31st Annual NJ Autism Conference in Atlantic City

This past weekend I attended the 31st annual NJ Autism Conference in Atlantic City.  Governor Christie was scheduled as a keynote speaker and was a no show!  A good highlight was Julianna Kusz was in attendance.  She is the Director of Special Services for Millburn Township, and I saw her buying books from Brooks Publishing for our township!  Brooks Publishing is definitely a friend to Millburn, for the third year in a row they have given us books. Each year I have brought some books home to our town that are housed in the Hartshorn Elementary School. We (MSPEC) considered the public library to house these books, but we wanted those teachers (many of whom are not town residents) to also have access to these books. 

I have added 5 new titles to our library this year.  They include "Social Skills and Adaptive Behavior in Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders", "Autism Services Across America", and "The Special Educator's Toolkit".  I also purchased 2 books that may be found in the library titled "Autism in the family, caring and coping together", and "The Principal's Handbook for Leading Inclusive Schools" (that one I gave to Mr. Frattini, the school's principal).  All that you need to do is go to Hartshorn's library or contact the librarian to check these books out under your child's name. The teachers may check these books out as well.  

As for the conference, my very best take away (besides the books) was to learn that there is a new rise in higher education programing for people on the spectrum.  It was stated in more than one of the seminars I attended how people affected by autism spectrum disorder have many strengths; along with more and more employers are looking for individuals that can provide attention to detail, engage in savant thinking and commit stern dedication to tasks.  Most individuals on the spectrum possess these types of attributes, and with the right help and support go on to lead healthy normal lives. The school programs will aim to foster a bridge regarding chosen career paths by individuals on the spectrum and employers seeking those strong characteristics.     

The future looks bright.  Enjoy the books. 

Strategic Planning in Millburn Township Public Schools/ Professional Development

The first day I dropped my son off at kindergarten the red flags went up.  I realized his regular education teacher received little to no training from the school prior to my son's entrance to her class concerning his disorder. While it is not mandated that the regular education teacher received this type of training, it seemed like a missed opportunity (especially for my son). Since the teacher said she knew not much about his disorder, I have made it a mission to figure out a positive way to help support the teacher's who help my son.  Along with donating a small library of special education books housed in the school, I have gotten involved with the school districts strategic planning process.  I helped with gathering the data and research, the planning, and now we are up to the action.  The following article from the patch is a snap shot of where this process is in it's implementation.  I think one of the most valuable parts is that the district has created a "hub" ("Millburn University") where teachers can access and share professional development opportunities.  I am happy and proud to be a part of this process.  See the following article from the local Alternative Press:

Millburn School Officials, Residents Begin Implementing Strategic Plan Process

Keller Williams Realty Short Hills House Tour Benefiting Autism New Jersey

Yesterday was the 1st Annual Keller Williams Realty Short Hills House Tour Benefiting Autism New Jersey.  The event was a huge success and raised a lot of money to be used to develop Classroom Packs to support teachers in spreading autism awareness and building acceptance of others.  

I felt proud to have been able to contribute to my community in such a unique way, by providing an opportunity for people to see the housing market inventory and have a delightful day out with friends all while helping to provide a means to give teachers tools for extra character education in our schools.  

Everyone involved seemed to enjoy themselves, and some people were even out house hunting.  It seemed to be a "Win - Win", said Cara Moxley, one of the Brokers of Record at Keller Williams Realty.  The tour consisted of six fabulous homes in Short Hills, NJ ranging from approximately $1.5M to $5M.  The concept was well received, and I will definitely do this type of House Tour again in the Fall or in April in honor of  Autism Awareness month.  I am also considering planning this type event in other neighboring towns.  

Let me know if you have any interest in participating in the next tour!!!!!  

171 Tennyson Drive, Short Hills, NJ

Melanie Rosenbaum, Tour Organizer

My new BFF, Polly Tedesco.  She's a House Tour Blogger!
www.foyerist.com
(notice the special detail of the stair case behind me at 171 Tennyson)

Happy participants visiting 173 Tennyson Drive

Keller Williams Realty Sales Associate, Sherri Fischer poses with more happy participants!

Kitchen and Breakfast Area with Built-in Seating at 173 Tennyson Drive

The view you will see everyday when you wake up in your new home - the master bedroom ceiling!

Master Bathroom 

Keller Williams Realty Sales Associate, Emily Hans
points out one of her favorite features in the basement of 173 Tennyson Drive

Caring Kids Millburn Township has arrived!  Sharon Cohen and Kim Moore, Co-Presidents of the strongest character education program ANYWHERE participate in the House Tour!
www.caringkidsmillburn.com

Cara Moxley, Operating Partner of Keller Williams Realty in Summit & Short Hills
Listing Agent of 15 East Lane
I think this is a very special home in a beautiful quiet part of town!

Howard Bunn, Operating Partner of Summit & Short Hills Keller Williams Realty
inside the home at 15 East Lane
to see more check out BunnMoxleyHomes.com

44 Lake Road
Listing Agent, Elizabeth Winterbottom

Keller Williams Realty Sales Associate, Armin Lusinyants
answers questions about the home

A lovely home, on a lovely street in Short Hills.  In fact, I used to live on this street!
425 Long Hill Drive

Keller Williams Realty Sales Associate, Saritte Harel welcomes tour goers into her listing at 30 Robert Drive

Couldn't be prouder!  Pictured left to right:
Dr. Stacey Tavel local Pediatrician and Co-Chair of Cookies for Cancer, Melanie Rosenbaum, Allyson Garbowitz,
Dr. Karen Borofsky, Radiation Oncologist, and Dr. Lisa Pivawer, local Pediatrician
All Short Hills residents!

Thank you so much for your support and donation for Autism NJ's Classroom Packs.

So now that everyone has seen these amazing homes, please help me spread the word to find the special people who will get to live in them!

Best, 

Melanie

KW Short Hills House Tour Benefiting Autism New Jersey, June 3rd

The first annual KW House Tour in Short Hills, New Jersey Benefiting Autism NJ is this Monday, June 3, 2013.  The House Tour Packs are still available and may be acquired at Keller William Realty in Summit at 488 Springfield Avenue on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and/or Monday from 9-5.  They will also be available at the Keller Williams Realty Short Hills Office on Monday, June 3rd from 9am - 12noon located at 518 Millburn Avenue.   With a $20 donation, that goes directly to Autism NJ, individuals may still receive a tour packet and participate in this great fundraising event.

The following is the link to print the registration form:

http://www.realshorthills.com/real-asd-blog/keller-williams-realty-house-tours/