Arc GLOW

Press Release:

Arc GLOW will be holding its second Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet on October 9 at 5:30 p.m. at Batavia Downs. Rebecca Leclair, the President of Rebecca Leclair Communications, LLC and former anchor and reporter from WHEC-TV (Channel 10), will be the emcee.

Individuals will also be providing entertainment. For a month, Arc GLOW nominated staff, individuals and community members for a variety of different awards.

The award winners are the following:

Self-Advocate of the Year

To honor a person served by Arc GLOW who has grown and is meeting their personal outcomes. They also have positively influenced the lives of others.

Nathan Johnidas, Albion

Supported Employment Person of the Year

To honor a person supported by Arc GLOW who has demonstrated a strong work ethic, dedication to their job, ability to learn new community employment skills and maintain successful employment.

Elizabeth Padilla, Walnut Street, Batavia 

Pre-Vocational Person of the Year

To honor a person supported by Arc GLOW with a dedication to learning about the world of work including new job skills, striving to complete quality work and showing attention to the task of learning.

Tammy Reimels, Hilltop

Residential Person of the Year

To honor a person supported by Arc GLOW who resides in residential services, grew in their independence and learned life skills.

Monica Mineo, Garfield IRA in Batavia

Day Habilitation Person of the Year

To honor a person supported by Arc GLOW who participates in day habilitation activities, strives to learn, and demonstrates effort and commitment to be included in their own communities.

James Gibbs, WOW Day Hab in Batavia

Community Services and Self Direction Person of the Year

To honor a person served by Arc GLOW who shows outstanding participation and contribution to their community. Shows the initiative in trying new activities and gain leadership potential through community involvement.

Brittany Murphy, Genesee County

KidStart Employee of the Year

To honor an employee who demonstrates exceptional support to children and families, and is committed to assist in all areas of their growth and education.

Maggie Putman

Direct Support Professional Person of the Year (DSP)

To honor a DSP who provides a variety of activities to adults with developmental disabilities within a home setting, day programs or recreational activities in the community. Provides excellence in support in living skills, personalized goals, arts and crafts, sensory activities, and facilitates our individuals to take their active role in the community.

Heather Taft, residential manager at Avon IRA in Avon

Employee of the Year

To recognize an employee of Arc GLOW who is committed to the mission and vision. They demonstrate the values of diversity, respect, integrity, visionary, equality, empowerment and excellence.

Heidi Wyant, transportation manager

Friend of the Year

Community friend and supporter of Arc GLOW’s mission and vision.

Hoffman Hanafin & Associates, LLC

Business Partner of the Year

A partner who supports our mission and vision through excellent customer service or providing work opportunities for employment.

Aunt Cookies in Geneseo

Volunteers of the Year

To honor a person who is committed to Arc GLOW, volunteering their time by serving the local community and supporting the Arc GLOWs mission and vision.

Kevin and Dawn Fisher

Reservations are open until Sept. 30. at ArcGLOW.org/event/awards-banquet-and-annual-meeting. For any questions, contact Tracey Jones at (585) 343-1123 ext. 1735 or TJones@ArcGLOW.org.

Press Release:

IGNITE took off at the Genesee Community College (GCC) campus in Batavia! 

Mirroring the LIVES college experience program at SUNY Geneseo, IGNITE is Arc GLOW’s newest Community Prevocational program in the northern region of Arc GLOW. It’s also a great acronym, suggested to Arc GLOW by GCC, “Inspiring Growth and Nurturing Independence Through Education.” 

“It has certainly inspired me and the rest of our new IGNITE team, including IGNITE Day Habilitation Manager Emily Mault, and our two direct support staff, Dan Crofts and Kevin Fisher,” said Kelly Anstey, senior director of day and employment services. “In the last few weeks we have been researching, discussing our developing curriculum, planning activities and classes, looking for integration opportunities and finally arranging our home base on campus which is simply and affectionately dubbed ‘D360.’”

IGNITE is a two-year inclusive higher education opportunity, a true college-like experience, in exploring all of the class’ employment and other life dreams while supporting them in gaining skills in the areas of: relationship building, money management and budgeting, exploring careers, focusing on good health and wellness, and gaining an expansive community awareness. 

On opening day, August 28, the group of four students purchased various GCC items in the campus bookstore, checked out the lounge and student union areas, and trekked around the outside space on campus. Upon returning to D360, the four began to make plans for “Friday free swims” in the pool and shared their job aspirations, including: zookeeper, film maker, police officer, rock star, animatronic designer, music producer, and “work with people and be happy!”

“GCC is proud to partner with Arc GLOW on this important initiative. IGNITE students enrich our campus community, and their enthusiasm and passion are inspiring,” said GCC President, Dr. Craig Lamb. “We look forward to continued collaboration in support of students enhancing their educational and life skills here at GCC.” 

Anstey said the GCC faculty and staff have been so welcoming. “We truly feel like part of the college as we intermingle with everyone on campus,” she said. “We have frequent ‘guests’ as GCC faculty and staff pop into our room, or engage us in other arenas on campus to discuss collaborative ideas for our students. On opening day, while watching the last few weeks of focused work become a program reality, I feel like I am living my dream job.”

However, as Arc GLOW moves forward with this new initiative, it is done without Dawn Scott, the LIVES and newly assigned IGNITE coordinator who passed away this past July. 

“She was a true inspiration, and the vision she shared in the past year was beyond instrumental in shaping IGNITE,” Anstey said. “We dedicate this semester to Dawn.”

More information and a sample curriculum can be found online at ArcGLOW.org under programs and services and college experiences.

Press Release:

In March 2005, Bill Sofia first came to the Arc as a resident training instructor (RTI), now known today as a direct support professional. As of July 19, he holds a new title; director of business services.

“I am so excited to continue working and meeting with new business partners we have here in the GLOW community,” Sofia said. 

Sofia will be overseeing all of Arc GLOW’s business services which include: Hilltop Printshop, Hilltop Bottle and Can Return, assembly and packaging, janitorial services, lawn care, staffing solutions, Finders Keepers Thrift Shop, and Orleans Enterprises. He also oversees Meals on Wheels in Genesee County, which Arc GLOW staff members and individuals in the culinary arts training program have provided about 36,000 hot, nutritious meals annually to eligible Genesee County seniors.

“Bill has a lot of experience working with individuals and helping them find gainful employment through Arc GLOW’s business services and in the community,” said Kellie Kennedy, vice president of Day and Employment Services. “I have every bit of confidence he will be able to bring that experience to connect our business partners with not only our own services but individuals which would be a good fit for their company.”

Over the years, Sofia has held many titles: RTI at the Meadowcrest Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRA) in Batavia, job coach, assistant residential manger, residential manager, foreman, senior production manager, and employment services manager. His time with the Arc started when his step-father told him that the Arc was hiring. 

“I didn’t know what the Arc was, and my step-dad told me it was an organization which worked with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD),” he said. “He told me my good sense of humor would be good.”

Sofia said he loves what he does; he wakes up and enjoys coming to work and being around the people Arc GLOW serves. 

Sofia grew up in Rochester, but finished high school at Pembroke High School when his mother accepted a job at the VA Medical Center in Batavia. He now lives in Batavia, and in 2010 completed a disability studies program in collaboration with The Arc of New York State and Empire State College.

Created in 2021, Arc GLOW, a chapter of The Arc New York, is the result of the merger of two successful and long-standing organizations, The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming and Arc of Genesee Orleans. 

Arc GLOW is a non-profit organization founded by parents and friends of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We serve individuals with a variety of disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, Down syndrome, epilepsy, Fragile X syndrome and neurological conditions. 

In our name Arc GLOW, GLOW is an acronym for the counties we serve — Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming.

Representatives from local law enforcement, including the Sheriff's Office and Batavia PD, participated in the Arc GLOW Torch Run on Thursday morning in support of the Special Olympics.  The route took the officers from the Sheriff's Office on Park Road to the Arc facility on Walnut Street in Batavia.

Press Release:

Four GLOW area seniors have been named recipients of Arc GLOW’s 2024 Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship.

The $1,000 scholarship award winners — Katrelle Grover, Emma Millar, Claire Zehler, and Corina Dunn — are planning to pursue careers related to healthcare or working with people with disabilities.

Genesee County Winner:

Corina Dunn, a student at Le Roy Jr./Sr. High School hailing from Le Roy, plans to go to SUNY Geneseo for early childhood/special education.

“I have always wanted to be an early childhood teacher, but after working with other students who have disabilities through my high school career has made me realize I want to be dual certified in special education as well,” Dunn said. “I believe that the first years of a child’s life are the most important, and I want to ensure that children with disabilities are welcomed, accepted, and have the basic blocks to succeed in their futures.”

Dunn keeps busy inside and outside of school. Not only does she work as a cashier and customer service lead for Tops Friendly Markets, but she’s the vice president of her school’s National Honor Society and volunteers for the Le Roy Youth Soccer Association. 

Dunn is active in Le Roy’s music council, student council, marching band, jazz band, musical pit orchestra, math team, success, basketball, track, and Unified Bowling.

Other winners include:

• Katrelle Grover, a Warsaw Central School senior from Silver Springs
• Emma Millar, a Caledonia-Mumford High School senior from Caledonia
• Claire Zehler, an Attica High School senior from North Java

Now in its 19th year, the Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship is given out to area high school students planning to attend college to pursue a degree in human services, special education, or a field related to helping people with developmental disabilities.

It is in honor of Mary Anne Graney, a special education teacher who died in 2004. The scholarship is funded by the Friends & Family 5K, scheduled this year for Sept. 16 in Elba. In all, 63 scholarships, including this year, have been awarded since 2006 to local high school students. 

Press Release:

It is thanks to a $18,360 grant from NYSARC Trust Services that Arc GLOW can continue to offer recreational activities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

This grant, which Arc GLOW receives very year, helps pay for the various recreational activities it offers to the individuals it serves throughout the year: movies, bowling, concerts, amusement parks, sporting events, crafts supplies, games, and outdoor equipment. 

“The Arc GLOW Community Services department is most grateful for the 2024 NYSARC Trust Recreation Grant. These monies allow numerous individuals we support the opportunity to participate in multiple recreational activities and events in their own communities and surrounding areas,” said Vice President of Self Direction and Community Services Jill Pegelow. 

“Without these grant monies, many individuals would not get the opportunity to enjoy some of these experiences, as often they are on fixed incomes and do not have the extra funds to participate. This is a wonderful opportunity for them to engage with their peers and experience inclusion in the community.”

Since 1972, NYSARC Trust Services administers supplemental needs trusts (SNT) and pooled trusts that can make dramatic improvements to the lives of people with disabilities by enabling individuals to maintain financial eligibility for Medicaid and other means-tested government benefit programs. 

Arc GLOW is a parent- and family-driven organization that empowers and supports people of all ages with a broad spectrum of emotional, intellectual and developmental disabilities. For more information, visit ArcGLOW.org or call (585) 343-1123.

Press Release:

Arc GLOW purchased a total of 19 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in Genesee and Wyoming counties due to generosity by two different organizations.

Fifteen AEDs in Genesee County were purchased with assistance from the Genesee County New York State Opioid Settlement Fund. 

Of these 15 AEDs, four are at Arc GLOW’s public facing offices — the Genesee Administration Building, Business Services and Transportation building, Community Center in Batavia and Elba Day Habilitation. 

These AEDs are in a cabinet at a set location, and have been added to the Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) program — if someone calls 911 in need of an AED, an operator will be able to direct them to one of those four buildings for assistance. The case will make a sound when it is opened, and there will be a child/pediatric cartridge at each location and an additional adult cartridge.

The four AEDs in Wyoming County were purchased due to grant funds from the William F. Thiel Trust at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. These four plus the 11 from Genesee County went to Arc GLOW’s 11 individualized residential alternatives (IRAs) where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) live.

“Everyone wants to go about their day thinking what they’re doing is making some kind of difference. Not every project has the luxury of visual evidence like this one did,” said Jeff Kantrowski, quality assurance coordinator at Arc GLOW. “At one point there was a literal wall of life-saving AEDs sitting behind me. It’s awesome to be able to have a hand in putting those units into the world all over Genesee and Wyoming counties; especially knowing that several of the units could have an impact in the community beyond Arc GLOW.” 

According to the American Red Cross, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is among the leading causes of death in the United States. In fact, more than 350,000 people will suffer a SCA this year. 

Currently, the only way to restore a regular heart rhythm during a SCA is to use an AED. Without immediate cardiac medical intervention, the person will die of cardiac death within minutes.

When SCA occurs, rapid treatment with an AED can be lifesaving. But defibrillation is time sensitive. The probability of survival decreases by 7 percent to 10 percent for every minute that a victim doesn't receive treatment.

Individuals with IDD are a vulnerable population that is susceptible to having medical emergencies. For more than a century, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo has enhanced and encouraged long-term philanthropy in the Western New York community. 

A 501 (c)(3) organization, the Community Foundation’s mission is connection people, ideas and resources to improve lives in Western New York. Established in 1919, the Community Foundation has made the most of the generosity of individuals, families, foundations and organizations who entrust charitable assets to the Community Foundation’s care. Learn more at cfgb.org.

Arc GLOW is a private, non-profit organization founded by parents and friends of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. 

It is dedicated to helping people with IDD meet their full potential and find fulfillment in learning, personal relationships, employment, volunteerism, recreation, the arts, and more. Arc GLOW serves up to 2,000 individuals with IDD of all ages throughout the GLOW counties. For more information, visit ArcGLOW.org.

The nonprofit ARC, established to assist individuals with intellectual, emotional, and developmental disabilities, merged the two smaller entities of Genesee and Orleans with Livingston and Wyoming in the fall of 2021 to create Arc GLOW.

Board President Cheryl Englert expressed her thanks for the Genesee County Legislature’s support of the agency during a presentation this week in honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

"As a parent of a young man who is served by Arc GLOW and a long-term member of the Board of Directors, I want to thank you for our partnership. My grandparents came from Batavia, so coming back to Batavia is coming home. And so when we merged as one organization, it felt good to have my ancestry honored, and my son honored too, so I'm very glad to be part of the organization that works with you,” Englert said Wednesday in the legislative chambers. “And I'm pleased that our partnership, that we work together, and our community is accepting of our folks in all the programs we do, and I appreciate every one of you for supporting us now and in the future.” 

Legislator Brooks Hawley read the proclamation given to Arc GLOW:

WHEREAS, people with a developmental disability are of all racial, ethnic, educational, social, and economic backgrounds, and all are valued members of society who find fulfillment living everyday lives, and

WHEREAS, we value what is important to people with disabilities and their families who are striving for daily lives no different than that of all other citizens, and

WHEREAS, early intervention, education, meaningful work, and home and community- based services continue to be vital to allowing citizens with a developmental disability to enjoy the rights of citizenship, achieve personal success and allows them contribute to their local communities alongside their neighbors without disabilities, and

WHEREAS, Genesee County Legislature recognizes the many accomplishments and contributions of people with developmental disabilities, we encourage all citizens to support Genesee County residents with developmental disabilities and their families in all aspects of life. Now therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Genesee County Legislature does hereby proclaim March 2024 to be Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and urges all citizens to give full support to efforts towards enabling people with developmental disabilities to live full and productive lives of inclusion in our communities.

Press Release:

Arc GLOW has chosen a new name for the 48th annual event held at Terry Hills Golf Course. 

GLOW Abili-TEES Golf & Bocce Tournament.

“The new name aligns with Arc GLOW’s mission of focusing on the abilities of individuals served by Arc GLOW while adding a twist to the word “Abili-TEES” as it relates to the game of golf,” said Ed Carney, chairman of the GLOW Abili-TEES Golf & Bocce Tournament committee.

It was chosen after a staff naming contest was held.

“The individuals who Arc GLOW serve have a lot of talent; we want to highlight that at this tournament while raising money so we can further help empower and support them,” said Lisa Bors, public relations director for Arc GLOW.

This year it will be held on Monday, July 15 at Terry Hills Golf Course, located at 5122 Clinton Street Road in Batavia.

Along with enhanced sponsorship opportunities, Arc GLOW has reduced the golf fee to $135 and bocce to $60 for the tournament. To reserve a spot, e-mail Sandy Konfederath at SKonfederath@ArcGLOW.org or (585) 343-1123 ext. 1715.

Keep your eyes peeled for further information on the Arc GLOW Facebook page and website, and save the date to be sure to help empower and support people of all ages with a broad spectrum of emotional, intellectual, and developmental disabilities.

Press Release:

For the past 31 years, the Corfu resident has been working as a direct service professional (DSP) at Arc GLOW’s Day Habilitation Center in Elba. 

She helps each individual in her room with their daily person-centered goals. Bookmiller explores every chance to take individuals she supports out for community-based activities, and on nice weather days she maximizes every opportunity to help individuals to enjoy the extensive outdoor space at Elba Day Hab.

“When spending time at the site in Elba, Joy immediately stood out as one of the DSPs who truly took their role to support individuals seriously,” said Kelly Anstey, senior director of Day and Employment Services at Arc GLOW. 

“A coworker pointed out to me how Joy made every person feel as included in as many activities as possible how she always went the extra mile. I could see this,” Anstey continued. “She presented at once as very serious, but also compassionate and very passionate about serving people.”

It is little wonder then that Bookmiller has been selected as one of the four recipients of The Arc New York’s 2023 Thomas A. Maul Direct Support Professional Excellence Award. This is an annual award that recognizes a DSP who consistently demonstrates excellence, creativity, and commitment to providing support to people who have intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

Bookmiller works at Elba Day Habilitation, a program site certified to serve up to 100 individuals. Many of the individuals have relatively high support needs, including personal care, eating, navigating Elba and community sites, and extensive physical support needs.

“While some staff might have had difficultly in such a challenging daily environment, Joy was a dynamo of positive energy and care. She took everyone into her aura of love and activities, providing each individual a variety of different opportunities and experiences,” Anthony Lewandowski, retired Day Habilitation director shared in a letter of recommendation.

Sherri Raab, Day Habilitation director at Elba, said in her nomination Bookmiller has a strong connection to the individuals she works with. Raab gave the example is Bookmiller’s ability to use manual sign or specific signing for an individual who has become very comfortable with communicating with her. This individual has been learning more signing via working with Bookmiller and his speech pathologist and has expanded on his signing vocabulary.

“As she role models for other staff, her compassion and thoroughness shines through,” Raab said. “She
demonstrates that she loves what she does and that she wants that for her coworkers as well. Joy doesn’t just show by example, she also takes the extra time with new staff to really explain the importance of reading any necessary materials thoroughly, taking individuals’ personal goals into consideration and all around demonstrates an adherence to the core compentencies.” 

Bookmiller will be receiving the award Oct. 27 at the Crowne Plaza Desmond Hotel in Latham.

Press Release:

Arc GLOW will be holding its annual Arc GLOW Fall Basket Raffle on Nov. 10 and 11.

Currently, Arc GLOW is seeking theme basket and gift card donations, with a starting value of $25. They can be dropped off at Arc GLOW Community Center, located at 38 Woodrow Road in Batavia, Arc GLOW’s Genesee County administrative office at 64 Walnut St. in Batavia, or at Arc GLOW’s headquarters at 18 Main St. in Mt. Morris.

Funds raised from the basket raffle help support Arc GLOW’s programs and services for children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families across the agency’s four-county service area.

The basket raffle will be held at the Arc GLOW Community Center on November 10 from 4 - 6 p.m. and November 11 from 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. with drawings immediately following.

For questions, please contact Tracey Jones at TJones@ArcGLOW.org or (585) 343-1123 ext. 1735.

Press Release:

Come down to Arc GLOW’s Day Habilitation Center in Elba to walk, run, skip, or jump to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Arc GLOW is hosting its 19th annual Friends & Family 5K and Fun Walk on September 16. It's an event that gives people of all ages and skill levels an opportunity to participate. It also welcomes and embraces the participation of the people Arc GLOW serves, aligning with its mission to support people with disabilities in partnership with their families and community.

Taste of Country, the signature event within the Friends and Family 5K, features a wonderful display of fruits and vegetables donated by area farmers. Runners, walkers, sponsors, and volunteers each have the opportunity to take some home with them. 

Arc GLOW expects over 300 runners and walkers this year. The event’s post-party features live music by The Buffalo Road Show with Jim and Babe Catino, kid’s activities, food, beverages, and an award ceremony. 

The Friends and Family 5K began as a memorial to Mary Anne Graney, a parent, educator, advocate, and friend to Arc GLOW who died in 2004. Her dedication to people with IDD and their families enriches countless lives. The Bluebonnet sponsorship is in honor of Graney’s Texas roots.

The Graney family is pleased funds raised in this event help support education through the Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship program. Scholarships are presented to area high school seniors planning to further their studies in human services, special education, or related fields. The money also goes toward helping fund various programs and services Arc GLOW offers for individuals with IDD.

In 2017, the Friends and Family 5K combined forces with the former 5K held in memory of Arc staff member Terri Carr Krieger. Krieger was a longtime employee who lost her battle with cancer in 1997. The Blue Spruce sponsor level is in Krieger’s honor. 

Finally, for many years the Livingston-Wyoming 5K was held in memory of Dr. Ramon M. Rocha. He passionately believed in the possibilities of life and has been an endless source of inspiration for people of all ages and abilities. A beloved family man and enthusiastic volunteer, the Blue Knight sponsorship connects Dr. Rocha to SUNY Geneseo where he was a respected professor.

The Friends & Family 5K will take place September 16 where check-in begins at 8:45 a.m. and the race beings at 10 a.m. Race t-shirts will be guaranteed for all participants who register by September 7 and until quantities last for walk-ins. It will be held at the Arc Day Habilitation Center, located at 4603 Barrville Road in Elba.

For anyone who wishes to sponsor the 5K, contact Sandy Konfederath at (585) 343-1123 ext. 1715 or skonfederath@arcglow.org by Aug. 21. Walkers and runners wishing to register can do so online at ArcGLOW.org or by contacting Konfederath.

The Batavia Muckdogs hosted clients of Arc GLOW at Dwyer Stadium on Saturday for the agency's annual Challenger Baseball Day.

Photos by Nick Serrata.

Press Release:

Four seniors in each of the GLOW counties have been awarded the 2023 Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship administered by Arc GLOW. 

The $1,000 scholarship award winners - Saniiya Santiago, Nicole Cartwright, Ava Quincey, and Morgan Brace - were chosen out of 18 candidates, and are planning to pursue careers related to healthcare or working with people with disabilities. 

Saniiya Santiago, a senior at Batavia High School, is planning on going to SUNY Genesee Community College (GCC) this fall, and then Roberts Wesleyan University to continue her education in social work. Santiago wants to become a social worker to help kids who have disabilities, or who are struggling in school or in their home life. She said she wants kids to feel comfortable talking to her about anything, or if they just need somewhere they feel welcome in a peaceful, calm environment. 

As a junior, Santiago mentored kids at Batavia Middle School, and this year is taking a college course called “Intro to Education.” This class teaches how to work with students who have disabilities.

“I am a teacher’s aide at the GLOW YMCA working for the Before and After School Enrichment (BASE) program,” Santiago said. During this program, she has gained experience working with children with disabilities, solidifying her career choice. She also participated in a Day of Caring at the New York State School for the Blind in Batavia. Santiago said it was amazing watching the kids communicate with Braille and use their senses to get around the school.

Nicole Cartwright, a senior at Keshequa Central School District, is planning on going to SUNY Cortland to major in childhood education and minor in special education. Growing up, Cartwright always knew she wanted to work with children. She enjoyed helping her younger sister and younger cousins learn in creative ways. 

As she grew, Cartwright started working at Swain Ski Resort as a ski instructor. It was here she learned how much she loved working with children with developmental disabilities. "One of the first ski lessons I gave was to a young girl who was hearing impaired. The lesson was successful, and it made me so happy to see the excitement on her face as she succeeded in each step with learning how to ski,” Cartwright said. “I had multiple students that season with special needs, and it made me realize what a positive impact patience, kindness and being a positive role model can have.”

She is also a member of the Keshequa National Honor Society. As a member, she has participated in many community service activities, one of which being a clean-up day at Camp Stella Maris. While a student at Keshequa, Cartwright said certain subjects haven’t always been easy for her. However, between perseverance, hard work and help from her teachers, she became a top scholar in her graduating class. Cartwright wants to be the type of teacher she’s had the pleasure of having, always being there for students and encouraging them to never give up.

Ava Quincey, a senior at Holley Jr./Sr. High School, is going to SUNY Geneseo for the childhood with 
special education program. She became inspired to become a special education teacher last winter when helping elementary schoolers make gingerbread houses to bring home to their families for Christmas through the Rotary/Interact Club.

“I was assigned to a special education classroom. I was able to sit down with students and assist them with hands-on instruction, verbal reassurance and kindness,” she said. “In return, I received grateful smiles and giggles from the students. Volunteering to help children with special needs was one of the most rewarding feelings in the world.”

Quincey keeps busy in and outside of school as she plays in band and volleyball. She performed in her school musical and partakes in Lisa’s Dance Boutique. Quincey is the Interact Club vice president, National Honor Society secretary, Student Council vice president, and senior class treasurer. 

Morgan Brace, a senior at Letchworth Central School, will be going to Houghton University to study 
inclusive childhood education and sports recreation and wellness. Brace plays volleyball, basketball and softball. She is the president of Student Council and participates in the Leadership in Action class, National Honor Society, Big Buddy and Spectrum. 

Brace can also be found in the community volunteering at concession stands, craft shows, and creating backpacks for children in need. She also organized a dozen projects which benefit her school and community through Leadership in Action.

“Most recently, I put together a charity basketball game at Letchworth Central School that raised $4,000 for the Autism Nature Trail,” Brace said. “I absolutely love working with children who have special needs. I feel that it is important to work with these students, especially to make sure they receive the education they deserve.”

Now in its 18th year, the Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship is given out to area high school students planning to attend college to pursue a degree in human services, special education or a field related to helping people with developmental disabilities.

It is in honor of Mary Anne Graney, a special education teacher who died in 2004. The scholarship is funded by the Friends & Family 5K, scheduled this year for Sept. 16 in Elba. In all, 59 scholarships - including this year - have been awarded since 2006 to local high school students.

Submitted photos

Press Release:

For the past seven years her byline has been seen hundreds of times on local news stories. Now Mallory Diefenbach will be serving the GLOW community in a different capacity as the communications manager/grant writer at Arc GLOW.

A native of Eden, Diefenbach has been living in Batavia and growing a part of the community as she worked as a reporter. Prior to moving to Batavia, she worked as a reporter for The Post-Journal in Jamestown. Together, she has a decade’s worth of writing experience and community engagement.

“I’m so excited to be part of Arc GLOW, and bring attention to empowering individuals with disabilities in our community,” Diefenbach said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity, and I’m glad to serve those who might need help to make sure their voices are heard.”

“Mallory is a great addition to the Arc GLOW’s family—her knowledge of the GLOW region is so valuable to this agency. We are excited for Mallory to be part of this exciting time as we enter our second year since the merger” said Lisa Bors, director of public relations for Arc GLOW. 

Diefenbach has a bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communication from St. Bonaventure
University, and has a double major in history. 

Arc GLOW is a merger of The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming and Arc of Genesee Orleans, becoming an official four-county chapter in October 2021. The four-county service area covers roughly 2,400 square miles - geographically, the largest Arc chapter in New York state. Arc GLOW is a private, nonprofit organization founded by parents and friends of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Their mission is to empower and support people of all ages with a broad spectrum of emotional, intellectual and developmental disabilities.

There was more than Arc's famous chili and chowder being served up Saturday and Sunday at Arc GLOW's Woodrow Road campus. There was also grilled cheese.

And baked treats.

And basket raffles.

The event is one of Arc's more significant fundraisers in Genesee County.

Photos by Howard Owens

Press release:

With forecasters predicting multiple feet of snow in Western New York, Arc GLOW’s Chili & Chowder Fest/Basket Raffle and Bake Sale has been moved from this weekend to Friday and Saturday, Dec. 16 and 17.

Martin Miskell, Arc GLOW CEO, said a variety of factors were considered when making the decision. 

“The prep work and setup for this event is enormous, and we want it to be successful,” Miskell said.   “In order to be successful, we need community members and our volunteer force to be able to travel to the event safely.  We didn’t want to take the chance.” 

Arc GLOW Community Relations Specialist, Tracey Jones, is the event coordinator.  “We look forward to welcoming the community to our 2022 Chili & Chowder Fest in December this year” she said.  “The postponement means we will be able to collect even more than the 125 baskets we have now!”

To donate, or for more information, contact Tracey at tjones@arcglow.org. 

Press release:

Arc GLOW’s Meadowcrest Drive home received some help with fall spruce up and clean Wednesday afternoon from a group of hard-working volunteers representing Five Star Bank.

Five Star’s First Vice President Territory Director Jacqueline Lavoie shared a company statement about the bank’s Volunteering is a Work of HEART Day, that explained as part of this company-wide community service event, most branches and offices closed early to allow the team to come together and dedicate time and talent to better the communities they serve.  According to the statement, “More than 300 associates signed up to volunteer with over 30 non-profit organizations throughout our footprint to complete projects that make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”

Stacey Vandetta, branch manager for Batavia and Attica, said her team was excited and honored to spend the afternoon at one of Arc GLOW’s Batavia homes.  “We brought our gloves, rakes and we are ready to work!!!” she said.

Meadowcrest Residential Manager Molly Smith was thrilled with the offer to help with a few major projects, including raking the backyard and painting the front porch.  “They had the porch painted in no time, and twelve bags of leaves raked,” Molly said.  “We’re thrilled – the porch looks great and the backyard has never looked better.” 

Five Star volunteers had the opportunity to work with John, one of the residents who lives at the Meadowcrest home.  “John quickly became the team leader,” Molly said, making sure everyone was hydrated and had all the supplies they needed.  “I can’t thank them enough for what they were able to do in such a short period of time,” the manager stated, with a smile.  “Their goal was to make a difference, and they did. We are so grateful!”

Five Star Bank employees participating in the Volunteering is a Work of HEART Day were: Jeff Westerman (LeRoy and Caledonia Manager), Stacy Vandetta (Batavia and Attica Manager), Mary Ann Gallo, Carrie Laney, Christine Adamczak, Sandy Smart, Amy Meisner, Makayla Hilchey-Richthammer, Michelle Vollmer, Cassandra Anderson and Lisa Gautieri.  Team member who wanted to volunteer for Arc GLOW but offered to work to keep the LeRoy branch open were Ty Ozkaynak, Cassidy Bratcher and Jen Lambert.

The Meadowcrest home is one of thirty residences operated by the Arc GLOW throughout its four-county service area.  Arc GLOW was created in October of 2021 as a result of a merger between Arc of Genesee Orleans and The Arc Livingston-Wyoming. The human service agency employs nearly 1,000 staff across 2,400 square miles and serves 2,000 people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their families.

Submitted photos.

Registration is open for the Arc GLOW Friends and Family 5K, scheduled for Sept. 17 in Elba.

This is the 18th year of the event, which helps raise funds for Arc GLOW and raise awareness off the agency's programs to child, adults, and families with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Funds raised also contribute to the Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship.

Registration is $20 per 5K entrant and $15 for the fun walk.

The after-party includes music, food, children's activities and the "Taste of the County."

To register, click here.

File photos from 2021 by Howard Owens