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For Immediate Release: April 25, 2007
For further information contact: Joyce Luhrs, 201-592-9126, luhrsassocpress@rcn.com
New Concepts for Living, Inc. Names
Educational Television Pioneer to Board of Trustees
(Bergen County, New Jersey) —Educational television pioneer Mary Ellen Rohon, of Cliffside Park, has been appointed to the New Concepts for Living Inc.’s Board of Trustees. Ms. Rohon was officially sworn in at a recent meeting of the organization’s board. New Concepts, a community non-profit organization based in Rochelle Park, works with people with disabilities and their families throughout Bergen County.
"We welcome and are very pleased to have Ms. Rohon join New Concepts for Living Inc.'s Board of Trustees. From her personal experiences raising a child with developmental disabilities, she understands the concerns of others in similar circumstances and will assist New Concepts' efforts to help families who have sons or daughters with disabilities," said Richard Royse, Executive Director of New Concepts.
Ms. Rohon was a pioneer in educational television. In 1958, she co-hosted the Eastern Educational Television Network’s “Fun at One”, an early childhood program that was seen by three- to six-year old viewers in homes and classrooms from Maine to Florida. The show, which was originally seen on Channel 11, moved in 1963 to Channel 13 and was renamed “Get on Board”. The program was later seen on the New York City Board of Education’s (now the New York City Department of Education) UHF channel. For 17 years, the program was seen live and on tape. Upon her retirement, Ms. Rohon continued to work with the New York City Board of Education’s Early Childhood Department producing videos and films for teacher training.
She has volunteered with several organizations in the community. She serves on the board of trustees of the Children’s Therapy Center in Fairlawn and consults to the New Jersey Chorale’s board of trustees and sings in its chorus. Recently, the Verismo Opera Association of New Jersey presented her with a plaque in recognition of her service and contributions to the group.
Educational Television Pioneer Named to Board of Trustees
She earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Hunter College and received a master of arts degree in early childhood education from Teachers College, Columbia University.
About New Concepts
Twenty years ago, New Concepts was founded by a small group of parents concerned about the future of their sons and daughters with developmental disabilities. New Concepts is a community non-profit organization committed to people with disabilities and their families. Inspired by the vision of families and people with developmental disabilities, New Concepts enables people to realize their dreams and to achieve their individual potential through quality community programs and services that include housing, vocational and day program training, recreation, advocacy, and family education and support. For further information about New Concepts, call 201-843-3427 or visit the organizations web site at www.ncfl.net.
