Britnie Barmore, Joan Scalise and Nancy Scott recently were honored with The Resource Center’s top staff awards for 2024.

Britnie, who has worked for TRC since 2014, received the Norma J. Smith Award for excellence in providing direct supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She was honored for her efforts in supporting people to enjoy self-directed lives. Britnie has supported people through major developments in their lives, particularly in learning about their early years and making connections with long-lost family members.

“She knows the people she supports and is able to help each person live a fulfilled life,” said a co-worker, Deseree Johnson, who added that Britnie is a fierce advocate for the people she supports people in obtaining the services they need. “This isn’t just a job to her; this is part of her life.”

The award was created in memory of the late Norma Smith, who worked as a direct support professional at The Resource Center from 1983 to 1991. The honor recognizes excellence exhibited by an employee in supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mark Constantino, Director of Site-Based Services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, presents the Norma J. Smith Award to Britnie Barmore. Looking on are Denise Jones, TRC’s Chief Executive Officer, and Melissa Rasmussen, a longtime TRC employee who is Norma Smith’s daughter.

Joan, who joined The Resource Center in 1987, received the Joseph Trusso Jr. Employee of the Year Award. As Assistant Director of Finance with responsibility over agency budgets, Joan has done a good job supporting personnel from throughout the organization develop their departmental budgets, and she is adept at effectively explaining financial matters in a way that non-financial people can understand, according to Kelly Dimitri, Chief Operating Officer.

“Her work alone is tremendously impactful for agency operations, but also to be recognized is her dedication to TRC mission,” said Michele Albaugh, Director of Staff Training & Development and Agency Facilitation. “She doesn’t forget that the work she does directly impacts service recipients in all departments of the agency.”

The award is named in memory of the late Joe Trusso, who served on The Resource Center’s board of directors for 38 years and was a strong advocate for TRC employees and people with disabilities.

Joan Scalise holds her Employee of the Year Award while posing with, from left, Resa Rosen-Murray, Donna Trusso, Denise Jones, TRC’s Chief Executive Officer, and Kelly Dimitri, Chief Operating Officer. Resa and Donna, both longtime TRC employees, are relatives of the award’s namesake, Joe Trusso.

Nancy, who has worked at The Resource Center since 2019, received the Allied Industries Employee of the Year Award. She was honored for the way she performs her job as a Production Lead at TRC’s Jamestown manufacturing facility.

“Nancy has the respect and admiration of her peers, management and our customers. She is reliable, efficient, and knowledgeable about everything in the pack department,” said Dan Micek, Production Superintendent. “Nancy leads by example with a can-do attitude, she is always looking for ways to improve the department.  She is friendly and easy to approach. She is a team player, she is always helpful and the go-to person for her co-workers and management when issues arise.”

The three were honored during The Resource Center’s 40^th annual Employee Service Recognition Luncheon, which was held at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron.

Nancy Scott holds her Allied Industries Employee of the Year Award while posing with, from left, Dan Micek, Production Superintendent; Dr. Dawn Columbare, Vice Chair of TRC’s Board of Directors; Ashley Winship, Director of Business Operations; and Nick Bell, Director of Allied Production Operations.

Other employees nominated for the Smith, Trusso or Allied awards were Jason Basile, Courtney Chapman, Kristen Farmer, Leslie Fickling, Briana Green, Jodie Johnson, Joshua Johnson, Kaitlin Kell, Matthew Makuch, Michael McCoy, Charles Nobbs, Shanon Odebralski, Matthew Olson, William Paul, Kreana Peru, Sara Skinner, Cheryl Stow, Ashlee Terry, Stephanie Thomas, and Terry Williams.

Members of the awards selection committee were Kevin Anderson, Victoria Bardo, Bonnie DeJoy, Verna Dickinson, Leslie DiNapoli, Marcos Figueroa, Deseree Johnson, Melissa Rasmussen, Wendy Stimson, Donna Trusso, and Jane Young.

Combined, they have more than 2,000 years of service with The Resource Center. And the contributions of those 141 people were celebrated when TRC held its 40^th Employee Service Recognition Luncheon.

The event, held at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron, honored employees and members of the board of directors who, during 2024, reached milestone years of service with The Resource Center.

The longest-serving employees recognized at this year’s event were Cynthia Miller, who is a cleaner (45 years), and Kathy Constantino, staff assistance specialist (40 years).

Cynthia Miller receives her award for 45 years of service from Rhonda Howard, Director of Human Resources.

Kathy Constantino receives her award for 40 years of service from Rhonda Howard, Director of Human Resources.

Honored for 35 years of service with TRC were Sherry Carnes, imaging specialist; Robbie Dickey, cleaner; Donna Eddy, day services supervisor; Beth Jermain, support option administrator; Karen Silzle, self-determination assistant; and Karen Williamson, direct support professional lead.

From left are 35-year honorees Sherry Carnes, Donna Eddy and Beth Jermain.

Those completing 30 years of employment were Heather C. Brown, Heather Burch, Ronald Corson, Sarah Curran, Kristen Farmer, Lisa Gross, Ann McKillip, and Evelyn Wright-Kegelmyer.

From left are 30-year honorees Ronald Corson, Heather C. Brown, Kristen Farmer, Lisa Gross, Ann McKillip, and Evelyn Wright-Kegelmyer.

Recognized for 25 years of service were Sabrina Avery, Marie Carrubba, Brian Crawford, Susan Engstrom, Rosanna Hatfield, Jamie Intihar, Jodie Johnson, Joshua Johnson, Kevin Konko, and Marcia Restivo.

From left are 25-year honorees Marie Carrubba, Marcia Restivo, Jamie Intihar, Sabrina Avery, and Rosanna Hatfield.

Honored for 20 years of service were Debra Adams, Ned Battle, William Bowler, Shelly Coleson, Christine Cook, Shirley DeGolier, Tammy Fardink,  R. Michael Goldman, Carla MacTavish, Tammy Marks, Maureen Peterson, Ashley Piazza, Robert Radack, Jeffrey Schuster, Gregory Slagle, Cheryl Stow, and Penny Woodring,

From left are 20-year honorees Tammy Fardink, Shelly Coleson, Maureen Peterson, Penny Woodring, Jeffrey Schuster, Debra Adams, and William Bowler.

Completing 15 years of service in 2024 were Robert Bialaszewski, Annmarie Bonfiglio-Davis, Benjamin Burkhart, Jason Carnahan, Christopher Davis, Verna Dickinson, Michael Duncanson, Deja Ferrara, Carol Hanson, David Hedstrand, Nancy Johnson, Roy Knight, Gerald Lundberg, Michael Makuch, Jade Peterson, Lisa Rios, Allison Urbanski, Michael VanVlack, and Michael Winship.

From left are 15-year honorees Nancy Johnson, Annmarie Bonfiglio-Davis, Christopher Davis, Verna Dickinson, Allison Urbanski, and Lisa Rios.

Recognized for 10 years of service were Tania Alfonso, Christopher Anderson, Jon Annis, Britnie Barmore, Alex Berdine, Donna Bloss, Singen Bowler, Joanne Campbell, Timothy Carlson, Larissa Catanese, Wendy Doutt, Kelly Edwards. Donna Haenggi, Jessica Hagle, Stefanie Howie, Sarah Knuth, Richard Meek, Kay Miller, Kolleen Nary, Rosa Otero-Pagan, Maggie Rivera, Harold Roberts, Ashley Russell, Luz Santana, Martin Seekings, Andrea Shierling, Michael Tilyou, and Sandra Young.

From left are 10-year honorees Sandra Young, Britnie Barmore, Christopher Anderson, Kay Miller, Donna Haenggi, Singen Bowler, Wendy Doutt, Kolleen Nary, Andrea Shierling, Ashley Russell, and Kelly Edwards.

Those who last year completed five years of service with TRC were James Addington, Nicole Armentrout, Jason Basile, Nicholas Bell, Savannah Brown, Candace Bush, Shayna Caine, Pedro Casado, Elimaries Correa, Abigail Courtney, Ifraim Cruz, Laura Cummings, Timothy Danielson, Kim Davis, Sean Davis, Ricki DeGolier, Bonnie DeJoy, Terrena Derby, Alex Dirling, Rachel Echevarria, Ashley Emke, Sterling Feaster, Paul Giannini, Timothy Gifford, Lisa Goodell, Lillian Gordon, James Haick, Cody Hardinger, Jessica Harley, Elena Hernandez, Rhonda Howard, Susan Ingersoll, Sandra Korzeniewski, Jaime Lauffenburger, Jenna Mosher, Leah Mosier, Julio Nazario, Alexis Nelson, Ryan Nordine, Amie Norton, Juan Pagan Hernandez, Steven Parker, Jordan Peters, Satori Powell, Samantha Sanchez, Nancy Scott, Dr. Cain Sonney, Francy Swartz, Kassandra Tilyou, Nancheska Torres, and Danielle Williams.

Welcoming remarks were given by Dr. Dawn Columbare, the vice chair of TRC’s Board of Directors.

“On behalf of the Board, I am honored to bring you our thanks for your dedication to meeting the mission of The Resource Center. Whether you are one of our honorees, a team member supporting our honorees, a family member, or a volunteer, we appreciate your heartfelt commitment and dedication to maximizing the quality of life of everyone we serve,” Dawn said.

“If you are a staff member, you undoubtedly contribute to the success of your team and foster an environment where you, your co-workers and the people we serve can thrive,” Dawn added. “You help us gain greater heights every day, and we sincerely thank you for your contributions to the success in meeting our mission.”

Denise Jones, Chief Executive Officer, gave the closing remarks.

“I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to all of our honorees,” Denise said. “Your commitment, teamwork and loyalty make all the difference for your co-workers and the people we support. Every day, you are contributing to something much larger than ourselves. Whether it’s a breakthrough moment, a milestone in someone’s journey, or the consistent knowledge and support you provide, you are creating a lasting impact in people’s lives.

“While we are here to celebrate the incredible service milestones you have reached, let us also remember our work is never done.  Each of your journeys inspire us to continue striving for greater inclusion, understanding and respect for our mission and the people we support.”

The Resource Center was awarded $29,282 in grants from the Trustee Management Board of NYSARC Trust Services to support TRC’s Guardianship and Recreation programs in 2024.

NYSARC Trust Services administers supplemental needs trusts and pooled trusts that improve the lives of people with disabilities by enabling them to maintain eligibility for Medicaid and other means-tested government benefit programs. For 2024, NYSARC Trust Services fulfilled its commitment to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities by awarding $2,697,508 to chapters of The Arc New York statewide.

The Resource Center received $15,150 to provide guardianship services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who would not otherwise have a legal guardian or advocate. Supported by staff and community volunteers, The Resource Center’s Guardianship Program provides guardianship supports and services to three people and is ready to assist one more person as an alternate standby guardian. TRC’s Guardianship Program supports these people by giving them a sense of family and belonging, conducting person-centered planning and advocating on their behalf. TRC’s Guardianship Committee oversees their care and assists with making critical medical decisions.

Besides the grant money, there is no funding for TRC’s Guardianship Program. As a result, The Resource Center relies on financial support from families, particularly the families of those for whom TRC serves as standby guardian. For more information about the Guardianship Program, phone 716-483-2344.

Guardianship Committee member Kathy Roehm spends quality time with Kacey, one of the people for whom TRC serves as guardian.

In addition to the guardianship money, NYSARC Trust Services awarded The Resource Center $14,132 to support recreational opportunities for more than 100 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Uses of the money included attending a Jamestown Tarp Skunks baseball game and the Gerry Rodeo; visiting the National Comedy Center and Chautauqua Institution; and going to the Buffalo Zoo, the Erie Zoo, and Waldemeer Park & Water World. Funds also were used to cover the cost of having a disc jockey at The Resource Center’s monthly dances. A moderate portion of the grant was used to buy sensory supplies to support people with behavioral challenges while they attend TRC’s Day Services.

“The 2024 funding was appreciated, and it did indeed offer the opportunity for people to continue to engage in community-based activities,” said Mark Constantino, TRC’s Director of Program Operations for Site-Based Services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Attending a Jamestown Tarp Skunks baseball game provided an opportunity to pose for a photo with the team’s mascot, Whiffy.

NYSARC Trust Services has administered supplemental needs trusts since 1972, helping thousands of people with disabilities protect their eligibility for government benefits and improve their quality of life. NYSARC Trust Services’ programs give people with disabilities the opportunity to remain in their communities with greater comfort and independence while providing peace of mind to their families and loved ones.

NYSARC Trust Services administers first- and third-party pooled supplemental needs trusts to help families plan for the future of a loved one with a disability, preserve income and assets for Medicaid planning purposes and long-term care, and protect unexpected monetary windfalls. To learn more, phone 518-439-8323 or visit www.nysarctrustservices.org.

The Office of Management and Budget issued a memo late last night instructing all federal agencies, to the extent permissible under applicable law, to “temporarily pause all activities related obligation or disbursement of all Federal financial assistance, and other relevant agency activities that may be implicated by the executive orders, including, but not limited to financial assistance for foreign aid, nongovernmental organizations, DEI, woke gender ideology, and the green new deal.”

While it is unclear whether Medicaid falls within this broad scope (since Medicaid funding is provided to states and not directly to individuals), the memo allows significant discretion to for OMB in how it is implemented.

Reach out to your member of Congress to ask them to provide immediate clarity on this memo.

Take Action Now!

For decades, New York state has not made adequate investments to sustain the essential programs and services people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) rely on. This systemic underfunding has driven us into a critical staffing crisis and eroded the core of New York’s system of supports for its citizens with I/DD.

• We need support for a 7.8% Medicaid rate increase that truly reflects the cost of care. This means that every aspect of care, staff, housing, food, transportation, and more, receives the necessary resources to support the whole person.
• We need to identify the gross disparity in pay between state-operations and non-profit providers.
• We need to be included in and have access to capital funding, which supports the demands of aging facilities and does so in a manner that supports climate goals and lowers costs of operation.

Within the Executive Budget we are calling for:

1. Investment in I/DD services through a 7.8% Medicaid rate increase to stabilize non-profit provider agencies.
2. Creation of a Wage Commission to examine the roles and responsibilities of human service workers and establish fair, sustainable compensation standards commensurate with that work.
3. Enhanced Capital Funding to help agencies modernize their operations, making them more energy-efficient and in alignment with the state’s climate goals.

These are more than just budget requests, they are a commitment to providing the stable care system that people with I/DD deserve.

Advocate Here!

The Ask 

Contact your Senators and Representative today and urge them to reject any proposals that reduce federal Medicaid funding. Cuts to Medicaid would threaten critical home and community-based services (HCBS) for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

The Details

Congressional leaders are discussing proposals that could significantly reduce Medicaid funding, including per-capita caps, reducing the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) floor, and rescinding enhanced funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). While these ideas are still in the early stages and remain undefined, they pose serious risks to services for individuals with I/DD.

Cuts to Medicaid could fundamentally change the program’s structure, shifting costs to states and jeopardizing access to HCBS. This could lead to longer waitlists, fewer available services, and higher rates of institutionalization—placing immense strain on individuals, families, and providers.

Advocate Here! 

A commitment to its employees’ well-being has resulted in The Resource Center again being named one of the healthiest employers in the United States.

For the ninth straight year, The Resource Center is included on the list of the “Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America” by Springbuk, a health analytics company that has conducted the annual Healthiest Employers competition since 2009. This year, The Resource Center is ranked No. 63.

The Healthiest Workplaces in America program honors people-first organizations that prioritize the well-being of their employees.  These Healthiest 100 companies were recognized because of their commitment to workplace wellness and their exceptional health and benefits offerings. They were chosen out of the national pool of applicants from all regions, size categories and industries. Award applicants were evaluated across six categories: culture and leadership commitment; strategic planning; communications and marketing; programming and interventions; reporting and analytics; and foundational components.

The Resource Center also is a member of the Healthiest Employers Hall of Fame.

The Resource Center was eligible for the Healthiest 100 Workplaces competition after finishing atop the other finalists among Extra Large companies (those with 500 to 1,499 full-time employees) at the annual Western New York employer wellness competition in August. It marked the eighth time in the last nine years we claimed the top spot in our division at that event, which is coordinated by Buffalo Business First.

The key to The Resource Center’s inclusion as one of the country’s healthiest workplaces is our STARS employee wellness program. STARS assesses each person along five life dimensions: basic needs, physical health, mental wellness, family/social relationships, and employment issues. STARS participants meet with a certified health coach to develop and monitor a personalized wellness plan. STARS members receive discounts on their health care costs and wellness activities, and they can earn incentive points they may redeem for prizes.

Participation in the STARS program is voluntary. Many of the wellness activities are open to all TRC employees, not just those who are enrolled in STARS.

We congratulate our STARS team for their continued excellent operation of the program and for making TRC one of the nation’s healthiest workplaces!

Members of the STARS Wellness Team (from left, Jon DeSantis, Donna Trusso and Heather Courtney) pose with their first-place trophy from this year’s Western NY Healthiest Employers competition.

The achievements of people with disabling conditions and those who support individuals with special needs were shared at The Resource Center’s 35th Ability Awareness Awards Celebration.

The event took place at Shorewood Country Club in Dunkirk. The celebration was an opportunity to recognize people with disabling conditions who have made meaningful strides in their lives, as well as honor community residents and organizations that have helped improve the lives of those who have a disability.

(Watch the video from the event)

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

“We have some outstanding honorees this year – individuals with disabling conditions who use their lived experiences to support and advocate for others; people with mental health and substance abuse challenges who have succeeded in building successful lives; longtime employees who make a tremendously positive difference in the lives of people with disabilities and the community; businesses that provide jobs to people with disabilities or provide funding that enables us to expand services; and community leaders who have used their personal or professional platforms to educate the public about people with disabilities,” Jones said.

The first honor presented was the Community Partnership Award, and it was given to Laurie Reynolds. Reynolds, Associate Director of Prevention Works, was honored for being the lead organizer of the annual Kids & Sibs summer camp for children with special needs and their siblings.

Laurie Reynolds

The Employer of the Year was the Original Crunch Roll Factory in Westfield. The company has three workers hired through The Resource Center’s Employment Services Program. TRC officials praised Crunch Roll for providing a work environment that feels safe and welcoming, demonstrating commitment and expressing encouragement to its workers with disabilities, and being willing to assist with workers’ transportation barriers.

Pictured from left are Paul Hurley, Employment Coordinator at The Resource Center; Zachary Bohn, President of the Original Crunch Roll Factory; Tabitha Gens, a worker at Crunch Roll’s Westfield location; Danielle Payne, the company’s Operations Consultant; and Mark Bohn, Crunch Roll’s Owner.

The Advocate of the Year and was presented to Michael Ostrye. Ostrye works at The Resource Center’s Dunkirk manufacturing facility and is a member of TRC’s Make a Mark self-advocacy group. In that role, he meets with elected officials to advocate for more funding for disability supports and to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life.

The Outstanding Achievement Award was presented to a person who wanted to be identified only by their initials. D.C. has developed coping skills to effectively deal with substance abuse challenges and is working on obtaining a college degree with a goal of being self-employed.

The Elmer Muench Volunteer of the Year was Heather C. Brown. Brown, Assistant Executive Director at The Resource Center. Among her volunteer endeavors, Brown is the president of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, is a member of the Carnahan Jackson Foundation’s board of directors and serves on the Workforce Investment Board. She also serves on two state-wide organizations that focus on improving access to health care for underserved populations. In addition, this marks the 24^th straight year she has been a lead coordinator of the Marine Toys for Tots drive in Chautauqua County.

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.

The Carl Cappa Humanitarian Award was presented to Lake Shore Savings. Lake Shore has been the presenting sponsor of the annual TRC Golf Classic for the past 13 years and recently committed for the next three tournaments. Lake Shore has been a longtime supporter of people with disabilities, and over the years the bank has contributed more than $250,000 to The Resource Center, Filling the Gap and Community Inclusion, Inc.

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

The Health Provider of the Year was Tammy Fardink. Fardink is a registered nurse who oversees nursing operations at 10 TRC homes. She has developed meaningful relationships with the people living in the homes and demonstrates for co-workers the path toward person-centered thinking and doing. She ensures people receive the adaptive equipment and medications they require to be as successful and independent as possible, and she educates other members of her medical team on innovative treatments that can support people with disabilities to enjoy long, heathy lives.

The Personal Success Award was given to Ashley Martin. With support from staff in TRC’s PROS (Personalized Recovery Oriented Services) Program, Martin has overcome the effects of depression, going from someone who did not want to leave home most days to a person who is working full time, managing money, going out in the community, providing for her daughter, and creating friendships.

The Edwin Roth Mental Health Award was given to Jeff Axelson. Axelson, a peer advocate and employment specialist with The Resource Center’s PROS Program, supports people with mental health challenges and those who struggle with substance abuse.

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

The Bruce Walford Community Support Award was presented to Assemblyman Andrew Goodell. Goodell regularly attends events put on by TRC and Filling the Gap; has spoken passionately about TRC on the Assembly floor; and has provided support when TRC officials have had issues with state government. He’s also been a supporter of TRC’s art program and on the walls outside of his Capitol office he has hung paintings made by artists with disabilities.

The Community Support Award was created in memory of Bruce Walford, former manager of The Resource Center’s manufacturing center in Dunkirk. Walford’s widow, Laurel, attended the luncheon and shared some thoughts about him.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Dennis Webster. Webster recently retired after a 54-year career at WJTN radio in Jamestown. For about 25 years, he aired a regular program that focused on The Resource Center, helping to educate the community about the services TRC provides.

Pictured from left are Jacob Vasquez, who assisted in presenting the awards; Assemblyman Andy Goodell, who received the Community Support Award; Heather C. Brown, who was the Volunteer of the Year; Mike Ostrye, Advocate of the Year; Jeffrey Werdein and Taylor Gilden of Lake Shore Savings, which received the Humanitarian Award; Jeff Axelson, Mental Health Award; Dennis Webster, Lifetime Achievement Award; and Ashley Martin, Personal Success Award.

Also recognized at the awards celebration was Keith Gowan, 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. Gowan, a cleaner in TRC’s Environmental Services division, has worked at the rest area for 14 years. His supervisors say he has a positive attitude and a great work ethic, and he takes pride in his work. Gowan also received this award in 2013.

Closing remarks were given by Richard Erickson, the chair of The Resource Center’s board of directors. Erickson praised the honorees with disabilities for their accomplishments, and he thanked the staff and corporate honorees for making it possible for people with disabilities to succeed. He also encouraged those in attendance to become members of The Resource Center to amplify TRC’s influence when it advocates for more funding for supports for people with disabilities.

“It is important that we get membership, and we have to grow our membership,” Erickson said. “We’ve got to strengthen our voice, and we need to get that support.” He said doing so will help ensure that quality supports for people with disabilities will continue.

Jacob Vasquez, a self-advocate 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 and Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel.

TRC self-advocates who have recently passed away will be remembered at our annual William Haenggi Celebration of Life on Friday, November 15.

The free event will run from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Conference Center of our administrative offices at 200 Dunham Avenue in Celoron. (Park in the rear lot and enter through the door at the top of the ramp to the left.)

At the event, we’ll remember people with developmental disabilities who received supports from TRC and who died since the last Celebration of Life was held in November 2023. Following the remembrance, there will be a dance. For more information, phone Erica Suroviec, Recreation Coordinator, at 716-483-2344, extension 20126.

The Celebration of Life is named in memory of Bill Haenggi, a longtime member of TRC’s Board of Directors. For years, Bill and his wife, Donna (who currently serves on the Board), led a Bible study group for people with intellectual disabilities.

Our William Haenggi Celebration of Life Fund provides money to cover funeral and burial/cremation costs of TRC self-advocates. If you’re unable to attend the Celebration of Life, please consider making a donation to the William Haenggi Celebration of Life Fund in memory of someone whose life was enhanced by The Resource Center.

Here are some of the people who will be remembered this year:

Eugene “Gene” Ford

Daniel Hayes

Bruce Hazelton

Wayne Johnson

Thomas “Tom” O’Dwyer

Robert “Bobby” Pratt

Jerome “Jerry” Reed

Patricia Rugg

Jeffrey Stewart

Genevieve “Genny” Stone

Richard Tocco

Area residents can do some holiday shopping while learning about the programs The Resource Center offers to people with disabilities when TRC hosts its 25^th Craft Bazaar on Friday, November 15.

The event will run from 8:00 to 3:00 on the first floor of TRC’s Michael J. Raymond Center, 75 Jones & Gifford Avenue in Jamestown. Free, off-street parking is available in the lot across the road.

Crafts and artwork produced by TRC staff and self-advocates will be available for a suggested donation. Baked goods and plants also can be purchased, and there will be a hot dog bar for lunch. There also will be a drawing for donated prizes.

Here is a sampling of some of the items that will be available at the Craft Bazaar.

Proceeds from the event will support TRC’s Day Habilitation Programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

In addition to the bazaar, there will be an open house so attendees can tour the building and learn about the activities that take place.

For more information, phone 716-661-4800, extension 20031.

From left, Grace, Tamara, Anne, Robin, and Maria display some of the items that will be available at the Craft Bazaar. Anne, Grace, Maria, and Tamara are members of The Resource Center’s Voices for Choices self-advocacy group, which donated an item for the event. Robin is a TRC employee who organizes the bazaar each year.