NewsRCT

TRC is a member of The Arc, ACCSES, ANCOR, NISH, NYSACRA, NYSARC, NYSID, & NYSRA FEBRUARY 2012

Employee Service Recognition Awards presented

200 Dunham AvenueJamestown, NY 14701www.resourcecenter.org

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage Paid

Jamestown, NY 14701Permit No. 571

Marion Battle and William Bradley honored for working at TRC 35 yearsIts employees are the backbone of The Resource Center, and

the agency took time recently to honor its long-time staff at the 27th annual Employee Service Recognition Luncheon. The event, held January 17 in TRC's Conference Center, recognized employ-ees who completed milestone years of services in 2011.

Bill Bradley, right, poses with Mike Metzger, the President of TRC's Board of Directors, and Denise Jones, Associate Executive Di-rector and Chief Operating Officer.

tant for the Residential Division; Donna Lisa, Habilitation Spe-cialist in the Dunkirk Day Hab Program; and Patrick Walker, Ad-ministrator for Sub-Contracting and Environmental Services. They each received a gift card and a lapel pin in the shape of TRC's logo.

Bill also came to TRC from Manpower, and he's spent his en-tire career in Dunkirk. Though his title has always been production supervisor, he has had a variety of duties over the years, including driving a bus and overseeing worker enclaves.

In appreciation for their years of service, Bill and Marion each received a $350 gift card and a lapel pin in the shape of TRC's logo.

Completing 30 years of service with the agency were Deborah Brown, Director of Day Services; John Constantino, Community Living Specialist in the Day Habilitation Program on Jones & Gif-ford Avenue in Jamestown; Karen Enright, Administrative Assis-

The longest-serving em-ployees honored were Marion Battle and William Bradley, each with 35 years at TRC. Marion, an Industrial Specialist at the Jamestown Work Center, came to TRC as a placement through Chautauqua County's Manpower program. Her first assignment was in Jamestown, but after a short time she went to the Dunkirk Work Center to fill a vacancy there. Soon Marion accepted a job at the Jamestown Work Center, and she's been there ever since.MARION BATTLE

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TRC News

Board Corner

Board and Administration thank staffwith $30 year-end cash distributions

Despite a difficult financial year for the agency, The Re-source Center's Board of Directors decided to show its apprecia-tion to employees for their efforts during 2011.

At its December meeting, the Board approved a recom-mendation from TRC's Administration to give every full- and part-time employee a $30 check. The recognition checks were distributed around the holidays.

In other matters at its last meeting of 2011, the Board:approved TRC's 2012 operating budget (see article at right).approved a memorandum of understanding with the Chau-tauqua Health Network regarding a $1,500 grant to create a vegetable garden. TRC's Day Habilitation Programs have been participating in CHN's "Creating Healthy Places to Live, Work and Play" initiative by establishing gardens.approved an application to the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities to become a COMPASS agency. COMPASS agencies encourage Board members, management, staff, and service recipi-ents to work together in a person-centered environment. To achieve COMPASS recognition, TRC will demonstrate its capacity to meet or exceed current quality assurance standards in a self-directed process.authorized an application for a New Freedom 5310 grant aimed at acquiring a new bus.approved a new payroll deduction proposal for Work Cen-ter participants. An ad hoc group recommended the new policy in an effort to increase the financial participation of workers in the cost of their transportation to and from work, in order to offset some of the ever-increasing cost of providing transportation. The new policy also aims to minimize the negative impact on workers by basing their transportation contribution on the amount of their earn-ings.learned from Paul that Cindy Neu, TRC's Mobility Co-ordinator, has been collaborating with the Chautauqua County Workforce Investment Board on its grant. TRC and the County will seek areas of collaboration in order to find solutions to transportation challenges.learned from Paul that renovations to the Counseling and Psychiatric Services office on Fourth Street in Jamestown are finished, while progress is continuing on the renova-tion of TRC's facility on Eighth Street to accommodate the relocation of the Pharmacy.learned from Paul that representatives from the Alliance for Human Potential have provided TRC with some rec-ommendations aimed at better integrating Health and Be-havioral Health services while facing the challenges that come from a difficult operating environment.was updated by Paul on ongoing efforts to promote the availability of work opportunities at TRC to fulfill produc-tion requirement of the federal AbilityOne Program.

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Outcomes RetreatGregg Bender, Director of Business Operations, addresses fellow

management staff during TRC's annual Strategic Outcomes Retreat. The event, held January 25-26 in TRC's Conference Center, provided an opportunity to reflect upon the successes of the previous year while focusing on primary initiatives for the current year. For 2012, the mes-sage is "no more business as usual," as TRC will be facing dramatic funding cuts and demands from the State and Federal governments to do more with less. TRC has a number of service areas that have tra-ditionally operated at a financial deficit. Unless changes are made to make those departments more solvent, TRC will be forced to consider reducing or eliminating services.

PHOTO BY PAUL CESANA

2012 budget approved TRC's 2012 operating budget forecasts a $303,000 end-of-year surplus, a figure that represents a very slim operating margin — and one that would be a $6 million deficit if not for the government contracts performed by the Work Centers. TRC's Board of Directors has approved the agency's 2012 operat-ing budget, a spending plan that anticipates revenues of $124,395,465 with expenditures of $124,091,977. The net operating result of $303,488 is less than the amount of money TRC spends in one day of operations, so it is a miniscule financial cushion when one considers the size of the agency's budget. The budget includes $62.7 million in projected revenues from the products that Allied Industries, TRC's manufacturing and employ-ment division, creates for the federal government. Without money brought in through Allied's affirmative business contracts, TRC would be facing a projected shortfall of $6 million by the end of 2012. The budget also includes $49.4 million for payroll and related expenditures.

These are some of the assumptions that were considered in developing this year's budget within the framework of New York State's current financial conditions:

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no Medicaid trend increases.a full year of NYS Medicaid rate reductions.a full year of operations for the Intermediate Care Facility at 27A Gifford Avenue in Celoron and the new School-Based Health Center at Pine Valley Central School.

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TRC News

In Memory

Anthony Ingrao, 87, passed away December 31. Tony formerly was a member of The Re-source Center's Board of Directors, serving as the Board President from 1985 to 1988. He and his late wife, Sarah, made financial contributions to TRC.

Louis Schrader, 73, passed away January 26. Louis had been employed as a Driver in TRC's Transportation Department from 2001 until his death. In the 1980s, he served as the Mayor of the Village of Falconer. Louis was a financial support-er of Laurel Run.

Leland "Poppy" Benson, 85, passed away January 26. He was a guitarist with the Senior Stompers and the Grey Fox Band, two musical groups that would come to TRC facilities to entertain staff and service recipients.

TRC holds "Celebration of Life"

Jocelyn Monaco and Jodi Sigmund find room on the dance floor to move to the music.

She introduced Cathy Smith, Chaplain with Hospice of Chau-tauqua County, who read a poem by Amanda Bradley titled "Love Lives On": Those we love are never really lost to us we feel them in so many special ways through friends they always cared about and dreams they left behind, in beauty that they added to our days in words of wisdom we still carry with us and memories that never will be gone. Those we love are never really lost to us for everywhere their special love lives on.

Individuals living in TRC homes who passed away during the past two years were remembered January 27 when TRC held its first Celebration of Life.

Some 150 people came to the Conference Center on Dunham Avenue to pay tribute to the 16 individuals and then celebrate their lives by dancing to the sounds of a DJ.

Photos and some biographical information about the 16 indi-viduals — John Beaver, Loretta Babcock, Gloria Chapman, Edna Grodecki, Frederick Hanse, Alice Hough, Ray Lucas, Robert Man-ning, Joann McLaren, Teddy Phillips, Roberto Rodriguez, Linda Smith, Roy Thelander, Russell Triscari, Rose Valvo, and James Whitehill — were on display on the stage. Then, as each individu-al's name was read, staff placed a flameless candle on a table at the front of the room.

"Welcome to the first annual Celebration of Life!" said Jodi Sigmund, Nurse Manager, one of the employees who organized the event. "We have decided to celebrate the lives that we have worked with, grown from and fallen in love with."

From left, Cathy Smith, Hospice Chaplain, poses with organiz-ers of the Celebration of Life: Cherie Ohls, Nurse Manager; Terry Long, Nurse Manager; Jody Sigmund; Paula Pickett, Dietitian; Jes-sica Smith, Quality Management Specialist; and Can Tenamore from the Information Technology Department. Also helping to organize the event were Bev Butts, Supervising Nurse; Vicky Bardo, Special Proj-ects and Events Coordinator; staff and residents of the Randall home, who made the donation box; and staff and residents of the Benedict apartments, who staffed the bake sale table. Organizers plan to make the Celebration of Life an annual event.

PHOTO BY JANE YOUNG

PHOTO BY STEVE WATERSON

"The common thread between our folks that we have lost is their love of music," Jodi said. "So, let's celebrate!"

And with that, the DJs from Bair Music, who provide the mu-sic for TRC's monthly Friday night dances, began playing music. People spent the rest of the evening dancing and socializing.

Josephine Szynski, 84, died January 15. She had donated money to Laurel Run. Two sons, Mark and Peter, have worked for TRC.

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TRC News

TRC's Health Services receives national accreditationThe Resource Center’s Health Services in Jamestown has been rec-

ognized as a Level 3 Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) by the National Committee for Quality Assurance, a designation given to the most innovative primary medical care programs that provide the highest quality care to their patients. There are three levels of PCMH recogni-tion, with Level 3 being the highest level of achievement.

“I want to thank the entire Health Services team, as well as my management team,” said Stephen Riczker, TRC’s Director of Health and Health-Related Services. “The quality services provided by our physicians, our nursing staff and our support staff were instrumental in helping us to achieve this high level of care and quality. I am very proud to be associated with such a wonderful medical clinic and am equally proud of the staff.”

Practices recognized as a Patient Centered Medical Home must demonstrate that they provide a highly coordinated approach to patient care based on the following principles that have been defined by a joint effort of the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Physicians and the Ameri-can Osteopathic Association:

One of the other benefits to The Resource Center of achieving PCMH recognition is that health insurers will reimburse TRC at a high-er rate, since the PCMH accreditation indicates that The Resource Cen-ter’s Health Services is recognized as an excellent health care provider. This increased reimbursement will help shrink the gap between the cost of providing such high-level services and current reimbursement rates, which are less than adequate to support current operations.

“This is a significant achievement for The Resource Center and will lead to enhanced payments for the services we provide,” Riczker said of the PCMH recognition. “We are in very exclusive company, with only two other providers in Chautauqua County meeting these re-quirements at this time.”

Another move toward highly coordinated care in The Resource Center’s Health Services was the recent addition of two master’s level social workers who provide care management and other support ser-vices to patients. Steve added, “This is just one more way that The Resource Center will continue to excel in the provision of medical care to the residents of our community.”

The Resource Center’s Health Services is part of a comprehensive Diagnostic & Treatment Center operated by the agency. Health Ser-vices physicians include Dr. Adnan Munir, who is the Medical Direc-tor of the Diagnostic & Treatment Center; Dr. Mumtaz Karimi and Dr. Thomas Putnam. The physicians, along with the skilled nursing staff, form a cohesive team of providers that serve children and adults in a sensitive, caring and professional manner.

"This designation is a stamp of approval that identifies The Re-source Center as being an excellent health care practice," said Dr. Munir upon learning of the PCMH recognition from the National Committee for Quality Assurance. “We have been providing an excellent level of service all along. This accreditation is a validation of the quality of care that has been provided to patients at The Resource Center Primary Care throughout the years.”

Quality and safety are hallmarks of the medical home model. PCMH practices advocate for their patients to support the attainment of optimal, patient-centered outcomes that are defined by a care-planning process driven by a partnership among physicians, patients and the pa-tient’s family. Evidence-based medicine and clinical decision-support tools guide decision making. Physicians accept accountability for con-tinuous quality improvement through voluntary engagement in perfor-mance measurement and improvement. Patients actively participate in decision making, and feedback is sought to ensure patients’ expectations are being met. Information technology is utilized to support optimal patient care, performance measurement, patient education and enhanced communication. Patients and families participate in quality improve-ment activities at the practice level.

Last year, thanks to a grant from the Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation, TRC’s Health Services implemented an electronic medical record. The next phase is to establish a patient portal that will enable patients to view their medical records online, schedule appointments online and interact electronically with The Resource Center’s medical practitio-ners. These innovations are also key elements of the Patient Centered Medical Home model. The electronic medical record is currently being expanded to integrate with the other clinical services provided at The Resource Center to allow for higher quality and fully coordinated care.

Each patient has an ongoing relationship with a personal physi-cian trained to provide first contact, continuous and comprehen-sive care.The personal physician leads a team of individuals at the prac-tice level who collectively take responsibility for the ongoing care of patients.The personal physician is responsible for providing for all of the patient’s health care needs or taking responsibility for ap-propriately arranging care with other qualified professionals. This includes care for all stages of life; acute care; chronic care; preventive services; and end-of-life care.Care is coordinated and/or integrated across all elements of the complex health care system (e.g., subspecialty care, hospitals, home health agencies, nursing homes) and the patient’s commu-nity (e.g., family, public and private community-based servic-es). Care is facilitated by patient registries, information tech-nology, health information exchange and other means to assure that patients get the indicated care when and where they need and want it in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.

Pictured are, from left, Dr. Thomas Putnam; Laura Seiberg, Nurse Manager at TRC's Health Services; Dr. Adnan Munir; Pam Marchincin; Manager of the Health Services office; and Dr. Mumtaz Karimi.

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TRC News

PHOTO BY PAUL CESANA

Pictured are, from left, Michele Albaugh; Tyler Case; Mark Morton; Richard Meek; Linda Gorton; Kae Lachiusa-Kent; Cassandra Simmons; Wendy Stimson; and Kathy Constantino.

Three complete Management Training ProgramThe culmination of a year of hard work

was celebrated February 2 when The Re-source Center paid tribute to three employ-ees who successfully completed the agen-cy's Management Training Program.

Linda "L.G." Gorton, Community Liv-ing Skills Instructor in the B-3 home at the Intermediate Care Facility on Foote Avenue in Jamestown; Cassandra Simmons, Assis-tant Residence Manager at the Individual-ized Residential Alternative on Whitehill Avenue in Jamestown; and Wendy Stim-son, temporary Assistant Residence Man-ager at the IRA on Pleasantview Drive in Jamestown, were honored for graduating from the program.

The Management Training Program started in 2009 as a mentoring program to identify employees who showed potential and interest in becoming a manager, then match them with veteran TRC managers willing to share wisdom, time and talents. For this class, L.G. was mentored by Rich-ard Meek, Residence Manager at the IRA on Falconer Street in Jamestown; Cassie was mentored by Kae Lachiusa-Kent, Man-ager of the IRA in Rio Drive in Frewsburg; and Wendy was mentored by Kathy Con-stantino, Site Supervisor Trainer.

The program is rigorous, and not ev-eryone successfully completes it. This class began with five individuals, but one employee lost interest in becoming a man-ager, while another experienced significant family changes that impacted his ability to be involved, said Michele Albaugh, Assis-tant Director of Staff Training.

The class participants were required to meet monthly with their mentors and with Michele and Tyler Case, Workforce Co-ordinator. The mentors met monthly with Mark Morton, Director of Development, who was their facilitator.

The class participants were assigned homework each month. Through the Col-lege of Direct Support, they were required to complete five modules relative to being a frontline manager. These tasks were com-pleted outside the employees' work hours.

Additionally, the three employees had to participate in TRC's Internal Supervisory Training and the Leadership Development Series at Jamestown Community College.

From all of this, they each had to pre-pare a work portfolio.

"It is a very big commitment, and they have been lucky to have some strong and kind mentors to help keep them on track towards learning new skills," Michele said.

"Completing the program doesn't guar-antee that you are ready for a management

position but hopefully gets you closer," she added. "Being exposed to different train-ing opportunities, participating in differ-ent meetings, being forced to complete the work samples from a different perspective

ferent clinical services at the home, which provides a continuity of clinic services.

The Celoron A home’s staffing pattern is different than other homes in the agency due to the large number of Licensed Practi-cal Nurses who work at the home. The sur-veyors stated that the residents at Celoron A have excellent nursing care. In addition, the Direct Support Professionals did a won-derful job during meal time, as well as with active treatment.

Although Celoron A is a busy and at times demanding place to work, the staff endures and continues to make it a home that is like no other.

It was truly a group effort that result-ed in a great survey! Thank you to all the DSPs, LPNs/Nursing, Service Coordina-tors, Management staff, Behavior Depart-ment, Maintenance, and Housekeeping.

Way to go, Celoron A!

Celoron A enjoys positive NYS surveyKristen MacKenzie, Residence Coordinator

On December 6, eight months after the auspice change that brought the Celoron A Intermediate Care Facility back under The Resource Center, the home had its first New York State survey.

The survey was a success, with no de-ficiencies!

After months of getting to know the people who live at Celoron A and their high medical needs (as well as their routines, milestones, positioning needs, feeding care, and active treatment), the staff at Celoron A was ready to show the State the progress that had been made at the home since April 1.

Staff's dedication and devotion to the care of the individuals who live at Celoron A was apparent by some of the comments the surveyors made. In addition, the sur-veyors commented on how clean the home was and noted the uniqueness of having dif-

hopefully helps you get closer along the way."

"It was a pleasure to meet with you and support your efforts to learn," Michele told the graduates. "Congratulations!"

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TRC News

Recognized for 25 years of service were Debra Berdine, Man-ager of a home at the Intermediate Care Facility on Foote Avenue in Jamestown; Susan C. Brown, Service Coordinator at one of the homes on Foote Avenue; Susan K. Brown, Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement Support Coordinator; Thomas Brown, Maintenance Specialist; Debra Densmore, Administrative Secre-tary with the Residential Division; Laurie Fenton, Nurse Manager at the apartments on Benedict Avenue in Jamestown; Linda Gor-ton, Community Living Skills Instructor in one of the homes on Foote Avenue; Rick Gray, Service Coordinator at one of the homes on Gifford Avenue in Celoron; Jill Gustafson, Case Manager with the Rehabilitation and Employment Services Department; Laurie Heeder, Habilitation Specialist with the Day Program on Jones & Gifford Avenue; Muriel Mazzone, Supervising Nurse at two of the homes on Foote Avenue; Deanna Rice, Resident Benefits; Kris-ten Rodgers, Direct Support Professional at the Senior Adult Day Habilitation Program; Barbara Rys, Service Coordinator at one of the homes on Foote Avenue; Patricia Sherman, Licensed Practi-cal Nurse at the Day Program on Jones & Gifford Avenue; Lisa Swanson, Direct Support Professional Trainer; James Tingue, Be-havior Support Professional at one of the homes on Foote Avenue; Michael Tingue, BSP at the Individualized Residential Alternative on Orchard Road in Busti; Michael Volk, Director of Rehabilita-tion and Employment Services; and Dawn Wachter, DSP at one of the homes on Gifford Avenue in Celoron. These employees each received a gift card and a lapel pin.

Honored for completing 20 years of service were Bruce Brown, Risk Administrator; James Chimenti, Board of Directors member; Karen DePane, Payroll Supervisor; JoAnne Hagberg, Clerk; Brigitte Hodnett, DSP Trainer; Wanda Johnson, Housekeeper; Rita Lenart, Reimbursement Coordinator; Corey Rasmussen, Job Developer; Theresa Roberts, Activity Leader; Edward Thomas, DSP; and Robert Warner, Site Supervisor. Each of these employ-ees received a watch, jewelry or a gift card, and a lapel pin.

Those completing 15 years of service were Carol Ball, Patient Registrar; Lance Bensink, Maintenance Specialist; Alexander Brewer, CLSI; Diane Cornell, Activity Leader; Sherri Eccles, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant; Kelly Gagliano, Assis-tant Residence Manager; Sue Hirsch, Production Planner; Tamara James, DSP; Mark Kaverman, Production Systems Specialist; Nicole Kimball, Administrator of the Social Services Department; Chad Lindahl, Maintenance Specialist; Mary Manelick, BSP; and Mary Straight, Driver. Those completing 15 years of service received a Frank Lloyd Wright desk clock.

Completing 10 years of service with the agency were Donna Alford, Driver; Julie Backus, DSP; Nancy Ann Battaglia-Dan-ielson, Mental Health Clinician; David Bemis, Job Coach; Robert Bielawski, Job Coach; Aaron Brown, Residence Coordinator; To-nia Brown, Vocational Skills Instructor; Brian Burch, Transpor-tation Aide; Annie Coleman, Assistant Residence Manager; Coty Croker, Residence Coordinator; Renee Ferraloro, Nurse Man-ager; Rita Ferraloro, Site Manager with the Diagnostic & Treat-ment Center; Timothy Grissom, DSP; Jennifer Herron, DSP; Lisa Hoch, DSP; Jolyn Howard, Medical Aide; Jeffrey Hughan, Activity Leader; Nicole Hutchison, DSP; Amber Iucalano, DSP; Terri Johnson, Administrator of the Individualized Services Pro-gram; Robert Johnston, Environmental Services Assistant; Mari-usz Klimczuk, Physical Therapy Assistant; Tracey Kotch, Medical Aide; Dr. Douglas Larson, Dentist; Brandi McAvoy, Habilitation Specialist; Lori Miller, Supported Living Specialist; Priscilla Morrison, Administrative Assistant; Jody Roman, Activity Lead-er; Juanita Sawyer, Physical Therapist; Louis Schrader, Driver;

Awards

Rebecca Senear, DSP; Jacqueline Simpson, Habilitation Special-ist; Paul Sweat, BSP; Marlene Textor, SLS; Robert Thompson, DSP; Sally Thunberg, DSP; Evelyn Torres, Industrial Specialist; Tanya Wargo, Assistant Residence Manager; Gregory Williams, Third-Shift Supervisor; and Nora Zilkenat, Cook. Each of these employees received a necklace or a key chain.

Recognized for five years of service were Jacob Alicea, DSP; Susan Barone, Third-Shift Supervisor; James Barton, DSP; Wil-liam Beck, Driver; Suzette Benedetto, Records Management Supervisor; Rhonda Boardman, DSP; Lisa Bongiorno, Applied Behavioral Science Specialist; Tracie Breen, DSP; Christopher Butts, Maintenance Specialist; Michelle Case, DSP; Adrian Coo-per, DSP; Jodee Cooper, Dental Assistant; Leah Cooper, DSP; Martha Dove, Behavior Technician; Jodi Eckman, Clerk; Sarah Fales, LPN; Marcos Figueroa, Assistant Site Supervisor; Julie Gable, Clerk; Leesa Gates, Medication Technician; James Get-tings, DSP; Rebecca Hamlet Kapple, Rehabilitation Services Coordinator; Jennifer Hinson, BSP; Jennifer Holdridge, DSP; Jessica Johnson, BSP; Elizabeth Juul, Mental Health Clinician; Trudy Knapp, DSP; Jane Krzyzanowski, Supervising Nurse; Donna Lewis, Physical Therapy Assistant; John Linza, DSP; Tif-fany Lisa, DSP; Ellen Lund, Job Coach; Amber Marino, BSP; Ladena Marks, DSP; Kym Mason, Dental Assistant; Merikay McDunn, Office Assistant; Kelly McLane, Site Supervisor; Jamie Mealy, DSP; Ardith Melquist, Support Operations Assistant; San-dra Melquist-Reed, Applied Behavioral Science Specialist; Mar-tin Meneo, Materials Planner; Kelly Moon, Pharmacist; Douglas Morley Jr., DSP; Kimberly Morris, Administrative Assistant; Donald Myers Jr., DSP; Edgar Nazario Sr., Courier; Angela Oakes, Supervising Nurse; Margaret Paolini, Supervising Nurse; Nicole Pitts, Social Worker; Lindsay Plymel, File Clerk; Erin Reeves, Allied Health Assistant; Jessie Rink, Nurse Manager; Phil-lip Sanborn, DSP; Betty Schiefer, LPN; Erin Seastrum, DSP; Susan Short, Supervising Nurse; Jodi Sigmund, Nurse Manager; Debra Slagle, Manufacturing Supervisor; Robin Stanko, Service Coordinator; Philip VanStry, Driver; Amanda Whitford, DSP; Renee Whitford, Medical Aide; and Christine Wright, Medica-tion Technician. Each of these employees received a lapel pin.

As she does every year, Carol Svensen, Director of Personnel Administration, served as the mistress of ceremonies. She noted that the staff and Board members who were recognized have spent a combined 1,825 years at TRC.

"The individuals we’re saluting work in different programs and do everything from subbing at a residential facility to serving on the Board of Directors," Carol said. "We are honoring nurses, mainte-nance specialists, direct care workers, and residence managers; job

Posing together are, from left, 30-year employees John Constan-tino, Debbie Brown, Donna Lisa, and Pat Walker.

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TRC News

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TRC presents annual employee awardsLisa Bongiorno, Wendy Stimson and Jane Young receive recognition

coaches and accountants; production supervisors and clerks. Many individuals, from many different callings, with many different tal-ents, but all are dedicated to the mission of The Resource Center. From the Board of Directors, and the management team of TRC, and on behalf of those we serve, a heartfelt `thanks' to everyone!"

Carol also noted that, but for a brief retirement several years ago, Kay Nary, Executive Administrative Assistant, would have been honored for 40 years of service.

The awards were presented by Denise Jones, Associate Execu-tive Director and Chief Operating Officer, and Michael Metzger, the President of TRC's Board of Directors. Denise thanked employ-ees for their efforts and quoted a famous saying: "Dedication is not what others expect of you, it is what you can give to others."

She also shared some words from Executive Director Paul Ce-sana, who was unable to attend the event:

"I regret that I could not be here today for TRC’s Annual Ser-vice Recognition Awards. I would like to extend my congratula-

tions and my sentiments of appreciation for your many years of service," began Paul's message to staff. "I am reminded of how most of us are or have truly spent a lifetime `Making a Difference in People’s Lives' and in so doing appreciating the difference that our work has made in our own lives. Every employment and career is bound to experience a number of moments of exhilaration and satisfaction but also times of challenges and frustrations. You have persevered, and you have continued to offer your talents, your time and caring throughout all these years. For this, we want to recog-nize you and applaud you."

Mike congratulated the employees on behalf of the Board. "Thank you all for your hard work and dedication," he said. "You should be very proud and honored to receive your awards from such an excellent organization."

The Reverend Timothy Hoyer, a TRC Board Committee mem-ber, gave the invocation. The luncheon was arranged by staff in the Human Resources Department.

Lisa Bongiorno, left, receives her award from Virginia Vath, Assistant Executive Di-rector for Quality Assurance & Quality Im-provement and Staff Training.

Wendy Stimson, center, poses with Nor-ma J. Smith's daughters, who also work for TRC: Melissa Rasmussen, left, a Job Coach, and Sherri Eccles, a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.

JANE YOUNG

The Resource Center presented its three major employee awards at the annual Service Recognition Luncheon.

Wendy Stimson received the Norma J. Smith Award for excellence in direct support. Wendy, a 24-year employee who currently is serving as the temporary As-sistant Residence Manager at TRC's home on Pleasantview Drive in Jamestown, was recognized for her efforts as a Community Living Skills Instructor at the apartments on Benedict Avenue in Jamestown.

In addition to filling in as an Assistant Manager, Wendy serves as a staff mentor and a behavioral support expert. She also supports individuals with developmental disabilities in achieving their greatest level of independence, advocates for them and encourages them to advocate for them-selves, said Tony Prinzi, Assistant Execu- tive Director for Labor Relations, who an-

nounced the awards.The award was established in honor

of the late Norma J. Smith, who worked at TRC from 1983 to 1991.

The Trainer of the Year Award was pre-sented to Lisa Bongiorno, who has been with TRC for five years. Lisa, an Applied Behavioral Science Specialist, instructs staff in both physical techniques and prac-tice strategies when dealing with behavioral issues. She has assisted staff at TRC homes in learning ways to diffuse emotional situa-tions without using physical interventions.

Tony stated that one of the people who nominated Lisa said that "she has a down-to-earth approach that staff and participants understand. She is an advocate for all, so it's a win-win situation in assisting our par-

ticipants. More staff learn to understand their job due to her trainings."

The Joseph Trusso Jr. Employee of the Year Award went to Jane Young, who has worked for TRC for 31 years. She is the Site Supervisor for the Jamestown Reha-bilitation Services Program.

Tony said that besides being an excel-lent employee in her job, Jane goes above and beyond by volunteering for many TRC initiatives and serving as the official pho-tographer for many TRC and TRC Founda-tion events.

Last summer, Jane was one of four employees who agreed to oversee 10 indi-viduals with dis-abilities living in the community, so they could have the oppor-tunity to attend TRC's week at Camp Onyahsa.

The award is named in honor of Joe Trusso, who served on TRC's Board of Di-rectors from 1967 to 2005 and was a strong advocate for employees and individuals with disabilities. Joe was on hand to pres-ent the award.

Jane was unable to attend the luncheon so Mike Volk, Director of Rehabilitation and Employment Services, accepted the award for her.

The three award recipients each re-ceived a trophy.

Allied Industries holds employee recognition events

40 YearsSebastian Raffa

20 YearsDenise ChagnonRandall Ericson

Frances Schroder

Brenda BraswellVirginia DeStevens

Donna SeekingsBobby UdellSusan WrightJennifer Yost

15 Years

10 YearsCraig Eccles

Philip MurvineCarl Pillittieri

Deborah SmithJennifer Wolnick

5 YearsHarry Brightman

Sue BrisleyJesse Cervantez

Alex HinesKay Miller

Elizabeth RibaudoChristopher Riel

Jerry RynoJeffrey VanDurmen

Justin WicklandChristina Wilcox

Joining together to congratulate Sebastian "Busty" Raffa, center, on his 40 years of em-ployment at The Resource Center are, from left, William Haenggi, a member of the Board of Directors; Gregg Bender, Director of Business Operations; Michael Metzger, Board President; Michael Volk, Director of Rehabilitation and Employment Services; Amy Drozdziel, Assistant Director of Rehabilitation and Employment Services; and Executive Director Paul Cesana.

Allied Industries, TRC's employment and manufacturing division, took time re-cently to recognize long-time workers.

Allied's third annual employment rec-ognition awards were presented at events in Dunkirk (January 18) and Jamestown (Jan-uary 24). Recognized were workers with disabling conditions who, during 2011, completed milestone years of employment either at the Work Centers or on the Envi-ronmental Services cleaning crews.

Gregg Bender, Director of Business Operations, spoke for everyone at The Re-source Center when he congratulated the employees.

"It's exciting for us to honor everybody for all of your hard work and dedication," Gregg said. "We're very happy for the work that all of you guys do. We appreciate that. You guys deserve to give yourselves a hand."

A number of family members were on hand to share in their loved ones' big day. As each individual's name was called, he or she came forward to accept congratulations from TRC's Administration. Each employ-ee received a monogrammed flashlight and a jeweled lapel pin in the shape of TRC's triangle logo.

The longest-working employee was Sebastian "Busty" Raffa, who has worked in Jamestown for more than 40 years. Busty, who is 80 years old, was overheard saying that he plans to keep working until he is 100.

After the employees had received their awards and photos had been taken, people enjoyed refreshments, including decorated cakes made specifically for the awards ceremonies. As they enjoyed the refresh-ments, employees chatted with their fami-lies and fellow TRC staff, admiring their awards.

The Jamestown celebration was held in the cafeteria of the Michael J. Raymond Center on Jones & Gifford Avenue. The awardees were as follows:

PHOTO BY JANE YOUNG

Michelle Vaughn, left, Administrative Secretary for TRC's Jamestown Rehabilita-tion Services, and Tonia Brown, Vocational Skills Instructor, prepare to serve cake to people attending the Jamestown awards cer-emony.

PHOTO BY PATRICK WALKER

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8

Pictured are, from left, seated, Jennifer Yost, Frances Schroder, Jennifer Wolnick, Deborah Smith, Busty Raffa, and Ginger DeStevens; and, standing, Gregg Bender, Director of Business Operations; Paul Cesana, Executive Director; Carl Pillittieri, Craig Eccles, Christopher Riel, Bobby Udell, Mike Volk, Director of Rehabilitation and Employment Services; Elizabeth Ribaudo, Amy Drozdziel, Assistant Director of Rehabilitation and Employment Services; Alex Hines, Susan Wright, Sue Brisley, Denise Chagnon, and Christina Wilcox.

PHOTO BY PATRICK WALKER

PHOTO BY PAULA ARNTZ

Posing together at the Dunkirk event are, from left, front row, Darrell Colgrove, Justin Tallchief, Josie Klee, Leo Wisniewski, and Linda Stevens; and, back row, Paul Cesana, Execu-tive Director; John Pawlak, Joe Gugino, Amy Drozdziel, Assistant Director of Rehabilitation and Employment Services; Patrick Walker, Administrator for Subcontracting and Environ-mental Services; Mike Volk, Director of Rehabilitation and Employment Services; and Russ Beyer, Production Coordinator at the Dunkirk Work Center.

30 YearsJoe Gugino

Roy Homokay

Leo Wisniewski

John Pawlak15 Years

10 YearsJustin Tallchief

Donald Winslow

5 YearsDarrell ColgroveJosephine KleeLinda Stevens

Longina Sheffield

20 Years

The Dunkirk event was held in the Mary Andrews Center on East Chestnut Street. The Dunkirk awardees were as fol-lows:

TRC News

9

March is Professional Social Work Month. The following was obtained from the National Association of Social Workers:

"Why Social Work Matters ..."The social work profession has been instrumental in achiev-

ing civil rights and human rights advances in the United States and across the globe for more than a century. The primary mission of social work is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic needs of all people, especially the most vulnerable.

"Social Workers strive to achieve this mission through many different roles in more than 50 fields of practice. There are, howev-er, eight core areas of impact by social workers in the United States. Each of these disciplines is supported by substantial university re-search, an experienced cadre of professionals, and a coordinated service delivery system.

"Programs and services provided by social workers in the fol-lowing areas are essential elements of the American social safety net:

* Adolescent and Youth Development* Aging and Family Caregiving* Child Protection and Family Services* Health Care Navigation * Mental and Behavioral Health Treatment* Military and Veterans Assistance* NonProfit Management and Community Development* Poverty Reduction"Social Work is unlike most other helping professions in that

its members generally function as specialists and consultants in host settings led by other professions. They are also often private practi-tioners, educators, community leaders, policymakers or researchers.

"The collaborative and consultative nature of their work ensures that social workers make an impact in many different organizations and human service systems. They are employed in workplaces ranging from private and public agencies, hospices and hospitals, schools and clinics--to businesses and corporations, military units, elected offices, think tanks and foundations.

"Social Work is an integrative field which seeks to improve so-cial functioning and social conditions for people in emotional, psy-chological, economic, and/or physical need. The profession's most recognized expertise is in care coordination, case management, and therapeutic treatment for biopsychosocial issues.

"Social Workers fundamentally believe that a nation's strength depends on the ability of the majority of its citizens to lead produc-tive and healthy lives. What drives these professionals? They help people, who are often navigating major life challenges, find hope and new options for achieving their full potential.

"Most importantly, the social work profession has a mandate to identify and address gaps in social systems that impede the full par-ticipation of individuals or groups in society. Social workers have an ethical obligation to advocate for social changes that will benefit the most people.

"Our nation would be less successful without the contributions of America's 640,000 social workers."

"Social workers not only help others, they help themselves in the process by becoming self aware," said Michelle Williams, TRC's Director of Mental Health Services. "Let’s take this time to recognize the wonderful contributions of all of our social workers."

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10

Pictured outside TRC's Gateways building in Dunkirk are, from left, Sammy V., a Peer working with the New York State Office of Men-tal Health; Randy Hill, OMH's Peer Representative for the Western Region; and Jeff Axelson, TRC's PROS Specialist. Gateways PROS (Personalized Recovery Oriented Services) has began a monthly Guest Speaker Series. Individuals from other natural supports/service agen-cies/governing bodies, as well as experts in specific areas of interest to the participants of the program, will be invited to come and speak. The goals are to educate participants about the services available to them within their community, and to build their knowledge base in specific areas of recovery. Randy and Sammy, who hail from Buffalo, were the first guest speakers. Sammy presented on his own recovery, while Randy provided support and information. The participants enjoyed the presentation, asking several thought-provoking questions of the presenters. February's speaker is from the Mental Health Association.

Discussing Mental Health recovery

March is Social Work Month

Art exhibitJoanne Nixon poses with Stacy Langheinrich in front of a paint-

ing Stacy helped create, during the January 20 opening reception for TRC’s “Tropical Inspirations” exhibit at the Patterson Library Oc-tagon Gallery in Westfield. Joanne is the mother of gallery Curator Nancy Ensign (who worked with Kristen Briggs, TRC’s Art Instructor, to arrange the exhibit). Joanne taught art to individuals with cerebral palsy in the 1950s. The exhibit will be on display until February 24.

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11

“Freda was 81 when she began her secretarial career and was a very diminutive, feisty person who had never done clerical work, but took on the challenge of brushing up on her typing, and assisted me in the office three days a week in the morning by doing typing and filing,” said Donna. “Freda would often take her brown bag lunch to the cafeteria and eat lunch with her daughter Susie.”

When Susie was born, "I was advised to put her in an institu-tion," Freda said in a 1975 newspaper article, "but I just couldn't do it." Instead, Freda banded together with other parents of persons with intellectual disabilities to form TRC in 1958. She remained active with the agency until her death in 1990. Susie received sup-ports from TRC until she passed away in 2004 at the age of 55.

“Freda Eddy was a sweetheart,” said Nancy Ingram, Assistant Executive Director for Service Operations. “Her office was open to anyone who had a problem or a concern. At times, she’d even make you a cup of tea. She was just one of the nicest people I’ve ever met in my whole life. She’d do anything for you.”

“Freda Eddy was such a breath of fresh air. She knew what needed to be done and did it, with dedication and a wild sense of hu-mor,” said Jane Young, Site Supervisor for the Jamestown Rehabili-tation Program. “Freda Eddy was an integral part of the foundation on which The Resource Center ideals are based and still followed today.

"I had the honor, privilege and pleasure of working with her when I started at TRC 30 years ago and hold dear lessons that I learned from her, and hope to continue to pass them along to staff, as they are the future of TRC.”

“Freda was also ready to listen, loan a few dollars or give a ride to any of the consumers being served, or to the staff working at TRC,” said Donna. “She always had a smile for everyone and epitomized the spirit of our logo mantra, `Making a Difference in

People’s Lives.’ Freda was and still is an inspiration to me and to all those who had the privilege of knowing her.”

“She was like a mother to all, one of the parents of the initial establishment. She knew all the kids, she knew the parents. She just loved everyone, and if you needed something, you’d go to her,” said Kay Nary, who officially retired in 2006 but still works for TRC on a part-time basis. “We worked together, and she took great notes and minutes at meetings. She well documented the past. It’s important to keep her memory and fund alive because if you don’t know your history, or past, you don’t have any idea of your future. How can you appreciate where you are now, if you don’t know where you came from? That is Mrs. Eddy. She paved the way.”

Like so many of TRC Foundation’s funds, the Freda Eddy Me-morial Fund supports persons with all types of disabling conditions.

“Without that fund,” said Nancy, “you would lose a piece of history, part of the early days. We all loved her.”

If you would like to help keep Freda's memory alive by mak-ing a donation to the Fred Eddy Fund, complete the form below and return it to Carol Vinciguerra at Dunham Avenue.

TRC Foundation operates a number of funds named for people with a special connection to The Resource Center, and it’s impor-tant to help current employees get to know those who’ve come be-fore them and who’ve made a difference.

“Several of these TRC Foundation Board-designated funds are memorial funds named for those who have contributed in the past, or have a connection,” said Cindy Phillips, Vice President of Busi-ness and Finance.

The Freda Eddy Fund — A link to TRC’s pastMark Goshgarian, Public Relations Coordinator

EDITOR's NOTE: TRC Foundation operates a number of funds named for people with a connection to The Resource Center. These funds raise money to support a variety of initiatives. While many staff members are familiar with the more well-known funds, such as the Look Good Fund (created by Mar-garet Look, a former member of TRC's Board of Directors) and the Kathy Seastedt Community Support Fund (named in honor of a 25-year employee who passed away in 2008), a lot of newer employees may not recognize the names attached to some of the funds. To help employees get to know more about the people for whom our funds are named, TRC News occasionally publishes articles about our various funds. This month, we focus on the Freda Eddy Fund.

Please send this form to Carol Vinciguerra at Dunham Avenue.

$5 $10 $25 $50 $100 Other

NameAddressCity State ZipPhone E-mail

Freda Eddy Fund Donation FormIn addition to supporting The Resource Center's mission through my job, I want to enhance services for persons with disabilities by making a donation to TRC Foundation in the amount of:

By donating to TRC Foundation, you are eligible to become a member of The Resource Center. Check this box to DECLINE membership.

Make check payable to: TRC Foundation, Inc.I would prefer to make my gift through a payroll deduction of $ per pay for pay periods (through 12/27/12). NOTE: Payroll deduction cannot be done in amounts less than $1.00 per pay period.

Signature Date

Check this box if you do NOT want your name listed in TRC News as a donor. (Donation dollar amounts are NOT listed.)

I authorize The Resource Center to implement a payroll deduction from my wages for the amount and duration indicated above.

*************************************************

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One of those people with that special connection was the late Freda Eddy. In this part of our series on the various TRC Foun-dation funds, we go back in time to a lady de-scribed as one of TRC’s “founding parents” and a “TRC institution” in her own right.

Freda worked on the second floor of the Work Center in Jamestown for a number of years, back in the early days of TRC when everyone in Jamestown worked in the build-ing known today as the Michael J. Raymond Center. She then worked with Donna Lun-dmark at the Passages Program, which also was located in MJRC. Donna is now the As-sistant to Executive Director Paul Cesana.FREDA EDDY

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TRC News

On December 31, eight children who participate in the Jamestown Saturday Respite Pro-gram invited their families to a New Year's Eve lunch. The children helped prepare a lunch of turkey pot pie, mashed potatoes and brownies for dessert. They also served apple sauce that they made from apples they had picked in the fall, prepared and froze. They all had a lot of fun and could hardly wait for their families to arrive! The children also set the tables with New Year's beads, hats, balloons, and noisemakers for everyone. After lunch, the children gave their families a tour of the Recreation Center on Harris Avenue, proudly showing off the different rooms, games and activities they enjoy each week. In the photo above, Danny Gage sits with, from left, his sister; his mother, Toni; fellow program participant Torrey Newman; and Lori Miller, Supported Living Specialist.

The Saturday Respite Program is for children with developmental disabilities. Each week, the children and staff engage in fun activities in the community. There is also a Dunkirk Pro-gram. There is room in both programs for additional children. For more info, phone 661-1472.

Americans throw away 25 BIL-LION Styrofoam cups per year.

We can all make a difference by be-ing a bit greener. Recycling just doesn't mean putting out recyclables at the trash or returning our soda bottles. It means buying them in some form, therefore making a loop. Metal and glass bottles can be recycled over without ever losing a beat.

Those cigarette butts you throw out? They are made from a plastic resin (cellulose acetate) that takes years to biodegrade. "But it's just one butt." Sure it is. Multiply that by the number of smokers and how many times a day they smoke, and get back to me.

Some interesting facts about the en-vironment that you should be aware of:

Did you know that "Pure Spring Water" can contain up to a whopping 40 percent water from — ta da! — your local water company? The rest comes from untested/untreated spring water. Why is this so bad? That water may look clear, but how many contaminants can it contain, like E coli? This is why we're advised to boil our water when we go camping, if we get it from the river/lake.

Local water is treated (Jamestown's is treated nine times before it leaves its plant) and is treated with not only chlo-rine, but also fluoride. For $1.25, does your "Pure Spring Water" do this?

Only one out of five water bottles is recycled. The rest are scattered through-out landfills, the streets, lakes, etc., and it takes between 500 and 700 years to start decomposing.

Bottles can be recycled into other things — carpeting, bags, piping.

Did you know that Hershey's wraps 80 million chocolate Kisses every day, using some 50 acres, or 40 football fields, of foil? All of this foil is recy-clable, but not many people realize it.

Each year, the average Joe America throws away 1,200 pounds of organic waste. This can all be composted. (I don't know if this includes paper prod-ucts, but I compost as much newspaper/credit card/utility bills as I can alongside other organic wastes, like kitchen and yard waste. It makes a beautiful garden and very sizable harvests in return).

New Year's lunch

Green CornerEDITOR'S NOTE: The following was writ-ten by Russell Fowler, who is employed at the Jamestown Work Center.

Laurel Run "Fun"draiserLaurel Hotelling and Tom Proper get ready to enjoy a pizza lunch. To celebrate Laurel's

birthday February 7, the Pizza Hut in Fredonia donated 20 percent of each order to Laurel Run. The restaurant will do it again July 17.

PHOTO BY JANE YOUNG

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TRC News

Friday the 13th isn’t always unlucky!On Friday, January 13, students, family members and some

teachers from Falconer Central School came to the Michael J. Ray-mond Center for a tour of Day Habilitation, Pre-Vocational Servic-es, Sheltered Employment, and the Allied Industries Work Center.

The group members had never been to The Resource Center nor seen a Day Habilitation program, and they were unaware of the opportunities our Day Services and Rehabilitation departments have to offer. Thanks to Gregg Bender, Director of Business Op-erations, and Kim Scoma, Rehabilitation Services Supervisor the group had an eye-opening experience! Jon DeAngelo, Business Manager, later introduced the visitors to the Car Detail and Land-scape programs.

After a small welcome reception in the cafeteria, Day Hab participant Will Prince joined Lori Newman, Assistant Director of Day Services, and Autumn Wilson, Program Manager, along with myself, in touring Day Habilitation at the MJRC. Will gave his perspective as he explained the many different opportunities each individual has while at program. Lori, Autumn and I answered any questions the parents and teachers had.

We then proceeded to the Allied building, where Gregg and Kim took over. Gregg gave an exceptional tour for everyone, go-ing into great detail about our process and how we contract with many businesses, including the U.S. military. At the end of the tour, Gregg brought out a couple of armored vests our soldiers wear. Needless to say, it was a big hit with the students.

We concluded the tour with the Car Detail program at the Eighth Street building. Participant Tristan Wassman took over for Jon and explained the workings of the shop. He explained the equipment used, along with its purpose.

Rob Thompson, the Special Education Teacher, stated that he began a detail and landscape program at Falconer School so his students could begin to prepare for alternative types of employment once they graduate. It was nice to see TRC’s complement to what his students are learning.

All in all, it was a successful event, and new friends were made! We at TRC look forward to more tours/events with Falconer School and hopefully other schools in the district. Yes, Friday the 13th was a very lucky day for us as we met eight terrific students, along with some of their caring parents and dedicated teachers!

Falconer Central School tours TRCJohnny Tooley, Special Projects Coordinator, Day Services

Falconer students, some wearing items made by TRC for the U.S. military, pose during their recent tour.

January 23 marked the Chinese New Year, so that was the theme for the week at the Day Habilitation Program on Fluvanna Avenue in Jamestown. 2012 is the Year of the Dragon, so the staff and service re-cipients in the Rainbows Room made a dragon and paraded it through the halls and into the other program rooms. In the head of the dragon is Amanda Trout, Direct Support Professional; in the middle is Mary-Lou, a participant; and bringing up the tail is Gwen Piazza, DSP.

Chinese New Year

PHOTO BY MARY FORD

Relive the magic whenever you want!

A limited number of DVD recordings of the 2011 Toys for Tots Charity Ball are available, featuring the dance performances that have become legendary:

* the Village People medley!* Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance"!* Michael Jackson's "Thriller"!* the Beatles medley!

All this for just $10 each! 661-1421

Plus, enjoy a variety of other entertainers!

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TRC News

Congratulations . . .

Promotions

Pam MarchincinMichael McCoySherry McMeansAnn McKillipRenee MoffattJoshua MonroeMark MortonKaren MoynihanLaurie PassetBrenda PattisonTony PrinziAllicia RiceBarbara RysJuanita SawyerLouis SchraderAmy Schulz Peter SzynskiVirginia VathMichelle VaughnCarol VinciguerraJerry VinciguerraJennifer A. VolkSteve WatersonMichelle WilliamsAutumn WilsonSue Woods

Kristen MacKenzieCasey DuBoseJodi EckmanPeggy ElofsonMary FordTodd FrangioneJulie GableDr. Kathleen GradelMary Jo HamiltonAshley HammondJudith HandkammerAlecia HaskinsSteve HauckThomas HollandWayne HotellingNancy IngramTerri JohnsonDenise JonesTess KerznerJulie KohlerJaime LauffenburgerJay LauffenburgerRita LenartSusan Lepley-JenkinsLeanna Luka-ConleyDonna Lundmark

Michele AlbaughJulie BackusFaith BakerWilliam BarberJordan BardoVicky BardoMarion BattleWilliam BeckHeather BeckerTodd BeckerDaniel BenderGregg BenderJoanne BevanJacquie BlackwoodAlda BrownDebbie BrownHeather BrownWilliam BrownPaul CesanaDavid ChristHeather CourtneyPam CranstonCoty CrokerJon DeAngeloAmanda Dove Amy Drozdziel

Staff Appreciation Recipients (12/17—2/1)

Staff/Board donorsBelow are the names of TRC employees, and members of the

Boards of Directors of TRC and its affiliated corporations, who have donated money to The Resource Center or TRC Foundation thus far in 2012. Thank you for your generous support!

Michael Braxton to Special Projects CoordinatorShawn Kane to Community Living Skills InstructorJanet Laurin to Habilitation Skills InstructorCassandra Simmons to Assistant Residence Manager

to Michele Albaugh, Assistant Director of Staff Training and Development, and Don Traynor, Staff Development Specialist, who have been named Lead Portfolio Reviewers by the Nation-al Association of Direct Support Professionals. This means that Michele and Don can lead the process when someone needs his or her portfolio reviewed for the NADSP credentialing process.

Greg Peterson, Esq., a member of TRC Foundation's Board of Directors, who has been selected for induction into the Chautau-qua Sports Hall of Fame.

to Jill Suter, Supervisor of the Day Habilitation Program on Hazeltine Avenue in Jamestown, who was elected to the Board of Directors of the YWCA of Jamestown.

Mark MortonAlicia NicolasTom RhodesJody RomanBob SherbineKaren SilzleElizabeth SlagleJessie SmithDavid SteedSteve StromRoxanne Wynn Carol SvensenCan TenamoreShana ThompsonSue TracyCarol VinciguerraMike VolkDennis Wakelee

Kevin AndersonVicky BardoSuzette BenedettoRosanne BertramJoanne BevanHeather BrownChris ButtsLindsey CaldwellAndrew CarlsonRon CarlsonLisa CoveyNick CultraraKaren DePaneJeff EgglestonPaul FardinkTodd FrangioneNatasha GiambraWendy GiuntaPatrick Henry

Thomas HollandKathy HowardGreg HyattNichole JohnsonTerri JohnsonBarney JohnstonKristina KinneyJosh KliceHolly LangeKaren La SotaSteve LindquistJohn LinzaDonna LundmarkSean MabesVeronica McClarenPat MeadLinda MetcalfeShawn MitchellLaurie Moretti

Staff of the A-2 home at the Foote Intermediate Care FacilityPayroll Department staff

TRC supports United WayA number of TRC employees and service recipients receive

supports from agencies funded by the United Way, and because of that, each year TRC raises money for the two local United Ways.

TRC employees pledged a total of $4,596 to the United Way during the recently completed pledge drive — $2,776 to the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County and $1,820 to the United Way of Northern Chautauqua County.

Below are the names of the employees who made pledges:

Michele AlbaughAlda BrownPaul CesanaKaren DePaneAmanda DoveThomas HollandNancy IngramDenise JonesTess KerznerRita Lenart

Sylvia LipseyDonna LundmarkDiana MeckleyAnn McKillipBrandey OakesTony PrinziSteve WatersonSue WoodsJane Young

TRC organizing March for Babies teamAgain this year, The Resource Center will be sponsoring the

March of Dimes' March for Babies event in Chautauqua County. This year's March takes place April 28 in Mayville.

Jessica Holmes, Supported Living Specialist Manager, again is coordinating TRC's team for the March. If you'd like to participate, contact Jessica at 661-1405 or jessica.holmes@resourcecenter.org.

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TRC News

Last year, Paul Silzle (the husband of Karen Silzle, a TRC Residence Coordinator) raised more than $1,000 for Laurel Run by promising to run the 8-kilometer race wearing a kilt. This year, a TRC employee is following Paul’s example.

Steve Waterson, Community Relations Director, is registered to run in the “Princess Half Marathon” at Disney World at the end of February. To raise money for Laurel Run, Steve has said he will run the 13.1-mile course dressed as a Disney character.

Steve created his own fund-raising web page through TRC Foundation's fund-raising partner, a company called Firstgiving. In his online message to potential donors, Steve stated that anyone who makes a donation may suggest a Disney character. He said he will dress up as whichever character receives the most votes.

In explaining why he is doing this, Steve said that as its name implies, the Princess Half Marathon is designed for women, though men are allowed to participate. Many of the participants dress as Disney characters. Steve said he wants to do well in the race, but that he realizes some onlookers may question his sportsmanship if, at the end, he’s sprinting toward the finish line, trying to beat women dressed as Cinderella, Tinkerbell and the Little Mermaid.

“So I decided to dress up too, and turn it into a fund-raiser for Laurel Run by letting donors suggest which character I’ll be,” Steve said. “The goal is to get some laughs and to also raise money for Laurel Run so that we can support people with disabilities.”

The cutoff date for making a donation is Friday, February 17. “Hopefully, that will give me enough time to put together a costume for whichever Disney character gets the most votes,” Steve said. “Some of my friends and co-workers have pretty devious minds, so I’m expecting the worst in terms of costume suggestions.”

As of February 7, Steve had raised $388. “Peter Pan” was lead-ing “Cinderella” by a count of 6 to 4. Also earning votes were “Mad Hatter,” "Minnie Mouse," “Prince Charming,” "Snow White," and "Syndrome."

To make a secure, online donation and to cast your vote, vis-it www.firstgiving.com/trcfoundation and click on the link to Steve's fund-raising page. Or, send a check made payable to “TRC/Laurel Run” to Steve at the Dunham building, and write the name of the Disney character you want Steve to be on the “Memo” line.

This is the third year in a row that Steve has raised money for Laurel Run by creating his own fund-raising web page. He encour-ages others to consider doing the same thing.

“It’s really easy to set up your online fund-raising page through the Firstgiving web site, and you can link your page to your Face-book and Twitter accounts, add images from Flickr and upload vid-eos from YouTube” Steve said.

He said that when he first created a fund-raising page two years ago, he was hesitant to e-mail people in search of donations. But he quickly found that people were eager to donate.

“Your family, friends and co-workers are actually happy to make a donation to support your cause,” Steve said, “and it’s ex-tremely satisfying to send out an e-mail letting people know what you’re doing, and then receive messages from Firstgiving letting you know that someone has donated.”

To further encourage people to raise money for Laurel Run, TRC Foundation provides incentives. People can earn a $100 gift card for themselves simply by raising money for Laurel Run.

Ready to create your own fund-raising page and start raising money? Go to www.firstgiving.com/trcfoundation.

Employee running race in costume to raise donations for Laurel Run

Officers of the Jamestown Rehabilitation Services’ 2012 Con-sumer Council pose after their recent election: from left, front row, Amandalyn Birt, Treasurer; Bonnie Tucker, Vice President; and Mary Courson, President; and, back row, Ray Wolfe, Secretary, and Regis Pratt, Alternate. The Consumer Council’s purpose is to give workers a forum in which to express opinions, ideas and suggestions regarding services offered by the Rehab and Work Center programs.

Consumer Council officers

PHOTO BY JANE YOUNG

Unauthorized visitor

PHOTO BY PAULA ARNTZ

A City of Dunkirk Animal Control Officer secures a raccoon that somehow made its way into TRC's Mary Andrews Center. The little fella wreaked havoc while it was inside, damaging the exterior and in-terior of an agency truck, knocking over garbage cans and breaking a glass coffee carafe. The raccoon was found sleeping in a box of straps on the Support Enterprises section of the facility early on the morning of January 27. After being snared, the raccoon was taken away and released.