A spirit of excitement moved through the Nassau County AHRC Day Treatment Center in Brookville last Friday, when a professional magician visited.

Christopher David, a local entertainer based in Seaford, brought with him a mix of illusion and simple fun as he moved swiftly from classroom to classroom at the AHRC (Association for the Help of Retarded Children) facility, which serves local adults with developmental disabilities. As he did, the AHRC participants embraced him with smiles, applause, and even hugs, seemingly leaving the magician with the same sense of wonder he sought to bring.

"It's priceless - the reaction - and that kind of makes me realize again, why I became a magician in the first place. You forget sometimes, and then all the jubilance makes all the hard work and practicing have some meaning," David said following the visit, describing the delight the experience gave him. "When I was performing today, I almost got this feeling that I was performing real magic."

David has been performing magic for the past 10 years, making a living through paid appearances at private parties. During last week's volunteer visit to AHRC, the magician had a different kind of reward. As he shared dancing puppets and disappearing coins, he was inspired by the audience members' receptiveness, as well as their rare innocence.

"They're not jaded by cynicism, so they're just enjoying it for its effect," David said, describing the AHRC members' response to the show. "I think that magic has that quality of innocence, if you allow it...Magic in and of itself can be an other-worldly experience, if you let your rationale down a bit."

Nassau County AHRC was founded by a small group of parents more than 50 years ago. Today, the non-profit organization cares for more than 1,500 individuals with varying levels of mental retardation and other developmental disabilities, through programs throughout the county. AHRC's Day Treatment program provides day services to adults with severe and profound disabilities whose needs are met with a more comprehensive level of supportive care. The program offers a high level of care and treatment through a broad range of interventions and activities which help each individual achieve his or her optimal level of independent functioning. Staff is comprised of habilitation, behavior, and activity specialists who work closely with a team of clinical professionals in providing physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy.

The visit by Christopher David was not only uplifting for participants, but also therapeutic, as it provided them with beneficial, visual stimulation, according to AHRC administrators. "It's entertainment without words," said Peggy Limongelli, program administrator for the day treatment center. "It appeals to our participants on a sensory level."

For participant Gabe Limongelli, the entertainment reached not only the senses, but also, the heart. After being applauded in the front of the class for helping David with a magic trick, he thanked the magician with a proud hug and a smile that lasted throughout the rest of the performance. "That's good," he said, as he continued watching the magic from his seat. "Magic's fine!"

(Editor's Note: For further information on the programs of Nassau County AHRC, one may call 626-1000. To contact magician Christopher David, one may call 781-5198.)