Holiday Spirit TRC staff and service recipients brighten season in

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Holiday Spirit
JANUARY 2012
TRC staff and service recipients
brighten season in many ways
While TRC staff and service recipients are busy throughout
the year, at holiday time that level of activity increases even more.
Again this holiday season, TRC was involved in many initiatives:
* For the seventh straight year, The Resource Center and TRC
Foundation were the major sponsors of Jamestown's holiday
parade. We put together a Toys for Tots float, and a number
of staff members and service recipients marched along with
it. We also had one of our buses in the parade, enabling those
unable to walk the parade route to still be part of the event.
* For the 11th year in a row, TRC coordinated the U.S. Marine
Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots drive in Chautauqua County,
making the holidays merrier for some 2,250 needy children.
* For the third consecutive year, TRC hosted the Village of Celoron's children's Christmas party in the Conference Center
on Dunham Avenue.
* To put people in the spirit of the season, TRC collaborated
with the Prendergast Library to hold an exhibit of paintings made by individuals in our "Creations" art program.
The opening receptions featured the debut performances of
TRC's choir, called "Voices of Hope."
* Again this year, TRC staff and service recipients went caroling at TRC homes in the Jamestown area.
* Two sisters involved in a TRC Learning Institute initiative
followed their passion for making holiday crafts, then sold
their wares at a bazaar.
* TRC staff and service recipients volunteered their time to assist other initiatives that support people in need, such as ringing the bell for The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign.
Jennifer Whitmore, Secretary for the "Alternatives" Day Habilitation Program, and her daughter Kayla dressed as wooden soldiers to
march with TRC's Toys for Tots float in Jamestown's holiday parade.
Read more about some of the above ventures in this newsletter.
PHOTO BY JANE YOUNG
TRC News
Board Corner
2012 Capital Budget approved
The Resource Center has budgeted more than $4.5 million
in capital improvements for 2012.
At its November meeting, the Board of Directors approved
a capital budget in the amount of $4,581,661 for next year. Of
that total, 58 percent ($2,640,250) is targeted for building and
leasehold improvements, including $1,155,000 to be used by
the Individualized Residential Alternatives and the Intermediate Care Facilities to maintain TRC's homes, and $614,000 for
improvements to the Jamestown Work Center.
In addition, $1,068,599 has been budgeted for equipment
purchases, including $405,800 to purchase new machinery and
equipment used by the Work Centers to manufacture the products TRC makes for the federal government.
Capital items are those costing $5,000 or more, as well as
all computers.
Also included in the 2012 capital budget are $127,800 for
computer purchases; $385,250 for technology and software;
$197,662 for vehicles; and $162,100 for furniture.
TRC typically purchases 40 to 45 percent of the items in the
capital budget. The 2011 capital budget was $3,833,611, and
TRC purchased just over 48 percent of the items in the budget.
In other matters at its monthly meeting, the Board:
* was updated by Executive Director Paul Cesana on the proposed project that would integrate TRC's Health, Behavioral and Psychosocial services within a single facility.
* was informed by Paul of recent hearings undertaken by
the New York State Office for Persons with Developmental Disabilities to receive feedback on the State's proposed
"People First Waiver" (also known as the "1115 Waiver")
to the Federal government. Paul also updated Board members on OPWDD's recently disseminated five-year plan and
TRC's efforts to redesign its service configuration to be
aligned with the anticipated 1115 Medicaid Waiver.
* ratified a letter of agreement with OPWDD regarding Day
Services limits based on recently promulgated requirements.
Making a difference
Julie McCarthy, left, a member of The Resource Center's Board
of Directors, presents a check for $680.72 to Paul Cesana, TRC's Executive Director. The money represents the proceeds from the fourth
annual "Make a Difference Day" collaboration between TRC and The
Post-Journal. On October 27, The P-J printed a TRC edition of the paper, and volunteers sold the special papers at various locations around
Jamestown. Julie, who works for the paper, arranges the initiative.
In Memory
Daniel Ceranowicz, 62, passed away November 22. Daniel had
been employed as a Production Worker at the Dunkirk Work Center
from August 2009 until September 2011.
William L. Chapman, 54, passed away December 17. Bill had
received supports from The Resource Center.
Thanks a million
Ruth Kutchmyre, 83, passed away December 18. Ruth had donated to Laurel Run and was the grandmother of TRC employees
Tammy Fardink and Ashley Hammond.
Paul Cesana, left, The Resource Center’s Executive Director,
poses with Paul Hogan of the John R. Oishei Foundation at the Foundation’s Buffalo offices. Paul C. visited the Oishei Foundation on
Thursday to give the Foundation a framed painting made by an artist in TRC’s “Creations” art program. The gift was a thank-you to
the Oishei Foundation for providing TRC with $1 million in financing.
The money was used to renovate and expand the Jamestown Work
Center. This increased the Work Center’s manufacturing capacity,
enabling TRC to secure additional contracts from the federal government and, in so doing, provide enhanced employment opportunities for
workers with disabling conditions.
Cressid Ryno, 46, passed away December 1. Cressid had been employed as an Assembler in the Jamestown Work Center from June
2010 to June 2011.
Karen Taggart, 51, passed away December 3. Through her job
as Store Manager for Smith's True Value in Irving, Karen donated
items for the Laurel Run auction for many years.
Carmelo Triscari, 80, passed away November 29. He an his wife
were TRC donors. Their son Salvatore receives supports from TRC.
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TRC News
Learning Institute update
EDITOR'S NOTE: Several individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities are involved in the Learning Institute, an initiative that
gives people more control over the services and supports they receive. The goal is to assist individuals to develop Circles of Support, build on their
dreams and be empowered to make more decisions about what their days and/or living situation will look like. Currently, one man is pursuing his
dream of writing a book, while another is working to pursue his passion for music. Two sisters who live together with two of their other siblings were
approved for Learning Institute Plans and have hired staff to assist them with goals to maintain their household, learn new things and explore their
community. The Learning Institute is an innovative way of delivering services. From time to time, we will provide updates on the Learning Institute
Plans. This month, we take a look at Elizabeth and Grace Ribaudo.
Ribaudos enjoy making, selling holiday crafts
The Ribaudo family enjoys making
crafts, especially holiday crafts. They
always deck their home out with lots of
decorations for every holiday. They also
make crafts to sell. This year, they decided to make items and sell them at a
holiday bazaar.
Elizabeth and Grace did all of the
shopping for the supplies individually,
with their Learning Institute staff. (Staff
believed that by shopping for the supplies
separately, the sisters would bring more
of their own flair and personality to the
crafts.)
Elizabeth and Grace made the crafts
at home. Their brother Paul, who also receives supports from The Resource Center, pitched in with the decoupaging and
the painting of letters, while their sister
Theresa helped all along the way.
The siblings made decoupage plates,
bowls, platters/trays, candle holders, and
vases; Christmas bulbs with paint swirled
Elizabeth Ribaudo puts the finishing
touches on a gingerbread house.
PHOTOS BY KATHLEEN HOOD BECKER
Grace Ribaudo sells holiday crafts at the DDSO bazaar.
on the inside; painted wooden block letters to hang on the wall; "Melty" or Perler
Bead magnets in various shapes and designs; braided dog chew toys; and a large,
crocheted "rag rug" made from strips of
fabric. (Grace and Theresa worked on this
together. Grace assisted with the cutting
and rolling of the fabric, and Theresa with
the crocheting.)
Accompanied by Learning Institute
staff, Grace took items to sell at a holiday
bazaar held December 1 at the Western
New York Developmental Disabilities Services Office in West Seneca.
"She sold tons of stuff and had a fabulous time. She socialized not only with
those who came to the table, but also walked
around to the other tables with staff and
chatted up a storm. She did well with receiving and counting out change to customers and thanking them," said Kathy Hood
Becker, a member of Grace and Elizabeth's Learning Institute staff. "It was
so good to see how much she has progressed."
On the way home after the bazaar,
Grace's staff took her to lunch. They then
stopped at Walmart in Dunkirk, because
Grace had never been there.
"All in all, I found this to be a huge
milestone for her," Kathy said of Grace's
outing. "I hope everyone else does, too."
Grace took her portion of the proceeds from the craft sale and bought more
craft supplies: a Spin Art machine, foam
stencils and beads. She gave Elizabeth a
portion of the money, because Elizabeth
had helped make a majority of the items
that were sold. And Grace gave Theresa
$20 for helping to make the rug.
Stay tuned for further updates on
Elizabeth and Grace.
Follow TRC on the Internet — www.resourcecenter.org
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TRC News
Art exhibit openings feature performances by TRC's new choir
Mark Goshgarian, Public Relations Coordinator
The James Prendergast Library, along with artists from The Resource Center, invites the community to take a stroll down “Winter
Lane,” the exhibit currently on display in the library’s art gallery.
“This is a wonderful achievement,” said Kristen Briggs, TRC’s
Art Coordinator and Instructor of the “Creations” art program.
“This was a year-long process, so it took a lot of time, effort and
focus to create their pieces.”
Opening receptions took place at the library December 9, both
in the morning and the evening. The event featured the inaugural public performances of Voices of Hope, a newly formed choir
composed of about 40 participants in TRC’s Day Services Program.
The choir was the brainchild of Barney Johnston, Direct Support
Professional at the Celoron B Intermediate Care Facility. Tom
Rhodes, DSP with the Future Strivers Program at the “Alternatives"
Day Hab in the Michael J. Raymond Center, was the choir’s conductor. The choir has been practicing a couple of days per week for
the past few months.
“I honestly believe these people have a song inside that wants
to get out,” said Barney of the choir’s members.
“The key is, the participants love it, and they enjoy doing it.
That’s what’s most important,” said Tom. “We teach them to start a
song together and end a song together, so they are focused on listening to others and blending as one voice.”
The choir — with most members sporting a white shirt, black
pants and a Santa hat — entertained those on hand with renditions
of “Silent Night,” “We Wish You A Merry Christmas,” “Jingle
Bells,” “Deck the Halls,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and
“Frosty the Snowman.” TRC staff members supported the choir
members, singing along with them and pointing out the lyrics to be
sung next. Carol Svensen, Director of Personnel Administration,
accompanied on piano.
“This is a wonderful day, and everyone had a lot of fun,” said
Debbie Brown, Director of Day Services. “The artwork is beautiful,
and the choir sounds great.”
The evening reception attracted a number of family members
of the singers and artists, and people jockeyed for position to find
the best spots for videotaping the choir. Before and after the concerts, people circled the gallery to view the wonderful works of art
and speak with the artists who created them. Close to 40 artists
contributed to the exhibit.
Artists like Jeremy, who says he paints every week and that it’s
a lot of fun. And there’s Mary, who says painting is a lot of hard
work, but she has a lot of fun doing it. Lastly, there’s Shane, who
also agrees it's hard work, but says he really likes his painting.
“They really look forward to seeing their work exhibited,” said
Kristen. “And I love to see their faces when they see their work
framed.”
“I think it’s important for the community to appreciate the talents of the artists,” added Debbie. “The artwork is just beautiful,
and it doesn’t matter if someone has a disability or not.”
The exhibit runs through Friday, January 6. The Prendergast
Library Art Gallery hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Wednesday, 10:00-4:30; and Saturday,
10:00-3:30. The gallery is on the second floor of the library, located
at on 509 Cherry Street in Jamestown. Admission is free.
Rosemary Delahoy, left, and Mary Ford sing as members of Voices of Hope, TRC’s new choir, during its debut performance. Videos
of the choir's performances can be viewed at www.resourcecenter.org.
"Palm in the Sun" by Darlene Bullock
New art exhibit opening January 20
Another exhibit of paintings made by individuals in the
"Creations" art program is scheduled to open Friday, January
20, at Patterson Library, 40 South Portage Street in Westfield.
The exhibit is titled "Tropical Inspirations" and will feature
about 30 paintings, said Kristen Briggs, TRC's Art Coordinator.
"I think that the quality of this work far exceeds many of
our other exhibits," Kristen said. "Many of the artists that I
work with may never see the ocean or have a chance of view a
palm tree. We were able to learn about these lands and get lost
in the paintings. I believe that the exhibit will be a moment of
vacation from the snowy January."
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TRC News
Toys for Tots drive makes holidays brighter for 2,250 children
The Resource Center's Toys for Tots drive enjoyed another successful year, assisting some 2,250 children from about 800 families.
TRC has coordinated the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for
Tots drive in Chautauqua County for 11 years. This year, collection
barrels were placed at more than 100 locations so area residents
could donate toys.
Barrels were collected Friday, December 16, and taken to "Toy
Central" on Pine Street in Jamestown. Toys were sorted the following day, and then on Sunday morning, December 18, volunteers
bagged up toys for individual families. That afternoon, and the following Monday and Tuesday, toys were given to families.
During those final four days, more than 125 volunteers helped
gets toys ready for families. About 25 of the volunteers were TRC
employees, and about 10 were service recipients. The remainder
were representatives from other organizations, plus family members and friends.
"There were so many smiles, thank-yous, tears, and hugs as the
many volunteers handed out bags of toys to families," said Heather
Brown, Director of Individualized Services, one of the Toys for
Tots Coordinators.
While TRC coordinates the toy drive, it is the generosity of the
entire community that makes the initiative a success year after year.
In addition to the collection boxes at various locations, a number
of area businesses and organizations collected toys at their holiday
parties.
"It was a great year," Heather said. "Donations were wonderful, and all of the volunteers worked so hard to make this Christmas
Volunteers bag toys to give to families that will be assisted by Toys
for Tots.
PHOTO BY HEATHER BROWN
so special for so many children in our community! We certainly
couldn’t do it without everyone’s support and dedication."
CAROLING PARTY
TRC employees, service recipients, family members, and friends pose together before heading out to sing holiday carols at some of TRC's
homes November 29. Each year, people gather at the Staff Training Center for a pizza party and then split into groups to bring some holiday
joy to staff and residents at TRC's homes.
PHOTO BY JANE YOUNG
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TRC News
Staff/Board donors
Congratulations . . .
Below are the names of TRC employees, and members of the
Boards of Directors of TRC and its affiliated corporations, who donated money to The Resource Center or TRC Foundation in 2011.
Thank you for your generous support!
Michele Albaugh
Julie Backus
William Barber
Jordan Bardo
Vicky Bardo
Susan Barone
Marion Battle
Dawn Beardsley
William Beck
Heather Becker
Todd Becker
Gregg Bender
Katie Benedetto
Joanne Bevan
Sandy Biggers
Marcia Bliss, CPA
Tina Bowser
Lucille Brooks, CPA
Alda Brown
Bruce Brown
Debbie Brown
Heather Brown
Randy Brown
Tonia Brown
William Brown
Steve Bulich
Christopher Butts
Theresa Butts
Melissa Cardone
Linda Carlson
Lori Carlson
Tyler Case
Paul Cesana
Lisa Champlin
James Chimenti
David Christ
Michelle Christian
Don Christner
Crystal Clemons
Annie Coleman
April Comstock
Kathy Constantino
Molly Cook
Heather Courtney
Pam Cranston
Coty Croker
Debra Dalziel
Lisa Darling
Richard Davies
Leisa Davis
Debbie Densmore
Alice DeSanto
Verna Dickinson
Leslie Dole
Amanda Dove
Amy Drozdziel
Kristopher Drozdziel
Letisha Echevarria
Jeff Eggleston
Susan Engstrom
Linda Ernewein
Paul Fardink
Michael Felice
Debbie Flasher
Mary Ford
Todd Frangione
Julie Gable
Wanda Gebauer
Dr. Harry Glatz
Mike Goldman, Esq.
Linda Gorton
Michael Haddad
Bill Haenggi
JoAnne Hagberg
Mary Jo Hamilton
Rebecca Hamlet Kapple
Ashley Hammond
Judith Handkammer
Stacy Harrington
Madeline Haskins
Steve Hauck
Anne Hedin
Thomas Holland
Jessica Holmes
Wayne Hotelling
Nancy Ingram
Melissa Jackson
Dr. Todd Jacobson
Brenda Jakiela-Wilcox
Carole Johnson
Jennifer D. Johnson
Terri Johnson
Barney Johnston
Denise Jones
Patrick Kennedy
Tess Kerzner
Robin Kestler
Nicole Kimball
Katie Knaak
Julie Kohler
Tracey Kotch
Greg Krauza
Dr. Douglas Larson
Karen La Sota
Kristy Lauer
Rita Lenart
Susan Lepley-Jenkins
Jodie Linamen
Stephen Lindquist
Sylvia Lipsey
Donna Lundmark
Bruce Main
Pam Marchincin
Patricia Martines
Thomas McConnon
Michael McCoy
Michael McKiernan
Sherry McMeans
Diana Meckley
Dorette Melville
Michael Metzger
Sharon Meyers-Tveter
Tracey Mingle
Renee Moffatt
Robert Moore
Mark Morton
Samantha Muntz
Donald Myers
Diana Nidiffer
Robert Nieto, Esq.
Cathy Nugent
Brenda Olmstead
Mark Olson
Randy Ordines
Laurie Passet
Brenda Pattison
Amy Pease
Alyce Peterson
Carol Peterson
Greg Peterson, Esq.
Kathy Peterson-VanHorn
Cindy Phillips
Nicole Pitts
Lowell Post
Tony Prinzi
Dr. Thomas Putnam
Jena Rahr
Melissa Ramsey
Corey Rasmussen
Marcia Restivo
Allicia Rice
Nickey Riczker
Steve Riczker
Barb Rys
Joan Santalucia
Juanita Sawyer
Bob Schifano
Louis Schrader
Joanne Schrock
Amy Schulz
Kim Scoma
Karen Senske
Dr. Anne Shear
Ginny Shields
Mike Smallman
Katie Smith
Suzette Smith
Julie Stout
Matt Strom
Shelly Swan
Beverly Swanson
Peter Szynski
Angela Thomas
Kelly Thompson
Donna Trusso
Timur Tyra
Trudy Vandette
Virginia Vath
Michelle Vaughn
Carol Vinciguerra
Jerry Vinciguerra
Julie Vogan
Jennifer A. Volk
Michael Volk
Steve Waterson
Michelle Williams
Autumn Wilson
Cookie Wilson
Michelle Wood
Carol Yaggie
Jane Young
Mara Zilkenat
Promotions
Val Colt to Supported Employment Client Coordinator
Staff Appreciation Recipients (11/21—12/21)
Donna Alford
Mindy Block
Linda Carlson
Jessica Carson
Danielle Chase
Patti Clark
Leah Cooper
Diane Cornell
Sandy Davis
Tammy Delong
Bonnie Derry
Barbara Garvey
Lisa Gross
Brittany Gullotti
Judy Halsey
Cathleen Hardwick
Rodney Haskins
Jessica Hedstrand
Vanessa Hines
Jeff Hughan
Shawn Kane
Rachel Kephart
Jennifer Lanphere
Tahme Ling
Kim Manelick
Nancy McGuire
Mike Mizner
Jackie Murdock
Brenda Pattison
Frank Pekarski
Mary Peters
Brittany Ross
Lauren Ryan
John Shoop
Katherine Smith
Robert Szczepinski
Johnny Tooley
Shirley VanOrd
Karen York
Debbie Williams
Danyele Wynn
Billie Ziacik
TRC's employee awards to be presented
at annual Service Recognition Luncheon
Lisa Bongiorno, Wendy Stimson and Jane Young will be honored when The Resource Center holds its 27th annual Employee
Service Recognition Luncheon. The event takes place Tuesday,
January 17, at TRC's Administrative Offices on Dunham Avenue.
Jane, Site Supervisor with Rehabilitation Services, will receive
the Joseph Trusso Jr. Employee of the Year Award. Jane has worked
for TRC since 1980. The award is given to an individual whose employment has enhanced independence and integration of individuals with disabilities, or to an employee who consistently goes beyond the call of duty to further TRC’s mission. The award is named
in honor of Joe Trusso, who served on TRC's Board for 38 years.
Lisa, an Applied Behavioral Science Specialist, will receive the
Trainer of the Year Award. Lisa has worked for TRC since 2006.
The award recognizes a person who has provided agency training
or departmental training and, in so doing, shared information that
made a significant difference in the way employees approach their
jobs, and/or inspired employees to do their jobs differently or better.
Wendy, Community Living Skills Instructor at the Individualized Residential Alternatives on Benedict Avenue in Jamestown,
will receive the Norma J. Smith Award. Wendy has worked for
TRC since 1987. The award recognizes excellence in direct support
in a residential or day program setting. It was established in honor
of the late Norma Smith, who worked at TRC from 1983-1991.
Here are the other people nominated for one of the three awards:
Rhonda Boardman
Heather Courtney
Debbie Densmore
John DePane
Tammy Fardink
Mary Jo Hamilton
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Brigitte Hodnett
Bruce Jackson
Bruce Main
Bobby Morris
Adam Reeves
Resa Rosen Murray
Lisa Swanson
Shirley VanOrd
Rita Varney-Smith
Pat Wunder
TRC News
Friend of the library
From left, Michael Johnson poses with librarians Polly Cimino,
Sue Seamans and Betty Palmer at the Falconer Public Library. Each
week during his Community Habilitation session, Michael visits the
library, where he uses a computer to go onto the Internet and print
out math worksheets. Whenever he visits the library, Michael donates
some money into a collection jar that the librarians created for him.
When the jar is full, the library purchases a book. Thus far, the library
has bought two National Geographic books in Michael's honor, which
the librarians are holding in the photo: Ultimate Weird but True and
13 Planets.
Vintage car buff
Carl Pillittiere stands next to his 1925 Model T Ford, which took
third place at the 2011 Frewsburg Car Show. Carl, who receives supports from The Resource Center, enjoys taking the vehicle to car shows
with his nephew Joey and friend Carl Till.
PHOTO BY KERRI HARVEY
Flying Flamingos
Bruce Main, left, Special Projects Coordinator for Individualized
Services, and Wayne Hotelling, a member of TRC's Board of Directors, pose with Andrea Tramuto, second from left, and Rebecca Norrgard at the Turkey Trot 8-kilometer run Thanksgiving morning in Buffalo. Andrea and Rebecca are among more than 40 people who call
themselves the Flying Flamingos, and each year they participate in the
Turkey Trot for fun and to raise money for a local charity. This year
Andrea, the sister of former TRC employee Kathy Seastedt, persuaded
the other members of the flock to raise money for our "Dream On" —
Kathy Seastedt Community Support Fund, which assists individuals
with disabling conditions living in the community. The Flamingos created an online fund-raising page on TRC Foundation's donation web
site and raised more than $4,200. Bruce, a dedicated runner who competes in the Turkey Trot each year and used to work for Kathy, dyed
his hair pink and joined the Flamingos, and Wayne, the co-founder of
Laurel Run, joined in as well. Bruce raised more than $300 himself.
To make a donation to the Dream On fund in memory of Kathy (who
passed away in 2008) to show appreciation to the Flamingos for their
efforts, visit www.firstgiving.com/trcfoundation.
Parade float
Mark Kaverman, Production Systems Specialist, rides TRC's
Toys for Tots float in Jamestown's annual holiday parade December 2.
This year's parade theme was "I'll Be Home for Christmas Parade of
the Wooden Soldiers," so TRC thought it made sense for Mark to wear
some of the accessories TRC manufactures for the military. TRC's
float won the award for the "Most Creative Float." The Resource Center and TRC Foundation were the major sponsors of the parade.
PHOTO BY JANE YOUNG
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