Carousel Children's Services and Delhi Campus Child Care Center Hosts 2015 Graduation Ceremony

20 preschool children graduated from Delhi Campus Childcare Center (DC4) and Carousel Children's Services (CCS) on Saturday June 20, 2015.

Karen Wallace, Director of DC4 and Beverly "Honey Bee" Tuthill,  Director of CCS welcomed the proud parents, friends, and family who attended the graduation ceremony. The children serenaded the audience with familiar favorite songs including "If You're Happy and You Know It", "I'm a Little Teapot",

"Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "We're Off to Kindergarten". 

After the Children's Program the children were presented with their diplomas and awards and proceeded down the auditorium aisles during the Recessional. A reception and refreshments culminated this auspicious event. To see more photos view our Flickr album:

https://flic.kr/s/aHskeQjbST

The Stream of Life- Trout Help to Make Environmental Connections

“When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.” - John Muir

Lillie Genovesi, TIC Coordinator (seated) is surrounded by students (L to R): Jamie Gould, Rachael Closs, Rita Altobello, Mike Sherburne, Marisa Romano, and Melissa Finch with Tammy Phoenix, TIC Instructor (far right).

 Over 5 years ago the Trout in the Classroom (TIC) project was brought to The Arc of Delaware County from a lucky convergence of events. Steve Finkel, an employee of The Arc and an avid fly fisherman became aware of the TIC program through his membership with Trout Unlimited. He was also aware of a grant opportunity offered by the Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC) and thought the TIC program would be a great match for people at The Arc since it incorporates learning about the environment, water quality, biology, science and a host of other related topics in a fun and productive way, by raising and releasing trout into local streams.

 The CWC grant helped to purchase the equipment needed to raise trout from eggs to young fingerlings and enabled the program to be offered at several of The Arc’s day program sites.  Those who choose to participate in the 8 month TIC program are responsible for monitoring and adjusting water quality and temperature, cleaning the tank, feeding, and finally releasing the trout.  Along the way they learn much about the importance of the environment and understand how it impacts life around us. 

 In March, Lilli Genovesi, TIC Coordinator for NYC and Watershed areas, visited the TIC program at The Arc’s Resources For Industry program (RFI) in Walton.  She viewed the tank and admired the thriving fish while the students told her what the class was learning from the project.  Lilli brought many teaching tools with her including a watershed model that demonstrated how water flowed into a reservoir. “Trout are very good indicators of how safe water is for us to drink. They are very sensitive to the environment,” she said. She also taught the class about the anatomy of a trout and showed them some of the many bugs that the trout eat while swimming in our waterways. She shared, “My favorite memories with TIC are linked to bringing students outdoors to the trout release sites. So many students today are disconnected from nature, seeing them out of their classrooms and interacting with nature makes my heart smile.”

Tammy Phoenix, RFI’s TIC program instructor has six students in this year’s class including Rita Altobello, Mike Sherburne, Marisa Romano, Rachael Closs, Jamie Gould, and Melissa Finch. They are taking the class because want to learn more about fish, the environment, and they like to fish too.

After Lilli’s visit Tammy shared, “I think Lilli’s visit was a great success. My class said it was well worth it.” Rita said, “I wish Lilli could have spent more time here so I could have shown her some of the things I do.” Melissa  added ,”When can she come back, I had fun!”

A sentiment expressed by Lilli summed up the satisfaction felt by all participating in the TIC program, “After raising their trout in the classroom for 8 months, that moment when the students bring their trout to the bank of the stream, lower their cups gently into the water and watch the trout swim out into the river (which also supplies our drinking water) is a very powerful moment. This experience truly connects students to nature and I am sure many students will cherish these memories throughout their lives. “To view photos from Lilli’s visit and learn more about the TIC program at RFI visit our Flickr and YouTube sites at www.delarc.org. To learn more about Trout in the Classroom program visit: www.troutintheclassroom.org .

A Proven Method to Reduce Challenging Behaviors In Any Environment

Exciting news! The Arc of Delaware County was on the front page of ‘the nation's leading evidence-based publication for the autism community', Autism Spectrum News. With a readership of over 100,000 people, and a potentially larger audience as we celebrate National Autism Awareness Month, this is a great opportunity to share the message of our proactive philosophy and positive approach to helping people with disabilities. Click to view the online version of the story: http://www.mhnews-autism.org/index.html

Disability Awareness Brought to Area Schools with the “Everybody Can” Contest

Pam Thompson (left) from Delta Kappa Gamma, Beta Omicron Chapter and Barb Thompson from The Arc of Delaware County hold one of the winning entries from the Everybody Can contest. This poster was created by Mrs. Bussiere's First Grade Class at Downsville Central School.

Disability awareness is brought to area schools in a fun and challenging way with the “Everybody Can” contest. This contest was created over 5 years ago through a partnership between The Arc of Delaware County (The Arc) and Delta Kappa Gamma’s local chapter, Beta Omicron.  The culmination of the contest occurs in March during Developmental Disability Awareness month when school winners are announced. This year's contest theme was "Everybody Can-Be Included.”  Delaware County students in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade are challenged to illustrate how they would include people with intellectual or developmental disabilities in their lives with an essay, PowerPoint or poster entry.  The goal of the contest is to encourage kids to explore how they can help others feel included and valued.

Delta Kappa Gamma Society International is a professional organization of women educators that has over 40 local members representing several of the Delaware County schools. And The Arc of Delaware County is a nonprofit organization that provides resources, programs, and support for over 300 children and adults with disabilities. Together these two organizations have combined their skills and knowledge to offer schools an opportunity learn more about disabilities by offering this contest challenge as well as interactive experiences and presentations at schools and at The Arc’s Day Program sites in Walton and Hamden.

This year Downsville Central School invited The Arc and to make presentations in their Pre-K through 4th grade classes and at their morning assembly.  A different challenge was presented to each class so the children could learn firsthand what it is like for a person with a disability to experience the world and how they adapt and pursue their interests and dreams just as their class peers do.

Mrs. Lisa Sackett who coordinated the contest participation at Downsville Central School said, “I would encourage other schools to do this. It is great character education and teaches that we are all different and we have to accept people for who they are.  When The Arc and Delta Kappa Gamma visited our school, the children loved the activities that taught about diversity. The contest also fits in well with teaching about bullying.”

The winners from this year’s contest include:

Essay: 1st Place-Sophia Piro, 5th Grade, Walton Central School
            2nd Place- Nathan Merwin, 5th Grade, Walton Central School
            3rd Place- Josh Carr, 5th Grade, Walton Central School

Poster: 1st Place- Mrs. Bussiere’s 1st grade class, Downsville Central School
             2nd Place- Mrs. Reed’s Pre-K Class

PowerPoint: 1st Place- Lacey Eckert and Kadence Oblinkski, South Kortright Central School
                     2nd Place- Madison Leaver and Caila Thomas, South Kortright Central School
                     3rd Place- Gracie Taylor, South Kortright Central School

To view photos of winning entries or to learn more about the “Everybody Can” contest visit: www.delarc.org.

Downsville Central School-Mrs. Reed's Pre-K Class 2nd Place poster winner. 

Looking Forward to Spring! Students Enjoy Growing Trout for Spring Release

People at The Arc of Delaware County are having fun watching little fry grow into trout that they plan to release into nearby streams in the spring. The Trout in the Classroom (TIC) program fish tank and fry have been set up at Resources for Industry in Walton, NY. This program teaches students about water quality, stream habitat, ecosystems and develops and appreciation of our water resources and fosters a conservation ethic.  This year 6 students, Rachel, Jamie, Mike, Melissa, Marisa, and Rita are caring for the developing trout.

Jeff Foster, Director of Employment and Transition at The Arc of Delaware County shared his video of the developing trout.  Jeff is an avid fisherman, and active in conservation efforts including being a former editor of a Trout Unlimited chapter newsletter and who also stared a River Keeper program in that chapter. He shared, “I like to combine my fishing and photography hobbies as often as possible.”  View photos of the initial set up of tanks and the fry: https://www.flickr.com/photos/delarc/sets/72157649289158016/ 

And to see how the fish have grown watch Jeff’s video: http://youtu.be/Y5WgDk18fKU

 

 

NYSARC Trust Grant Embellishes LIves

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

Elimination of Workshops - OPWDD Plan

The following link will take you to OPWDD's plan to eliminate Workshops; see page 7 for specific details.



Link to OPWDD's Plan to Increase Community Employment and Eliminate Workshops

Please contact us to be added to a list of advocates on this topic who are working to prevent the elimination of this very important aspect of employment services:

delarc@delarc.org or (607) 865-7126, ext. 151