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Winter 2012
A quarterly newsletter from Miriam: The Learning Disability Experts
In thIs Issue:page 2 A Message from Judi scissors
page 3 hOnK!
Chess Mates
page 4 Alumnus Profile: Peter neidorff
Miriam empowers through educationn
page 5 trivia night
page 6-7 Donors
Miriam Foundation
501 Bacon Avenue
saint Louis, Missouri 63119
office 314.962.6059
fax 314.962.0482
www.miriamfoundation.org
Accolades for MiriamMiriam honored for demonstrating exceptional business ethics and a strong community partnership.
November was a month of accolades for Miriam! On November 7, Miriam was presented with the Better Business Bureau’s 2012 TORCH Award at a ceremony held today at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel. The TORCH Award is given to organizations which demonstrate exceptional ethical business practices and customer service. Miriam was among 11 businesses and two charities to receive the award. Recipients must show creativity in their ability to manage customer expectations, provide excellent customer service and resolve disputes. They must demonstrate the ways they inspire their workforce to adopt and communicate their ethics and further their mission. They must embody truth in advertising and help foster ethics within their industry and community.
Miriam also received the Stellar Performance Award at Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis’ annual Champions for Children Summit. Miriam was one of seven organizations to receive the honor on Tuesday, November 13, 2012. Recipients are Variety partner agencies who exhibit the characteristics of an excellent partner to Variety in a collaborative effort to truly serve the whole child.
Miriam Board and Staff members attended the BBB Torch Awards ceremony on
November 2, 2012.
Front row: Judy Zafft, Carol Faust-Business Manager,
Joan Holland-School Director, Judi Scissors-Board President.
Back Row: Gretchen Davis-Immediate Past President, Michele Liebman,
Steve Rosenblum, Andrew Thorp-Executive Director, Paul Belfer.
Miriam Board and Staff members attended the Variety ceremony on November 13, 2012.
Left to Right: Andrew Thorp-Executive Director, Joan Holland-School Director, Gretchen Davis-Immediate Past President, Judi Scissors-Board President, Judy Zafft, Barbara Bindler, Karen Zorensky, Paul Belfer.
See Page 5
miriam F O u n D At I O n
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BOARD OF DIReCtORs
OfficersPresident Judi scissors
Immediate Past President Gretchen G. Davis
Vice-President of Programs Lynda higbee
Vice-President of Development Lawrence Langsam
Vice-President of Administration/Treasurer Bill Florent
Secretary Laurie Caro
At-large Michele Liebman
Board MembersPaul BelferBarbara Bindlersusan BowerLloyd BruceAmye CarriganCraig A. DailyMatt Fishertodd GentryLanie GoldenbergColleen hoganRaymond KleemanBerry Rounds LaneJennifer Lindenmayersusie LutenKim nazaruksteven e. RosenblumBarbara silverDon steeleAnne tolanDonna Wendeltrish WinchellCarolyn ZacarianJudy ZafftMorrie ZimringKaren Zorensky
Executive DirectorAndrew thorp
Advisory CommitteeGladys BarkerJackie BergmannMarcia BroddonMarilyn FoxJulie FrohlichsteinJudy GallMindee GallBettie Gershmansonya GlassbergMary Ann Leee. Bry LeftonLucy LopataBernice “sis” MangeBert MelchiorJoellen RubensteinVirginia sharpMarlene Zafft
A Message from Judi scissors
AwAr dsIn November, Miriam received two prestigious community awards in recognition of our work for children with complex learning disabilities.
On November 2nd, Miriam received the Torch Award for “exceptional ethical business practices and customer service” from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois.
Then on November 13th, Miriam received the Stellar Performance Award from Variety, the Children’s Charity of St. Louis, for “exhibiting characteristics of an excellent partner to Variety in a collaborative effort to truly serve the whole child”.
Li b rAry r e novAtionFor the last year, Friends of Miriam have been working to raise money for the renovation of the Miriam School library. Thanks to their efforts and the generosity of the community, the library is slated for renovation in summer 2013.
r e b rAn di ng e ffortsWhile Miriam has been providing service to the community for over 100 years, we remain relatively unknown in the broader community. Miriam has undertaken an effort to clarify our message to the outside as the “The Learning Disability Experts” providing comprehensive resources for children with learning disabilities.
MAste r fAci Liti es PLAnAs Miriam grows it has become apparent that space to provide our services has become a problem. Miriam has hired an architect to complete a Master Facilities Plan to accommodate improved facilities for the School and allow for Miriam Learning Center expansion.
e n dowM e nt e ffortsThis year we provided $700,000 in scholarships to 60% of Miriam School’s 92 students. A portion of these funds come from the income generated from our endowment. Our Endowment Committee has set a goal to raise an additional $200,000 for our endowment by June 30, 2013; to-date the amount raised is $90,000.
I look forward to keeping you apprised of our efforts on behalf of the children we serve at Miriam, and I hope you will be able to join us at future events and celebrations. Your involvement and support is what helps make Miriam strong.
Judi ScissorsPresident, Miriam
On July 1, 2012, I became the 61st President of Miriam. I am humbled by the legacy of the presidents that came before me; and it is with this legacy in mind that Miriam continues to find new ways to address the unmet needs in our community. Here is a brief update of what has been happening in the last few months:
miriam F O u n D At I O n
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A Production starring: everyone!
miriam F O u n D At I O n
This fall the halls of Miriam School were alive with the sound of music! In partnership with professional musical theatre company, STAgES St. Louis, Miriam students began preparing in October for an all-school production of “Honk!,” a musical version of the Hans Christian Anderson tale, “The Ugly Duckling.” From performing to painting scenery to running the audio board, every student had a role in the final production held for family and friends in the Mary Ann Lee gymnasium on December 18.
“Putting together an all-school musical was a wonderful experience for the Miriam School community,” says Joan Holland, Miriam School Director. “All of our students were encouraged to participate in some way, either on-stage or behind the scenes. Everyone learned great life lessons – how to work as a team, how to value each part of a project and how to appreciate the rewards that come from committing to a common goal. We are all thrilled with the outcome of our exciting partnership with STAgES St. Louis.”
Chess MatesMiriam’s weekly chess club is one of its most popular after-school activities. Offered for the past two years through the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of St. Louis, Miriam’s program is generously sponsored by donor Elissa Cahn.
Researchers and studies have long shown that participation in chess strengthens children’s mental clarity and helps them develop analytical and decision-making skills which transfer to real life. These outcomes are just as applicable for children with learning disabilities and, in many cases, a learning disability can actually prove to be an asset when playing chess.
Children with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum often prefer quiet, low-stimulation environments and possess a strong logical-mathematical brain and powers of intense focus; definite advantages when competing. Additionally, many students with dyslexia have a very strong visuo-spatial awareness which provides them with a better command of the chessboard.
HONK!THE MUSICAL
miriam n e W s
Alumnus Profile: Peter Neidorff
Miriam Empowers Through EducationMiriam Empowers is the annual speaker series for parents, educators, and professionals working to improve the lives of children with complex learning disabilities. All events are FREE and held in the Mary Ann Lee Gymnasium at Miriam School, but registration is required. To RSVP send your name and workshop preferences to [email protected] or call 314-968-5225.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at 6:30 pmGetting The Most From Your iPad & Mobile Device
Linda Bufkin, Ph. D., Joy Voss, Ph.D. & Jessica Leonard, M.Ed. of Saint Louis University
Mobile technology may be a new frontier to you as a parent or educator. This workshop will offer tips on how to integrate mobile technology effectively, lists of apps for grade school children with or without special needs, and recommendations about screen time. Don›t miss this interactive play-date to showcase some of the apps that can be used at home or shared in a school environment!
Friday, February 15, 2013 from 8:30 am - 12:00 pm Step Up To Writing: Create proficient writers with proven writing strategies!
Maureen Auman, MA, Author of Step Up To Writing
Hear directly from the author...National speaker Maureen Auman will share the basics about her highly successful writing program. Learn the tools of this research-validated, hands-on, multisensory writing strategy approach that helps students proficiently write narrative and expository pieces. Discover how to actively engage children in reading materials to improve comprehension and study skills. Complete sample lessons to see how this program fosters development of critical thinking, listening and speaking skills and helps establish writing as a process rather than as an end product. A must not miss event for any teacher!
Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at 6:30 pmMotivating the Twice Exceptional Learner
Dr. Jim Russell Ph.D., N.C.C., L.P.C.
This program will describe the real world experiences of the twice exceptional learner. Topics will include the neurobiology of learning and coping with emotional issues, including anxiety, depression, and fear. New research indicates that learners fail more often due to emotional factors, rather than cognitive ones. This is a brain-based lecture for teachers, parents, and professionals to help the twice-exceptional learner stay motivated.
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED SPEAKER
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Blessed with an amazing memory for faces and names as well as a passion to help others, Peter Neidorff is a natural in his position as Community Connection Specialist at St. Louis ARC. He started at St. Louis Arc, a United Way of greater St. Louis Agency, in 2009 and represents the agency at events to share its mission ‘to help people with developmental disabilities and their families by providing a
lifetime of high-quality services, family support and advocacy.’“Peter’s work ethic and commitment to promoting the
mission of the St. Louis Arc is inspiring. He never misses an opportunity to attend a community event that he believes will bring positive attention to the services we provide,” Kathy Meath, President and CEO of St. Louis Arc.
Peter’s present work has close connections to his past. Many Miriam families are served by the St. Louis Arc and Peter attended Miriam School from the fall of 1985 through the spring of 1992. He credits his time here with helping to shape the man he is today.
“During my time at Miriam I struggled most with how to
act appropriately in certain environments,” Peter recalls. “The teachers really worked with me on how to first be aware of how I was behaving, and then how to better control myself.”
After Miriam, Peter went on to graduate from Ladue Horton Watkins High School. After living for a few years in Florida, he returned to St. Louis and received two degrees from Webster University: a BA in Broadcast Journalism and an MA in Media Communications.
He began working for the St. Louis Arc in August, 2009, as an intern, moved into part-time work in March, 2010, and was promoted to his current title in April, 2011. While his official job duties certainly keep him busy, his commitment to helping others has fostered his involvement in other United Way agencies including Boys and girls Clubs of greater St. Louis, Epworth Children and Family Services, Life Skills, Saint Louis Crisis Nursery, and the St. Louis Society for the Physically Disabled.
When it’s truly time for him to relax, Peter can mostly likely be found supporting whatever St. Louis sports team is playing. After more than two decades of practicing martial arts, he also recently made the decision to hang up his black belt and work on his golf game. Out on the links he will undoubtedly make even more connections to help the St. Louis Arc and the many other organizations that are fortunate enough to count him as a friend.
“Peter’s work ethic and commitment to promoting the mission of the St. Louis Arc is inspiring. He never misses an
opportunity to attend a community event that he believes will bring positive attention to the services we provide.”
M i r i A M f o u N d A T i o N . o r g | M i r i A M N e W s 5
Quiz Master Sponsorship Includes eight event tickets, recognition on screen & on quiz sheets for 10 rounds Round Sponsorship Includes recognition on screen & on quiz sheet for one round
Non-member event ticket
Miriam member event ticket Includes 5 raffle tickets
I cannot attend but please accept my tax-deductible contribution
Miriam annual membership Valid for one year from date of purchase
Total:
$250.00
Check
Credit Card #
Signature
Method of Payment (check one)
Exp. date
Name
Address
Phone Email
______@
______@
______@
______@
Thank you!
$ 45.00
Miriam lifetime membership ______@
$ 500.00
=$___________
=$___________
=$___________
=$___________
=$___________
=$___________
=$___________
=$___________
=$___________
Table Sponsorship Includes eight event tickets ______@
$ 20.00
$100.00
$160.00
$ 20.00
______@
=$___________
Security Code
Doors open at 6 pm
Questions begin at 7 pm
$20 per person/$160 for table of 8
10 rounds of 10 questions each
Soda, water, and snacks provided!
Please return form and payment by Friday,January 18th to: Miriam Foundation ● 501 Bacon Avenue ● St. Louis, MO 63119 OR fax to (314) 962-0482
Questions? Call Miriam Foundation at (314) 962-6059
MasterCard Visa Discover
Proceeds benefit the
renovation of the
Miriam School Library!
VIP Table - only 4 available! Includes eight event tickets, a table at the front of the room, ten mulligans, and inclusion in all games (heads or tails, etc.) for the entire table.
$350.00
______@
CASH PRIZES for winners!!!
EXTRA fun including 50/50 Raffle Heads or Tails Dead or Alive
LeGACY sOCIetYAnonymous (2)
Jacquette Bergmann
Barbara & Daniel Bindler
‡elsie & Fred Block
susan Bower & stephen Leet
‡Diane Goldsmith- simon Cohen
‡Kate Cook
Gretchen G. Davis
George L. Diederich
‡stella Freund
Dr. Ira & Judith Gall
Bernice Garden
‡sidney Goldenberg
Lynda higbee
Judith LaDoux
hannah & Larry Langsam
‡Babs Levin
‡hazel Loewenwarter
Bernice “sis” Mange
‡Clarence Mange
Judy Mange
Marjorie Reiches
Judi scissors
Linda & James shubert
Barbara & Arthur silver
Gloria & sanford spitzer
Patti teper
Andrew & Lisa thorp
Anne & Joseph tolan
‡tesse B. Werner
‡edith Wolff
Judy & Jerry Zafft
Judy & Lon Zimmerman
(‡deceased)
For more information or to enroll, please contact the Foundation office at 314.962.6059. Thank you.
hOnORs AnD MeMORIALs FunDInG KeY Miriam School Tribute Fund (MS) • General Operating Fund (MT) • Jeffrey Scott Gall Memorial Scholarship Tribute Fund (JG) • Tesse B. Werner Music Fund (TW) • Stella M. Freund Educational Equipment Fund (SF) • Sidney Goldenberg, M.D. Technology Fund (SG) • Annual Giving/Scholarship Campaign (AG) • Miriam Learning Center (LC) • Library Renovation Campaign (LR)
Tribute funds provide a continuous source of revenue to the Miriam Foundation’s philanthropic programs. A gift of $10 or more will support the program of your choice. gifts of $25 or more are denoted by an asterisk (*). gifts of $100 or more are denoted by a double asterisk (**). All donations are tax-deductible. We do our best to recognize donors accurately. If we have made an error, please contact Jean Kertz at 314.962.6059 or [email protected]. Thank you.
Contributions should be made payable to: Miriam Foundation and sent to 501 Bacon Ave., St. Louis, MO 63119
In MeMORY OFMARVIN DUBA*Mary Duba (Jg)
ISABEL KAUFMANN*Dorothy Meyerson (MS)
DORIS McKINNISBarbara & Art Silver (Ag)
ERIC SCHUKAR*Sally & Don Friedman (MS)
GEORGE I. SERBEN**Nicholas Serben (MS)
CELESTE SINGERSusan Rich (MS)
ROBERT SLOSBERGBarbara & Art Silver (Ag)
NANCY STEELE**Jim & Betsy Backe (Ag)*Julie Frohlichstein (Ag)*Dr. & Mrs. Arthur gale (Ag)
ROSE SYMSACK*Laurie & Bill O’Connor (Ag)
BEA YOUNGBarbara & Art Silver (Ag)
KAY WILSON, JR.**Jane Wilson (MT)
In hOnOR OFMR. & MRS. DAVID ARONSONNew grandson – Jake Esther Lyss-greenstein & Harvey greenstein
(Ag)
FLO BLEUHSpecial BirthdayJoyce Berger (Ag)
SUSAN BOWERMiriam Board Member**Centro Modern Furnishings LLC (Ag)
ADELE CORSONSpecial BirthdayLinda Collier (MS)*Ruth S. Kaplan (MS)
KATHY HAMMERElizabeth’s WeddingSteve & Karla Rosenblum (Ag)
GALE ANN HURDStar on the Hollywood Walk of Fame*Dorothy Meyerson & Judy gorin (MS)
HONEY & LARRY LANGSAMHappy Holidays**Lee, Wendy, Meredith & Lauren Taylor
(Ag)
CAROL & TOM LASKERHappy HolidaysKatie, Todd & Madison Weinhaus (Ag)
CAROLYN LOSOS80th Birthday*Don Steele (MS)
BERNICE “SIS” MANGE99th Birthday**Suzanne Lasky (Ag)*Ken Mange & Family (MS)*Mike Mange & Family (MS)*Rich & Dallas Mange (MS)Leonora Sachar (MS)
ELIZABETH & BERT SCHWEIZERHappy HolidaysKatie, Todd & Madison Weinhaus (Ag)
ART SILVERSpecial Birthday**Ann & Stan Abrams (Ag)*Jean Agatstein & Les Loewe (MS)*Dr. & Mrs. Arthur Auer (Ag)*Peggy & Billy Cohn (Ag)*Carol & Tom Lasker (MS)*Andy Thorp (Ag)
CAROL WALL/Mitchell Wall ArchitectsHonor**Centro Modern Furnishings LLC (Ag)
Honors and MemorialsSeptember 15, 2012 through November 30, 2012
s P e C I A L t h A n K s
Gifts to Library Renovation FundJuly 1, 2012 through November 30, 2012
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NEWBERRY AWARD WINNER$10,000 and aboveMorrie & Miki Zimring
Show Me Reader$1,000 - $2,499Dr. Ira & Judy gallThe Staenberg Family Foundation
Bookworm$250 - $499Dr. Deborah A. Wienski & Mr. Ross Tallman
Reader$1 - $249Lieschen & Phill AllenLaurie & Joe CaroCraig DailyMr. & Mrs. Minot P. Fryer, Jr.Marge & Bill PlumleyKaren & Joe Sansoni
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miriam F O u n D At I O n
Scholarship Campaign DonorsJuly 1, 2012 through November 30, 2012
RUBY$25,000-$49,999Anonymous – 1
SAppHIRE$10,000 - $24,999Lanie & Milton goldenberg
pEARL$5,000-$9,999Energizer Charitable TrustMichele & Tim LiebmanVariety the Children’s Charity of
St. Louis
AMETHYST$1,000-$4,999Anonymous - 1Jean Agatstein & Les LoeweDr. & Mrs. Arthur AuerPaul BelferDr. Martin & Jackie BergmannThe Milford & Lee Bohm Charitable
Foundation Marcia BroddonAnna Marie & Harold Cobbgretchen Davisgeorge L. DiederichSuzie & Bill FlorentBettie gershmanHerman W. Heyman and Amelia H.
Heyman FoundationLarry & Honey LangsamBetty MoultonKim & Rick NazarukDr. Matthew and Jane NewmanJerry & Peggy RitterDavid & Karen RobnakCarl & Fay SimonsRuth & Alvin SitemanAndy & Lisa ThorpAnne & Joe TolanCarol D. WaltonErik & Donna WendelKaren & Fred Wolff
TOpAZ$500-$999Susan BowerThe Bystrom FamilyAmye & Dan CarriganReed & Melinda ConleyDr. William H. DanforthThe Ebb Point FoundationCarol FaustMatt FisherWalter gelberNancy KalishmanBerry Rounds LaneSusie LutenDr. & Mrs. David MeinersMiriam School Student Council &
StudentsChris & Molly MyersDon SteeleCarolyn Zacarian & David Poldoian
OpAL$1-$499Anonymous - 9Jack AbelsLinda AdlerAudrey & Leonard AdreonBarry & Jackie AlbrechtRobin & Scott AltonKatelyn AndersonJeanne & Arthur AnsehlAnne BaderSally Balmesgladys BarkerHarriet BaronJeanne Bauer Leslie BeckerWendy Bell & Steve WerdelJoyce BergerCharlotte BrownHarriet BrownZelda & Ronald BrownBeverly & Daniel BrysonLee Ann & Robert ClementCarol CliftMary CognataBob & Donna CohenMary Jo ConleyCraig DailyJeff & Debbie DalinLynn DegrooteJohn & Lisa DingaKim & Dave DonermeyerJoe & Cara DownsKay & Leo DreyIda EarlyBarbara ElbrechtSusie & Ted FaulhaberClifford FieldsYvette FobianDorismae FriedmanEunice garrisonJanice gittDorette & Ed goldbergElaine & Oscar goldbergWarren & Marcia Lee goldbergKim & Steve goldenbergMarilyn & Arnold goldmanRick & Sherri goldmanJo-Ann goldsteinAlisa gordon & Michael EmchSusan graber-Kadel & Kenneth
KadelJessica gremaudDolores grollmanKitty & Hanford grossEmily & Allen HagamanPhyllis HeilicherLisa & Matt HermannArnold & Myrna HershmanSamuel HeymanTerry & Harvey HiekenMr. & Mrs. M. Myron HochmanChristine & Bill HoffmanColleen & Michael HoganKurt & Michele JohnsonDebra & Stephen JonasSharon JosephMelissa Kelley
Wayne & gloria KaufmanEileen KeckJean KertzLinda KesslerLois KoenenAnn & Don KornbletLorraine LaidermanLori LambMolly & Nate Lattimergabe & Angie LavinDebbie LawlerRita LevisMatt & Diane LewisMr. & Mrs. David LiebermanElliot & Cynthia LippmanPaul & Molly LochnerCarole & Lou LoebnerDrs. Todd & Cynthia LucasJim & Diann LutzEsther Lyss-greenstein and Harvey
greensteinMargot & Ben ManheimerEdward & Patricia MarcanikRicki & Neil MarglousJean & Fallon MaylackJeanne McFaddenTracey Meade & Darryl TalleyRon & Paula MeyerDorothy M. MeyersonChuck & Suzanne MichelRachel MillerMr. & Mrs. Jesse S. Myer IIIYvonne NagleDr. & Mrs. Philip NeedlemanTam NguyenMary and Charles ParkerAndrea ParrishMiriam PessinCarrie PoelkerBreanne ReavesBeth RitterPatti RooneyRuth L. RosenSharon & Jeffrey RosenblumKaye & Joe SansoniBarbara SarbachBrian & Jen ScharfSylvia SchulteJudi ScissorsJeff & Celeste ScottSarah Scott
Samuel J. ScottAudrey ShanfeldBarbara SharpeCharlyne & Sanford ShifrinJoseph SilvermanThe Snow FamilyThe Frank & Bessie Spielberg
FoundationDon & Chris SteeleRabbi Jeffrey & Dr. Arlene StiffmanWilliam & Lisa StoverMaureen & Fred StrasheimCraig & Jenifer StrobeckKaren SuroffBert & Margie TalcoffJalyn TalleyKevin & Lori Vogt Dale & Kimberly Von HoffmannStanley & Priscilla WaldSteve & Nancy WeinreichTom & Tracy Welge & SonsKeith & Jo WheelerBarbara & Norman WielanskyDeborah WienskiWilliam B. Wilsongene M. & Marlene D. ZafftJudy & Jerry ZafftMr. & Mrs. Lawrence ZapfJim & Vicky Zimmerman
MATCHING GIFT COMpANIESAnheuser-BuschAT&TBank of AmericaBoeingCIgNAConocoPhillipsDean Foods CompanyExpress ScriptsMacy’sMerrill LynchMonsanto Pfizer, Inc.PNC BankReuters America LLCUS BankWells Fargo
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501 Bacon Avenuest. Louis, Missouri 63119
use your knowledge to
build our libraryJoin us for Miriam’s Trivia Night
on January 26, 2013!
See page 5.