The Arc of Delaware County‘s Annual Membership Meeting and
Achievement Awards Ceremony was held at the Holiday Inn, Oneonta, June 8th. Members, staff, special guests, Officers and
Directors gathered together to elect new Officers and Board Members for the
upcoming term and to celebrate the outstanding achievements of people they
support, community members, and partner organizations.
After serving a maximum of six consecutive one year terms as
Board President, Robert Rothenberg has turned over the reins of leadership.
Officers for the 2012-2013 term are: President, Robin Evanitsky; Vice
President, Ira McIntosh; Secretary, Sandra Bullis; Treasurer, Tim Crain. Directors for the 2012-2014 term are: Sandra Bullis, Lori Cetta, Tim Crain, Robin
Evanitsky, Lee Marigliano, Ira McIntosh, Gerda van Leeuwen, Ruth Vitale, Alan
Zimmerman; they join Margie Aitken, Thomas Banks, Mary Jane Giarrusso-Wilkin,
and Robert Rothenberg whose two year director terms expire in 2013.
Officers and Directors were sworn in to office by Wayne
Marshfield, Hamden Town Supervisor, long time Member and supporter of The Arc
of Delaware County, and Dale Anderson, representing people who receive services
from The Arc.
Six Outstanding Achievement awards were presented to
individuals that have inspired others in each of The Arc of Delaware County’s
programs. Award winners were bestowed
with Oscar-like trophies and plaques, honored with Certificates of Recognition
from Assemblyman Peter Lopez and Senator John Bonacic, and surprised by a
letter of congratulations from Governor Andrew Cuomo. Assemblyman Lopez also personally
congratulated and thanked the staff and volunteers for making all the successes
possible.
Carousel Children’s Services selected Jonathan Roy as
Outstanding Achievement Award winner.
Jonathan was selected by his teachers for his exceptional progress this
past year.
The Outstanding
Achievement award winners of the adult programs were chosen by a group of their
peers. Selection committees for each
program were formed to discuss qualities award winners should possess, and
accomplishments of nominees were reviewed and considered. Lisa Nichols, Life
Coach of the THRIVE program shared, “The individuals (on the nomination
committee) really are observant and they pick up on different things than we do
as staff… they really pick up on the key
pieces that are important to this process.”
The Outstanding Achievement Award winners in the adult
programs include: Community Living
Skills, Arkville- Gerry Sparks;
Community Living Skills, Walton- Russell Beadle; Residential Services-
Corinne Jones; Resources For Industry- Mark Fenner; THRIVE- Brenda McCall.
Other awards included the Dr. Gerald Burday Professional Excellence Award which recognizes a
professional or team of professionals who demonstrates a commitment to
excellence so that each individual they touch reaches his or her true
potential. The winner of this year’s award is Family Resource Network of
Oneonta, NY for providing outstanding support and programs to the Parent Support
Group facilitated by the Arc of Delaware County.
The Father Eugene
Willis Good Neighbor Award celebrates people who embody the spirit of being
kind and neighborly. The recipient of
this year’s award was Nat Thomas of Margaretville, NY. Nat has become a teacher, mentor, fellow
artist, and friend; Nat recognized and nurtured the artistic talents of James
Mould. He helped James establish his first gallery showing at Longyear Gallery
in Margaretville, NY which further led to an additional gallery showing in
Mainview Gallery, Oneonta.
The Partner of the
Year Award was presented to the community partner that has done the most to
enhance opportunities for individuals with disabilities in Delaware County.
This year’s winner was Walton Nursery School. Through the support of the Board
of Directors, Walton Nursery School has always been supportive of a program
that integrates children with and without disabilities. This collaboration
gives all children, regardless of ability level, the opportunity to learn and
play together. Speaking of interactions
with children from the Walton Nursery School, Joan Stone, Classroom Aide
shared, “Instead of fear or animosity toward their peers with special needs,
they develop compassion, understanding, and love.”
To learn how you can become a part of The Arc of Delaware
County as a volunteer or employee, visit our website at: www.delarc.org. To view photos of the “2012 Membership
Meeting and Awards Dinner”, click on the Flickr button located on the homepage
of the website.
