The achievements of people with disabilities and those who support individuals with special needs were shared at The Resource Center’s 36th Ability Awareness Awards Celebration.

The event took place at Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron. The celebration was an opportunity to recognize people with disabling conditions who have made significant achievements in their lives, as well as honor community residents and organizations that have helped improve the lives of those who have a disability.

(Click here to watch the video of the awards ceremony.)

Welcoming remarks were given by Denise Jones, The Resource Center’s Chief Executive Officer.

“Today we are not just recognizing accomplishments, we are celebrating the spirit of determination and the unwavering commitment to personal growth,” Denise told the audience.

For the people with disabilities being honored with an award, Denise remarked, “You show us that limitations are not a measure of what you can achieve, but only a starting point for the possibilities that lie ahead.”

She said to those Resource Center employees included among the honorees, “You create an environment where growth is possible, where people feel heard, valued and empowered. You help make dreams attainable.”

And to the community members being recognized with an award, Denise stated, “You help create a world that sees ability, not disability.”

The first honor presented was the Employer of the Year Award, and it was given to the Target store in West Ellicott. Since opening two years ago, Target has hired three people through The Resource Center’s Supported Employment Program. Target ensures that its workers with disabilities have the same opportunities as their other employees. They also strive to ensure that desired work hours are maintained for each of their employees with special needs. Target accommodates TRC job coaches who come to the store to support people as they work, and store officials reliably provide feedback and information on how the employees are doing and whether there are issues that should be addressed.

The Community Partnership Award was presented to Culture Care Senior Living. Tanglewood Manor, a West Ellicott assisted-living facility operated by Culture Care Senior Living, has a long working history with The Resource Center. Currently, Tanglewood employs three people who receive employment supports from TRC. Tanglewood treats those workers the same as its other employees, including them in all activities, meetings and trainings. The three employees enjoy their jobs and have positive relationships with their supervisors, their co-workers and the people who live there.

The Personal Success Award was given to Patricia Peck. Patricia’s employment journey began in 2009. She joined The Resource Center’s Employment Training Program in 2018, and over the next six years she engaged in two different internships that enabled her to gain valuable experience and increase her skills. Last year, Patricia began her third internship as an Activities Assistant at Tanglewood Manor. Her work and positive impact were recognized last August, when Tanglewood hired Patricia as a permanent employee.

The Bruce Walford Community Support Award was presented to James Haick. Working as an intern for the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, James tackled many projects around the McCrea Point water basin. That experience led him to take on a new challenge – improving the Riverwalk Community Labyrinth on Jones & Gifford Avenue in Jamestown. He replaced the broken and rotted raised flower beds with cement planters provided by the City of Jamestown to provide. He planted trees, removed weeds, and push mowed and weed-whacked the entire Labyrinth. James now is working on getting community members interested in volunteering to maintain the Labyrinth.

The Community Support Award was created in memory of Bruce Walford, former manager of The Resource Center’s manufacturing center in Dunkirk.

The Health Care Provider of the Year was Kimberly Scoma. Kim joined The Resource Center in 2003, and over the years she supported people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a variety of roles. Still searching for her calling when the pandemic hit, Kim went back to school to become a nurse. After obtaining her degree, she accepted a position as the registered nurse for three TRC homes. She has flourished in this role, and she does everything in a kind, calm and professional manner. During this past year, Kim was part of a team as it supported someone through his journey with cancer.

The Edwin Roth Mental Health Award was given to Christopher Mattison, the nurse supervisor for The Resource Center’s behavioral health programs, Chris is adept at treating the entire person by serving as a bridge between their mental health and their overall wellness. He’s a strong advocate for his clients, and people are comfortable confiding in him. Chris is approachable for staff and co-workers, and he builds solid relationships.

The Mental Health Award is named in memory of Ed Roth, an official with the New York State Office of Mental Health.

The Outstanding Achievement Award was presented to Matthew Olson. Matt works in the sewing department at The Resource Center’s Allied Industries manufacturing division, which produces a wide range of items for the federal government. He can operate several different machines, making him a valuable member of the production team. He also is trained in the packing department and far exceeds the performance standard. Matt also has good relationships with his peers and supervisors.

The Carl Cappa Humanitarian Award was presented to R. Erik Seastedt. Erik and his first wife, Kathy, met when they both worked for The Resource Center. After Kathy died unexpectedly in 2008, Erik made a $25 donation to TRC in her memory. And he hasn’t stopped. Every two weeks or so, year after year, Erik makes a donation to the “Dream On” Kathy Seastedt Community Support Fund, which provides money to area residents with disabilities who have unfunded needs. This year, Erik reached $25,000 in contributions to the fund.

The award is named in memory of Carl Cappa, a Jamestown businessman and philanthropist who was a supporter of people with disabilities.

The Elmer Muench Volunteer of the Year was Sharon Richards. Sharon is a retired teacher who helps out at a TRC day habilitation program. She has helped organize a number of activities, including baking and crafts. She has involved people with disabilities in making puppets, creating a stage and putting on puppet shows. Sharon also plays a lead role in organizing the monthly Rejoicing Spirits worship service at Busti Church of God, a service that is geared toward people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Volunteer of the Year Award is named in memory of Elmer Muench, a longtime Resource Center volunteer and former president of TRC’s board of directors. Sharon is Elmer’s daughter, and this marks the second time she’s received the honor – she and her late husband, Alan, were the volunteers of the year in 2018.

The Special Event Volunteer of the Year was Heather Courtney. As a certified wellness coach at The Resource Center, Heather helps run events geared at improving employee wellness. Outside of her regular job duties, she organizes TRC’s participation in community events such as the annual Dragon Boat Festival races and the Battle of the Businesses. She also takes on leadership roles in some of the events TRC puts on in partnership with Filling the Gap, Inc., such as the Laurel Memorial Run and Walk.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Suzette Smith, TRC’s Director of Projects, Planning and Development. During her 30-year career at TRC, Suzette has been relied upon for critical reporting deadlines and will work outside of scheduled hours to accomplish a goal. In recent years, she expanded her scope of work by taking on TRC’s purchasing and clinical billing teams. Suzette is regarded as an industry leader beyond TRC, and she has provided technical support to other chapters of The Arc New York. In addition, Smith volunteers in support of many of TRC’s fund-raising initiatives.

The Advocate of the Year Award was presented to Keith Martin, executive director of Northwest Arena. Martin has been instrumental in enabling people with disabilities to participate in curling. He helped start a unified curling league as an unsanctioned Special Olympics sport and co-created unified curling for Chautauqua County school districts. This began with a tournament that attracted about 125 unified athletes, with Martin getting onto the ice to teach them how to curl. Eight school districts across the county now participate on a regular basis. He also supports INVESTU, an anti-poverty program operated by The Resource Center and the United Way.

Beginning this year, the Advocate of the Year Award will be named in memory of Henry Wesley. Henry spent about 40 years living in institutions before gaining his freedom in the 1980s. He became a well-known self-advocate, sharing his story in hopes that no one else will have to endure the conditions he experienced in institutions.

Also recognized at the awards celebration was Stephanie Davis, who was honored for receiving an Outstanding Performer Award from NYSID (New York State Industries for the Disabled). Through NYSID. The Resource Center has a contract to clean and maintain the Interstate 86 rest area in the Town of Ellery. Stephanie joined the crew at the rest area last fall, and she distinguished herself as a hard worker who would lend a hand on other projects once her assigned tasks were completed. At the end of the winter season, Stephanie transitioned to a cleaner on a road crew. She quickly assumed the lead position on her crew, and since then the crew’s customer satisfaction scores have improved.

Pictured from right are Stephanie Davis, a Cleaner with our Environmental Services, who was honored for being named a NYSID Outstanding Performer; Kelly Singer, Environmental Services Coordinator; and Luke Nickerson, Production Superintendent.

Closing remarks were given by Dr. Dawn Columbare, the chair of The Resource Center’s Board of Directors. She congratulated the honorees, and she thanked those TRC employees and community members being recognized for their efforts in supporting people with disabilities.

“We appreciate your heartfelt commitment and dedication to maximizing the quality of life of everyone we serve,” Columbare said.

Maria Jacobson and Tamara Zofchak, self-advocates at The Resource Center, presented the awards to the honorees. TRC’s Steve Waterson was the master of ceremonies, while TRC employees Chris Anderson and Austin Mitchell handled the photography and videography responsibilities. The luncheon was organized by Victoria Trass Bardo of Filling the Gap.

In addition to their awards, the honorees received certificates of achievement from U.S. Representative Nick Langworthy, State Senator George Borrello, Assemblyman Andrew Molitor, and Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel.

Please consider making a donation to our TRC Excellence Awards Fund in honor of one of this year’s honorees.

Pictured are, front row, James Haick, who received the Bruce Walford Community Support Award; Christopher Mattison, Edwin Roth Mental Health Award; Kimberly Scoma, Health Care Provider of the Year; Dawn Golden and Anthony Lenczyk from the Target store in West Ellicott, which was the Employer of the Year; Suzette Smith, Lifetime Achievement Award; Heather Courtney, Special Event Volunteer of the Year; Patricia Peck, Success of the Year; Shannon McCune from Culture Care Senior Living and Tanglewood Manor, Community Partnership Award; and Matthew Olson, Outstanding Achievement Award; and, back row, Keith Martin, the Henry Wesley Advocate of the Year; Erik Seastedt, Carl Cappa Humanitarian Award; and Zac Hnatyszyn and Megan Seastrum from Culture Care/Tanglewood.

The achievements of people with disabilities and the efforts of those who support them will be showcased when The Resource Center holds its 36^th Ability Awareness Awards Celebration on Thursday, October 30.

The luncheon will be held at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron from 11:30 to 1:00.

The awards recognize people with disabilities who have made significant accomplishments, as well as area residents and businesses that have improved the lives of people with disabilities. This year’s award recipients are:

• Advocate of the Year – Keith Martin
• Business/Employer of the Year – Target in West Ellicott
• Community Partnership Award – Culture Care Senior Living/Tanglewood Manor
• Bruce Walford Community Service Award – James Haick
• Health Provider of the Year – Kimberly Scoma, RN
• Carl Cappa Humanitarian of the Year – R. Erik Seastedt
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Suzette Smith
• Edwin Roth Mental Health Award – Christopher Mattison, RN
• Outstanding Achievement Award – Matthew Olson
• Personal Success Award – Patricia Peck
• Elmer Muench Volunteer of the Year – Sharon Richards
• Special Event Volunteer of the Year – Heather Courtney

In addition, Stephanie Davis will receive an award for being honored by New York State Industries for the Disabled. NYSID is a non-profit organization that advances employment opportunities for people with disabilities and veterans by supporting The Resource Center and other rehabilitation agencies in obtaining government contracts. NYSID selected Davis for recognition through its annual Outstanding Performance Award Program.

Members of The Resource Center, people with disabilities, TRC staff and volunteers, and the general public are invited to attend the Ability Awareness Awards Celebration. The event is being sponsored by TRC, Kinetic, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, and NYSID.

The cost to attend the luncheon is $30. Reservations are due by October 21. For more information, phone Victoria Trass Bardo, Development and Event Manager, at 716-661-1477.

For those wishing to make a donation in honor of one of the award recipients, your contribution will be directed to The Resource Center’s TRC Excellence Awards Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.

Movies spotlighting the experiences of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities will be shared when The Resource Center presents the Sprout Film Festival on Wednesday, September 24.

The free festival takes place at 7:00 p.m. in the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts at 116 East Third Street in Jamestown. The Sprout Film Festival features short movies that celebrate the diverse lives and creativity of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The films seek to challenge assumptions and break down stereotypes about people with disabling conditions.

A still image from the film, Rudely Interrupted

Sprout is a traveling film festival, and each host community selects the films that will be screened locally.  For this year’s festival, organizers have chosen 12 films from seven countries. The longest film is 14 minutes, while the shortest is under two minutes. The total running time is about 88 minutes.

Most of the films are documentaries. Several of them focus on people who are on the autism spectrum. All of this year’s films are new to the Jamestown festival except the finale, Get Closer, a fan favorite from the 2015 festival in which the main character invites people to embrace differences with a hug.

A still image from the film, Get Closer

Sprout organizers are glad to again bring the film festival to Jamestown.

“We are excited to be presenting the Sprout Film Festival for the ninth year. This year’s selection of films is both entertaining and thought-provoking,” said The Resource Center’s Kevin Anderson, one of the festival’s lead organizers. “I encourage people to come out to The Reg. Whether you have attended every year or this might be your first, you won’t be disappointed.”

“The Sprout Film Festival is always an enlightening, powerful and joyful event,” added TRC’s Beth Jermain, who also helps organize the festival. “We are very excited about this year’s films. Everyone who comes will leave with a smile.”

Admission is free thanks to a grant from Filling the Gap, Inc., which works with The Resource Center to improve the lives of people with disabilities in Chautauqua County. Money for the grant came from The Resource Center Laurel Run Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. Sprout also is made possible thanks to support from corporate sponsors Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union and Kinetic.

Doors to the theater will open at 6:00 so moviegoers can have time to look over the items that will be available in a prize drawing. Money raised from the prize drawing will benefit the Step Up for Autism event that is put on by Filling the Gap and The Resource Center. The Resource Center also will be conducting a membership drive before the movies begin, and people who become TRC members will be entered into a prize drawing.

For more information about the Sprout Film Festival, phone 716-483-2344 or visit https://resourcecenter.org/sprout, where visitors can also view the festival trailer to get a feel for some of the films.

A still image from the film, The Fine Art of Being Zion

Dr. Dawn Columbare was elected the Chair of The Resource Center’s Board of Directors during our General Membership Meeting, held at TRC’s administrative office building on Dunham Avenue in Celoron.

Also elected as officers for the Board’s 2025-26 term were Dr. Todd Jacobson, Vice Chair; Lisa Goodell, Secretary; and Marie Carrubba, Esq., Treasurer.

Elected to two-year Board terms were Mary Alison Burt, Richard Erickson, Scott James, and Kristie Peppy. Dick had served the previous three years as Board Chair, while Scotty had been appointed to fill a Board vacancy in December. Alison and Kristie are joining TRC’s Board for the first time.

Elected to the Nominating Committee for The Resource Center’s 2026 election were Kathy Field, Laurie Goold, Dr. Jessica Gugino, Mary Jo Hamilton, and Rebecca Hamlet Kapple.

Richard Erickson passes the gavel to Dr. Dawn Columbare after she was elected Chair of the Board of Directors.

In his final report as Chair, Dick said it had been a privilege leading the Board for the past three years. He thanked his fellow Board members, and he praised Executive Director Denise Jones and TRC’s leadership team for maintaining the agency’s finan­cial stability. He also commended TRC’s employees for the excellent supports they provide.

“It’s been a great three years. It’s been wonderful. This place has changed me,” Dick said.

Flanked by Dawn and Denise, Dick holds a painting he received in appreciation for his three years as Board Chair. The painting was created by a TRC service recipient whom Dick knows. Susan Gutierrez, TRC’s Art Teacher, supported the artist in creating the painting.

In her treasurer’s report, Marie noted that for the 10th straight year, The Resource Center ended 2024 with a positive financial result that included no audit adjustments.

In her report, Denise highlighted some of the successes that have been realized across TRC.

The meeting began with a presentation about TRC’s Health Homes Programs given by Kait Curtis, Director of Behavioral Health and Care Coordination, and Thad Lund, who manages the programs. A woman who attended the meeting with her guide dog spoke about the posi­tive impacts Health Homes has had on her.

The meeting was the final one as a Board member for R. Michael Goldman, Esq. He had served on the Board for 21 years and was Chair from 2016 to 2019.

Mike Goldman wears the gift he received in appreciation for his Board service.

Sunny weather and spirited competition highlighted the 29th annual TRC Golf Classic, which raised over $80,000 to improve the lives of people with special needs in Chautauqua County. This represents the most money raised since 2003 and brings the tournament’s cumulative net proceeds to about $1.93 million since the event was first held in 1997.

Twenty-eight foursomes competed in the tournament, held July 21 at Moon Brook Country Club near Jamestown.  Winning the tournament with a score of 120 in the two-best-ball of four format and repeating their win last year, was the team of Michelle Grisanti, Mike Grisanti, Lindsay O’Connor and Dominick Borrello.  They will have their names engraved on the champions’ trophy, which is called The Gregg Bender Cup in honor of the retired TRC employee and former longtime chair of the tournament’s steering committee.

Earning top honors in the first flight with a score of 123 was the team of Jon Gren, Tom Olson, Mike Goldman, and Derek Dawson.  Finishing atop flight two with a 122 was the team of William Brothers, Giana Rich, Doug Bulman, and Kevin Conway. 

Once the tournament concluded, the traditional Special Olympics putting contest took place.  21 athletes participated, with each Special Olympian getting one chance to make a lengthy putt.  The competitor whose ball came to rest closest to the hole was Nick Kenzie. 

Following appetizers and a buffet dinner prepared by Moon Brook staff, awards were presented to the top teams in the tournament, and prize drawings were held.  Kelly Dimitri, TRC’s chief operating officer, thanked the golfers for participating in the tournament, which raises money to support people with disabilities in Chautauqua County.

For the 14th straight year, Lake Shore Bank was the presenting sponsor.  Other major sponsors were HM Insurance Group, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, the Winifred Crawford Dibert Foundation, Assured Partners, Bryans & Gramuglia, Double Tree by Hilton Jamestown, Jamestown Container Companies, Kinetic – Internet Service Provider, Klice Lawn & Landscaping, Ocean State Innovations, SKF USA, Inc., The Post-Journal, UPMC Chautauqua, and USI Insurance.

Hole and specialty sponsors included Arthur R. Gren Company, Bond, Schoeneck & King, Collaborative Children’s Solutions, Comparion Insurance Agency, Conrad Office Products, Courier Capital, EYM Enterprise, Fenton Mobility Products, Inc., Fredonia Beaver Club, FSC Systems, Graf Realty, HCH Interiors, Health System Services, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY, Independent Health, Inscale Architects, Integrated MedCraft, Jamestown Awning, Jamestown Macadam Inc. (JMI), Jamestown Mattress, Jim and Sally Jaroszynski, Joe and Terry Ribaudo, KeyBank, Kinley Contractors, LaBella Associates, Lake Shore Paving, LUV Toyota,  M.J. Foley Co., Paul and Jennifer Capitano, Phil and Cindy Ribaudo,  Philadelphia Insurance Companies, Pucci Carpet One Furniture & Bedding,  Rand Community Philanthropic Foundation, Shults Auto Group, SM Cristall, Sun Life, Tabone Southtown’s Sealing, Twinstar Business Solutions, TRC’s Executive Management Team, UPMC Chautauqua, WCA Foundation, Weber Knapp Company, Winning Tree, YKK Tape Craft Corporation, and Youngsville Hardware.

The following donated items: ACME The Appliance Store, Charcuterie by Carrie, Chautauqua Golf Club, Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, Coca-Cola, Conrad Office Products, Duke Duguay, DFT Communications, Fredonia Beaver Club, Gerber Blades, Jason Stronz, Kinetic – Internet Service Provider, Klice Lawn & Landscaping, Lutheran, Mike Goldman, Mike Roberts, Patrick Smeraldo, Philadelphia Insurance Companies, PRO Oil, Inc., South Hills Country Club, Smokin’ Bear Cigars, Southern Tier  Brewing Company, Southern Tier Distilling Company, Textile Network,  and ZTS Management LLC.

The tournament’s success is due in large part to the efforts of its steering committee: Chris Anderson, chair; Gregg Bender, chair emeritus; Nicholas Bell, Daniel Bender, Anthony Cusimano, Adam Dimitri, John Felton, Todd Frangione, R. Michael Goldman, Carrie Graham, John Gullo, Cindy Hitchcock, Mike Roberts, Patrick Smeraldo, Jason Stronz, Victoria Bardo, Timur Tyra, Tad Wright, Gary Yager, and Ben Windoft.

Also critical to the tournament’s success were the contributions of its other event-day volunteers: Kevin Anderson, Theresa Butts, Kayla DePane, Kelly Dimitri, Kathy Field, Austin Mitchell, Jacqueline Phelps, Sarah Pillittieri, Phil Ribaudo, Jenna Silzle, Karen Silzle, and Steve Waterson.

“The 29th annual TRC Golf Classic, in terms of money raised, was our most successful event since 2003!  An absolutely amazing accomplishment.  The weather was perfect, and the golf course was in superb condition,” Chris Anderson said.  “The TRC Golf Classic is only made possible with the generous financial commitment of sponsors and the dedication of many volunteers and the staff at Moon Brook Country Club.  Together, they make a lasting difference in the lives of people in our community.  It is an honor to lead such a successful and important event and have a dedicated team of committee members ensuring the tournament’s continued success.”

TRC Golf Classic proceeds benefit Filling the Gap, Inc., a Jamestown-based not-for-profit organization that works with The Resource Center to improve the lives of people with disabilities and other socioeconomic challenges. Money raised through the tournament is directed to The Resource Center TRC Foundation Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. Filling the Gap annually awards grants utilizing some of the money raised through TRC Golf Classic and other events.

The 30th TRC Golf Classic is tentatively scheduled for July 20, 2026. The steering committee has an ambitious goal of reaching $2 million dollars in net proceeds for next year’s event.  Businesses interested in sponsoring the event can contact Anderson at 716-483-2344, ext 90167.

CAPTIONS

(Winners)

Pictured from left are the members of the winning team: Michelle Grisanti, Mike Grisanti, Lindsay O’Connor and Dominick Borrello. 

(Nick Kenzie)

Nick Kenzie, right, won the Special Olympics putting contest.  He is pictured Kevin Anderson, left, a Resource Center employee and Special Olympics golf coach.

Money raised through the Laurel Run/Walk is directed to The Resource Center Laurel Run Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.

Members of this year’s Project SEARCH graduating class proudly display their diplomas.

Each year, Filling the Gap, Inc., uses money from the Laurel Run Fund to award grants that do one of three things:

• provide employment and work training opportunities for people with disabilities;
• enhance the independence of people with disabilities;
• promote disability awareness initiatives.

This year, $13,800 in Laurel Run Fund money was awarded to support these initiatives:

• Project SEARCH, a collaboration between The Resource Center and UPMC Chautauqua in which people with developmental disabilities complete a nine-month internship to prepare them for work in a health care setting. Several Project SEARCH graduates have been hired by UPMC Chautauqua.
• A Summer Career Camp so students and young adults can gain hands-on knowledge about working in the automotive, culinary, landscaping, and retail fields. The two five-day Career Camps, which will take place in August, also will address financial literacy and provide training on using the CHQ Transit system.
• THRIVE, a TRC program that supports people in addressing their goals. THRIVE, which stands for Teaching Habits and Re­sources for Independence, Vitality and Em­powerment, is a new program. Thus far members have learned about making healthier dietary decisions and how to reduce stress and deal constructively with their emotions.
• Sprout Film Festival, a series of short films that focus on the experiences of people with disabling conditions.
• Kids & Sibs Camp, a collaboration among The Resource Center and other community agencies to provide a two-day camp experience for children with special needs and their siblings.
• TRC’s Occupational Therapy Department.

A Kids & Sibs Camper spends quality time with a horse.

Beginning this year, a portion of the Laurel Run/Walk proceeds will be used to support the Dr. John Vona Smile Fund. The fund was created in memory of Dr. Vona by his children. Dr. Vona was a respected and beloved dentist who spent the last 20 years of his career at The Resource Center’s Dunkirk dental clinic, where he was committed to meeting the oral health needs of people with disabilities. The Smile Fund will support the delivery of quality dental services to people with disabilities.

Two members of the THRIVE group make pizzas using healthy ingredients they found after doing research.

Please consider making a donation to support the Laurel Run Fund.

Now in its 29th year, the Laurel Memorial Run/Walk generates lots of smiles in its celebration of people with developmental disabilities. This year will be no exception, but with a twist as the event expands to improve the oral health of people with special needs.

The Laurel Run/Walk takes place over the course of two days. Activities begin Friday, July 18. A kickoff ceremony will be held at 8:00 a.m. in The Resource Center’s facility at 75 Jones & Gifford Avenue in Jamestown. At about 8:30, volunteer runners will set off on the initial leg of the relay run to Dunkirk. Representatives from The Resource Center and area school districts, as well as Sheriff Jim Quattrone and employees of the Lakeview Shock Incarceration Correctional Facility in Brocton, will run the various legs of the relay while carrying Laurel Run flags. Patrol units from area law enforcement agencies accompany the runners to ensure their safety on the busy roads.

This year’s logo was created by Silver Creek High School student Sebastian Yaskow.

The relay run ends in the parking lot of The Resource Center’s facility at 186 Lake Shore Drive West in Dunkirk. The community is invited to attend the victory celebration and to cheer on the last set of relay runners, who are expected to arrive between 1:00 and 1:15.

For the 13th straight year, several people are planning to jog and/or bike the entire 31-mile relay route. That event is called the Laurel-thon.

Anyone wishing to run a portion of the flag relay, or to take on the Laurel-thon, is invited to do so. Phone 716-661-4735 for information.

Also on Friday, Laurel’s Legacy Lap will take place from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. at McCrea Point Park in Jamestown. For that free event, people with disabilities will complete a lap along the paved path at the park.

The main Laurel Run/Walk activities take place the following day in Silver Creek. Check-in and registration begin at 7:00 a.m. in the village square. At 8:30, a 5-kilometer running race, a 5k disability awareness walk a 1k fun walk will begin, followed at 9:00 by an 8k running race.

Laurel Hotelling rides her cycle during a previous Laurel Run.

For the 5k and 8k events, medals will be given to the top three male and female finishers in each age group.  Besides the individual competition, there will be a team challenge. Awards will be given to the three fastest teams in both the 5k and the 8k, with each team’s time determined by the combined times of its first four finishers.

Saturday’s events also will include fun runs for children age 7 and younger starting at 10:00, followed by another Laurel’s Legacy Lap, which is for anyone with a disability.

The Laurel Run was created in 1997 by Silver Creek residents Wayne and Elaine Hotelling in honor of their daughter Laurel, who had Down syndrome. Thanks to the support she received from her family, her community and The Resource Center, Laurel had a full and productive life. She passed away in 2017 at the age of 54.

Money raised through the Laurel Run/Walk goes to Filling the Gap, Inc., which works with The Resource Center to improve the lives of people with disabilities and their families in Chautauqua County. Event proceeds are directed to The Resource Center Laurel Run Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation and are used to promote disability awareness initiatives and to enhance employment and work training opportunities for people with disabilities.

Beginning this year, a portion of the Laurel Run/Walk proceeds will be directed to the Dr. John Vona Smile Fund at the Community Foundation. This new fund was established by the children of Dr. Vona, a longtime dentist in Northern Chautauqua County who spent the last 20 years of his career at TRC Community Health Center. Dr. Vona, who died last year, was passionate about ensuring the oral health of people with disabilities, and the Smile Fund was created to provide money so people with special needs can access quality dental care.

Dr. John Vona

Coincidentally, Dr. Vona was the dentist for Laurel Hotelling and the Hotellings’ other children. He also was a regular attendee at the Laurel Run/Walk events in Silver Creek, cheering on his granddaughter, Kim (Vona) Tomasik, who has won the women’s 8k race a record eight times.

To register to participate in one of the events or to make a donation, visit www.laurel-run.com.

Dan and Beth Hocking, Owners of ACME The Appliance Store, recently donated a Frigidaire Chest Freezer that will be used for a drawing to support the 29^th Annual TRC Golf Classic.

The TRC Golf Classic is the major annual fund-raising event for Filling the Gap, Inc., a Jamestown-based non-profit organization that works with The Resource Center to support people with disabilities and other socioeconomic challenges in Chautauqua County. In its first 28 years, the tournament has netted over $1.84 million for the TRC Foundation Fund, which raises money to improve the lives of people with disabling conditions in Chautauqua County.

“The Resource Center is an integral asset for our community, said Dan Hocking.  “ACME the Appliance Store is pleased to once again serve as a community partner and donate this Frigidaire Chest Freezer to help raise money for the TRC Golf Classic.  Beth & I are strong advocates for our community and are pleased to assist the Resource Center, an organization that empowers others to realize their full potential.”

The 2025 TRC Golf Classic is scheduled for July 21 at Moon Brook Country Club in Jamestown.  This year’s event is sold out for the first time in over 20 years.  For more information, please visit www.trcgolfclassic.com.

Picture:  l to r – Colton Hanson and Justin Fardink, Special Olympics Athletes.

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