U.S. Rep. Albio Sires was honored by The North Ward Center tonight during its 40th anniversary gala for his support for families with autism.

Michele Adubato, the executive director of The North Ward Center, said the congressman played a pivotal role in helping to launch the Center for Autism, which opened earlier this year to serve urban families with autism.

The Center for Autism is the latest venture of The North Ward Center, a community development organization founded in 1970 by Stephen N. Adubato Sr.

"Albio Sires recognized the critical need for services for urban families living with autism and wanted to know what he could do to help," Adubato said. "His early support was crucial in getting the Center for Autism off the ground."

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The North Ward Center produced a video for its 40th Anniversary Gala that highlights the need for high quality autism services in urban areas that the Center for Autism at The North Ward Center is providing.

Watch 40 Years and Still Growing 

Father Luigi Zanotto, the pastor of St. Lucy's Church in Newark, was honored by the North Ward Center at its annual Monsignor Geno Baroni Awards Luncheon.

Zanotto was presented the award by Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo and Stephen N. Adubato, the founder of The North Ward Center.

The North Ward Center's Family Success Center in Newark celebrated Thanksgiving early with activities for parents and kids, and ended the night with a family-style feast.

About 35 parents and children attended the Nov. 17 event, where they worked together to decorate Thanksgiving wreaths, turkeys and door hangers.

 
Park Elementary students Chris Field, Deandre Brown and Tory Williams enjoyed completing their crafts and said they are looking forward to attending the next activity night.

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