Works made by artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities in The Resource Center’s Creations Art Program are on display this month at two exhibits.

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RydersCup Coffee, located at 28 Chautauqua Avenue in Lakewood, is exhibiting a number of paintings made by Creations artists. The paintings will be on display through the end of October, and each of the exhibited paintings is available for purchase. Over the years, RydersCup has hosted several exhibits of works made by Creations artists.

“I am grateful to RydersCup for hosting this exhibit,” said Susan Gutierrez, TRC’s art instructor.  “I am thrilled that the community will have an opportunity to experience the unique talents and expressions of the artists that participate in the Creations Art Program.”

The coffee shop is open from 7:00 to 5:30 Monday to Saturday and 9:00 to 2:00 Sunday.

Also this month, paintings by The Resource Center’s artists are on display in a new exhibit at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo. The exhibit, titled ARTs Unbound, features works made by people with disabilities at 10 human-service organizations in Western New York. Gutierrez said that artists from each of TRC’s five day habilitation programs in Jamestown and Dunkirk have paintings included in the exhibit.

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This marks the third straight year that works by Creations program artists have been included in an exhibit at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. The Albright-Knox is located at 1285 Elmwood Avenue. The gallery is open from 10:00 to 5:00 Tuesday to Sunday. ARTs Unbound will be on display through October 22.

Tamara Zofchak is a Creations Program artist and has paintings displayed in at RydersCup and the Albright-Knox.  “I am happy to have my paintings in the art shows.  I’m excited that I can share with the community my art, and hopefully my artwork will be inspiring to others,” she said.

For more information about the Creations Art Program, phone 661-1076.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

The achievements of people with disabilities and the efforts of those who support them will be showcased when The Resource Center holds its 29th annual Disability Awareness Awards Celebration on Monday, October 16.

The event will be held at the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club, 433 East Terrace Avenue in Lakewood, beginning at 6:00 p.m.

This year’s award recipients are:

• Advocate of the Year – Patrick Smeraldo of Jamestown
• Business/Employer of the Year – Truck-Lite of Falconer
• Bruce Walford Community Service Award – Forestville High School Band
• Community Support Award – Evelyn Wright-Kegelmyer of Cassadaga
• Excellence in Governance Award – TRC Foundation, Inc. board of directors
• Health Provider of the Year – Dr. Adnan Munir of Lakewood
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Gregory Peterson of Lakewood
• Outstanding Achievement Award – Joshua Hughes of Dunkirk
• Personal Success Award – David Shaw of Jamestown
• Elmer J. Muench Volunteer of the Year – Tom Rhodes of Mayville

In addition, Phil Murvine of Jamestown will receive an award for being honored by New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc. NYSID selected Murvine for recognition through its annual William B. Joslin Outstanding Performance Award Program.

Members of The Resource Center, people with disabilities, TRC staff, and the general public are invited to attend the Disability Awareness Awards Celebration. A sign language interpreter will be on hand.

The event is being sponsored by The Resource Center and NYSID. The cost to attend is $25. Appetizers and desserts will be served. Reservations are due by Monday, October 2.  Click here to make an online reservation.

If you would like to make a donation to The Resource Center in honor of one of this year’s award recipients, please click here.

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By Mark Stevens

From cruising Chautauqua Lake in a pontoon boat to singing “Sweet Caroline” around a roaring fire, dozens of people with developmental disabilities recently enjoyed an exciting few days at the YMCA’s Camp Onyahsa in Dewittville.

“It was a tremendous success. I can’t say enough about our staff and Camp Onyahsa staff. It just all comes together and it is a great week,” said Karen Silzle, TRC Residence Coordinator and Camp Co-Chair.

About 49 campers, including 10 from the community who either live with their families or on their own, took part in three fun-filled days of arts and crafts, rock painting and swimming, as well as nature walks, sports and boat rides. Camp Week also featured the ever-popular dance night. The first day included a craft project, dinner and a campfire sing-along. In addition to the campers, members of the Rotary Club of Jamestown took part in the opening day’s activities. Rotary, through a Chautauqua Region Community Foundation grant, helps pay for the three-day experience for TRC and its campers.

“This is a fantastic situation for them. You see faces light up like you never would believe. The bonfire and sing-along kicks off what can be three very exciting days for them. This is a great chance for them to have some great, old-fashion fun,” said Randy Sweeney, Rotary Club of Jamestown board member. “We’re just delighted we can make this happen. The Rotary Club is constantly looking for ways that they can give back to the community, and this is different. This is a little different than the typical thing that we do. It’s pretty unique, and it’s special.”

“To see the joy on everyone’s faces and everyone have so much fun, I just love it. This is their vacation for some of them, and this is such a great experience. To see everyone just laughing and having such a great time, this is such a fun experience,” said Denise Jones, TRC’s Executive Director. “I am very grateful to the Rotary Club. Some of these people could not afford to come to camp without those funds.”

Maria Jacobson has been attending camp for about four years.

“I really like it because my parents come up,” said Maria. “And I like all the fun activities to do. I like sports, nature, singing, and dancing. I get to see friends.”

“I think of this as one, big, happy family; a group of friends out having fun, doing what campers do best,” said Mike Ostrye, who just wrapped up his second year at camp. “It’s very exciting to be back. I get to see my friends. It’s like home away from home. I like it all.”

And so does the Onyahsa staff. During the three days, about a dozen staff members help run the programs. Camp leaders say the event is a really nice collaboration that they look forward to all year.

“Everyone is really energized and that’s after nine weeks of resident camp,” said Jon O’Brian, Camp Onyahsa Director. “It’s great to help another organization meet our collaborative mission to allow people of all backgrounds and abilities to enjoy this beautiful site on Lake Chautauqua to engage in social activities, physical activities and also learn some things.”

Camp organizers at TRC also value the partnership, as the campers are already looking forward to next year.

“It’s just an opportunity a lot of the folks wouldn’t have,” said Karen. “It’s the best week of work I have. It’s just awesome to see how happy they are and how much fun and enjoyment they get out of their time at Camp Onyahsa.”

A holiday tradition will come earlier this year when Toys for Tots holds its annual kickoff fund-raiser Saturday, September 16.

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The 11^th annual event will be held in the Willow Bay Theater, located at 21 East Third Street in Jamestown, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Again this year, the evening will feature a performance by the local comedy troupe The Lights of Broadway. Entertainment also will be provided by the musical group TPT.

Though Christmas still is several months away, organizers of the Toys for Tots drive want to get an early start on raising money to meet the expected demand for toys. Each year, the toy drive provides gifts to about 2,400 children in Chautauqua County.

This marks the 18^th year that The Resource Center has coordinated the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots drive in Chautauqua County. Heather C. Brown, assistant executive director at TRC, has been at the helm every year. She said that operating the toy drive is a way for The Resource Center to give back to the community.

“I can’t believe it’s been 18 years since we brought Toys to Tots to this community,” Brown said. “Each year the need has grown, and we depend on this community to provide the support we need to bring smiles to so many children who might go without on Christmas morning.”

This year’s kickoff celebration is being billed as “Music and Mayhem.” For the $25 admission price, guests can enjoy appetizers and beer before the 8:00 show time, as well as an elaborate dessert buffet during intermission. There also will be prize drawings featuring dozens of items donated by local businesses.

Major sponsors of the event include Greater Woodlawn Federal Credit Union, the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club, Lind Funeral Home, Premier Consulting Associates, and Saxton, Kocur & Associates. We will be accepting sponsors and advertisers up until the event.

Auction items received so far include donations from the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Chautauqua Institution, the Lucy Desi Museum, Panache, Pepsi, the Summer Wind, Wegmans, and Ziebart, as well as many gift baskets.

“Our kickoff event is our main fund-raiser each year, and we look forward to a great night of food, music and laughs,” Brown said. She added that organizers will accept additional sponsors and advertisers until the day of the event.

To buy tickets or for more information about the kickoff celebration or this year’s Toys for Tots drive, phone Brown at 661-1042. Tickets also are available at The Resource Center, 200 Dunham Avenue in Celoron, from 8:00 to 5:00 weekdays.

Information about this year’s toy drive also can be found at the “Chautauqua County, New York – Toys for Tots 2017” Facebook page.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

The third annual Lip Sync Battle fund-raiser to support people with disabilities will take place Friday, August 18, at Shawbucks in downtown Jamestown.

Money raised through the Lip Sync Battle will be donated to TRC Foundation’s Mark Pacheco WOW Fund. The WOW Fund (WOW stands for Working on Wonders) 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. Pacheco’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 friend and event organizer Marcos Figueroa. “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 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. The prize money has been increased, with $300 for first place, $125 for second and $75 for third. The winner also will receive a trophy. It is common for patrons to tip the contestants as they perform, and contestants may keep their tips. The performer earning the most tip money will receive bonus points in the competition, which will be scored by a panel of guest judges.

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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 TRC Foundation’s offices, located in the Felice Corporate Center at 92 Fairmount Avenue in Jamestown, and at The Resource Center’s administrative offices at 200 Dunham Avenue in Celoron.

The doors open at 9:00. Professional lip-syncing performers Sabrina Williams and Keke Valasquez-Lord will entertain the audience before the competition begins. There will be drawings for gift baskets and other items. Shawbucks staff will make a WOW signature drink that patrons may purchase.

“You do not want to miss this evening of fun and impressive entertainment,” Figueroa said.

For more information or to sign up to compete, phone Figueroa at 951-6118. Additional information about the Lip Sync Battle can be found on its Facebook event page.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Nominations are being accepted for The Resource Center’s 29th 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, The Resource Center and TRC Foundation each year hold 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 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 persons 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 challenged by a severe disability who has made significant advancements in the areas of personal skills, community integration or contributions to society.

– Success of the Year, praising an individual challenged by 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 16. 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 an online nomination,

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 on Monday, October 16, at the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club.

As the head of an organization that is one of Chautauqua County’s largest employers as well as being one of the biggest non-profit organizations in the region, Denise Jones is one of the area’s most influential people. That recognition recently was reaffirmed when Denise was named to Buffalo Business First magazine’s 2017 list of the 100 most powerful women in Western New York.

Denise, The Resource Center’s Chief Executive Officer, is ranked No. 16 on the Power 100 Women list; she placed 18^th on the same list last year. In February, Business First ranked Denise No. 89 on its list of the 250 most influential people in Western New York.

“For purposes of this list, we defined power by the level of influence a woman has in her orbit – at her company, in her city or county, by the length of her career,” wrote Donna Collins, Managing Editor of Buffalo Business First.

“In the three 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.”

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 March 2015.

“It is truly an honor to be recognized as one of Business First’s most influential women,” Denise said. “This is much more than a personal recognition. It provides an acknowledgment that the work we do at The Resource Center to support individuals with disabilities and other challenges is valued by our community.”

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

“Denise continues to shine as our CEO. Our financial picture continues to improve under her leadership,” said R. Michael Goldman, Esq., the President of the Board of Directors. “Her biggest strength, however, has been her ability to improve the morale of the staff by being accessible to them. She is a great leader and sets a great example for the other employees, who see it and follow it.”

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 at manufacturing facilities in Jamestown and Dunkirk. To learn more, phone 483-2344.

Others from Chautauqua County who made the Power 100 women list include

• Senator Catharine Young, No. 5
• Betsy Wright, President and CEO of WCA Hospital, No. 27
• Dr. Virginia Horvath, President of Fredonia State College, No. 51

Paintings created by artists with disabilities at The Resource Center have been included in a state-wide exhibition.

Works by Randy Lake, Taynisha Lynch and Scott Naetzker are featured in the 13^th annual Voice! exhibition. The show, which is on display in the Martin-Mullen Art Gallery in the Fine Arts Building at the State University College at Oneonta, runs until August 11.

Created by The Arc Otsego, Voice! is a juried art exhibition celebrating the creative talents of artists with intellectual and/or other developmental disabilities from across New York State. Over the years, Voice! has represented hundreds of artists from more than 30 counties and has awarded over $10,000 in prizes.

Randy, Scott and Taynisha made their paintings in The Resource Center’s Creations art program. The program, which operates in Jamestown and Dunkirk, gives people with disabilities the opportunity to express themselves through art. Instructor Susan Gutierrez was proud of her artists whose works were accepted into the Voice! exhibition.

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“I am excited for the artists who are participating in this state-wide exhibit,” Susan said. “The Voice! art show offers a wonderful opportunity for the artists to share their artistic talents and expressions with the community.”

The Resource Center has offered art programs for almost 20 years. With the cooperation of local galleries and businesses, the Creations artists have had their works displayed publicly on numerous occasions, and several artists have been recognized for their artistic achievements through winning art competitions or having their works selected for widespread distribution.

The three artists whose works were selected for the Voice! exhibition are excited to be included in the state-wide competition. Taynisha, who works in a variety of art media, said inclusion in Voice! inspires her to create more art.

“It feels nice to be in the art show,” she said. “I love being an artist. I love painting. I could paint all day. Having my painting in the show makes me feel proud and makes me feel like I should keep painting.”

The Creations program sometimes donates art for charitable causes. Several paintings by Creations artists have been donated to the Chautauqua Blind Association Vision Rehabilitation Services for its art auction that will take place August 10 at 21 Brix Winery in Portland.

For more information about The Resource Center’s Creations art program, phone 661-1076.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

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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.

Click here to listen to a radio show made during the dedication ceremony, featuring interviews with staff, Board members and others who reflected on Mike, his life and his contributions to The Resource Center.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]