May/June/July 2013 Newsletter

T RC
News
TRC is a chapter of NYSARC, Inc., and a member of The Arc, ACCSES, ANCOR, NISH, NYSACRA, NYSID, & NYSRA
MAY/JUNE/JULY 2013
TRC's Annual Meeting held
Todd Jacobson reelected President; 5 honored for governance
Dr. Todd Jacobson was reelected the
President of The Resource Center's Board
of Directors at the agency's annual General
Membership meeting.
More than 50 people attended the
event, held June 10 in TRC's facility at 186
Lake Shore Drive West in Dunkirk.
Besides Todd's election to a second
one-year term as President, others elected
as officers for the Board's 2013-14 term
were Dr. Kathleen Gradel, Vice President; Katie Smith, Secretary; and Michael
Metzger, Treasurer.
R. Michael Goldman, Esq., and Marlene Sirianno, Esq., were reelected to twoyear terms as Board members. Also elected
to two-year Board terms were newcomers
Donna Haenggi and Patricia Perlee; they
replace Richard Davies, who stepped down
from the Board after serving since 2007,
and William Haenggi (Donna's husband),
who stepped down after serving on the
Board since 1990, including a three-year
stint as President from 1994 to 1997.
Active TRC members who were in attendance at the General Membership Meeting also elected the people who will sit on
the Nominating Committee for the 2014
Election: Richard Erickson, James Kress,
Jeanette Ostrom, and Ronald Sellers.
Todd congratulated those who were
elected and thanked the members of last
year's Nominating Committee for their efforts in putting together the slate of candidates. The members of the 2012-13
Nominating Committee were Richard
Koerner, Chair; Elaine Hotelling, Jim
Kress, Jeanette Ostrom, and Ron Sellers.
New at this year's Annual Meeting,
TRC presented its first-ever "Excellence
in Governance Awards" to recognize those
individuals who have done an exemplary
job in supporting and furthering governance and oversight at TRC. Those honored were Dr. Harry Glatz for his service on
Paul Cesana, left, and Dr. Todd Jacobson, right, pose with the recipients of TRC's first
Excellence in Governance Awards: from left, Carole Johnson, Virginia Vath, Wayne Hotelling,
and Tess Kerzner.
TRC's Board Advisory Committees; Wayne
Hotelling for his service on the Board of
Directors Board member Carole Johnson
for her dedication to the administrative
Board Advisory Committees, particularly
the Special Incident Review Committee;
Tess Kerzner, Director of Children's Services, for her efforts in engaging community members to serve on TRC's committees; and Virginia Vath, Assistant Executive
Director for Quality Assurance/Quality
Improvement and Staff Training, for her
role as executive liaison between TRC and
some of the Board Advisory Committees.
Each of these people was given a trophy.
TRC's membership also approved
several minor revisions to the agency's
by-laws. NYSARC must approve the proposed revisions before they can take effect.
The Annual Meeting included a presentation by John Drexelius Jr., Esq., Attorney with the Developmental Disabilities
Alliance of Western New York, who gave
an overview of the looming changes in the
ways services are delivered to people with
disabilities. Citing the successful efforts of
individuals with disabilities, family members and staff in lessening the impact of
Governor Andrew Cuomo's proposed funding cuts in this year's State budget, John
encouraged people to continue to advocate.
Todd echoed this sentiment in his President's report.
"Advocacy is indeed where it's at,"
he said. "We need to get more parents involved working toward the future." He also
encouraged more people to donate to TRC.
"Even $5 or $10 makes a difference."
In his report, Executive Director Paul
Cesana reiterated Todd's points. Noting
that many families just assume that supports for their loved ones always will be
available, even in the face of the State's current efforts to cut funding, Paul said, "We
need to reach out to those who are taking
the whole situation for granted."
TRC News
In Memory
Board Corner
TRC receives $100,000 to develop
system that responds to New York
State's new focus on managed care
Joseph Bradley, 50, passed away April 26.
Joe loved baseball, gospel music, being outside, meeting people and joking around with
his friends. He was a Boy Scout and he attended Blackwell Chapel AME Zion Church.
Joe's outlook on life taught his friends and
family how to have patience, optimism and
to make every moment count.
Having created a service delivery model in response to
New York State's new focus on providing supports to people
via a managed care approach, The Resource Center will be receiving State money to further develop the new system, TRC's
Board of Directors learned recently.
At its monthly meeting, the Board was advised by Executive Director Paul Cesana that the State's 2013-14 budget includes a $100,000 appropriation to The Resource Center. The
money will be used to develop TRC's STARS (System Transformation with Accountability, Results and Satisfaction) model.
STARS seeks to integrate health, behavioral and social supports
to address each person's key life dimensions.
Paul informed Board members that the idea for the State
funding arose from a conversation TRC officials had on February with Senator Cathy Young, who chairs the State's Legislative Commission on Rural Resources. The funding will be used
to develop STARS and see if the model can be used effectively
in other rural areas of the State.
In other matters, the Board:
* was updated by Paul on the status of TRC's efforts to
comply with required ratios of disabled to non-disabled
workers employed on government projects. Paul said he
will be making a presentation on this issue to the AbilityOne Commission.
* was informed by Paul of a recent visit by NISH officials
to assess TRC's progress on the Quality Work Environment initiative. NISH noted a number of improvements
and best practices during its review.
* learned from Paul that a meeting will be held with representatives of The Chautauqua Center, a new Federally
Qualified Health Center in Dunkirk, to explore a collaboration between the two organizations.
* was notified by Paul that the State's Developmental Disabilities Regional Office had denied TRC's proposal for
a Prior Property Approval of a lease renewal for the Intermediate Care Facility on Foote Avenue, which was to
include needed structural improvements.
* was updated by Paul on the progress of meetings of the
Western New York Executive Directors Association to
explore the establishment of a Management Services Organization.
* was updated by Paul on the ongoing planning process
for a multi-year financial plan that can accommodate and
align TRC's various mission and service commitments
and proposed changes with the current financial reimbursement reductions and future revenue projections.
This plan will be a critical tool to ensure departmental
and agency-wide viability going forward.
* approved proposed revisions to TRC's By-Laws; these revisions must be approved by TRC's General Membership.
* approved additional capital budget requests to accommodate the expected relocation of certain staff from the Carl
Cappa Building to the facility on Dunham Avenue.
* approved a proposal for an Employee Assistance Program
and life insurance benefits for Allied Industries workers.
* accepted with regret the resignation of Phyllis Jones.
Helen Fetter, 88, passed away April 2. Her son,
David, receives supports from TRC. Helen had
financially supported events such as Laurel Run
and the Disability Awareness Awards Celebration. Her family has requested that memorials in
Helen's honor be made to TRC.
Daron Peterson, 30, passed away June 3.
Daron came to TRC in 2001, and over the
years she attended the Day Habilitation Programs on Jones & Gifford Avenue, Fluvanna
Avenue and, most recently, Hazeltine Avenue.
She was a recipient of the Katie Campbell
Rexford Award for Special Olympics. Daron
enjoyed baking cookies, being outdoors and
watching Disney movies.
H. Elaine Samuelson, 75, passed away April
7. Elaine worked for TRC from 1987 to 1998,
serving as a Secretary and Receptionist for the
Intermediate Care Facilities, Dental Services,
Primary Care, and Health Services. She was a
member of the Red Hat Society, the Lakewood
Pinochle Club, and the Cribbage Club. Elaine
enjoyed spending time with her family and
friends, quilting, crafting, and crocheting.
Nancy Shafer, 49, passed away May 31. Nancy
worked as a Direct Care Aide at the Intermediate Care Facility on Foote Avenue from 1982 to
1985. She later worked in the cafeteria at Persell
Middle School in Jamestown. Nancy loved her
family and enjoyed camping, fishing and going
to the races.
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April Shirley, 47, passed away May 6. April
worked for TRC from 1999 to 2002, serving as
an Activity Aide in the Day Program on Jones &
Gifford Avenue and as a Recreation Assistant in
the B-3 home at the Intermediate Care Facility on
Foote Avenue from 1999 to 2002. She also had
worked at Quality Markets. April was a member
of the Jamestown Moose Lodge.
TRC News
Governor, Legislature reach deal eliminating OPWDD funding cuts
Responding to the demands of service recipients, their families
and employees of organizations that support people with developmental disabilities, Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York
State Legislature have agreed to restore some funding for disability
services that were to be cut from the 2013-14 State budget.
The Governor and members of the Senate and the Assembly
reached agreement in June on a deal that restores the funding that
had been cut from the budget of the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. While some reports have indicated that
the deal restores the full $90 million that had been cut from the
OPWDD budget, in reality the agreement mandates that the State
will make up the difference in the event new revenue-generating
measures and cost-reduction efficiencies do not amount to the full
$90 million.
During budget negotiations this past winter, Governor Cuomo
had proposed cutting $120 million in Medicaid funding from the
OPWDD budget for the current fiscal year — a move that would
have triggered a matching cut of $120 million in federal Medicaid
money. Under the State’s plan, the entire cut would have been realized through a 6 percent across-the-board reduction in funds for
so-called voluntary service providers like The Resource Center.
Disability activists throughout the State protested the cuts. In
the end, the Governor and Legislature restored $30 million in fund
ing and adopted a budget that cut $90 million in State funding for
disability services. Subsequently, a work group recommended that
the $90 million in savings be realized through audits and by moving
people out of high-cost residential programs. This left about $14.2
million in actual cuts to providers, who already have absorbed significant cuts in State funding during the past few years.
A number of lawmakers felt that $14.2 million in cuts were
unacceptable, and they recently introduced legislation to restore the
full $90 million. Under the agreement announced between the Legislature and the Governor, the work group will come up with savings recommendations that do not impact direct support services. If
the savings do not amount to $90 million, the State will appropriate
funding to make up the difference.
The Resource Center thanks all of the lawmakers who pushed
to restore funding for disability services, particularly our area’s
Senator, Cathy Young, and Assemblyman, Andy Goodell.
"I want to thank my colleagues for their hard work and dedication in support of these critical funds," Assemblyman Goodell said
following the Assembly's unanimous approval of the bill reversing
the funding cut. "We have a responsibility to speak up for those in
our society who aren’t able to do so for themselves."
Everyone who made a phone call, wrote a letter, sent an e-mail,
or made a visit to lawmakers or the Governor’s office can take pride
in knowing that you are the reason the funding was restored. Your
voices were heard! But such advocacy efforts will be needed in the
future, as there are indications the Governor will seek similar funding cuts in next year’s budget.
The Rumor Mill
Despite reports to the contrary,
Work Centers not closing July 1
Although New York State’s “Road to Reform” calls for no
new admissions to “Sheltered Employment Programs” as of
July 1, this does not mean TRC’s Work Centers will be closing.
In April, the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities released its Road to Reform, a blueprint for transitioning from the current fee-for-service system of supporting individuals with disabilities and moving to a managed care model.
One aim of the Road to Reform system transformation is to
do away with the “sheltered workshop” model of employment
and instead assist more people in obtaining community-based
employment. Toward that end, OPWDD has proposed that as of
July 1, agencies like TRC will no longer be able to accept new
people into their Sheltered Employment Programs.
This does not mean that The Resource Center will be discontinuing its Work Center Programs as of July 1. TRC believes
in supporting individuals in the employment options of their
choice. Additionally, TRC knows that the Work Centers play a
key role in the employment experience of people with disabilities, both as a stepping stone to community-based work and as
an intermediary step as an individual moves from one type of
community-based employment setting to a new job in the community.
TRC will continue to operate its Work Center Programs
while striving to provide even more community-based employment opportunities to people with disabilities under the Road to
Reform initiative.
Meals on Wheels volunteers
Have you heard a work-related rumor and want to know whether
it's true? Contact Steve Waterson, Community Relations Director, at
661-4735 or at [email protected].
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From left, Jose Collozo, David Gawronski and Tim Higgs, Supported Living Specialist, deliver food as part of their volunteer efforts
with the Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels. They were among 35
TRC employees and service recipients who were recognized as part
of Meals on Wheels' Volunteer Recognition Day on May 15. Other
members of TRC's family who were recognized were Jeffrey Agnello,
Calvin Dey, James Easter, Patsy Eliason, Dan Emerson, Karl Erb, Michael Gil, Tim Hadzega, Tracy Hamby, Jason Horn, Ron Hosken, Anna
Houser, Peter Joy, Jillian Latimore, Pam Luczkowiak, Nicole Maggio,
Matt Omera, Corrie Orange, Don Parker, Sherry Rivera, Chris Ryder, Jackie Simpson, Beatrice Salisbury, George Tanti, Melissa Trask,
Jamie Valentine, Russ Valone, Darryl Waite, Jenn Wickham, Shelly
Williamson, Allison Woodard, and Barb Ziegler. Jeffrey, Peter, Don,
Beatrice, and Jamie each was honored for having served five years as a
Meals on Wheels volunteer.
TRC News
TRC earns regional manufacturing award
The Resource Center has been recognized as a manufacturing leader by a Western New York business journal.
Business First of Buffalo gave The Resource Center the 2013 Workforce Training
Award. In selecting TRC for the Workforce
Training Award from among all other nominated manufacturers in Western New York,
Business First cited the variety of programs
The Resource Center has in place to train
workers, as well as the agency’s commitment to strengthening its manufacturing effectiveness and promoting positive training
outcomes for its workforce.
For more than 50 years, The Resource
Center and its manufacturing division,
Allied Industries, have been providing
employment and work training opportunities that are aimed, whenever possible, to
individuals with disabilities. Since 1978,
TRC has performed contracts for the federal government through the AbilityOne
Program, which provides work to community rehabilitation programs nationwide,
and much of this work is aimed at providing employment to people with disabilities.
TRC also performs subcontracting work for
dozens of local manufacturers. The work is
varied, providing opportunities for workers
to become trained in a number of areas.
The Resource Center has a variety of
programs in place to train workers. Assessment programs identify a worker’s relative
strengths and weaknesses, and Allied Industries utilizes group and individual prevocational training to develop work skills.
To continue to strengthen a workforce
that requires additional training and support, The Resource Center utilizes benchmarking with other similar organizations;
technical and engineering support from
national organizations such as NISH (formerly known as National Industries for
the Severely Handicapped); and local expertise such as a recent initiative with the
University at Buffalo's Technical Center of
Industrial Excellence to identify new ways
of improving manufacturing effectiveness
and promoting positive training outcomes
for TRC's broad workforce, which includes
people with significant disabilities.
Additionally, The Resource Center
recently established training components
at its Dunkirk and Jamestown locations so
that area high school students can learn to
use commercial sewing machines.
“We’re honored to receive this regional recognition, as The Resource Center is
of course most interested in providing necessary training and support for people with
disabilities,” Paul Cesana, TRC’s Execu-
Pictured from left are Benjamin Rand, President of Insyte Consulting; Gregg Bender, Director of Business Operations; Mike Volk, Director of Rehabilitation and Employment Services;
Paul Cesana, Executive Director (holding the award); Peter Wilson, President of Sonwil Distribution Center; and Gary Quenneville, President of KeyBank's Western New York Division.
Insyte, KeyBank and Sonwil sponsored the awards breakfast.
tive Director, said upon receiving the
award. “Our workers with disabilities
have proven time and again that they can
perform exceptionally well, and they take
a great deal of pride in the work they do.”
TRC realized $138 million in manufacturing revenues from 2010 to 2012.
TRC has manufacturing operations in
Jamestown, Dunkirk and Buffalo.
TRC long has been one of the federal
government’s “go to” companies for rapid
prototyping and manufacturing of warfighting equipment to support the deployment of U.S. Forces oversee. With the current economic climate of sequestration, the
de-escalation of the war in Afghanistan and
shrinking budgets, TRC is taking a proactive approach toward how it does business
through the creation of “TRC Tactical.”
TRC Tactical will be the commercial
arm of The Resource Center and, while
staying true to its roots of being a developmental arm and manufacturing facility for
government designs and needs, will identify voids and design innovative tactical
gear to fill those voids, so that today’s war
fighters receive the best equipment possible. To broaden its horizons and customer
base, TRC Tactical will design and manufacture tactical and non-tactical gear to suit
the needs of law enforcement, emergency
medical services, homeland security, and
private security professionals, as well as
avid sportsmen and outdoorsmen.
TRC was honored May 14 at Business
First’s 2013 Manufacturing Awards breakfast, held at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens in
Depew.
Ted Zrimsek works on a modified, hand-operated bar tacker at the Work Center on East
Chestnut Street in Dunkirk as part of TRC's training initiatives with BOCES, one of the factors
that led to TRC receiving the Workforce Training Award.
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PHOTO BY PAULA ARNTZ
TRC News
TRC unveils new dental operatory
Mark Goshgarian, Public Relations Coordinator
The Resource Center and the greater
Jamestown area have 30,000 new reasons
to smile.
TRC took the wraps off a new dental
room May 10 at its dental office in the Carl
Cappa Building in Jamestown.
“We’re very proud of what we do
here,” said Steve Riczker, Director of
Health Services. “Access to dentists is
somewhat limited, especially for the population we work with. We serve the general
community, but we also serve individuals
that have difficulty accessing services.”
The Western New York Foundation
in Buffalo recently awarded The Resource
Center a grant for $30,000. The money was
used to provide a new dental operatory, or
station, at the Cappa Building.
“It’ll help better serve our customers,
it’ll cut wait times and it’ll improve our
ability to serve new patients, and we estimate it’s going to add about ,3500 visits per
year to this dental practice,” Steve said.
Funds helped purchase a new dental
chair, lighting and related equipment. The
new station is the fifth one at the dental office. It will help meet the high demand of
patients and continue to enable TRC to provide quality health and dental care to the
community.
“Dental disease, when left untreated,
cannot only lead to other disease, but it
can also exacerbate existing diseases,”
said Steve. “Not only do you have tooth
pain, tooth loss and infection, you can actually worsen conditions such as diabetes and
heart issues, and it’s also been associated
with birth defects.”
Though State Senator Cathy Young
was unable to attend the event, Steve
thanked her for recently sponsoring a bill
called "Dentists Across New York," which
will alleviate the issue by expanding the
"Doctors Across New York" program and
enabling dentists to be recruited and receive incentives to work in communities
with dentist shortfalls, such as Jamestown.
“We opened the clinic because of a
shortage of dental needs in the area, and
since that time our practice has grown and
expanded due to the needs that we have,”
said Denise Jones, TRC’s Chief Operating
Officer.”
As part of the event, TRC also introduced a new dentist to the practice, Dr.
Timothy Theisen, to add to the other fulland part-time staff at the clinic. Dr. Theisen
comes at a time when other dentists in the
area are retiring. The Resource Center cur-
rently schedules between 12,000 and13,000
visits per year for its dental offices, which
serve roughly 4,300 residents annually.
“So basically, the new operatory has
come in the nick of time, with the new dentist,” said Dr. Anne Shear. “So this is really
a great thing that the Western New York
Foundation has done for us, so we really
appreciate it and we really need it.”
Denise also expressed her sincere appreciation to the Western New York Foundation, yet said despite the expansion, the
clinic still operates in tight quarters.
“We know we’re offering a vital service here, but we have continued to struggle
financially in terms of capital space,” she
said. “We know we need additional space,
and we do plan to expand further into this
facility.”
No one from the Foundation was able
to attend the event, so Denise read a statement from Executive Director Beth Kinsman Gosch, who said in part, “The Resource
Center is a strong organization impacting
the quality of life for its constituents. We
were impressed with the respectful manner
in which you treat your clients. You did a
good job of substantiating the need for our
support, in a rural community, and we hope
that our support will build your capacity to
help more people and strengthen the rural
safety net system, realizing that good preventive care up front will save a myriad of
costs down the road.”
“To see the facilities they have here
and the modern techniques that they’re using, and the modern materials, is just exciting for me,” said Dr. Harry Glatz, a retired
dentist and a member of TRC Foundation’s
Board of Directors.
Jacqueline Chiarot, a representative
from U.S. Rep. Tom Reed's office, attended
the event. She presented TRC with a certificate of recognition for the dental services
the agency provides.
Also on hand was Assemblyman Andy
Goodell. "Good dental hygiene is about
From left, Steve Riczker, Director of
Health Services and Dr. Timothy Theisen,
TRC’s newest Dentist, are front and center
for the ribbon cutting to formally unveil the
new room at TRC’s Jamestown Dental Office.
PHOTO BY RYAN ATKINS, The Post-Journal
good self-esteem, personal advancement,
the ability to make a good impression
when someone is going for a job interview
or helping customers," he said. "It's a full
range of benefits for good dental practice
that goes well beyond just personal health.
It encompasses personal relationships and
personal opportunities, so it's really exciting to see this practice grow and expand."
A reception was held following the
ribbon cutting.
The Resource Center Dental Services is located at 896 East Second Street in
Jamestown and is currently accepting new
patients. There’s also an office in Dunkirk.
For more information, call 661-1431.
HR Department unrolls "Be A Friend" Volunteer Program
The Human Resources Department is
seeking volunteers interested in enriching
the lives of individuals with disabilities.
The "Be A Friend" Volunteer Program
is looking for TRC staff, service recipients and community members interested in
sharing experiences with people who have
disabilities. Activities could include sing-
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ing, dancing and music; arts and crafts; taking a walk through a park; gardening; bird
watching; sewing, knitting or crocheting;
playing board games; or reading a book.
Those interested in volunteering must
be at least 18 years old. To apply, visit
www.resourcecenter.org. For more info,
phone 485-4664.
TRC News
Fourth annual TRC Symposium scheduled
Changes in the ways supports are delivered to people with disabilities, and the
ways agencies can best adapt to keep up
with those changes, will be addressed when
The Resource Center holds its fourth annual TRC Symposium at Chautauqua.
The event — titled “Supporting Individuals with Disabilities: Dramatic Changes, Radical Solutions” — will be held Tuesday, July 23, and Wednesday, July 24. Day
One will be conducted in the historic Athenaeum Hotel on the grounds of Chautauqua
Institution, while Day Two will take place
at several TRC locations.
The Symposium is an opportunity for
TRC staff, area professionals, persons with
disabilities, and family members to experience expert speakers on a variety of topics.
Featured presenters on Day One will be:
Martin Gerry, Esq.,
Executive Director of
NISH’s Institute for
Economic Policy. He
previously was the
Social Security Administration’s Deputy
Commissioner
for
Disability and Income
MARTIN GERRY Security Programs.
He will discuss whether New York
State's movement toward becoming an
"Employment First State” is simply a
policy aimed at divesting from any State
funding, or if new supports are in place to
ensure true progress toward meaningful
employment and careers for those with significant disabilities.
Adele Gorges, Executive Director of the
New York Care Coordination Program.
Besides strong project
management capabilities, she has significant experience in the
behavioral health fiADELE GORGES nance field.
She will discuss what we can learn
from progress in the areas of Behavioral
Health Homes, evidence-based supports to
individuals, increased effectiveness in systems and resource utilization, and utilization of care management and information
technology.
Ann Monroe, President of the Health
Foundation for Western and Central New
York. She is a member of the NYS Medicaid Redesign Team
and the national Coalition to Transform
MARTIN GERRY
Advanced Care.
She will discuss the major areas of
progress achieved with the National and New
York State Health Care Reform; the emerging challenges with the Patient Protection
and Affordable Care Act and the continued
movement in New York State toward managed care; and the impacts upon the system,
providers and individuals transitioning
from the traditional to the proposed new
system.
Beth Ann Vandenberg,
Clinical Nurse Specialist. Her experience is in supporting
individuals with significant
behavioral
conditions and multiBETH VANDENBERG systemic challenges.
She will discuss what can be learned
from the experience on the ground level
of supporting individuals with significant
behavioral health conditions, and explore
how the experience of their lives and recovery interfaces with existing community
resources and system supports.
Jim Wilson, former Executive Director of The
Arc of Schuyler County,
NY, who began his career as a Direct Support
Professional. He now
shares ideas and raises
thought-provoking
questions via his "GadJIM WILSON
fly Blog."
As the service delivery system is being
transformed to support individuals with severe disabilities in more typical, integrated
community settings, he will discuss what
can we learn from the history of the civil
rights movement and deinstitutionalization.
Again this year, Day One of the symposium will include a lunchtime panel pre-
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sentation featuring three TRC service recipients who experience different disabling
conditions. Amanda Bolinger, Christopher Cobready and Elizabeth Sturevant
will share personal perspectives of their
journeys.
The first day of the Symposium begins
with check-in at the Athenaeum starting at
8:00, with the Symposium kicking off at
8:45. Chautauqua Institution's parking lot
is located across the street from the main
gate. There is a free shuttle from the parking lot to the main gate.
The Symposium's second day will consist of individual breakout sessions with the
five main speakers from Day One. Those
sessions will be conducted at the Michael
J. Raymond Center on Jones & Gifford Avenue and at the Passages Personalized Recovery Oriented Services Program on West
Eighth Street.
Following the breakout sessions, Symposium attendees will gather in TRC's Conference Center on Dunham Avenue to hear
results from the morning sessions.
The Resource Center Symposium
provides an opportunity for people to experience expert speakers without having to
travel long distances.
Those planning to attend the Symposium must register by Tuesday, July 16.
The cost of the Symposium is $69. TRC
employees and Board of Directors members may attend the Symposium free of
charge, but employees must get permission
from their supervisor before registering.
To register or for more information,
visit www.trcsymposium.com.
Symposium to feature
art show at Chautauqua
The 2013 TRC Symposium at
Chautauqua will feature an exhibit of
works created by individuals with disabilities in TRC's Creations art program.
The event will be held inside the
Athenaeum following the conclusion
of the Symposium's first day. Those attending the event will have the opportunity to meet some of the artists as well
as their Instructor, Kristen Paduano McNitt. Some of the works will be for sale.
For more info, phone 661-1076.
TRC News
PREPARING TO LAUNCH
Regional recognition
On April 26, two celebrations were held with two amazing women — Amanda Bolinger
and Cassandra Mays — to commemorate the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities' approval of the women's Consolidated Support Services plans.
Amanda recently moved from TRC's home on Eagle Street in Dunkirk and into her own
apartment, the culmination of 21 months of planning. She successfully planned for the supports she needs to be successful in her apartment with the assistance of her Circle of Supports, her Medicaid Service Coordinator and her Start-Up Broker. Pictured in the photo
above of Amanda and her Circle of Support are, from left, seated, Harpreet Saran-Rokicki,
Amanda's Fiscal Management Service representative from People Inc.; Amanda; and Katie
Streed, Residence Manager at Eagle; and, standing, Marsha Golden, Behavior Technician;
Heather Hill, New Vision Services' Broker Supervisor; Lisa Bongiorno, Applied Behavior
Science Specialist; Stephanie McLean-Beathley, Coordinator of Individualized and Customized Services for OPWDD's Region 1 District Services; Stephanie Meddaugh, ABSS;
Johanna Cortes, Amanda's MSC, Amanda Dove, Assistant Residence Manager at Eagle;
Beth Jermain, Administrator of Support Options; and Dennis Wakelee, Service Coordinator, who is Amanda's Start-Up Broker.
A recent Southwestern High School graduate, energetic Cassandra is looking forward
to what her future holds. She lives with her family in Busti in a large, rural home. Though
she enjoys living there and loves her family, Cassandra wants to start working toward living
on her own. Her CSS plan has been designed to grow as she becomes more comfortable and
gets herself more aligned with moving out on her own. She celebrated her CSS plan being
approved with Doritos, Bison Dip and fresh veggies. Pictured in the photo below are, from
left, seated, Cassandra's father, David Mays; Cassandra; and her mother, Melissa Johnston;
and, standing, Heather Hill; Beth Jermain; Leslie Fickling, Family Care and Self-Advocacy Coordinator, who is Cassandra's Start-Up Broker; Amy Schulz, Cassandra's MSC;
Emily Blackwood, Direct Support Professional, who Cassandra is hiring as her CSS staff;
Harpreet Saran-Rokicki; and Stephanie McLean-Beathley.
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Beth Jermain, left, Individualized Services Program Administrator, poses with
Stephanie McLean-Beathley of the Developmental Disabilities Regional Office for Western New York and the Finger Lakes, at a Broker Staff Training Meeting on April 27 at the
Parent Network of WNY. The semi-annual
meetings bring together Brokers, Financial
Management Services agency representatives
and Medicaid Service Coordinators who are
involved in supporting individuals with Consolidated Supports and Services plans. At
the recent meeting, Beth was recognized for
her dedication to the people TRC supports
with CSS plans. About 60 professionals from
across Western New York attended.
PHOTO BY LESLIE FICKLING
OPWDD Commissioner lauds
Direct Support Professionals
An April 30 meeting with members
of the Direct Support Professional Advisory Council was her best moment on the
job since the Governor appointed her two
years ago, said Courtney Burke, the Commissioner of the New York State Office for
People With Developmental Disabilities.
"I was deeply inspired by their personal and professional stories, and I was
instructed by the high caliber of this group
of people who perform our most important
work every single day among the people
we support and serve," she said. "We must
listen to DSPs and honor them. We cannot
hope to transform our culture without their
participation."
Brigitte Hodnett, DSP Trainer, is a
member of the Advisory Council.
TRC News
Street JAM draws thousands to Jamestown
Mark Goshgarian, Public Relations Coordinator
The “streets” of Downtown Jamestown were “jam” packed with people for
the third annual Street JAM basketball
tournament. The event also marks the 17th
consecutive year that the Jamestown area
has played host to 3-on-3 basketball.
“We’re just very excited,” said Victoria Trass Bardo, Development and Events
Manager for Filling the Gap, who has been
the tournament’s Director every year. “It’s
still a thrill.”
More than 250 teams from all over the
country took to the courts Saturday, June
1, and Sunday, June 2. While there were
many local players, others came from as far
away as California, West Virginia, Virginia,
Ohio, Georgia, and Florida.
“You can just see all the excitement,
from the kids and the parents,” said Vicky.
“All three of our boys play,” said Amy
Piper of Fredonia. “Street JAM is a great
way to have them participate in something
outside and to see kids from all over the
country. It’s great competition.”
“This is my first Street JAM,” said
Dazjah Coleman, 15, of Jamestown. “I
love basketball, and it’s fun. I like the different competitions, and there’s a lot of
people around. It’s just fun.”
“I like basketball, and I like to watch
the other players and see how good they
are,” said Cole Simmons, 9, of Jamestown.
“It’s also fun to be out with your friends.”
“My friends wanted me to play. I like
basketball. This is my first time, and it’s
fun to be with my friends,“ said Madison
Rothleder, 11, of Gerry. “And it’s all for a
good cause.”
Proceeds from the event will go to
Filling the Gap, Inc., which works with The
Resource Center to assist and provide services to people with disabling conditions.
In addition to all of the players and
their families, several area businesses and
dozens of volunteers help make Street JAM
a success.
“We’re very thankful for their support
throughout the years,” said Vicky. “This
tournament would not be possible without
them.”
One of those volunteers is Darrell
Stein, who helps make sure the streets are
clean.
“I take care of the garbage and keep
the city clean,” said Darrell. “It’s great for
everyone to get together and have a good
time.”
Individuals with disabilities got to be
in the spotlight during Street JAM. Several
members of Chautauqua County’s Special
Above, taking a break from measuring the height od Street JAM players are, from left,
Sherry Carnes, Imaging Specialist; Shelly Coleson, Accounts Receivable Clerk; Bruce Main,
Special Projects Coordinator for the Individualized Services Department; Wendy Giunta, Residence Coordinator; Tyler Case; Human Resources Administrator; and Jodi Eckman, Accounts
Receivable Clerk.
Below, again this year, members of the Shooting Stars cheerleading squad entertained the
crowd before the start of the slam-dunk contest. Shaking their pom poms are, from left, Cathy
Bosseler, Candy Young, Pam Robbins, Jessica Mancari, and Jennifer Lewis. The Shooting
Stars' routine was choreographed by the DeMarco Sisters School of Dance in Jamestown, which
works with the women year round to help them develop their moves.
PHOTOS BY JANE YOUNG
Olympics basketball team played an exhibition game against one another. And
members of the Shooting Stars, a cheerleading squad composed of women with
special needs, performed a routine.
One highlight from Street JAM occurred when two TRC employees — Jennifer Peters, Vocational Skills Instructor,
and Lisa Champlin, Rehabilitation Services
Case Manager — got their heads shaved in
front of hundreds of people to raise money
for Filling the Gap and WCA Hospital’s
8
Cancer Treatment Center. To make a donation in support of Lisa and Jen, or to buy
one of their “Jamstrong” wristbands, phone
Kim Scoma at 661-1528.
To read more about Jen and Lisa’s
“Going Bald for Bucks” initiative, visit
http://www.post-journal.com/page/content.detail/id/623120/TRC-Pair-ShavesHeads-For-Cancer-Research.html.
To read see more articles about Street
JAM and see additional photos from the
event, visit www.post-journal.com.
TRC News
Green Corner
Going green at Street JAM
EDITOR'S NOTE: The following was written by Russell Fowler, who
is employed at the Jamestown Work Center. Russell has been a selfdescribed "greenie" since 1990. He is happy to share his thoughts on
how to help preserve the environment.
Did we all enjoy Street JAM? I did, even though I am not
really into basketball. I do like to partake in big events, no matter how much I may or may not agree with the idea behind them,
and the JAM is one of them.
I had a full plate on my agenda already on that Saturday because I had made plans to spend time in my garden — trimming
weeds, dicing them and recycling them back into the ground
with coffee grounds. Got my peppers already planted, and my
tomatoes are next to go in. I have already planted one. I didn't
think was going to make it after our last frost, but it is slowly
growing back!
Anywho, I originally went to SJ to carouse, er, support the
two ladies getting their hair buzzed. But after this occurred, the
event got boring, so I brought out a couple of grocery bags and
began collecting discarded bottles and cans. My first run I took
into the grocery store, I made $1.25, which isn't too bad for a
few minutes worth of work. We did this only because the store
was next to Mickey D's. Went down later and filled up a few
more bags full. And this was after Street JAM had shut down.
I stopped down the next day and it was even better — in total a
bag and then some of both.
Most people would frown upon this, as there is a negative
stigma of rummaging through garbage cans. Yea, it can be embarrassing, but on the bright side, there are some benefits to it as
well: saves space in the bins, helps occupy my time with something constructive to do, creates/maintains jobs, provides one
with money, and ensures the State will not be making money off
of bottles any time soon.
A lot of bottles inevitably will go to waste out of the deal,
because not all bottles — including Gatorade — have nickel deposits on them. Imagine if they did. Imagine how much busier
plastic processors would be.
Another benefit to this nice weekend was the amount of
water bottles I collected that were half full or mostly full. What
a waste of a bottle and water. I made good of this "wasted"
water and filled up a measuring cup a few different times, and
ended up watering a few indoor plants that desperately needed
to be watered.
What great benefit did I get out of all of this? It encouraged
me to walk more. I walked over 6,000 steps that weekend, according to my pedometer, and that's not including all the steps
in the morning and early afternoon. Every muscle in my body
ached, and when that happens, though it pains me a lot, it makes
me feel so much better.
Be strong, be positive.
Jennifer Peters, left, and Lisa Champlin pose with Marcy Madonia, the owner of Marcels Hair Design in Jamestown, who shaved
Jen and Lisa's hair for their "Going Bald for Bucks" initiative.
Vicky Bardo poses with longtime tournament volunteer Marcus
Maloney and his son, Grayson, who also helped out at the event.
Again this year, members of Chautauqua County Special Olympics basketball team competed in Street JAM as The Resource Center
Lakers. From left, team members Michael Lampman, Joshua Davis,
Dupree Hall, and Doughshon Gholston pose with Coach Dan Mealy,
Production Supervisor at the Jamestown Work Center.
PHOTOS BY JANE YOUNG
Follow TRC on the web:
www.resourcecenter.org
9
TRC News
1,000 people attend TRC Expo
The creativity of The Resource Center's staff shined brightly May 15 during the
eighth annual TRC Expo, held at the Administrative Offices on Dunham Avenue.
About 1,000 people attended the Expo,
which is designed to educate staff, service
recipients, family members, and the general public about the many facets of TRC.
Departments create fun, interactive ways to
showcase what they do. Here's a sampling
of what Expo visitors got to do this year:
* The Diagnostic & Treatment Center and the Counseling & Psychiatric
Services Department operated a booth
with a "Getting Healthy Isn't Scary"
theme. Visitors had to feel for a fake
severed finger in one of three buckets
filled with slippery, slimy stuff. This
booth was voted Overall Favorite.
* The Human Resources Department operated a cafe, with a placemat quiz that
tested employees' knowledge of TRC's
benefits. This booth was named Most
Creative.
* The Social Services Department had a
"Sunsational" theme, with staff wearing Hawaiian shirts and leis, and asking
questions such as who would someone
talk to if they had a question about finding health care or employment. This
booth had the Most TRC Spirit.
* The booth operated by the Staff Training Center and the Quality Assurance
and Quality Improvement Department had a "Put the Code to the Road"
theme. Visitors had to match cue cards
focusing on the Code of Ethics. This
booth was voted Most Informative.
* The booth operated by the Rehabilitation and Employment Department tested visitors' speed and manual dexterity.
This booth was Most Interactive.
* At the booth operated by TRC's deaf
staff, visitors learned the signs in order
to spell their names using Sign Language. This booth was voted Most Attention Getting.
* The Day Services Department utilized
activities from its Train Like an Astronaut curriculum. This booth was voted
as having the Greatest Giveaways.
* The Residential Division had visitors
play the classic game "Twister."
* The Maintenance and Transportation
Departments had visitors spin a wheel
that would then determine their task,
such as answer a question about mobil-
Steve Riczker, Director of Health Services, watches with amusement as longtime TRC volunteer Don Landquist feels for a fake severed finger at the display operated by the Diagnostic &
Treatment Center and Counseling & Psychiatric Services.
Working to energize the crowd during the "flash mob" sequence are, from left, Matt Baran; Jessica Pietrkiewicz, Habilitation Specialist; and Jeremy Strom.
10
PHOTOS BY JANE YOUNG
TRC News
ity or maintenance, identifying a photo
of a TRC home, or finding the correct
key to open a lock.
* The Finance Department created a
"Monopoly" board, with the properties
corresponding to TRC's various cost
centers.
Also at the Expo, the Executive Management Team Auction raised $1,200 for
this summer's Camp Onyahsa experience.
Kim Scoma, right, Rehabilitation Services Supervisor, won the Wellness Basket
donated by Michelle Williams, left, Director
of Mental Health Services, for the EMT Auction. The auction, which featured items donated by members of TRC's Executive Management Team, raised more than $1,100 for
this summer's Camp Onyahsa experience.
Life is a beach for staff members at the "sunsational" Social Services Department's display: standing from left, Heidi Gordon, Jocelyn Jones and Mindy Block, Service Coordinators;
Christina Rosengren, Case Management Integration Specialist; and Shelby Surrena, Service
Coordinator; and, kneeling, Todd Becker, Service Coordination Specialist.
Shelly Coleson, left, and Jodi Eckman,
Accounts Receivable Clerks, staff the Monopoly game created by the Finance Department.
Hanging out together are, from left, Julie Vogan, Residence Coordinator; Bob Pratt; Jennifer Whitmore, Administrative Secretary for the Day Services Program on Jones & Gifford
Avenue; and Casey DuBose, Assistant Site Supervisor.
PHOTOS BY JANE YOUNG
11
Lela Berry, left, Residence Coordinator,
and Kae Lachiusa-Kent, Residence Manager,
mug for the camera.
TRC News
MARCHING FOR BABIES
TRC employees, services recipients, family members and friends turned out for the annual March for Babies on April 27 in Mayville. Pictured in the photo above are, from left, Ashley Eckstrom, Patient Registrar at the Carl Cappa Building; her son, Kayden; Jessica Holmes, Supported Living Specialist Manager, who organized TRC's participation in the March; Tess Kerzner, Director of Children's Services; Jessica's daughter,
Lexi; Nancy Ingram, Assistant Executive Director; Lacy Blocker, Direct Support Professional at TRC's home on Fairmount Avenue in Jamestown;
Jenn Yost, who lives in TRC's home on Rio Drive in Frewsburg; Shannon Hodgson, who lives in the Fairmount home; Sherry Lewis, who lives in
the Rio home; Tyler Case, Human Resources Administrator; Richard Hodnett, who lives in the Fairmount; home Karen Silzle, Residence Coordinator; Jen Felice, who lives in the Rio home; and Sandra Biggers, Office Assistant and Scheduler with the Residential Division.
Pictured in the photo at bottom left are Cori Sanders, Service Coordinator at TRC's facility on Lake Shore Drive West in Dunkirk and her
daughter, Katrina.
Pictured below right are, from left, Lynette Chase, DSP; Henry and Jean Wesley, who live in TRC's home on Whitehill Avenue in Jamestown;
and Casey DuBose, temporary Site Supervisor for the home on Forest Avenue in Jamestown.
PHOTOS BY STEVE WATERSON
12
TRC News
Feel Good Fair raises money for "Dream On" Fund
Mark Goshgarian, Public Relations Coordinator
“She would have loved it; she loved to shop,” said Kristen
Richard, Kathy Seastedt’s sister-in-law.
To help keep her sister-in-law’s memory alive, Kris organized
the second annual Feel Good Fair in TRC’s Conference Center
on Dunham Avenue on May 4. About 30 vendors were on hand,
selling a wide variety of items and services, like jewelry, clothing,
make-up, art, music, chair messages, and psychic readings.
“We really wanted to encompass mind, body and soul,” said
Kris Supervisor of the Day Habilitation Program on Fluvanna Avenue. “This is really a beautiful representation of my sister-in-law,
and the community coming together for a great cause.”
Proceeds from the event go to Filling the Gap, Inc., to benefit
its “Dream On” Kathy Seastedt Memorial Fund, which helps individuals with disabling conditions who live in the community and
have urgent needs.
Kathy was an employee of The Resource Center for 25 years
before she passed away unexpectedly in 2008. She served as the
Director of Rehabilitation and Community Services. In 1995, she
was named TRC’s Employee of the Year.
“She loved The Resource Center, she loved her job, she loved
helping everyone,” said Virginia DeCeilio, Kathy’s mother. “I know
her spirit’s here at the fair. She’s here, believe me, she’s here.”
In addition to the many vendors at this year’s fair, there was
a Chinese auction that raised more than $400, and a bake sale that
took in more than $300. In all, the Feel Good Fair raised $2,366.55.
“The fund is used and appreciated by a number of people, and
I’m just happy to be a part of such a good cause,” said Matt Homan,
Habilitation Specialist, who was a vendor at the fair.
“It’s important for people to understand about the developmentally disabled and the resources available to them,” said Dennis
Morley, a Psychic, Medium and Astrologer.
“I felt it was a really neat opportunity to be involved,” said
Desmond Drischell, Licensed Massage Therapist. “I think it’s a
great use of the funds raised, and I wanted to be a part of it.”
Several TRC departments also took part, including Day Services and its Picker’s Club and Creations Art Program. Led by
Director Debbie Brown, the groups sold a number of handmade
garden items.
“The money raised helps some of the people that we serve,”
said Debbie. “And some of those people helped make these very
items today.”
“Do unto others as they do to you,” said Nick Kilpatrick, TRC
service participant, who was selling his handmade musical instruments. “If you need help, we’re here for you.”
Members of Kathy’s family extend a big “thank you” to the
community for coming out and showing its support.
“Most people know someone who is disabled, and we should
always take care of those less fortunate. It emulates good spirits,
“ said Ms. DeCeilio. “I can’t express how much it means to me to
have had a mother, daughter relationship.”
“She was an intelligent, beautiful, fun, kind, warm friend,”
Kris said of Kathy. “So complex and so simple all in one; a beautiful mind and a great loss for TRC and our family.”
If you would like to make a donation to the Dream On Fund,
call 716-661-4735 or log on to www.resourcecenter.org.
Kristen Paduano McNitt, left, TRC’s Art Coordinator/Art Instructor, and Debbie Brown, Director of Day Services, staff a table of
artworks and crafts made by individuals with disabilities in TRC’s Day
Habilitation Programs.
PHOTO BY JANE YOUNG
Beach Prom
Mike Wilcox, who lives in TRC’s “Randall” home on Hunt Road
in West Ellicott, hams it up with, from left, Direct Support Professionals Jessica Mosher, Deseree Richter and Tiara Cromartie during the
“Beach Prom” held April 27 at the American Legion Post on Fluvanna
Avenue in Jamestown. For the fourth straight year, the Legion and
the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary hosted a themed prom for individuals
with developmental disabilities. The event was a success, with more
than 100 people attending, and the Ladies Auxiliary already is thinking about next year’s theme.
PHOTO BY JANE YOUNG
Follow TRC on the web:
www.resourcecenter.org
13
TRC News
Laurel Run activities under way
Preparations are under way for the 17th
annual Laurel Run, the event that ranks No.
1 in the hearts of many TRC service recipients.
The 2013 Laurel Run will be held Friday, July 19, and Saturday, July 20, and
there are plenty of opportunities for people
to get involved and support the event.
Laurel Run was created by Wayne Hotelling, a member of TRC's Board of Directors, and his wife, Elaine, a TRC committee
member. They established Laurel Run in
honor of their oldest daughter, who lives in
TRC's home on Birchwood Drive in Fredonia and participates in the Work Center Program on East Chestnut Street in Dunkirk.
The focus of the July 19 event is the
traditional Jamestown-to-Dunkirk Laurel
Run flag relay. Everyone is invited to attend a kickoff breakfast (organized by Day
Habilitation Program staff and participants)
from 8:00 to 9:00 at TRC's Michael J. Raymond Center on Jones & Gifford Avenue.
Following remarks from the Hotellings,
TRC representatives and elected officials,
2013 Laurel Run
dedicated in memory
of Barney Johnston
The Laurel Run
Planning Committee
has announced that
this year's event is
being dedicated in
memory of Barney
Johnston, a TRC employee who passed
away in November.
Barney, who began working for
TRC in 2001, was a longtime Laurel
Run volunteer and Planning Committee
member. It was Barney who came up
with the idea for Laurel's Lap, and each
year he also gladly volunteered to bring
service recipient John Graham to Silver
Creek to sing the National Anthem at
the opening ceremonies. Barney also
donated prizes for the Laurel Run raffle.
Among his other credits, Barney
was the driving force behind the creation of TRC's choir, Voices of Hope.
If interested in making a donation
to Laurel Run in Barney's memory,
please visit www.resourcecenter.org.
people proceed along the sidewalk as a
group to Eighth Street, where the first set of
relay runners takes off.
Volunteers from TRC and area school
districts will run the various legs of the
relay. In Fredonia, the relay runners will
meet up with employees of the Lakeview
Shock Incarceration Facility; each year, the
Lakeview staff jog in cadence as they lead
the final set of runners to the relay's conclusion at Washington Park. The City of
Dunkirk hosts a victory celebration at the
park from noon to 2:00, with the last group
of relay runners arriving at about 1:30.
The following morning in Silver
Creek, the main Laurel Run activities take
place — a 5-kilometer fitness walk and a
1k fun walk; an 8k run; children's fun runs;
and Laurel's Lap, in which anyone with a
disability is invited to take a loop around
the track surrounding the ballfield in downtown Silver Creek. There also will be a
party in the Village Square featuring free
refreshments, live music and auctions and
raffles. In the afternoon, there will be a motorcycle dice run.
Money raised through Laurel Run goes
to Filling the Gap, Inc., which works with
The Resource Center to improve the lives
of people with disabilities. Proceeds from
Laurel Run are used to support disability
awareness and prevention activities, and to
provide employment and work training opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Ways to support Laurel Run include:
Gabrielle Simano
* volunteer for the Silver Creek events.
Phone Victoria Trass Bardo at 6611477 for info or to sign up.
* participate in one of the walks, the run
or the dice run. For info or to register,
visit www.laurel-run.com.
* buy a 2013 Laurel Run T-shirt, which
will feature the design at left (created
by Silver Creek High School student
Gabby Simano). The shirts cost $10
each and will be available the second
week in July.
14
* buy a paper Laurel Run sneaker,
which are being sold at area Kwik Fill/
Red Apple Food Mart locations and at
several TRC facilities.
* volunteer to assist with the annual
Laurel Run newspaper sale July 10.
Phone Kayla Bohall at 661-1464.
* donate money to Laurel Run (through
the web site or by sending a check
made payable to "Filling the Gap/Laurel Run" to the Mazany building).
* donate money in support of TRC
staff who are raising funds for Laurel
Run. Those who have created online
fund-raising pages thus far are Ryan
Mayle, Physician Assistant, who will
participate in the 8k run; Wendy Wilcox, Direct Support Professional, who
will be participating in the 1k walk
with one of the TRC service recipients
she supports; and Steve Waterson,
Community Relations Director, who
hopes to jog the entire 30 miles of the
Jamestown-to-Dunkirk relay. You can
view their fund-raising pages at www.
firstgiving.com/trcfoundation.
* create your own fund-rasing web page.
You can earn a gift card for yourself
by raising money for Laurel Run!
Robin Kestler, Activity Leader, supports
Willie Eschwie in painting one of the medals
that will be given to Laurel Run participants.
This year, in addition to making the medals
that will be given to age-group winners in the
5k walk and the 8k run, the participants and
staff in the Future Strivers room at the Alternatives Day Hab Program are making commemorative ceramic hearts that will be given
to all participants in the run and the walks.
PHOTO BY JANE YOUNG
TRC News
27th annual Staff Golf Tournament will be held August 17
The Resource Center's 27th annual
Staff Golf Tournament us scheduled for
Saturday, August 17.
The event, which is for experienced as
well as inexperienced golfers, will be held
at the Bemus Point Golf Club, beginning at
9:00. The cost to play is $25 per person,
which includes nine holes of golf, lunch
and prizes.
Golf carts are available (for an extra
cost) on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The tournament always is fun, and this
year's event is no exception — a prize will
"TRC Night at Ballpark"
set for Monday, Aug. 19
The annual "Greg Peterson/TRC Night
at the Ballpark" is scheduled for Monday,
19, and all employees and service recipients are invited.
That evening, interested TRC staff,
consumers, Board of Directors members,
and their families are invited to attend the
baseball game between the Jamestown
Jammers and the Auburn Doubledays.
TRC will provide free tickets to the game
(refreshments and souvenirs must be purchased on your own).
TRC Night at the Ballpark is an opportunity to honor Greg Peterson, a local attorney who has been involved with The Resource Center since the 1970s. Greg serves
on TRC's Foundation's Board.
To reserve tickets to the game, phone
483-2344.
Foote ICF car wash
will aid Autism Walk
Staff and residents of the B-3 home at
the Intermediate Car Facility will hold a car
wash Saturday, July 27. Proceeds will support the Step Up for Autism Walk.
The car wash will be held from 10:00
to 2:00 in front of the home. The suggested
donation is $5.
For more information, or to volunteer
to help wash cars, contact Linda Gorton,
Community Living Skills Instructor, at the
B-3 home, 664-2567.
be awarded to the team that does the best
job representing a television reality show.
The winning team will have its players'
names inscribed on the trophy. And there is
a prize for the team with the highest score.
The registration deadline is Thursday,
August 8. In a change from last year, this
year you may not register by phone, email
or S-Comm; instead, team captains must
submit a paper registration form bearing
the names of the team's four players. The
$100 team entry fee is due with the registration form.
The tournament is popular and space
is limited; once the number of registrations
reaches the maximum allowed bu the golf
course, registration will close.
All registration forms should be submitted to Don Traynor in the Staff Training Center at the Administrative Offices on
Dunham Avenue. If you have questions,
need a registration form or want to set up a
time to drop off your registration form and
money, contact Don by phone (485-7299),
email ([email protected]) or
S-Comm.
TRC GOLF CLASSIC
The 17th annual TRC Golf Classic, sponsored by Lake Shore Savings, takes place
August 12 at Moon Brook Country Club, has
raised almost $1.25 million for TRC Foundation in its first 16 years. Posing together above
are, from left, Paul Cesana, The Resource
Center’s Executive Director and Honorary
Chair of the TRC Golf Classic; Gregg Bender,
TRC's Director of Business Operations and
Chair of the tournament’s Steering Committee; Brian Lydic, Vice President of Lake Shore
Savings and member of the TRC Golf Classic
steering committee; and Dan Reininga, Lake
Shore's President and Chief Executive Officer.
At right, Gregg accepts a ceremonial
check for $100.85 from his son Dan, Production Systems Specialist. The check reflects the
proceeds from a Golf Classic fund-raiser held
as part of a project in Dan's Jamestown Business College class. Also on Dan's team was
Alyssa Blakeslee, Accounts Receivable Clerk.
15
TRC News
ROTARY CLUB PRESENTATIONS
Voices of Hope
TRC representatives recently made two presentations to local Rotary Clubs. In the
photo above, from left, Executive Director Paul Cesana; Jane Young, Site Supervisor for
the Jamestown Rehabilitation Program; Sue Lent, Environmental Services Supervisor for
Support Enterprises, Inc.; Nancy Ingram, Assistant Executive Director; William Prince,
who is Sue’s son; and Bill Tucker, the President of the Jamestown Noon Rotary Club, pose
at the club's April 15 meeting. Nancy, Jane and Willie gave a presentation on TRC’s annual
Camp Onyahsa experience; the past two years, the Rotary Club has provided funding that
enabled Willie (and other individuals with disabilities living in the community) to be able to
participate in Camp Week.
In addition, Steve Riczker, Director of Health Services, was the guest speaker at the
Lakewood Rotary Club's April 11 meeting. Steve outlined TRC's medical, dental, mental health, and other health-related services, including physical and occupational therapy,
speech therapy, and audiology. All of these services are available to TRC staff, service
recipients and the public. Steve also discussed the School-Based Health Centers that TRC
operates at Jamestown High School and Pine Valley High School. Pictured below are, from
left, Luigi Isabella, Lakewood Rotary Club member; Steve Waterson, TRC's Director of
Community Relations; Steve Riczker; and Tillie Solomonson, President of the Lakewood
Rotary Club.
The Resource Center is always willing to have staff speak to service clubs, church
groups, schools, and other organizations. If you know an organization that would be interested in learning more about TRC, tell the group to contact Stave Waterson, Community
Relations Director, at 661-4735.
Tom Rhodes, Direct Support Professional in the Alternatives Day Habilitation
Program at the Michael J. Raymond Center,
supports Becky Bush while she sings during
the Voices of Hope’s spring concert Tuesday
at MJRC. Tom is one of the staff members
who leads Voices of Hope, a choir composed
of TRC service recipients.
PHOTO BY JANE YOUNG
Book donation
Michael Johnson, who receives supports
from TRC, poses with the latest book that
the Falconer Public Library has bought with
funds that Michael has donated during his
community outings.
PHOTO BY JESSICA RIQUER
Fluvanna Day Hab will
"tour" U.S. during July
16
The Day Habilitation Program on
Fluvanna Avenue will be holding a fundraiser in July. The program will be raising money to help its mascot "travel" from
place to place across a map of the United
States. Everyone who pledges money will
be entered into a drawing for a cooler full
of summer fun. For more info, phone Mary
Ford at 661-1016.
TRC News
Surma Ayuso, long-lost son enjoy Mother's Day together
Mark Goshgarian, Public Relations Coordinator
She got all dressed up and had her hair done for a special Mother’s Day visit she will never forget.
“I’m really happy today,” said Surma Ayuso.
Surma lives in TRC's home on Whitehill Avenue in Jamestown,
and she spent that Sunday staring out the window, waiting. Shortly
after noon, her son and his fiancée rolled in from Buffalo.
“When I first saw him, I got excited about him,” said Surma.
“I ended up crying because I was just seeing my son, and I was so
happy that I was seeing him.”
When Surma was 12, she sustained a traumatic brain injury.
Later, she gave birth to a son named Louie Colon. Unable to care
for her son, Surma’s sister raised Louie. Even though the three of
them lived together in the Buffalo area, Louie grew up believing his
aunt was his mother.
A few years later, following an argument, Surma walked out
of the home, and she never came back. Louis was 4. At the age of
18, Louie learned that Surma was really his mother. He was led to
believe she had passed away several years prior.
After coming to The Resource Center and remembering her
past, Surma often expressed the need to contact her son.
“It’s just what Surma always wanted. She always talked to me
about `Louie, Louie, Louie,' and, `I want to find Louie someday,' ”
said Linda Knight, Manager of TRC's home on Cole Avenue.
With the help of Louie’s fiancée, Alexis Martinez; Alexis'
mom; and TRC staff, mother and son were first reunited last year.
“It’s like my heart is just so big, you know what I mean,” said
Louie. “I’m just so excited to give her what she wants and what
she needs.”
Since that initial visit, the two try to see each other as often as
possible. This past Mother’s Day was the first they have shared.
“It gives Louie something that he missed out on growing up,
getting to know her,” said Alexis. “And it gives him, since his aunt
passed away, it gives him a motherly relationship he doesn’t have.”
Though Surma says she enjoys spending time with her housemates and support staff, reuniting with her son enables her to spend
quality time with family, which often can make in big difference in
someone’s recovery.
“So now instead of just being able to tell her TRC family, or
Whitehill family, how excited she is that she’s going on vacation, or
how her paycheck was really great this week, that now she gets to
call Louie and share these special things with her son,” said Casey
DuBose, Temporary Manager at Whitehill.
Like go out for lunch on Mother’s Day at Surma’s favorite Chinese restaurant.
“I feel good,” she said. “I am so happy to go out with him.”
“There’s only one chance you get, and now I got a second one,”
said Louie. “Make the most of it, because you never know what
tomorrow brings.”
Green Corner
On ignorance and mentoring
Russell Fowler, Jamestown Work Center participant
I really got Amanda Martinelli's article in the March/April
issue of TRC News. Disabled children eventually become
adults, but nevertheless, people will judge and make fun of
things they don't understand.
I know firsthand because I was a child, and I was also very
ignorant. Our kindergarten class was directly across the hall
from developmentally disabled adults. Because they talked and
behaved funny, we laughed and poked and got into trouble. And
it's a good thing that we're allowed to grow up, because in time
I learned there was a reason they behaved like this.
We too look for what many children, disabled or not, yearn
for and very much need — love, respect, dignity and acceptance. Understanding and patience are also very important.
Even today, I see some people prodding people I know who
have different behaviors than we're used to; i.e., constant chattering about nonsensical things or being loud or even attention
seeking — things that aren't their fault or can't help.
Now, there was another article about mentoring in the same
newsletter. It sounded as if it were talking about mentoring staff
members only, and if so, why should staff be the only ones to
be mentored?
As a child and a child of the juvenile justice system, I had
the great pleasure of having an adult I didn't quite accept, as I
had trust issues. He was a mentor. We did things together, and
when there were meetings held with my parents, he was there
to speak up for me.
At one point, the principal had said I was too stupid (there's
that stigma, or label) to be able to find my way out of any situation. My mentor bravely cut in and said that the principal had
no idea of what she was talking about, and gave her a story
about how we were lost in Olean and how I got us out.
It doesn't take much to be a mentor, be it a staff-to-staff,
staff-to-consumer, peer-to-peer — just someone to listen to
when chips are down. And you never know how much of a difference it makes when you have someone who'll take the time
out of their busy day to sit down, have a cup of coffee, and talk
or just listen.
There are wonderful mentoring organizations I'm sure
would love to hear from anyone who has heart, be it a consumer
(Oftentimes, we make the best mentors because we've "been
there, done that" and can back up the "I know the feeling" statement.) or otherwise, such as CASA (Court Appointed Special
Advocates) and Compeer.
As to how these relate to going green, I'd like to say that
a positive attitude can go a long way. It is like a well-fertilized
and watered plant — if taken care of, its roots will grow deep
and grow many branches, bearing much fruit.
Surma, right, poses with Louis and Alexis.
PHOTO BY LINDA KNIGHT
17
TRC News
Staff/Board donors
Congratulations . . .
Below are the names of employees, and members of the Boards
of Directors of TRC and its affiliated corporations, who have made
financial contributions thus far in 2013. Thanks for your support!
Michele Albaugh
Julie Backus
Faith Baker
Vicky Bardo
Marion Battle
Heather Becker
Todd Becker
Daniel Bender
Gregg Bender
Joanne Bevan
Emily Blackwood
Jacquie Blackwood
Bill Brothers
Alda Brown
Debbie Brown
Heather Brown
Randy Brown
William Brown
Katherine Byrne
Elaine Caldwell
Brittany Carlson
Marie Carrubba, Esq.
Tyler Case
Melissa Centi
Paul Cesana
David Christ
Patricia Christina
Don Christner
Chris Clark
Heather Courtney
Coty Croker
Leisa Davis
Verna Dickinson
Amanda Dove
Martha Dove
Amy Drozdziel
Anna Dubej-Phillips
Jodi Eckman
Paul Fardink
Mary Ford
Todd Frangione
Julie Gable
Dr. Harry Glatz
Mike Goldman, Esq.
Grace Gonzalez
Mark Goshgarian
Timothy Grissom
Bill Haenggi
Donna Haenggi
JoAnne Hagberg
Mary Jo Hamilton
Rebecca Hamlet Kapple
Ashley Hammond
Judith Handkammer
Samantha Harley
Madeline Haskins
Kala Herb
Thomas Holland
Nancy Ingram
Brenda Jabczynski
Todd Jacobson, MD
Tessa James-Beckwith
Carole Johnson
Terri Johnson
Denise Jones
Patricia Jones
Liz Kennedy
Tess Kerzner
Nicole Kimball
Linda Knight
Dr. Douglas Larson
Darlene Lascola
Jaime Lauffenburger
Jay Lauffenburger
Susan Lepley-Jenkins
Cory Leymeister
Steve Lindquist
Lilian Logan
Leanna Luka-Conley
Dominica Luzzi
Kristen MacKenzie
Cassandra Majecki
Tammy Mancuso
Pam Marchincin
Ryan Mayle
Tom McConnon
Michael McCoy
Ann McKillip
Sherry McMeans
Mike Metzger
Elizabeth Miller
Tina Miller
Renee Moffatt
Aracelis Morales
Bobby Morris
Brittany Morrison
Promotions
Emily Blackwood to Community Living Skills Instructor
Michael Braxton to Rehabilitation Services Supervisor
Alda Brown to Accounts Receivable Clerk 4
Richard Carlsonto Site Supervisor
Chris Clark to Medication Technician
Ashley Eckstrom to Patient Registrar I
Steve Hauck to Production Coordinator
Camiele Papagianis to Behavior Support Professional Trainee
Heather Stanford to Licensed Practical Nurse-Residential
Josh Straight to Behavior Support Professional Trainee
Matthew Strom to Behavior Technician
Tarah Swanson to Accounts Receivable Clerk
Ashley Waid to Materials Planner
Jennifer Wright to Manufacturing Supervisor
Harold Wurster to Production Coordinator
Mark Morton
Karen Moynihan
Lawrence Newbree
Heather Newton
Tara Nitkiewicz
Laurie Passet
Brenda Pattison
Amy Pease
Greg Peterson, Esq.
Cindy Phillips
Jessica Pietrkiewicz
Nikki Pitts
Tony Prinzi
Dr. Thomas Putnam
Debbie Rapp
Benjamin Renzi
Marcia Restivo
Deseree Richter
Steve Riczker
Liz Rothwell
Randy Samuelson
Joan Scalise
Mary Shelley
Jodi Sigmund
Mike Smallman
Pat Smeraldo
Suzette Smith
Jaimee Spell
Angelo Spicola
Barb Stewart
Cindy Summerford
Carol Svensen
Kelly Szymanowicz
Douglas Taulbee
Danielle Tenamore
Don Traynor
Donna Trusso
Charles VanGuilder
Virginia Vath
Michelle Vaughn
Carol Vinciguerra
Jerry Vinciguerra
Steve Waterson
CodyAnn Weise
Autumn Wilson
Jane Young
Staff Appreciation Recipients (through 5/29)
Kristen Anson
Mike Haddad
Denise Bane
Kassie Haile
Rayele Bartholomew Andrew Heggarty
Troy Barton
Jenny Hinson
Kim Baxter
Lisa Hoch
Dawn Beardsley
Greg Hyatt
Lance Bensink
Sue Jenkins
Tammy Blodien
Wanda Johnson
Abbey Bloomquist Shawn Kane
Michaela Britt
Dohdan Karicki
Tom Brown
Joshua Klice
Chris Butts
Holly Krueger
Linda Carlson
Debbie Larsen
Rickey Carlson
Tina Larson
Ron Carlson
Jay Laufenberger
Roland Cartner
Sue Lepley-Jenkins
Tyler Case
Jody Linamen
Ginger Colburn
Chad Lindahl
Jeremy Cooper
Tahme Ling
Tessa Cordner
Annmarie Lovvorn
Johanna Cortes
Jerry Lundberg
Bonnie Derry
Tom Lupton
Nancy Eastham
Sean Mabes
Tammy Fardink
Carla MacTavish
Jennifer Feldman
Deke Magnuson
Donna Garofalo
Amber Marino
Barb Garvey
Maria Martinez
Tim Grissom
Ann McKillip
Lisa Gross
Veronica McMlaren
Stephanie Meddaugh
Lisa Melquist
Josh Miller
George Mitchell
Shawn Mitchell
Mike Mizner
Tyler Monin
Christin Mueller
Heidi Nocero
Denise Norftsker
Linda Olson
Connie Parsons
Ashley Piazza
Charlie Reardon
Vince Ricotta
Nickey Riczker
Mary Shelley
Pat Smallman
Tanya Stearns
Sheila St. John
Robert Szczepinski
Angela Thomas
J.D. Tingue
Autumn Walters
Taylor Wilber
Michelle Wood
Roxanne Wynn
Julie Zanghi
Mike Zebracki
Dunkirk Day Hab BBQ to benefit lighthouse
Become a member of The Resource Center
and enjoy discounts at 20 area businesses
The Day Habilitation Program on Lake Shore Drive will host a
chicken barbecue Friday, July 12.
Weidner BBQ will prepare the meal. The barbecued chicken
will be sold starting at 11:00. Money raised will be used to help
replace the roof at the Dunkirk Lighthouse. All monies raised for
the project will be matched by a New York State grant.
For more info, phone Kristen Anson at 366-8008.
TRC is a membership organization, and anyone is eligible to
become a member. TRC members enjoy discounts at 20 area businesses. Membership dues for TRC staff and service recipients are
just $5 per year. For more info, call Carol Vinciguerra at 661-1434.
18
TRC News
DDDay!
Recent retirements
June 6 marked the last
day at TRC for two longtime
employees who have left the
agency for new opportunities.
Amy Drozdziel (above, modeling
the bag — made from leftover
Work Center materials — she
was given as a farewell gift), Assistant Director of Rehabilitation and Employment Services,
had worked for TRC since 1994.
Jennifer Whitmore, below, Day
Services Administrative Secretary, had worked for TRC since
2000. As a farewell gift, Jenn
was given a painting made by individuals in the Traumatic Brain
Injury Program.
A contingent of people from The Resource Center attended the 25th annual Developmental Disabilities
Awareness Day event May 23 in Niagara Falls. Pictured in front of TRC’s information booth at DDDay!
are, from left, Rich Nary, Family Care Home Liaison; Nancy Barr, Self-Advocate; Becky Blue, Direct Support Professional; Dennis Bottomley and Jocelyn Monaco, Self-Advocates; Don Traynor, Staff Development
Specialist; Steven Rodgers and Eric Meeder, Self-Advocates; Kim Lombardo, DSP, and Stacy Langheinrich,
Self-Advocate.
TRC NEWS
Readers' Contest
A total of 23 people submitted answers to last issue's quiz.
The randomly selected winner of the $15 Applebee's gift card
was Judy Groll, Production Supervisor at the Work Center om
Lake Shore Drive in Dunkirk.
Answer the questions below, based on information in this
issue, and send this form to Steve Waterson at Dunham Avenue.
1) Name one of the recipients of TRC's Excellence in Governance
Awards:
2) True or False: TRC's Work Centers will close July 1.
3) TRC received a manufacturing award from Business First
magazine in what category?
4) Which foundation gave TRC $30,000 to expand the Jamestown
Dental Office?
5) What is the name of TRC's newly revised Volunteer Program?
PHOTOS BY JANE YOUNG
Birthday bash
Lucille Martin poses with
the cake that was made to celebrate her 85th birthday during a
party held in her honor May 7 at
the Work Center on East Chestnut Street in Dunkirk. Lucy,
who has been employed by TRC
for more than 20 years, lives
in the Individualized Residential Alternative on Birchwood
Drive in Fredonia. A number
of TRC staff and service recipients turned out to help Lucy celebrate her milestone birthday.
PHOTO BY MATT PANEBIANCO, Observer
6) What are the dates of this year's TRC Symposium at Chautauqua?
7) Which two employees got their heads shaved during Street JAM?
8) Did you attend the eighth annual TRC Expo?
9) The Feel Good Fair raised how much money?
10) What is the date of this year's Laurel Run events in Silver
Creek?
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