PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — Passaic County Surrogate Zoila Cassanova is partnering with Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream to host a free Autism Awareness “Ride to Inclusion” event for special-needs individuals ages 5 to 21.
The event, billed as a Back to School and Inclusion Day, will be held Saturday, Aug. 1, from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at Nickelodeon Universe, located at the American Dream Mall - 1 American Dream Way in East Rutherford.
“My goal is to create an experience where young people with autism and developmental disabilities can enjoy the excitement of the amusement park without barriers or limitations,” said Passaic County Surrogate Zoila Cassanova, Esq.. “This event is a celebration of inclusion, joy and community. It’s a reminder that every child deserves to feel welcomed and empowered.”
Each registered participant may bring one companion, and both will be able to ride free.
Pre-registration is required, and tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority will be given to Bergen or Passaic County residents.
Families may also call the Passaic County Surrogate’s Office at 973-881-4760 or email: surrogateevents@passaiccountynj.org.
Additional event partners include the New Jersey State Police, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office and the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office.
COUPLES THERAPY SEASON FIVE PREMIERES FRIDAY, MAY 15, EXCLUSIVELY ON PARAMOUNT+
Official Trailer and Key Art Released
April 16, 2026 - World-renowned psychologist and psychoanalyst Dr. Orna Guralnik is back in session on Paramount+ with the fifth season of Couples Therapy premiering on Friday, May 15. All nine episodes of the award-winning docuseries will be available on the Paramount+ Premium Plan. Watch the trailer for Season Five below.
In Season Five, Dr. Guralnik counsels four new couples in crisis, navigating stark political differences fueling daily fights in a volatile marriage; a discovery of secret, paid cuddling sessions that blindside a couple; two people on the brink of moving in together who get derailed by an autism diagnosis; and teenage sweethearts who, twenty years later, wonder if they've outgrown the relationship.
On linear (Paramount+ with Showtime), the first three episodes will debut back-to-back on Sunday, May 17, starting at 10 p.m. ET/PT; the remaining new episodes will air weekly, with two episodes premiering back-to-back on Sundays at 10 p.m. ET/PT.
Couples Therapy won the Television Critics Association (TCA) Award for Outstanding Achievement in Reality Programming in 2021 and the American Cinema Editors (ACE) Award for Best Edited Non-Scripted Series in 2024. The series has garnered additional award nominations from the International Documentary Association, 2023 TCA Awards, 2025 ACE Awards, Cinema Eye Honor Awards and Critics' Choice Real TV Awards.
Produced by Edgeline Films, Couples Therapy is executive produced by Sundance Award-winning filmmakers Josh Kriegman, Elyse Steinberg and Eli Despres (Weiner, Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show). Matt Parker, Olivia Cuccinota and Jessica Hester are producers and Kim Roberts and Yemisi Brookes serve as directors.
Couples Therapy Seasons 1-3 are available on the Paramount+ Essential Plan and Seasons 4 and 5 are available on the Paramount+ Premium Plan. Start streaming today at ParamountPlus.com.
For more information on Couples Therapy, follow @couplestherapyshowtime on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
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About Paramount, a Skydance Corporation
Paramount, a Skydance Corporation (Nasdaq: PSKY) is a leading, next generation global media and entertainment company, comprised of three business segments: Studios, Direct-to-Consumer, and TV Media. The Company's portfolio unites legendary brands, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Television, CBS - America's most-watched broadcast network, CBS News, CBS Sports, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, SHOWTIME®, Paramount+, Pluto TV, and Skydance's Animation, Film, Television, Interactive/Games, and and the newly established Paramount Sports Entertainment. For more information, please visit www.paramount.com.
Passaic County Surrogate, Hon. Zoila Cassanova Hosts 2nd Annual Nickelodeon Autism Awareness & developmental disabilities Inclusion Amusement Park Day
Post Date: 04/13/2026, 11:30 AM
Passaic County, NJ – The Passaic County Surrogate, Hon. Zoila Cassanova, Esq. is proud to announce her 2nd Annual Nickelodeon Universe Awareness & Inclusion Amusement Park Day, taking place Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Nickelodeon Universe at the American Dream Mall. This free, sensory-friendly event is open to autistic and developmentally disable Passaic County residents ages 8-21 and one companion, with tickets available through a pre-registration lottery system due to limited availability.
Now in its second year, the event continues the Surrogate’s commitment to fostering inclusion and providing families with a safe, fun and engaging environment.
“My goal is to create an experience where young people with autism and developmental disabilities can enjoy the excitement of the amusement park without barriers or limitations,” said Passaic County Surrogate Zoila Cassanova, Esq.. “This event is a celebration of inclusion, joy and community. It’s a reminder that every child deserves to feel welcomed and empowered.”
The day will feature a special Ride Into Inclusion performance at 10:45 AM by GuitarMusicBoy, a talented 21-year-old electric guitarist from New York. Living with autism, GuitarMusicBoy has used music to connect with audiences and express himself, creating an inspiring atmosphere for all attendees. Proudly managed by EAS Entertainment Group, his performance exemplifies the power of art in promoting inclusion.
Passaic County Commissioner Director Sandi Lazzara emphasized the broader impact of the event: “Events like this showcase how our county works to ensure every resident has access to enriching experiences. It’s a day where families can relax, enjoy, and connect with resources and support.”
“Creating an inclusive community starts with awareness, understanding, and access,” said Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes. “Events like this not only provide a joyful experience for children with autism and their families, but also help strengthen the connection between our offices and the residents we serve. We are proud to support initiatives that promote safety, inclusion, support and meaningful engagement for all.”
Passaic County Sheriff Thomas Adamo added, “The Sheriff’s Office is very committed to supporting all members of our community. This event provides a safe and welcoming space where children with autism and their families can experience fun and excitement without stress and worry, strengthening the sense of inclusion we strive for every day.”
In addition to the morning’s activities, attendees and their families will have the opportunity to learn more about important County-led initiatives designed to support individuals with special needs, including the Sheriff Office’s AngelSense program, which helps enhance safety and connectivity for individuals with autism, and the Prosecutor Office’s Blue Envelope program, which provides critical communication tools to assist individuals with developmental disabilities during interactions with first responders.
Tickets are available only to Passaic County residents through a lottery system, and attendees must pre-register in advance. Each selected participant may bring one companion, and spaces are limited. Tickets will be available for purchase the day of the event for any additional guests wishing to participate.
All Aboard for 80 Years: Thomas & Friends Marks Milestone with Never-Before-Seen Pilot Episode and Charity Auction
The iconic train franchise releases a never-before-seen pilot episode voiced by legendary musician Ringo Starr
The brand continues celebrations with charitable auction including signed items from Olivia Colman, Eddie Redmayne & Hugh Bonneville, benefiting The National Autistic Society in the U.K.
New podcast episodes centered around key themes from Thomas & Friends’ 80-year history featuring special guests including the Awdry family
May 9, 2025 1:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time
EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--Thomas & Friends, the beloved children’s franchise that has captured hearts for generations, announced today its kickoff to celebrate the 80th anniversary and to honor over eight decades of timeless stories about friendship, adventure and teamwork. Since its debut in 1945, the Thomas & Friends show has delighted audiences worldwide and today the brand is unveiling unreleased footage, a new podcast series and offering fans a chance to own historic memorabilia to commemorate the brand’s legacy and rich heritage.
For the first time ever, Mattel is releasing the original, never-before-seen 1983 pilot episode of the classic model series, Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends, on YouTube. By meticulously piecing together 40-year-old 35mm film trims, the Thomas & Friends content team has taken footage from the first test shoot to rebuild and digitize both the picture and sound to give fans a brand new look at the episode that started it all. Mike O’Donnell, the 1984-2003 series composer, also created a new bespoke music arrangement for this special episode. The episode features the classic model trains and the never-before-heard voiceover by legendary musician, Ringo Starr. Starr was the first of many notable storytellers to join the show, paving the way for future celebrity narrators.
“For 80 years, the Thomas & Friends brand has brought joy to generations, sharing timeless stories and valuable life lessons,” said Roberto Stanichi, executive vice president, Hot Wheels and Global Head of Vehicles & Building Sets at Mattel. “As we celebrate this momentous year, we’re unveiling 40-year-old footage and newly uncovered stories from the vault for the first time ever, offering longtime fans and new audiences the chance to reconnect with the beloved adventures of Thomas & Friends in new and nostalgic ways.”
Building on the Thomas & Friends Storytime podcast, the brand is launching new episodes weekly beginning May 12, each centered around key themes from Thomas’ 80-year history, such as friendship and teamwork. Each episode will be complemented with a full retelling of a classic Thomas story. Some of the featured guests will be Andrew Brenner, one of the many head writers, Ian McCue, series producer, and members of the Reverend Wilbert Awdry’s family, creator of Thomas the Tank Engine, Christopher Awdry, Richard Awdry, Veronica Chambers, Mark Chambers and Claire Chambers– whom have all played pivotal roles in shaping the franchise. New episodes will be released weekly on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or wherever fans listen to podcasts.
To mark the anniversary moment and celebrate 80 years of entertaining generations, the Thomas & Friends franchise in partnership with Propstore, is also giving fans a rare chance to own original pieces from the brands history, including signed items by celebrity friends, original artwork and props from the iconic stop motion series that first aired in 1984. Also included in the auction are one-of-a-kind pieces signed by iconic British actors who have voiced Thomas & Friends characters throughout the years, including Olivia Colman, Eddie Redmayne and Hugh Bonneville. Mattel UK will pay all NET proceeds of all sums collected under the auction to The National Autistic Society, the UK’s leading charity that provides support, guidance and advice for autistic people and their families. The global auction opens for registration on May 8, with bidding live from May 12 to May 28. More details can be found here.
Global celebrations for the Thomas & Friends 80th anniversary continue throughout the year with new podcast episodes, all-new book titles, exciting new partnerships and continued fun with Day Out with Thomas across the globe.
For more information on Thomas & Friends, please visit Thomasandfriends.com and receive the latest updates on their anniversary celebrations by following the brand on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. The excitement doesn't stop here! In 2026, Thomas & Friends is ready for a thrilling new journey that is set to delight fans old and new.
Thomas & Friends, the beloved children’s franchise that has captured hearts for generations, announced today its kickoff to celebrate the 80th anniversary and to honor over eight decades of timeless stories about friendship, adventure and teamwork.
About Mattel
Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®, Monster High®, MEGA® and Polly Pocket®, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us at mattel.com.
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Paramount+ is HERE! Stream a Mountain of Entertainment, including your Nickelodeon favourites! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!
Join Julia and her friends from Sesame Street as they sing, laugh, and play together!
Major Support provided by
• American Greetings
Generous support provided by
• Robert R. McCormich Foundation
• Kristen Rohr
• The Jones/Davis Family in celebration of Julia Brooke Davis
Sesame Workshop is the global impact nonprofit behind Sesame Street and so much more. For over 50 years, we have worked at the intersection of education, media, and research, creating joyful experiences that enrich minds and expand hearts, all in service of empowering each generation to build a better world. Our beloved characters, iconic shows, outreach in communities, and more bring playful early learning to families in more than 150 countries and advance our mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.
