Agency Board of Directors www.achieveny.org Fall 2014 Ellen Feldman, President Gary Shay, 1st Vice President Dave Sebastianelli, 2nd Vice President Nicki French, Secretary Daniel Ballard, Treasurer Robert Salankiewicz, Assistant Treasurer A Message from the CEO of ACHIEVE David Alamo Alson McKenna, Esq. Lisa Dolphin Dorollo Nixon, Jr., Esq. Hello Everyone, Julie Erb Carolyn Nytch Kelly Eurillo Rev. Diane Prentice I hope that you are enjoying the last days of summer as it slowly fades into Colleen Friends James Savage James Hayes, Esq. Kathy Sheehan autumn, my favorite time of the year. Dr. Camelia Lawrence John Stevens Lisa Lee To welcome the fall season, we will be holding our signature event – Savor the Foundation Board of Directors Summer – during the final week of summer on Thursday, September 18 from John Stevens, Chairperson Denis Wickham, Vice Chairperson 6 - 9pm at our Cutler Pond Road facility where we will be showcasing local wine, Carole Hillis, Secretary craft beer, and gourmet fare in a beautiful setting overlooking Cutler Pond. This Douglas Johnson, Treasurer will also give us the opportunity to provide tours for those who have not had the James Hayes, Esq. Lisa Lee opportunity to see the results of our Growing Spaces, Improving Lives Building Dr. Sandra Michael Delphine O’Rourke Jeffrey Lake Bob Pass Rehabilitation Project, which afforded us the opportunity to renovate our Cutler Pond Day Habilitation Program space. We have been enjoying the new space Executive Management Team since the completion of our project in late spring, and extend our thanks and Mary Jo Thorn, Chief Executive Officer Sandra Haruk, VP Operations appreciation to all who supported it along the way! Amy Howard, VP Program Planning and Development David Markie, VP CVI and Facility Operations So many changes are occurring in our world these days, as the Office for People Anthony Marzolino, Chief Financial Officer with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) continues to work its transformation agenda with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services in Washington. Table of Contents Presently, we are working with individuals we support in our employment centers to take advantage of a new program offered by OPWDD – Pathway to Employment. This service will help prepare individuals to move into supported or 2 “Jon’s Story” competitive employment, and for those who choose to have their career come to 2 60th Annual Dinner Dance an end – possible volunteer activities. ACHIEVE and Country Valley Industries staff 3 Dinner Dance Sponsors will work with folks to assist in helping those transitioning. 3 Talking Hands This year marks the 65th Anniversary of NYSARC, Inc., ACHIEVE’s parent organization. In July, 25 individuals from ACHIEVE joined nearly 1,200 individuals 4 Special Olympics with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, their families, staff 4 Wendy’s Walk for Kids members, and volunteers representing agencies statewide on the steps of the 5 Pin Crushing Bowling Tournament Capitol in Albany to celebrate, advocate and have our voices heard. If you are not already a member of ACHIEVE, please consider becoming one – it is not too late. 6-7 Growing Spaces, Improving Lives If you attend our Savor the Summer event, we will happily register you! Together 8 Grand Prize Barbecue we can make a difference! 8 NYSARC 65th Anniversary As always, thanks to all of you for your support of ACHIEVE. 8 “NYSARC Gives Back” Campaign Sincerely, 9 NYSARC Grants Mary Jo Thorn 9 Country Valley Industries Chief Executive Officer 10 In Memory of Joan Henderson, Jane Glazier, and John DeGaramo 11 In Memory of Peter Ullrich 11 Special Needs Planning Seminar 11 Savor the Summer 12 Corporate Sponsors “Jon’s Story” Gets Nationally 60th Annual Dinner Dance Published ACHIEVE would like to say THANK YOU to everyone who attended the 60th Annual Dinner Dance featuring the 2014 Membership Meeting and Awards Banquet on Friday, June 6, 2014 at The McKinley In 2012 we published “Jon’s Story” – a short at Huron Campus! More than 350 individuals came out in celebration for this wonderful event and it autobiography written was truly a magical evening! by ACHIEVE program participant, Jon Blair, in ACHIEVE would like to congratulate this year’s award winners: our Beacon newsletter. 2014 Program Participants of the Year We were recently made aware that his story has been nationally published in the newest Chicken Soup for the Soul: Recovering from Traumatic Brain Injuries: 101 Stories of Hope, Healing, and Hard Work that came out in June of Dustin Merwin Charles Rolison Bryon Huber Cynthia Dillemuth Carol Rosenbaum Crystal Warwick this year! We are beyond excited for Jon! Read his 2014 Employee Team of the Year: story on our website at www.achieveny.org, or 2014 ACHIEVE Star Performers: Country Valley Industries Rehabilitation Team better yet – purchase the book and ask him for his autograph – he’d be more than happy to sign a copy for you!

Stephanie Kelli Quick Jeffrey Wooden Eatton-Johnson

2014 Supported Work Catherine Entwisle Tara Edmunds Anne Marie Employer of the Year: Vivienne Ciotoli Janis Evangelisti Sanford Lynne Majewski Margaret French Catina Sutton Teresa Rider Samantha Griffiths Bernard Yerabek Stephanie Eatton- Kristina Irons Lu Ives Johnson Terri Riley

2014 Company of the Year:

2014 Community Service Award: ACHIEVE Day Habilitation Program staff members pose for a photo following dinner. Top row (from left to right): Scott Nagle, Felicia Roberts, Eric Yetter, Sandy Haruk; Bottom row: Kelli Quick, Kristina Doi, Lannette Pancoast.

John Stevens Program Participant of the Year Award Winner, Charles Rolison, poses for a photo with Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and Mr. Emmanuel Priest, Director of Public Affairs for Senator Thomas W. Libous during the Awards Ceremony.

Jessica Morlando, Michelle Wilson, and Michael Friends pose for a photo prior to dinner. 2 Presenting Sponsor Ticket Sponsors Table Sponsors Thank you to our Dinner Entertainment Sponsor Dance

Sponsors: Venue Sponsor

John Paulin

ACHIEVE would also like to President: Ellen Feldman Directors: David Alamo, Lisa Dolphin, recognize and congratulate the 1st Vice President: Gary Shay Julie Erb, Kelly Eurillo, Colleen new slate of officers who were 2nd Vice President: Dave Sebastianelli Friends, James Hayes, Esq., Dr. voted in prior to dinner during Secretary: Nicki French Camelia Lawrence, Lisa Lee, Alson the 2014 Annual Membership Treasurer: Daniel Ballard McKenna, Esq., Carolyn Nytch, Rev. Meeting: Assistant Treasurer: Robert Diane Prentice, James Savage, Kathy Salankiewicz Sheehan, John Stevens

Talking Hands Presents Cast members perform during the Circle of Life sign language portion of the performance.

Talking Hands presented their 10th Annual Talent Show and Sign Language Concert, Circle of Life, on Saturday, April 26 at Johnson City High School to an audience of over 500. Cast members perform during the ACHIEVE would like to congratulate all of talent show portion of the the cast and crew on a job well done! performance.

Performers get ready for the 10th Annual Performance.

3 ACHIEVE Program Participants Compete in The ACHIEVE Children’s Summer Program has been Special Olympics USA Games ACHIEVE selected as a recipient agency in the 2014 Wendy’s Walk for Kids! ACHIEVE supported this great cause ACHIEVE program participants, Supports by entering eight teams into the walk this year, which Chris Beylo and Dana Hamm, was held on Sunday, August 17 at the Dick’s Sporting were two of seven Special Goods Open. ACHIEVE had more than 130 walkers Olympics athletes from participate and raised over $6,700 to support the Broome and Tioga counties 2014 charities! to represent New York State in the 2014 Special Olympics The Wendy’s Walk for Kids mission is to support USA Games in Princeton, New programs whose purpose is to help children in our Jersey, in June. community realize their full potential regardless of their life experiences and current circumstances. For Coaches and 182 athletes more information on this wonderful organization, representing New York, assembled in Newburg, please visit www.wendyswalkforkids.com. New York, prior to busing to Princeton to join teams from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. During the Games, 3,500 Special Olympians ACHIEVE Board Member, Julie Erb, and her participated in sixteen different sports. daughter, Makayla, at the Wendy’s Walk for Kids. The theme for the 2014 USA Games was “Revealing Champions.” Sunday night, a spectacular Opening Ceremonies program was held in the Prudential Center, home to the New Jersey Devils hockey team. On Monday, competition began and continued through Friday. Chris represented New York in the sport of Golf. Dana represented New York in the sport of Bocce, competing in Singles, Doubles, and the Team event. Dana was very happy to bring home one Bronze medal, two Silver medals, and a lifetime of memories.

ACHIEVE Program Participant, Shalease, enjoys ice cream after the walk. Dana and his Bocce doubles partner, Adeline Guzzy, accept their Silver Medals.

ACHIEVE teams gather for a photo prior to the walk.

ACHIEVE staff members, Nicole Leonard and Joy Moore, volunteer in the Family Tent prior to the walk.

ACHIEVE Chapin Street residents and Chris waiting in the wings for the staff relax New York Parade of Delegates to be called and enjoy ice out during the Opening Ceremonies. cream after the walk. 4 19th Annual Pin Crushing Bowling Tournament

ACHIEVE hosted the 19th Annual Pin Crushing Bowling Tournament on Saturday, ACHIEVE March 22 at Midway Lanes in Vestal. More than 300 bowlers and spectators came out program to support the event which raised over $11,500 for ACHIEVE programs and services! participants take a We would like to congratulate Robyn Callaway, Sales and Marketing Manager for break from ACHIEVE’s subsidiary, Country Valley Industries, who won the Grand Prize of having bowling to say hi to Assemblyman Clifford Crouch and Assemblyman Chris Friend barbecue for her and Max, the 30 of her friends on her new gas grill generously donated by Warner’s Gas Service! Binghamton Senators We would like to say THANK YOU to Assemblyman Clifford Crouch and Assemblyman mascot. Chris Friend for Co-Chairing the event this year! Also, thank you to Bob Warner of Warner’s Gas Service for his generous donation of the gas grill, for his emcee services at the event, and for all of his hard work in helping to plan for the event. In addition, thank you to Laurie Gialanella from Assemblyman Crouch’s Office and Debbie Howard from Assemblyman Friend’s Office for volunteering their time and helping to plan the event. And last but not least, thank you to all of the bowlers, volunteers, corporate sponsors and supporters! Without you, this event would not be possible! Event Sponsor Team Sponsors Banner Sponsors

Assemblyman Clifford Crouch and Assemblyman Chris Friend with the 2014 Tournament Champions – McFarland Johnson. Alley Sponsor Team UHS participates in the 19th Annual Pin Crushing Bowling Tournament. Prize Sponsor

Lunch Sponsor Award Sponsor

A teaching moment during the tournament.

Lane Sponsors

ACHIEVE staff member, Sadie Engle, assists program participant, Therese McGuire, during the tournament.

5 Growing Spaces, Improving Lives DONOR RECOGNITION Building Rehabilitation Project ACHIEVE would like to recognize and thank the following individuals and businesses who supported the Growing Spaces, Improving Lives Building Rehabilitation Project: The Growing Spaces, Improving Lives Building Rehabilitation Project at ACHIEVE’s Cutler Pond Road $700,000+ $1,000 - $9,999 Hank’s Clothing for Men and site was created to address health and safety concerns NYS Economic Development Anonymous Women, Inc. that existed within the building, as well as to expand Program – Secured by Mr. David Alamo Hatala Orthodontics Senator Thomas Libous program services to meet the growing needs of All Phase Electric & Haylor, Freyer & Coon, Inc. individuals with intellectual and other developmental $500,000+ Maintenance Inc. ICS Solutions Group disabilities in our communities. NYS Office for People with Mr. and Mrs. Daniel and Johnson City Eagles Club Developmental Disabilities Theresa Ballard #2644 Thanks to the generosity and ongoing support $250,000 - $499,999 Mr. John Barry and Mrs. Tina Mr. Raymond Linder of our community partners, construction for this ACHIEVE Foundation M. Barber Lee and Yum Foundation monumental $3.85 million dollar project was able to Dr. G. Clifford & Florence B. Barney & Dickenson Inc. Lesko Financial Services begin in March 2013. That same month the agency Decker Foundation Bates Troy Inc. Linder Bible Study Group opened a new location at 47 Riverside Drive in Johnson Empire State Development Bearsch Compeau Knudson Ms. Charlotte S. Moore City. Staff members whose offices at Cutler Pond Grant / Southern Tier – IBI Group, a New York were impacted by the renovation were permanently Regional Office General Partnership Murray’s Auto Service Center relocated to this new location. In addition, ACHIEVE’s Conrad and Virginia Klee Mr. Don Bernardo subsidiary, Country Valley Industries, also moved their Foundation New York State Electric & Dr. Robert Bethje Court Street Employment Center operations to the $100,000 - $249,999 Gas Corp. BGM Foundation new Riverside Drive location. Excellus Blue Cross Blue Mr. Barry Peters Shield Binghamton Material Reverends William and Handling, Inc. The renovation project was broken into three phases: The Roger L. Kresge Diane Prentice Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Gary and Mr. and Mrs. Robert and ➊ Phase One of the renovation project took place Roberta Damm George A. and Margaret Dorothy Salankiewicz throughout the spring and early summer and Mee Charitable Foundation Delta Engineers, Architects, Security Mutual Life wrapped up in the month of July. This phase & Land Surveyors PC NYS Capital Project Grant – Insurance Company of consisted of asbestos abatement as well as Secured by Assemblywoman Mr. and Mrs. David and Julia New York renovation of the front part of the building into Donna Lupardo DeVries Serafini Transportation Corp. new Day Habilitation core rooms, administrative $50,000 - $99,999 Diageo Ms. Kathy Sheehan offices, and a library. Mr. Richard Leland Davis Ellis Brothers Mrs. Patricia Smith and ➋ Miller S. and Adelaide S. Mr. and Mrs. Vincent and Mr. and Mrs. Fredrick and Phase Two of construction began in August and Vicki Fiacco Deborah Kennedy concluded in early December. This phase consisted Gaffney Foundation Stewart W. and Wilma C. Mr. and Mrs. Alan and Nicki Mr. John J. Stevens and Ms. of making structural improvements to the building French Anne C. Catalano as well as renovation of additional Day Habilitation Hoyt Foundation, Inc. NYS Legislative Grant – Ms. Colleen Friends Mr. and Mrs. Denis and Jean core rooms, a physical therapy room, and program Wickham office space. Secured by Senator Thomas Mr. and Mrs. Thomas and Libous Mary Gell Thomas, Collison, Meagher ➌ Phase Three of the renovation project began in Mr. Howard E. Newman, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Myron Gregory & Seiden late December and wrapped up in early 2014. This $25,000 - $49,999 Mr. and Mrs. James and Tioga Youth Wrestling phase consisted of renovations to the back part of Mrs. Beth Dibble and Family Barbara Kumiega – In honor William H. Lane Inc. of David Kumiega the building into additional Day Habilitation core Dr. and Mrs. Marc and Ellen rooms and training space for pre-vocational and Feldman independent daily living activities. Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation Throughout the renovation, the health and safety Visions Federal Credit Union concerns that were present were all addressed – $10,000 - $24,999 asbestos was effectively removed from all parts of the building, and each core room was given direct exterior Chemung Canal Trust access in case of an emergency. In addition, program Company space was expanded and updated to include private Mr. Jeffrey Gural bathrooms and program office space in each core Mr. and Mrs. James and room as well as the installation of a ceiling lift track Mary Ann Hayes, Esq. system to assist individuals with ambulation. Security Hinman, Howard & Kattell, improvements were also made to both the main LLP entrance and the Day Habilitation program entrance IBM Corporation which includes cameras and key card access for the Levene Gouldin & security of all building occupants. Thompson, LLP Mr. and Mrs. Robert and ACHIEVE would like to thank the architectural firm, Lisa Lee Southern Tier Regional President for Excellus Blue Cross Bearsch Compeau Knudson – IBI Group, a New York M&T Charitable Foundation Blue Shield, Kevin J. McGurgan, presents ACHIEVE General Partnership, and the construction firm, NBT Bank CEO, Mary Jo Thorn, with a check for $135,000. Andrew R. Mancini Associates, Inc. for their time and Mr. Robert G. Relph, Jr. dedication to the completion of this project. We would Excellus supported the Growing Spaces, Improving also like to thank all of our generous supporters who Tioga Downs Lives Building Rehabilitation Project by providing helped us reach our $3.85 million dollar project goal! Tioga State Bank financial support for the purchase and installation We couldn’t have completed this project without your The Victor & Esther Rozen of a ceiling lift track system to assist individuals with support, and we truly thank you. Foundation ambulation in five of the new Day Habilitation core Ms. Irena E. Walach rooms. Thank you, Excellus! 6 Olum’s President & CEO, Keith Solomon, presents ACHIEVE CEO, Mary Jo Thorn, with a check for $5,450. Olum’s named ACHIEVE the beneficiary of their Annual Golf Tournament this year, with proceeds going to support the Growing Spaces, Improving Lives Building Rehabilitation Project. Thank you, Olum’s!

ACHIEVE held a Donor Reception and Open House on Friday, May 9, for individuals and businesses who supported the Growing Spaces, Improving Lives Building Rehabilitation Project at ACHIEVE’s Cutler Pond Road Site. Tours were given throughout the evening to showcase the completed renovations of this monumental $3.8 million dollar project.

7 ACHIEVE Hosts Grand Prize Barbecue NYSARC, Inc. ACHIEVE hosted its annual Pin Crushing Bowling Tournament earlier this year at Midway Lanes in 65th Anniversary Celebra on Vestal. As part of the tournament fes vi es, Robyn Callaway, Sales and Marke ng Manager for Country Event Valley Industries (a subsidiary of ACHIEVE), was chosen as the Grand Prize Winner – the recipient of a propane Twenty-fi ve individuals from ACHIEVE (Broome-Tioga County Chapter of NYSARC, gas grill generously donated by Warner’s Gas Service. Inc.) headed to Albany to par cipate in NYSARC, Inc.’s 65th Anniversary Celebra on In addi on to the grill, she received a picnic package Event on July 11, 2014. The celebra on marked the culmina on of two statewide for 30 of her friends. journeys that began on opposite ends of The Empire State and converged on the Capitol steps. Several Western and Upstate NYSARC, Inc. Chapters supported Robyn hosted the picnic on July 25 at her home in disabili es advocates, John Robinson and Doug Hamlin, as they biked 365 miles as Montrose, PA. Bob Warner of Warner’s Gas Service part of Journey Along the Erie Canal II. Downstate and Mid-Hudson NYSARC, Inc. served as master of the grill, cooking for Robyn and her Chapters par cipated with their own series of events as part of Together to Albany, guests. Laurie Gialanella from Assemblyman Cliff ord which traveled from the  p of Long Island to the State Capitol. The 65th Anniversary Crouch’s Offi ce and Debbie Howard from Assemblyman Celebra on Event was a ended by nearly 1,200 individuals with intellectual and Chris Friend’s Offi ce were also in a endance to help other developmental disabili es, their families, staff members, and volunteers with the hos ng du es. ACHIEVE would like to thank represen ng Chapters statewide. everyone involved for their support of this great event Robert, Paul, each and every year! and Eric get ready to head to the Capitol steps.

Tina and Dana are proud to represent Broome and Tioga Coun es during the fl ag presenta on held at the Capitol steps.

Above, Grand Prize Winner, Robyn Callaway, poses for a photo with her husband, Sco , Bob Warner, and her new grill at the Barbecue!

(Right) Bob Warner of A group photograph of everyone represen ng ACHIEVE is taken at the Corning Preserve Warner’s Gas Service serves Riverfront Park prior to heading to the Capitol steps. as master of the grill. The Calleo family on the Hudson Riverway Pedestrian Bridge as the group heads to the Capitol steps.

Heather poses for a photo during the walk to the Capitol steps.

ACHIEVE par cipates in “NYSARC Gives Back” Campaign In 1987, President Ronald Reagan declared March to be Developmental Disabili es Awareness Month. In honor of the celebratory month, ACHIEVE partnered with other agencies in New York State on the “NYSARC Gives Back” campaign. Throughout the month of March, ACHIEVE collected non-perishable food dona ons to help support the Food ACHIEVE’s Day Habilita on Program Core Room 6 stands Bank of the Southern Tier. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we were able to behind a small por on of the food that was collected donate more than $600 in non-perishable food. ACHIEVE would like to thank everyone throughout the month of March. who helped support this important ini a ve! 8 ACHIEVE Hosts Grand Prize Barbecue NYSARC, Inc. Recent News from ACHIEVE hosted its annual Pin Crushing Bowling Tournament earlier this year at Midway Lanes in 65th Anniversary Celebra on Vestal. As part of the tournament fes vi es, Robyn Callaway, Sales and Marke ng Manager for Country Event Valley Industries (a subsidiary of ACHIEVE), was chosen as the Grand Prize Winner – the recipient of a propane Twenty-fi ve individuals from ACHIEVE (Broome-Tioga County Chapter of NYSARC, Inc.) headed to Albany to par cipate in NYSARC, Inc.’s 65th Anniversary Celebra on gas grill generously donated by Warner’s Gas Service. Written by Robyn Callaway, Sales and Marketing Manager In addi on to the grill, she received a picnic package Event on July 11, 2014. The celebra on marked the culmina on of two statewide for 30 of her friends. journeys that began on opposite ends of The Empire State and converged on the Capitol steps. Several Western and Upstate NYSARC, Inc. Chapters supported Robyn hosted the picnic on July 25 at her home in disabili es advocates, John Robinson and Doug Hamlin, as they biked 365 miles as CVI Welcomes: Montrose, PA. Bob Warner of Warner’s Gas Service part of Journey Along the Erie Canal II. Downstate and Mid-Hudson NYSARC, Inc. Chapters par cipated with their own series of events as part of Together to Albany, served as master of the grill, cooking for Robyn and her Country Valley Industries’ Tioga location welcomes Pine Tree Farms! guests. Laurie Gialanella from Assemblyman Cliff ord which traveled from the  p of Long Island to the State Capitol. The 65th Anniversary Crouch’s Offi ce and Debbie Howard from Assemblyman Celebra on Event was a ended by nearly 1,200 individuals with intellectual and Pine Tree Farms is located on Cayuga Street in Interlaken, New York, and has Chris Friend’s Offi ce were also in a endance to help other developmental disabili es, their families, staff members, and volunteers been manufacturing quality wild bird feeding products since 1984. In addition with the hos ng du es. ACHIEVE would like to thank represen ng Chapters statewide. NYSARC Trust to their bird seed products, Pine Tree Farms is branching out to include feed for everyone involved for their support of this great event Robert, Paul, other small animals. This expansion is where CVI comes in. each and every year! and Eric get Services ready to head Pine Tree Farms’ new line of Bunny and Bird Bars are flying off the shelf and to the Capitol Recreation and Pine Tree Farms has placed an order with CVI to package 69,000 bars during the steps. remaining half of 2014. CVI is excited to partner with Pine Tree Farms during Guardianship Grants their growth, and hope to continue to do business with them in the future!

Tina and Dana are proud NYSARC Trust Services Board has approved a ACHIEVE and CVI Participate in Business Expo to represent Broome and remainder fund grant of $10,000 per chapter to Tioga Coun es during the provide recreational opportunities for people ACHIEVE and CVI share a booth at the Greater fl ag presenta on held at they support. Last year ACHIEVE received a similar Binghamton Chamber Business Expo at the Floyd L. the Capitol steps. grant from NYSARC Trust Services to help offset Maines Veterans Memorial Arena on April 10. the costs associated with ACHIEVE’s Party Night Pictured are Nicole Leonard, Community Relations Program which provides an opportunity to more Coordinator for ACHIEVE, and Robyn Callaway, Sales than 200 individuals with intellectual and other and Marketing Manager for Country Valley Industries. developmental disabilities to socialize with their peers at eight different events throughout the Above, Grand Prize Winner, year, as well as to help offset the costs associated Robyn Callaway, poses for with the ACHIEVE Residential Program summer a photo with her husband, picnic hosted by the Boy Scouts at Highland Sco , Bob Warner, and her Park. ACHIEVE plans to use the funds in the same new grill at the Barbecue! fashion this year. CVI Customer Spotlight: (Right) Bob Warner of A group photograph of everyone represen ng ACHIEVE is taken at the Corning Preserve In addition, the trustees of the NYSARC Trusts Warner’s Gas Service serves Riverfront Park prior to heading to the Capitol steps. authorized $1,668,250 in restricted grants from as master of the grill. the NYSARC Trusts Remainder Funds to be paid Country Valley Industries is excited to welcome Fastenal as a new customer. The Calleo family on the Hudson Riverway Pedestrian to NYSARC Chapters for the exclusive purposes Over the past 47 years, Fastenal has grown from a small-town fastener shop, to Bridge as the group heads to the Capitol steps. of funding Chapters’ Guardianship Program a thriving regional business, to North America’s largest fastener distributor, to operating expenses. the world’s most efficient supplier of OEM, MRO, and construction products. Along the way, they’ve never wavered in their belief that great service starts A total of $2,207,880 in remainder grants were with being close to their customers, which is why today they operate nearly awarded in 2014 to support recreation and 2,700 stores spanning all 50 states and 20-plus nations. guardianship statewide. NYSARC Trust Services administers supplemental needs trusts that One of Fastenal’s product growth areas has been the industrial vending machine. The machines are filled with gloves, hairnets and 10 or so other items enable people with disabilities to remain in their that someone in a manufacturing plant may need. An employee will put in their home and community while retaining Medicaid code and the vending machine dispenses what they need. This system is great services and other government benefits. for keeping inventory counts and making items accessible when the employee Information is available on how NYSARC Trust Heather poses for a photo during the needs them, which eliminates down time and improves productivity. As this walk to the Capitol steps. Services may benefit you: visit our website www. piece of their business has grown, so has their need to have gloves and other nysarctrustservices.org, phone 1-518-439-8323, items packaged singularly and that’s where CVI comes in. CVI’s first purchase toll free phone 1-800-735-8924, or e-mail info@ order – to roll and rubber band plastic gloves – arrived recently and our Cutler nysarctrustservices.org. Pond Employment Center quickly turned all three thousand pairs around in ACHIEVE par cipates in “NYSARC Gives Back” Campaign less than a week. Country Valley Industries looks forward to working with In 1987, President Ronald Reagan declared March to be Developmental Disabili es Fastenal as they continue to grow. Awareness Month. In honor of the celebratory month, ACHIEVE partnered with other Interested in talking to someone more about what agencies in New York State on the “NYSARC Gives Back” campaign. Throughout the month Country Valley Industries can do for YOUR business? of March, ACHIEVE collected non-perishable food dona ons to help support the Food Call Robyn Callaway, CVI Sales and Marketing Manager, at ACHIEVE’s Day Habilita on Program Core Room 6 stands Bank of the Southern Tier. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we were able to behind a small por on of the food that was collected donate more than $600 in non-perishable food. ACHIEVE would like to thank everyone 607.797.8160 or send her an email at [email protected]. throughout the month of March. who helped support this important ini a ve! 9 ACHIEVE’s Guardianship In Memory of John DeGaramo Program Remembers Written by Mary Jo Thorn, ACHIEVE CEO On New Year’s Eve, our ACHIEVE family lost Joan Henderson and John DeGaramo. It was unexpected, came Jane Glazier without warning, and left the hearts of Written by Eric Yetter, Guardianship Coordinator his family at home, and here at ACHIEVE, struggling to understand and deal with this ACHIEVE’s Guardianship Program lost loss. two very special ladies this year: Joan Henderson and Jane Glazier. John started his work at ACHIEVE on February 19, 2001, as a Maintenance Joan Mary Henderson, 61, Assistant. Quickly recognizing that John’s skills went beyond working in the Maintenance passed away peacefully Department, ACHIEVE also asked John to become a back-up driver for our buses, knowing at her home on Thursday, that he had a coveted CDL license. March 27, 2014. Joanie John reminded me a lot of my father. When I first started at ACHIEVE what I always heard was born in Riverhead was, “John can fix anything.” That was the way my father was – he could rig up anything to Long Island, the daughter make it work. John took on the nickname “The Tinkerer,” and wore it proudly. Staff went of Irene and James to him to fix broken vacuum cleaners, called him for broken bathroom faucets, asked him Henderson. She is also to repair desks, chairs, etc. It was not uncommon to have someone call the Maintenance survived by Amy, John and Department and say, “Where is John?” Hannah Kocik and their family who welcomed Joanie as part of their own family and where For those of you who may not be aware, John also operated a country store in Nineveh. I Joanie resided for the past 18 years in think that many of you had more than one slice of John’s breakfast pizza – a staple at many Harpursville. Joanie enjoyed writing letters, of ACHIEVE’s holiday get togethers and meetings at Cutler Pond. Not only was John good bowling, Special Olympics, storytelling, at making food – but finding it as well. I don’t think it is any secret that one of his favorite volunteer work, and going out for lunch with haunts at ACHIEVE was the Business Office – he knew where to go to get the best snacks her advocate, Carolyn Nytch. She attended around! the Susquehanna Day Habilitation Program in Binghamton where she had many friends. Beyond what appeared to be John’s gruff nature, he was really a gentle soul. I would often walk by the cafeteria where he would be sitting with some of our workshop participants – Jane Glazier, 83, of having break, or eating lunch, chatting amiably. He was a symbol for what we strive for here Binghamton and formerly at ACHIEVE – erasing the differences between those we serve and who we are – as workers of Cortland passed away and as human beings. John lived and breathed this every day while working at ACHIEVE. He on Sunday, July 13, 2014 lived ACHIEVE’s mission through his mentorship and assistance to those we serve. Every day at Elizabeth Church he enhanced the quality of life of those we serve – by treating them equally, encouraging Manor in Binghamton their independence, and welcoming them and integrating them into his life each day. after a lengthy illness. Born July 18, 1930 in I had heard that most recently he had talked of retirement. But the tug of the spirit of Cortland, Jane was the ACHIEVE kept bringing him back each day, because he loved the people we served, and he daughter of Ivan and May Purvis Glazier and loved the people with whom he worked. had been a resident of Binghamton most of her adult life. Jane was formerly employed Everyone knew that John was a hunter – or at least we knew that he took his vacation time at Country Valley Industries. Jane loved to during hunting season. His standard day-to-day garb was a camo t-shirt and hat, and blue read and do embroidery. She would often jeans held up by camo suspenders. If there wasn’t some type of license supported by John’s greet friends with a hearty handshake and a hat – fishing or hunting – you’d find ACHIEVE’s name tag there. In talking with some of his pat on the hand and enjoyed her time living co-workers in maintenance who were helping pack his tools, they would say, “We found with friends at the ACHIEVE residence on multiple sets of wrenches, ratchet sets, screwdrivers, etc.” For John, it was easier to go buy a Riverside Drive. Marian Summers, formerly new set of something than to try to find it in the mix of other tools. Whatever was needed to the Residence Manager at the Riverside get the job done for ACHIEVE was what he did. I remember that on more than one occasion Drive IRA visited Jane weekly during her stay – when we distributed incentive checks to employees at the end of the year – he would sign at Elizabeth Church Manor. his back over to ACHIEVE as a donation. He was generous of heart, kind and compassionate. ACHIEVE’s Guardianship Program is a I am told that even when he was not feeling well, and the EMTs went to his house to assist, service for individuals who require assistance that as they were preparing to take him to the hospital and start the IV line – typical of John in making decisions or managing their regarding his humor, stoicism, and hope – his comment was, “Be gentle with me, don’t hurt affairs when other family members are not me now.” able or willing to do so. Through NYSARC, Inc.’s Corporate Guardianship Program, For me, and perhaps for some of you, I have faith that John is in a better place now. Much ACHIEVE may serve as guardian, stand-by the same as the recent picture that was sent out to staff shortly after his passing, I see him guardian, or alternate stand-by guardian to leaning back, hands folded, all dressed in camo and blue jeans, with a smile on his face and ensure that an individual has assistance with words on his lips, “You guys don’t know what you’re missing!” making critical decisions in areas related to healthcare, housing, day programs, or John’s loss brings lost perspective to many of us – it makes us stop and think that life is recreation. The Guardianship Program also fleeting – here one day, and gone the next. Let us understand that this is one of John’s final provides information, referral, and technical lessons to us, never to take life for granted. He lived it to the fullest every day to the end. assistance to families who are interested in Let us also do so. establishing legal guardianship. For more information please visit ACHIEVE’s website My sympathies go out to John’s family and all of his co-workers, his second family at ACHIEVE. at www.achieveny.org. Hold the happy memories in your hearts, and he will always be with you, just a breath away. 10 In Memory of ACHIEVE’s Agency and Foundation Boards of Directors Peter Ullrich invite you to join us as we savor the last days of summer with local wine, craft beer, and gourmet fare at the Fifth Annual Savor the Summer Thursday, September 18, 2014 6:00pm - 9:00pm

ACHIEVE 125 Cutler Pond Road • Binghamton, New York 13905 $25 Members / $30 Non-Members Peter Ullrich, an individual who attended Register online at www.achieveny.org the ACHIEVE Day Habilitation Program, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Contact Nicole Leonard for questions or additional information at 607.231.5217 March 10, 2014. or via email at [email protected]. Peter, who was 41-years-old, lived Featuring at the Scribner Drive SOIRA and 1st Thai Basil Restaurant had participated in ACHIEVE Day Americana Vineyards Habilitation’s Core Room 5 for the Anthony Road Wine Company past 17 years. During that time, Peter Baked Euphoria had demonstrated significant progress Bet the Farm Winery & Gourmet Market and personal growth in the areas of Binghamton University Dining Services by Sodexo communication, socialization and Boundary Breaks Vineyard behavior. Butternuts Beer & Ale Buttonwood Grove Winery Peter volunteered in the community Feliz Wine and Tapas Restaurant on a daily basis and especially loved Glenora Wine Cellars his visits with nursing staff every day. Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard Everyone he met, he quickly won them Irish Kevins over with his infectious smile! That Nirchi’s Restaurant on the Avenue smile, his affectionate “head hugs,” and Number 5 Restaurant sparkling eyes will be missed the most. Pleasant Valley Wine Company P.S. Restaurant Spiedie & Rib Pit Standing Stone Vineyards Special Needs Tony’s Italian Grill The North Brewery Planning Seminar The Old Union Hotel Wagner Vineyards When: Wednesday, October 22, 2014 and more! 6:00pm – 8:00pm Where: Double Tree by Hilton Entertainment Searling Room Frank Vieira 225 Water Street Entertainment Sponsor: Binghamton, New York 13901 Cost: Free to attend Photograph by Jan Evangelisti Presenters: 2012 Photography Contest Winner Kathleen Clark Jim Hayes, Esq. S.E.E.D. Financial Hinman, Howard & Kattell Arts This is a non-commercial presentation that Bon Fed Caricatures will discuss the planning for loved ones with special needs. Presenters will discuss issues Arts Sponsor: related to benefits, trusts, and planning for the security of family members with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. There will be time allotted for questions following the conclusion of both presentations. 11 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 198 Binghamton, NY 125 Cutler Pond Road Binghamton, New York 13905

Phone: 607.723.8361 Fax: 607.231.5311 Email: [email protected] www.achieveny.org

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