~Getting to Know CEA~


Spring Run School is no different than any other school in New Jersey. Students walk into the classroom rubbing their eyes and yawning, ready to start another day of learning. To those who work here, however, Spring Run offers something unique: a school where the staff learns just as much as the students.




Priding itself in individualized education, SRS offers a learning environment for students whose special needs may not be met in traditional public schooling. Be it a curriculum sculpted for the individual student, a positive cooperative learning experience with their peers or an atmosphere in which students can bond and socialize without fear of being marginalized as “different”, SRS truly strives to cultivate the potential of all its special needs students.

Welcome to the first installment of Getting To Know CEA. As you may know, especially if you read the fine print on most of our media, The Center for Educational Advancement is a not-for-profit enterprise providing employment, job and social skill preparation and support to persons with significant disabilities or other social disadvantages for the past 40 years. But what does that really mean? How exactly do we accomplish that mission? Through our ‘Getting to Know’ series, you’ll be introduced to the divisions of CEA and you’ll meet those that make us who we are. We begin with Spring Run School.

Spring Run School, a private / secondary special education school designed to serve multiply disabled students between the ages of 13 and 21 is extremely sensitive to the current challenges that face special needs students and the people who care for them. Located in Flemington, NJ since 1984 our mission is to educate, empower and guide students to become successful citizens. The low student to teacher ratio promotes close and meaningful relationships and a truly individualized education.

Join us in 2010 for our 15th Annual Friendship Recognition Dinner Dance to celebrate and honor the year’s awardees. This extraordinary evening will take place at the Grand Colonial in Perryville, NJ.

Some of this years honorees include: Chris Phelan, Investors Savings Bank Charitable Foundation, Johanna Foods, Marcia Karrow, Rogers Appliances & TV, and Rosemary Reddy.

We look forward to seeing our recent friends, new awardees, past recipients, and our always dear past fellowships as we gather to recognize and appreciate all the support to the CEA mission of educating, empowering and employing individuals with special needs.

Event Chairperson: Karen Palatos at karenpalotas@mgxpromotions.com
Event Contact: Lori Daigle at ldaigle@ceaemployment.com or (908) 782-1480 ext. 254

A favorite picture from The 17th Annual Recession Bustin', Center for Educational Advancement and Johanna Foods Turkey Trot 5K Run on Main St. in Flemington on November 26, 2009. Taken by Keith Muccilli of The Courier News. For more photos, see our Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Center-for-Educational-Advancement/34190211591?ref=ts

Catering Jobs Keeping The CEA Cafe' Busy

The CEA Café is specializing in business catering lately. November alone saw three catering jobs to feed the hungry corporate masses throughout Flemington. On the 12th of the month, we provided a Luncheon for the Kiwanis through the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce. This is the third occasion they have called upon us for, proving our quality service is in demand. There was a substantial sandwich platter including favorites such as turkey, ham and tuna fish salad, topped with the traditional favorites of sliced cheese, lettuce and tomato. Various side salads extended the palate, and desserts made a sweet finish.

On November 13, 2009 we provided breakfast to Financial Resources to give them that staying power through their early morning business meeting. The old adage of "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day" held true as attendees enjoyed a CEA specialty of Breakfast Burritos; soft tortillas wrapped over scrambled eggs, peppers, onions, sausage or ham and a sharp Cheddar cheese for that Mexican flare or Mozzarella for the more mild taste. The breakfast was Continental, including coffee and tea service and pastries, bagels, cream cheese, fruit and more.

The third catering client needed shares of both breakfast and lunch, and once again The CEA Café came through in fine form with a full Continental breakfast once again, and lunch platter, complete with sandwiches, salads and desserts.

The CEA Café offers our guests a menu of fresh and tasty food presented in a professional manner with reliable and consistent service. Enjoyable food is the perfect accompaniment to any business meeting. We provide a wide variety of choices made with quality ingredients. Enjoy our Breakfast, Lunch and Appetizer Menus that satisfy an assortment of tastes. Perfect for business events, training, company meetings and pharmaceutical lunches.

Contact Lewis Lozada, Training Director, Food Services for more information, (908) 782-1480 Ext. 245 & 244, llozada@ceaemployment.com

Do The Turkey Trot (U know U want 2)

The 17th Annual Center for Educational Advancement/Johanna Foods Turkey Trot 5 K Run and 2 Mile Fitness Walk took over the streets of Flemington on Thanksgiving Day November 26, 2009 .

The weather held out and it was sunny & warm in the high 50’s, perfect running conditions. Approximately 3,800 registered runners and 1,150 registered walkers took part in this traditional fundraising event. Close to 5,000 participants helped to make this 17th Annual Turkey Trot a memorable one. Breaking all previous records, (Official results can be found at compuscore.com).

Since 1970, The Center for Educational Advancement (CEA) has been providing education and employment for many people with special needs that live within our communities.

Chris Pannone of Lambertville, NJ a Turkey Trot past champion won the event in an amazing course record of 14:44 breaking the previous record set by Mark Bahnuk (2003) by 29 seconds,

Kristen Byrne of Oak Hill Virginia won the Women’s Open Title, in 18:14.

First place honors in the Men’s Masters Division went to Glenn McIsaac of Princeton, NJ in a time of 17:06. The Woman’s Master’s title went to Justina Cassavell from Glen Gardner, NJ in a time of 20:37.

In the Team competition: 1st Place Men’s went to the Taylor Swift Team, 1st Place Women’s went to the TroversersTeam, and 1st Place Coed Team Awards went to the Pro Activity Team.

Our sponsors this year are: Event Sponsor: Johanna Foods, Inc.; Finish Line Sponsor: Snickers Marathon Energy Bar; Award Sponsors: Ardito & Co, LLC, Basil Bandwagon, CBS, Grand Colonial, Mercedes-Benz, MGX Promotions, PNC Bank, PSE&G, Roger’s Appliances & TV; T-Shirt Sponsors: Anthony & Sons Bakery, Bihler of America, Bill Healy Designs, CEA Board & Staff, Flemington Furs, Green Birdie Productions, Hahr Construction, HealthQuest, Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce, Hunterdon County YMCA, Hunterdon Healthcare, Investors Savings Bank, Isilon Systems, Kearns Funeral Home, Levinson Axelrod, Liberty Mutual, Pete’s Bike Shoppe, Randazzo Line Striping, Schwab’s Screenprinting, Snap Fitness, Sneaker’s Plus, Somerset Orthopedic Association, Team Capital Bank; Sign Sponsors: Affinity Federal Credit Union, Associated Mailing & Printing, Bakers Treat, BCG Advisors, Civil Air Patrol Delaware Valley, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Central Jersey Colon & Rectal Surgeons, Creter Vault, Driscoll Foods, Financial Resources Federal Credit Union, Flemington Police Department, Flemington Raritan EMS, HCRHS Interact Club, Mr. John Company, NHRHS Interact Club, Nike Factory Store, Parker Agency, Penske Trucking & Leasing, Raritan Valley Disposal, SDG Alarmtronics, Snapple, Somerset Patriots, Tirpok Cleaners, Tulpehocken Spring Water, WaWa Food Market, The Women’s Mammography Center.
All proceeds from this event benefit people with special needs. For additional information you can visit our web-site at www.ceaemployment.com . If you would like to volunteer or donate to our cause please call Rose Holden 908-782-1480 Ext 263, or e-mail rholden@ceaemployment.com