Pilot Club of Sayville

Community Projects - Impacting in Communities near and far

The Pilot Club of Sayville Participates in Brain Awareness Event

The Pilot Club of Sayville is joining hundreds of organizations worldwide to increase public awareness of the advances and benefits of brain research.

As part of Brain Awareness Week March 16 through March 20, 2009, the Pilot Club Sayville will have displays and interesting, factual pamphlets available at the following locations – Bayport-Blue Point Library, Islip Library, West Islip Library, five (5) Islip Township Senior Centers, Southside Hospital, the library at Suffolk County Community College, Islip Township’s Town Hall West building and Sayville and West Islip web sites during Brain Awareness Week – March 16 – March 20, 2009 and longer at some locations.

Sponsored by the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives, Brain Awareness Week is an international effort uniting hospitals, schools, government agencies, and community groups to expand interest in the brain and to provide information about advances in brain research and neurological diseases affecting more than 150 million men, women and children.

Pilot's focus on helping people affected by brain-related disorders was adopted in 1992. Since then, approximately 25,000 adult and youth members of Pilot International have been working together to increase awareness and raise funds for programs associated with this focus.

The Pilot Club of Sayville Brain Awareness tri-fold displays and acquirement of pamphlets were accomplished through the tireless efforts of long-time Pilot Club of Sayville member, Susan Kubelle and Charter member Dorothy Kubelle.

2009 Valentine's Day Luncheon at Sayville Project
Bottom Row: Chief Cook Claire Eberbach-Smith, Kathy Peters Back Row: President-Elect Nancy Lowe, Kathy Reksten, Directors Jane Wagner and Isa Zale.
Menu - Baked Spiral Ham, Salad, Peas and Carrots, Mashed Potatoes and Rolls topped off by
Kathy Peters' Almond Cheesecake Bars. A good time was had by all.

The Pilot Club of Sayville along with Pilot International Foundation is proud to have awarded scholarships to:

    • Violetta Bianucci of Sunnyside Queens. Violetta is pursuing her Masters/Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Hunter College and Columbia University.

    • Jennifer Heyman of North Babylon. Jennifer is pursuing a Bachelors in Childhood Education with a certificate in Special Education at St. Joseph's College.

    • Maureen Love of Farmingville (whose mother is PC of Sayville's very own Charter Member and former Governor Carole Meade). Maureen is attending St. Joseph's College for her Bachelors in Child Studies.

    • Denise Tirado of Shirley who is also attending St. Joseph's College. Denise is working towards her Masters in Special Education.
We are thrilled to have been able to grant them $4000 to further their educational goals.

Congratulations to all the winners!

Throughout the year, the Pilot Club works on numerous projects to assist groups or individuals improve their quality of life. Some recent noteworthy accomplishments of the Club are detailed below.

On 4/7/04 the Pilot Club of Sayville was thrilled to present an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) to Dan Eichner, President of the Youth Lacrosse League of the Islip's. This sports league has over a hundred children participating. It has been mandated recently that all schools have this equipment to provide immediate assistance to a person with cardiac arrest. However, some local groups such as the Lacrosse League do not have the money in their budget to provide this important piece of technology. We were so glad to be able to help!
The Pilot Club, through a matching grant from the Pilot International Foundation, has donated two computer touch screens and rhythm instruments to Special Friends With Down Syndrome. These donations will enable the children, who have trouble manipulating a computer mouse, to use the computer to enhance skills. The large, easy to hold maracas and egg shakers will allow them to express themselves through music. Pictured, is Denise LaBelle (left) of Friends With Down Syndrome, accepting the donations from Isa Zale, Pilot Club member.
The Club, aided by a matching grant from the Pilot International Foundation, donated needed equipment to the Long Island Head Injury Association’s Hy Feinstein Clubhouse, located in Commack. Items donated included recreational, cooking, and garden equipment, which will all be used to help in clients’ goals to regain their independence as they recover from head injury.
Wheelchair Platform Swing Donated
The Pilot Club of Sayville, aided by a matching grant from the Pilot International Foundation, has donated a wheelchair platform chair swing to the children residing at Angela’s House. This facility, located in Center Moriches, is Long Island’s first home built exclusively as a residence for severely handicapped children. Having this swing will enable the children to interact with their brothers and sisters in a playground setting. For information regarding the Association for Technology Dependant Children, e-mail us.
The PC of Sayville was there to help when Pal-O-Mine (a therapeutic riding program for individuals with disabilities) needed desperate and immediate help. This agency recently relocated to Islandia and has been very successful. A trailer was to be used for the Occupational Therapists to treat the clients prior to having them participate in the activities. However, there was no RAMP! The cost of this was not in Pal-O-Mine's budget. The Pilot Club was glad that they were able to donate the funds for this much needed adaptation. We look forward to working with this great organization.