The Arc of Delaware County was delighted to receive two
grants from NYSARC’s Trust Remainder Funds for the purpose of supporting
guardianship services and to provide recreation opportunities for individuals
with disabilities. The grants totaled
$15,000.
With the Recreation funds, individuals were able to pursue a
vast array of person centered recreational activities. Roberta Butler was overjoyed when she learned
funds were available to her. She had
long dreamed of attending a Christian concert and dining at seafood
restaurant. Together Roberta and her Life
Coach, Janet, planned a very special evening, including attending a Matthew
West Concert and dinner at Red Lobster. Janet
shared that in the days leading up to her special night, Roberta would inquire
‘how many more days until I go’ and together Roberta and Janet would review the
calendar and continue to count down the days. When the day she had been looking forward to
had finally arrived, Roberta exclaimed “Today is the concert!” They were escorted to their seats, two rows
from stage. Roberta stood all throughout
the concert, singing, dancing and clapping along. After the concert Roberta proclaimed “that
was the best time ever!”
The funds received for guardianship services will assist
with ongoing expenses of operating the Guardianship program and for life
enhancing activities for people receiving guardianship services. As the Guardianship Committee often fills the
void of family, guardianship funds are often used to provide for birthdays,
holidays, vacations and special events. The
Arc of Delaware County’s Guardianship Committee, comprised of dedicated members from the community, currently
provides guardianship services to two people for whom NYSARC, Inc. serves as
Legal Guardian. The committee ensures
all decisions made are in the best interest of the individual and are in
harmony with the individual’s personal values and preferences, just as a
concerned family member would do.
A total of $1,874,000 in remainder grants were awarded in
2015 to support recreation and guardianship to NYSARC Chapters 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 at www.nysarctrustservices.org. To learn more about Services available
through The Arc of Delaware County, click on the services link at www.delarc.org or call (607)865-7126.
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| Roberta Butler enjoying a meal before the Matthew West concert. |
Local craftsman Russ Neale has been sharing his love
of woodworking with people from The Arc of Delaware County for several years.
His class is popular and people jump at the opportunity to take his class and
learn all about wood, its properties, and how to make wonderful things. Several
students have won prizes at the Delaware County Fair for the items they have made
in Russ’s woodworking class.
From teaching safety practices to sensational wood finished
products, Russ provides an in depth and fun experience for all! This Fall 4 participants
created individual projects including ornate boxes and birdhouses and then
worked on a group project together. View photos of the class, the items they
made and the large planter box group project that was donated to Community
Living Skills in Arkville, NY. View more photos:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/delarc/albums/72157660176721343
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George Suess receives the ‘Executive Excellence Award’ at
the National Conference of Executives of The Arc. Pictured with George, holding his award, are
Steven Kroll, NYSARC Executive Director, Laura Kennedy, NYSARC Board President,
Sharon Suess, Nat Thomas, The Arc of Delaware County Board member, and Molly
Little, Director of Day Services and soon to be CEO for The Arc of Delaware
County.
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After 36 years of unwavering dedicated service to The Arc of
Delaware County and a lifelong career in human services, George Suess will
retire from his CEO position at the end of this year. His future plans include spending more time
with his family and continuing to spread the message of positive behavior
supports.
It is difficult if not impossible to sum up George’s vast achievements and contributions over his extensive
career with The Arc of Delaware County.
Through George’s guidance and inspirational leadership, The Arc has not
only made significant contributions to the lives of children and adults with
disabilities at a local level, helping them to live personally fulfilling
lives, but by sharing the proactive philosophy and positive approach with other
organizations George has lead the way to impacting the lives of countless
individuals across the nation. George’s
contributions to the field were recently recognized by the National Conference
of Executives (NCE) of The Arc when he was chosen to receive the Executive
Excellence Award, the highest honor bestowed upon an executive leader of The
Arc.
The Arc of Delaware
County’s Board has been preparing for George’s upcoming retirement for a few
years, methodically planning for succession and transition. Board President, Mrs. Robin Evanitsky shared
“After a very thorough interview and selection process, we are pleased to
announce that Mrs. Molly Little was chosen to serve as CEO effective January 1.”
Molly first joined The Arc of Delaware County in February 1995 as
a Social Worker Assistant. Her
dedication, commitment, and demonstrated leadership have earned her several
promotions over the years, including Program Coordinator in 1996, Assistant
Director of CLS-Walton in 1997, Program Director at CLS-W in 2000, and Director
of Day Services in 2011. Molly has a
Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Masters of Arts in
Education. She lives in Walton with her husband Ty and her three children
Mara, Meyer, and Maddox.
“It is with great emotion that
we announce George’s retirement; however we look to the future with eager
anticipation and enthusiasm as we welcome Molly Little in to her new role as
CEO.” concluded Mrs. Evanitsky. The community will have an opportunity to
congratulate George on his retirement and welcome Molly to her new role at a
celebratory event in mid January; for details on the event contact The Arc of
Delaware County Community Relations Dept. 607-865-7126.
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Professor Christopher O'Brien and Brandy Parker
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Brandy Parker has been interested in the field of psychology
and has been taking classes for several years at SUNY Delhi. When asked how she became interested in the
field of psychology she shared: “It helps me understand more about myself and I
wanted to learn more about why people behave and react to things the way they do.”
Assistant Professor, Christopher O’Brien stated, “Brandy is
performing at the top of her class. She comes prepared to class and always has
insightful comments. She raises her hand often and always has something
valuable to contribute.” He stressed
that there is a lot of hard work, study, and preparation that is involved in
order to do well in the class. He said,
“Brandy is a strong advocate for herself.
She submits her work early and emails me to ask me to let her know how
she is doing.”
Brandy said that Professor O’Brien challenges her in her
studies. She spoke about “reaction
papers” that she particularly liked.
When asked what a “reaction” paper was, Professor O’Brien explained that
it is a writing assignment 3-4 pages in length using an article of the
student’s choice that is fairly current (printed in the last 6 months). He stated that he makes the assignment
purposefully vague because “My hope is that they find an article that interests
them.” The first requirement of the
assignment is that they engage their critical thinking skills and ask
themselves reflective questions such as what some alternative explanations
might be, are there any loopholes in the hypothesis, etc. “I want them to“dig
deeper” he stressed. The second
requirement is that they apply the concepts they have learned in class such as establishing
a hypothesis, using research methodology, selecting variables, etc.
Brandy recently had cause to celebrate, after learning of
the very high mark she received on an exam.
According to Becky Townsend who attends classes with Brandy, “Brandy is
very responsible and she doesn’t normally treat herself to much.” Brandy chimed
in, “But I ordered take out that day!”
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| Shannon Robinson points out his picture on display at Evenden Tower, SUNY Delhi |
Shannon Robinson has a passion for the arts. He loves
listening to music and has a special place in his heart for opera. Shannon
shared that as he listens to music, he likes to draw. This peripheral interest has taken flight as Shannon
began taking a course at SUNY Delhi, “Freehand Drawing” taught by Assistant
Professor, Lisa Tessier. The course
helps students to see, understand, and record visually complex items. Students
are taught the basic principles of design and composition using both black and white
as well as colored pencils.
Recently one of Shannon’s drawings
was selected for a display at Evenden Tower located on campus. Professor
Tessier said that the drawings for the display were selected based on opinions
of the students as well as her own perception of how well the drawing met the
requirements of the assignment. She had
tasked the class to use shadow and highlighting to create dimension in an
object using a range of 4 or more values.
When Shannon learned that his drawing had been selected to be a part of
the display he said “It made me feel good”.
Professor Tessier shared that
Shannon’s line work has developed a lot. “He is really starting to see lights
and shadows and is using a greater range of values. “ Other items Shannon has drawn include a
perspective study on a commercial building, a figure study of his own hand, and
the apple drawing that is in the display at Evenden Tower.
On a personal note, Professor Tessier
said, “It is so nice to have Shannon in class; he has a “can do” attitude. When
I ask him to try something he responds, “I can do that.” He exemplifies a
positive attitude and I appreciate that.”
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| Shannon with (L to R): Assistant Professor Lisa Tessier and fellow students Jamie Walsh and Josephine DeSanto who also had pictures in the exhibit. |
Josh Tefft enjoys food preparation and cooking, helping to
prepare the daily lunches offered to people located at The Arc of Delaware
County’s facility in Hamden, NY. He
didn’t have to think twice when an opportunity to attend a culinary class offered
by nationally recognized SUNY Delhi Culinary Arts program came along. “I’ve always liked food and wanted to learn
more about cooking.” So this fall Josh enrolled
in the Culinary Arts Basic Fundamentals Course taught by Judith Winters. In class he has enjoyed learning in-depth cooking terminology and cooking principles,
culinary history, proper storage/sanitation, nutrition, profitability, food
science and cooking methods for a variety of food products. Josh explained that a typical day in class consisted
of students working together in teams to prepare food, operating all of the
many pieces of kitchen equipment and experimenting with the new cooking skills they
have learned. While there are some recipes that Josh would rather not repeat,
he is open to tasting everything and has discovered several new dishes he plans
to add to his cooking repertoire. One favorite recipe is a Belgium Waffle dish
he recently prepared. “My favorite foods are breakfast dishes”, he added with a
broad smile. And his creativity
was apparent as he reflected, “ I think the Hollandaise Sauce I learned will be
something I can add to some of the dishes I (currently) make.”
When asked what his favorite part of the class was, he said
without hesitation, “I really like the people in the class!” Pam Walker, who
works with Josh at The Arc cafeteria and attends the same class affirmed, “He
really loves working with the other students, they are all very, very
nice”.
When Josh learned that his midterm grade was an A- he said
that he was a little surprised. “I
thought I was doing pretty good in class, but not THAT good!... It’s pretty
cool!”
Residents from Main St. and Elm St. celebrated Community
Service Day with SUNY Delhi College
students Rachelle Cassatt, Kirsten Knutson, and Iveilsse Torres by baking
cookies for residents of the Delhi Community Senior Apartments.
In addition to the SUNY students other bakers include: Gary
Grossman, Doris Knowles, Cindy White, Therresa Vengen, Shannon Robinson, and
Kevin Hamill.
There was some time between baking the cookie batches so the
college students and Main and Elm Street residents had some fun playing board
games.
 The day was topped off by happy smiles from the cookie
recipients at the Delhi Senior Apartments.
Rita Altobello, is a person who likes to give to others. Her
compassionate heart has led her to volunteer at many places including the Human
Society and at Bobbev’s Leonberger Kennel in Andes, NY where she delights in interacting and caring
for these beautiful dogs.
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| Rita Altobello at Bobev Leonberger Kennel, Andes, NY |
So it was not a surprise when Rita expressed that she wanted
to have others meet and enjoy the Leonberger dogs that she has been helping to
feed, groom, and care for each week. The kennel owners , Bob and Bev Travis,
have for many years taken these gentle giants into nursing homes, senior
housing complexes, schools, and walked in parades to acquaint people with this
unique breed of dog. They readily agreed
to making a visit to The Arc’s Community Living Skills facility in
Walton with Rita and the Leonberger, “Brody” on September 1st.
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L to R Front Row: Wendy Miller, "Brody", Rita Altobello, Beth Aiken
L to R Back Row: Val Stafford, Hilary Miller, Bev and Bob Travis |
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To learn more about the Leonberger breed visit Bobev's Kennel webpage at: www.bobevsleos.com
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| Ms. Bussiere's 1st Grade Class, Downsville Central School |
Achieve
means “to gain with effort”. Isn’t that what life is all about, striving toward
something important, wanting to be more and accomplishing one’s dreams?
A local
contest held by The Arc of Delaware County and Delta Kappa Gamma, Beta Omicron
Chapter for over 6 years has opened the eyes of Delaware County students to the
fact that people with disabilities are just like them, in that they have hopes, dreams, and goals and work
hard to achieve them. And those students
who have experienced the “Share, Learn, Grow” program at The Arc of Delaware
County have been surprised and amazed as they witnessed not only the struggles and courage of people with
disabilities but also their abilities, talents and achievements. One student
who participated in the contest and visited The Arc shared,
“I learned that no matter what challenges you
face in life, you can accomplish your dreams.”
The theme
of this year’s contest is “Everybody Can- Achieve”. Students in grades k-8 and after school
program groups are invited to take the challenge of learning about people with
disabilities and their achievements and then creating a project from what they
have learned.
Prizes will be awarded in 5 categories:
Grades K-4 class poster project, Grades 5-8 individual essay project, Grades
5-8 Individual or Small Group PowerPoint project, after school program small
group project using any medium and after school program large group project
using any medium. First, second, and third place winners of each category will
be awarded, $100, $75, or $50 respectively and every entry will be recognized
with a certificate.
Anne Bussiere, 1st
Grade Teacher, Downsville Central School, reflected on their participation in
last year’s contest: "My
class had a blast making the poster! They were thrilled when they won and were
able to donate their winnings to Heart of the Catskills and the school's
rain forest fundraiser. They learned they could really make a difference!"
Schools
and After School Groups can request a free interactive presentation by The Arc
of Delaware County and Delta Kappa Gamma to be held at their school. Pam
Thompson, Delta Kappa Gamma shared: “The elementary kids
at Downsville and Walton last year were eager to learn about Braille, sign
language, and Autism. They eagerly practiced ways to communicate with
people with these developmental disabilities."
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| Pam Thompson from Delta Kappa Gamma during a Downsville Central School Presentation |
For more information and details about
this contest visit the "News" section on our website at www.delarc.org. For additional
information contact The Arc of Delaware County, Community Relations Department,
Barbara Thompson (607) 865-7126 or email b.thompson@delarc.org.
Local farmer, Paul Aitken of Edgevilla Farm has “opened his barn doors” to lead a class in learning about farm life in Delaware County. Edgevilla is located in Hamden, NY and owned by Paul, Margie and Beth Aitken. The farm was purchased by Paul’s grandfather for $2,200 and has been in operated by the family for over 99 years. With over 140 acres of cropland, 50 beef cattle, 70 chickens, 2 goats (Lucy and Ethel), and a pet duck (Harold) this was a perfect environment to learn about all aspects of farming.
Steve Finkel, who provides program support at The Arc of Delaware County helped to develop the 7 week curriculum with Paul. Steve shared, “The goal of this workshop series is to teach interested participants the history, traditions and operation of a Delaware County farm...its successes, struggles and systems that go into managing a farm business and lifestyle in today's world versus that of their family 99 years ago.”
Scott Rogers, Jan Sturdevant, Frank Schulz, David Greenwood, Roseanna Starkweather, Randy Palmer, Gary Grossman, and Thomas Slavinski have enrolled in the class and recently toured the buildings, learned about Edgevilla’s history, and are now looking forward to learning about farm economics, herd management and care, and the marketing of the farm products. They will also witness the development and organization of one of Edgevilla’s many festivals hosted throughout the year- The Corn Maze which is occurring on September 19th and 20th and a Haunted Corn Maze Oct. 3 & 4 and Oct. 10 & 11.
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The Delaware County Fair gives people the opportunity to showcase their talents and interests and enjoy a bit of friendly competition in the process. Several folks we know brought home ribbons and checks. Visit our Flicker album and roll over the photos for captions to find out we caught enjoying the fair!
https://www.flickr.com/phot…/delarc/albums/72157657078311948 |
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.
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