The Love of Working Hard Sustains Long Term “Lucky” Connection

Lucky Dog Farm and Store, was aptly named by owners Richard and Holly Giles when they saw their shelter rescue dogs happily bounce around their newly acquired farm in 2000. “What lucky dogs they are” Holly exclaimed as they watched them appreciate their new surroundings.  And the word “lucky” can be used to describe the people whose lives have been touched by this business, from workers, to customers, to community members. 

 One individual, David Nichols has been with Lucky Dog almost since its inception. Janet Stoop, employee at The Arc of Delaware County shared that “David is a person who loves work. He seeks out work wherever he can and works very hard!”  And Richard Giles shared that it’s been good to see David grow over the 14 years he has worked on Lucky Dog farm.  “He’s good, steady help. He’s taken responsibility and has become independent in his work. He has a really good ability to switch from job to job quickly.”

David Nichols and Kalain Joslin working the fields.

With over 45 acres dedicated to crop production David is kept very busy helping to weed, cultivate,  stake, and tie the many varieties of organic vegetables grown on the farm including beans, tomatoes, corn, beets, peas, and leafy greens. He is involved in the growing process from seedling to harvest and enjoys seeing the beautiful produce that is sold at farm markets in Margaretville, Callicoon, and NYC as well as at restaurants and retail stores.   When asked what part of the work he favors most, David shared, “I like to do the weeding!” With David’s enthusiasm and enjoyment of the work he accomplishes, it has been a satisfying and mutually rewarding partnership between Lucky Dog Farm and David.

Richard Giles, Owner and David Nichols at Lucky Dog Farm greenhouse.

The Arc of Delaware Helps Students Along Career Path

Several Delaware County High School graduates have chosen college fields of study that will prepare them for a career benefiting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Thirteen students (one from each Delaware County school district) were awarded scholarships from The Arc of Delaware County. The Schools made selections based not only on each student’s scholastic abilities, but also on their proven desire to help others as demonstrated by services they provided to their community or school.

The 2014 recipients of The Arc Delaware County Scholarship include: Jennifer Andrews, Andes; Brittany Kopp, Charlotte Valley; Tyler Cumpston, Delaware Academy; Kaitlyn Wingerter, Deposit; Chyanne Gransbury, Downsville; Lynndon Huyck, Franklin; Caitlyn Wormuth, Hancock; Kaitlin Short, Margaretville; Ian O’Brien, Roxbury; Josiah Clarke, Sidney; Kayla Rose Quigley, South Kortright; Ashley Tait, Stamford; and Sarah Layton, Walton.

For more information about The Arc of Delaware County and career opportunities, visit www.delarc.org or call (607) 865-7126.

Shining Stars- The Arc of Delaware County Celebrates Outstanding Achievements

 

The Arc of Delaware County held its Annual Membership Meeting and Awards Ceremony on June 13th at SUNY Delhi. Over 30 beautiful orange and yellow flower arrangements adorned the tables and highlighted The Arc of Delaware County’s new logo and brand.  Created by people at The Arc’s Resources for Industry facility, they lent an elegant touch to this festive event.

In addition to electing new officers and board members, this annual event celebrates the successes of individuals and contributions of community partners whose actions impact and improve the lives of people with disabilities.

Officers and Directors that were sworn in to office by Wayne Marshfield, Hamden Town Supervisor, for the 2014-2015 terms are: President, Robin Evanitsky; Vice President, Ira McIntosh; Secretary, Sandra Bullis; Treasurer, Lee Marigliano.  Directors for the 2014-2016 terms include: Sandra Bullis, Lori Cetta, Robin Evanitsky, Lee Marigliano, Ira McIntosh, Gerda van Leeuwen and Ruth Vitale. They join Thomas Banks, Mary Jane Giarrusso-Wilkin, Bonnie Martin, Robert Rothenberg, Nat Thomas and James Warren whose 2 year terms expire in 2015.

After the business meeting, award winners’ accomplishments were highlighted in speeches by staff, friends, and community members who shared their thoughts and those of the peers who nominated them for Outstanding Achievement awards.  This year’s winners received “Shining Star” trophies from The Arc and Certificates of Recognition from Senator John Bonacic, Assemblyman Clifford Crouch, and Congressman Chris Gibson.

Outstanding Achievement Awards were presented to individuals who have been an inspiration to others through their personal perseverance, and individual growth.  Award winners included Karlie McCool, Maria Villacorta, Jacob Alvarez III, Marlana Volpe, Rhonda Reynolds, and an individual from Community Living Skills, Walton.

Community recognition awards were presented to three individuals. Bonnie Hamilton, Director of Public Health received Partner of the Year Award which is presented to the community partner that has done the most to enhance opportunities for individuals with disabilities in Delaware County. Beverly Tuthill, Carousel Children’s Services Director shared, “Bonnie has been a devoted advocate for children with disabilities for more than 30 years. She looks for innovative ways of getting a child’s needs met when traditional methods aren’t working or aren’t available.”

The Father Eugene Willis Good Neighbor Award was presented to Chester (Chet) Delameter, Jr. This award celebrates people who embody the spirit of being kind and neighborly and supports the involvement of people with disabilities in their community. Chet, a professional clown was introduced to Henry Kamp who shared his love of performing. Chet shared, “We hit it off right away and now we perform at Senior Meal sites and at the THRIVE program in Hamden. We’ve been performing together for 3 years and I really enjoy it!”

Dr. Amber Tatnall, Assistant Professor of Psychology, SUNY Delhi received the Dr. Gerald Burday Professional Excellence Award, an award that recognizes individuals who encourage growth and help people reach their true potential.  In 3 short years, Dr. Tatnall has greatly expanded inclusive learning opportunities for individuals with disabilities including hosting 12 individuals in her psychology classes, developing the “Study Buddy” program where SUNY and Arc students work together on projects outside of class, working with the O’Connor Center to have Arc participants join with SUNY students in community volunteer activities, and creating an “Inclusive Learning” link on the SUNY Delhi website.

Emotions ran high as people reflected on the accomplishments of those recognized at this year’s event. Kathryn Snyder an employee of Kiddee Corner preschool in Stamford where Marlena Volpe volunteers shared “We have a saying at Kiddie Corner and it is Kiddie Corner is not just a preschool it is a family and we are very happy to have Marlana as part of our family.” And Leanne Norwood, sister of Rhonda Reynolds said, “I’ve been very proud of what she (Rhonda) has accomplished because of the programs and services she receives from The Arc.”

To learn more about The Arc of Delaware County and how you can be involved as a member, volunteer or employee, visit our website at: www.delarc.org. And to view more photos of this event visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/delarc/sets/72157644826288927/

Consolidated Supports and Services Training Offered

Consolidated Supports and Services is a self directed OPWDD service option that empowers people with disabilities and their circle of support to design and manage services based on the needs and desires of the individual.

Kathy Creagh, Individualized Services Coordinator from OPWDD will present information on this new option so that you can determine if this new service is right for you or your loved one. Join us July 15th, 5:30 – 6:30 pm for this free presentation at the Delaware County Resource Center, 34570 State Hwy 10, Hamden, NY. Register by July 11th by contacting Kim Shaw at 607/865-7126 ext. 104.

(People with disabilities, families, advocates, and service providers encouraged to attend.)

Townsend Elementary School Recieves 1st Place Award in Everybody Can Contest.

Awards were presented to Nancy Gavett’s 5th grade class at Townsend Elementary school, Walton, NY on May 7th. The entire class won first place in the countywide “Everybody Can” contest in the literature category.

Each year, The Arc of Delaware County and Delta Kappa Gamma sponsor the “Everybody Can” contest to build awareness , understanding and acceptance of people with disabilities. On behalf of the class Nancy Gavett accepted a check in the amount of $100 and a Certificate of Excellence. Principal Mike Snider accepted a plaque recognizing Townsend Elementary School’s commitment to increasing understanding and acceptance of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and for creating “Ambassador’s of Change”. For more information about the 2014 Everybody Can Contest visit: Celebrating National Developmental Disability Awareness Month through Recognizing “Everybody Can”



Pictured in the photo is the 5th grade class and first row: (in purple) Barbara Thompson, The Arc of Delaware County and next to her is Nancy   Gavett, 5th grade teacher. On the far right, first row is Pam Thompson, Delta Kappa Gamma. Standing on the far right, back row is Mike Snider, Principal.

 

 

The Arc of Delaware County and SUNY Delhi Partnership Highlighted in Think College

The Arc of Delaware County has been working with "Think College" to highlight the strong relationship that has developed over the years between our agency and the State University at Delhi. Think College is a national organization dedicated to developing, expanding, and improving inclusive higher education options for people with intellectual disability. 

The story, A Shared Mission: Adult Agencies and Colleges Working Together to Support Lifelong Learning is told from the point of view of a faculty member, Dr. Amber Tatnall who has been a strong supporter of inclusive learning and taught several inclusive classes. In the story she reveals the depth and breadth of the relationship between SUNY Delhi and The Arc which has provided so much opportunity and enrichment for both college students and people with disabilities. 

We hope this story will provide insight and illustrate a successful partnership model so that other organizations will be inspired to reach out to institutions of learning in their communities and create their own opportunities for learning. To view the story: http://www.thinkcollege.net/images/stories/24_SUNYDelhi_ArcF.pdf

Bringing Baskets of Cheer

L to R: Maria Villacorta, Roseanna Starkweather, and Kelly Piskacek

On April 17th, an active group of 4 self advocates from Community Living Skills in Arkville brought joy and happiness to several residents of the Kirkside Home for Adults in Roxbury and Mountain Laurel Gardens in Arkville  Using Easter baskets donated to them by Dollar General, Kelly Piskacek, Roseanna Starkweather, Cathy Ippolito, and Maria Villacorta, filled them with candy and messages of friendship.

“These ladies like to celebrate holidays and always look for ways to brighten the holidays for others.” shared Heidi Friedman, Life Coach and mentor to the group. “Because we had the baskets the idea just naturally grew into this splendid event.”

The idea was “hatched” at a meeting in January. In making the decision to take on this project, Roseanna shared that she thought that the adult home residents would enjoy the candy and Maria said that it would make her happy to deliver the candy to the people.

For over 5 years these ladies have enjoyed a close connection with residents of Kirkside. They regularly participate in many activities together including bible study, bingo, attend sing-a-longs and luncheons. And with the ladies also attending bingo at Laurel Gardens, Kelly felt that their idea of making and delivering the baskets was “A great way to make new friends”.

After a full day of delivering over 35 baskets, the women happily reflected on their day. Cathy summed it by saying, “I’m sure that the folks we give the candy to will be happy to be remembered.”

To view more photos of these ladies making deliveries: Baskets of Cheer

Cathy Ippolito