Crystal Coast Autism Center (Continued from page 1)
The Crystal Coast Autism Center, chartered in October 2012,
is a non-profit, grass-roots organization, the outgrowth of a
committed group of volunteers and an impassioned director,
Lynne Choate, searching for a means to provide their children
community-based services and resources. Every child’s needs are
different; every family’s needs are unique. “Our goal,” explains
Mrs. Choate, “is to listen to parents and understand their needs
and the needs of their children. ” The center’s mission is threefold,
• To provide resources and support for those who care for
individuals with ASD
• To identify areas of need for individuals and families
affected by ASD and to help them find the resources
available to meet those needs
• To bring individuals with ASD together to form
friendships through social events and shared interests
“Our mission is ambitious,” admits Mrs. Choate, “and can
be daunting at times.” Mrs. Choate further explains that the
countless hours spent with caring parents, who are pleading for
community-based services to help their children, replenish her
enthusiasm and build her energy.
The autism center is located at 5242 Highway 70 West in a
red brick home that was upgraded to be accessible to those with
disabilities and supplied with furniture, electronic equipment
and a lending library—all with the help of vcflunteers, grants and
generous contributions from local businesses. There is a large
fenced-in backyard and room inside for student groups and
parent classes.
Certified therapists provide occupational therapy and speech
therapy and also respite and mentoring services. An additional
provider. Embracing Differences, partners with the autism center
to coordinate therapeutic social skills groups for the children as
well as parent education classes. Other services offered by the
center include therapy dogs, music therapy, art therapy, parent
support groups and video behavior role modeling. The possibility
of a private school in Carteret County dedicated to serving the
autism community is being explored.
Presently, the center serves an average of 40 children per
week. Some of the children are home-schooled, and others access
services in addition to those received in their public schools. .
Some higher-functioning children need services that are not
offered in the public schools and benefit from the one-on-one
and group therapies provided at the center. Mrs. Choate states
that "parents tell us we are truly making a difference in their and
their children’s lives. We know there are many families in the
community that need us and many more businesses and civic
organizations who would be willing to financially support our ,
mission.” The center is presently applying for a grant, offered by
Bellagurl, Inc., for a professionally designed website to help raise
awareness of what the center has to offer families as well as how
those wishing to make contributions can do so. Pine Knoll Shores
resident Jean Turner, co-chair and treasurer of the center’s Board
of Directors, is spearheading the grant application process.
Plans for the future include applying for additional grants to
offer scholarships to families who could benefit from services not
covered by insurance. “Our hope,” explains Mrs. Choate, “is for no
child to be denied needed services due to finances.”
For further information about Crystal Coast Autism Center, go
to www.ccautismcenter.org or call 240-2255.
CONTENTS
Dining Out 4
Country Club News 6
Geek Corner 6
At the Aquarium 8
Garden Club 10
Pine Knoll Shores Commissioners’ Meeting 11
PKANews : 12
Fishing and Hunting 12
Mayor’s Memo 14
At the Library 15
Town Crier 16-17
PIKSCO Happenings .-. 19
Bridging the Gap 24
Women’s Club 27
Events Calendar 28
What's Up With PARC? 29
Historical Committee Update 29
Current Crossword 30
Previous Crossword Solution 30
Previous Sudoko Solution 30
Current Sudoko 31
Kramer’s Korner ....31
Public
Safety
Fire And EMS
Personnel participated in 152.5 hours of training during January.
There were 9 false alarms and false calls, all of which have to
be investigated; 2 fires; 1 good-intent call; 2 hazardous conditions
(no fire); 12 rescue and emergency medical service incidents; 2
service calls; and 1 severe weather call.
Police
During January a total of 1,525 events were recorded. These
included 18 investigations for 31 offenses, including a rape (an
arrest was made); 8 arrests for 16 charges; 1 accident; 9 citations
for 12 charges; and 15 warning tickets. Other incidents included
2 assaults, 580 beach access/park checks, 2 disturbances, 81 extra
patrol requests, 75 residential foot patrols, 122 business foot
patrols, 6 “I’m OK” calls, 7 mutual aid/assist other agencies, 4
unlocked doors, 66 stationary traffic observations, 12 suspicious
people/vehicles, 5 trespassing incidents, 1 impounded vehicle, 4
well-being checks, 3 hang-up calls to 911,6 activated alarms, 11
assist fire/EMS, 3 reports of damage to property, 1 domestic, 5
calls for K-9 search, 3 motorist assists, 91 residence checks. Two
subpoenas were issued and 6 warrants were served.
REMINDER: Lock your doors and report suspicious people or
vehicles to the police department.
n /The^7.
dboreiine
252-247-4353 ext. 19
e-mail: Shoreline@townofpks.com
www.townofpks.com
EDITOR:
Janie Price
240-2365
EDITORS AT LARGE:
John Brodman 726-7643
Marilyn Brandt 919-828-4231
Carla Dowler 808-3945
Betty Johnson 247-7389
Sherryl Janosko
910-362-8765
Phyllis Makuck
Dennis Tomaso
CONTRIBUTING
REPORTERS:
Yvette Bannen
Jacquie Pipkin
Charlie McBriarty
Jean McDanal
Barbara Milhaven
Jim Scanlon
Richard Seale
Dan Law
Jim Turner
Marian Goetzinger
726-8776
622-4400
240-1528
622-0340
726-0602
240-0678
726-4174
726-0478
222-4356
240-2474
726-9879
CIRCULATION MANAGER:
Scott Sherrill 247-4353
PHOTOGRAPHER:
Dan Law
222-4356
ADVERTISING:
Marie Lawrence 726-7081
ARTICLE DEADLINE
DUE DATE
ISSUE
Fri., Mar. 14
Apr.
Mon., Apr. 14
May
Fri., May 16
June
Mon., June 16
July
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Aug.
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Sept.
ADVERTISING DEADLINE:
The 19th of the month prior
to desired issue
Articles always welcome.
March 2014 LvTh@ Shorqiine.
3.