Arc GLOW

The nonprofit ARC, established to assist individuals with intellectual, emotional, and developmental disabilities, merged the two smaller entities of Genesee and Orleans with Livingston and Wyoming in the fall of 2021 to create Arc GLOW.

Board President Cheryl Englert expressed her thanks for the Genesee County Legislature’s support of the agency during a presentation this week in honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

"As a parent of a young man who is served by Arc GLOW and a long-term member of the Board of Directors, I want to thank you for our partnership. My grandparents came from Batavia, so coming back to Batavia is coming home. And so when we merged as one organization, it felt good to have my ancestry honored, and my son honored too, so I'm very glad to be part of the organization that works with you,” Englert said Wednesday in the legislative chambers. “And I'm pleased that our partnership, that we work together, and our community is accepting of our folks in all the programs we do, and I appreciate every one of you for supporting us now and in the future.” 

Legislator Brooks Hawley read the proclamation given to Arc GLOW:

WHEREAS, people with a developmental disability are of all racial, ethnic, educational, social, and economic backgrounds, and all are valued members of society who find fulfillment living everyday lives, and

WHEREAS, we value what is important to people with disabilities and their families who are striving for daily lives no different than that of all other citizens, and

WHEREAS, early intervention, education, meaningful work, and home and community- based services continue to be vital to allowing citizens with a developmental disability to enjoy the rights of citizenship, achieve personal success and allows them contribute to their local communities alongside their neighbors without disabilities, and

WHEREAS, Genesee County Legislature recognizes the many accomplishments and contributions of people with developmental disabilities, we encourage all citizens to support Genesee County residents with developmental disabilities and their families in all aspects of life. Now therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Genesee County Legislature does hereby proclaim March 2024 to be Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and urges all citizens to give full support to efforts towards enabling people with developmental disabilities to live full and productive lives of inclusion in our communities.

Press Release:

Arc GLOW has chosen a new name for the 48th annual event held at Terry Hills Golf Course. 

GLOW Abili-TEES Golf & Bocce Tournament.

“The new name aligns with Arc GLOW’s mission of focusing on the abilities of individuals served by Arc GLOW while adding a twist to the word “Abili-TEES” as it relates to the game of golf,” said Ed Carney, chairman of the GLOW Abili-TEES Golf & Bocce Tournament committee.

It was chosen after a staff naming contest was held.

“The individuals who Arc GLOW serve have a lot of talent; we want to highlight that at this tournament while raising money so we can further help empower and support them,” said Lisa Bors, public relations director for Arc GLOW.

This year it will be held on Monday, July 15 at Terry Hills Golf Course, located at 5122 Clinton Street Road in Batavia.

Along with enhanced sponsorship opportunities, Arc GLOW has reduced the golf fee to $135 and bocce to $60 for the tournament. To reserve a spot, e-mail Sandy Konfederath at SKonfederath@ArcGLOW.org or (585) 343-1123 ext. 1715.

Keep your eyes peeled for further information on the Arc GLOW Facebook page and website, and save the date to be sure to help empower and support people of all ages with a broad spectrum of emotional, intellectual, and developmental disabilities.

Press Release:

For the past 31 years, the Corfu resident has been working as a direct service professional (DSP) at Arc GLOW’s Day Habilitation Center in Elba. 

She helps each individual in her room with their daily person-centered goals. Bookmiller explores every chance to take individuals she supports out for community-based activities, and on nice weather days she maximizes every opportunity to help individuals to enjoy the extensive outdoor space at Elba Day Hab.

“When spending time at the site in Elba, Joy immediately stood out as one of the DSPs who truly took their role to support individuals seriously,” said Kelly Anstey, senior director of Day and Employment Services at Arc GLOW. 

“A coworker pointed out to me how Joy made every person feel as included in as many activities as possible how she always went the extra mile. I could see this,” Anstey continued. “She presented at once as very serious, but also compassionate and very passionate about serving people.”

It is little wonder then that Bookmiller has been selected as one of the four recipients of The Arc New York’s 2023 Thomas A. Maul Direct Support Professional Excellence Award. This is an annual award that recognizes a DSP who consistently demonstrates excellence, creativity, and commitment to providing support to people who have intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

Bookmiller works at Elba Day Habilitation, a program site certified to serve up to 100 individuals. Many of the individuals have relatively high support needs, including personal care, eating, navigating Elba and community sites, and extensive physical support needs.

“While some staff might have had difficultly in such a challenging daily environment, Joy was a dynamo of positive energy and care. She took everyone into her aura of love and activities, providing each individual a variety of different opportunities and experiences,” Anthony Lewandowski, retired Day Habilitation director shared in a letter of recommendation.

Sherri Raab, Day Habilitation director at Elba, said in her nomination Bookmiller has a strong connection to the individuals she works with. Raab gave the example is Bookmiller’s ability to use manual sign or specific signing for an individual who has become very comfortable with communicating with her. This individual has been learning more signing via working with Bookmiller and his speech pathologist and has expanded on his signing vocabulary.

“As she role models for other staff, her compassion and thoroughness shines through,” Raab said. “She
demonstrates that she loves what she does and that she wants that for her coworkers as well. Joy doesn’t just show by example, she also takes the extra time with new staff to really explain the importance of reading any necessary materials thoroughly, taking individuals’ personal goals into consideration and all around demonstrates an adherence to the core compentencies.” 

Bookmiller will be receiving the award Oct. 27 at the Crowne Plaza Desmond Hotel in Latham.

Press Release:

Arc GLOW will be holding its annual Arc GLOW Fall Basket Raffle on Nov. 10 and 11.

Currently, Arc GLOW is seeking theme basket and gift card donations, with a starting value of $25. They can be dropped off at Arc GLOW Community Center, located at 38 Woodrow Road in Batavia, Arc GLOW’s Genesee County administrative office at 64 Walnut St. in Batavia, or at Arc GLOW’s headquarters at 18 Main St. in Mt. Morris.

Funds raised from the basket raffle help support Arc GLOW’s programs and services for children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families across the agency’s four-county service area.

The basket raffle will be held at the Arc GLOW Community Center on November 10 from 4 - 6 p.m. and November 11 from 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. with drawings immediately following.

For questions, please contact Tracey Jones at TJones@ArcGLOW.org or (585) 343-1123 ext. 1735.

Press Release:

Come down to Arc GLOW’s Day Habilitation Center in Elba to walk, run, skip, or jump to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Arc GLOW is hosting its 19th annual Friends & Family 5K and Fun Walk on September 16. It's an event that gives people of all ages and skill levels an opportunity to participate. It also welcomes and embraces the participation of the people Arc GLOW serves, aligning with its mission to support people with disabilities in partnership with their families and community.

Taste of Country, the signature event within the Friends and Family 5K, features a wonderful display of fruits and vegetables donated by area farmers. Runners, walkers, sponsors, and volunteers each have the opportunity to take some home with them. 

Arc GLOW expects over 300 runners and walkers this year. The event’s post-party features live music by The Buffalo Road Show with Jim and Babe Catino, kid’s activities, food, beverages, and an award ceremony. 

The Friends and Family 5K began as a memorial to Mary Anne Graney, a parent, educator, advocate, and friend to Arc GLOW who died in 2004. Her dedication to people with IDD and their families enriches countless lives. The Bluebonnet sponsorship is in honor of Graney’s Texas roots.

The Graney family is pleased funds raised in this event help support education through the Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship program. Scholarships are presented to area high school seniors planning to further their studies in human services, special education, or related fields. The money also goes toward helping fund various programs and services Arc GLOW offers for individuals with IDD.

In 2017, the Friends and Family 5K combined forces with the former 5K held in memory of Arc staff member Terri Carr Krieger. Krieger was a longtime employee who lost her battle with cancer in 1997. The Blue Spruce sponsor level is in Krieger’s honor. 

Finally, for many years the Livingston-Wyoming 5K was held in memory of Dr. Ramon M. Rocha. He passionately believed in the possibilities of life and has been an endless source of inspiration for people of all ages and abilities. A beloved family man and enthusiastic volunteer, the Blue Knight sponsorship connects Dr. Rocha to SUNY Geneseo where he was a respected professor.

The Friends & Family 5K will take place September 16 where check-in begins at 8:45 a.m. and the race beings at 10 a.m. Race t-shirts will be guaranteed for all participants who register by September 7 and until quantities last for walk-ins. It will be held at the Arc Day Habilitation Center, located at 4603 Barrville Road in Elba.

For anyone who wishes to sponsor the 5K, contact Sandy Konfederath at (585) 343-1123 ext. 1715 or skonfederath@arcglow.org by Aug. 21. Walkers and runners wishing to register can do so online at ArcGLOW.org or by contacting Konfederath.

The Batavia Muckdogs hosted clients of Arc GLOW at Dwyer Stadium on Saturday for the agency's annual Challenger Baseball Day.

Photos by Nick Serrata.

Press Release:

Four seniors in each of the GLOW counties have been awarded the 2023 Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship administered by Arc GLOW. 

The $1,000 scholarship award winners - Saniiya Santiago, Nicole Cartwright, Ava Quincey, and Morgan Brace - were chosen out of 18 candidates, and are planning to pursue careers related to healthcare or working with people with disabilities. 

Saniiya Santiago, a senior at Batavia High School, is planning on going to SUNY Genesee Community College (GCC) this fall, and then Roberts Wesleyan University to continue her education in social work. Santiago wants to become a social worker to help kids who have disabilities, or who are struggling in school or in their home life. She said she wants kids to feel comfortable talking to her about anything, or if they just need somewhere they feel welcome in a peaceful, calm environment. 

As a junior, Santiago mentored kids at Batavia Middle School, and this year is taking a college course called “Intro to Education.” This class teaches how to work with students who have disabilities.

“I am a teacher’s aide at the GLOW YMCA working for the Before and After School Enrichment (BASE) program,” Santiago said. During this program, she has gained experience working with children with disabilities, solidifying her career choice. She also participated in a Day of Caring at the New York State School for the Blind in Batavia. Santiago said it was amazing watching the kids communicate with Braille and use their senses to get around the school.

Nicole Cartwright, a senior at Keshequa Central School District, is planning on going to SUNY Cortland to major in childhood education and minor in special education. Growing up, Cartwright always knew she wanted to work with children. She enjoyed helping her younger sister and younger cousins learn in creative ways. 

As she grew, Cartwright started working at Swain Ski Resort as a ski instructor. It was here she learned how much she loved working with children with developmental disabilities. "One of the first ski lessons I gave was to a young girl who was hearing impaired. The lesson was successful, and it made me so happy to see the excitement on her face as she succeeded in each step with learning how to ski,” Cartwright said. “I had multiple students that season with special needs, and it made me realize what a positive impact patience, kindness and being a positive role model can have.”

She is also a member of the Keshequa National Honor Society. As a member, she has participated in many community service activities, one of which being a clean-up day at Camp Stella Maris. While a student at Keshequa, Cartwright said certain subjects haven’t always been easy for her. However, between perseverance, hard work and help from her teachers, she became a top scholar in her graduating class. Cartwright wants to be the type of teacher she’s had the pleasure of having, always being there for students and encouraging them to never give up.

Ava Quincey, a senior at Holley Jr./Sr. High School, is going to SUNY Geneseo for the childhood with 
special education program. She became inspired to become a special education teacher last winter when helping elementary schoolers make gingerbread houses to bring home to their families for Christmas through the Rotary/Interact Club.

“I was assigned to a special education classroom. I was able to sit down with students and assist them with hands-on instruction, verbal reassurance and kindness,” she said. “In return, I received grateful smiles and giggles from the students. Volunteering to help children with special needs was one of the most rewarding feelings in the world.”

Quincey keeps busy in and outside of school as she plays in band and volleyball. She performed in her school musical and partakes in Lisa’s Dance Boutique. Quincey is the Interact Club vice president, National Honor Society secretary, Student Council vice president, and senior class treasurer. 

Morgan Brace, a senior at Letchworth Central School, will be going to Houghton University to study 
inclusive childhood education and sports recreation and wellness. Brace plays volleyball, basketball and softball. She is the president of Student Council and participates in the Leadership in Action class, National Honor Society, Big Buddy and Spectrum. 

Brace can also be found in the community volunteering at concession stands, craft shows, and creating backpacks for children in need. She also organized a dozen projects which benefit her school and community through Leadership in Action.

“Most recently, I put together a charity basketball game at Letchworth Central School that raised $4,000 for the Autism Nature Trail,” Brace said. “I absolutely love working with children who have special needs. I feel that it is important to work with these students, especially to make sure they receive the education they deserve.”

Now in its 18th year, the Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship is given out to area high school students planning to attend college to pursue a degree in human services, special education or a field related to helping people with developmental disabilities.

It is in honor of Mary Anne Graney, a special education teacher who died in 2004. The scholarship is funded by the Friends & Family 5K, scheduled this year for Sept. 16 in Elba. In all, 59 scholarships - including this year - have been awarded since 2006 to local high school students.

Submitted photos

Press Release:

For the past seven years her byline has been seen hundreds of times on local news stories. Now Mallory Diefenbach will be serving the GLOW community in a different capacity as the communications manager/grant writer at Arc GLOW.

A native of Eden, Diefenbach has been living in Batavia and growing a part of the community as she worked as a reporter. Prior to moving to Batavia, she worked as a reporter for The Post-Journal in Jamestown. Together, she has a decade’s worth of writing experience and community engagement.

“I’m so excited to be part of Arc GLOW, and bring attention to empowering individuals with disabilities in our community,” Diefenbach said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity, and I’m glad to serve those who might need help to make sure their voices are heard.”

“Mallory is a great addition to the Arc GLOW’s family—her knowledge of the GLOW region is so valuable to this agency. We are excited for Mallory to be part of this exciting time as we enter our second year since the merger” said Lisa Bors, director of public relations for Arc GLOW. 

Diefenbach has a bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communication from St. Bonaventure
University, and has a double major in history. 

Arc GLOW is a merger of The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming and Arc of Genesee Orleans, becoming an official four-county chapter in October 2021. The four-county service area covers roughly 2,400 square miles - geographically, the largest Arc chapter in New York state. Arc GLOW is a private, nonprofit organization founded by parents and friends of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Their mission is to empower and support people of all ages with a broad spectrum of emotional, intellectual and developmental disabilities.

There was more than Arc's famous chili and chowder being served up Saturday and Sunday at Arc GLOW's Woodrow Road campus. There was also grilled cheese.

And baked treats.

And basket raffles.

The event is one of Arc's more significant fundraisers in Genesee County.

Photos by Howard Owens

Press release:

With forecasters predicting multiple feet of snow in Western New York, Arc GLOW’s Chili & Chowder Fest/Basket Raffle and Bake Sale has been moved from this weekend to Friday and Saturday, Dec. 16 and 17.

Martin Miskell, Arc GLOW CEO, said a variety of factors were considered when making the decision. 

“The prep work and setup for this event is enormous, and we want it to be successful,” Miskell said.   “In order to be successful, we need community members and our volunteer force to be able to travel to the event safely.  We didn’t want to take the chance.” 

Arc GLOW Community Relations Specialist, Tracey Jones, is the event coordinator.  “We look forward to welcoming the community to our 2022 Chili & Chowder Fest in December this year” she said.  “The postponement means we will be able to collect even more than the 125 baskets we have now!”

To donate, or for more information, contact Tracey at tjones@arcglow.org. 

Press release:

Arc GLOW’s Meadowcrest Drive home received some help with fall spruce up and clean Wednesday afternoon from a group of hard-working volunteers representing Five Star Bank.

Five Star’s First Vice President Territory Director Jacqueline Lavoie shared a company statement about the bank’s Volunteering is a Work of HEART Day, that explained as part of this company-wide community service event, most branches and offices closed early to allow the team to come together and dedicate time and talent to better the communities they serve.  According to the statement, “More than 300 associates signed up to volunteer with over 30 non-profit organizations throughout our footprint to complete projects that make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”

Stacey Vandetta, branch manager for Batavia and Attica, said her team was excited and honored to spend the afternoon at one of Arc GLOW’s Batavia homes.  “We brought our gloves, rakes and we are ready to work!!!” she said.

Meadowcrest Residential Manager Molly Smith was thrilled with the offer to help with a few major projects, including raking the backyard and painting the front porch.  “They had the porch painted in no time, and twelve bags of leaves raked,” Molly said.  “We’re thrilled – the porch looks great and the backyard has never looked better.” 

Five Star volunteers had the opportunity to work with John, one of the residents who lives at the Meadowcrest home.  “John quickly became the team leader,” Molly said, making sure everyone was hydrated and had all the supplies they needed.  “I can’t thank them enough for what they were able to do in such a short period of time,” the manager stated, with a smile.  “Their goal was to make a difference, and they did. We are so grateful!”

Five Star Bank employees participating in the Volunteering is a Work of HEART Day were: Jeff Westerman (LeRoy and Caledonia Manager), Stacy Vandetta (Batavia and Attica Manager), Mary Ann Gallo, Carrie Laney, Christine Adamczak, Sandy Smart, Amy Meisner, Makayla Hilchey-Richthammer, Michelle Vollmer, Cassandra Anderson and Lisa Gautieri.  Team member who wanted to volunteer for Arc GLOW but offered to work to keep the LeRoy branch open were Ty Ozkaynak, Cassidy Bratcher and Jen Lambert.

The Meadowcrest home is one of thirty residences operated by the Arc GLOW throughout its four-county service area.  Arc GLOW was created in October of 2021 as a result of a merger between Arc of Genesee Orleans and The Arc Livingston-Wyoming. The human service agency employs nearly 1,000 staff across 2,400 square miles and serves 2,000 people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their families.

Submitted photos.

Registration is open for the Arc GLOW Friends and Family 5K, scheduled for Sept. 17 in Elba.

This is the 18th year of the event, which helps raise funds for Arc GLOW and raise awareness off the agency's programs to child, adults, and families with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Funds raised also contribute to the Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship.

Registration is $20 per 5K entrant and $15 for the fun walk.

The after-party includes music, food, children's activities and the "Taste of the County."

To register, click here.

File photos from 2021 by Howard Owens

Press Release

Arc GLOW, a chapter of Arc, NY, that provides innovative supports and services to people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties announced that it has sold its trash collection and transfer station to Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (Casella) a regional vertically integrated solid waste, recycling and resource management company headquartered in Rutland, Vermont.

More than 20 years ago, the Arc of Genesee opened its trash center to fill a need for theCity of Batavia, help create jobs, and produce a positive revenue stream for the organization. Now, to position itself better for the future and focus on its core mission, Arc GLOW has decided to move away from the waste and recycling industry.

“We’ve truly appreciated having the citizens of Batavia as our customers. They have been amazing advocates for our organization and the people we support, and we believe that this new partnership with Casella will help Arc GLOW focus on its core values and allow our organization to meet the needs of the people we serve in a financially sustainable way,” said Martin Miskell, Arc GLOW CEO. Casella will  continue operations utilizing the existing Arc GLOW property and staff on West Main Street in Batavia, including the Transfer Station which will be operated by an Arc GLOW work enclave with the same familiar faces that customers have been accustomed to.

Casella, which has successfully implemented similar innovative employment programs through partnerships with other organizations such as Goodwill Northern New England, has a strong presence in Batavia, providing sustainability services including trash and recycling collection to area residents and businesses.

“We’re proud to be a strong community partner in Batavia and believe that the work that has been done by Arc GLOW over the years is inspirational and aligns well with our core values,” said Casella Chairman and CEO, John W. Casella. “Casella was established nearly 50 years ago, and we believe that growing and supporting our people so that they can provide outstanding service to our customers and their communities is central to everything we do.”

Arc GLOW intends to use the funding from the acquisition to invest in its programs and services to help meet the needs of the people and families they support. According to Miskell, this has become a challenge in recent years.

“In a field where our funding is consistently being squeezed, this injection of capital will position our organization for the future. We are evaluating every program and service we provide to ensure we are meeting the needs of the people in our community. I encourage every parent, family member, or community member to reach out if there is a specific need that we need to reach.”

Current Arc GLOW customers will be contacted directly with more information on what the acquisition means for them, and both organizations feel that customers will experience very little, if any change in their current service.

As first reported by The Batavian in May, prior coverage can be found HERE

UPDATE: Statement from Martin Miskell, chief executive officer, Arc Glow

I am excited to tell you that we have sold our trash and recycling business along with the West Main Street property to Casella.

For many of you, this has been the worst-kept secret in Batavia.

We could not acknowledge anything until the deal was finalized as Casella is a publicly traded company and has to abide by the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

I know change can be hard and many citizens of Batavia and the surrounding area have been great supporters of the Agency but, this will help the Agency move forward into the future.
 

Why did we sell?

• The number of jobs provided to individuals we support has shrunk dramatically over the years.
• Our fleet was very old and would have been very costly to replace.
• We have been losing money for quite some time.
• The competition has increased dramatically in the last 10 years. The larger companies have greater economies of scale and can charge less than we can for the same service.
• We were able to sell the business when it was still valuable.
• We will be able to use this money to reinvest in our fleet, facilities, and our IT. This in turn will help us provide a higher quality of service to those we support.
• Casella has agreed to hire all staff who want to stay on with them.
• Casella has agreed to keep the transfer station open to the public and has signed a contract with us to have an Arc GLOW work enclave along with a job coach run the transfer station.
• Casella has given us the last three and a half years of their lease on Apollo Drive in Batavia as part of the deal.
• Casella has become a valuable corporate partner and will continue to help us with our annual membership drive and be a financial supporter of the Agency.

What’s happening next?

• We have six months to move out of the West Main Street location.
• Transportation will be moving to Apollo Drive, which is a great facility.
• Genesee Data Management (GDM) is also moving to Apollo Drive.
• Facility Maintenance will be moving to Walnut Street.

Press release:

Stafford Country Club hosted Arc GLOW’s 46th Annual Golf, Tennis & Bocce outing Monday, July 25. The tournament is the longest running charity event at the local private course and also features tennis and bocce divisions. 

“There’s something for everyone,” event director Sandy Konfederath said. “To appeal to golfers of all skill levels, the format was changed to a scramble in 2019,” the director said.  This year the tournament attracted 128 golfers, 20 bocce players and 16 playing tennis.

In golf play, men’s first place team winners with a 56 were Tom DePalma, Tony Formatto, Gary Kaczor and C.J. Montante.  Second place for men went to Scott Fauth, Marc Strain, Les Rose and Jeff Reuter with a 58. The mixed team of John Roche, Maria Woodward, Tina Lambert and Steve Pies recorded a tally of 62.  

This year’s hole-in-one prize on 8 was a 2022 Jeep Compass Trailhawk, courtesy of Castilone Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Unfortunately, no one shot an ace to drive away with the new vehicle.

In other on-the-course contests, Jarad Lee and Christine Penepent won longest drive on 7 and 15.  In the closest to the pin contests, Trevor Wyse won a golf bag, courtesy of C.H. Wright on 8 (10’7”); Shane Gowanlock earned first prize on 12 (40”), with Joe Shields, second (48”) and Jan Witkowski and C.J. Montante tied for third (50”). Brian Mulhern won a bicycle, donated by Adam Miller Toy & Bike in the top prize on 14 (2’4”) and gifted it to Arc GLOW’s Batavia-based supportive apartment program.

In bocce, the top team was Cathy Barcomb, Toni Funke, Mary Raymond and Sheila Laird. Donna Saskowski won bocce’s golden pallino contest.

On the tennis courts, first place team honors went to James Bellamy and Rick Morrison; second place team went to Nash Dsylva and Dave Ealy and Hollis Upson earned top score.

Tournament gold sponsors were Turnbull Heating & Air-Conditioning, MTE Turf Equipment Solutions, Crickler Vending, Relph Benefit Advisors and Casella Waste Management. Silver sponsors were: Agnes Houseknecht – In Memory of Ralph Houseknecht, Orcon Industries, Alan & Cathy Barcomb, Toal’s Plumbing & Heating, Alesco Advisors, Toshiba, Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel, In Memory of Valerie Penepent, Tecglass & Instruments, LLC, National Seating and Mobility, Parkview Health Services, The Bonadio Group and Hoffman, Hanafin & Associates. Also supporting the event were 8 golf sponsors, 3 tennis sponsors, 4 bocce sponsors, 2 cart sponsors, 8 Friend of Arc sponsors and 3 Friend of Camp Rainbow sponsors.  Door prizes, silent auction and basket raffle items were donated by dozens of area businesses and community members. The winner of the $1,000.00 Hank Memorial CA$H drawing was Lance Wetmore, a first-time tournament participant who bought his ticket at the event.  

Funds raised benefit programs and services for people with disabilities served by Arc GLOW. The tournament was founded by the late Danny Lullo, a local businessman who came up with the idea to hold a tournament to benefit Arc programs and services for people with disabilities in our community.

Arc GLOW’s Sandy Konfederath said the success of this event is directly attributed to the commitment of Arc volunteers and staff. “We have a strong volunteer base in our committee and exceptional support leading up to, and the day of the event. More than 50 people played a role in bringing all the details together - even the weather cooperated,” she said.

Ed Carney is the event chairman.  Deb Fischer chairs bocce and Calvin Klemmer and Peggy Lamb chair tennis. This year’s raffle was chaired by the Mahler family of Batavia

Submitted Photos.

Top photo: First place in Men's Golf: CJ  Montante, Tony Formato, Tom DePalma, and Gary Kaczor.

Mixed Team champions John Roche, Tina Lambert, Maria Woodward, and Steve Pies.

Bocce champions Sheila Laird, Toni Funke, Mary Raymond and Cathy Barcomb.

Second place in men's golf, Les Rose, Marc Strain, Scott Fauth, Jeff Reuter.

Press release:

Law Officers ran for a cause Thursday to support Special Olympics!  The Law Enforcement Torch Run, organized by Genesee County Sheriff’s Department Investigator Chad Minuto, is a 5k route from the Sheriff’s office on Park Road to Arc GLOW’s GO TO Hub location on Walnut Street.  The event brings awareness to Special Olympics and athletes with disabilities.

Scott, an individual in Arc GLOW’s AIM Day Habilitation program helped carry the torch over the finish line, and then everyone was treated to a picnic lunch and had an opportunity to visit with the officers.

The following participated in the event: Investigator Chad Minuto, Investigator Kevin Forsyth, Deputy Rachel Diehl, Deputy Jordan Alejandro, Deputy Trevor Sherwood, Undersheriff Brad Mazur, Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissinger, Batavia Police Detective Steve Cronmiller, Genesee County Corrections Officer Austin Davis, Genesee County Corrections Officer Tyler Stewart and Retired Gates Police Officer Daniel Perl. Assisting with traffic were Genesee County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Kyle Krzemien and Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is an annual event that has been held at the Arc Chapter’s Genesee County location since 2005.  “Everyone looks forward to this day, to support the officers as they raise awareness for Special Olympics,” Arc’s Community Relations Coordinator Sandy Konfederath said.  “The rain certainly didn’t dampen their enthusiasm,” she added.

Arc GLOW is apparently set to sell its garbage collection and recycling business to Casella Waste Systems.

The Arc board has not yet approved the transaction, and the terms of the sale are not available.

The Batavian made multiple attempts to reach Martin Miskell, the CEO of Arc GLOW, for comment. 

Joseph Fusco, a vice president with Casella, said, "We don't comment on rumors or reports of rumors." 

Casella is a publicly-traded company, and Security and Exchange Commission regulations can prevent people with direct knowledge of acquisitions and mergers from discussing such transactions. There may also be non-disclosure agreements in place.

The Batavian spoke with multiple Arc-connected sources about the sale of the trash business to confirm that a deal is in the works.

According to a source, Arc GLOW listed the business for sale some time ago and fielded multiple offers before settling on Casella.

Arc of Genesee (which merged this year into Arc of Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties) was the exclusive garbage collection service for the City of Batavia for nearly 30 years until in 2013, when the City Council agreed to allow, or require, city residents to contract individually for waste and recycling collection.

According to sources, Arc has lost money on its trash and recycling business for several years.

Arc provides services, including multiple employment opportunities, for people with disabilities.

One source said Arc employees are worried that Arc clients employed by the trash business will lose their jobs once the transaction is final.

"There are multiple people in the trash/recycling (business) worried about losing their jobs," the source said. "Arc is supposed to be an inclusive employer with the goal of servicing the community."

Fusco was given an opportunity to address that concern during a phone interview and declined.

The source also said employees have other worries:

• Loss of the drive-in recycling service for recycling and redemption; and
• Employees who receive trash and recycling services from Arc will lose their discount.

There's no information available on when the Arc board might be asked to approve the deal or when the sale might be final.

Casella acquired two local trash haulers in 2019, Trash Away and PSI Disposal.

Waste Management is the other trash hauler with a significant presence in Genesee County.

Top photo: File photo of Arc garbage collection from 2013.

Photos by Howard Owens

The Arc Recycling Center, 3785 West Main Street Road, Batavia.

File photo.  Interior of the recycling center.

File photo: Protest at City Hall in 2013 over the proposal to end the trash contract with Genesee Arc.

File photo: A packed City Council chamber for a discussion in 2013 of the Arc contract.

Press release:

Joie shared a little bit of her life, her hopes and dreams on WBTA Radio, Friday morning during an Arc GLOW interview on Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.   She told listeners that shortly after she was born she had a stroke, resulting in a seizure disorder. She has an autism diagnosis and attends Arc GLOW’s Community Prevoc program to help develop work skills.  The Prevoc program introduced Joie to activities including delivering Meals on Wheels and volunteering at a food pantry. 

“I love volunteering at the community food pantry in Oakfield, and would love to open a food pantry of my own someday,” Joie said.

Arc GLOW’s Shelley Falitico shared Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness about the inclusion of individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities in all areas of community life and it’s an opportunity to highlight their contributions.

“Individuals living with disabilities in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties are making contributions to our community across the spectrum,” Shelley said.  “This month may be nationally recognized as DD Awareness month but we at Arc GLOW celebrate daily individuals with disabilities served, families, guardians, friends, providers, staff and all of those who use their talents and continue to push initiatives that help individuals with disabilities create a more inclusive community,” she added.   (Listen to Friday’s full interview, posted on the Arc GLOW Facebook page).

During Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Arc GLOW has kicked off its annual Membership Drive, received proclamations from each of the four GLOW County Legislatures/Boards of Supervisors, and is participating in restaurant and cookie fundraisers across the four counties.  Details can be found on Arc GLOW’s website, www.arcglow.org. 

Press release:

In 1987, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed March “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.” The presidential decree called for the American people to provide the “encouragement and opportunities” necessary for people with developmental disabilities to reach their potential.

On Wednesday, the Genesee County Legislature presented a DD Awareness Month proclamation to Arc GLOW, an agency that serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming Counties.  The agency was formed by the Oct. 1 merger of the former Genesee-Orleans and Livingston-Wyoming Arc Chapters, and is the largest Arc Chapter geographically in New York State.

Earlier this week, the Livingston and Wyoming County Boards of Supervisors presented proclamations to Arc GLOW, and the Orleans County Legislature proclamation was presented virtually at their late February meeting.

“DD Awareness Month coincides with the kickoff of the agency’s annual Membership Drive,” said Sandy Konfederath, Arc’s coordinator of community relations. “Membership is the heart and soul of our organization. Members who renew or sign up each year give us a louder voice to advocate for funding, programs and services at the state and national levels.”

Interested community members can find signup information of the Arc GLOW website at https://www.arcglow.org/index.php/membership.

Individual Memberships are $1.00.  Any level selected above and beyond that amount enhances advocacy efforts.

The proclamation reads as follows:

WHEREAS, people with a developmental disability are of all racial, ethnic, educational, social, and economic backgrounds, and all are valued members of society who find fulfillment living everyday lives, and

WHEREAS, we value what is important to people with disabilities and their families who are striving for daily lives no different than that of all other citizens, and

WHEREAS, early intervention, education, meaningful work, and home and community-based services continue to be vital to allowing citizens with a developmental disability to enjoy the rights of citizenship, achieve personal success and allows them contribute to their local communities alongside their neighbors without disabilities, and

WHEREAS, Genesee County Legislature recognizes the many accomplishments and contributions of people with developmental disabilities, we encourage all citizens to support Genesee County residents with developmental disabilities and their families in all aspects of life. Now therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Genesee County Legislature does hereby proclaim March 2022 to be Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and urges all citizens to give full support to efforts towards enabling people with developmental disabilities to live full and productive lives of inclusion in our communities.

Photo: Genesee County Legislator Gary Maha, whose daughter is served by Arc GLOW, presents the proclamation to Arc GLOW CEO Martin Miskell, Board President Cheryl Englert and Board Member Susan Maha. Submitted photo.