Community Service Day- Mixing Up Some Fun Together!

 

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. 

View more photos of the fun: https://www.flickr.com/photos/delarc/albums/72157659089002850

Gentle Giant Visits Community Living Skills-Walton

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.  

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 1^st.  

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

View photos of their visit on our Flickr site or click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/delarc/albums/72157659221208255

To learn more about the Leonberger breed visit Bobev's Kennel webpage at:  www.bobevsleos.com

"Everybody Can- Achieve" Contest Announced

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, 1^st 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."   

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.

Edgevilla Farm Hosts Workshop on Farming in Delaware County

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.

Join the class as they learn about farming by visiting our Flickr site at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/delarc/albums/72157658708862091

Ribbons Galore!

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

Oh What a Night!

June 19^th 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.

To view more photos from this special night visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/delarc/sets/72157652595732974

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