other different needs.

We started our Cheer/Dance Program, our Exceptional Dance Program and Social Skills Groups (there are 3). We are in the process of starting adaptive Tennis, Life Skills Group, Karate and more.

We have hosted many wonderful and informative speaker meetings to educate our parents and we are very proud of our Hinkle Finkle and Prior 4 part series taking place in December and January. We are lucky to have Erica Goodman working with our parents teaching them how to get therapies including ABA covered by our insurance companies and we have many wonderful speaker meetings coming up check our calendar at www.specialangels.eboard.com password sports to find out what is coming up next.

Our upcoming Motorcycle Run in May and our Walk in April are very exciting please contact Debbie or Tara at 201-966-8738 for more information.

DR. BARBARA FIRESTONE SPEAKS ON AUTISM

Putting the Pieces Together is proud to host an evening
with Dr. Barbara Firestone President, CEO and Founder of
The Help Group, the largest and most comprehensive
non-profit organization of its kind in the U.S. Dr Firestone will
be speaking about her new book Autism Heroes: Portraits of Families Meeting the Challenge on Monday, November 12th 2007 at 6:30pm at the North Arlington High School Auditorium 222 Ridge Road North Arlington.

Dr. Firestone is widely recognized for her leadership, vision
and innovation in the autistic community and was appointed Vice Chair of the newly established California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism. She recently spearheaded the effort to launch The Help Group National Autism Foundation
and collaborated with UCLA Semel Institute to create The Help Group - UCLA Autism Research Alliance. At State and National levels Dr. Firestone is committed to promoting autism awareness, early identification, intervention and the
expansion of education treatment and opportunities for children, adolescents and young adults.

In her book, Dr. Firestone provides a compelling and sensitive account of the experiences of families from different walks of life. Even celebrities normally protective of their personal lives, open-up on this difficult subject to inspire others just beginning the journey. Actor Gary Cole and his wife Teddi vividly remember the day when the word autism came into their lives: “The doctor said, ‘I need you to know that I’m leaning toward autism.’ And our brains just stopped.’” Several other
well-known celebrities include John Schneider and Joe Mantegna among others.

The stunning black-and-white photographs of Joe Buissink perfectly complement the intimate testimony of these
families. A regular contributor to In Style magazine, Buissink’s
award-winning work also appears in People, American Photo, Gourmet, LA Times, LA Weekly and Los Angeles Magazine. Kelsey and Camille Grammer, Susanne Daniels of Lifetime Entertainment and Amy Brennena of Judging Amy and NYPD Blue are a few of her circle of friends and she has been featured on ABC, Larry King and other TV shows.

This is a must attend night for anyone that knows someone affected by autism or someone that is a special needs educator. For more information about Dr. Firestone please go
to www.thehelpgroup.org and for more information on this limited seating event please call Debbie or Tara at 201-966-8738. Copies of her book will be available for purchase and book signing will take place after her question and answer segment of the evening.

SPECIAL NEEDS CHEERLEADING/DANCE TEAM

Putting the Pieces Together and Special Angels Recreation are proud to announce a new program they are offering. “SPARKS” which stands for Special Angels Recreation Kids is the first ever cheer/dance squad that will be showcased at competitions and professional sports half times on New Jersey.

Registration is being held on Thursday, November 8th at 7:30pm LaSalle Center 200 Ridge Road North Arlington, between Dunkin Doughnuts and Queen of Peace Church side ramp entrance. Girls between the ages of 8 and 18 will be practicing on Monday evenings between 6pm and 7:30pm in Lyndhurst more information will be given at registration. The fee for registration is $40.00 which will help pay for the cost of the custom cheer/dance uniforms.
Please download the registration form and flyer below.

Sparks Flyer Sparks Reg Form

Any questions concerning the league you may ask at registration or call Debbie or Tara at 201-966-8738.

PTPT’s First Annual Tricky Tray

Putting the Pieces Together is planning our first annual tricky tray on Wednesday April 16th, 2008 at San Carlo Restaurant Stuyvesant Avenue Lyndhurst. Doors will open at 5:30pm and the full buffet dinner with carving station will be served at 7:00pm and tickets will be drawn at 8:45pm. Our committee
is working hard to assure this to be the finest quality tricky tray with great gifts and fine dining. Tickets are on sale now and you can purchase them by either stopping into the LaSalle Center 200 Ridge Rd North Arlington any Thursday night from7:00 pm to 9:30 pm or by calling Debbie or Tara at
201-966-8738 or Lori Panico at 973-980-3988. Anyone interested in donating either a basket, Gift Certificate, monetary donation to purchase supplies and larger gifts or a prize should call the above numbers or stop by the above address on Thursday evenings. Proceeds will directly affect
our children in the support group and recreation league.

PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER HONORED
BY ASSEMBLYMAN

Debbie Wertalik, Assemblyman Schaer and Jenifer Langer from Amerigroup

Putting the Pieces Together Support Group has been together since July 7, 2005 and has since tripled in size. Membership has grown in the support group but more importantly membership in the recreation league has doubled in size reaching a year round total of over 100 children playing sports.

In a recent ceremony at Volunteer Stadium in Lyndhurst Assemblyman Schaer honored the group and along with Amerigroup presented them with the Champions of Children Grant. Assemblyman Schaer, an advocate and bill writer for autism, was very impressed by what he saw at the field. There were children running and laughing, families video taping and snapping pictures and just enjoying the day on the field. “They forget about their daily challenges and just come here to celebrate their children,” says Wertalik. The support group educates and supports families affected by autism with speaker meetings and workshops and enhances the lives of the children by offering appropriate sports leagues and leisure activities.

This is the first grant presented to the group but not the only time this group was honored this week. A few days after the presentation at a Lyndhurst Revenue Meeting the group was praised by Mayor Di Lascio, Assemblymen Schaer and Scalera and Senator Sarlo for their dedication to the autistic community. This group has come a long way in a short time and I believe it will continue to grow as there is a growing need for services for children with special needs. “We are the baby boomers of autism and until there is a cure the need for these services will grow. We need to work together to ensure that our children have a chance to give back to society by getting quality education and extra therapy along with recreation programs to help foster their fine and gross motor skills and socialization skills.” says Wertalik.

The group is always open to new members if you are affected by autism and would like to check out the group you can email them at puttingthepiecestogether1@comcast.net. You can check out their websites at www.specialangels.eboard.com password sports. The group meets every Thursday at 7pm at the LaSalle Center, 200 Ridge Road, North Arlington.

Anyone interested in volunteering to help with the sports leagues or donate their time to the group in any way please contact Debbie or Tara at 201-966-8738

North Arlington and Lyndhurst Fire Depts. v.
Special Angels Recreation parents. Softball for Autism

We won 16 to 9 it was incredible. Marcia and Tara were
great coaches and everyone worked hard to win. I couldn't
do without Lisa and her friend Lauren they helped out in the hottest announcers booth ever. Our team was the best they
all worked hard and came through and our volunteers Judy, Jill and Mike, Jen W, Jen B, Colleen, Jim, Wayne, Sal, Adam, Sharon, John and his friend, Tori, Katelyn, Kim, and all the others that helped we couldn't have done without.

We won in more ways then one because we managed to spread autism awareness to more then 160 people. The American Legion was there to present colors as Anmarie sang the National Anthem Mayor DiLascio spoke and I spoke and then we played ball. Lori was in charge of playing games with the spectators in-between each inning and gave away prizes donated by Z100 and Q104.3 ( Kat Deluna autographed tee shirt Plain White T autographed shirt, 3 cds and the first season of JAG to name a few prizes we gave away) and a wonderful women Lynda McQue donated boxes of Clyde a stuffed animal in a baseball cap. We had a TV interview and 3 newspapers there. Sheriff Leo McGuire made a wonderful speech about autism and the weather held out though the doppler had me on pins and needles. Wayne took pictures for us and Campbell got a Sheriff's pin from Sheriff Mc Guire. Also some of Special Angels children got to take a picture with the Sheriff. There were zeppoli's soda funnel cakes pins water bottles stuffed animals shirts hot pretzels popcorn hot dogs Lyndhurst Pastry chocolate and lemon Italian Ice 50/50's ($345 was won and a good time. Thanks to John J as always he helped us out by donating hot dogs and his time. Thanks to Mayor DiLascio, Tom Di Maggio Paul Passamano Steve Tanelli and Al Granell for there support and thanks to the NAFD and LFD for their support.

Thank you to everyone that helped out and to all of our players. If you were there thank you for coming and if you couldn't make it I wish you were there.

http://www.civicstream.com/Lyndhurst/News/august.htm

Our own Lisa Jedrejczyk and Tara Banuls are designing a house flag for autism and PTPT we are very excited and when their project is completed you will be able to purchase a flag and hang it proudly outside your front door.

Tara Banuls just completed her second year of co chairing the NNJ Walk for Autism Speaks and the walk raised over $400,000.00 for autism research.

Two of our members Gene Wojna was just elected to the Carlstadt BOE and Sharon Granell was just elected to the North Arlington BOE.

We are planning our very first walk details TBA it will take place in 2008.

We are very excited to announce the Eagle Scouts of North Arlington are in the process of planning a afternoon of camping for our children.

Wayne Bardowell and Deborah Wertalik will be working on a video to show the upside of autism and showcase our parents at their proudest and our children at their best. We will be interviewing our active support group parents and children. This will be the first video that I know of that will be a positive and upbeat video on autism.

Deborah Wertalik will be meeting with Senator Sarlo Assemblymen Schaer and Scalera and Congressman Rothman in the near future appointments are already confirmed to discuss the future of our children and to make sure when our children reach the age of 21 there will be options for them to choose from.

NNJ AUTISM SPEAKS WALK

Our Vice President Tara Banuls is also Co Chair of the NNJ Autism Speaks walk for autism research. This year the walk was at Montclair State Yogi Berra Stadium (home of the Jackels) on Sunday, May 20th. Our support group walked along with the 4000 plus people that walked and the event raised over $400,000.00 for research. Our very own Councilman Granell attended along with our newest BOE member Sharon Granell, the NAFD had their big blue truck on hand for the children to enjoy. Senator Paul Sarlo and Assemblyman Gary Schaer gave wonderful speaches and Mary Calvi from CBS was there to MC the day. There were face painters, clowns, magic acts, Home Depot brought projects for the children to build, there was autism speaks puzzle piece tatoos, arts and craft tables and more. There was also food donations of Rita's Ice, Applegate's Ice Cream, Pizza, Drakes Cakes, Sorrento's Bakery supplied some goodies, juice, water and more. The day was beautiful the weather great and the circle of walkers were endless. Schools, businesses parents, entire families and friends came to walk for a cure. Putting the Pieces Together was a top 5 team last year raising over $12,000.00 of the $340,000.00 plus that was raised and the numbers are not yet in for this year. Money can be donated up until July.

WELCOME TO OUR WORLD ART AUCTION

Our support group sponsored an art auction at the GrayCliff Fine Catering in Moonachie with DJ Alex donating his time to dazzle us with his fine choice of music. The art pieces were displayed, bidding paddles were handed out, the room was filled with people with kind hearts and we were surrounded by great food. It was magical. Senator Sarlo & Weinberg spoke and brought tears to our eyes with their wonderful words of hope. On hand was Lyndhurst's Mayor DiLascio and his wife, the NAFD sent Robert Mulbacher and Robert Kairys to bid on a canvas of their Blue Fire Truck, North Arlington's Mayor Massa and his wife along with Councilmen Tanelli and Granell attended, North Arlington's newly elected BOE member Sharon Granell was there and lots of parents family and friends. As the pieces were auctioned off to the highest bidder you could see the proud parents tearfully feeling what every parent wants to feel. There was a DVD playing through the night of our children playing sports and having a great time at different events we had and you could see the guests amazed by our children and their abilities. Autism awareness is very important and that is why PTPT will continue to have events like this and our art show and action will be an annual event that I hope will continue to grow each year.

WORKSHOPS

PTPT sponsors many educational workshops to help parents reinforce the therapies the children receive in school and to know their rights. The only weapon we have against autism is education so we have armed ourselves to the fullest. We have completed a 5 part workshop that included behavior, communication, socialization in the community, eating habits and potty training. We have had many teachers, doctors and professionals and will be branching off to law making. SPAN offers a workshop "There Ought to be a Law" & "Civil Rights" which we will be offering in the future. We will also have training in ABA, Conflict Resolution (how to go to mediation and due process) advocacy and more. We are proud of the education we have offered our parents and other parents as our workshops and training programs are offered to anyone that loves a child on the spectrum.

PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER SUPPORT GROUP

is sponsoring an art show at the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission in Lyndhurst in 2007 so the people that visit the center can see the wonderful things our children are capable of. The art show will be showcased in March 2007 for the entire month and will include art work from the children associated
with our support group. We will be getting some help from
SBJC art teacher Ms Roberta and our support group will collect the 11 by 14 pieces and mount them at a weekly meeting and
then hang the collection March 2nd. The art show will be seen from March 3rd with a reception for the young artists and their families on March 4th and will continue through March 30th with our support group removing the pieces on the 31st. Please visit
our art show in March and enjoy compliments of Putting the Pieces Together.

MOVIE DAY

PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER SUPPORT GROUP

would like to thank the Williams Center in Rutherford for caring about our children. Each month the Williams Center offers our children a new release movie with unlimited popcorn and soda in our own private theater. Parents, family and friends fill the theater and enjoy a day out with their children in a relaxed atmosphere without being nervous that the children will not act appropriately. Most of us would not have attempted a movie but with the Williams Center and their wonderful staff we have been going to the movies each month and leaving with a smile. We look forward to continuing this outing for as long as the theater will have us. Thanks to the Williams Center our children and their families have seen some great movies.

LYNDHURST GIRL SCOUT'S TROOP TO EARN THEIR BRONZE AWARD

LYNDHURST GIRL SCOUT TROOP EARNED THEIR BRONZE AWARD

Putting the Pieces Together Support Group helped the Girl Scouts in Lyndhurst earn their Bronze Award by attending art classes at their troop meetings during the months of January and February. Our support group supplied the art projects and the Girl Scouts supplied the refreshments and helped the children do a different craft each week for 5 weeks. The sixth week we had a party to celebrate. Thanks to these wonderful girls our children had a great 6 weeks and I think the girls fell in love with our children and our children fell in love with the girls. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. I would also like to add that Tori Banarskas of the Girl Scout Troop grew such a bond with Tyler that she chose to enter a Dr. Seuss contest. One of Tyler's favorite books is Green Eggs and Ham so Tori wrote a beautiful story which was chose and appeared in the Record for the anniversary of Dr. Seuss. Tori didn't tell us but surprised us with her attendance at the NNJ Autism Speaks Walk and gave us a copy of the newspaper. She also brought her parents and they raised funds and walk for a cure.
http://www.autism-supplements.com