Hidden Treasures offers a wide range of weekly classes and matches students with experienced creative arts specialists. Each class runs for 12 weeks and are held at the Richard G. Rosenthal JCC, 600 Bear Ridge Road, Pleasantville, NY.
The appropriate placement of each participant is an important component of the program. We recommend that you contact Lucille McCarthy at 914/439-5129 or htreasures@optonline.net prior to registering a student for class.
Arts & Crafts offers students the opportunity to create based on their individuals talents and interests. Classes have included sewing, flower arranging, woodworking and jewelry making. New classes are often added based on students' suggestions and to expand on the current program.
Christa Zago, Arts & Crafts
Carol Robotham-Grant, Arts & Crafts
Chavewan Kwanmuang, Arts & Crafts
Studio Art In Studio Art, students develop their creative skills as artists while broadening their appreciation of the fine arts. A variety of techniques are explored including drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, media exploration, and sculpture. Student Comments Roberta - I like coming to class because I like to meet people. Jenny - I learned a lot that I didn't know. My parents didn't ask me to do this; I chose it on my own. Margaret - I don't know how good I am, but I like doing it. Marty - I like to show my art to other people. Jimmy - I feel proud and happy when I see a finished art piece.
Debbie Shaw-Appel, Studio Art, Modern Dance I and Tap
Creative Writing Students use writing techniques to find new ways to express feelings, thoughts, and to share the important events in their lives.Exploring description and metaphor, rhyme, rhythm, and sense memory, they write about a favorite memory, the signs of Spring, a special person. Each participant has a unique voice, and here they can let their individuality shine. Student Comments Suzanne - I like to write poetry that rhymes. Rachel - I like to write my thoughts down, and my feelings. Stephen - This is fun!
Kate Gallagher, Creative Writing
Dance Kinetics
Dance Kinetics is where yoga and dance meet. Studetns explore the supple fluidity of their bodies and awaken the chakras (the body's energy center) guided movements; spontenaity, improvisation and play facilitate deep openness and healing. Student Comments:Loreen - A peaceful feeling. Jenny - A calm feeling. Nancy - I like Carol. Kelly - I feel free.
Carol Taggert, Dance Kinetics and Tai-Chi
Tap
The emphasis of the Tap class is technique. Students are taught complex dance moves and footwork. This class requires a lot of concentration and dedication from the students to learn very difficult tap skills. The students work hard and are rewarded with learning an advanced form of dance that few people can master. Student Comments Donna - I come to Hidden Treasures so I can be a star on stage.
Debbie Shaw-Appel, Studio Art, Modern Dance I and Tap
Musical Drama
Classes in drama and song present a unique opportunity for students to work on and enjoy the many aspects of stage performance. Confidence and self esteem are nurtured through exploration of students' creative abilities. Improvisation, stage presence, timing, projection and self expression through various theatrical pieces are incorporated into these classes.
Billy Ayres, Musical Drama
Modern Dance
Dance choreography present the opportunity for students to learn diferent styles of dance, to dance as a troupe, and to express themselves through the freedom of movement. The emphasis is on learning simple fundamental dance moves while enjoying the freedom of expression dance offers. Student Comments: Sheila - I like to learn different dance steps so I can be in the talent show. Frankie - I've always liked to dance. Samantha - I'm happy here.
Sally Miller, Modern Dance II
Tai Chi
Tai-Chi is a subtle martial art. Students who take this class will experience a feeling of peace and stillness. The class starts off with stretching, goes through fourteen Tai-Chi movements and ends with a final guided meditation.
Volunteerism
Hidden Treasures welcomes volunteers to help run the program. Click here for more information on How To Help.
Mercedes Minoff has been a loyal HT volunteer for the past seven years.
Assistant Director
Diane comes to us with 15 years of experience in office management and in special education.Previously, Diane worked for a well-known publishing company as an Executive Assistant in Finance and Telecommunications where she pioneered a calling card program for employees worldwide.After her second child was born, she introduced telecommuting to her department and was the first employee to work from home.After her third child, Diane took a position as a special education aide for a local elementary school.Diane truly enjoys working in special education, which is evident in her new position here at Hidden Treasures.
Diane Ramge, Assistant HT Director
Director
Ms. McCarthy began her career in the restaurant and catering services business where she “learned how to be patient, tolerant and respectful of others while wearing many hats from waitress to captain to Assistant to the Matre’ D.”
She began working with developmentally disabled people in 1992 after securing a position at Community Living Corporation.She has found this to be the career she is most proud of.In 1997, Ms. McCarthy and a friend and the parent of a disabled child co-founded Hidden Treasures to address the needs of community integration and social interaction of disabled adults while broadening their creativity.Today, Lucille is a resident manager at CLC and Director of Hidden Treasures, which is now sponsored by the CLC Foundation.
