PARC`s Ralin Gentles Honored by NYSARC
Transcription
PARC`s Ralin Gentles Honored by NYSARC
PARC AVENUES www.PutnamARC.org Winter 2012 Exceptional Opportunities for People with Disabilities PARC’s Ralin Gentles Honored by NYSARC Ralin Gentles, assistant manager at PARC’s Foggintown community residence, received the Thomas A. Maul Direct Support Professional Excellence Award for the southeast region of NYSARC. The award, which was presented to Ralin during the annual NYSARC Convention in October 2012, is a very prestigious award, with only five individuals working throughout NYSARC chosen, and only one from the southeast region of the State. “I am very fortunate as a Putnam ARC residential community director to have the pleasure of supervising and working with Ralin Gentles,” said Laura Kohley during the convention ceremonies. Ralin has worked for Putnam ARC for over 15 years and has shown dedication to the people we support and to other direct support staff who work with him. Working with Ralin, I have seen how he leads by example and treats participants and staff with dignity and respect. Ralin teaches high standards of care on a daily basis by modeling for staff how he has established and maintained trusting relationships with each of the residents that he works with and by advocating strongly on their behalf. The nomination for ‘the Thomas A. Maul Direct Support Residential staff members honored Ralin Professional Excellence Award’ was proposed by direct Gentles (2nd from left) during his recent support professionals and managers who have worked with NYSARC award. Pictured from left to right: Ralin. PARC feels that Ralin is most deserving and we are Michael Arrigo, Ralin Gentles, Delia Stanley, very pleased that he has been awarded this honor.” and Ken Ogana. Walsh appointed Co-Chair of NYSRA’s Developmental Disabilities Division Darby Walsh, Assistant Executive Director, was recently appointed as the co-chair of NYSRA’s Developmental Disabilities Division Committee. NYSRA (New York State Rehabilitation Association) is a statewide organization representing providers who advocate on behalf of individuals with differing abilities and the agencies who serve them. PARC has been a member agency of NYSRA for many years and Darby has co-chaired NYSRA’s Clinic committee for many years. The Clinic committee is a sub-division of the Developmental Disabilities Division. In his new role as Co-Chair of the Developmental Disabilities Division, Darby will actively represent PARC at NYSRA meetings in Albany, addressing a much broader agenda regarding issues affecting those individuals we support. Darby will co-chair with Ken Stall, Executive Director at COARC, and he will work closely with Jeff Wise, NYSRA President, and Pat Dowse, NYRSA Vice President, in bringing our concerns to the attention of state legislators and OPWDD officials. PARC’s Mission: As a community leader, PARC creates and provides lifelong opportunities for people with disabilities to achieve success. 2 PARC Board of Directors Tom Paradise, President Anna May Wiede, First Vice President Laura Dodge, Second Vice President Joe Kantor, Treasurer Heather Strickland, Secretary Helga Beyer Sandra Casey Peter Enright Sally Enright Barbara Fish William Kraus Susan Lucas Susan Sassano Executive Administration Susan Limongello Executive Director Cabinet Louis Lindenbaum Deputy Executive Director Nancy Miringoff Associate Executive Director Louise Rheem Associate Executive Director Darby Walsh Assistant Executive Director Linda Gomes General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer David Daniello Chief Financial Officer Diane Capizzuto Chief Human Resources Officer Darby Walsh Assistant Executive Director PARC Avenues Rand Bridget Otten, Editor Contributing Writers Jane Curtin, Kathy Gilliland-Nichols, Carmen Greenstein, Hildy Hallisey, Susan Limongello, Louis Lindenbaum, Nancy Miringoff, Joanne Pasquerello, Marie Raptis, Lois Tannenbaum, Melissa Tiburcio, Jessica Zaibel Contributing Editors Nancy Miringoff, Louise Rheem IN THIS ISSUE From the Executive Director In Memoriam - Mary Courtney News 20th Anniversary Cablethon News Preschool News News In Memoriam - Margaret O’Leary Partners with PARC News Holiday Giving Form 3 4 5 6 7-8 9 10-11 12 13 14 Putnam Industries at PARC Center SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS * Packaging * Assembly * Collating Quality Work @ Competitive Prices No Job Too Small Contact Michael Miller for details and estimates 845-225-5650, ext. 103 [email protected] 1938 Route 6, Carmel, NY 10512 www.PutnamARC.org 3 News 3 Susan Limongello Executive Director We at PARC are in the mindset that in order to do your job well, you must like what you are doing, and with whom you are working. To that end, a group of employees, under my leadership, have taken the concept of Collective Mindfulness from a “risk” orientated idea to a “people” focused idea. There are eight managers and directors who have developed a presentation and campaign regarding Collective Mindfulness which includes training all staff on “paying it forward,” mutual respect, participation, how to listen, care, and anticipate others’ needs, to be proactive, and be emotionally present for others. This has been an extremely successful campaign to show our 450 staff members that PARC collectively cares, and we are as interested in the staff’s well being as we are in the well being of the people we serve. In addition to Collective Mindfulness, PARC is working with four other ARC chapters to develop a collaborative to prepare us for the inevitable future of managed care and reduced rates. In this collaboration, we are taking part in new endeavors, including the Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL). CQL is a national accreditation organization with which we have partnered to steer us towards documentable excellence. In that, I mean that as an agency, we provide excellent service, but our future challenge will be to prove that in a managed care environment. CQL has given us the tools to collectively look at our systems and our practices to determine how to best succeed in an uncharted future. We are also examining our policies and procedures to see which of these have the person at the center of our decisions and which do not. Everything we do needs to be person centered to make PARC an agency that will be a proven service leader well into the future. We continue to need the support of our Putnam community as we move out of a “fee for service model” into a “managed care model” and we collectively vow to be an excellent agency from which to receive services, and also a great place to work. PARC Honors Longtime Staff Members at Annual Holiday Party PARC hosted its annual holiday party and staff longevity awards celebration on Wednesday, December 12, 2012. PARC’s board of directors and executive management would like to thank the following staff members for their unwavering commitment and dedication to the people we support. Among the list of honorees includes the following staff members: 5 Years: Guido Caiano, Damian Frankfurter, Filomena Gomes, Alice Pifer, Chelsea Roche, Kimberly Spielberg 10 Years: Patricia Burdi, Helen Delgrosso, Jennifer Keating, Nicole Mulcahy, Rand Otten, Louise Rheem, Queen Robinson, Greta Shaffer 15 years: Rosemarie Cox 20 Years: Adrian Goldson, Joanne Pasquerello 25 Years: Mahe Rukh Selim 30 Years: Christine Schroff, Spencer Terwilliger News 4 Mary Courtney - In Memoriam It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Mary Courtney, owner of Pine Grove Country Day School and longtime friend to PARC and the PARC Preschool in October 2012. Mary Courtney was an advocate for children with disabilities for more than 25 years and was an important partner with PARC for more than 20 years. The owner of Pine Grove Country Day School in Mahopac, Mary started her relationship with PARC when the preschool program moved into the Mahopac Falls Elementary School in 1985, right across from Pine Grove Country Day School. The relationship grew when Mary expanded her program into the Falls School and worked with PARC to integrate her “typical” children with PARC’s preschoolers with disabilities. In 2003, Mary was proud to open the Pine Grove Country Day School on Baldwin Place Road in Mahopac, a joint collaboration with PARC that houses the PARC Preschool and several inclusion classrooms. Mary was a resident of Mahopac since 1979 and started out with the home-based Pine Grove Day Care Center. Mary grew her business and was responsible for the daily care of over 400 children. In 1988, Mary founded the Putnam County Childcare Council. Mary was honored by PARC in 2009 during the agency’s 55th Anniversary Celebration, for her personal and financial contributions to the PARC Preschool and the entire PARC organization. Earlier this year, Courtney received both the Mahopac Female Entrepreneur of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the second annual Putnam County Women of Excellence Awards Banquet. When you think of Mary, remember these words that she spoke often, “The two most important things in life are love and purpose… Love as much as you can; love each other and love yourself. Find your purpose and work passionately towards it.” Preschool Program Director Jane Curtin shared these thoughts about Mary: “The sudden and tragic loss of Mary Courtney leaves a tender wound in the heart of PARC Preschool, as well as in the hearts of many staff members at PARC who were close to her. It will take time for this wound to heal, as we continue to think of and miss Mary each and every day. We miss Mary’s “larger-than-life,” warm, generous and positive persona. Continued on page 10 News 5 The Preschool Visits Barton Orchards By Marie Raptis, PARC Preschool In response to parent requests for opportunities to meet and get to know each other early in the school year, the Preschool participated in fun and educational fall activities designed for school groups at Barton Orchards in Poughquag. It was a crisp, chilly, October morning when families arrived and gathered at the playground adorned with wood play sculptures. Barton’s well-planned program started out with a guided walking tour through the vegetable beds which lead to the apple orchards. Equipped with drawstring bags provided by Barton, the frenzied apple picking began. The children shrieked with glee when they proudly presented their family member with their self-picked red treasures and continued their hunt for more apples to fill their sacks, a few nibbling as they went along. A curvy path led us out of the orchard and through a maze of towering corn stalks which spilled out onto a massive field of sugar pumpkins. The delighted children ran through the field searching for a pumpkin to call their own, while their parents took advantage of a “Kodak moment.” With bags bursting at the seams we all climbed onto a tractor-drawn hayride back to a pavilion to enjoy a picnic lunch. Barton served their famous apple cider and apple cider donuts. The families and staff mingled and concluded their day with a visit to the petting zoo and the playground. This was our second successful fall visit to Barton Orchards. Positive feedback was received by both parents and staff. With new friendships forged early in the school year, we will surely look forward to continuing this fall tradition. www.PutnamARC.org news ~ information ~ career listings ~ blogs Putnam County Disability Mentoring Day By Kathy Gilliland-Nichols, PARC Vocational Department On Wednesday, October 17, 2012, PARC participated in Putnam County’s Annual Disability Mentoring Day. In a joint effort to bring awareness to people with disabilities working out in their community, the doors of the county were opened for our workers to experience various employment models. Several county departments/offices throughout Putnam County agreed to participate and have mentors from various offices take a worker from PARC to their job for the day. Lillian Earle, of PARC’s Vocational Department, worked to gather interested workers and helped them obtain their first choice of workplace. There were many mentoring opportunities - working with kitchen inspectors, checking oil trucks, working with the reception and IT departments at the Emergency Services building, helping at the office for the aging and youth services - and the day was filled with excited staff and mentorees. Everyone enjoyed their experience and spoke of how they would love to get a job in the various places they worked. Jimmy Collins, who went to the Putnam County Sheriff’s department, said: “I never thought in my life I would get the chance to work at the Sheriff’s Department” and was thankful for the opportunity. Pictured at left: Front (bottom): John Paul Cante, Laura Ruocco, Robert Joy, Patty Duane, Val Fidanque; Back (upper): Jimmy Collins, Judy Kopp, James Neubrand, Vanessa Beringer, Greta Shaffer, Sumi Ports, Tony Baggio, Kathy Gilliland-Nichols & Lillian Earle. 20th Anniversary Cablethon 6 Thanks to hundreds of dedicated donors and business partners, the 20th Anniversary PARC Cablethon raised nearly $40,000. We appreciate your continued support of the people we support. We cannot do it without you. Broadcast Sponsors - $2000 and higher The Home Team Tax Reductions, Key Bank, ShopRite Supermarkets, Rose & Kiernan Insurance, The Hope for Youth Foundation Achieve Level Sponsors - $1000 and higher Carmel High School Future Business Leaders of America, Donna & Mark Zimmerman Reach Level Sponsors - $500 and higher Peter Brumme, Diane Capizzuto, Susan Limongello, Warren & Susan Lucas, Joe & Mary Piacente, Putnam County Savings Bank, J. Weinstein Foundation Connect Level Sponsors - $250 and higher Teddi Barry, Blue Remedy, Bramwell Bolton, Saul & Suzanne Berkowitz, Cynthia Botchman, Mr. & Mrs. Marc Brandt, Commercial Instruments & Alarm Systems, Mary & Robert Conklin, Richard & Debra Elliott, Hudson Regional LTC Pharmacy, Insite Engineering, Patterson Rotary Club, Robert & Barbara Krizek, Robert & Deborah Kopp, Mahopac National Bank, Lee & Nancy Miringoff, Karen Murphy, Michael Myers, Colleen O’Keefe, Rachel O’Keefe, Rand Otten, Protege Partners, Putnam County Courier LLC, Putnam County News & Recorder LLC, Mary & Larry Sturges, Fernando Torres, West Lake Construction, Alex Zagajewski & Michelle Scolaro Friend Level Sponsors - $100 and higher Roger & Sarah Abbey, Advanced Copier Technology, Barbara & George Albrecht, Kevin Bailey, Margie Bayer, P.F. Beal & Sons, Beecher Funeral Home, The Beyer Family, Jeff Beringer, Bolnick & Snow LLP, David D. Bruen, Hilmar Brumme, Maryann and Steve Calabrese, Charles J. Cante, Michael Carrick, Marianne Collins, Donald & Marilyn Comilloni, John Conlon, Kate & Grant Coppola, Jane Curtin, Douglas & Irene Daly, Dayton Industries Inc., Anthony DiCarlo, John DeLillo, Double M Farms, Maureen & Drew Durkin, Ed & Sally Enright, John Fendt, Claudia & Del Fidanque, Barbara Fish, Ruth Friedman, Assemblywoman Sandy Galef, George Gray, Michael Hession, Harvey & Jindela Family, HV Shred Inc., Henry J. Hudson, Timothy G. Hudson, Agnes & Virginia Hughes, Import Motors, Bob & Carol Jones, Charlotte & Bill Kaplan, Emily Kingsley, Gail & Mike Kirk, Everard & Marjorie Lee, Joanne Levine, Lightower Fiber Networks, Louis & Diane Lindenbaum, Elisa Longo, Vicki Lyons, Mahopac Railroad Tie, Family of Douglas Maile, Tom & Sally Mandato, Pat & Bob Manfredonia, J. Mantovi Excavating, Susan Mattern, Mauri Associates Architects, Elizabeth Mazzucco, Deborah Migliaccio, The Paganico Family, Tom & Leighann Paradise, Cathy & Chris Quaranta, Louise Rheem, Robert Roosa, RWS Plumbing, Angela & Helen Senno, Donald & Jane Smith, Sumber & Dolgetta P.C., Szvitek Family, Joseph & Mary Turek, Tyndall Septic Systems, Darby Walsh, Anna May Wiede, Suzanne Willis & Ed Drake News 7 PARC celebrates “PARC Pioneers” with agency-wide celebration; Pioneers were a part of PARC’s first community residence in 1975 PARC hosted a celebration on Monday, October 22, 2012 in honor of the first residents of PARC’s first community residence. The celebration, attended by more than 100 of PARC’s participants and their family members, staff members, directors and board members, was held in honor of 11 men, the “PARC Pioneers,” who came to live at PARC’s Ludingtonville community residence in 1975. Located off Ludingtonville Road in the Town of Carmel, this house became the first PARC-operated, family-sized home for former residents of New York State institutions, including Willowbrook and the Wassaic Developmental Center. “Each one of these pioneers had their own background story, some similar and some different, but they all had one thing in common: the courage to be first,” said Lou Lindenbaum, PARC’s Deputy Executive Director. “They were the first to move out of Wassaic or Willowbrook, the first to separate from family and move into their own place, the first to live in a new model of residence which was just being developed. They paved the way for others and served as role models for all of us.” Only three of the original eleven men who resided at the original Ludington home are still living and all three were a part of the celebration. Richard Friedman, one of the “Pioneers,” is proud of his PARC history. “I never knew I’d come this far,” he said. “I never dreamed I’d come as far as this.” An avid New York Yankees fan, Richard enjoys his day habilitation program, day trips in the area, eating out for lunch, and playing “Uno.” “Over the past 37 years, residential services has grown from supporting 10 people to supporting 134 people in 14 houses and eight apartments throughout Putnam County,” said Associate Executive Director Louise Rheem. “Most of the participants receive support around the clock, 365 days a year. Our residents and their families have placed their trust in our ability to provide them with safe homes, well trained and respectful staff, skilled medical services, and opportunities to live meaningful and active lives.” The celebration, hosted at the site of the new Ludington community residence (the original home was razed in 2007 and a new home was built in its place), featured the dedication of a memorial bench and plaque, and speeches from a number of PARC staff members, a sibling of a PARC Pioneer, and former staff members who helped with the first house in 1975, a “then and now” cake cutting featuring cakes with pictures of the old and new house, and a digital photo presentation featuring images of the pioneers, current and former staff members, and pictures of the old and new house. “Celebrating the pioneers from the original house with former staff and current staff, and seeing the smiles of recognition on the faces of some of the people we support, when they connected with former staff, was something to behold,” said PARC Associate Executive Director Nancy Miringoff. “It was a memorable event.” Lou Lindenbaum & Nancy Miringoff contributed to this story. Pictured left to right: PARC Pioneer Richard Friedman (seated) with PARC resident Judy Kopp; Scott Mehlberg, a former “house parent” for the Ludington residents with Associate Executive Director Nancy Miringoff; PARC Pioneer Chuck Holder (seated) with PARC resident David Lang. News 8 Reason & Rhythm in PARC’s Brain Injury R.E.A.C.H. Program By Lois Tannenbaum, Psy.D, Brain Injury Program Coordinator We have expanded our monthly Saturday group to include strategy building and social networking. In our regular session, from 12:30-2:00 p.m., we work on building a tool kit of techniques to recognize emotional triggers and assist in resolving issues. The monthly topics are based not only on participant input, but now also participant presentations. It has been wonderful to see both survivors and caregivers take an active role in planning and delivering information to the group that has been well received by all. Once a person requests the opportunity to make a presentation, I work with that person on previewing and planning. Each month, I will introduce the topic and initial structure of information. Should we have a participant who wishes to present, he or she would do so at this time. There are several cognitive benefits to this practice including group discussion regarding topic selections; volunteering to take on the challenge; planning, researching, organizing, and delivering the topic information from the presenter’s viewpoint, as well as providing supporting data on the topic. The social/emotional benefit of being a purposeful contributor has helped to build individual self-confidence, guided by the support of fellow group members. Our new social networking hour runs from 2:00-3:00 p.m. and offers various interactive social activities. To date, we have enjoyed yoga and various forms of ballroom dancing. We are looking forward to future activities including Tai Chi, scrapbooking, crafting, and interactive “mind” games. We also plan to have presenters speak on relevant topics such as mood regulation, benefits of nutrition and exercise on brain fitness; financial literacy training, and much more. If you or someone you know has been impacted by a brain injury either through illness or trauma, please share my contact information (shown below) with that person or family. Help and support is within everyone’s R.E.A.C.H. @ PARC. Dr. Lois Tannenbaum, (845) 721-2282. Tina Schroff Celebrates 30 Years at PARC By Joanne Pasquerello, PARC Clinic Assistant Director The Clinic was proud to surprise Tina Schroff at a recent luncheon in honor of her 30th anniversary at PARC. Throughout her career at PARC, Tina has served in the Vocational Rehabilitation Department and the PARC Clinic. A long time resident of Putnam County, Tina first came to the agency on the recommendation of her cousin, who was a job placement specialist for the Vocational Department. He told her about a short leave replacement opportunity at PARC Center. Thirty years later, the rest is history as the old saying goes. Tina has been a valued member of the PARC Clinic for the last 18 years . She provides rehabilitation counseling to 40 participants, assisting in the day to day issues that need to be negotiated on the job, as well as looking at future goals and how best they can be attained. Before coming to the Clinic, Tina worked for the Vocational Department as a supervisor in the workshop program, offering suggestions and coping strategies for individuals to help them do the most effective job they could. Beyond the walls of PARC Center, Tina has always lent a hand to any of her coworkers or departments who need help decorating for a party or preparing for a special event, as well as assisting with agency fundraisers. In her life before PARC, Tina was an art teacher, having graduated from Ladycliff College with a BS in Art and certificate in Secondary Education. Many a Mahopac child will recall “Mrs. Schroff” supporting their creations, telling them to do their best and that she had faith that their creations would be good. That same message has been communicated every day to those participants she has served at PARC for the past 30 years, which is why Mrs. Schroff is such a valued member of the Clinic team and of the agency. Preschool News 9 Ron Salvatore Visits the Preschool By Jane Curtin, Ph.D., Preschool Program Director Ron Salvatore visited the Preschool shortly before Thanksgiving to bestow his generous annual gift in memory of his daughter, Denise Marie, who loved working in the PARC residential program. Ron holds an annual charity golf tournament in honor of his daughter, whom he and his family tragically lost at the young age of 26, in July of 1999. Ron donates proceeds from the event to a number of charities in the community associated with his daughter’s life, work, and passions. Among them are PARC’s Nelsonville House and the PARC Preschool. Denise was voted “PARC Residential Worker of the Year” during her tenure at PARC. She also cared deeply about the issues faced by children with developmental disabilities. The Denise Marie Salvatore Memorial Foundation’s annual gift to the Preschool is earmarked for the needs of the therapy department, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech/language therapy, and school-based counseling (or play therapy). Therapists and Preschool administrators are very appreciative of the new equipment, toys and supplies Ron’s annual donation enables them to acquire to enhance the services provided to PARC’s preschoolers with special needs. For example, Salvatore Foundation funds were utilized Pictured l-r: Jane Curtin and Mary Capozzoli in the past year to re-outfit the entire therapy room with new of PARC Preschool with Ron Salvatore colorful, cushioned mats. Special balance beams and fine and PARC Deputy Executive Director Louis motor therapeutic supplies, as well as a variety of assessment Lindenbaum. materials, were also purchased. Ron’s visits to the Preschool to present the Foundation’s annual donation have become warmly anticipated events each fall. This year, PARC’s Deputy Executive Director Louis Lindenbaum, and Development Department Director Rand Otten, joined lead Preschool staff, Jane Curtin and Mary Capozzoli in welcoming Ron. As has become customary, Ron visited the therapy room and chatted with therapists and children as they performed their therapeutic work. Children eagerly showed Ron their newly acquired skills and favorite activities in the therapy room. Ron’s persevering interest in and support of the work we do at PARC with children and adults is both a remarkable ongoing tribute to his daughter and a highly generous personal gesture in its own right. Staff at the Preschool enjoy the friendly and special relationship that has evolved over the years with Ron, and feel deeply gratified by his support of our mission and work. The Infinite Benefits of Peer Support at PARC Preschool By Carmen Greenstein, LCSW, School Social Worker A majority of the children at the preschool receive a service known as school-based counseling,for which I am the provider. As children may be placed in different classes and seen together for a session, I may pick up a child from the classroom and have the other peer child partner with me. Recently, I was accompanied by a child when we went to pick up the “play” partner who we found to be upset and crying. The child was able to regroup and join us for the group session. On the way to the play room the child commented that “someone hurt my feelings.” Clearly, the child was still upset but doing a good job of transitioning to the next activity. Once inside the playroom, I set about getting materials out for a planned activity. The two children had brought their snacks with them and were sitting at a small table eating. One of the children turned to the other and very sympathetically asked “So someone hurt your feelings?” I turned around in surprise and the conversation went on. “Yes, my teacher hurt my feelings because she would not let me sit where I wanted to sit.” The other child replied, “Oh, that must have made you feel sad.” To which the other child answered “Yes,” and with a sigh, finished the snack and was ready for play in a visibly altered mood. Sometimes, all that is necessary is a caring listener, no matter the age. News 10 Mary Courtney - continued from page 4 We miss her smile and the sound of her laughter ringing through the offices or hallways of our building. We miss her intellect, courage, and “can do” attitude. We miss her ability to solve large and small problems, her desire to promote good in the world, and her dedication to furthering the well-being and happiness of the children, families, and staff involved in both of our programs. We take a small degree of solace in knowing that, at the end when we lost her, Mary was engaged in activities she loved and was contributing to the happiness and development of children elsewhere in the world.” Mary is survived by her partner, three children, including Deb Courtney, who worked for PARC’s training department, and five grandsons. PARC Gives Back Year Round By Jessica Zaibel, Connections Day Habilitation and Patti Buono, WithOutWalls Day Habilitation Connections Day Hab has picked up yet another volunteer job. We are now volunteering at the Yorktown “Love in Action Thrift Shop.” Our participants are there to organize the store, which includes keeping the shop neat and tidy and organizing by size and product. The owner of the store was extremely pleased with day habilitation participants’ work and is looking forward to a long working relationship with PARC. If you enjoy thrift shops, this is one to see, filled with a number of great items. And if you are ever looking to donate items, please bring them to Connections and our folks will bring them to Yorktown Love in Action, so we can continue to give back. Connections continues to volunteer at the Beacon Reads book store and the Beacon Welcoming Center, and we also continue to pick up produce from the local Hannaford supermarket and breads/treats from BJ’s to give back to Delancey Street and Brewster CAP. These two non-profits greatly appreciate the extra food, especially during the holiday season and colder weather. Brewster CAP is able to use the food to feed local residents in need. The WOW programs continue to give back to the community in many special ways, the one that sticks out most is the Meals On Wheels program through the Dutchess County Office of the Aging. The Day Habilitation Without Walls groups (DH WOW) have been volunteering on a regular basis as far as in can remember (1995). We have delivered many meals to many people over the years. The groups get to give back and make some special connections with the recipients of the meals; they really notice and care about the people to whom they deliver. We can be delivering to the same people for months, even years, and then all of a sudden they are not on the list and our people take notice and wonder where they are. This is a great opportunity for our groups, although they may not realize it, the people we deliver to may be the only people they see or even talk to on that day. The recipients of the meals are very grateful and are always welcoming to our groups. A note of thanks: the Without Walls Day Hab group sorted and donated clothing from PARC’s “Four Quarters” Thrift Store to the Putnam Lake Fire Department. Those clothing items were then brought to some of the hardest hit areas of Staten Island, NY, in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Help PARC just by searching on the Internet. Go to www.Goodsearch.com and register to raise money for PARC (The ARC - Putnam County - PARC) with every search and with every purchase at major online retailers. Good for us, good for you. GoodSearch! News 14 11 You Can Accomplish Anything By Melissa Tiburcio, PARC MSC/Self Advocacy Advisor We all begin our lives, (well most of us) with others rallying behind, cheering us on and supporting who we are and what we want to become. Imagine, just for a moment, that, those cheerleaders, friends, and family support ceased to exist. Imagine a world where your hopes, dreams, deepest emotions and thoughts were cast out, ignored- SOLELY, because you have a “disability”. This is not a world that either you or I would want for ourselves, our families, or the participants we support. Eleven members of The “Free to Speak” self advocacy group at PARC attended the annual Self Advocacy Association of New York State (SANYS) conference from October 25-27, 2012 at the Albany Marriott Hotel. It was at this conference that staff members and advocates became enriched with a wealth of knowledge. We as a group witnessed the power of self advocacy. We had the honor of meeting so many wonderful people- Pictured above: Self Advocates Holly Whitlock and Michael Condreras at the annual conference. a quadriplegic painter who created breathtaking works of art by utilizing a paint brush in his mouth, authors, jewelry makers, and even lawyers with disabilities who fought their way through law school. All of these inspirational people defied the odds and gave each of us the feeling that there is no task that cannot be completed. There was also a young lady present who was a graduate of Cornell’s School of Business and shared her story. The experience was much more than empowering; it was life altering. Let it be known that if given a voice, the people we support are capable, not just of success, but of greatness. Stella Held Turns 93 By Karen Murphy and Melissa Tiburcio Stella Held, one of PARC’s most active participants, celebrated her 93rd birthday with a celebration on November 16, 2012. Known for her spunk and love of life, Stella first came to PARC in 2008 and lives in a PARC residence and attends day habilitation. Not a day goes by when Stella isn’t actively involved in a number of activities, from bingo to crafts, dining out to visiting with friends from her old family care home. Stella spends her evenings at home helping with meals and cleaning up, but takes the time to travel locally, pursue her love of quilting, and get her nails done. “And I really like embroidery,” Stella said during a recent interview for her story. And just when you thought Stella couldn’t fit anything more into her busy day, she is also a volunteer for PARC’s recycling project, where she helps to sort cans and bottles that are donated to PARC by members of the community. “I’m good at recycling and I miss working at the workshop,” said Stella. Even at 93, PARC Service Coordinator Melissa Tiburcio and Stella Held. Stella takes helping others seriously. “Sometimes I help my friends walk down the hallway.” Stella’s party was attended by more than 75 guests, who offered her a rousing version of the “Happy Birthday” song and a number of beautiful gifts. www.PutnamARC.org news ~ information ~ career listings ~ blogs News 12 In Memoriam - Margaret O’Leary, July 28, 1954 - June 10, 2012 By Hildy Hallisey, Manager of Pinetree and Patterson 311 Margaret was a petite woman with a grand presence. Her very presence could bring a smile to everyone. Margaret greeted each day with laughter and she welcomed everyone she met. She might not have remembered your name, but she certainly remembered you. Margaret could be stubborn, but she was always willing to give out hugs and a little comedy routine. Margaret spent many years living with the ladies of Birch House before she moved to Patterson 311 in June 2011. What turned out to be the remaining time of her life was spent with old friends in a smaller setting. Margaret enjoyed having her own room, designated as the “princess” she was. She brought great joy into the lives of her staff and her house-mates both, at Birch and Patterson 311, and she was well known for her creative arts talents. Rand Otten, director of development, recalls one of her last visits with Margaret: “My last memory of Margaret came just a few weeks before her passing. Margaret enjoyed touring our offices each morning to say her “hellos” and “good mornings” with her staff member, Guy. One morning, on her tour around what we call the “Great Room,” Margaret wasn’t having a great start to her day and needed a little cheering up. I had a few balloons in my desk drawer, something that was mailed to me from a promotions company, and I found a green one (for my Irish friend) and blew it up for her, finishing it with a Sharpie smiley face. Well, Margaret’s face lit up and she said “thank you, my Rand,” and marched off to enjoy her day.” Pictured at right: A smiling Margaret at the Cold Spring Waterfront, Cold Spring, NY. Putnam ARC to Offer Concussion Management Educational Training Program; Trainings offered to regional school districts to help with new NYS law Putnam ARC, the leading provider of services for children and adults with developmental disabilities in Putnam County, also offers programs and services that assist people living with brain injuries, as well as trainings on how to prevent sports-related brain injuries. Putnam ARC’s Brain Injury Program, first established in 1993, assists individuals who have sustained brain injuries, either traumatic or acquired, with a variety of programs and services including support groups, trainings, and assistance with Medicaid service coordination. The Brain Injury Association of America adopted a new definition of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in 2011 as “TBI is defined as an alteration in brain function, or other evidence of brain pathology, caused by an external force.” Since concussions fall into the category of a brain injury, Putnam ARC will be working with regional school districts to offer the “Concussion Management Educational Training Program.” This program is being offered to assist districts to be in compliance of New York State’s new “Concussion Management and Awareness Act,” which went into effect on July 1, 2012. One of the provisions of this new act (details of the full act can be accessed at www.bianys.org/announcements/ concussion-management-and-awareness-act) is that “all coaches, physical education teachers, nurses and athletic trainers are required, biennially, to complete a course of instruction relating to recognition of symptoms of mild brain injury and monitoring and seeking appropriate medical treatment.” “Potential brain injuries may occur during school sports, physical education classes, school-sponsored activities, or even in the school environment unrelated to sports/physical activities,” said Dr. Lois Tannenbaum, Psy.D, Putnam ARC’s brain injury program coordinator. “The training focus will be on knowledge of preventative measures, immediate protocols of intervention in the event of an injury; and brain injury specific academic/recreational accommodations and interventions in the post-injury phase when students return to home and school.” Dr. Tannenbaum is a certified brain injury specialist (CBIS) and a dually licensed educator who has formatted a training that will assist school district personnel in appropriately preparing for the fall sports season. The training will include information on informed consent, recognition of signs and symptoms of a mild TBI, on-field cognitive testing, removal from play, medical referral, medical clearance, and more. School districts in need of this training can contact Dr. Tannenbaum to set up an appointment at lois_tannenbaum@ putnamarc.org or 845-721-2282. Partners with PARC News 13 Partners with PARC’s events helped to raise over $64,000 in 2012, with the help of sponsors and event attendees from all over the tri-state area and as far away as Belgium and Arizona. SECRET GARDEN TOUR: The annual Putnam County Secret Garden Tour, held Saturday, June 9, 2012, again featured some of the best private gardens around Putnam County and special tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright House on Petra Island, Lake Mahopac. We thank Joe and Barbara Massaro for their continued commitment to host our guests and help us to raise needed funds. In addition to the eight private gardens open for the tour this year, the Garden Tour also featured tours of Stonecrop Gardens in Cold Spring and Boscobel House and Gardens in Garrison. ANNUAL GOLF OUTING: On July 9, 2012, Partners with PARC hosted the 15th Annual Golf Outing and raised more than $24,000 with the help of corporate sponsors, hole sponsors, golfers, and many silent auction bidders. The event, held at Centennial Golf Club in Carmel, featured a number of contests, including a hole-in-one for a Jeep Wranger Sahara from the Volz Auto Group and $10,000 cash hole-in-one from Relph Benefit Advisors. D. Bertoline & Sons, PepsiCo, and Deutsch Family Distributors assisted with on and offcourse beverage service all day and evening. The date for the 16th Annual Outing is set for Monday, July 8, 2012 at Centennial Golf Club. COLD SPRING BY CANDLELIGHT - A memorable day was enjoyed by nearly 700 guests during the 10th Anniversary “Cold Spring by Candlelight Holiday Festival and House Tours” on Saturday, December 1, 2012. The Village of Cold Spring was decked for the holidays including the nine private homes and seven historic sites and churches featured on this year’s tour. Restaurants and stores offered specials to event attendees while The Merry Minstrels, The Treble Makers, and After Hours singers spread joy and music caroling throughout the village for the event. Other events included storytelling with Pamela Schembri and “The Make Believe Theater Company,” ice carving demonstrations with Bill Bywater and family, holiday music with Sara Labriola, visits with St. Nick, and the annual Village of Cold Spring holiday tree lighting. Tour attendees had the opportunity to vote for their favorite house on the tour. This year’s winner was Vincent Tamagna, a Putnam County legislator, who has featured his home on the tour several times. Tamagna received a $500 cash prize Just one of the Christmas trees at the home of for his efforts, including an upside down Christmas tree, complete Vincent Tamagna, winner of the “best house” with upside down gifts and train set. during the 2012 “Cold Spring by Candlelight” tour. Photo courtesy of www.pcnr.com 2012 Partners with PARC Event Sponsors: Cold Spring Area Chamber of Commerce Non Profit Org. US Postage Paid Brewster, NY 10509 Permit No. 99 31 International Boulevard * Terravest Corporate Park * Brewster, N.Y. * 10509 Telephone: 845.278.PARC * Fax: 845.278.2151 * Website: www.PutnamARC.org