April is National Autism Awareness Month, a time of year to recognize children and adults with autism by using the color “blue.” To emphasis the point, Penn Queen Diner, located at 7349 Crescent Blvd. in Pennsauken, is celebrating by offering a Blue Plate Special Day on Tuesday, April 26 in Honor of Autism Month and to support its longtime neighbor down the street: Crescent Hill Academy, a school for children with autism and other special needs.

Crescent Hill Academy is a non-profit educational organization that has served children, teens and young adults with special needs since 1970. The school was created by Mr. Alfred (Fred) Minicozzi, now 84 years old; he is still very active in the school, working along with his son Al, the current executive director. Fred wanted a high quality, caring school for his own daughter, Rose Ellen, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth. His is a family owned and operated organization, just as Penn Queen Diner is a family owned and operated business since 1964.

“We are part of the Pennsauken neighborhood and this remarkable school has been part of our immediate neighborhood, helping kids and young adults from all over the region,” noted Tom Katsikis of Penn Queen Diner. “It is only fitting that we do what we do best—make great food and honor them while we do it.”

Blue Plate Special Day at the Penn Queen Diner lasts all day, from 7:00 a.m. until 12 Midnight. During lunchtime hours, members of the Pennsauken Police Department, Pennsauken Mayor John Kneib, and other community leaders are expected to attend this special event in support of Autism awareness.