ANCHOR (Answering the Needs of Citizens with Handicaps through Organized Recreation) is a year-round recreation program dedicated to children and adults with special needs who reside within the Town of Hempstead. There is no cost to families of ANCHOR participants. It is in its 45th year.
These days, the only thing soaring higher than the 90-plus heat is the enthusiasm of the 300 high school volunteers, who, with the 200 professional staff members, make the six-week summer day camp a place of fun, fitness and creativity. Presently, the volunteers are participating in a Swim-a-thon in one of the three pools, where Peninsula Kiwanis and others have pledged a dollar per lap for costumes, equipment, field trips and other extracurricular activities. Campers jump and jive to dance music on the speaker system, anticipating pool play, swim lessons, or an organized trek to the ocean for a splash in the surf or a recreational swim.
Each counselor has his or her name printed on one of the many multi-colored tents throughout the camp. There, the campers are divided into groups according to their age (5 to 70 years old) and functioning level. Under the tents, activities flourish, encompassing arts and crafts, ceramics, dance, music, physical education, fitness, home economics, and games (ANCHOR has its own versions of “Jeopardy” and “Family Feud” too).
In addition, theatrical events are regularly staged, one of which (“The Wizard of Oz”) gained the attention of HBO and was made into a documentary.
Founded in 1968 by the Town Board at the request of a group of parents with special needs children, ANCHOR has grown from an after-school program with 50 children to a year-round program with more than one thousand children and adults. A true phenomenon!
Providing the most enjoyable, rewarding and worthwhile experiences for the Town’s special needs population is what public service is all about. I am proud to be a part of it.
Anthony J. Santino is the Hempstead Senior Town Councilman representing Councilmatic District Four. Those in need of his assistance or his service may contract him directly at 516-812-3200 or via e-mail at asantino@tohmail.org.
