 Shawn Bowker was recently honored as The Arc of Delaware County’s 2011 Outstanding Achievement Award, for the THRIVE (Together Helping Reach Individual Victories Everyday) program. Jessica Baldi, Life Coach, set the tone of the award presentation referring to Shawn: “Few times in our lives, we find ourselves truly blessed and inspired by someone we know. Despite challenges and obstacles, that often times will set us back, it’s amazing to witness someone overcoming and succeeding in spite of those hurdles.“ Those that have the ability to inspire others share common traits such as courage, persistence, perseverance, willingness to try new things, showing an interest in the world and people around them. Through the voices of friends, community members, and coworkers, a picture of Shawn emerged as stories were shared, a slide show presentation, and videos were shown that inspired all in attendance. Shawn has challenged himself and others by participating in activities that far exceeded any expectations that were set for him. For example, a few years ago Shawn started taking horseback riding lessons. His persistence paid off as he gained the skills and knowledge that were needed to win ribbons and trophies at several events throughout the summer. And those that know Shawn shared that he has no fear. Through adaptive ski equipment, he pursues his interest in skiing. He rides to the top of the highest mountain at Belleayre Mountain Ski Resort and skis the 3 miles down to the bottom- loving every minute of it. When Shawn first came to the THRIVE program he said that he wanted to walk again. His determination and subsequent progress at achieving his goal has been noticed by his friends. Tina Cawley shared, “He never gives up even if he doesn’t feel good… He tells me,” You keep on going too.” “Another friend Jennifer Gugliotti said, “He motivates me in the different things that he does.” Shawn serves as a role model to people in his community as well. He enjoys giving his time and sharing his knowledge by volunteering at Downsville Central School- his hometown high school. He has coached baseball and is continuing to coach basketball. He calls drills to the team, and presents awards to his team at their annual sports banquet. Although people know Shawn in different ways, as student, community member, coach, mentor, and friend, all agreed “Shawn is a really nice, caring guy. He cares about other people.”
 Things fell into place for Marlana Volpe when a connection was made between The Arc of Delaware County and a preschool program located a few blocks away from Marlana’s home in Stamford, NY. Marlana had expressed an interest in working with children in a child care setting. For the past two years she began taking child care classes at Resources for Industry in Walton, NY. Marlana said, “I am more comfortable with kids… I like all of it (taking care of children)”. The Kiddie Corner Preschool program is a nonprofit organization and serves approximately 18 children ages 3-4. Kris Anderson, one of the teachers at the center explained, “We are set up to be involved with community, and this is one of the ways to accomplish our goal.” So when Kiddie Corner was approached with the idea of having Marlana volunteer to assist in their preschool program, they were very receptive to the idea. Marlana is well prepared when she arrives at Kiddie Corner Preschool. She brings songs, stories, and crafts she learns at RFI to share with the children. During snack time and circle time she assists the teachers and at the end of the day helps the children with their backpacks when they are getting ready to leave. She also helps with some of the administrative tasks of filing and preparing bulletin boards. “Marlana is always willing to do what I ask her. And if she hears me ask a child to do something, Marlana will make sure that the child follows through with what they were asked to do”, said Kris. Marlana, and those that know her, have said that her involvement with Kiddie Corner has made her more confident, outgoing, and assertive. A former “homebody” who rarely left the house now enjoys going on field trips with the children and building friendships with those she works with. When asked what she would say to others considering working with The Arc of Delaware County, Kris said, “It’s rewarding to all involved. You should definitely give it a try.” The Arc of Delaware County is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to support people with disabilities in living personally fulfilling lives. To learn how you can help The Arc fulfill its mission, visit www.delarc.org.
 The Arc of Delaware County and the Catskill Mountain Artisan Guild (CAT) have collaborated to develop and implement a series of workshops with the purpose of exposing people to a variety of arts who typically don’t have the opportunity to do so. This series of workshops started in May 2011 and consists of month long workshops, each concentrating on a specific type of art: drawing, painting, pottery, beading, singing, dancing, acting/radio, sewing, writing, weaving, print making, and collage. Jill Cline of the CAT summarized her feelings about the program, saying “Creativity is innate in people. Every human being has creativity within, but whether this creativity is discovered or developed depends on whether people are exposed to the various arts and materials available.” This series of workshops has done that and more.
James Mould has participated in 3 of the workshops and says the experience has changed him in many ways. He explained that prior to taking the workshops he found it hard to try something new. When he started drawing about 3 years ago he worked mainly in pencil and with markers. These workshops have exposed him to other materials and techniques. Jill Cline shared that at first, James wanted to do what he knew; he was comfortable with that, but not inspired. When he started exploring materials that he had never encountered such as watercolors, oils, acrylics he really grew personally and artistically. “He grasped the concept that art is infinite and it excited him.” Heather McAdams, Life Coach said that she has seen many changes in James. “He is open to trying new things now. He is coming out of his shell more and more. He loves his art work and always has his portfolio with him.” James has sold some of his artwork and has recently been invited by other artists to exhibit some of his works at the Longyear Gallery in Margaretville, NY in January 2012.
Speaking for the CAT organization Jill shared, “We feel lucky that we get this chance and opportunity to teach.” They are seeing the self discovery of natural talent that the students hadn’t known they had. “From the little bit we give, we get back so much more” said Jill.
To view some of James Mould’s artwork, visit The Arc of Delaware County’s website at www.delarc.org and click on the ‘Flickr” link.
 Shannon Robinson has fulfilled a personal dream by working at “Springdale Farm” located in Hamden NY; a farm that has been in the Moody family since 1919. This 200 acre farm nestled in the Catskills is home to 89 Holsteins and 40 Jersey cows and heifers.
Angela Edwards, Person Centered Facilitator for The Arc of Delaware County stated that Shannon had met with her in January of 2011 to develop a plan to achieve his personal goals and dreams. Angela stated, “His focus stayed true to his dream of working on a farm. He didn’t stop advocating for himself. He showed great confidence while sharing abilities that matched his desire, saying “I’m strong, I’m a hard worker, I know how to use a shovel and throw hay.” A connection was then made with the Moody farm in an effort to put Shannon’s desire to work at a farm into action.
When Bill Moody was first approached, he admittedly had some concerns about safety for Shannon working with the animals, for instance what would happen should one of the animals startle or chew on his clothes. Farming is a challenging business with operating costs continuing to increase and wet weather reducing the amount of available feed and roughage for livestock. So, it is perhaps not surprising that this family who has weathered the ups and downs of the farming business for 92 years continues to see the opportunities that lie in accepting potential challenges.
Shannon works at the Moody family farm with pride and enthusiasm, feeding approximately 40 calves, removing the old hay and putting it in the pens for bedding for the calves. “Everything about the experience has been positive. Now that we’ve done it, I don’t have the concerns I had before”, shared Bill. This provides a welcome respite for Bill’s wife, Patsy who typically did these chores each morning before heading to work at her off the farm job. When asked about what he would say to other businesses looking for employees, Bill said, “I think we don’t have knowledge of the possibilities. We need to get the word out about this. ...My vision was limited on what people with disabilities can do. What has happened here has more than met my expectations.”
If you are open to exploring similar opportunities contact The Arc of Delaware County at (607) 865-7126 or email: delarc@delarc.org
 Rebecca Townsend, Life Coach for the Arc of Delaware County (Delarc) coordinated flood recovery efforts by the people of Delarc. She states that she felt compelled to act when immediately after the flood, the people she worked with asked her what they could do or how they could help. The felt very badly for the people affected by the flood she said, “As an agency we are involved in our communities. Usually we’re looking to communities for their support. So it was natural to look to give back.” Several people at other locations within Delarc jumped at the opportunity to help. At the Resources for Industry location in Walton, 15 people participated in different ways. Some collected and donated food, toiletries, clothing, and items for backpacks to be distributed through Delaware Opportunities. Sally Kauffman was involved in gathering donations and said they all worked together to make a list of items needed by the flood victims. She said “We’re a team effort around here. Us and the Arc- we see a need and jump into action. A lot of us volunteer in communities.” Others worked through Sidney Civic Center to assist homeowners in their clean- up efforts. After assisting two homeowners in cleaning up their basement, hauling garbage, and cleaning a refrigerator, Fred Hammond and Melissa Finch were asked to come back and help another homeowner. They helped an elderly woman move furniture in her flood damaged home. Fred said “I just felt like helping and I had a good time.” They plan on going back. Melissa said, “I like to give. Call me, I will go right back. I like to work and clean.” When asked how the act of volunteering impacted those involved, Rebecca stated: “I have seen the personal pride in what they did by those that have helped. Being able to give back to their communities, being able to make new personal connections in the community was really neat!” The Arc of Delaware County is a not for profit organization that supports people with disabilities to live personally fulfilling lives. For more pictures about our flood recovery efforts or information about our organization visit our website http://www.delarc.org/, or call 607-865-7126.
 You May Know A Winner!
It is always fun to discover the personal side of people that you may say “Hi” to everyday but not know well. Check out these names of people that have entered and/or won prizes for their entries at the Delaware County Fair and congratulate them! Capture the opportunity to ask them more about their projects and interests and get to know them better:
Horsemanship-Brenda Scott and Brenda McCall (Thrive), Francis Schulz and Jean Borget (RFI) all won blue ribbons in their respective classes. Also participating was Alissa Cronin (Life Coach-Thrive) who entered the barrel riding competition.
Photography- Sammie Conklin (RFI) placed 3rd in the amateur class. Also participating were Bob Bates and Becky Todd (Thrive), Billie Savory (RFI) and Janet Stoop (Life Coach- Thrive).
Amateur Drawing- James Mould (RFI) won 1st place and a blue ribbon. Teresa Vengen (RFI) won 3rd place. Also participating were Karl Lucker and Lewis Pepper (Thrive).
Amateur Painting- Shannon Robinson and Patricia Finch (RFI) entered paintings.
Cooking- Cindy White (Thrive) won a blue ribbon for her chocolate chip cookies. Nancy Haydon (Thrive) won 2nd place for her oatmeal raisin cookies.
Jewelry making- Doris Knowles (Thrive) won first place for jewelry making.
Sewing- Janice Hess (Thrive) won a red ribbon for a quilted walker bag she made.
Tractor Pull- Warren Stelter (Thrive) received a ribbon for 4th place.
The Hamden Town float - sported a photo of the Hamden covered bridge taken by Thomas Ferrante (Thrive).
Brandon Condon planted a flower garden at the Fairgrounds on behalf of CLS-Walton. This garden at the fair has been a project of CLS-Walton for 5 years.
Five people in the Delaware Sport Center’s Small Engine Repair course celebrated their success on August 10th. Mark Fenner, Joseph Fitapelli, Paul Hamill, Gary Whiteman, and Robert Wilcox received certificates in recognition of their achievements in the course provided by Jon Armstrong , owner of Delaware Sport Center. Jon has been offering this course for the past 3 years in collaboration with the Arc of Delaware County (DelArc). Each course consists of three 9-10 week sessions throughout the year. Seasonally appropriate equipment is included in the curriculum and includes: mowers, trimmers, weed eaters, chain saws, small motor bikes, ATV’s, and snowmobiles. The course covers understanding the basics of equipment/engine components, basic preventative maintenance, breaking an engine down and putting it back together, trouble shooting, classical problems/solutions. Jon has been a strong community supporter of DelArc. “It’s been a great joy to have the guys participate. I think they’ve gotten a lot out of it. And it’s been good for us, too.”
One class participant, Paul Hamill, had an additional reason to celebrate. When he arrived for the celebration, he learned that he was being offered a job there. Engine repair has always been a strong interest of Paul's. Julie Conrow, Assistant Program Director, Resources For Industry, Walton, NY shared these thoughts about Paul: “When I first met him he shared that he dreamed of some day having a job repairing engines. The Small Engine class that has been occurring was developed specifically with Paul in mind … to help him work toward his dream. He started out attending the class, and then had the opportunity to share his knowledge and assist with teaching the class. Now he is proud to share that he is a paid employee. The opportunity to learn and work in an area of such great interest has helped Paul grow in all aspects of his life.”
Paul said, “I am thrilled to have achieved my dream today.”
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