Arc GLOW

Michael Smith hopes that "future generations of our children will ask, 'What were landfills?'"

Smith is the trash/recycling coordinator at Genesee ARC. He is pictured (left) with Floor Supervisor Mark Wood.

His comment was part of an opening speech at last night's open house for the agency's new Trash & Recycling Center.

The open house was in celebration of the center's move from its former location on Clinton Street (in the City of Batavia) to a larger facility at 3785 W. Main St. Road in the Town of Batavia.

Genesee ARC, which serves children and adults with developmental disabilities, has handled the City of Batavia's waste management for nearly 30 years.

"Recycling was a natural spinoff," Smith said.

And now, with New York State's recycling and take-back program for electronic items, they are going to be even busier.

By law, businesses, municipalities and waste collection companies can no longer throw away old computers, TVs, or other covered electronic devices -- known as "e-waste" -- into the trash or into landfills. Instead, the manufacturers must take them back for recycling purposes.

ARC's new Trash & Recycling Center location will house the agency's e-waste recycling efforts, which are part of an expansion of endeavors and a growing need for services that prompted the move to West Main Street Road.

At this time, according to Wood, all of the materials that go through ARC's Trash & Recycling Center are sent to mills around the Northeast region and Canada.

"They take the products and re-manufacture the raw material into new soup cans, new milk cartons, new boxes," etc.

In addition to being good for the environment, the center also give employment opportunities to people with disabilities, which Wood sees as a major plus.

Photos: Top four photos by Howard Owens. Other photos by Dan Crofts.

Government officials present at last night's event included:

Jeremy Bennett, a representative from Congresswoman Kathy Hochul's office, with ARC Executive Director Donna Saskowski.

Genesee County Manager Jay Gsell, with ARC Director of Development Shelley Falitico.

For more information on ARC's Trash & Recycling Center, click here.

Disclosure: Dan Crofts works for Genesee ARC. He is employed at the Day Habilitation site in Elba.

More pictures (click on the headline for more):

The "hopper," by way of which all materials are taken to the sorting line.

Press release:

Genesee ARC and the City Youth Bureau Parks program teamed up this summer to offer educational tours at ARC’s new Trash & Recycling facility, 3785 W. Main St. Road.

Children from all five city parks program sites signed up to learn about the city’s recycling efforts and how items are reduced, reused and recycled.  ARC Trash & Recycling Coordinator Mike Smith shared information about recycling seven different types of plastic, as well as tin cans, paper and the number one product recycled at the new facility, cardboard.

A new initiative called e-recycling was showcased during the tour, explaining the NYS law requiring recycling of electronics such as a computers, televisions, cell phones and electronic games.

(Photo: Mike Smith and a group from the Williams Park recreation program in front of piles of baled tin cans).

The Special Olympic torch was carried from Elba to Batavia today by a group of runners -- mostly members of the local law enforcement community -- with a stop at Woodward Field for a run around the track with Batavia fifth-graders.

The torch was carried from Genesee ARC's location in Elba to ARC's main facility on Walnut Street.

The fifth-graders were at Van Detta Stadium today to participate in a variety of track and field competitions, but mostly the event is about helping the Class 2019 get to know each other as they transfer from three different elementary schools into a single middle school.

The children also heard remarks by some Special Olympic athletes.

Genesee ARC’s Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony was held Friday night at the Clarion Hotel, Batavia. Community members, volunteers, clients and staff were recognized for their achievements and contributions to the local agency that serves people with disabilities and their families.

WBTA owners Dan and Deb Fischer received the Spirit of ARC Award. Their friend Jennifer helped present the award. Jennifer is the daughter of Dan and Deb’s dear friends, Mike and Laura. When Jennifer was born, it sparked Dan and Deb’s journey on the path of advocacy on behalf of all people with disabilities.

Community volunteer Jane Scott was the recipient of Genesee ARC’s Volunteer of the Year Award. A branch manager of Five Star Bank, Scott is an active a volunteer for many community organizations. At Genesee ARC, she is a member of the Finance and Personnel committees and was a cabinet member for ARC’s People Realizing Potential Capital Campaign. She will begin serving on the Genesee ARC Board of Directors in June.

Boy Scout Andrew Fischer, of Batavia, was presented with the Youth Spotlight Award. For his Eagle Scout project, Andrew and his team constructed seven wooden benches, weeded the bike path and planted small trees and shrubs along the path at Genesee ARC’s Hartshorn Road, Batavia residence.

Friend of ARC Awards were presented to:

Mike Sputore, for the many kindnesses he shows to ARC individuals at Mancuso Bowling Center, where he is the manager, and for his for his behind-the-scenes support of the Challenger sports program;

Loretta Stratton, in recognition of her advocacy and support of Genesee ARC programs, services and events;

Mike Strobel, a Rochester area folk singer and guitar player who has been entertaining individuals at the Genesee ARC Day Habilitation Center for nearly 15 years!

Individuals served by Genesee ARC and saff were also recognized for achievement and longevity. The Business Partner of the Year was Yancey’s Fancy, New York artisan cheese makers.

Geoff Redick, YNN reporter, was master of ceremonies.

Dan and Debbie Fischer, owners of WBTA, received the Spirit of ARC Award on Friday night at Genesee ARC's annual awards banquet.

Fischer and Felice families

Jane Scott

Mike Sputore, Loretta Stratton, Mike Strobel

Andrew Fischer

Press release:

John Weber and his Genesee ARC family care provider, Lynda Domnissey, experienced memories of a lifetime during a May 13 concert in Boston featuring The Go-Go’s. They had VIP tickets for the Wilbur Theater show, but Domnissey said, “This was over the top!” 

“We met everyone from all of the roadies, right up to Belinda Carlisle and the rest of the band,” she added, saying it’s something they will never forget!

John has been a part of Domnissey’s family care home for the past eight years.

“My husband, Mike Grosshans, and I love music and so does John,” she said.

John summed it up with, “The Go-Go’s are AWESOME!”

Group members took the time to pose for photos and sign John’s self-advocacy backpack 

The Go-Go’s formed in Los Angeles in 1978. Their hits include "Our Lips are Sealed," "We Got the Beat" and "Vacation."

Pictured above: John Weber (seated); with Gina Schock, drummer; Belinda Carlisle, singer; Charlotte Caffey, guitar; Jane Weidlin, guitar; Lynda Domnissey and Kathy Valentine, base guitar.

Yesterday, as part of the United Way Day of Caring, members of the Batavia Lions Club showed up at Adam Miller Toy and Bicycles and whipped 25 bikes into shape for local charities, including Genesee ARC. Near the end of the day, four clients of Genesee ARC showed up to pick up their new rides. Pictures are Hank, left, Amber, Tim and Andrew.

It's one of those situations where everybody wins -- people dependent on Meals on Wheels will once again get five days of meal delivery, Genesee ARC is able to expand the services it provides the county, and the county's budget won't be severely impacted.

On Monday, the Public Service Committee approved a contract with Genesee ARC to handle the Meals on Wheels program for the Office of Aging.

The cost to the county will be about the same -- $186,425 annually -- as the current program, which delivers meals only three days a week.

The new program will also deliver hot meals, instead of cold dishes.

"We think it will be a nice service for people, with the personal check for people and they get a nice hot meal," said Pam Whitmore, director of Office for the Aging.

The previous meal provider was the American Red Cross out of Rochester.

The cost works out to about the same because it was costing nearly a $1 per meal just for delivery of meals from Rochester. That $1 will now go toward increased service and improved meals.

The meals will be prepared by Genesee ARC staff and clients at its renovated facility at 38 Woodrow Road, Batavia.

Whitmore said one reason Genesee ARC won the contract is the organization's emphasis on customer service.

"Being part of Genesee County, they really wanted to do what was best for the people in the program," Whitmore said.

WBTA's Dan Fischer contributed to this story.

This is the final story in a series about the 2011 award winners of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce.

One of the most satisfying meals Donna Saskowski ever had was simple fare -- pork chops, Tater Tots and corn. It's one she has never forgotten although it was 20 years ago. A gentleman named Curtis cooked the food at his apartment for his special guest, the lady who worked at Genesee County ARC, and who still does, now as the executive director.

Saskowski, who is the chamber of commerce 2011 Geneseean of the Year, could sense the great pride Curtis had for his accomplishment -- from setting the table and serving the food, to having a pleasant conversation and saying a fond farewell. Guest and host became friends. And Curtis, who is still served by ARC, remains Donna's friend.

Seeing people like Curtis, who is developmentally disabled, accomplish new things, learn a skill or develop a hidden talent gives meaning to Donna's work, helps motivate her and keeps her grounded.

Her inclination to help others improve their lives was fostered in no small part by her mother, the late Helen A. Trowbridge, who was a full-time registered nurse, mother of nine children, working farmer, community volunteer and a graduate of Clown Alley. Yes, Helen attended clown school in her 50s and loved entertaining people, for free, at the ARC, nursing homes, hospitals, etc. With her loud suits and zany bag of tricks, "Gorgible" the Clown made a big impression on her big family to do for others.

Donna grew up in Corfu on the family farm, which is still operated by family members today. Both her parents held full-time outside jobs and also raised crops, chickens, dairy cows and black angus cattle. In other words, "all the things my parents needed to keep nine kids fed and give us activities. It was good," she said.

After graduating from high school, Donna went to college to become a social worker and was briefly employed after getting married. But she decided to stay home and raise two daughters until they entered school. Then she looked for part-time work and landed a job as a residential assistant at ARC after "cold calling" the facility seeking an application.

It was, as they say, a good fit.

"They help me, they give me a lot of inspiration and make me feel good about myself," Saskowski said.

When the people in the ARC community get the support and services they need, they often have new experiences that are life-changing.

"Suddenly, they realize -- maybe because they haven't had other opportunities in their life -- the level of skill they have, how much of a contributing part of the community they can be.

"Sometimes people with developmental disabilities aren't given those opportunities and so they kind of lack confidence or the courage to step up. They know they can do it, but I don't think -- because we often don't have faith in them -- that they want to express it."

When they do, the results can be amazing. Donna has a couple of art works in her office, and there are others displayed elsewhere in the facility on Walnut Street, that show real talent, and certainly beauty.

Events like the Challenger Dance and the Sprout Film Festival also give her clients a chance to blossom.

And that helps her stay energized and focused so she can advocate for them effectively.

In addition to her work at ARC, Donna is active in the community. She is currently serving as secretary for the Batavia Rotary Club, which she joined in 2004, and is a board member of the Regional Action Phone Network.

In 2006, she was named a Leadership Fellow at the Community Health Foundation of Western New York and that was a tremendous experience for her. It enabled her to meet leaders from throughout the region and engage them in a dialogue about the state of health care and health in general.

She has also been a Girl Scout leader and served on the board of the YWCA. She is a member of Leadership Genesee's Class of 2005.

She holds a bachelor's and master's degree in Social Work from the University of Buffalo and was named Social Worker of the Year in 2010 by the Western Division of the New York State Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.

Donna is highly regarded for her leadership, exceptional ability to work collaboratively, and her commitment to community development.

She lives in Darien with her husband, Paul.

As for being named Geneseean of the Year, Donna is most pleased.

"I have a great support system or else I wouldn't be able to do the things I do -- my staff here, but especially my family, my husband. If he didn't cook all those meals and do all those things when I was in graduate school, and raise the kids for three and a half years, it would have been a tough go. And he did that."

Press release:

Genesee ARC is accepting applications for the Genesee ARC Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship Program. Three $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to high-school seniors interested in working in human services, special education or related fields.

Applications for the 2012 program are available at high school guidance offices throughout Genesee County or at the Genesee ARC website at www.gencoarc.com. Completed applications must be submitted by the April 1 deadline. Winners will be recognized at the Genesee ARC Annual Banquet & Awards Ceremony May 18 at the Clarion Hotel. The scholarship is named in memory of Mary Anne Graney, a special education teacher, who died in 2004.

The scholarship program began in 2006, when one $1,000 award was presented to Pavilion native Caylin Clark, now a teacher at St. Joseph School. During a recent interview, Caylin talked about what it was like to receive the scholarship recognition.

Where did you go to school and what did you study?

After graduating from Pavilion High School, I went on to SUNY Geneseo.  I graduated with a degree in childhood special education, and I also obtained an additional certification in math for grades 7-12.

Can you share your thoughts about being the first winner of the Genesee ARC Scholarship program?

Being the winner of the Genesee ARC Scholarship was a great experience. The money helped pay for some of my schooling. It was incredible to get a scholarship from Genesee ARC because I really enjoy the field of Special Education.

How long have you been teaching at St. Joseph School and what do you teach?

This is my second year teaching at St. Joe's and I teach sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade math.

What other activities have you participated in that support people with disabilities?

During my freshman year of college I got involved in Special Olympics and have been very involved ever since. I coach four sports per year (basketball, floor hockey, volleyball and softball), traveling with the team for both regional and state level events. In addition to coaching, I also help run some events for the Genesee Region. The events include basketball skills, softballs skills and one track meet per year. I dedicate a lot of my time to Special Olympics and I really enjoy it.

Do you have any words of encouragement for seniors thinking about applying for Genesee ARC Mary Anne Graney Memorial scholarship program?

APPLY! Don't let the fear of not getting an award keep you from trying for it. I wasn't expecting to get it, but I applied anyway and it worked out really well for me. Also, if the students are majoring in education I highly recommend getting multiple certifications, special education, in particular!

Anyone with questions on the scholarship or application process may contact the scholarship chair, Genesee ARC Director of Development Shelley Falitico at 343-1123 or sfalitico@rochester.rr.com.

Representatives of Genesee ARC filled council chambers Monday night to see a proclamation presented that declared March as "Developmental Disabilities Month."

In the photo, from left, are John Brown, Donna Saskowski and Angie Maniaci representing Genesee ARC. Also pictured are City Councilman Kris Doeringer and Genesee County Legislator Marianne Clattenburg.

Photo by Sandy Konfederath.

The Geneseean of the Year for 2011 is Donna Saskowski, executive director of the local chapter of NY ARC. The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce made the announcement today.

Saskowski will be among the honorees at the chamber's 40th Annual Awards Ceremony on April 14 at the Clarion Hotel in Batavia. The other recipients were announced Friday.

David Miner and his sister, Jan, at David's photography exhibit at the NYSARC Convention in Albany.

David Miner signing his work following a recent trip to Letchworth State Park.

Albany -- David Miner was a featured artist last week (October 21) during the 62^nd Annual NYSARC Convention at the Crown Plaza Hotel. A resident of Batavia, David’s home is a Genesee ARC-operated residence on Ellicott Street Road.

According to family members, David has loved having a camera in his hands since he was very young. His father, Ken Miner, owned a small newspaper, the Country Post, and in the 1970s, David accompanied him all over Western New York and the Southern Tier as his dad covered local news in small towns.

His photo exhibit featured scenes from the many places he has visited with his oldest sister, Jan, over the years including New York City, Washington, D.C., the Great Smoky Mountains and Mount Rushmore. This past summer, they went to Yellowstone National Park.

David is an award-winning artist and has had his work featured in Exceptional Artworks traveling shows.

The NYSARC Convention exhibit helped showcase the many talented artists served by NYSARC’s 55 chapters throughout New York.

Genesee ARC is going to be featured on WGRZ-TV's "WNY Living" segment at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15.

Area residents can tune into Channel 2 and take a look inside Genesee ARC’s Trash & Recycling program. Agency Executive Director Donna Saskowski and Trash & Recycling Coordinator Mike Smith are going to be interviewed in the feature that includes some great on-location video footage.

Genesee ARC has been providing trash and recycling services to the City of Batavia since 1983. This program employs as many as 20 individuals with developmental disabilities, while at the same time providing an invaluable service to City of Batavia residents.

For questions or information, please contact Shelley Falitico, Genesee ARC director of development at 343-1123, ext. 231.

More than 150 people turned out in Elba today for the Genesee ARC 5K run and walk race.

The overall winner was Michael Richenberg, of Elba, with a time of 17:45, a course record in the seventh year of the race. It's Richenberg's ninth 5K win of the season.

Fifty-one-year-old David O'Leary was second overall and first in the 50-59 age group with a time of 18:43.

Third overall was Michael Skowkronski, 14, of Rochester, with a time of 20:32. Skowkronski won the 13-18 category. The next best time in that age group was 23:05.

The top female runner was Jill Graney, 26, of Buffalo, at 21:57.

Click on the following links for complete results: Overall Results, Award Winners by Age Group, Complete Age Group Results, Walk Results

If you have trouble viewing the slide show, click here.

This morning was the 2nd annual Elba 5K sponsored by First Presbyterian Church of Elba.

The men's winner was Michael Richenberg, 21, with a time of 17:34. That's a new course record. Richenberg has run 21 5Ks this season and won seven of them.

The women's winner was Stephanie Schmidt, 18, with a time of 20:14.

Tom Rivers, Daily News staff writer and author of the book "Farm Hands"

Stephanie Schmidt

Michael Richenberg

From Genesee ARC:

Genesee ARC is in the final round of the Tops Charity Car Giveaway

During the first few days they have managed to stay right around number six (out of 10) in voting. The contest continues through 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 26.

Please vote and ask your friends and family to vote, too. If Genesee ARC is going to move higher in the ranking they need your help. That means INCREASING the NUMBER of people who are voting. They are up against some very large WNY nonprofit agencies, hoping to win this contest.

Together we can show them the wonderful community support of Genesee ARC. The Tops website is www.topsmarkets.com.

The Children's Charity of Buffalo & Western New York in cooperation with FreedomConcepts donated an adaptive bike to Genesee ARC on Tuesday that will allow Genesee ARC members with special needs to ride a bike, many for the first time.

The bike is valued at $3,700.

Pictured are Riley, 14, Ken Scibetta, Donna Saskowski, Todd Owlet, Nicole, 14, and on the bike, Wesley, 15.

PHOTO CAPTION: Genesee ARC Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship recipients Alyssa Cole (seated), Justine Saraceni and Jennifer Wright (standing) with Charles Graney and Molly (Graney) George.

BATAVIA -- Three teens from Oakfield-Alabama, Notre Dame and Pavilion high schools are the recipients of the 2011 Genesee ARC Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarships. The $1,000 scholarship awards were presented at the Genesee ARC Annual Meeting & Awards Banquet to: Alyssa Cole, Justine Saraceni and Jennifer Wright.

A member of the Oakfield-Alabama Class of 2011, Alyssa plans to attend SUNY Geneseo to become a Special Education Teacher. Justine, a resident of Le Roy and senior at Notre Dame High School, will study Childhood and Special Education at St. John Fisher College and senior Jennifer, of Pavilion, is planning to become a social worker and will begin her studies at Genesee Community College.

The Genesee ARC Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship is open to area high school seniors, planning to further their studies in human services, special education or related fields. It is in honor of Mary Anne Graney, a special education teacher, who died in 2004. According to Genesee ARC Scholarship Committee Chair Charles Graney, “The scholarship is a living memorial, honoring Mary Anne’s commitment to Genesee ARC and enriching the lives of people with disabilities.”

The scholarship program is funded by the Genesee ARC Friends & Family 5K, scheduled for Sept. 24 at the Genesee ARC Day Habilitation Center in Elba.

The Sprout Film Festival will be held this Saturday, March 19, at Batavia High School. It showcases films by and about people with disabilities.

Anthony DiSalvo, the director of Sprout, from New York City, will be the host. It is sponsored by Genesee County ARC.

Showings are at 2:30 and again at 6 p.m. The event is free, but donations are gladly accepted.

There will also be raffles and Sprout merchandise for sale. Concessions will be available from Friends for the Future.

Also, at 2:25 p.m. Genesee County ARC will be recognized with a Spotlight Award for March from GO ART!

The high school is located at 260 State St. in the City of Batavia.

UPDATED: Here's the lineup of movies, and their time length, to be shown at the Sprout Film Festival.

Program One -- 2:30 p.m.

"Be My Brother" -- 7 mins.

"King of Camp" -- 42 mins.

"Hands Away" -- 3 mins.

"Sheri and Paul" -- 11 mins.

"Street Anthem" -- 3 mins.

"Rudely Interrupted" -- 9 mins.

"Close My Eyes" -- 2 1/2 mins.

"Dreams" -- 4 mins.

"How Do I Feel About That?" -- 2 mins.

Program Two -- 6 p.m.

"Beyond Brothers" -- 20 mins.

"Jimmy" -- 2 mins.

"The Other Child" -- 13 mins.

"Dancing with Downs" -- 8 mins.

"Cocktails with Ben" -- 11 mins.

"Fathers' Voices" -- 14 mins.

"How's Your News? On the Campaign Trail" -- 27 mins.