December 21, 2016

CONNETQUOT TEACHERS ADOPT TWO LOCAL
FAMILIES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

(l-r) Program Director Jacqueline Dwyer, Christine Dassler, CTA President Anthony Felicio, Jr., Carolyn Paul and Kathleen Meade.

Bohemia, NY -- On Tuesday, December 20th, Connetquot Teachers Association (CTA) President Anthony Felicio, Jr., along with members Carolyn Paul and Christine Dassler took a short trip to the Cohalan Court Complex in Central Islip to make a delivery! Working with Cohalan Children’s Center supervisor Jacqueline Dwyer and program aide Kathleen Meade, the CTA ‘adopted’ two local families and dropped off toys, games, books, clothes and gift cards for those needy families. Additionally, the CTA dropped off boxes of clothes, toys and books for use at the Children’s Center.

"To know that in a small way the CTA can make the lives of children and families happier, bring smiles to their faces, and make the holiday season brighter and more joyful, brings our members great joy and happiness as well,” said CTA President Anthony Felicio, Jr. “Teachers exemplify thoughtfulness, kindness, and generosity throughout the school year inside and outside of the school house, but doing so around this time of year brings warmth to all of our hearts."

The Children’s Center at the Cohalan Court Complex, which is operated by the Education & Assistance Corporation (EAC), provides a safe environment for youngsters while their families are involved in court proceedings. For more than a decade, the Connetquot teachers have supplied children’s books, healthy snacks, bottled water and fruit juices, tissues and paper towels to be used by the youngsters visiting the center. The Center is open 5 days per week, from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M., and has serviced over 1,000 youngsters last year. Connetquot teachers have also provided hats, scarves and gloves for the children that visit the center. When children leave the center with their parent, they leave with a new book, and warm clothes.

According to CTA member Carolyn Paul, “This was an amazing experience. So many donations by Connetquot teachers, and the association, make me realize that we really do work in the best school district on Long Island!”

Christine Dassler, CTA President Anthony Felicio, Jr., and Carolyn Paul.


Toys, games and books for the Children’s Center at the Cohalan Court Complex in Central Islip.


Cartons of gifts, clothes, games, books and gift cards were donated to ‘adopted’ family ‘E’.

(photos credit: Joseph Maniaci)