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Community Corner

GE Hosts A Day at the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities from STAR

    42 adults with developmental disabilities from STAR recently enjoyed a day at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk with 42 young professionals from GE representing 15 countries. The international volunteers, visiting Connecticut for a GE leadership conference, spent valuable one-on-one time with STAR clients, explaining the exhibits and encouraging them to participate in the interactive activities at the museum such as the Touch Tank with sharks, jellyfish and manta rays, feeding the seals, climbing on the boat and equipment displays, viewing the boating and wildlife videos, playing the games and enjoying the special lorikeet exhibit with bird feedings. 

     STAR participants were transported to the event from over 15 different locations in Mid-Fairfield County including their group homes, shared condominiums, residential homes with their parents and guardians, scheduled activities and other locations that STAR serves. The STAR clients enjoyed a day at the museum with GE volunteers, plus a viewing of the IMAX movie, "Born to Be Wild" and a buffet lunch. 

     Katie Banzhaf, Executive Director at STAR, said. "Our participants eagerly await this annual outing each year with GE volunteers. It is always a very special day that provides them with the opportunity to share new experiences and learning opportunities with old and new friends." 

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     GE is a diversified technology and services company dedicated to creating products that make life better - from aircraft engines and power generation to financial services, medical imaging, television programming and plastics. GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs more than 3,000,000 people worldwide.  

     STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way is a not-for-profit organization serving individuals of all ages who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as providing support services to their families. They create opportunities for individuals to live full lives with independence, freedom of choice and personal growth by providing support, services and advocacy. They inform and encourage the community to recognize and appreciate the value of all individuals. For more information about STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way please visit their website www.starct.org.

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     For more information about STAR or to learn more about individual and corporate volunteer opportunities, visit www.STARct.org or contact Megan Johnson at 203-846-9581 x339.

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