Arc GLOW

The Arc of Genesee Orleans has chosen the March observance of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to share some exciting news. In celebration of The Arc’s rich history of programs and services supporting people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their families, the agency has unveiled its new mission, vision, and values statements and logo. 

MISSION

Be a partner for people with disabilities, and a gateway to opportunities for each person to experience their desired potential.

VISION

Lifelong relationships, enriched by inclusion.

VALUES

Diversity, Respect, Integrity, Visionary, Equality, Empowerment, Excellence (DRIVE³)

“Along with our new mission, vision and values, we are excited about our new logo,” Executive Director Donna Saskowski said. “It’s part of the national brand, uniting affiliated Arc chapters across the country. Look for the logo to be appearing on signs, buses, publications, our website, and at community events!” 

The unification of the former Genesee ARC and Arc of Orleans County was a two-and-a-half-year process that was realized last fall.

“It has been a fairly smooth transition for families and individuals,” Saskowski said. “Administratively, some department locations had to choose a new home base, and our official, legal address is 64 Walnut Street, Batavia.”

The Finance Department and Quality Assurance Staff are among departments located at the former Orleans business office at 122 Caroline St. in Albion.

The Arc of Genesee Orleans serves more than 1,200 individuals with developmental or other intellectual disabilities and their families. The agency will provide a variety of programs and services with renewed strength and commitment. Looking forward, The Arc of Genesee Orleans will be a partner for people with disabilities, and a gateway to opportunities for each person to experience their desired potential.

Clients of ARC of Genesee-Orleans paid a visit to the Sno-Packers clubhouse today for rides on snowmobiles around the track in the neighboring field. 

It's been a couple of years since there was enough snow for the otherwise-annual ride. Even today, the snow cover was thin and the ground was just frozen enough to handle the weight of the snowmobiles.

Several children enjoyed multiple rides around the track.

Press release:

Members of the Arc of Genesee Orleans Board of Directors, a nonprofit that is a resource of choice for people with disabilities and their families for both Genesee and Orleans counties, accept a $2,500 check as winner of Tompkins Bank of Castile’s second Community Minute Challenge.

Through the social media contest, the public voted for select not-for-profits in Genesee, Orleans, Livingston, Monroe and Wyoming counties.

From the left are: John McKenna, president & CEO of Tompkins Bank of Castile; Kevin Graham, CFO of Arc; Shelly Kordish, director of Education Services; Carolyn Dawson, director of Administrative Services; Jill Pegelow, director of Community Services; Patricia Kepner, director of Quality/Compliance; Donna Saskowski, executive director.

We would like to thank the organizations that participated in this round and who continue to do great work in our community: ARC of Genesee and Orleans County, Arts Council of Wyoming County, Big Springs Historical Society, Bishop Sheen Ecumenical Housing, GCASA, and Mercy Flight Central.  A third round of this contest will launch in early 2017 with details posted to Tompkins Bank of Castile’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/TompkinsBankofCastile).

Customer service is going to improve quite a bit with the new enclosed recycling center for ARC Genesee Orleans, just by the fact that people will no longer be forced to stand outside in the snow while visiting the center, said Donna Saskowski, executive director.

"It's just a little more customer friendly in terms of having it enclosed for our customers and our staff," Saskowski said.

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce joined the grand opening event last night for a ribbon cutting.

The entire ARC facility, located at 3785 W. Main Street Road, employs 26 clients of the nonprofit organization, which assists people with disabilities.

"That's 26 people who are able to earn a regular paycheck and feel good about themselves," Saskowski said. 'The fact they are employed and communicate and work in a community is really important to them, so it's important to us."

The facility recycles not only bottles and cans, but e-waste and documents and includes a document-shredding service.

"That’s why we call it a one-stop," Saskowski said. "People can come in and get all done in one place, all in one errand."

Photo: Scott O'Geen, Paul Saskowski, Donna Saskowski, Tom Turnbull and Scott Shea.

(Submitted photos.)

We'll cut to the chase and tell you: Sam Tambe popped the question to Christina Strang after the ARC 5K race in Elba on Saturday and she accepted his proposal of marriage.

"I was hot and sweaty and she was hot and sweaty, and I couldn't tell if I took her breath away or she was just out of breath," Tambe said this afternoon, with the comedic delivery of a vaudevillian.

At any rate, he thought the venue was apropos.

"We met a year and a half ago at a running club in Oakfield and it grew from there," Tambe said. "I thought it would be appropriate to propose after a race."

He also liked the element of surprise afforded by the 12th annual Genesee ARC Friends & Family race, which raises money for its Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship. 

So after crossing the finish line, on bended knee with ring at the ready, he gallantly asked for Christina's hand and she gasped and covered her mouth in shock, letting the moment sink in a second, before answering in the affirmative.

Onlookers seemed delighted by the turn of events. Many clapped and voiced hearty approvals.

The couple plans to have a long engagement. They currently are without firm plans about the kind of wedding they want to have and when they want to have it.

Meanwhile, the 46-year-old fiance and his 41-year-old fiancee run together practically every day and both live in Oakfield, where she owns a home and he rents an apartment. (Strang was three children ages 14, 17 and 20 from a previous marriage. Tambe was also previously married.)

Matrimony will come in its own time.

"I wanted her to know I am serious about my intentions," Tambe said.

Eric Boyce had the best time for the men.

Kim Mills had the best time for the women (she also had the best women's time in the GLOW Corporate Cup).

• Anthony Bateman, Genesee ARC (Batavia), custodial

​NYSID is a not-for-profit business with a mission of "Turning business opportunities into JOBS for New Yorkers with disabilities."

Register today for the 12th annual Genesee ARC Friends & Family 5K on Sept. 17! This event is a memorial to Mary Anne Graney -- parent, educator, advocate and friend of the ARC. Her dedication to the people with development disabilities and their families have enriched countless lives. The Graney family is pleased that funds raised in this event will help benefit education through the Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship. For more information, visit us online at www.genenseearc.org. For questions, please contact Sandy Konfederath at 585-343-4203, ext. 223, or by email: skonfederath@geneseearc.org.

Press release:

Area residents will be noticing some changes at the Arc of Genesee Orleans Transfer Station & Recycling Center over the next several weeks. Beginning Monday, Aug. 29, the facility, located at 3785 W. Main Street Road will be undergoing renovations to expand and improve service to the community.

Renovations will include a new building enclosure with service lane upgrades for the recycling, bottle redemption and secure document destruction service. During renovations, the Transfer Station is OPEN and will provide the same services but at a different location on the property for the next several weeks.

Customers are asked to follow the signs once turning into the property. The Transfer Station’s service and receiving area will be located near the back of the building.  Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with extended hours on Wednesdays until 8 p.m.

Any questions feel free to contact Paul Saskowski, director of Operations, at 585-343-4203. 

The Arc of Genesee Orleans is seeking the public's input in a survey on its services.

The agency is the result of a merger between Genesee ARC and Arc of Orleans County.

Executive Director Donna Saskowski said the agency is looking for information that will help it better serve the community. 

"Arc of Genesee Orleans is planning for the future and we are requesting your valuable input," Saskowski said. "As we determine our strategic priorities for the next three to five years, we want to know your thoughts to help us make the best decisions about our future and how we can best support the individuals we serve and our communities in the years to come."

Here is a link to the survey, which will be available until Aug. 19:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ArcGeneseeOrleans

Press release:

The 40th Annual Genesee ARC Golf, Tennis & Bocce Tournament at Stafford Country Club held this past Monday was dedicated in memory of Ralph Houseknecht, a longtime tournament supporter, disability advocate and friend of ARC who passed away earlier this year.

Prior to the start of golf, ARC Executive Director Donna Saskowski said “Ralph spent much of his life helping Genesee ARC and the people we serve, most notably as the first local businessman to offer community employment opportunities to individuals with intellectual disabilities, when he ran Pepsi of Batavia.”

She encouraged the 120 golfers including five Houseknecht children and three grandsons to play in Ralph’s honor and enjoy the game as he did.

In golf play, coming out on top was Zach Fuller who shot a 72, followed by Mark State with 77, and a tie for third with Paul Barton and Tom Burgess, both shooting 79. Low gross honors for women went to Francesca Fuller with an 88.

In the low net category, Jim Gibson came in with a 65 followed by Chuck Graney, 66, and Bill Wassink, 67. Katie Houseknecht Berger had a low net score of 67 for women.

In the blind bogey competition, Alan Saskowski and John Ottaviano matched the blind bogey number drawn of 72.

There were several contests on the course including the longest drive on 7, Jesse Luxon and closest-to-the-line on 15, Al Leaton. In the closest-to-the-pin contests, Mike Davison won a golf bag, courtesy of C.H. Wright on 8 (3’9”); Bruce Partridge, Donnie Miller and Mark Houseknecht won cash prizes on 12 and Katie Houseknecht Berger won a Schwinn bicycle, donated by Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle in the top prize on 14.

The hole-in-one contest on 8 was sponsored by Castilone Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Unfortunately, no one shot an ace to drive away with a 2016 Jeep Wrangler Sport.

In bocce, the first-place team was Yvonne Branton, Jane Scott, Kathy Zeliff and Chris Fix.

Top score in tennis went to Steve Clemm. First-place team honors went to Phil McNulty and Marjorie Fulmer and second-place team went to Hollis Upson and Jim Fulmer.

Gold sponsors of the event were Turnbull Heating & Air-Conditioning, The Bonadio Group, Graham Corporation, MTE Turf Equipment Solutions/Tom & Lynn Houseknecht, Crickler Vending and Relph Benefit Advisors. Silver sponsors were: The Daily News, Oakfield Family Medical Care, Alpina Foods, Erie and Niagara Insurance Association, In Memory of Ralph Houseknecht, Tompkins Bank of Castile, Castilone Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Tops Friendly Markets, Bessey Tools, Parkview Health Services, Genesee Valley PennySaver, Rochester Regional Health/United Memorial Medical Center, One Group and The Insurance Center.

Also supporting the event were 16 golf sponsors, four tennis sponsors, eight bocce sponsors and six Friend of ARC Tournament sponsors. Door Prizes, silent and Chinese auction items were donated by dozens of area businesses. The 2016 cart sponsors were Manning Napier, Orcon Industries and Philadelphia Insurance.

A total of 120 golfers, 12 tennis players and 32 bocce players participated in the annual event that raises money to benefit programs and service for people with disabilities served by Genesee ARC. The winner of the $1,000 cash drawing was Ron Brueckner with ticket number 11966. The ticket seller was Deb Hinze of Batavia. The ARC/Lullo Memorial tournament is named in memory of Danny Lullo. Mr. Lullo was a local businessman who came up with the idea to hold a tournament to benefit Genesee ARC programs and services for people with disabilities in our community.

The Genesee ARC/Lullo Memorial Tournament is the longest-running charity event held at the local private club.

Local law enforcement officers -- including troopers, deputies and police officers, carried the Special Olympic torch in a run from Elba to Batavia, finishing at the ARC center on Oak Street.

Submitted Photo -- Carl, Colleen and James representing Genesee ARC and Special Olympics are pictured with Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence and Sheriff's Deputy Chris Parker.

Press release:

Local law enforcement officers are taking their support of Special Olympics to area roadways this week. The Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run kicks off Wednesday morning (June 8) at the Genesee ARC Day Habilitation Center in Elba.

Officers from several local agencies will carry the Special Olympics torch down Route 98 to Batavia. The route includes a swing through the parking lot at the Genesee ARC Community Center on Woodrow Road, and concludes with a celebration picnic at the Genesee ARC Work Center on Walnut Street.

Deputy Chris Parker is on tap to participate in this year’s event.

“This is the 30^th anniversary of the Torch Run and the 50^th for Genesee ARC,” Parker said. “We are running to show our support of ARC and their decades of involvement in the Special Olympics Program."

Two individuals served by Genesee ARC will help carry the torch with the officers at the beginning and end of the run. Genesee ARC has participated in several Special Olympics sports including track & field, swimming, snowshoeing and softball.

According to event coordinator, Sheriff’s Investigator Chad Minuto, the Torch Run is a real team effort, for a great cause.

“Throughout the seven-mile run, our focus will be on what the Olympics mean to our local athletes with special needs.”

Officers representing local, state and federal facilities in Genesee County have been invited to take part in the event.

Press release:

Genesee ARC’s 50th Anniversary Annual Meeting was held Friday night, just two days shy of the actual May 1, 1966 date that the agency was founded. Master of Ceremonies, WBTA's Dan Fischer, welcomed the 200 guests to Genesee ARC’s Community Center Forum.

The first order of business presented and approved was the slate of Board Members and officers. Kevin Fischer, Jane Meier and Candie Pocock were reelected Board members. Newly named officers are: President, Jane Scott; Vice President, Deborah Riggi; Treasurer, Debrah Fischer and Secretary, Candie Pocock. The following individuals were named to the Nominating Committee: Ronald Cummings, Jane Meier, Deborah Riggi, Jane Scott, Scott Neff and Joseph Teresi.

Genesee ARC membership also approved the proposed bylaws of the Arc of Genesee Orleans. This action moved Genesee ARC one step closer to formally unifying with The Arc of Orleans County, a process expected to be finalized by October.

Donna Saskowski, who for the past year has served as executive director of each Chapter said this is a very exciting time.

“The Arc of Genesee Orleans will be based on the historic roots and strengths of our two current Chapters,” she said. Looking to the future, the executive director said, “This is not a loss of one or the other, but the combination of the very best aspects of each, with a legacy based in both counties.”

In reflecting on the past 50 years, Board Member and one of the founding fathers, Henry Valerych, took a look back and shared highlights of the past five decades. Becoming a Chapter and hiring an executive director were early highlights, even though the Chapter only carried a $5,000 bank balance at the time, he mused.

“The opening of a work center and the work center expansion project on Walnut Street provided so many opportunities,” he said.

Valerych also pegged the residential program and the opening of the Day Habilitation program as highlights.

“And here we are joining Orleans, positioning ourselves for the next 50 years,” said Valerych, who concluded by saying what a good feeling it is to know his involvement has helped countless families like his own.

Proclamations were presented by the City of Batavia, Genesee County, New York State Assembly and New York State Senate. Chris Catt, field director for Congressman Chris Collins, presented both a proclamation and flag that has flown over the U.S. Capitol.

A number of individuals served by Genesee ARC were recognized with awards for marking milestone service years.

Twenty year service award recipients are: James Grudzien, Judy Chappell and Bill Cappiello.

Twenty five year honorees include: H. Peter Valerych, Denise Myers, Lisa Dioguardi, Tom Graney, Julie Hall, Patty Cullen, Charmaine Michel, Alisa Tracy, Tim Quinn, Larry Bates, Judy Barlow, Samantha Mangas, Suzann and Eric.

Thirty year award recipients are Robin Baltz, Margaret Molinaro and Mary and Marty was recognized for 35 years.

Finally, being recognized for 40 years of service on Friday were Joe Gear and Sam Fryer. Danny O’Grady is one of Genesee ARC’s longest served individuals, at 43 years and participated in a cake-cutting ceremony helping to mark this historic event.

(Photos and information submitted by Claudia Nigro for Genesee ARC.)

As part of the MLK (Martin Luther King Jr.) Service Project, which runs Jan. 18 through September, individuals from Genesee ARC participate in a food drive and have been volunteering to give back to their community.

They work very hard coordinating drop-off locations for donations and to distribute goods to local food pantries throughout Genesee County.

In pictures taken Monday, are individuals assisting Paul Ohlson (with mustache), of Care-A-Van Ministries, with loading the food truck, one of many recipients of donations in support of the MKL Service Project.

Genesee Arc is one of 10 grant recipients for this national effort. The “Healthy Future” initiative is sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service.  The purpose of this ongoing MLK Project is to focus on food insufficiency and healthy eating for our local community.

(Submitted photo.)

Courtesy of our news partner WBTA:

The Genesee ARC awarded $1,000 scholarships on Saturday to each of three local students planning to pursue a career in the field of developmental disabilities.

Receiving the scholarships were: (seated on stage from left) Michelle Martinucci, Notre Dame High School; Hunter Marzlof, Alexander High School; and Alison Reiner, Pembroke High School.

The scholarships are named in memory of Mary Anne Graney, parent, educator, advocate and friend of the ARC. The scholarships are funded through the annual Mary Anne Graney Friends & Family 5K run.

Presenting the scholarships on Saturday were: Ted Graney, Mary Anne’s son, NYS Assemblyman Steve Hawley and ARC Executive Director Donna Saskowski.

The Genesee County Women’s Republican Club (GCWRC) has selected the Genesee ARC as its charitable organization of the year. The GCWRC, created in the 1930s, will be raising funds and awareness for the tremendous work that the ARC does for the community.

The Genesee ARC, founded in 1966, is celebrating 50 years of excellence with the mission to support people with disabilities in partnership with their families and the community. The ARC embraces individuals to nurture their social, spiritual, physical and emotional growth.

"In our 50th year of providing services to individuals with developmental and other disabilities, to receive the support and recognition of the GCRWC is an honor," said Donna Saskowski, executive director of the Genesee ARC. "Community education and support is vital to providing the most integrated services possible. Thank you.”

The GCWRC will kick off the fundraising efforts at their annual Spring Breakfast that will be held on April 9 at the Dibble Family Center, located at 4110 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. The breakfast also serves as a springboard to the political season and allows members, candidates and interested citizens an opportunity to gather and discuss current events.

The cost of breakfast is $20 per person and checks can be made out to GCWRC, mailed to Treasurer Michele Smith at 20 Canterbury Lane, Bergen, NY 14416.

In other news the GCWRC has seated a new executive committee consisting of the following individuals: President -- Rachael Tabelski; 1st Vice President -- Nicole Begin; 2nd Vice President -- Penny Kennett; Secretary -- Debbie Douglas; Corresponding Secretary -- Jayleen Carney; Treasurer -- Michele Smith; Parliamentarian -- Gertrude Penepent.

To learn more, or join the GCWRC contact Rachael Tabelski at Rachael.Tabelski@yahoo.com

Submitted photo of Genesee ARC Executive Director Donna Saskowski and former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly, chairman and founder of the nonprofit Kelly for Kids Foundation.

Press release:

Genesee ARC was one of 34 Western New York charities to receive a grant from the Kelly for Kids Foundation. Executive Director Donna Saskowski attended the Jan. 19^th luncheon at Ilio DiPaolo’s Restaurant in Blasdell where she received a check for $1,800 to help fund a therapeutic horseback riding program for children with special needs.

The Kelly for Kids Foundation Community Grants are awarded to charitable not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organizations whose primary mission is to assist children in need in the Western New York area. In particular, it funds health and social service organizations that serve the disabled and/or economically disadvantaged youth. The Kelly for Kids Foundation was founded in 1987 by former Buffalo Bills quarterback. Genesee ARC was nominated for the grant by Terry Hill’s Golf Course, Restaurant and Banquet Facility, home of Kelly’s Annual Celebrity Golf Classic.

Saskowski said she is thrilled to have been recognized by the Kelly for Kids Foundation.

“The grant will help provide an eight week therapeutic horseback riding program for children,” Saskowski said. “In recent years, the number of children served by our agency has grown dramatically, including those diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder” the director added.

Benefits of therapeutic horseback riding are well documented. Unlike traditional forms of therapy, therapeutic horseback riding provides benefits physically, psychologically and emotionally for a child with a disability.

Press release:

Genesee ARC is moving ahead with plans to close down one section of its recycling operation and work with individuals employed there to find new positions.

The change affects the sorting line at the recycling center where as many as 14 people work each week. In the restructuring, the individuals with disabilities employed at the transfer station, on the trash and recycling routes, redemption center and Genesee Data Management will maintain their jobs.

“We will still be picking up recyclables from our curbside trash customers and accepting them at our transfer station,” Executive Director Donna Saskowski said.

Cardboard will still be sorted and bundled at the plant but all other recyclable materials will be collected and shipped to larger facilities with automated sorting.

“The cost of operating the line has increased over time and the prices we were able to secure for the baled recyclables have decreased considerably over the past 18 months, resulting in an untenable financial situation,” the director said.

Key employment services staff will be working with the individuals to assist them with job placement through the NYS Office of People with Developmental Disabilities and Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR). A job at ARC’s Sheltered Work Center on Walnut Street is not an option due to State regulations, effective July 2014, prohibiting the acceptance of any new (or returning) work center placements.

Genesee ARC was the sole trash and recycling contractor for residents of the City of Batavia, from 1983 to 2013. The nonprofit began offering private trash collection and recycling services after a decision by city council to opt out of the trash business altogether, leaving residents to find their own local provider. This created its own set of challenges as Genesee ARC for the first time had to develop pricing, options and an entire new system to bill for the services. And, while a few new providers sprang up overnight, Genesee ARC has a majority of City of Batavia residents as its customer base for curbside trash and recycling. A large percentage of city residents also take advantage Genesee ARC’s transfer station services.

“This was a very tough decision for our leadership and Board of Directors,” Saskowski shared.  “We will do everything we can to help secure new job placements – this is a priority.”

Submitted photo: Park Avenue Bike Shop owner, Andy August (left), and Inventory manager Alex Oliveri (right), delivered 20 bicycles to the Genesee ARC Community Center.

Press release:

For a second year in a row, the Park Ave Bike Shop of Rochester made a Christmastime visit to Genesee ARC -- last year, with 20 bicycles, this year with 20 more!

Bike Shop owner Andy August said he enjoys playing “Santa’s helper” and that these types of deliveries are the best!

“The kids are going to love these bikes,” August said.

The bicycles are courtesy of two Rochester area donors who have befriended Genesee ARC and support its mission of serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

As a friend of the donors, August said, a donation of such magnitude matches their giving spirit.

“They are generous, unassuming individuals with big hearts, that just want to give back to the community,” he said.

“We are thankful the donors believe in Genesee ARC and are helping to make some Christmas wishes come true,” said Genesee ARC Director of Development Shelley Falitico. "Thanks to Andy August and Park Ave for working with us to match bicycles to recipients and for delivering this amazing donation in time for Christmas."

Three of the bicycles have been earmarked for Rainbow Preschool operated by Genesee ARC’s sister Chapter, The Arc of Orleans County. The two chapters share Donna Saskowski as executive director and are undergoing steps to eventually unify. 

”This is such a special gift to our agency and the children and adults we serve,” Falitico said. “Our donors, who prefer to be unnamed, have helped us in so many ways already, supporting agency events and funding equipment and program items from our wish list. It will be a very special Christmas for so many children, thanks to their generosity!”