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Walt Whitman Shops
160 Walt Whitman Road
Huntington Station, NY
Saturday, October 26, 2024
1:00pm
As part of our effort to show what people with differing abilities can do, John’s Crazy Socks will stage the third annual Fashion and Art Show called “Another Face of Beauty.”
The event will feature models, artists, and musicians who have differing abilities.
We are so excited to organize this event so people can see beauty in a new way.
AAlexia is a young lady with what she likes to refer to as “Up Syndrome,” as it best describes her vibrant personality! Currently a model, she's also studying Graphic Arts, and is a trainee at Gregorys Coffee shop. She aspires to have a career in the arts as an entrepreneur, as well as continue to spread awareness through her modeling. She is also a visionary, as the co-founder of an all-abilities cardio boxing program - ‘The BoxFitness Experience’ at New York Fitness and Boxing gym. Her weekly agenda includes art, acting, boxing and barre classes. She co-hosts dance socials for the special needs community and enjoys taking part in volunteer fundraising events. She loves immersing herself in her community!
CCarmen Luisa, 56 years old, likes to be called Luisa. She is from AHRC Nassau where she lives in a group home. Because she is the oldest one that lives in the house, they call her Grandma. Luisa enjoys playing games on her cell phone and doing crafts. Most of all, she enjoys making desserts with her staff. Her biggest idol is John from John's Crazy Socks. She loves watching his videos, and loves to wear crazy colorful socks. On the weekends, Luisa enjoys volunteering with her house mates, helping out at a homeless shelter and collecting clothes for the needy. During the weekdays, Luisa goes to a Dayhab where she is the council president.
DDaniel participates in nine Special Olympic Sports: Athletics, Basketball, Bocce, Bowling, Golf,
Equestrian, Floor Hockey, Softball and Power Lifting. Power Lifting is his favorite sport and his call
name is MR. USA. Daniel was selected for the USA Games in 2014 and 2022. His highest weight
lifted was 197 Lbs. on Bench which earned him a Gold medal. He also earned the Bronze medal
after lifting over 300 Lbs. Daniel is an Athletes Leadership
Council Member and an active volunteer helping to raise funds for the Special Olympics.
EEddie participated in the work experience program at John's Crazy Socks and will begin working as a sock wrangler this year. He is a very big fan of Rock-a-Billy music and listens to it all the time. Eddie also goes bowling twice a week and takes numerous walks, aiming for 10,000 steps a day! When he is not bowling, walking, or listening to music you can find him reading.
JJanissa, a trailblazing Special Olympics athlete, passionate self-advocate, and aspiring model. Her impressive achievements include gold and silver medals in both Floor Hockey and Powerlifting at The New York State Special Olympics Competitions. For over 10 years, Janissa has been advocating for the rights of individuals with Down syndrome. As co-founder of Janissa's World Inc., she empowers individuals with Down syndrome and different abilities to thrive through “The Janissa Believe and Achieve Scholarships,” embodying the transformative power of self-belief and determination.
JJohn has worked as a sock wrangler for John’s Crazy Socks since 2018. He enjoys joining in on the weekly John’s Crazy Socks Dance Party. John plays the electric guitar in the band “Dangerous Alliance.” They have performed at Napper Tandy’s Irish Pub in Smithtown. John is also a Special Olympics Athlete, participating in floor hockey and softball. John also excels at bowling with a high score of 267!
KKeira currently attends the RAMP Program at The Viscardi Center, but every chance she gets, she loves to attend Mets games at Citi Field. Her favorite player is Brett Baty and she hopes to one day be able to meet him. When not at Mets games, Keira enjoys listening to all kinds of music and talking on the phone with her friends.
MMaria participates in the RISE Program without walls three times a week. She also sings in the adult choir at St. Patrick’s Church in Huntington. She enjoys dancing, swimming and anime. In her spare time, Maria walks dogs and volunteers at the Thrift Store in Huntington. Last summer she visited Japan and tried on kimonos for fun.
MMasoom is a student at Suffolk County Community College who has worked as a sock wrangler at John’s Crazy Socks since 2021. He is an avid reader who loves Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and any adventure or fantasy book. Other hobbies include watching tv and writing journal entries. Here’s a fun fact about Masoom: he remembers everyone’s birthdays!
NNijah is 31 years old. She loves fashion, make up, anything that is glittery. Nijah lives in a group home where she is preparing herself to move out on her own to live in an apartment within AHRC Nassau. She works during the holiday season in a department store. Nijah's true dream is to visit Paris for fashion week.
NNoah, of Wantagh, has attended The Viscardi Center and is now a self-advocate for AHRC Nassau, where he acts as their DEI liaison. He also volunteers with the Marty Lyons Foundation. Noah loves sports and roots for the New York Mets and the New York Jets.
RRonald is a Sock Wrangler at John's Crazy Socks and he also works at The Gap. He is an avid traveler who has visited Peru, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Panama, Costa Rica, and, most recently, Cuba.
SSammmie will soon be turning 10 years old and she loves talking to her friends, listening to music, and cheerleading. She believes, "A good day begins with a good mindset." Sammie plays lacrosse for the Nassau County Special Needs P.A.L. League in addition to cheering for the Cougars Basketball Team at Henry Viscardi School. Each year she looks forward to participating in the Nassau County Games for the Physically Challenged and was even interviewed by Newsday after competing in the 60 Meter Wheelchair Race. Sephora is one of her favorite stores. "Have a great day!"
SSandra, 50 years old, may be quiet, but she has a big personality. She is from AHRC Nassau where she lives in a group home with five other ladies. When Sandra is home, she loves to clean, especially the dishes. She keeps herself busy by volunteering at a homeless shelter for veterans. She also enjoys bowling, arts and crafts and princesses. During the day, Sandra goes to work at a Dayhab, where she does paperwork and her word search.
YYonah was born with Down syndrome but that doesn't stop her. She lives in a group home where she is very independent. She loves Friday night wrestling (smackdown) and coloring pictures. On weekends, Yonah goes home to her dad's, where they have lots of great adventures, like going to the beach, and on boat rides. They have even been on a hot air ballon ride. Yonah works at the AHRC Nassau art gallery. Twice a year they have an art show where they display their artwork.
BBen Blanchet is a teen with autism who enjoys sharing his music abilities. He loves to write original music and bring joy to others through his songs. Ben is a songwriter and Spotify artist. He aspires to be a music teacher as well. Ben is also a social media influencer where he shares his journey with autism and teaches others to focus on what they can do!
FThe FREE Players Drum & Bugle Corps is the first differently-abled Drum & Bugle Corps/Marching Band in the world! The Corps was established in 2010 to provide new opportunities to people of all abilities, all across Long Island, NY, who are aspiring musicians, dancers, actors and athletes.
Chris Mitchell (director),
Leah Saitta, Laura Veraszto, Jonathan Friedland, Omar Riffat, Kevin Howard, Rachel Jerome, Thomas Barcia, Jeanine Saunders-Hooks, Sam Levine, Ray Roberts, Corey Snider, Danny Van Nostrand, James Hausmann
Color Guard:
Taylor Huertas, Tricia Garr, Andrea Matteo, Jonathan Amadeo, Lauren Danis, Casey Beirlien
The Spirit of Huntington Art Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that ignites the passion of students of all ages and abilities for creative expression that transforms lives. The Center is built on a foundation of love that fosters problem solving and free expression that can help nurture students of all ages through educational and pre-vocational training in our structured, safe environment.
