The Resource Center recently observed National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week by honoring several employees who have done an exemplary job in providing direct support to the people with disabilities who TRC serves.

The agency’s annual Everyday Heroes Celebration was an opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of direct support professionals (DSPs) throughout the agency while spotlighting six employees for their efforts during the past year. Those employees were Brian Burch, Larissa Catanese, Holly Lange, Lisa Schmid-Miller, Christine Southwick, and Allison Urbanski.

Mark Morton, Assistant Executive Director for Employee Relations, welcomed people to the event. He noted that there are about 75,000 DSPs in New York State and some 875,000 nationwide, providing a range of supports to people with disabilities. He said that although there are so many DSPs in the United States, much of the general public is not familiar with the job title and the duties involved. Efforts are under way to improve people’s awareness of DSPs and the jobs they perform.

“My hope is that someday when someone asks you what you do and you say, `I’m a direct support professional,’ they will nod their head with understanding as if you said, `I’m a nurse’ or ‘I’m a teacher,’” Mark said. “What you do is as valuable and important as those professions”

He noted that when he began working for TRC in 1978, it was as a DSP. “I remember it being hard, especially at first. I remember coming across situations where I wasn’t sure what to do,” he said. “But most of my best experiences and fondest memories come from that time. I was asked to do things I never thought I could do, and it opened my eyes to a whole new world and I became a better person from it.”

Denise Jones, TRC’s Executive Director, praised the DSPs for the support they provide to people with disabilities.

“You are family for those without a family, a voice for those who cannot speak, ears for those who can’t hear, and hands for those that cannot reach. You provide family members with peace, comfort and assurance that their loved one is receiving the supports they need,” Denise said.

“You inspire individuals to reach for new goals, challenge them to become more independent and support them in a caring way each and every day. I am inspired, as I see you throughout the community participating in countless activities which contribute to the quality of life for individuals you support. On behalf of our board of directors, the individuals you support and their families, and from the bottom of my heart, thank you for making a difference.”

Assemblyman Andy Goodell dropped by the event to praise TRC’s DSPs.

“In my mind, the everyday heroes here at The Resource Center are the people that really make a difference in people’s lives every day. What could be more important than a person who comes on every work day, does their best and makes life better for someone else every day?” said Assemblyman Goodell, adding that one of his daughter’s had worked as a DSP in a TRC home. “For parents and families, thank you so much for being an everyday hero in someone else’s life.”

Congressman Tom Reed’s representative, Katrina Fuller, also attended the celebration, which she said was an opportunity to “shine the light on your dedication, commitment and compassion.” She said that as an area native, she is familiar with the important roles that DSPs play. “You are the unsung heroes who come in every day and work hard,” she told the DSPs. She and Goodell brought with them certificates for the DSPs being honored.

The Resource Center also presented awards to the six everyday heroes. The gifts were handed out by Mary Jo Hamilton, Director of Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services, and Terri Johnson, Director of Employment and Community-Based Services.

“I am honored to be standing here today in honor of our direct support professionals who make all things happen,” Mary Jo said. “The list of duties is endless, but it all amounts to ensuring that the people we support are living a meaningful life. You do this by getting to know the person, role modeling, listening deeply, taking time, being patient, and on and on.”

Terri said she researched the characteristics possessed by everyday heroes and found these four traits: awareness, authenticity, recognizing one’s power, and service. She said TRC’s everyday heroes exemplify those four characteristics in the course of their work days, and she acknowledged that their jobs are not easy   “Every day comes with different challenges.”

Here are this year’s Everyday Heroes:

Brian Burch – Brian works as a Transportation Aide and as a DSP in several of The Resource Center’s homes. He has been with TRC since 2001.

Brian is described as being an employee who will help out whenever called upon. “All of us can depend on him to show up,” said the manager of the Transportation Department. “Even in the middle of his work day for us, he will fill in at a home or program.”

Brian was cited for the way he has gotten to know a resident who has communication challenges. Through patience and experience, Brian has gotten to know the resident so well that co-workers ask for Brian’s input when developing plans for the resident. Brian helps co-workers understand how the resident communicates. With permission from the home’s managers, Brian redecorated the resident’s room to personalize it for him.

Larissa Catanese – Larissa works in one of The Resource Center’s homes on Benedict Avenue in Jamestown. She has been with TRC since 2014.

Larissa is described as having a servant’s heart and always willing to lend a hand, no matter what the job is. She plays a key role in the day-to-day flow of getting the residents where they need to be.

“It is easy to tell as you watch her go about her day that she has a real love for those we serve and enjoys her work here,” said the co-worker who nominated her. “She has gone the extra mile so often that it is almost part of her normal work day.”

Click here to watch an interview with Larissa.

Holly Lange – Holly works in the Day Program on Jones & Gifford Avenue in Jamestown. She has worked for The Resource Center since 2007.

Holly is described as a confident person who always gets her work done, even during stressful or demanding situations. She establishes friendly relations with co-workers and the program participants she supports.

“Holly does not hesitate in helping out others,” wrote one person who nominated her as am Everyday Hero, “and with her upbeat personality and positive attitude, she makes each day fun for those around her.”

Another co-worker said of Holly, “All the participants really enjoy her, and the way she treats them is amazing.”

Click here to watch an interview with Holly.

Lisa Schmid-Miller – Lisa is a Community Coach in TRC’s Community-Based Services Program. She has worked for The Resource Center since 2014.

Lisa is described as kind, patient, creative, and dependable, as well as someone who is patient and doesn’t show frustration when stressful situations arise.

“Lisa takes time to thoroughly get to know the people she is supporting, discovering what their likes and dislikes are. She then incorporates their personalities into providing the ideal type of support,” wrote the person who nominated her as an Everyday Hero. “When you see Lisa in action in her role as a community coach, you know her heart is in it. Not only is she a great staff to the people she supports but she is a superb employee.”

Click here to watch an interview with Lisa.

Christine Southwick – Christine works in The Resource Center’s home on Forest Avenue in Jamestown. She has been with TRC since 2012.

Christine is described as being a team player and a strong advocate for the home’s residents. If she feels that an activity or routine is not working for one of the residents, she will speak up and discuss possible changes with co-workers and supervisors.

“Christine really stands out as an employee that truly gets to know each individual she cares for,” wrote the person who nominated as an Everyday Hero. “She takes the time to find out what works and doesn’t work for each individual. She can communicate effectively with everyone, no matter their communication preferences or abilities.”

Click here to watch an interview with Christine.

Allison Urbanski – Allison works in one of TRC’s homes on Hunt Road in Busti. She has worked for The Resource Center since 2009.

Allison is described as being a strong advocate for the people she supports, and she is the favorite staff member of many of the residents. She sets an example for her co-workers and is a good coach for new employees. “Allison isn’t afraid to challenge decisions made and forces those around her to look at the bigger picture,” said the co-worker who nominated her as an Everyday Hero.

Sixteen other employees nominated for Everyday Hero recognition received honorable mention: Brianna Ashdown, Britnie Barmore, Tammi Blodien, Emily Brown, Rose DeJesus, Diego Ermida, Karla Gutknecht, Carla Hall, Brook Kesby, Amanda Little, Ashley Luka, Haydee Marte, Dante Moore, Justin Simpson, Jeanne Slade, and Dawn Wachter.

Click here to watch an interview with Allison.

A radio show about the Everyday Heroes celebration will air from 11:30 to noon Saturday, September 29, on WJTN 1240 AM. The program also will stream live at www.mediaonegroup.com.

Click here if you’d like to make a donation to next year’s Everyday Heroes celebration in honor of one of this year’s awardees.

Nominations are being accepted for The Resource Center’s 30th annual Disability Awareness and Recognition Awards.

Every year, people with disabilities in Chautauqua County make tremendous strides in their quest to lead productive, meaningful lives. And every day, they are supported in their efforts by a wide segment of the community that appreciates and values the contributions those with disabilities can make, if given a chance.

To recognize the efforts of people with disabilities and those who support them, each year The Resource Center holds a celebration to pay tribute to this deserving group by presenting the Disability Awareness and Recognition Awards. The public is encouraged to nominate people with disabilities whom they know, or people and organizations from the community that have had a positive impact on the lives of those with disabling conditions.

Nominations are being accepted in the following categories:

– Advocate of the Year, recognizing extraordinary efforts in advocating for one’s own rights or the rights of other people with disabilities.

– Bruce Walford Community Service Award, honoring a person who demonstrates the following characteristics: a commitment to the community; selflessness; the initiative and the ingenuity to forge forward and make things happen; and enthusiasm and exuberance that inspire others. This award was established in memory of the late Bruce “Wally” Walford, who was the manager of TRC’s Dunkirk Work Center Program.

– Business/Employer of the Year, recognizing an employer that has improved the availability, accessibility and quality of integrated, competitive or supported employment for people with disabilities.

– Community Support Award, given to a person, service group or business that has provided unique opportunities and experiences to people with disabilities.

– Edwin W. Roth Memorial Award, recognizing a person with a behavioral health challenge, an advocate, an agency, a professional, or a community member, that has supported efforts to improve the lives of people with mental illness or substance abuse challenges. This award is named in honor of the late Ed Roth, a New York State Office of Mental Health official who was a strong advocate for people with mental illness.

– Elmer Muench Volunteer of the Year, honoring a person who has donated time, talents and/or expertise toward improving the quality of life for people with disabilities. Volunteer service could include interacting directly with people with disabilities, assisting with special events or serving on a board or committee. This award is named in honor of the late Elmer Muench of Fredonia, a longtime volunteer and advocate for people with disabilities.

– Health Provider of the Year, honoring an entity or professional that has enhanced the lives of people with disabilities by providing outstanding health services.

– Outstanding Achievement, saluting a person with a disability who has made significant advancements in developing personal skills.

– Success of the Year, praising a person with a disability who has achieved his or her goals in the areas of community integration and/or employment.

Nominees do not have to be affiliated with The Resource Center. A selection committee composed of community volunteers will decide which nominees are most deserving of the awards.

Nominations will be accepted until August 27. Each nomination must include a narrative explaining why the nominee is deserving of an award, including examples of how the nominee has positively impacted people with disabilities. Click here to submit a nomination online. If you want a nomination form sent to you, phone Victoria Trass Bardo at 661-1477. Nominations can be mailed to the Awards Planning Committee, c/o The Resource Center, 200 Dunham Avenue, Jamestown, NY, 14701. Nominations also can be faxed to 485-4612.

The awards will be presented at the Disability Awareness Awards Celebration in October

R. Michael Goldman was reelected President of The Resource Center’s Board of Directors at TRC’s Annual Meeting, held in the agency’s administrative offices on Dunham Avenue in Celoron.

Also elected as officers for the Board’s 2018-19 term were Patricia Perlee, Vice President; Marie Carrubba, Secretary; and Craig Colburn, Treasurer.

Elected to two-year board terms were Thomas Glatz, Dr. Todd Jacobson, Rebecca Hamlet Kapple, Wayne Ormsby, Alan Richards, Tim Roche, and Jennifer Yost. Tom, Todd, Wayne, Alan, and Jenn were reelected to the Board. Rebecca and Tim are joining the Board for the first time, replacing two people who stepped down after serving on the board for many years: Julie McCarhy, who had been a Board member since 2010, and Barbara Stewart, who had served since 2003.

Elected to the Nominating Committee for The Resource Center’s 2019 election were Deborah Brown, Rita Monaco and Sharon Richards.

The Annual Meeting included a presentation by Terri Johnson, Director of Employment and community-based services, on TRC’s success in supporting people with disabilities to find and maintain jobs in the community.

After being named one of the region’s healthiest employers for two consecutive years, what did The Resource Center do for an encore?

TRC won the award for the third straight year.

The Resource Center recently was named the healthiest employer in Western New York among extra-large businesses (those employing more than 750 people) in Buffalo Business First magazine’s annual competition. The honor was announced during the Western New York’s Healthiest Employers Awards Luncheon at Buffalo Riverworks. Awards were given to the healthiest employer in four categories: small (businesses with 10 to 99 employees); medium (100-224 employees); large (225-749 employees); and extra large.

This marked the third straight year The Resource Center claimed the title in its division. TRC also was a finalist in 2015.

As in past years, the key to TRC’s success in the Healthiest Employers competition was its STARS employee wellness program. Those who operate the program – Manager Donna Trusso and Health Coaches Heather Courtney and Jon DeSantis – traveled to Buffalo for the awards luncheon knowing TRC was a finalist but not knowing whether they would claim a title for the third straight year.

“We were working with the mindset it would be a pretty steep hill to climb” to win the award this year, Jon said.

“We had some really stiff competition,” added Donna. “Some of these finalists are very large organizations.”

And what was the STARS team’s reaction when The Resource Center was announced as the winner?

“It was kind of shocking, because we weren’t expecting it at all,” Heather said.

“We have our own internal, full-time program dedicated to this; we’re not just contracting with an outside vendor. That’s what sets us apart,” said Donna, explaining that while TRC’s wellness program is operated by people who are employees of the agency, other businesses rely on external resources to operate their wellness programs.

TRC’s homegrown STARS wellness program has been operating since 2013. More than 200 employees currently are enrolled in the program, which features a personalized wellness plan based on a person’s self-reported satisfaction level along five life domains. STARS offers lunch-and-learn education and exercise get-togethers, discounts on health insurance premiums and programs such as Weight Watchers, and employees can participate in several group and individual challenges throughout the year. Through participation in those challenges and other activities, STARS enrollees earn incentive points that can be redeemed for prizes.

STARS participants annually undergo a biometric blood analysis. While individual results are confidential and shared only with the employee, the STARS team receives a report summarizing the combined results of everyone who undergoes the testing. Those data enable the STARS team to assess how well STARS enrollees are performing as a group, and the results help form the program’s goals for the following year. Based on the results of last year’s biometric screenings, the STARS team members decided that in 2018 they would focus on reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes by helping people work on initiating or maintaining healthy habits with regard to weight management, exercise, nutrition, stress deduction, and smoking cessation.

For the STARS team, proof of the program’s success can be found in several measures. For starters, some hard numbers show improvement in people’s heath:

• The prevalence of diabetes among STARS enrollees went from 16 percent in 2015 to 13 percent in 2016 and 10 percent last year.
• The percentage of STARS members who smoke went from 22.7 percent in 2015 to 16.8 percent last year.
• The per-member/per-month health care costs for STARS members were 6.9 percent lower than for TRC employees who are not enrolled in STARS.

In addition, other TRC employees have shown interest in the program. Though only employees who participate in TRC’s health plan are eligible to enroll in STARS, The Resource Center decided to allow all employees to be able to undergo health coaching with Heather and Jon. That decision has proved to be popular, so much so that TRC’s union members wanted assurances that access to STARS health coaching was included in their contract for the coming year.

While many TRC employees have taken advantage of the opportunities that STARS affords to improve their lives, the wellness team members have also been working to improve themselves. Donna earned certification as a corporate wellness specialist, while Heather and Jon have completed the requirements to become certified wellness coaches. They’ve also become certified facilitators of chronic disease and pain self-management programs and the National Diabetes Prevention Program.

Additionally, the three wellness experts have bolstered STARS’ reputation through their collaborations with other community entities and initiatives. This includes being a Premier Blood Partner for the American Red Cross by virtue of the successful blood drives the STARS team has conducted at The Resource Center. Additional collaborations include CHQ250 (a county-wide initiative that emphasizes healthy behaviors aimed at reducing the number of heart attacks and strokes in Chautauqua County) and the Chautauqua Health Action Team (CHAT), which meets quarterly to discuss strategies to promote health and wellness in Chautauqua County.

The members of the STARS team are pleased with the positive changes they’ve seen among TRC employees seeking to improve their health. Those changes include staff getting in some exercise walking during work breaks and choosing among the healthier option when deciding what to eat.

“We’re starting to change the culture. More times than not, they’re going to make that healthy choice,” Jon said. “People want to do better and get better.”

“I like to see people taking ownership of their wellness and having things that they want to change,” Heather said. “You go home at the end of the day feeling like you’ve genuinely made a difference.”

Donna applauds those employees who have taken steps to make positive changes in their lives. For those who may be considering making some life-style changes to improve their lives, she cautions that it can be difficult to commit to making changes, and it will take time to see results.

“It does take a lot of effort and a lot of internal motivation. People tend to want immediate results. It’s not going to happen overnight,” she said. “Change is hard, and results are not fast. Just like anything in life, worthwhile results take hard work.”

She added that improved employee health also benefits the well-being of the people with disabilities who TRC supports.

“If employees are healthier and happier, they’re going to want to come to work,” Donna said. “If employees are healthier and happier, they’ll be able to provide better quality of care.”

TRC administrators are proud that the STARS team again has been recognized for its efforts, and they are excited that the program is resulting in healthier employees.

“We are so pleased to be able to support our most valuable asset, our employees, with wellness activities and health coaching,” said Heather Brown, Assistant Executive Director. “This is an exemplary team who goes above and beyond each day to  make TRC a shining ‘STAR’ in our community.”

Having won Western New York’s Healthiest Employers competition for a third straight year, the STARS team is setting its sights on the national competition on September. Last year TRC was ranked the 19^th healthiest workplace in America.

The STARS team wants to continue to improve the health of The Resource Center’s employees. Immediate goals include making presentations among different employee groups at more of TRC’s 40-plus locations, so that staff members who might be unfamiliar with STARS can learn what the program has to offer. They would also like to see the annual biometric screenings be made available to all employees, not just those enrolled in STARS.

“I think that we’ve done some great things, and the sky’s the limit for it,” Jon said of the STARS program. “We’re a nationally recognized workplace in one of the unhealthiest areas of New York State.”

Denise Jones’ reputation as a regional leader continues to grow.

Denise, The Resource Center’s chief executive officer, is ranked number 15 on Buffalo Business First magazine’s 2018 list of the 125 most powerful women in Western New York. This marks the fourth consecutive year Denise has been ranked in the top 50 on the annual list of the most powerful businesswomen in the eight-county region. It also marked the second time this year she has been recognized by Business First: in February, the magazine ranked Denise No. 86 on its list of the 250 most influential people in Western New York.

To decide who should be included on the 2018 Power 125 Women list and where to rank each person, Business First relied on the observations and opinions of its reporters and editors.

“In the four years we’ve been compiling this list, we know there are two dominating constants among the women: an aptitude to take risks and the fortitude to withstand all kinds of pressure,” Business First wrote in announcing this year’s Power 125 Women.

TRC officials were pleased that Denise again has been recognized by Business First.

“The Resource Center is very fortunate to have Denise as our CEO,” said R. Michael Goldman, the president of TRC’s Board of Directors. “During her tenure she has not only improved our financial results, but at the same time has vastly improved our quality of services. Most importantly, she has our staff working together in a very positive atmosphere, which has made us one of the best places to work and grow.

“We congratulate her on this very prestigious ranking.”

Denise has been with The Resource Center since 1990. She served as TRC’s associate executive director and chief operating officer for eight years before being named executive director and CEO in 2015. Denise said she was humbled at being included among the Power 125 Women, and she credited TRC’s staff for the agency’s success.

“I’m fortunate to be surrounded by an extremely dedicated team who exemplifies the person-centered values if the organization,” Denise said. “I feel very fortunate to be entrusted with the leadership of this tremendous organization.”

She added that she was encouraged by the fact that also included among the Power 125 Women were the leaders of several other organizations that support people with disabilities. “I think it’s wonderful that Business First recognizes the impact our industry has.”

The Resource Center has been supporting people with disabilities and their families since 1958. The Resource Center also provides a variety of health-related services that can be utilized by anyone, regardless of whether they have a disability. TRC also performs subcontracting work for local businesses and the federal government at manufacturing facilities in Jamestown and Dunkirk. To learn more, phone 483-2344 or visit www.resourcecenter.org.

Others from Chautauqua County who made the Power 125 Women list include:

• Senator Catharine Young, No. 3
• Dr. Virginia Horvath, President of the State University of New York at Fredonia, No. 19
• Betsy Wright, President and CEO of WCA Hospital, No. 33
• Anna Dibble, Plant Manager at Cummins Inc., No. 99
• Journey Gunderson, Executive Director of the National Comedy Center, No. 125

The fourth annual Lip Sync Battle fund-raiser to support people with disabilities will take place Friday, August 17, at the Celoron Legion, located at the corner of Fairmount and Jackson avenues.

The lip-syncing competition is open to anyone. People can participate as solo acts or as a group. The cost to compete is $10 per act. Performers should bring a CD of their music. Acts will be judged on how well they lip sync; the creativity of their performance; and their “WOW” factor. It is common for patrons to tip the contestants as they perform, and the performer earning the most tip money will receive bonus points in the competition.

The first-place act will receive $300, with $125 awarded for second place $75 for third. The winning act also will receive a trophy. People wishing to compete must register in advance by phoning event organizer Marcos Figueroa at 951-6118.

For those who want to attend the Lip Sync Battle but don’t wish to perform, tickets are $5 pre-sale or $10 at the door. Pre-sale tickets are available at The Resource Center’s administrative offices, 200 Dunham Avenue in Celoron, and at the offices of Filling the Gap, Inc., located in the Felice Corporate Center at 92 Fairmount Avenue in Jamestown.

Money raised through the Lip Sync Battle will be donated to the Mark Pacheco WOW (Working on Wonders) Fund. The WOW Fund awards money to people with special needs so they can do things they may not otherwise be able to afford, such as attend a sporting event or a concert.

The fund was created in memory of Mark Pacheco, an employee of The Resource Center who died in 2010 of injuries sustained in an altercation on a Jamestown street. Mark’s family and friends suggested the establishment of the WOW Fund as a tribute to him and to create something positive from his death.

“I took this opportunity to make a bad situation into something I know Mark would love,” said Marcos, Mark’s friend and co-worker. “The money raised goes to individuals with developmental disabilities to grant a wish or a dream that they may have or want but just do not have enough funds.”

The doors open at 7:00, and the show will start at 9:00. Before the competition begins, professional lip-syncing performers Fantasee Island and Jenna Jacobs are scheduled to perform, as is Angel Rodriguez, who won last year’s Lip Sync Battle.

Besides the on-stage entertainment, there will be drawings for dozens of prizes donated by area businesses. The top prize is an eight-hour pontoon boat rental donated by Ashville Bay Marina.

For more information about the Lip Sync Battle, phone Marcos or visit its Facebook event page.

Employees at one of The Resource Center’s homes have been recognized for their efforts in supporting a resident while he was hospitalized in Buffalo.

The staff at the A-1 home on Foote Avenue in Jamestown received the agency-wide staff appreciation award for the second quarter of 2018. The employees were honored for the ways in which they pulled together to ensure that a resident received the supports he needed while he was in the hospital without compromising the quality of care required by the home’s other residents. A luncheon to honor the A-1 staff recently was held in TRC’s administrative offices.

Patti Clark, the home’s Supervisor, explained that the person who was hospitalized usually is quite active, so he became frustrated at being confined to a hospital bed. He exhibits challenging behaviors, and hospital staff needed assistance in order to keep him safe and ensure that he received the required medical treatment. The A-1 staff worked together to make sure hospital coverage was provided; A-1 employees who could travel to Buffalo did so, and those who needed to stay close to their own homes covered the open shifts at A-1.

“Every day, you guys do so much, and I appreciate all of you. You cannot find a finer group of people who are dedicated to the people we support,” Patti said. “Our job is incredibly difficult, but also incredibly rewarding.”

Members of TRC’s executive staff spoke glowingly of the A-1 employees.

“The values represented by your team and the work that you do are representative of our mission,” said Executive Director Denise Jones. “This team has really come together and made it happen.” She noted that in addition to providing care at the hospital, members of A-1 transported the resident’s mother to the hospital so she could visit him.

“You guys are a great team, and you really do care for the people who live there,” Joanne Bevan, Assistant Executive Director for Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services, told the A-1 staff. “You treat them like they’re part of your family.”

“Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts,” said Mary Jo Hamilton, Director of I/DD Services.

Acting on behalf of the entire home, Behavior Support Specialists Rebecca Kendall and Carrie McCausland came forward to thank Patti for her efforts. “Patti, our home wouldn’t be as great without you. You’re the best manager The Resource Center has,” Rebecca said. “You have accelerated the success of A-1 exponentially. If it weren’t for you, we wouldn’t be where we are today.” She and Carrie presented Patti with a bouquet of flowers.

Mark Morton, Assistant Executive Director for Employee Relations, noted that Lela Berry, the Residence Coordinator overseeing A-1, had nominated the home’s staff for the award. Mark presented each member of the A-1 staff with a certificate, a monetary award and a letter congratulating the employee on being selected for the quarterly staff appreciation honor. Reading the letter aloud, Mark mentioned that the hospital staff had expressed appreciation for the support provided by TRC staff.

He concluded by saying, “Thanks so much for the great leadership provided by the management team and the dedication by the direct support staff towards the care and support of the individuals residing in A-1.”

The Bob Evans Restaurants in Dunkirk and Jamestown will raise money to support the Laurel Memorial Run & Walk on Wednesday, June 20.

From 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., the restaurants will donate 15 percent of the price of people’s meals. Patrons must present a special flyer in order for the money to be donated to Laurel Run. (The flyers appear below.) You can have a flyer faxed or emailed to you by phoning 661-4735.

Please be aware that for the Bob Evans fund-raisers, you will not receive a discount on the cost of your meal. Rather, 15 percent of what you pay for your meal will be donated to Laurel Run.

Wayne and Elaine Hotelling of Silver Creek, NY, created Laurel Run in 1997 in honor of their oldest daughter. Laurel had Down syndrome, and the Laurel Memorial Run & Walk is a celebration of the potential that exists within people who have disabilities. Laurel led a full life, which included having a job at The Resource Center’s Dunkirk Work Center for more than 30 years. Hundreds of Chautauqua County residents with disabilities have jobs – and hundreds of others volunteer in the community – with support from The Resource Center.

The 22nd annual Laurel Memorial Run & Walk takes place July 20 and 21. The first day features a Jamestown-to-Dunkirk relay run, while day two includes a number of walking and running events in the Hotellings’ hometown of Silver Creek. Money raised through Laurel Run goes to Filling the Gap, Inc., which works with The Resource Center to improve the lives of people with disabilities and their families in Western New York. For more information, visit http://laurel-run.com/or phone the Hotellings at 934-3952.

Please join is in congratulating Kennedy Parks of Silver Creek High School for creating the winning design in the 2018 Laurel Memorial Run logo contest!

Kennedy’s design, featuring a silhouette of Laurel on her three-wheel cycle, along with angel wings and a halo, really resonated with a lot of people. Kennedy, who is a senior, is getting ready to graduate and then head to D’Youville College this fall. For creating the winning design, she will receive a $100 gift card to a store of her choice.

Kennedy’s artwork was chosen from more than 70 designs submitted by local high school students.  We thank all of the students who participated in the contest, as well as their art teachers for encouraging them to submit designs.  We’re grateful to the Observer for allowing people to vote for their favorite design through the newspaper’s web site, and we thank everyone who took time to vote.

The 22^nd annual Laurel Memorial Run & Walk takes place July 20 and 21.  We hope to see you there!

An exhibit showcasing the artistic talents of people with developmental disabilities will be on display the first week of June.

Works by people in The Resource Center’s Creations art program will be on display at Raymour & Flanigan from June 4 to 8. The weeklong exhibit is titled “Warm Your Hearts with a Little Art.” People can come to the store, located at 1001 Fairmount Avenue in Jamestown, anytime during normal business hours (10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.) to view the works.

The week will culminate with a gala from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 8. The free event will feature jazz music by Curt Barnes, Steve Riczker and Carol Svensen, plus refreshments. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to meet some of the artists and buy some of the works being displayed.

The Creations program, which has been in existence for about 11 years, gives people with developmental disabilities a way to express artistically what they may have difficulty conveying verbally. Susan Gutierrez, TRC’s Art Instructor, works with hundreds of people in The Resource Center’s Day Programs in Jamestown and Dunkirk.

“I bring materials to them, and we work on projects, whether it’s painting or clay or drawing or mixed-media pieces,” Susan said in explaining her method of supporting the Creations program’s artists. “They all have incredible talents, and they’re all talented in a unique way. Some of them just need a little guidance, whether it’s just looking at a photograph to give them a little initiative and incentive to start the project, or some people may need a little hand-over-hand guidance, whether it’s from me or from their staff that work with them. When they’re given the materials, it’s amazing what they can actually create with it.”

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About 40 pieces will be on display at Raymour & Flaingan. In addition to paintings, there will be pottery, jewelry and notecards. Most of the items on display will be available for purchase.

Creations artists have had their works exhibited in a number of public venues over the years. This marks the second time Raymour & Flanigan has hosted an exhibit of works by TRC’s artists. Store officials expect that many people will attend Friday’s reception.

“We had a great time last time, so I’m hoping this is going to work out the same way. We had a lot of people come down and look at the pictures, we had a lot of people purchase, and I think that’s exciting,” said Joe Troche, the Manager of Raymour & Flanigan’s Jamestown location. “I think we’re going to have a great time, and we should have a great turnout.”

“Susan does a great job,” said Debra McVinney, who is in charge of visual merchandising at Raymour & Flanigan. “She sets up the artwork, and people can just come in and meander at their convenience during the week, and they can take a look at all the artwork. It’s so beautiful, and it’s such a reflection of some beautiful, beautiful skills that the artists have.”

“Make sure you walk throughout the whole showroom, because there will be plenty of things to see,” Debra added. “You can actually purchase, but you can’t take your purchase until the reception is over.”

Raymour & Flanigan partners with a number of local organizations throughout the year, in line with the furniture chain’s philosophy of giving back to the communities in which Raymour & Flanigan is located. The showroom holds two to four events per month to support local organizations. “We try to help as many groups as we can,” Joe said.

Those attending the art exhibit will have an opportunity to receive a discount on eligible purchases at Raymour & Flanigan through July 8.

For more information about the exhibit or the gala, phone Raymour & Flanigan at 483-3111 or The Resource Center at 483-2344.

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