Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Oh What a Night!

















June 19th was a night to be remembered! Over 185 people attended The Arc of Delaware County's gala event at Farrell Hall located on SUNY Delhi campus.  As music from a jazz trio led by Michael Suchorsky drifted up and through the room, people mingled and excitement built in anticipation of the awards to be presented. Local and national dignitaries attended including Peter Berns, CEO of The Arc’s national office;  Paula Brown, local Representative for Congressman Chris Gibson; Wayne Marshfield, Hamden Town Supervisor; Tina Mole’, Bovina Town Supervisor; Thomas Mills, Delaware County Sheriff; and Paul Metcalf and Mark Pulinski , representatives from Relph Benefit Advisors , sponsors of  the event.
After a delicious dinner prepared by CADI staff, the Annual Membership Meeting was held and officers, directors and committee members were installed in to their respective positions for the upcoming term.   
Officers for 2015-2016: Robin Evanitsky, President;  Ira McIntosh, Vice President; Sandra Bullis, Secretary; and Lee Marigliano, Treasurer.
Directors for 2015-2017: Thomas Banks, Amy Beveridge, Mary Jane Giarrusso-Wilkin, Bonnie Martin, Robert Rothenberg, Nat Thomas, and James Warren.  They join Sandra Bullis, Lori Cetta, Robin Evanitsky, Ira McIntosh, Gerda vanLeeuwen, and Ruth Vitale serving the term 2014-2016.
Nominating Committee members for 2015-2016: Lori Cetta, Robert Rothenberg, Nat Thomas, and Gerda van Leeuwen.
Following the Membership meeting, Outstanding Achievement Awards were presented to six individuals who were nominated by their peers and staff for being an inspiration to others through their personal perseverance and growth. Those receiving Outstanding Achievement Awards included:  Finnley Hanway,  Carousel Children's Services; Rose Racht, Community Living Skills, Arkville; Nicholas Hrywanak, Community Living Skills, Walton; Rita Altobello, Residential Services; Robert Eckert, Resource For Industry; Jennifer Gugliotti, THRIVE. Their accomplishments were recounted by staff and peers and then “Shining Star” trophies were presented along with certificates from Congressman Chris Gibson, Senator John Bonacic, Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney, and Assemblyman Clifford Crouch.
Four community partners were honored with “Shining Star” plaques and certificates.  Receiving Partner of the Year Awards for enhancing opportunities for individuals with disabilities were Delhi Campus Child Care Center and Delta Kappa Gamma, Beta Omicron Chapter. The Dr. Gerald Burday Professional Excellence Award was presented to Lieutenant Tim Buckley for demonstrating a commitment to excellence in meeting individual needs and encouraging growth helping individuals with disabilities achieve their true potential. Receiving the Father Eugene Willis Good Neighbor Award for embodying the spirit of being kind and neighborly was the Tri Town Dance and Social Club.
This annual event serves as a testament and living example of the impact of The Arc of Delaware County’s positive, person centered approach to helping people with disabilities live personally fulfilling lives.  Heartfelt goodbyes were passed between friends and new acquaintances alike as people left with an invigorated spirit to carry on The Arc’s mission that they are committed to.

To view more photos from this special night visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/delarc/sets/72157652595732974

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Carousel Children's Services and Delhi Campus Child Care Center Hosts 2015 Graduation Ceremony


20 preschool children graduated from Delhi Campus Childcare Center (DC4) and Carousel Children's Services (CCS) on Saturday June 20, 2015.

Karen Wallace, Director of DC4 and Beverly "Honey Bee" Tuthill,  Director of CCS welcomed the proud parents, friends, and family who attended the graduation ceremony. The children serenaded the audience with familiar favorite songs including "If You're Happy and You Know It", "I'm a Little Teapot",
"Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "We're Off to Kindergarten". 

After the Children's Program the children were presented with their diplomas and awards and proceeded down the auditorium aisles during the Recessional. A reception and refreshments culminated this auspicious event. To see more photos view our Flickr album:
https://flic.kr/s/aHskeQjbST