Wishes and dreams came true for several people supported by
The Arc of Delaware County as a result of a generous recreational grant of
$10,000 from the Trustees of the NYSARC Trusts. When staff learned of this
wonderful opportunity, ideas flowed forth as to how best to use this funding
for those they support who might not otherwise be able to afford an experience
that would greatly enrich their lives.
Annette Plath, Administrative Assistant at the Residential
Office shared that when she heard about the NYSARC Recreation Grant
opportunity, the idea of Shannon Robinson going to opera came immediately to
mind.
Shannon has long harbored a love of the sweeping music of
opera which was kindled by a chance connection in the Residential Office of The
Arc of Delaware County. Several years
ago, Annette was playing a favorite opera in her office when Shannon came in to
deliver some mail to her. She immediately recognized a kindred “opera” spirit
when she saw him become transfixed upon hearing the music and invited him to
sit down and listen. Since then, Annette
shared that Shannon has come in to her office many times, requesting to hear
more opera music. “He is transported by
it” shared Annette. She described how
Shannon would relax into an office chair, put his head back and shut his eyes
letting the music wash over him, occasionally uttering, “beautiful”. She noted “He particularly likes duets and
arias, from Puccini including “Madam Butterfly, La Boh`eme, and Tosca.”
In August, Riann
Warren, a staff member and Shannon attended “Madame Butterfly” at the
Glimmerglass Opera. “I don’t think it hit him, what we were about to see until
we arrived at our balcony seats”said Riann.
“Then his face just lit up!”
During the performance he became very calm and quiet as he took in every
aspect of the performance. And during
intermission Shannon talked about how the man and women were in love. “Can we
come again next year?” he asked on the way home.
When asked about why he likes opera music in particular,
Shannon shared that the music made him feel “peaceful”. When he feels upset or anxious he asks for
opera music to be played. “It makes me
feel calm.” “I thoroughly enjoy listening to music with him, it touches me,”
said Annette.
In addition, remainder fund grants totally $1,660,500 were
awarded to support NYSARC guardianship programs statewide. A total of $2,207,880 in remainder grants
were awarded in 2014 to support recreation and guardianship statewide. NYSARC Trust Services administers
supplemental needs trusts that enable people with disabilities to remain in
their home and community while retaining Medicaid services and other government
benefits. Information is available on
how NYSARC Trust Services may benefit you:
our website www.nysarctrustservices.org
, phone 1-518-439-8323, toll free phone 1-800-735-8924 or e-mail info@nysarctrustservices.org
