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R. Michael Goldman, Esq., was reelected President of The Resource Center’s Board of Directors at TRC’s Annual Meeting, held June 12 in TRC’s administrative offices on Dunham Avenue in Celoron.

Also elected as Officers for the Board’s 2017-18 term were Patricia Perlee, Vice President; Dr. Todd Jacobson, Treasurer; and Carole Johnson, Secretary.

Reelected to two-year terms were Craig Colburn, Richard Erickson, Donna Haenggi, and Marlene Sirianno, Esq. Joining the Board for the first time was Dawn Columbare; she replaces Richard Koerner, who decided to step down after serving three years on the Board.

Elected to the Nominating Committee for TRC’s 2018 Election were Paul Andalora, Deborah Brown, Elaine Hotelling, Rebecca Hamlet Kapple, Rita Monaco, Sharon Richards, and Joan Yost.

The Annual Meeting included a presentation by Beth Jermain, Support Option Administrator, on TRC’s journey to become accredited by The Council on Quality and Leadership.

Before the meeting, attendees had the opportunity to visit with TRC staff to learn about highlights from 2016.

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Dozens of people gathered June 16 at the administrative offices of Filling the Gap, Inc., to dedicate the building in honor of Michael J. Felice and his family.

The building at 92 Fairmount Avenue in Jamestown was formally dedicated as the Felice Corporate Center. The facility houses several corporations that operate under the Filling the Gap umbrella.

Mike passed away in October at the age of 85. With Mike having served as the longtime Board chair for Filling the Gap and several of its corporations, it was appropriate that the building be named in honor of Mike, his wife, Laura, and their children.

Many of those attending the dedication ceremony on a warm, sunny and humid afternoon had their first look at the “Felice Corporate Center” lettering that had recently been installed on the building’s exterior. Because of the uncomfortable weather conditions, the ceremony was moved indoors. Denise Jones, the Chief Executive Office of The Resource Center and the Filling the Gap network, welcomed the guests.

“Mike Felice and Laura have all been very much involved and part of our organization,” Denise said. “It wasn’t just about them volunteering their time – they really became part of the TRC family, and their family became part of TRC.” She noted that many of Mike and Laura’s family members and friends who were at the ceremony have supported TRC and Filling the Gap over the years.
She said that Mike, who had volunteered his services as a Board and Committee member for more than 30 years, could always be relied upon. “Whenever he was needed, he was there.  He was someone to be absolutely counted on.”

Mike was the President of The Resource Center’s Board of Directors from 1988 to 1991. Denise said that under Mike’s leadership, TRC’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center opened in Jamestown.

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The Central Intake Office was established to serve as a single entry point for people seeking to access TRC’s services. The Board adopted the agency’s first strategic plan. TRC assumed operations of the Gateways Continuing Day Treatment Program from the Gowanda Psychiatric Center and established PsychoSocial Clubs in Dunkirk and Jamestown. TRC gained the national spotlight, first by making helmet covers for troops participating in Operation Desert Storm and then by producing air cargo bags to air-drop relief supplies into Bosnia. And the annual Disability Awareness Awards Celebration was established.

Dan Fischer, a former longtime radio executive in Jamestown, was next to speak. Dan worked for Mike at WKSN for about 30 years.

“The Resource Center was always in the periphery of everything he did at the radio station. Mike was very proud of his work there and so proud of this lady,” said Dan, gesturing toward Mike and Laura’s youngest daughter, Jennifer, “who really was the inspiration for everything that Mike did, and it permeated the staff.”

Mike began volunteering at The Resource Center shortly after Jen started receiving supports from TRC as a child. Jen continues to be involved with The Resource Center, living in a TRC home and participating in TRC’s daytime services.

Next Michael Suppa, Filling the Gap’s Vice President of Planning and Operations, read a note from William Brothers, who served with Mike Felice on TRC Foundation’s Board of Directors:

“Mike Felice was a special man. He gave generously of his time, talents and resources and was an inspiration to many. The Felice Corporate Center will stand as a legacy to his work that will continue even after his death.”

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Speaking on behalf of Filling the Gap, Mike added, ”Michael was all class, all the time. He was a wonderful man to work with, and we’re all better for it.”
Greg Peterson, Esq., who has served on the Boards of The Resource Center and TRC Foundation for 40 years, shared some of his memories of Mike. These included an idea Mike had that saw The Resource Center serve as the season-ticket sellers for the Jamestown Expos baseball team in the 1980s, a successful fund-raiser that garnered nation-wide publicity and gave area Special Olympians the opportunity to take the field with professional baseball players.

Greg added that Mike was a steadying presence at TRC during a time of tremendous change and growth.

“The stabilizing force at The Resource Center was Mike. He had a real corporate sense to him. He listened; he listened very well – a great attribute to have,” Greg said.

After Greg concluded his remarks, he called Laura and Jen forward to unveil a plaque proclaiming the building as the Felice Corporate Center.

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I’m sure Mike is looking down, and would be so happy and proud of this,” Laura said. “He just loved The Resource Center, and he loved everybody he worked with.” Laura also is a longtime TRC volunteer. She and Mike received the Lifetime Achievement Award at TRC’s Disability awareness Awards Celebration in 2011.

The last person to speak was Jen.  “Hey, Mike, I love you. I miss you a lot. I love you,” Jen said, looking toward Heaven. “In my heart. Pride and joy.” This was particularly touching because `pride and joy’ was the way Mike lovingly referred to Jen.

Afterward, guests enjoyed refreshments and the opportunity to share memories of Mike.

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The Resource Center is pleased to announce that Dr. Courtney Oliver has joined the staff of TRC’s Jamestown dental office.

A native of the Seattle area, Dr. Oliver received his bachelor degree in chemistry from Xavier University in New Orleans and his masters in oral health sciences from Boston University.  He earned his doctorate in dental surgery from Howard University in Washington, D.C., and completed his residency at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in the nation’s capital.  Before joining The Resource Center, Dr. Oliver had been practicing in New Jersey.

He has managed and diagnosed cases ranging from pediatric to geriatric by providing treatment plans that are geared toward patients’ immediate and future needs.  He has experience in oral surgery, endodontic, operative, pediatric, periodontic, and prosthodontic procedures.

Dr. Oliver said he made the decision to become a dentist while in college.  He knew he wanted to enter the medical field but wasn’t sure what discipline to concentrate on.  A chemistry professor suggested he focus on the dental profession.  Having an older brother who was a dentist, Dr. Oliver decided to give it a try, and he hasn’t looked back.
“I’ve really enjoyed the experience,” he said.  “It’s a good career profession.”

Dr. Oliver came to Jamestown by chance.  He had been looking at job opportunities in the New York City area before learning of the opening at The Resource Center.  Having just heard about Jamestown because of the nation-wide attention that was brought to the so-called “Ugly Lucy” statue of Lucille Ball, Dr. Oliver decided to check out TRC and the community as a whole.
Upon first visiting The Resource Center last summer, Dr. Oliver was pleased that the Jamestown dental office was being renovated and expanded, with new exam rooms and state-of-the-art equipment.  Those renovations were completed in October.

“One of the nicest things about coming to a new facility is that you feel as though you’re the first person to use the equipment,” said Dr. Oliver.  “The facilities that we have are amazing.  They’re on par with any place I’ve worked before.”

He added that another nice feature of The Resource Center’s dental office is that it is located in the same building as TRC’s primary care clinic.  As a result, if Dr. Oliver has a question about a dental patient who also receives primary care services from The Resource Center, he can walk over to the clinic and talk to the patient’s physician.

“I had that same experience at another place where I worked.  In order to provide the best care, you need to have access to a patient’s complete health record.”

The Resource Center’s dental office serves a diverse patient base that includes people with disabilities and the community at large, and Dr. Oliver said he is well qualified to see anyone who comes to TRC for dental services.  “As a result of my training, I have been able to treat a wide patient base including children, adolescents and adults across the special needs spectrum,” he said.  “With my experience, in treating special needs populations, I have developed both the communication and clinical skills necessary to treat all patients.”

An important aspect of those communication skills is putting people at ease.  “Never treat a stranger” is a motto that Dr. Oliver makes a point to follow.  Upon meeting patients for the first time, Dr. Oliver tries to make them feel comfortable by asking questions, such as where a person is from.  He enjoys meeting people from other cultures and races, and having a personal give-and-take with patients makes the experience more positive for everyone.  So far, things have been going well.

“I enjoy it.  I really like the patient base I work with.  Patients are really glad to see you.”

TRC officials are glad to have Dr. Oliver as a member of the Jamestown dental staff.

“We are truly fortunate to have Dr. Oliver join our TRC family,” said Marcia Restivo, director of clinical services.  “His sunny disposition and friendly chair-side manner put patients instantly at ease.  Some people experience high anxiety about going to see a dentist, so you can imagine how important it is to have someone like Dr. Oliver, whose positive rapport helps to put patients at ease.”

Having moved to Jamestown in December, Dr. Oliver said the thing that has surprised him the most is how quickly the weather can change.  He had assumed that once cold temperatures arrived last fall, it would stay cold until spring.  But that was not been the case this year, with a cold and snowy March following on the heels of a relatively mild and snow-free February that saw record warm temperatures.

Now that spring has arrived, Dr. Oliver said he looks forward to doing some hiking.  He also is excited about attending some of the events at Chautauqua Institution this summer.  A sports fan, Dr. Oliver said he especially enjoys baseball, basketball and football.  And without tipping his hand as to which is his favorite football team, Dr. Oliver said with a smile that he has “already learned that you don’t root against the Bills.”

Something he has found pleasant since arriving in Jamestown is how well he has been treated by area residents.

“I think the people in the community have welcomed me with open arms,” Dr. Oliver said.  “From opening a bank account to starting a gym membership, people couldn’t have been nicer.”

Dr. Oliver’s long-term goals include increasing awareness about the importance of maintaining one’s oral health and educating people on the proper way to care for their teeth and gums.  He said getting children interested in these topics is important, because if children become excited about taking care of their teeth, their parents will buy into the concept as well.
“What we have to do as providers is lay the foundation,” Dr. Oliver said.  “Because guess what?  Parents want to do well for their kids.  Everybody wants their child to do better than what they did.”
He had a message for everyone at The Resource Center and the community at large: “It’s been a wonderful opportunity to be here.  I can’t say `thank you’ enough for welcoming me.”

Dr. Oliver is a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the Student National Dental Association, and the Christian Dental Society.

The Resource Center’s Jamestown office is located within TRC’s Community Health Center at 890 East Second Street.  The practice has two other dentists: Dr. William Veazey (who also practices two days a week at TRC’s Dunkirk dental office) and Dr. Linda Bowman.  For more information, phone 661-1431 or visit www.resourcecenter.org.

By Mark Stevens

For the second year in a row, Business First magazine has recognized The Resource Center as the Healthiest Employer in Western New York in the Large Division category.

The accolade continues a tremendous three-year run for TRC, which also finished as a finalist in that same category in 2015.  The key to TRC’s success is its STARS Employee Wellness Program.

“It’s amazing. I really knew that we had accomplished a lot of things in the past year, but I was surprised.” said Donna Trusso, STARS Project Manager. “We’re starting to see progress from our efforts.”

“I was really, really excited. I couldn’t believe it,” said Heather Courtney, STARS Care Coordinator.  “Two years in a row. It’s unbelievable.”

STARS representatives did not know whether TRC had successfully defended its Healthiest Employer title when they arrived at the awards ceremony in Buffalo.  The handful of finalists in the Large Division were called up on stage and handed a brown, paper bag. STARS program newcomer Jon DeSantis opened the bag on behalf of TRC and found the winning bedazzled “golden apple” inside. The other finalists’ apples were red.

“It was a neat feeling, but it didn’t really set in until the ride home how big a deal this really was,” said Jon, TRC’s other STARS Care Coordinator. “To know that I am now part of this team, this great thing that we’re trying to do, it’s a pretty humbling experience.”

“We had some really good competition,” said Donna.

The finalists were scored based on a number of different criteria, including data, strategic planning, programming, commitment, and marketing.
The STARS team credits its success to the more than 200 agency employees enrolled in the program.  That number represents about a third of the employees who are eligible to make a difference in their own lives by joining STARS.

“Some people have openly made changes in the diets they’re following, or they’re exercising more. They’re taking notice of how to better themselves as a whole,” said Heather. “It’s refreshing to see the positive changes people are making.”

The challenge now is keeping that winning momentum going in hopes of a Business First Healthiest Employer three-peat in 2018.

“We are going to have to think of bigger and better things,” said Heather, “and find out from our folks what they need and what they’re looking for.”

She, Donna and Jon agree that the regional recognition sends a message to the community – and to TRC employees not yet enrolled in STARS – that the program works.
“To see the employee engagement improve, the camaraderie that we see and the competition, it’s all been really good,” said Donna. “And the more impact that we have, the more people are going to want to participate. And that’s very meaningful.”

“Hopefully people who are in STARS are spreading the word about how beneficial it is. It’s really what the person makes of it,” said Heather. “It’s their plan, it’s their goals.”

“We just want to help them live as happy and healthy of a life as they possibly can. And we’re going to do everything we can to make that happen for them.” said Jon. “I think the results kind of speak for themselves.”

Because of the win, TRC is now eligible to go on to the national competition this September in Chicago.  Last year, TRC was ranked the 77th healthiest employer of more than 6,000 that entered the national contest.

Marie Carrubba, Esq., a member of The Resource Center’s Board of Directors who has been involved with TRC for more than 30 years, recently was honored by the United Way as TRC’s Volunteer of the Year.

Marie was recognized at the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County’s annual Volunteer of the Year Reception, held April 27 at the Winifred Crawford Dibert Boys and Girls Club in Jamestown.

In addition to serving on TRC’s Board, Marie sits on the Finance Committee, the Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services and Supports Committee, and the Guardianship Committee.  She served as Board President from 1997 to 2000 and has served as the Board’s Vice President and Treasurer.  Marie also has served on TRC Foundation’s Board.

Marie first came to The Resource Center in 1983, when she was hired to head up a new program called the Independent Living Center.  When the Independent Living Center separated from TRC in 1985 and became its own organization, Marie continued her ties with TRC by agreeing to serve on the Incident Review Committee.  She has been a TRC volunteer ever since while continuing to serve in her role as the Executive Director of the Southwestern Independent Living Center.

Marie’s knowledge, experience and commitment to people with disabilities make her a valuable asset to TRC.

“Marie takes her fiduciary responsibilities very seriously.  She consistently asks the difficult questions,” said Denise Jones, Executive Director.

“Marie is a critical member of TRC’s Finance Committee.  Her historical knowledge and leadership are relied upon during periods of challenge,” said Kelly Dimitri, Chief Financial Officer.  “Marie’s passion for TRC’s Work Center and employment opportunities for people with disabilities inspires others.  I have greatly appreciated her support.”

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“In addition to our committee meetings, Marie takes time out of her day to visit with a young lady who TRC supports through Guardianship, gives gifts to this young lady at holidays and birthdays, and attends special meetings that enhance this young lady’s life so that she can be as independent as possible,” said Tess Kerzner, Coordinator for Central Intake, Guardianship and Eligibility.  “Our Guardianship Committee members work together to make medical and living decisions about the individuals we serve.  Marie is exceptional with the advocacy, knowledge, legal aspects, and care she contributes to our folks and other committee members.  She is well respected, and we are grateful to have her on our committee.”

Marie’s honors at The Resource Center include being named the Advocate of the Year in 1993 and receiving the Carl Cappa Humanitarian of the Year Award in 2000.
Besides her volunteer activities on behalf of The Resource Center, Marie volunteers her time in a number of other ways.  She serves on the Jamestown City Council and the Jamestown Community College Board of Trustees; serves on the Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc., Board, the Chautauqua County Workforce Investment Board and the Chautauqua County Community Services Board; is the chair of the City of Jamestown Human Rights Commission and the Chautauqua County Persons With Developmental Disabilities Committee; and serves as a mediator for the Center for Resolution and Justice.

Despite the fact that Marie is an active volunteer in the community, she is concerned that if she ever retires from her job, she won’t have enough volunteer activities to fill her free time.  Marie freely gives her time, talent and wisdom to numerous local organizations.  People with disabilities and their families, as well as the staff and Board members of The Resource Center, have truly benefited from having Marie as a TRC volunteer for so many years.

Marie wasn’t the only member of TRC’s family to be honored at the United Way event.  Clark Poppleton, retired Assistant Executive Director, was honored as the Volunteer of the Year for Family Service of the Chautauqua Region.

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By Mark Stevens

April 23 through 29 is National Volunteer Appreciation Week, a time to recognize those millions of Americans, including thousands in Chautauqua County, who give their time to a cause close to their heart.

As part of an ongoing commitment to give back to a community that’s given so much to them, people with disabilities at The Resource Center, as well as their support staff, are shining examples of volunteerism success. We’ll spotlight some of our dedicated volunteers this week.

Part 1:  Caring For Our Four-Legged Friends


A number of TRC service recipients generously give of their time volunteering at the Chautauqua County Humane Society on Strunk Road in Jamestown. Sherry Smith and Nancy Lewis are two of them.

“I like to play with the cats and play with the baby kittens,” said Sherry. “I really enjoy myself. It makes me feel good.”

Sherry, who goes to the Humane Society every Friday, lives in a TRC home in Frewsburg. She participates in TRC’s Community-Based Services Program. Nancy, who lives in Jamestown, spends about three days a week at the animal shelter through TRC’s Community Pre-Vocational Program.

“I love cats and dogs,” said Nancy. “I feed the cats and it makes me feel happy.”

In addition to feeding and playing with the animals, Nancy also washes their dishes, folds laundry and cleans windows.

“She does it for the job experience so she can learn what is expected of her working at a job in the community,” said Janet Laurin, TRC Vocational Instructor. “She gets to work with people and learn skills.”

“This is a great opportunity. It makes the people we support very happy, and it also helps the animals become more comfortable with people, which increases their chances for adoption,” said Michelle Lutgen, Supported Living Specialist. “The people we support are a very important part of our community, and they have a lot of qualities that are very unique and important in building our community.”

Not only do the service recipients and the animals they care for benefit, but the Humane Society does as well.

“The volunteers from The Resource Center are a huge asset to our community-based organization and help out with pivotal jobs here at the shelter,” said Hannah Raynor, CCHS Director of Community Relations. “Not only do the volunteers and their support staff build a great rapport with the animals, but the staff as well.  We’ve developed a good working relationship with them and we rely on each other. It’s a win-win.”

Other TRC volunteers, like Jocelyn Monaco, help raise money for various Humane Society fund-raisers.

“It’s really fun, and I like helping out.” said Jocelyn.

The work at the Humane Society doesn’t stop there. As part of TRC’s Discoveries Day Habilitation Program, 16 people volunteer at the shelter at different times throughout the week. Five are certified to work and socialize with the cats in the cat colony, and of that number two or three usually spend Friday mornings volunteering. They work to train and prepare the cats to transition into loving homes and become part of a positive human cohabitating environment.

“For them, this, among other volunteer opportunities provided throughout the week, seems to be a key component to inclusion and contribution to their community,” said Joshua Johnson, Discoveries Activity Leader. “Our volunteers are friendly, committed and truly want to be part of a team accomplishing good work for their community.”

Part 2:  Traveling to Serve the Community


This is National Volunteer Appreciation Week, and as we continue to shine a light on people with disabilities who give back to the community, we need not look any further than the Travelers Group, part of the Day Habilitation Program on Lake Shore Drive in Dunkirk.

These volunteers hit the road every week and take part in Meals on Wheels. They start at St. John’s Church in Dunkirk, where the delivery van drops off coolers filled with hot and cold meals. TRC volunteers then deliver to a number of people across different neighborhoods.

“They are happy to see me when they answer the door,” said Jose Reyes Colloze, a member of the Travelers. “It’s easy to do. It makes me happy, and it feels good that I’m giving back to the community.”

“It helps them get out and meet people. It gives them a chance to get out in the community and learn how to work on things like identifying street names and addresses,” said Karl Erb, Direct Support Professional. “It’s a good way to integrate the folks in the community, and also check on those who are elderly to make sure they’re OK.”

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TRC volunteers have been delivering for Meals on Wheels for almost a decade and are a key resource to the program.

“They serve as a lifeline to area homebound seniors. For some of our clients, volunteers are the only human connection they have during the course of their days,” said Deb Pacos, Executive Director of Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels. “We are tremendously grateful for The Resource Center’s continued commitment and support. We simply could not accomplish our mission without their dedicated team of volunteers. They are there for us through thick and thin, rain or shine.”

Part 3: Hand-Picked for the Garden

Today’s salute to the men and women at The Resource Center who volunteer in our community takes us to the Alternatives Day Habilitation Program at TRC’s Michael J. Raymond Center on Jones & Gifford Avenue in Jamestown. That’s where we find members of the Pickin Club’ hard at work turning recycled items into works of colorful and imaginative art.

Recently, the group took part in the GROW Jamestown event at the Northwest Arena in Jamestown. There, they showed off recycled bowling balls and bowling pins that they had transformed into masterful garden sculptures. The recycled items made by the Pickin’ Club members are sold, with the proceeds going back into the program to buy more secondhand items or to fund other interests that the group members have.

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“It’s really fun to do, and I like doing it,” said Tom Claus of Westfield. “I like to help people’s garden look good, and it gives me something to do.”

“Members of the group, like Tom, find it very rewarding,” said Darlene Lascola, Direct Support Professional. “It gives people with disabilities self-worth and is a way for them to give back.”

Part 4: Lending a Helping Hand


We conclude our recognition of Volunteer Appreciation Week with a look at how one of TRC’s homes gives back to the community.  Residents of the C-6 home at the Intermediate Care Facility on Foote Avenue in Jamestown have chosen to assist Community Helping Hands, located in the Gateway Center on Water Street in Jamestown. Community Helping Hands is a faith-based organization that was founded in 2001. The organization, in-part, provides emergency assistance to local families in need of clothing, household items and furniture.

“We have donated a lot of things that were no longer needed in the home from the staff and residents,” said Lisa Peterson, Residence Manager at C-6. “Usually, a staff member and a few of the residents take the things down and drop them off. The residents are excited about seeing others and just being out in the community.”

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“We are extremely grateful for The Resource Center or any group that donates or volunteers, because we serve a lot of people in need in the community,” said Patricia Sharp, Community Helping Hands Office Manager. “We are always looking for and in need of volunteers as well.”[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]