In full swing, the Spring Fling Dance hosted by Farmingdale High School’s Smile Club brought an evening of laughter, dancing and camaraderie to people supported by AHRC Nassau who enjoyed a night out with friends.

Music, refreshments, and colorful Hawaiian leis made this year’s Spring Fling stand out and helped get everyone in the party mood.

Alex Wiegmann, who is a new resident with AHRC, was eager to attend his first dance and had a blast. “It’s great. I got to dance which is one of my favorite things. Did you see my skills? I always say that I’m the best dancer in the whole place.”

The event successfully brought together friends supported across AHRC’s Residential and Day Services.

“Sometimes people move around and lose touch with one another,” explained Lynne Brewer, event emcee and AHRC’s Community Relations Liaison. “The dance gives them a chance to catch up and have fun with each other.”

Farmingdale High School is a longtime partner with AHRC, hosting its spring dance party for fifteen years. Lynne started the event when she was a teacher at the school to introduce students to people with different abilities. After five years of Spring Flings, school psychologist Dr. William Sperduto started the Smile Club to connect students of all abilities through community engagement projects. Even today, Lynne enjoys working with Dr. Sperduto so students can volunteer and participate in making the dance a success.

Current and former members of the Smile Club attended this year’s event. They created a smiley face selfie frame as well as offered an ice cream bar.

Darnell Robinson, an AHRC Direct Support Professional, smiled, “Everyone from our house came, all eight of them. They love this. They spend time together and have fun and it’s wonderful to see them in such a good mood.”