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.

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.

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.

Arc GLOW Chief Executive Officer Martin Miskell announces Lisa Bors has been hired as the agency’s new public relations director. “Lisa has a lot of great energy and valuable experience,” the CEO said.  “She’s a wonderful addition to our management team,” he added.

Lisa has an Associate’s Degree in Non-Profit Management and Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from SUNY Empire State College and brings with her over twenty years of experience in public relations and development in higher education. 

The director said, “Arc GLOW is an incredible, family-driven organization empowering people with disabilities of all ages to be valued members of the community. I look forward to sharing our mission and vision and working to increase community awareness and private support.” 

Lisa and her husband, Hans, reside in Orleans County.

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