December 2011 - Suburban Adult Services Inc.

Golf & Wine:
Page 2-3
Inside:
For the Birds
SASi program participants
created beautiful custom
designed birdhouses which
were auctioned off at the
SASi Celebration.
See page 4 for the complete
article
SASi offers a line of clothing
and other items with the SASi
or High Hurdles logos! Visit
our s tore fr ont at
www.sasi.qbstores.com OR
through the link on the
homepage of the SASi
website: www.sasinc.org
Contributors:
Tony Annunziato
Joe Barrick
Judy Feine
Corey Jarzyniecki
Lynn Kelly
Tim Pfohl
Susan Purtell
Karen Vance
Awards & Rewards:
Page 4-5
Crickett’s Corner: Page 7
It’s hard to believe it’s been 37 years! It all started back in early 1974
when a committee of three, spearheaded by Lois Jackson and Lelia
Kearney, saw a need to provide services for individuals with disabilities in
the Southtowns. That fall, a new program opened its doors in a small
garage in Springville. Three staff members provided services to six
disabled adults, including the sons of our honorees.
Today… nearly 500 full and part time staff provide
programs and services to over 2000 adults,
children and their families at more than 30
locations across Western New York. All of this
developed because of the drive, determination and
perseverance of Lois Jackson, Lelia Kearney and
others who saw a need and took action to find a
solution.
Lelia continued supporting SASi’s development in
her role as a member of the parent committee and
Lelia Kearney
as a member of the Corporate Board of Directors.
She served as a board member for more than 30
years, including several terms as Board President. Sadly, Lelia passed
away in March of this year. SASi was honored to present this award to
her son’s Dennis and Patrick in her memory.
Lois continues to serve as a member of the SASi
Corporate Board of Directors, the special review
committee and as a parent committee volunteer.
She is an outspoken advocate for SASi and for
individuals with disabilities.
SASi is pleased to honor to Lois & Lelia for
their years of service, vision, dedication
and leadership!
Lois Jackson
SASi Boards
of Directors
CORPORATE
BOARD
Hillary W. Bowen
President
Mark Balus
Vice President
Thomas Geisendorfer*
Secretary
Timothy Madey
Treasurer
Deanna Briggs
A Successful Summer Event
On Friday, July 1, 2011, SASi held the 16th
Annual Golf Tournament in conjunction with
the 3rd Annual Niagara Trail, Wine Tasting
Event. Nearly 200 registrants gathered
together for a beautiful day that started with
lunch at Arrowhead’s Timberlodge Restaurant.
After lunch, guests headed their separate
ways for one of the two featured activities.
Guests attending the Niagara Trail wine tour
excursion boarded a deluxe limo bus and
headed off for wine tasting at several Niagara
County wineries.
Fabulous Foursome—from event sponsor:
Upstate Pharmacy
Ennio Cerquetti*
The tour destinations included: Schulze
Vineyards & Winery, Spring Lake Winery,
Black Willow Winery, Vizcarra Vineyards
and The Winery at Marjim Manor.
George Gebhard*
Lois Jackson
Ron Kenyon
Michael Medden*
Linda Trzaska
FOUNDATION
BOARD
Frederick Marshall
President
Kevin Weber
Vice President
Michael Medden*
Secretary
Suzanne Novelli
Treasurer
Ennio Cerquetti*
Denise Staffa, Kathy Nigro and SASi volunteer
tour guide - Kathy Doster
There were several skills prizes on the golf course. Unfortunately, no one took home
the brand new 2012 Chevy Camaro which was provided by Emerling Chevrolet as a
hole-in-one prize.
All of the guests met back at the Timberlodge for drinks, dinner, raffles and prize
give-give-a-ways. This year’s event raised more than $27,000 which will directly
benefit the individuals who receive services through
SASi.
Beth Downing
George Gebhard*
Thomas Geisendorfer*
Jeffrey Markello
William O’Connell
Tammy Yekich
*Serving on
both boards
Page 2
As the tour bus departed, event emcee
WGRZ—Channel 2’s Kevin O’Neill, started
the golf event off with a bang. A full field
of golfers took their positions for a
12:30pm shotgun start on the scenic and
challenging 18-hole course at Arrowhead
Golf Club.
Lynn Jasulevich & Robbi Matrivich,
guests of sponsor Mighty Taco,
switch it up with a sampling of
beer instead of wine!
“Mighty Good Golfers” - Gerry Buchholtz, Dan
Scepkowski, Randy Jasulevich & Mike Wahl
Wine Tour Guest Dawn Cress
enjoying a sip of rosé
Event Emcee—Kevin O’Neill, M&T Insurance golfers:
David Forsythe Kevin Weber and John Wallace
The tentative date for the 2012 Golf Tournament and Niagara Trail Wine Tour is Friday, June 22, 2012. For
information on this event or for other SASi special events information, please call (716)805-1555.
Thank you to all of our event guests. You Make a Difference in the Lives of Individuals with Disabilities!
Saying goodbye to someone you care about
is never easy, but sometimes it’s harder than
others. On December 7th, SASi lost one of
its finest, Mr. Ennio Cerquetti.
used volunteer help to construct the
building. That organization joined forces
with SASi and then incorporated the
Suburban Adult Services Foundation.
Ennio’s list of titles was a long one: husband,
father, grandfather, great-grandfather, board
member, committee member and founder…
just to mention a few. And if you knew Ennio,
you know that he played his part in all of
these roles with loyalty, integrity, reliability
and a great sense of humor.
Over the years, Ennio continued to be an
involved parent and family man, as well as
serving SASi as a part of the Golf Event
Planning Committee and member of the
SASi Foundation and Corporate Boards of
Directors.
His many roles at SASi started with the
opening of the West Seneca facility. At the
time, he was working as an active parent
with the “West Seneca Parents of the
Handicapped,” a parent organization that
Ennio was all of these things and so much
more. He was kind, loving, honest, willing
to work and always willing to have fun. He
wasn’t a very tall man but he was a very big
man in the life of many people. He will be
sadly missed!
The Original Kazoo Company — It’s More Than Just Kazoos!
Did you know... that SASi’s own Original Kazoo Company in Eden, NY, manufactures and sells personalalized kites and kazoos? These items are unique, American made novelties that make great gifts for
any number of occasions including school events or reunions, corporate events, community events,
weddings, baby showers and MORE.
“Buffalo Box Kites” are available in a wide variety of color combinations. Your company logo or personal message can be silk screened on to the material. There is a 24 print minimum per image
and a maximum of two print areas per kite.
Personalized kazoos are available in the standard model as well as the airplane, trumpet, trombone,
race car, ear-of-corn, French horn and locomotive models. Each kazoo is laser engraved or ink printed.
There is a 10-piece minimum and orders must be placed 3-4 weeks in advance.
Prices vary based on model and personalization. Retail sales go through The Kazoo Boutique.
SASi also sells directly to other retailers and nonprofit organizations.
For more information regarding personalization and ordering contact
Corey Jarzyniecki at (716)474-8899 or by email: cjarzyniecki@sasinc.org
Page 3
Celebrating an Exceptional Evening of
ARTS & ABILITIES
The “SASi Celebration” is an annual fundraising event
held in the Mary Seaton Room at Kleinhans Music Hall.
This year’s event included cocktails and gourmet food
stations catered by Oliver’s Restaurant, a special
performance by Moving Miracles, Inc., a dance/
movement program for children, adolescents and adults
who are exceptionally challenged, and tickets to the
featured BPO concert.
Moving Miracles Performers
The Celebration is an opportunity for SASi to recognize the
outstanding efforts of its employees, supporters, community
leaders and most importantly, the people we serve. This year’s
honorees were two of SASi’s founders: Lois Jackson and Lelia
Kearney. Lelia’s sons, Patrick and Dennis, accepted the award on
her behalf.
One of the highlights of the event
was the hand-crafted birdhouses
featured in the silent auction.
Program participants from SASi’s
Darien Road, George Street and
Dake Hill IRAs exhibited their
SASi Executive Director, Tom Becker,
individuality, creativity and
Patrick Kearney and Dennis Kearney
artistic talent through their
interpretations of “Home Tweet Home.” They designed twelve terrific
birdhouses that helped bring in over $6000 at the auction.
The event continued with a tribute to the timeless music of Paul McCartney
at the “Live and Let Die” concert in Kleinhans’ main music hall and
concluded with an “after party” featuring more Beatles music with live
music by BackBeat 64.
SASi Executive Director, Tom Becker
and Lois Jackson
Special thanks to this year’s top sponsors, Upstate Pharmacy and
KeyBank. Proceeds from this event will benefit the over 2000 individuals and their families in our area who
receive services through SASi, including residential, recreation, respite, supported work, High Hurdles
therapeutic horseback riding, clinical and community services.
For details about tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the 2012 SASi Celebration, call SASi’s Fund
Development Department at (716)805-1555.
Several of the hand-crafted bird houses auctioned off at the SASi Celebration
Page 4
Recognizing SASi Employees
October is National Disability
Employment Awareness Month
(NDEAM). Each year, the Western
New York Employment Consortium
(WNYEC) hosts an annual event to
honor local employers for their
efforts in hiring individuals with
disabilities. This year, SASi was
pleased to recognize Salvatore’s
Grand Hotel as an exemplary
employer.
On September 15, 2011, SASi
Management staff and Boards of
Directors gathered to honor their
own with the presentation of two
service awards. The Jackson
Kearney Award is given to an
employee who demonstrates the
outstanding qualities of
unsurpassed dedication and
compassion.
Darlene Schwartz & Tom Becker
Over the past 10 years, Darlene’s
personal involvement and loyalty
have made SASi a better
organization.
SASi Receives Outstanding
Service Award
John Backus & Lois Jackson
This year’s honoree, John Backus,
has been with SASi for seven years.
He was chosen by his peers in
recognition of his ongoing quality
serv ice. He is resp ectful ,
considerate and consistently
displays a positive attitude. He
demonstrates dependability and
efficiency and always puts the
needs of the individuals he serves
before all else. Fellow employees
and family members have
described him as flexible and a
team player. SASi program
participants and staff alike benefit
from his knowledge and
experience.
On September 22nd, SASi
received the Corporate Volunteer
Award from Meals on Wheels at
their “Plate Expectations” charity
auction. This annual event was
held at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens
with Russell Salvatore serving as
the Honorary Chairman.
SASi staff and volunteers were
recognized for their 15-year
volunteer service. They currently
deliver meals to homebound
seniors in South Buffalo and
Orchard Park each week.
The management and staff at
Salvatore’s have created a
comfortable and welcoming
atmosphere. They are always
willing to assist employees with
challenging tasks and have
patiently allowed additional
training time for individuals to
learn more difficult assignments.
Honoring Local Employers
The Award for Distinguished
Service was presented to Executive
Secretary, Darlene Schwartz in
appreciation of her dedication to
SASi.
The agency is always presented in
a positive way because of her
p ro fe ss io n al i sm , effi ci ency ,
accuracy and pleasant personality.
WNYEC Co-chair - Shelly Ralyea, Salvatore’s
Representative - Danielle Fox and SASi
Supported Employment - Geoffrey Bensman
MaryAlice Demler (Channel 2), Greg Norton,
Amy Jaworski and Scott Levin (Channel 2)
If you would prefer to receive your
copy of the “Inside SASi” newsletter
via e-mail, let us know. Send us an
e-mail to Lkelly@sasinc.org with the
word “Newsletter” in the subject
line. You will get a confirmation email from SASi when we receive your
information.
Page 5
We’re even better when we work
together! SASi is proud to have
developed several partnerships with
retailers who share our desire to
make a difference in the lives of
individuals with disabilities.
We are also pleased to offer an
exclusive line of clothing and other
custom items through the
Queensboro Shirt Company. A
portion of the profits from every
order benefits our programs and
services.
Through our partnerships with these
companies, SASi has been able to
raise much needed funds to benefit
the individuals we serve.
Our most recent collaboration is with
“Good
360,” an organization
dedicated to fulfilling nonprofit
needs through the distribution of
corporate product donations.
Through this partnership, SASi has
been able to secure donations of
much needed home goods for our
residential program locations and for
individuals we serve who are living
independently in the community.
“Embrace the Difference” is a jewelry
line, offered exclusively through
Reeds Jewelers. Robyn Zimmer,
mother of a child with developmental
differences, designed this symbol to
show support, acceptance and
kindness no matter what differences
people may have. Thirty dollars from
every jewelry purchase can be
designated to go to SASi.
These collaborations have allowed
SASi to raise and save thousands of
dollars this year alone!
VetSuccess
On August 15th SASi entered into a service agreement with the Buffalo Office of the Department of
Veterans Affairs and the Sterling Medical Corporation of Ohio.
Services will be provided by SASi staff through a program called “VetSuccess” and will cover at least
eight Western New York Counties. SASi has more than a ten year history of service delivery under
previous contracts with the Department of Veterans Affairs and views this new venture as an opportunity
to further our mission of assisting individuals with disabilities to become as independent as possible.
The objective of the program is to assist Veterans who have a service-connected disability obtain and
maintain suitable employment and to live as independently as possible in their homes and communities.
The services to be provided include, Initial Assessments, Case Management and Rehabilitative Services,
Employment Services, Educational Vocational Counseling and In Home Independent Living Assessments.
Staffing for this program includes Certified Rehabilitation Counselors, Employment Specialists and
Occupational Therapists. Services will be provided at two SASi Locations: 960 West Maple Court in Elma
and 950-A Union Road in West Seneca.
Winter is right around the corner and while all of us in the High Hurdles barn
will enjoy the peace and quiet after the year of classes we will miss our
people friends. We are looking forward to our riders returning in 2012. Did
you ever wonder how riders come to High Hurdles? I did some checking with
the instructors and this is what I found out: Some of the riders learn about
High Hurdles from other families or friends who are already riding, while
some find out through newspaper articles or speaking engagements. There
are also two school groups who come for two hours a week in the spring and
fall to ride and learn about caring for horses. I like the days the school
groups come because they always bring treats! People who are part of the
SASi Day Habilitation Program also have the opportunity to ride or visit as
well. So, as you can see, riders come from all sorts of places.
Additionally, we also have riders through Family Support Services grants from both the Finger Lakes DDSO
and Western New York DDSO. For the past year and a half, these grants have provided two sessions of riding
(12 weeks) to specifically selected school age children who are living at home with their families. The
purpose of these grants is to promote self management and self esteem in the riders while helping their
families gain a better understanding of how to cope with behavioral issues. Of course, I am just one chubby
pony so I don’t understand all of the implications of these grants, but I do know that because of them, the
horses have met some wonderful new riders and we have helped them feel good about themselves and the
world around them. After all, this is what we do best.
On another hoof, I have big news! After more than thirteen years, my best friend of all, Equine Services
Supervisor Judy Feine is retiring. We’re not quite sure what we’ll do without her here at the barn on the hill,
but we know that she will leave us in good hands. Erin told us to “keep a stiff upper lip and we’ll get through
it together.” I’m not sure if I can eat like that, but for Judy I’ll try!
So from everyone at High Hurdles, riders past and present, family members, staff, volunteers and especially
all of us who live at the barn, Congratulations Judy, we will miss you! Stop by for a carrot when you can.
…….and if you see Judy trotting around town, say “hay” and wish her the very best. She deserves it!
~ Babe, Rudy, Angel, Maggie, Sassy, Penny, Princess, Sheila and Crickett
High Hurdles Saddles–Up with help from the Variety Club
Variety Women Member - Lauretta
Szynkowski, Judy Feine - High Hurdles
and Heart Committee Chairman/Board
Member - Ken Scibetta
This year it became apparent that High Hurdles needed another type of
saddle to accommodate some of the larger and heavier young riders. SASi
approached Variety – The Children’s Charity of Buffalo and Western New
York, to help with the cost of the saddle. High Hurdles was selected to
receive funding and was recognized by Variety for it’s value to children.
Equine Services Supervisor, Judy Feine and SASi’s Director of Clinical
Services, Karen Vance, were in attendance at the “Thanks-For-Giving”
presentation dinner on November 11, 2011 at the Adam’s Mark Hotel.
Judy happily accepted a check for $455.70 which was used to purchase
the new 17 inch Western Saddle.
SASi was just one of several nonprofit organizations that benefitted from the money raised during the 2011
Variety Club Telethon and other fundraising events held throughout the year. Moving Miracles, Inc., a dance
and movement program for individuals with disabilities, and an affiliate of SASi, also received funding at the
event.
For information on how you can help High Hurdles, call (716) 805-1555
Page 7
Non-Profit
US Postage
PAID
Arcade, NY
Permit No. 1
960 West Maple Ct.
Elma, NY 14059
(716)805-1555 www.sasinc.org
Save the Dates!
The 16th Annual Murder Mystery Dinner:
Date: Saturday, March 10, 2012 Time: 5:30pm
NEW Location: Michael’s Banquet Facility
4885 Southwestern Blvd., Hamburg, NY
Tickets are $37.50 each and include dinner, dessert & show
The event also features a LARGE theme basket raffle and cash bar
The 17th Annual SASi Golf Tournament
Start your weekend off right with a Friday afternoon tournament or
wine tour on the Niagara (USA) Wine Trail
Tentative Date: Friday, June 22, 2012 Time: Lunch & Registration at 11:30
Location: Arrowhead Golf Course, Akron, NY
* Please be advised, event details are subject to change. Check the website or call
(716)805-1555, closer to the event date to confirm information