Members of Genesee ARC's Challenger program had a chance to ride snowmobiles and all-terrain winter vehicles today, courtesy the Genesee Sno-Packers snowmobile club. The annual event was held at the Sno-Packers facility on Pearl Street Road in Oakfield.
More pictures after the jump:
The Genesee ARC Friends & Family 5K returns to Elba September 19. The 5th 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 12th or $20.00 on the day of the 5K. Fun Walkers pay $10.00 before September 12th and $15.00 on September 19th.
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.
Carl Jeering connects with a pitch that will sail over the right-center field fence for the first-ever over-the-fence home run in Challenger Baseball history.
The sports program gives children and young people ages 5 to 21 with special needs a chance to play ball. It's a joint effort of the YMCA, Genesee ARC and a group of dedicated volunteers.
More than 60 athletes are in the league, which now has six teams. Games are played at the Batavia Minor League fields at MacArthur Park.
After the game, Batavia Minor League manager Paul Sputore was honored for his support of Challenger Baseball. Shelley Falitico, director of development for Genesee ARC, said "Challenger Baseball wouldn't be possible without Paul."
Jeering, above, is 18 and graduates from Batavia High School this week.
From the press release:
The Wal-Mart Foundation has awarded a grant for $10,000 to Genesee ARC, a non-profit organization that supports people with disabilities in partnership with their families and the community.
The grant funds will be used for the organization’s TEAM - Together Empowered Advocates Meet - Program, a Genesee ARC leadership project for people with and without disabilities, ages 16-26. The participants in TEAM learn about community service, decision-making and assessing the needs of their local community.
Genesee ARC serves Genesee County in Western New York and has programs and residential sites in Batavia, Elba, Oakfield, and East Pembroke.
“Wal-Mart has been a friend to Genesee ARC since opening their doors in our community in 1995,” said Donna Saskowski, Executive Director of Genesee ARC. “We appreciate this wonderful support of our TEAM program through the Wal-Mart Foundation.”
“Wal-Mart and Sam's Clubs of New York believe that Genesee ARC is a great organization and we are proud to help them achieve their goals," said Philip H. Serghini, Senior Manager for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Thelma Montreal, grandmother of a TEAM participant and Genesee ARC Board Member, said. “My granddaughter is so proud of her volunteer work in our community and has grown into a confident young woman thanks to the services she receives at Genesee ARC.”
Genesee ARC has been in existence since 1966 serving individuals with disabilities and their families. The agency was founded by a group of dedication parents and friends wanting to provide a better education and quality of life for their loved ones. A broad range of services are available for adults and children, including service coordination, advocacy, recreation, transportation, residential, day program and employment training. For additional information, visit www.gencoarc.com.
The grant was made possible through the Wal-Mart Foundation’s State Giving Program. Through this program, the Wal-Mart Foundation awards grants at the state and regional levels to support unmet needs in areas of focus such as: Education, Job Skills Training, Environmental Sustainability and Health. For more information, please visit: www.walmartstores.com.
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