Lighting Up the Spectrum - World Autism Awareness Day & Autism Awareness Month

Friends and Colleagues                                    

As we mark World Autism Awareness Day and step into Autism Awareness Month, we are reminded of the vibrant tapestry of individuals who color our world, each thread unique and invaluable. Autism Spectrum Disorder touches many, each person with their own challenges, triumphs, and journeys. At MarbleJam Kids, we see these individuals' potential, passions, and contributions to our community.

Autism Awareness Month is more than just a time for recognition; it's a time for action. It's a call to all of us to foster environments where everyone can thrive and share their talents regardless of their place on the spectrum. At MarbleJam, this ethos is at the heart of what we do. We provide creative, therapeutic, and educational interventions in the arts for children and adults, supporting them in succeeding and excelling in their personal and social environments.

This month, as we shine a light on autism, let us ignite a fire for change and inclusion. Join us in celebrating the diversity and capabilities of individuals with autism. But let's not stop at the celebration; let's commit to making a difference. Here's how you can help:

1. Educate Yourself and Others: Share articles, resources, and stories about autism. Understanding leads to acceptance.

2. Participate in Community Events: Whether virtual or in-person, community events are vital for raising awareness and building supportive networks.

3. Support Inclusive Programs: Programs like those at MarbleJam Center are essential for providing artistic and educational opportunities tailored to the needs of those with autism.

4. Donate: Your donations allow us to continue our mission. Funds go directly to art supplies, program development, scholarships for those in need, and much more.

5. Volunteer: Give your time and skills. Volunteers are the backbone of our efforts, helping us to expand and enrich our programs.

During this special month, let's pledge to be more than aware—let's be active participants in creating a more inclusive world. Every story shared, every dollar donated, and every new volunteer helps us weave a stronger, more supportive community at MarbleJam Kids.

Consider attending our event on May 9th! MarbleJam Celebrates 18 Years! Honoring Michael Tozzoli, CEO of West Bergen Mental Health Centers 

Thank you for standing with us. Together, we can make a world of difference.

Donate Today 

Creativity and the Brain - by Anna Villa-Bager

Engaging in creative activities has been shown to enhance brain function, particularly for individuals with neurological differences. Research indicates that creativity fosters unique patterns of brain connectivity, which can lead to improved cognitive abilities and overall mental well-being.

A study published in Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts found that exceptionally creative individuals exhibit distinct brain connectivity patterns compared to less creative peers. These unique connections are believed to facilitate innovative thinking and problem-solving skills. 

Further research highlights the role of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in creative cognition. The PFC is crucial for functions such as planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. Functional imaging studies have demonstrated that engaging in creative tasks activates the PFC, suggesting its involvement in fostering creativity. 

For individuals with neurological differences, such as autism or ADHD, participating in creative endeavors can offer significant benefits. Creative activities provide alternative avenues for expression and communication, helping to bridge gaps that traditional methods may not address. Moreover, the process of creating art, music, or writing can serve as a therapeutic tool, aiding in the development of fine motor skills, focus, and emotional regulation.

Incorporating creativity into daily routines can also enhance neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. This adaptability is particularly beneficial for those with neurological differences, as it supports learning and the acquisition of new skills.

In conclusion, embracing creative activities not only enriches cultural and personal experiences but also plays a vital role in enhancing brain function. For individuals with neurological differences, creativity can be a powerful tool to improve cognitive abilities, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life.

This video was a collaborative project between our film and art departments. It uses film distortion, music, and actual artwork created by our students. The result is Transcendence. 

Resources: 

https://www.psypost.org/neuroscience-sheds-light-on-brain-mechanisms-underlying-exceptional-creativity/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00761/full?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-024-07007-6

 

FILMJAM SUMMER INTENSIVE - NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS

With award winning director Raul Barcelona

Teens & Adults ages 13 & Up - limited enrollment

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION- 201-497-6512 or email info@marblejamkids.org

https://marblejam.org

NJ DDD & NJ DCF Authorized

Description: In this workshop, students embark on a filmmaking journey, exploring, along the way, all phases of production. Through a series of hands-on projects, students practice storytelling techniques, gain an understanding of film language, acquire technical skills in shooting, editing and performing. The workshop culminates in a final project in which students work together to develop and a produce a short narrative film. Overall Schedule: Week 1—Silent Film & Music Video Production

Silent Film & Action Driven-Storytelling

The Language of Film Shots

Basic Editing

Remixing and Editing to Music

Week 2—Short Narrative Film Production

Pre-production: Brainstorming, Scripting & Storyboarding

Production: Acting, Shooting & Sound Recording

Post-Production: Editing (May be finished after camp if necessary), Adding Music, Graphics & Sound FX

Target Skills:

• Visual and Verbal Communication
• Social Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Storytelling
• Computer File Management Film
• Language & Grammar
• Creative Expression
• Research and Troubleshooting Skills

Brief Project Descriptions: Silent Film:

Students shoot a simple 1 minute action sequence using only non-moving, static shots to tell the story of a continuous action.

Music Video:

Using only the 1-minute footage from another classmate’s Silent Film project, students create a short music video by remixing and editing this footage.

Final Short Narrative Film:

Having produced a silent film, students now collaborate on a narrative film they will produce through three major stages:

• Pre-production: Brainstorming, Scripting & Storyboarding, (Minimal) Set Design & Costumes
• Production: Production: Acting, Shooting & Sound Recording
• Post-Production: Editing

HACKENSACK, NJ, MARCH 4th, 2021 - MarbleJam Center for Creative Arts & Enrichment is pleased to announce the publishing of a new website www.marblejam.org. The new website supports a paperless campaign with a more comprehensive view of program and service details as well as news and events postings. The site will include an online shop of beautifully designed merchandise inspired and created by some of the students from fine arts canvases, photographic prints, to uniquely designed clothing and accessories. All merchandise will support the students, their portfolios, and aid in the fundraising efforts of the organization. 'We are excited to finally provide a website that truly represents the excellent programs and classes we offer.' - said Maria Trice-Jenkins, Advisory Board Member & Administrator.

About MarbleJam Kids Inc.

MarbleJam Kids Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and center for the arts and enrichment located in Hackensack NJ. Instructional art classes, creative arts therapies, and educational enrichment programs are provided to individuals of all ages both with and without special needs. Programs are housed in a fully ADA compliant facility equipped with studios for dance, fitness, music, art, drama, yoga, and educational enrichment. Therapists, special educators, teaching artists, and qualified support staff provide the optimal approach based on each individual’s needs in an environment designed for success. Learn more by visiting www.marblejam.org or click on the social media site links below for more updates and postings.

Simple Acts of Kindness Video

One of the many Special Projects we do at MarbleJam Kids... Promoting inclusion through kindness and acceptance.  It has been a pleasure and an honor to witness the growth and change of our participants over the years. Joey Travolta's Short Film Camp has enabled budding filmmakers to reach for the dreams.  This summer marks 10 years of bringing Joey and his team to Tenafly NJ.

MarbleJam Kids is dear to my heart. It evolved through pure will and determination, but like many other nonprofit organizations, we continue to be at risk.  Autism now 1 in 38 in New Jersey continues to challenge every family who manages the web of services and educational establishments to meet their diverse needs.  Mental health and the arts continue to take a backseat yet the need and potential are so evident.  The cost of educating and supporting a person with autism runs into the millions.  We do our best to supplement the cost to alleviate the burden on our families.  But we cannot do this without our community and people who see the value of what the arts brings to our most vulnerable children and adults.

Please consider supporting our efforts with a contribution or by attending our May 2nd Gala event!  More information can be found at www.marblejamkids.org  or please reach out to us at 201-497-6512 or via email info@marblejamkids.org


Anna Bager, Founder

MarbleJam Kids

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

4/11/2019

CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF LIFE BENEFIT

River Vale, NJ

Thursday, May 2nd, 2019

Cocktail hour begins promptly at 6:30pm

MarbleJam Kids 12th Annual Dinner Benefit - Celebrating the Music of Life

Edgewood Country Club, 449 Rivervale Rd, River Vale, NJ 07675 will host MarbleJam Kids, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, ‘Celebrating the Music of Life’, benefit dinner event.  The elegant remodeled Edgewood Country Club sets an elegant stage for the gala event with cocktails, dinner, auctions, dancing, under the spring warm air balcony.  MarbleJam Kids will honor the following individuals for their impact in our community and beyond; Jacqueline Laurita, Global Autism Advocate & Star of Real Housewives of NJ, Tom & Lucy Ott, Founders of David's Fund, Jodi DiPiazza, teen musical prodigy and Autism Ambassador, and Peter Demoleas, florist and outstanding volunteer.  Edgewood Country Club’s award winning Chef Jamil Barqawi will serve a delightful gourmet dinner adding his unique renowned style and impeccable taste.  Live entertainment provided by Willie Wilson and his band The Willies, a local favorite featuring retro, contemporary, and rock selections.  Special celebrity guests will be attending this exclusive event. Musicians Barron Raymonde, Tony Cerbo, and Chris Tristram, all of whom have performed with Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Joan Jett, Great White and others.

Founded in 2007, MarbleJam Kids provides creative arts therapies and adaptive arts and enrichment to children of all ages with autism and special needs. MarbleJam Kids Center for Creative Arts Therapy provides a safe space for exploration, creative expression, social and prevocational skills, with the support of therapists, special educators, trained support staff, and volunteers.  The facility is equipped with a dance, art and music studio and allows for both group and private sessions as well as adaptive arts instruction.  

MarbleJam Kids is a state authorized service provider through NJ Dept. of Health & Human Services and is dedicated to working with each family to ensure programs meet their child’s unique needs and abilities.  MarbleJam Kids has worked with hundreds of children, youth, and young adults in Bergen County and beyond, but may only continue to do so through fundraising and community support.

There are several opportunities for sponsorship support at this event.  Please contact Anna Bager 201-497-6512 or email info@marblejamkids.org for sponsorship and journal acknowledgements or for more information on how you or your business may benefit from this event.

Tickets may be purchased online at http://mjkgala19.bpt.me or visit www.marblejamkids.org for event RSVP form to submit check purchase. Ticket prices range 150-175 dollars with VIP at the higher end.  Children under 14 are welcome to attend at 100 dollars per ticket with childcare provided in the Edgewood Country Club game room. Cocktail attire requested.

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Press Contact: Anna Bager - 201-497-6512

email: anna.bager@marblejamkids.org

A Beautiful Voice Event Brings World Stage Artists for Autism

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A Beautiful Voice Event Brings World Stage Artists for Autism 

Sparkill, NY- Oct. 1st, 2017 – Quincy Hall, Union Arts Center 2 Union Avenue Sparkill, NY and Rockland County resident and opera star Anna Veleva presents a cast of outstanding world stage performers in support of MarbleJam Kids Autism Programs. This Sunday, October 1st, Ms. Veleva, who has received international acclaim as one of the most gifted and versatile sopranos, and her friends, vocalists Samantha Banton, and Alejandro Olmedo, Pianists Nadejda Vlaeva, Yikyung Diana Hughes, and introducing Ananya Gurumurthy, a young protégé recognized by Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth ("CTY") as one of the brightest middle school students from around the world, after participating in CTY's International talent search testing. Ms. Veleva and her friends have performed on world main stages including Carnegie Hall.

Autism incidences are at an all-time high. New Jersey ranks the highest rate in the nation with 1 in 43 individuals diagnosed, 1 in 28 of whom are boys. New York is a close second with 1 of 45 diagnosed. Adding to these numbers are the already large population of related developmental disorders and disabilities, creating a state of crisis in the social system of care. Tickets may be purchased in advance at $35.00 per person and student tickets at $20.00 per person by visiting http://uacny.com/event/beautiful-voice/ 

Students must provide ID at the door. Day of event tickets are $55.00 per person. A complimentary glass of champagne is included in the ticket price, and additional beverages and tasting plates – specially prepared by Halo and Horns Kitchen – are available for purchase.

About MarbleJam Kids
MarbleJam Kids, a 501c3 nonprofit organization launched in 2007 with their Social CATs Autism Program developed under the guidance of Dr. Suzi Tortora, a world renowned creative arts therapist. The program is a foundation and heart of the organization. MarbleJam Kids is an approved provider in the system of care in NJ providing services to over 500 individuals with autism spectrum disorders, related mental health conditions and special needs over the course of their tenure. MarbleJam Kids service center is currently located in River Edge, NJ and is moving to a larger upgraded facility in Hackensack this November.  The hope is to duplicate the center to both Rockland and other neighboring counties in need of supportive services. All programs are supplemented through the fundraising efforts of its volunteer board of directors; the mission of which is to equalize the field of support necessary for all individuals to thrive as active participants in their own communities.
For more information about MarbleJam Kids, please visit www.marblejamkids.org