November 2019
ELA Site Coordinator Cristina Hughes with ELA Participant Rachel Kator celebrating Halloween! Follow ELA on Facebook here , and catch up with the rest of NSSRA's Halloween shenanigans here .
Winter Registration is Open!

NSSRA program registrations are processed on a first come, first served basis. We encourage you to register early as some programs have become so popular that they may reach their maximum capacity prior to the registration deadline. Registration closes on Friday, December 6 at 5:00 pm. 

Complete registration information can be found here:   How to Register

Whether registering online through WebTrac, or dropping the paper registration at the office or in the mail,  all participants must have the current 2020 Annual Information Form (AIF)  on file with the NSSRA office prior to registration. The AIF can be completed  online here  OR   printed and then mailed, emailed or dropped off to the NSSRA office. 

For more information or with questions, contact Superintendent Mel Robson at (847) 509-9400 x6829 or  registration@nssra.org .
Chicago Tribune Visits NSSRA's Future Home

"Michael McCarty, executive director of the Glenview Park District, said he’s 'absolutely thrilled' that NSSRA was able to purchase a facility that will give families a sense of belonging. 'The biggest benefit is for our participants — the kids, families and adults that are in NSSRA programs,' McCarty said. 'This gives us an actual place that is accessible and usable and that all can enjoy. We are no longer going to be in an industrial park.'" Read the full article here.
In 2020 NSSRA celebrates 50 years of commitment and service to our participants, families, partners, staff and communities! As the first SRA (ever!), we have so much to commemorate, and beginning with the new year we are going to do just that.  Learn more here.

Not only do we have a new home (!) and not only are we celebrating 50 years, but we also have a new tagline! NSSRA’s new tagline, “Play, Grow, Belong,” communicates the journey that participants and families experience as part of the NSSRA community. Play is the entry point for each individual, with the goal that every participant will both grow and find a place to belong, not just in programs, but in NSSRA’s 13 partner communities, with staff and with each other. Read more here.
News  & Announcements

This month, Becca Zajler celebrates her 10 year anniversary with NSSRA. She started as our Recreation Specialist for Youth Program and is curr ently our Recreation Manager for ELA, Gator Athletics, Trips and Interns. She leads with heart, manages with heart, serves with heart and advocates for every single participant with wholehearted dedication and expertise. Read more.

Come cheer on the Gators as they take on NSSRA's newly-formed Associate Board for a few friendly games of basketball. The games will be held at the Northfield Community Center at 401 Wagner Road. Cheer on players, play in our cash raffle for exciting prizes, and grab a slice of pizza at our post-game party! Join us for a great night! To learn more about NSSRA and the Associate Board, click  here !

With questions, contact Recreation Specialist Katie James at (847) 509-9400 x6833 or  kjames@nssra.org .

Join us for the trip of a lifetime to the Adaptive Sports Center (ASC) in Crested Butte, Colorado! ASC is a therapeutic recreation organization that operates year-round with activities ranging from mountain biking and skiing to ice climbing and kayaking.

ASC and NSSRA are coming together to provide participants with a ski/snowboarding trip in the mountains of beautiful Crested Butte, Colorado. You do not need prior experience with skiing or snowboarding, the ASC staff will be paired up with our group to provide adaptations and individualized lessons. Pack your warm winter clothes and join us for an exhilarating adventure! 

Register by Friday, December 6.   For trip details, please contact Recreation Specialist Katie James at (847) 509-9400 x6833 or  kjames@nssra.org .

Hey, hey! Don’t ditch those fancy clothes after homecoming! Help our participants look and feel their best for our 2020 Shining Stars Banquet, when we’ll be celebrating our 50th anniversary as an agency!

New and gently used cocktail and formal dresses, suit coats and ties may be dropped off at the NSSRA office or to  D&R Autoworks  through April 1, 2020.  Click here for details.
Staff Announcements
Congratulations, George

Congratulations to George Pappas on his promotion to Superintendent of Finance and Human Resources!

A graduate of Northern Illinois University with a MAS degree (Master of Accounting Science), George has an extensive background in accounting, specifically for local government entities. George has been with #teamnssra for over 2 years as Finance Coordinator, and we are excited to have him in this new role!
Meet Morgan

Congratulations to Morgan Baiardo on her new position as Human Resources Coordinator!

Morgan has a Bachelors of Science Degree in Recreation & Park Administration from Illinois State University. She most recently worked for the Glenview Park District for 6 years as its Human Resource Coordinator. Morgan has jumped right into the world of Human Resources at NSSRA, and we couldn't be more thrilled to have her on board!
October Recap
There's quite a bit going on around here, so here are a few highlights for you! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram to keep up with our adventures!
NSSRA facilitated two peer mentoring workshops at Glenbrook South & Highland Park High Schools in October.
Thank you, #teamnssra! We celebrated Customer Service Week by celebrating our incredible team.
Gator Track & Field athlete Sam Green ran the Milwaukee Marathon last month, with a first-time finish of 3 hours and 28 minutes!
Congrats to our partner, Glencoe Park District, for winning the prestigious 2019 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management!
Come Out and Cheer on the Gators! 
Did you know that you are welcome to attend Gator games? Come on out and cheer on our Gator basketball teams over the next few months, we'd love to have you! All home games are from 7:00 - 8:00 pm on select Tuesday evenings in Northfield. 

Gator Black vs. SRACLC Silver
Northfield Community Center (401 Wagner Road)

Gator White vs. M-NASR White
Northfield Community Center (401 Wagner Road)

Gator White vs. SEARCH Squad Red
Northfield Community Center (401 Wagner Road)

For more information or with questions, contact Recreation Specialist Katie James at (847) 509-9400 x6833 or  kjames@nssra.org .

We're hiring! Get in the game and work for NSSRA this fall!

No experience is necessary, we offer flexible scheduling, competitive pay and the chance to give back to your community and have fun, too. Details here.

Questions? Contact Human Resources Coordinator Morgan Baiardo at (847) 509-9400 or mbaiardo@nssra.org .
Sunday, November 17 • 9:30 - 11:30 am

An exclusive event for children with special needs and their families, attendees will have access to all exhibits and may return for regular hours on the same day at noon. Museum staff and volunteers will be available for play support and guidance.  Click here for details and to register.
Friday, November 22 • 11:30 am - 12:30 pm

Join Deerfield Public Library for an inclusive and interactive storytime filled with stories, songs, sensory play, and socialization! Children of all abilities with their siblings and caregivers are welcome.  Click here for details.
Saturday, November 30 • 12:30 - 1:00 pm

Join Wilmette Public Library for a sensory-friendly magic show featuring Scott Green where he flawlessly blends comedy and magic in this performance for children with sensory-input challenges and disabilities and their families.  Click here for details.
NSSRA Board of Directors
Thursday, December 19 at 10:00 am

NSSRA Foundation Board of Directors
Monday, December 9 at 5:00 pm

NSSRA Associate Board Meeting
Monday, February 3 at 7:00 pm

As part of a program through Amazon called Amazon Smile, when you shop online through  smile.amazon.com , Amazon gives NSSRA Foundation a portion of the profits from your purchase. Click here for details.
NSSRA | 3105 MacArthur Blvd., Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 509-9400 • info@nssra.org • www.nssra.org