to PersonNewsletter of Saratoga Bridges and their families. PersonSummer 2011 Bridges to Skidmore Program ‘Bridges to Skidmore,’ our modified college experience between Skidmore College’s Social Work Program and us, had a very successful second year. Last fall 19 of our students and 9 Skidmore students took computer science, foreign language, psychology and business in Ireland classes. This spring students took art history, government and The premier community resource for people applied anthropology. Crystal Moore, the Anthropology, Sociology with disabilities and their families and Social Work Associate Professor who formulated the program, taught abroad spring semester so senior student John Mendenhall was the Coordinator. In 2 years, we have twice as many of our students involved, better consistency with their students, developed more meaningful friendships and received incredibly positive feedback. One Skidmore faculty said, “Thank you for inviting me to participate in your excellent program. It was very meaningful and I really am glad I had the opportunity.” Pictured below are the students with their certificates of achievement. When ‘Bridges to Skidmore’ continues this fall, some of our students will graduate after completing 4 semesters. Crystal and her team are exploring other opportunities for our students to remain involved with Skidmore. n Supported Apartments Saratoga Bridges is proud to announce our 2 new supportive apartments. Jenny Middlebrook and Kathy Rychick (pictured above l to r) moved in in February and Phyllis Podesva and Kelly Ross moved in in June to a complex in Clifton Park. The ladies have become fast friends and have enjoyed going shopping, visiting friends and sharing meals as any good neighbors do. They are happy to have support staff to ensure that they can attend their many social activities and maintain their busy life style. n SAVE THE DATES! August 27 October 22 22nd Annual Travers Day at the Races September 17 The 11th Annual Great Pumpkin Challenge 2nd Annual All Car & Truck Show This exciting afternoon includes premium 5K & 10K races and Fun Run for kids 12 & seating and hospitality with a delicious Firebird Nation of North America, Inc. under at the Saratoga State Park, bountiful buffet and beverage service presents the 2nd Annual All Car and Truck refreshments & great raffle prizes. in the Carousel Restaurant at Show at the Albany-Saratoga Speedway Register before 10/1, and receive a long- Saratoga Race Course. on Route 9 in Malta. sleeved moisture wicking t-shirt. For information or to make reservations, visit www.saratogabridges.org

Tel (518) 587-0723 • Fax (518) 871-9497 • [email protected] • www.saratogabridges.org [email protected] • www.saratogabridges.org Autism Awareness Month Events April is National Autism Awareness Month. At Saratoga Bridges, we celebrated by: • Beth Mormando, Speech and Language Pathologist, Wendy Ashe, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, and Cassie Estey, Behavior Specialist (pictured right), held a panel discussion entitled, “Communication, Sensory Diets, Positive Behavior Supports and other Treatment Methods to Address the Unique Challenges of Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders,” for Skidmore College students on April 12. • On April 23, we joined ASPIRe, NY and the Autism Society of the Capital Region at an informational booth at Wilton Mall. • YNN Reporter CJ Spang interviewed Senator Roy McDonald and his daughter at the ‘McDonald Family Discovery and Resource Center’ on April 28. n Kites Jim from ‘Kites in Central New York Skies’ and Deb from ‘New York Kite Enthusiasts’ visited the Alpha site in May to educate and instruct the 40 participants on kite making. Many decorated and created sled kites with bamboo spears, Tyvek material and string. Then Above: Jacob St. Louis shows off his new kite. they flew their kites under a Right: Greg Ziegler flys his kite on this gorgeous day. beautiful sky. n

Congratulations! Michelle Young All of Michelle Young’s hard work, loyal dedication and conscientiousness have been recognized by her employer – Wesley Health Care Center. She was promoted to Night Lead Supervisor in the Housekeeping Department. Michelle supervises 3 people and handles any problems that occur at night. She says that she is ultimately responsible if the others are not there. Her Job Coach Debbie Barrett says, “Michelle has come so far since she came into our Supported Employment Program, Alpha Career Options. We are all extremely proud of her accomplishments and believe she truly deserves this promotion!”

Did you know? Saratoga Bridges has a Planned Giving Program called “The Beacon Society“ to recognize donors who make gifts to the agency from their estates. Please call Heather Varney at 587-0723 ext. 1266 for more information.

 [email protected] • www.saratogabridges.org A message from: Our direct support staff must have a case, including findings, conclusions, minimum of a High School degree or a and recommendations for change, GED because of the significant reading is reviewed by our Special Review required for programs and regulations. Committee as well as OPWDD, Mental Patricia We believe the ability to read and Hygiene Legal Services and the NYS Poklemba understand job responsibilities are Commission on Quality of Care. Our Board President essential to excellence. policies are based on regulations from All of our employees are re-trained OPWDD, and we are mandated to follow and annually on incident reporting -- them, we very much agree with their particularly on allegations of abuse and intent. neglect. When an allegation of neglect or In closing, we truly appreciate your abuse is reported, our first responsibility support and advocacy efforts. Together, Valerie is to protect our individuals and suspend the employee pending the outcome we can accomplish our mission! Muratori of the investigation. If the allegation Executive Director is criminal in nature, we notify local law enforcement immediately. When As President of the Board of Directors we have an incident to investigate, and Executive Director, our goal is always we assign an independent trained to provide the highest quality services. investigator to handle the case. The You may have read The NY Times articles investigator never has direct oversight pertaining to our field. We want to to the alleged employee or the worksite delineate a few of our practices as a where the event occurred. Once the private voluntary provider. investigation is completed, the entire

When did your relationship with Saratoga Bridges begin? a local organization that provides the breadth of services We have been a longtime supporter of theirs and began they do, such as residential options, day programs and work our relationship with them as we learned about the services training and placement, benefits our community and makes they provide to the residents of Saratoga County. us proud to be their partner. What moved you to start giving? What would you say to another business or individual who might be Our support is based on their mission interested in supporting the agency? and services. To have an organization WHY WE GIVE of this caliber in our county is a The Adirondack Trust Company This is a great organization. Everyone resource that we are very thankful for associated with them, from the and one that provides our residents consumers that participate in the with services close to home. programs to the staff and professionals, are all top-notch. They are very What ways do you support Saratoga passionate about what they do and Bridges? work very hard each day to help make We are proud to support them a difference in the lives of the people each year and know that our they work with. There is no greater donation helps fulfill their objectives reward then seeing how people’s for delivering services to their lives are improved by the work that consumers. Also, we are fortunate Saratoga Bridges does. that Jay Shupe, an officer of ours, How would you encourage others serves on their Foundation Board. to give? Jay works diligently with other board members to help raise awareness Learn more about Saratoga Bridges. of the agency and its mission, See how your interest may be aligned while helping to sustain the many with theirs as you may find a program, programs they offer. a cause or a person that you would like to support. What do you get out of supporting Saratoga Bridges? By supporting them we know that Debbie Pieper presented Charles Wait, we are contributing to sustaining Honorary Guest at last year’s Travers and expanding the excellent programs they provide to Day at the Races, with a piece of artwork from our Saratoga their consumers and the fine work performed by their Photo Club and a certificate to thank him and The Adirondack dedicated and professional staff. Knowing that we have Trust Company for their continued support. n  [email protected] • www.saratogabridges.org ‘Let’s Dance!’ Saratoga Bridges Dancers (Chrissy Culnane, Ricky Zieniuk and Doug Halter – pictured on right) presented their first recital to a packed audience in our Administrative building on March 30. Directed by Judy Fiore (pictured left with Bobby Myers and Greg Ziegler), the 14 dancers presented Zorba the Greek, Virginia Reel, South African Jabulani, Ragtime and Jazz. Judy feels their hard work produced results as they learned to move their bodies to the music, increased their exercise level and improved their stamina – all while having a lot of fun. n Saratoga Bridges benefits from Scallions Restaurant Program Scallions Restaurant in Saratoga Springs generously donated close to $400 on May 18 as a result of the benefit held there. They instituted a program where diners enjoy a delicious meal while having a portion of their bill support area non-profits. A raffle was held that evening and Erica Walker won 2 tickets to our Gala. Jim Cunningham, Michael Rowland, Vicky DeNew and Erica Morocco (pictured l to r) are with owner Michele Morris center. n Developmental Disability Awareness Month (DDAM) When President Reagan deemed March as DDAM, he stated, “For many there is now the prospect of a brighter future and greater opportunity. Americans are becoming increasingly aware that disabilities need not keep individuals from Our thanks and appreciation to realizing their full potential in school, at work or at home, as NewsChannel 13 weekday morning members of their families and of their communities.” Meteorologist, Paul Caiano. On June 14, he visited our individuals and We commemorated with: shared his enthusiasm for reading • Signs at Saratoga Springs Visitors Center, Creative maps and forecasting weather. Endeavors’ First Friday, Inter-agency Awareness Day and Regal Wilton Cinemas • Posters at Saratoga County Stewart’s Shops, Pink Paddock, General Electric Wilton, Milton & Clifton Park Hannafords, Irish Times, Crush & Cask, Orthopedic Associates, Saratoga Springs, Malta & Matching Funds Clifton Park Price Choppers and Hattie’s Are you aware of GE’s matching gift program • Articles in Saratoga Today and The Saratogian for their employees and retirees? By logging onto • Vince Gallagher interviewed Valerie Muratori on 101.3 AM www.ge.com/foundation/employee_programs/ • Speakers Bureau presented to Ballston Spa Rotary Club matching_gifts.jsp you can easily double the • PSA’s on WAMC, WGY, WPYX, WRVE, WTRY & WEQX impact of your contribution. • Agency flags flew on Broadway in Saratoga Springs For assistance contact Pamela Polacsek • Display at the Saratoga Springs Public Library’s Book at 587-0723 ext. 1255 or Bag Room [email protected]. • Article in The Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association monthly newsletter  [email protected] • www.saratogabridges.org Creative Endeavors Arts Center

➥ Donna Giannone (A), pictured with her acrylic painting, was one of the artists who displayed at the Saratoga Visitor’s Center as part of Saratoga Arts’ Art in Public Places in February. ➥ Multiple Interpretations was a group art exhibit held in March at Creative Endeavors that highlighted unique interpretations of common imagery. A B ➥ In March, The Landscapes Art Show was held at Strolling Village Artisans’ Iron Spring Gallery in Ballston Spa. 17 artists including John Kenney(B) showed watercolors‚ acrylics‚ block prints‚ drawings and mixed media pieces. ➥ Two of our torn cardboard collaborative collages “Downtown Saratoga”(C) and “Lovely” (D) were accepted into the Hudson Crossing Park RECYCLED ART SHOW which was C held at the Saratoga National Historical Park from April15-17 in recognition of Earth Week. ➥ Artists Bill Ostrowski (whose self portrait is letter E), Matt Gaetano, Mary Waters and some collaborative pieces were accepted into Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital’s 8th International Acquisitions Exhibition for Artists with Disabilities. The show will take place September 16-October 14 at Proctor’s Theater in Schenectady. They were selected from over 100 artists and more E F D than 500 pieces. ➥ Congratulations to Shannon Meers (F) who received the 1st Annual Art Scholarship, generously sponsored by former Art Coordinator, Nanette Miranda. The $200 allowed her to take a watercolor class and a solar plate printmaking class. ➥ Debbie Pieper’s artwork (G) was featured at Creative Endeavors Art Center on the First Friday in May. ➥ Spa Fine Art, located on Broadway in Saratoga Springs, G H featured an exhibit of collaborative pieces from June 2-9. Chris Roll, whose mom Cheryl works for Saratoga Bridges and teaches art, coordinated the show for Spa Fine Art. He stated, “Our selection of work was based on achieving diversity, both of theme and of scale, in our limited space. Since our main objective was to raise proceeds to benefit the organization’s excellent contributions, the perceived marketability of each piece was strongly considered. ”Terry Galbraith center with his parents (H) and April Walters, Chris Roll, Josh Rapelje, Amanda Webb, Sarah Baker and Shannon Meers pictured left to right were all in attendance (I). ➥ “Victory Lane” (J) collaborative torn cardboard collage by artists of Creative Endeavors was auctioned and sold at this year’s Gala for $4,000.00! I ➥ Artists Mary Waters, John Kenney and Shannon Meers (pictured l to r (K)) taught papermaking to a group of staff from Cerebral Palsy of Westchester on June 1. ➥ Sarah Baker, Amanda Baillargeon and Shannon Meers had their artwork accepted into the Voice!7 Art Show sponsored by ARC Otsego. Voice!7 was held at the Martin-Mullen Art Gallery in Oneonta, July 15-30. ➥ “Through My Eyes” is a juried, regional art show sponsored by Creative Endeavors Art Center. The show will take place October 6-21 at our Administrative offices. Applications were due July 15th and many prizes will be awarded. J K

 [email protected] • www.saratogabridges.org $8,000 (net) Raised from the Masters Raffle! On March 14th, Chad Beatty (pictured right), drew the winners of this year’s raffle. We are pleased to announce the winners... Richard Hines won the 1st place, grand prize raffle for 2 to the 2011 Masters Golf Tournament which included a private plane from Albany on April 6, a round of golf at the Palmetto Golf Club in Aiken, SC, dinner, hotel, tickets to the Masters on April 7 and shuttle transportation. The package was generously donated by Relph Benefit Advisors. Mr. Hines said, “Thank you for an opportunity of a lifetime! Playing a round of golf at Palmetto Golf Club on Wednesday was amazing. Just knowing that Ben Hogan once played practice rounds here before competing in the Masters was awesome. Walking the sacred grounds of Augusta was indescribable as TV does not do it justice on how beautiful this course really is. Every time we turned around we Ronald Anzalone won 2nd Prize of a $100 Price Chopper saw something more breathtaking. Since my friend Mark and I Gift Card and John & Linda Ciulla won 3rd Prize of $50 Price are avid golfers, this was a dream come true.” Chopper Gift Card. n Grants Mardi Gras The Community Foundation Thanks to the generosity and for the Greater Capital Region hard work by Jasper & Elizabeth Assemblyman Robert Reilly Salary Alexander, Hattie’s Restaurant staff Fund awarded $5,000 to purchase (pictured left), Honorary Chairs a Hoyer Lift for our Clifton Park Day Rob Reed and Jeanne Van Patten- Hab Program. It will provide safe Reed, the committee, sponsors, transfers and prevent injuries to our auction donors and guests, over individuals and to staff. $20,000 (net) was raised at Hattie’s The Charles R. Wood Foundation 10th Annual Mardi Gras Ball on donated $5,000 for sensory February 5 at the Saratoga Springs equipment, technology and a Canfield Casino. lending library for ‘The McDonald The event included a delicious Family Resource and Discovery meal catered by Hattie’s, lively entertainment by Soul Session with Garland Nelson, a Center’. themed cake from The Bread Basket; a centerpiece designed by Creative Endeavors’ Stewarts Holiday Match Program artists, a silent auction and a Crazy Photo Booth from Heather Bohm-Tallman gave $1,385 to purchase a Marbles Photography. n Panel for ‘The McDonald Family Resource and Discovery Center’. WGY Christmas Wish program Still in the Shadows? donated $1,000 to purchase arts, On June 14, The Arc released Still in the Shadows with Their Future Uncertain. It details The crafts, sensory items, games, activity Families and Individual Needs for Disability Support (FINDS). With deep budget cuts and items, books and DVD’s for ‘The proposed Medicaid changes, there is a real fear that our society may regress. Here are McDonald Family Resource and just a few of the most dramatic findings: Discovery Center’. ♦ 1 out of 5 families report that someone in the family had to quit a job to stay at home The Puffin Foundation donated and support the needs of a family member. $1,000 to fund supplies, materials ♦ More than 80% of families reported not having enough retirement savings as a and professional teachers to result of using personal funds to compensate for the lack of services available to augment our artists’ opportunities their loved ones. at Creative Endeavors. We sincerely appreciate each ♦ 62% of parents/caregivers don’t have a plan for residential options when they donation! Without their help get older. and generosity many of our ♦ 35% of caregivers reported needing special equipment, technology or assistive program needs would be greatly devices with 67% reporting that they can’t afford it. underfunded. n The full report is available at www.thearc.org. n

 [email protected] • www.saratogabridges.org

Drums on the Saratoga Bridges Board of Directors work floor OFFICERS Chris La Vine, a graduate President – Patricia Poklemba from The College of St. Rose, Vice President – Karen Heggen has been teaching people Secretary – Marjorie Shaw like Michael Decker and Dan Treasurer – William Ennis Usher (pictured l and r) from DIRECTORS Alpha Opportunities how to Steve Bulger play percussion instruments Robert DeSio each week by emphasizing Rev. Joyce deVelder that playing is not just about Rick Dunn Dr. Lawrence Fein banging, but rather involves Angela McDonald rhythm and practice. n Chester Piecuch Susan Ritzenberg Steven Rowland Rob Sqarlata Blanket David Wickerham Project Saratoga Bridges 5 participants from Foundation Alpha OPTS, including Board Members David Podesva pictured, OFFICERS President – Chad Beatty went to the Milton Secretary – Ginger Whitman Terrace Kindergarten Treasurer – Christopher Spratt Community Service Sole Member- Steven Rowland Project in Ballston Spa to BOARD of DIRECTORS make blankets with the Christina Carriero students on March 31. Karin Hyman They made 14 blankets Kevin Joyce that were then donated Kara Lais, Esq. to the Saratoga Hospital Carol Obloy Emergency Room. n Jay Shupe David Tarella In My Shoes Honorary Alpha and Community Opportunities Programs facilitated the 9th year of our Advisory Board disability awareness program, “In My Shoes,” for 5th graders at Saratoga Springs Joanne Adams and Ballston Spa Elementary Schools. It was very beneficial for students to Kimberly Adams-Russell learn they share similar dreams, interests and aspirations while providing our Kimberly Burton presenters with a chance to boost their self-esteem and self-confidence. Our goal Sal Cartagine is to educate children in hopes they will be more understanding and less likely to Laura Chodos succumb to peer pressure. Robert DeSio n Sharon Freyer, Esq. Elizabeth Harr The Edward Mitzen SAVE THE DATES! Executive Charles Wait Closet August 27 Person to Person is published as a public information service for the general community, supporters, friends 22nd Annual Travers Day at the Races Consignment Clothing Boutique and family of Saratoga Bridges. The agency offers a wide variety of programs and services for children and adults September 17 9 Front Street with developmental disabilities and their families. 2nd Annual All Car & Truck Show Ballston Spa For more information, to request additional copies or for address changes, contact Saratoga Bridges, 16 October 22 Saratoga Bridges Boulevard, Ballston Spa NY 12020 or Open weekdays 10-5 call (518) 587-0723. The 11th Annual Great Pumpkin Challenge occasional Saturdays Pamela Polacsek, Project Manager; Visit www.saratogabridges.org for more info or by appointment Page composition, Sondra Erickson

 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Saratoga Springs, NY Permit No. 86 16 Saratoga Bridges Boulevard Ballston Spa, NY 12020 The premier community resource for people with disabilities and their families.

Mission Statement Saratoga Bridges is committed to advocacy for people with disabilities by providing resources that enable them to live enriching lives in the communities where they are valued for their abilities and contributions.

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Relay for Life SATISFACTION The American Cancer Society held their ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’ and the ‘Relay for Life’ on June 10th in silent lap when Fred said, “That’s SURVEY Saratoga Springs. Fred the way I feel sometimes— Because we value your Casner, who was just being quiet as I opinions and comments recently diagnosed, try to take it all in.” regarding our service delivery, participated with Other highlights we would like you to fill out his housemate included a our 2011 Satisfaction Survey Bob Baker, campfire, who honored s’mores, a DJ online at his sister’s and a sing-a- www.saratogabridges.org. memory, and long. All responses will be kept his Individual *Tom Bushnell confidential. Support Aide, was Saratoga Contact Dorothy Broekhuizen, Tom Bushnell.* Bridges 2011 Fred proudly Quality Assurance Coordinator, nominee for dbroekhuizen@ wore his purple NYSARC, Inc.’s saratogabridges.org or t-shirt and medallion. ‘Thomas A. Maul Direct Several moving aspects Support Professional 587-0723 ext.1207 were the choir singing Excellence Award’. for more information.

Membership: YOU can still become a Member of Saratoga Bridges! For just $5 annually or $100 for lifetime membership, individuals can support and empower the agency by joining online at www.saratogabridges.org.

Tel (518) 587-0723 • Fax (518) 871-9497 • [email protected] • www.saratogabridges.org