Genesee ARC invites area residents, neighbors and families to view the Genesee ARC Community Center improvements firsthand during an art exhibit and open house, March 11, from 5:00pm to 7:30pm in celebration of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. The Community Center, 38 Woodrow Road, Batavia, is the former St. Mary’s School.  It was purchased by Genesee ARC two years ago.

The Art Show, entitled “Celebrating Art-abilities” was made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, administered by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.

A “Meet the Artist” event is planned during the open house, along with light refreshments and tours.  Executive Director Donna Saskowski will be making a special announcement at 6:30 p.m.  Anyone requesting additional information or to see the art show after March 11, may contact ARC Director of Development Shelley Falitico at 585-343-1123 or sfalitico@rochester.rr.com..

Genesee ARC Executive Director Donna Saskowski was named Social Worker of the Year by the Western Division of the New York State Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

She was selected for her service to people with developmental disabilities, her leadership skills and commitment to community development. Her award nomination was submitted by Barbara Demerest, of Amherst, a former aide to New York State Senator Mary Lou Rath.

“Community leaders and families served by ARC continually note the major positive impact that Donna’s leadership has on the lives of the individuals and families her agency serves, and on the larger community," Demerest said.

During the awards presentation, Demerest said, “Donna particularly has forged partnerships and collaborations, not only strengthening services but integrating persons with disabilities into their communities and maximizing their opportunities for full participation.

"Among the many initiatives she has led are a recreational partnership with the YMCA and a major fundraising effort for the Genesee ARC Community Center (formerly St. Mary’s School).”

Saskowski, a lifelong resident of the town of Darien, received her bachelor's and master's degrees in Social Work from the University of Buffalo School of Social Work and has been on staff at Genesee ARC since 1989 and Executive Director since 2004.

In addition to her affiliation with NASW, Saskowski is a member of the Batavia Rotary Club and the Genesee County United Way Board of Directors. She is president of the Finger Lakes Collaborative, and belongs to NYSARC’s Executive Directors’ Association and Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western New York. In 2006, she was a member of the Community Health Foundation Leadership Fellows and she is a member of Leadership Genesee’s Class of 2005.

Organizers are calling the Genesee ARC Friends & Family 5K, that was held September 19th  in Elba a BIG success!  Perfect weather conditions resulted in a record number of people participating in the event which featured a 5K race, 5K walk and a 1 ½ mile fun walk.  A great family event.

The Genesee ARC Friends & Family 5K returns to Elba September 19. The 5^th annual event raises money for disability services and helps fund the Genesee ARC Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship.  Mrs. Graney was a dedicated parent, a long-time supporter of Genesee ARC, and a strong advocate for persons with developmental disabilities.

The Friends & Family event is made up of a 5K certified course, 5K Walk and a Fun Walk, with the route beginning near and ending at the Genesee ARC Day Habilitation Center, 4603 Barrville Road, Elba. Pre-registration for participants in the 5K is $15.00 by September 12^th or $20.00 on the day of the 5K. Fun Walkers pay $10.00 before September 12^th and $15.00 on September 19^th.

The “out and back” course will begin on Barrville Road, head west, then turn, heading east on Bridge then north on Luddington to the end, then back to the ARC Day Habilitation Center. Affected roads will be closed while runners are on the course. ARC is working with Town of Elba, Highway officials and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department to ensure a safe, fun time for everyone.

Prizes will be presented to the overall male and female runners, with medals awarded to the male and female first and second place runners in the following age categories: 8–12, 13–18, 19–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69 and 70+. Medals will be awarded to the top three 5K Walkers (regardless of gender). The first 150 registered runners and walkers will receive a Friends & Family 5K t-shirt.

PCR Timing has been hired to time the race and will be using state-of-the-art DAG technology. The DAG system uses a disposable computer component, unlike the “chip” technology in which runners must return the chip or face hefty fees.

After the Run/Walk, participants will be treated to a post race party, with music provided by The Buffalo Road Show. Kid-friendly activities include a bounce house, face painting and Magician, Adam Michael. Again this year, to go along with the country theme, event organizers are planning to showcase the produce from Elba area farmers in a “Taste of Elba.”

Title sponsor of the Friends & Family 5K is the Buffalo Law Firm of Webster Szanyi LLP, with substantial support provided by WBTA Radio and Genesee Valley Penny Saver.

For information on the Genesee ARC Friends & Family 5K, call Sandy Konfederath at ARC at 343-1123 or pick up a registration form at 64 Walnut Street, Batavia. Registration forms are also available at several area locations and in Elba at the town hall and post office.

State Senator Mike Ranzenhofer attended a weekend open house at Genesee ARC’s newest home for people with disabilities.  The residence on Coe Avenue in the village of Oakfield was open Saturday, June 20, for tours and refreshments giving the community an opportunity to meet the six young women who live in the home and the Genesee ARC Staff who work there. 

The 3,000 square foot home is the local non profit organization’s eleventh residence. It was funded with New York State grant monies targeted at innovative services for individuals with disabilities.  It features an open floor plan and is fully accessible.

Senator Ranzenhofer participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony with one of the residents, Sheryl, and her father, Gary Lemke, of Medina.  The Senator said he has had the opportunity to visit several similar homes throughout his district and presented an official senate certificate in recognition of the home’s opening and ARC’s service to the community.

Genesee ARC has been serving people with disabilities and their families since 1966.  Along with Residential Services, Genesee ARC provides an array of vocational and day program opportunities, service coordination, family support, recreation and transportation. 

Community members wanting to know more about ARC services can call the Administrative offices at 343-1123.

Genesee ARC is hosting an open house this Saturday, June 20th at 11 Coe Avenue. The community is invited to tour the residence which is home to six young women with disabilities.

The 3,000 square foot home was funded with grant monies targeted at innovative services for individuals with disabilities. It features an open floor plan and is fully accessible.

The open house runs from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a ribbon cutting and introduction of residents scheduled for 1:30 p.m.  Refreshments will also be served. All are welcome to attend.

 Anyone with questions about the open house may call Marie Fragnito at the ARC Residential offices at 344-1678.

BATAVIA - Corinne Phelps of Basom received the Self- Advocate Achievement Award at the 2009 Western Region Self-Advocacy Conference held June 4 – 5, at the Batavia Holiday Inn. She was joined at the awards luncheon by her parents, Dana and Bryan Phelps.

The following achievements were outlined in Corinne’s awards nomination form: Corinne has been a member of Friends for the Future Self-Advocacy Group for three years and is in her second term as Secretary; she is encouraging to her peers, empowers others and has taken part in many presentations and public speaking opportunities.

Along with self-advocacy, Corinne is active in her church choir and Sunday School and is a volunteer for the Down Syndrome Parent Support Group of Genesee County, Inc. As a member of Genesee ARC’s PREP for life program, she volunteers at the Genesee County Animal Shelter, Nursing Home and the Richmond Memorial Library. 

“Following Your Dreams” was the theme of this year’s conference. Workshop topics included empowered living, transportation, employment, disability awareness and legislative advocacy.

The Western New York Self-Advocacy Conference has been held in Batavia for the past several years due to its central location between Buffalo and Rochester. An impressive 430 people registered for the two-day conference.

The local leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run was held this morning in Genesee County. The Law Enforcement Torch Run helps raise awareness and funds to benefit Special Olympics throughout the nation.  

Runners started at the Genesee ARC Day Habilitation Center in Elba, and ended at the Administrative Offices and Work Center at 64 Walnut Street, Batavia.

At the start of the race, Dale Baldwin helped officers carry the torch before the group headed south down Route 98 towards Batavia. 

In the city, due to road construction along Walnut Street, runners entered the ARC property via Franklin Street. 

Martin Gielow, in his wheelchair, helped runners carry the torch for the final stretch, completing the almost 7 mile trek.

According to event coordinator, Detective Todd Crossett of the City of Batavia Police, runners from his department were joined by The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, LeRoy Police Department and the U.S. Army. “It’s a real team effort, for a great cause,” the Detective said.

Teens from Byron-Bergen and Batavia are the recipients of the 2009 Genesee ARC Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarships.  The $1,000.00 scholarship awards were presented to Jessica Monroe, Nichole Longhini and Lindsey Penders. 

Jessica, a member of the Byron-Bergen Class of 2009, plans to become a Special Education teacher in an elementary school to continue her desire to work with children with special needs.

 Nichole, a senior at Batavia High, plans on pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, specializing in neonatal intensive care. Nichole feels premature babies are at an increased risk for complications and future disabling conditions and she wants to help these babies early in their lives to be healthier and happier.

Lindsay, who is also a member of the Batavia High School Class of 2009, plans to pursue a Master’s Degree in Special Education.  Her desire to pursue this career field was sparked by an internship at the New York State School for the Blind.

Three $1,000.00 scholarships are awarded to high school seniors each year interested in working in human services, special education or related fields.  The scholarship is in honor of Mary Anne Graney, a special education teacher, who died in 2004. According to Genesee ARC Scholarship Committee Chair, Shelley Falitico, “The scholarship is a living memorial, honoring Mrs. Graney’s commitment to ARC and enriching the lives of people with disabilities.”