Blesher visits Marian Ewain, A Positive Person Who Always Finds a Way!

Marian Ewain, a Life Coach at Community Living Skills-Walton was nominated by Heather McAdams for a Blesher award.  Marian is well known for her willingness to jump in and help whenever and wherever she can.  Heather shared that Marian found a way to support not only the people at CLS-W but also those at RFI who thoroughly enjoy attending “Creating Art Together” (CAT) classes. Congratulations to Marian who received her Blesher award June 28^th!

Heather wrote the following examples demonstrating how Marian exemplifies the 6 Unifying Principles of The Arc of Delaware County: 

1. Those We Serve Come First
   “Marian was very flexible and was able to help support three folks from RFI, so they could attend classes.”
2. Commit To Excellence
   “Marian is willing to jump in whenever she is asked.”

3.       Be Dedicated
“When Marian was approached to help RFI she jumped on it and gave me an answer the next day.”

4.       Employee Satisfaction
“Marian has an awesome “can do” attitude.”

5.       Communicate Effectively
“Marian kept me updated on how the folks at RFI were doing at CAT class.”

6.       Be Innovative
“Marian found a way to support her folks at CLS-Walton and the folks at RFI at the same times.”

Flower Power in Margaretville

Danny Vollmer and David Greenwood have been working together to help beautify the Village of Margaretville. Both men have had a personal interest in gardening and were pleased when Heidi Friedman, a community inclusion specialist, found an opportunity for them to put their passion to work by tending the flower boxes that line the parking lot of the Village of Margaretville parking lot. David has been volunteering for 3 years and Danny has been a part of the project for 1 year.

The flower box project got started when Heidi contacted Karen McMurray, Village Clerk, who along with Mayor Bill Stanton enthusiastically supported the project. Karen made a connection with local resident Joe Kiss who is very active in the community. Joe worked alongside David and Danny imparting his knowledge of plants and gardening to them.

David expresses joy every time he tends to the flowers by socializing with other community members. Danny sums up his feelings by stating: “I love watering the flowers, they are so pretty.” David and Danny take pride in their community and enjoy the opportunity to develop new connections.

The Arc of Delaware County strives to include people with disabilities in their communities by supporting them in exploring their individual hobbies, talents, and interests.

To view more photos of Danny and David's flowers click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/delarc/

The Arc of Delaware County Celebrates Much Success

The Arc of Delaware County‘s Annual Membership Meeting and Achievement Awards Ceremony was held at the Holiday Inn, Oneonta, June 8^th.  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.

Mike Terry Recognized with Blesher Award For “Can Do” Attitude

Blesher Lil Heart, the mascot of The Arc of Delaware County, met Mike Terry as he was completing a bus run at CLS-Arkville on May 30th .  Mike was nominated by Heidi Friedman  who shared, “Mike comes to work with a great positive attitude and shares it with everybody.”

Mike’s attitude demonstrates the 6 unifying principles of the Arc of Delaware County everyday:

1.)  Those We Serve Come First
Mike asks questions so that he can better work with our individuals.
2.) Commit To Excellence
Mike takes pride in his driving and maintaining the safety of those we serve.
3.) Be Dedicated
Mike has changed his personal schedule to accommodate the needs of Delarc.
4.) Employee Satisfaction
Mike pitches in and helps wherever needed.
5.) Communicate Effectively
He has the ability to communicate but also to listen to others.
6.) Be Innovative
He saw a need and built a “lunch box holder” on the bus. This was a help to people riding his bus place their lunch pails in a safe and accessible spot.

“Share, Learn, Grow” Program Creates Ambassadors for Change

Hancock Elementary School and Walton Central School students experienced the Arc of Delaware County’s “Share, Learn, Grow” program in May. This was a special treat for the students who were recently were County Wide and School Wide winners of the Arc of Delaware County’s “Everybody Can” contest.

The “Share, Learn, Grow” program is designed to foster understanding and respect for people with disabilities. It is also a program that challenges students to see past differences and focus on the person inside and will have lifelong impacts on their relationships with others. Catherine Tweedie, Director of Community Relations explained, “There are no members of our community more important to changing attitudes about people with disabilities than our children. Through increased education and understanding they can become the ambassadors of change.”

The students arrived in the morning and were introduced and paired with a person who receives supports from Delarc who served as their mentor and guide throughout the day. The children enjoyed a variety of activities including budgeting classes, art projects, and making pizza. They also had the experience of a simulated disability while perform various tasks such as assembling boxes with a kitchen mitt on one hand and reading and following directions that were written backwards. Students and mentors shared their thoughts and feelings about what they had learned. Blesher Lil’ Heart, the mascot of the Arc of Delaware County, joined the students for a special activity to help encourage positive interactions.

Comments from thank you letters received from the students reflected the success of the program. Kaylee Gill wrote: “I really did learn that people with any disability can do every day things even more than before (my visit). Thank you for an awesome day.” William Gross shared, “I really had a wonderful time at Delarc. My mentor, Tina and I had a lot of fun. I hope someday we can come back!”

To learn more about the Share, Learn, Grow program visit our website at www.delarc.org and select the” Share, Learn, Grow Mentorship Program” video on YouTube. Or view the Hancock Central School and Walton Central School photo sets on Flickr at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/delarc/ All Delaware County schools, grades 5-8 can participate in this program. Contact the Community Relations Department at 607-865-7126 for more information or to schedule a visit.

Rebecca Townsend Receives Blesher Award

Rebecca (Becky) Townsend was nominated for a Blesher Award by Steve Finkel for going “above and beyond” the requirements of her position. Becky has been supporting Brandy Parker as she fulfilled a personal desire to attend college. Brandy has been attending classes at SUNY Delhi and Becky has been an integral part of making her experience a success. Because of her successes at college, Brandy was asked to participate in a symposium in New York City in which she, some of her classmates, and the instructor, Dr. Tatnall were invited to talk about this inclusive college classroom project. Steve wrote: “I feel that without Becky’s support this unique opportunity for Brandy would not have occurred.” Becky has demonstrated the 6 Unifying Principals of the Arc of Delaware County: 1. Those We Serve Come First- Becky shared her personal time to help Brandy achieve her goals. 2. Commit to Excellence-Becky has committed herself to provide quality support to Brandy in all aspects of Brandy’s college experience. 3. Be Dedicated- Becky focuses on proper preparation and works with Brandy to ensure she is prepared for all college classroom requirements. 4. Employee Satisfaction- The joys of self esteem and satisfaction felt by Brandy provides a “reward” for Becky. 5. Communicate Effectively- Becky is thorough as evidenced by Brandy being well-prepared for all aspects of the program. 6. Be Innovative- Without Becky’s support, Brandy would not have had this unique opportunity to attend and participate in this symposium. Congratulations to Becky!

Politics with Respect

After weeks of campaigning, several members of the THRIVE Self Advocate group were elected to the offices of President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Excitement was in the air as the members of the Self Advocate group gathered to hear the candidates speak. It was a festive occasion and voters were greeted with posters enumerating the qualifications of each candidate as they arrived. Balloons adorned the tables and many political mementoes were handed out by the candidates in an effort to garner last minute voter support. Each candidate was given an opportunity to present a speech detailing their qualifications and experience. In turn, the voters had an opportunity to ask many probing questions of each candidate. Each speech, as well as the questions and comments were respectfully considered. The panel of candidates included: President-Tina Cawley, Becky Hand, Brenda Scott, and Stephen Huff Secretary- Erin Balcom, Nancy Hayden Treasurer- David Nichols, Lilly Johnson, and Joseph Fitapelli After ballots were collected and counted the winners were: Brenda Scott- President, Erin Balcom-Secretary, and David Nichols- Treasurer Several of the Self Advocates were involved in making the election a success. Special mention was made that Cory Tatton was instrumental in helping several candidates with their campaign strategies. Visit our Flickr site at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/delarc/ to view more photos of the election.