At the Halloween party last year, Cathy’s used the sports medals she has won as her costume.
Spotting Cathy P. in a crowd at Weekend Recreation is easy. She is the one wearing a sizable assortment of medals she earned through track and field and other sports at her Special Olympics program. And she is happy to talk about each one to anyone who is listening. Weekend Recreation is the community-based social and respite program in Passaic and Essex counties; Danica Lafortune, at our Parsippany office, is the coordinator.
Danica Lafortune, Weekend Recreation Coordinator (LEFT), shares a special moment with Cathy at the Holiday Party.
“Cathy is always so upbeat,” says her father, Bill. “She’s looking forward to going to events.” Cathy has been with the Weekend Recreation program for 15 years.
One of Cathy’s favorite regular events is bowling. “She talks about it all the time,” says Bill. Indeed, Cathy echoed that sentiment. “I really like coming here,” she said during a recent bowling and pizza event in Clifton.
Cathy was dressed in green for a festive Saint Patrick’s Day celebration.
Cathy recently added crafts to her list of what she loves to do. Weekend Recreation regularly hosts seasonal and holiday-themed activities at the Arts and Creations Pottery Studio. “She goes crazy over the pottery studio.” Cathy loves making things to take home. “She’s all on board with all of that stuff.” Cathy loves making presents for others in her live, along with giving out presents at other activities. In fact, says Bill, “I don’t recall anything where she hasn’t enjoyed herself.”
Bill has high regard for all aspects of the Weekend Recreation program. “The parents are always invited and made to feel part of it,” he notes. Like his daughter, Bill is an avid sports enthusiast. A frequent outing is going to Montclair State University to watch sports events—basketball, baseball, or football, according to the season. Moreover, “Danica always has plenty of staff on hand. They are very, very attentive,” says Bill. “That makes me feel good.”
Danica Lafortune and Cathy enjoy the holiday spirit at a special Weekend Recreation party.
