Closkey Burns may have cerebral palsy, but he doesn’t consider it a handicap.
Even though the 30-year-old Bayonne resident is confined to a wheelchair, he participates in an activity he always wanted to do, namely studying karate.
“I was a big Bruce Lee fan as a kid and I always wanted to do karate since I was a little boy,” Burns said. “I’ve been going to UCP [United Cerebral Palsy center, located on Kennedy Boulevard in North Bergen] for 26 years now. I asked UCP if they could help me out, see if there was someone who could teach me karate.”
Burns is part of UCP’s ASN (Adults with Special Needs) program.
Last year, Burns was introduced to Sensei David Tirelli of the Tiger Schulman Karate School in Hackensack.
“That’s how I got started,” the affable Burns said. “It gave me something else to do. I think I’m doing pretty well. This is my first year of karate, but I already know I want to become a black belt. I think I’m doing pretty well for only one year. I take it very seriously.”
Mean punch
Last Wednesday morning, Burns, who has been given the name of “Killer Closkey” by Tirelli, got to display some of the techniques he has learned over the past year.
Even though he was in the wheelchair, Burns showed all of the approximately 150 people who attended the UCP of Hudson County’s annual VIP Breakfast, held at the Chandelier in Bayonne, exactly what he has learned with Tirelli over the past year.
Burns was one of three UCP patrons who showed off their finest karate moves. Burns actually sparred with Tirelli, displaying his punching ability after Tirelli was impersonating a would-be robber.
“You better get back, Jack,” Burns told the pseudo-thief. “You don’t want my money.”
With that, Burns unleashed a flurry of punches that caught the instructor off guard.
“He got me pretty good a couple of times,” Tirelli said. “I never expected that. Killer Closkey can throw a mean punch.”
The display brought the audience to its feet.
Countywide non-profit
The ASN Program is just one of several programs that UCP of Hudson County provides for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. The non-profit organization has been in existence since 1951, with most of its activities (the Adult Special Needs Program, the Adult Aftercare Program, the After School Program and the Saturday Respite) being held at the UCP Center on Kennedy Blvd. in North Bergen.
The administrative offices and the Pediatric Medical Daycare programs take place in Bayonne. There is also two Growing Tree Learning Centers located in Jersey City and an After School Program and Saturday Respite that take place in Hoboken.
UCP offers programs like a horticultural program, where their customers can actually grow and cultivate plants and flowers that are later sold. There are computer labs that enable individuals to access computers, which also aids in communication skills.
UCP of Hudson County is continually working to meet the needs of the developmentally disabled, while also educating the general public about people with disabilities, as well as disability prevention and service options.
“I had a surprise three months ago, when someone said to me that they weren’t aware of all the programs we offered and all the services we provide,” said Nick Starita, who has been the executive director of UCP of Hudson County for the last 20 years. “It’s important that the public sees that these people can do anything if given the opportunity.”
Not only were there many sponsors on hand for the annual awards breakfast, but several elected officials attended, such as former State Assembly Speaker and West New York Mayor Albio Sires, State Assemblyman Louis Manzo, Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner and Bayonne Mayor and State Senator Joseph Doria.
“Your heart just swells when you see something like this,” said Sires, who has been a long-time supporter of the UCP cause. “You see these kids perform and see other children out there doing so well, it really moves you. I was moved. It makes you realize just how lucky you are.”
Doria was also touched by the presentation.
“UCP does a great job for the children,” Doria said. “You see what they’re capable of. They can become an important part of society and they need to be recognized. I’m very proud of the work and the services that UCP provides for everyone, especially the children. It’s very important to have these programs survive. We have to be able to keep them going. We truly appreciate the hard work the people of UCP do to help these important people of Hudson County.”
Busy mom
Ivelissa Vargas was asked to say a few words about what UCP meant to her. She has one son with Down syndrome and a daughter who battles seizures, so the young mother’s plate is definitely full.
“Without the help I get from UCP, I might have gone insane,” Vargas said. “Getting their help has helped me become a better parent. It does get too tough at times, but they’ve been such a huge help.”
One of the people honored at the breakfast was Burton Trebor, who recently stepped down as the Board President for the Hudson County UCP. Trebor is a former long-time North Bergen resident.
“I’ve worked with UCP in Hudson County for 45 years and I thank God for all the wonderful work the people at UCP do,” Trebor said. “It’s always so good to be around friends that care.”
Tirelli said he gets a special kick – pardon the pun – working with the special people.
“People think I’m nuts because it takes a lot of extra work, but I find myself attached to the kids.” Tirelli said. “When I work with them, it’s all worth it. I want them to feel like everyone else. And they are. They just have special needs. It has changed my life tremendously. Every time I think I’m down, they pick me up. I work with karate champions, but it’s these people who I look forward to working with the most.”