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Alzheimer's Association

Younger sister continuing selling rubber band bracelets for Alzheimer's Research at Picnic in the Park

By Maria Pericozzi

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(Submitted photo.)

Carmelina Pellegrino, an 8-year-old who lives in Batavia, has dedicated her time this summer making colorful rubber band bracelets to sell at Picnic at the Park this year, with all the proceeds being donated to Alzheimer’s Research.

A booth will be set up outside of their house at 150 State St., across from Centennial Park during Picnic at the Park on July 4th, with purple balloons and tablecloths, which is the color of Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness.

“Hopefully she can get some donations,” Angelina said.

Carmelina is going into fourth grade at John Kennedy Intermediate School in Batavia. Her older sister, Mikalina, 13, started making the bracelets a few years ago for the annual walk to end Alzheimer’s, sold the bracelets to family members, and the proceeds were donated to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Angelina said the family participates in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s every year in memory of family members who passed away from the disease.

“Mikalina got busy with school and Carmelina started making the bracelets not too long ago,” Angelina said.

Carmelina said she likes making the bracelets and it’s a nice idea for a good cause.

“She suggested that the day of Picnic in the Park, to set up a booth and sell the bracelets,” Angelina said.

As of Tuesday, Carmelina has made 108 bracelets, and hopes to make even more by next Wednesday.

“She is still going,” Angelina said.

Carmelina has made many types of bracelets, including bangle bracelets, and threaded bracelets with charms.

Angelina has been helping Carmelina with the bracelets.

“It’s something fun we can do together,” Angelina said. “We pop on some music or put on the TV and listen as were making them.”

Angelina is hoping people will learn about the bracelets and donate to the cause.

“It’s just an awful disease and we’re hoping one day that there will be a cure,” Angelina said. “That’s why we try to raise awareness. When you talk about cancer and heart disease, Alzheimer’s gets put on the back burner.”

Photos: Walk to End Alzheimer's

By Howard B. Owens

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The Alzheimer's Association held its annual Walk to End Alzheimer's through Batavia today.

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New executive director named to lead Alzheimer’s Association WNY

By Billie Owens

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The Alzheimer’s Association is proud to announce the appointment of its new executive director for the Western New York Chapter, Jill Horner. A proven executive and compelling communicator, Horner brings her infectious energy and innovative thought leadership to execute a vision of “a world without Alzheimer’s.”

Horner will direct the organization’s strategy implementation across the chapter’s eight-county service region, by working with the national Alzheimer’s Association, community and state leaders, local corporations, families, and foundations to fight the disease. Programs and services are offered in various locations in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

“The association is delighted to welcome Jill. We look forward to benefiting from her perspective and strategic leadership,” said Christopher Smith, Alzheimer’s Association NYS regional director. “In Jill, we found a leader who we are confident will not only continue to advance the forward progress of the organization on behalf of Western New York families through education, research and fundraising initiatives, but also effectively champion our advocacy efforts with state and community leaders.”

Prior to her appointment, Horner delivered outstanding results as chief operating officer for 17 years at Joe Slade White & Co., where she oversaw the day to day operations for the national political advertising agency. These political races included high profile politicians, policy and ballot initiatives, corporations, and non-profits across the country. Her team at JSW was one of the most respected groups of people in the nation, acclaimed for their work with advertising strategies and winning several annual awards.

Horner is also a highly experienced executive leader with a successful track record of directing nonprofits in community outreach, fundraising, marketing, budget operations, and productivity improvement. Before joining JSW, Horner held director of development positions at Daemen College and People Inc., where she creatively turned around community awareness and significantly increased annual and capital funding for both nonprofit organizations.

“I am honored to lead such an important and vital cause alongside my passionate colleagues, teams, families and volunteers,” Horner said. “Together we can and will continue to make a difference towards a world without Alzheimer’s.”

Horner earned a master's degree in Higher Education, Advancement/Development from Ohio University, and a Bachelor of Science in Education, cum laude, also from Ohio University. She and her husband, Rich, are raising their two children in Clarence.

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