PARC`s Ralin Gentles Honored by NYSARC

PARC AVENUES
www.PutnamARC.org
Winter 2012
Exceptional Opportunities for People with Disabilities
PARC’s Ralin Gentles Honored by NYSARC
Ralin Gentles, assistant manager at PARC’s Foggintown community residence, received the Thomas
A. Maul Direct Support Professional Excellence Award for the southeast region of NYSARC. The award,
which was presented to Ralin during the annual NYSARC Convention in October 2012, is a very prestigious
award, with only five individuals working throughout NYSARC chosen, and only one from the southeast
region of the State.
“I am very fortunate as a Putnam ARC residential
community director to have the pleasure of supervising and
working with Ralin Gentles,” said Laura Kohley during the
convention ceremonies.
Ralin has worked for Putnam ARC for over 15 years
and has shown dedication to the people we support and to
other direct support staff who work with him. Working with
Ralin, I have seen how he leads by example and treats
participants and staff with dignity and respect. Ralin teaches
high standards of care on a daily basis by modeling for staff
how he has established and maintained trusting relationships
with each of the residents that he works with and by
advocating strongly on their behalf.
The nomination for ‘the Thomas A. Maul Direct Support
Residential staff members honored Ralin
Professional Excellence Award’ was proposed by direct
Gentles (2nd from left) during his recent
support professionals and managers who have worked with
NYSARC
award. Pictured from left to right:
Ralin. PARC feels that Ralin is most deserving and we are
Michael Arrigo, Ralin Gentles, Delia Stanley,
very pleased that he has been awarded this honor.”
and Ken Ogana.
Walsh appointed Co-Chair of NYSRA’s Developmental Disabilities Division
Darby Walsh, Assistant Executive Director, was recently appointed as the co-chair of NYSRA’s
Developmental Disabilities Division Committee. NYSRA (New York State Rehabilitation Association) is a
statewide organization representing providers who advocate on behalf of individuals with differing abilities and
the agencies who serve them.
PARC has been a member agency of NYSRA for many years and Darby has co-chaired NYSRA’s
Clinic committee for many years. The Clinic committee is a sub-division of the Developmental Disabilities
Division. In his new role as Co-Chair of the Developmental Disabilities Division, Darby will actively represent
PARC at NYSRA meetings in Albany, addressing a much broader agenda regarding issues affecting those
individuals we support.
Darby will co-chair with Ken Stall, Executive Director at COARC, and he will work closely with Jeff
Wise, NYSRA President, and Pat Dowse, NYRSA Vice President, in bringing our concerns to the attention of
state legislators and OPWDD officials.
PARC’s Mission: As a community leader, PARC creates and provides lifelong opportunities
for people with disabilities to achieve success.
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PARC
Board of Directors
Tom Paradise, President
Anna May Wiede, First Vice President
Laura Dodge, Second Vice President
Joe Kantor, Treasurer
Heather Strickland, Secretary
Helga Beyer
Sandra Casey
Peter Enright
Sally Enright
Barbara Fish
William Kraus
Susan Lucas
Susan Sassano
Executive Administration
Susan Limongello
Executive Director
Cabinet
Louis Lindenbaum
Deputy Executive Director
Nancy Miringoff
Associate Executive Director
Louise Rheem
Associate Executive Director
Darby Walsh
Assistant Executive Director
Linda Gomes
General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer
David Daniello
Chief Financial Officer
Diane Capizzuto
Chief Human Resources Officer
Darby Walsh
Assistant Executive Director
PARC Avenues
Rand Bridget Otten, Editor
Contributing Writers
Jane Curtin, Kathy Gilliland-Nichols, Carmen
Greenstein, Hildy Hallisey, Susan Limongello, Louis
Lindenbaum, Nancy Miringoff, Joanne Pasquerello,
Marie Raptis, Lois Tannenbaum, Melissa Tiburcio,
Jessica Zaibel
Contributing Editors
Nancy Miringoff, Louise Rheem
IN THIS ISSUE
From the Executive Director
In Memoriam - Mary Courtney
News
20th Anniversary Cablethon
News
Preschool News
News
In Memoriam - Margaret O’Leary
Partners with PARC News
Holiday Giving Form
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News
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Susan Limongello
Executive Director
We at PARC are in the mindset that in order to do your job well, you
must like what you are doing, and with whom you are working. To that end, a
group of employees, under my leadership, have taken the concept of Collective
Mindfulness from a “risk” orientated idea to a “people” focused idea.
There are eight managers and directors who have developed a
presentation and campaign regarding Collective Mindfulness which includes
training all staff on “paying it forward,” mutual respect, participation, how to
listen, care, and anticipate others’ needs, to be proactive, and be emotionally
present for others. This has been an extremely successful campaign to show
our 450 staff members that PARC collectively cares, and we are as interested in
the staff’s well being as we are in the well being of the people we serve.
In addition to Collective Mindfulness, PARC is working with four other ARC chapters to develop a
collaborative to prepare us for the inevitable future of managed care and reduced rates. In this collaboration,
we are taking part in new endeavors, including the Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL). CQL is
a national accreditation organization with which we have partnered to steer us towards documentable
excellence. In that, I mean that as an agency, we provide excellent service, but our future challenge will be to
prove that in a managed care environment.
CQL has given us the tools to collectively look at our systems and our practices to determine how
to best succeed in an uncharted future. We are also examining our policies and procedures to see which of
these have the person at the center of our decisions and which do not. Everything we do needs to be person
centered to make PARC an agency that will be a proven service leader well into the future.
We continue to need the support of our Putnam community as we move out of a “fee for service
model” into a “managed care model” and we collectively vow to be an excellent agency from which to receive
services, and also a great place to work.
PARC Honors Longtime Staff Members at Annual Holiday Party
PARC hosted its annual holiday party and staff longevity awards celebration on Wednesday,
December 12, 2012. PARC’s board of directors and executive management would like to thank the
following staff members for their unwavering commitment and dedication to the people we support.
Among the list of honorees includes the following staff members:
5 Years: Guido Caiano, Damian Frankfurter, Filomena Gomes, Alice Pifer, Chelsea Roche,
Kimberly Spielberg
10 Years: Patricia Burdi, Helen Delgrosso, Jennifer Keating, Nicole Mulcahy, Rand Otten,
Louise Rheem, Queen Robinson, Greta Shaffer
15 years: Rosemarie Cox
20 Years: Adrian Goldson, Joanne Pasquerello
25 Years: Mahe Rukh Selim
30 Years: Christine Schroff, Spencer Terwilliger
News
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Mary Courtney - In Memoriam
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Mary Courtney, owner of Pine Grove Country
Day School and longtime friend to PARC and the PARC Preschool in October 2012.
Mary Courtney was an advocate for children with disabilities for more than 25 years and was an
important partner with PARC for more than 20 years. The owner of Pine Grove Country Day School in
Mahopac, Mary started her relationship with PARC when the preschool program moved into the Mahopac
Falls Elementary School in 1985, right across from Pine Grove Country Day School. The relationship grew
when Mary expanded her program into the Falls School and worked with PARC to integrate her “typical”
children with PARC’s preschoolers with disabilities.
In 2003, Mary was proud to open the Pine Grove Country Day School on Baldwin Place Road in
Mahopac, a joint collaboration with PARC that houses the PARC Preschool and several inclusion classrooms.
Mary was a resident of Mahopac since 1979 and started out with the home-based Pine Grove Day Care
Center. Mary grew her business and was responsible for the daily care of over 400 children. In 1988, Mary
founded the Putnam County Childcare Council.
Mary was honored by PARC in 2009 during the agency’s 55th Anniversary Celebration, for her
personal and financial contributions to the PARC Preschool and the entire PARC organization. Earlier this
year, Courtney received both the Mahopac Female Entrepreneur of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement
Award at the second annual Putnam County Women of Excellence Awards Banquet.
When you think of Mary, remember these words
that she spoke often, “The two most important things in
life are love and purpose… Love as much as you can;
love each other and love yourself. Find your purpose
and work passionately towards it.”
Preschool Program Director Jane Curtin shared
these thoughts about Mary:
“The sudden and tragic loss of Mary Courtney
leaves a tender wound in the heart of PARC Preschool,
as well as in the hearts of many staff members at PARC
who were close to her. It will take time for this wound
to heal, as we continue to think of and miss Mary each
and every day. We miss Mary’s “larger-than-life,” warm,
generous and positive persona.
Continued on page 10
News
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The Preschool Visits Barton Orchards
By Marie Raptis, PARC Preschool
In response to parent requests for opportunities to meet and get to know each other early in the school
year, the Preschool participated in fun and educational fall activities designed for school groups at Barton
Orchards in Poughquag.
It was a crisp, chilly, October morning when families arrived and gathered at the playground adorned
with wood play sculptures. Barton’s well-planned program started out with a guided walking tour through
the vegetable beds which lead to the apple orchards. Equipped with drawstring bags provided by Barton,
the frenzied apple picking began. The children shrieked with glee when they proudly presented their family
member with their self-picked red treasures and continued their hunt for more apples to fill their sacks, a few
nibbling as they went along.
A curvy path led us out of the orchard and through a maze of towering corn stalks which spilled out
onto a massive field of sugar pumpkins. The delighted children ran through the field searching for a pumpkin
to call their own, while their parents took advantage of a “Kodak moment.” With bags bursting at the seams
we all climbed onto a tractor-drawn hayride back to a pavilion to enjoy a picnic lunch. Barton served their
famous apple cider and apple cider donuts. The families and staff mingled and concluded their day with a visit
to the petting zoo and the playground.
This was our second successful fall visit to Barton Orchards. Positive feedback was received by
both parents and staff. With new friendships forged early in the school year, we will surely look forward to
continuing this fall tradition.
www.PutnamARC.org
news ~ information ~ career listings ~ blogs
Putnam County Disability Mentoring Day
By Kathy Gilliland-Nichols, PARC Vocational Department
On Wednesday, October 17, 2012, PARC participated in Putnam County’s Annual Disability Mentoring Day.
In a joint effort to bring awareness to people with disabilities working out in their community, the doors of the county
were opened for our workers to experience various employment models. Several county departments/offices
throughout Putnam County agreed to participate and have mentors from various offices take a worker from PARC
to their job for the day.
Lillian Earle, of PARC’s Vocational Department, worked to gather interested workers and helped them
obtain their first choice of workplace. There were many mentoring opportunities - working with kitchen inspectors,
checking oil trucks, working with the reception and IT departments at the Emergency Services building, helping at
the office for the aging and youth services - and the day
was filled with excited staff and mentorees.
Everyone enjoyed their experience and spoke of
how they would love to get a job in the various places they
worked. Jimmy Collins, who went to the Putnam County
Sheriff’s department, said: “I never thought in my life I
would get the chance to work at the Sheriff’s Department”
and was thankful for the opportunity.
Pictured at left: Front (bottom): John Paul Cante, Laura
Ruocco, Robert Joy, Patty Duane, Val Fidanque; Back (upper):
Jimmy Collins, Judy Kopp, James Neubrand, Vanessa Beringer,
Greta Shaffer, Sumi Ports, Tony Baggio, Kathy Gilliland-Nichols &
Lillian Earle.
20th Anniversary Cablethon
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Thanks to hundreds of dedicated donors and business partners,
the 20th Anniversary PARC Cablethon raised nearly $40,000.
We appreciate your continued support of the people we support.
We cannot do it without you.
Broadcast Sponsors - $2000 and higher
The Home Team Tax Reductions, Key Bank, ShopRite Supermarkets, Rose & Kiernan Insurance,
The Hope for Youth Foundation
Achieve Level Sponsors - $1000 and higher
Carmel High School Future Business Leaders of America, Donna & Mark Zimmerman
Reach Level Sponsors - $500 and higher
Peter Brumme, Diane Capizzuto, Susan Limongello, Warren & Susan Lucas, Joe & Mary Piacente,
Putnam County Savings Bank, J. Weinstein Foundation
Connect Level Sponsors - $250 and higher
Teddi Barry, Blue Remedy, Bramwell Bolton, Saul & Suzanne Berkowitz, Cynthia Botchman,
Mr. & Mrs. Marc Brandt, Commercial Instruments & Alarm Systems, Mary & Robert Conklin,
Richard & Debra Elliott, Hudson Regional LTC Pharmacy, Insite Engineering, Patterson Rotary Club,
Robert & Barbara Krizek, Robert & Deborah Kopp, Mahopac National Bank, Lee & Nancy Miringoff,
Karen Murphy, Michael Myers, Colleen O’Keefe, Rachel O’Keefe, Rand Otten, Protege Partners,
Putnam County Courier LLC, Putnam County News & Recorder LLC, Mary & Larry Sturges,
Fernando Torres, West Lake Construction, Alex Zagajewski & Michelle Scolaro
Friend Level Sponsors - $100 and higher
Roger & Sarah Abbey, Advanced Copier Technology, Barbara & George Albrecht, Kevin Bailey,
Margie Bayer, P.F. Beal & Sons, Beecher Funeral Home, The Beyer Family, Jeff Beringer,
Bolnick & Snow LLP, David D. Bruen, Hilmar Brumme, Maryann and Steve Calabrese, Charles J.
Cante, Michael Carrick, Marianne Collins, Donald & Marilyn Comilloni, John Conlon, Kate & Grant
Coppola, Jane Curtin, Douglas & Irene Daly, Dayton Industries Inc., Anthony DiCarlo, John DeLillo,
Double M Farms, Maureen & Drew Durkin, Ed & Sally Enright, John Fendt, Claudia & Del Fidanque,
Barbara Fish, Ruth Friedman, Assemblywoman Sandy Galef, George Gray, Michael Hession,
Harvey & Jindela Family, HV Shred Inc., Henry J. Hudson, Timothy G. Hudson,
Agnes & Virginia Hughes, Import Motors, Bob & Carol Jones, Charlotte & Bill Kaplan, Emily Kingsley,
Gail & Mike Kirk, Everard & Marjorie Lee, Joanne Levine, Lightower Fiber Networks,
Louis & Diane Lindenbaum, Elisa Longo, Vicki Lyons, Mahopac Railroad Tie,
Family of Douglas Maile, Tom & Sally Mandato, Pat & Bob Manfredonia, J. Mantovi Excavating,
Susan Mattern, Mauri Associates Architects, Elizabeth Mazzucco, Deborah Migliaccio,
The Paganico Family, Tom & Leighann Paradise, Cathy & Chris Quaranta, Louise Rheem,
Robert Roosa, RWS Plumbing, Angela & Helen Senno, Donald & Jane Smith,
Sumber & Dolgetta P.C., Szvitek Family, Joseph & Mary Turek, Tyndall Septic Systems, Darby Walsh,
Anna May Wiede, Suzanne Willis & Ed Drake
News
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PARC celebrates “PARC Pioneers” with agency-wide celebration;
Pioneers were a part of PARC’s first community residence in 1975
PARC hosted a celebration on Monday, October 22, 2012 in honor of the first residents of PARC’s first
community residence.
The celebration, attended by more than 100 of PARC’s participants and their family members, staff
members, directors and board members, was held in honor of 11 men, the “PARC Pioneers,” who came to
live at PARC’s Ludingtonville community residence in 1975. Located off Ludingtonville Road in the Town of
Carmel, this house became the first PARC-operated, family-sized home for former residents of New York
State institutions, including Willowbrook and the Wassaic Developmental Center.
“Each one of these pioneers had their own background story, some similar and some different, but
they all had one thing in common: the courage to be first,” said Lou Lindenbaum, PARC’s Deputy Executive
Director. “They were the first to move out of Wassaic or Willowbrook, the first to separate from family and
move into their own place, the first to live in a new model of residence which was just being developed. They
paved the way for others and served as role models for all of us.” Only three of the original eleven men who
resided at the original Ludington home are still living and all three were a part of the celebration.
Richard Friedman, one of the “Pioneers,” is proud of his PARC history. “I never knew I’d come this
far,” he said. “I never dreamed I’d come as far as this.” An avid New York Yankees fan, Richard enjoys his
day habilitation program, day trips in the area, eating out for lunch, and playing “Uno.”
“Over the past 37 years, residential services has grown from supporting 10 people to supporting 134
people in 14 houses and eight apartments throughout Putnam County,” said Associate Executive Director
Louise Rheem. “Most of the participants receive support around the clock, 365 days a year. Our residents
and their families have placed their trust in our ability to provide them with safe homes, well trained and
respectful staff, skilled medical services, and opportunities to live meaningful and active lives.”
The celebration, hosted at the site of the new Ludington community residence (the original home
was razed in 2007 and a new home was built in its place), featured the dedication of a memorial bench and
plaque, and speeches from a number of PARC staff members, a sibling of a PARC Pioneer, and former staff
members who helped with the first house in 1975, a “then and now” cake cutting featuring cakes with pictures
of the old and new house, and a digital photo presentation featuring images of the pioneers, current and
former staff members, and pictures of the old and new house.
“Celebrating the pioneers from the original house with former staff and current staff, and seeing the
smiles of recognition on the faces of some of the people we support, when they connected with former staff,
was something to behold,” said PARC Associate Executive Director Nancy Miringoff. “It was a memorable
event.”
Lou Lindenbaum & Nancy Miringoff contributed to this story.
Pictured left to right: PARC Pioneer Richard Friedman
(seated) with PARC resident Judy Kopp; Scott Mehlberg,
a former “house parent” for the Ludington residents with
Associate Executive Director Nancy Miringoff; PARC
Pioneer Chuck Holder (seated) with PARC resident
David Lang.
News
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Reason & Rhythm in PARC’s Brain Injury R.E.A.C.H. Program
By Lois Tannenbaum, Psy.D, Brain Injury Program Coordinator
We have expanded our monthly Saturday group to include strategy building and social networking. In
our regular session, from 12:30-2:00 p.m., we work on building a tool kit of techniques to recognize emotional
triggers and assist in resolving issues. The monthly topics are based not only on participant input, but now
also participant presentations. It has been wonderful to see both survivors and caregivers take an active role in
planning and delivering information to the group that has been well received by all. Once a person requests the
opportunity to make a presentation, I work with that person on previewing and planning.
Each month, I will introduce the topic and initial structure of information. Should we have a participant
who wishes to present, he or she would do so at this time. There are several cognitive benefits to this practice
including group discussion regarding topic selections; volunteering to take on the challenge; planning,
researching, organizing, and delivering the topic information from the presenter’s viewpoint, as well as
providing supporting data on the topic. The social/emotional benefit of being a purposeful contributor has
helped to build individual self-confidence, guided by the support of fellow group members.
Our new social networking hour runs from 2:00-3:00 p.m. and offers various interactive social activities. To
date, we have enjoyed yoga and various forms of ballroom dancing. We are looking forward to future activities
including Tai Chi, scrapbooking, crafting, and interactive “mind” games. We also plan to have presenters speak
on relevant topics such as mood regulation, benefits of nutrition and exercise on brain fitness; financial literacy
training, and much more.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by a brain injury either through illness or trauma,
please share my contact information (shown below) with that person or family. Help and support is within
everyone’s R.E.A.C.H. @ PARC. Dr. Lois Tannenbaum, (845) 721-2282.
Tina Schroff Celebrates 30 Years at PARC
By Joanne Pasquerello, PARC Clinic Assistant Director
The Clinic was proud to surprise Tina Schroff at a recent luncheon in honor of her 30th anniversary at
PARC. Throughout her career at PARC, Tina has served in the Vocational Rehabilitation Department and the
PARC Clinic. A long time resident of Putnam County, Tina first came to the agency on the recommendation
of her cousin, who was a job placement specialist for the Vocational Department. He told her about a short
leave replacement opportunity at PARC Center. Thirty years later, the rest is history as the old saying goes.
Tina has been a valued member of the PARC Clinic for the last 18 years . She provides rehabilitation
counseling to 40 participants, assisting in the day to day issues that need to be negotiated on the job, as well
as looking at future goals and how best they can be attained. Before coming to the Clinic, Tina worked for the
Vocational Department as a supervisor in the workshop program, offering suggestions and coping strategies
for individuals to help them do the most effective job they could.
Beyond the walls of PARC Center, Tina has always lent a hand to any of her coworkers or
departments who need help decorating for a party or preparing for a special event, as well as assisting with
agency fundraisers.
In her life before PARC, Tina was an art teacher, having graduated from Ladycliff College with a BS in
Art and certificate in Secondary Education. Many a Mahopac child will recall “Mrs. Schroff” supporting their
creations, telling them to do their best and that she had faith that their creations would be good. That same
message has been communicated every day to those participants she has served at PARC for the past 30
years, which is why Mrs. Schroff is such a valued member of the Clinic team and of the agency.
Preschool News
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Ron Salvatore Visits the Preschool
By Jane Curtin, Ph.D., Preschool Program Director
Ron Salvatore visited the Preschool shortly before Thanksgiving to bestow his generous annual gift
in memory of his daughter, Denise Marie, who loved working in the PARC residential program. Ron holds an
annual charity golf tournament in honor of his daughter, whom he and his family tragically lost at the young
age of 26, in July of 1999. Ron donates proceeds from the event to a number of charities in the community
associated with his daughter’s life, work, and passions. Among them are PARC’s Nelsonville House and the
PARC Preschool. Denise was voted “PARC Residential Worker of the Year” during her tenure at PARC. She
also cared deeply about the issues faced by children with developmental disabilities.
The Denise Marie Salvatore Memorial Foundation’s
annual gift to the Preschool is earmarked for the needs of the
therapy department, including physical therapy, occupational
therapy, speech/language therapy, and school-based counseling
(or play therapy). Therapists and Preschool administrators
are very appreciative of the new equipment, toys and supplies
Ron’s annual donation enables them to acquire to enhance
the services provided to PARC’s preschoolers with special
needs. For example, Salvatore Foundation funds were utilized
Pictured l-r: Jane Curtin and Mary Capozzoli
in the past year to re-outfit the entire therapy room with new
of PARC Preschool with Ron Salvatore
colorful, cushioned mats. Special balance beams and fine
and PARC Deputy Executive Director Louis
motor therapeutic supplies, as well as a variety of assessment
Lindenbaum.
materials, were also purchased.
Ron’s visits to the Preschool to present the Foundation’s annual donation have become warmly
anticipated events each fall. This year, PARC’s Deputy Executive Director Louis Lindenbaum, and
Development Department Director Rand Otten, joined lead Preschool staff, Jane Curtin and Mary Capozzoli
in welcoming Ron. As has become customary, Ron visited the therapy room and chatted with therapists and
children as they performed their therapeutic work. Children eagerly showed Ron their newly acquired skills
and favorite activities in the therapy room.
Ron’s persevering interest in and support of the work we do at PARC with children and adults is both
a remarkable ongoing tribute to his daughter and a highly generous personal gesture in its own right. Staff at
the Preschool enjoy the friendly and special relationship that has evolved over the years with Ron, and feel
deeply gratified by his support of our mission and work.
The Infinite Benefits of Peer Support at PARC Preschool
By Carmen Greenstein, LCSW, School Social Worker
A majority of the children at the preschool receive a service known as school-based counseling,for which I am
the provider.
As children may be placed in different classes and seen together for a session, I may pick up a child from the
classroom and have the other peer child partner with me. Recently, I was accompanied by a child when we went to
pick up the “play” partner who we found to be upset and crying. The child was able to regroup and join us for the group
session. On the way to the play room the child commented that “someone hurt my feelings.” Clearly, the child was still
upset but doing a good job of transitioning to the next activity.
Once inside the playroom, I set about getting materials out for a planned activity. The two children had brought
their snacks with them and were sitting at a small table eating. One of the children turned to the other and very
sympathetically asked “So someone hurt your feelings?” I turned around in surprise and the conversation went on.
“Yes, my teacher hurt my feelings because she would not let me sit where I wanted to sit.” The other child replied, “Oh,
that must have made you feel sad.” To which the other child answered “Yes,” and with a sigh, finished the snack and
was ready for play in a visibly altered mood. Sometimes, all that is necessary is a caring listener, no matter the age.
News
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Mary Courtney - continued from page 4
We miss her smile and the sound of her laughter ringing through the offices or hallways of our building.
We miss her intellect, courage, and “can do” attitude. We miss her ability to solve large and small problems,
her desire to promote good in the world, and her dedication to furthering the well-being and happiness of the
children, families, and staff involved in both of our programs. We take a small degree of solace in knowing
that, at the end when we lost her, Mary was engaged in activities she loved and was contributing to the
happiness and development of children elsewhere in the world.”
Mary is survived by her partner, three children, including Deb Courtney, who worked for PARC’s
training department, and five grandsons.
PARC Gives Back Year Round
By Jessica Zaibel, Connections Day Habilitation and Patti Buono, WithOutWalls Day Habilitation
Connections Day Hab has picked up yet another volunteer job. We are now volunteering at the Yorktown
“Love in Action Thrift Shop.” Our participants are there to organize the store, which includes keeping the shop
neat and tidy and organizing by size and product. The owner of the store was extremely pleased with day
habilitation participants’ work and is looking forward to a long working relationship with PARC. If you enjoy thrift
shops, this is one to see, filled with a number of great items. And if you are ever looking to donate items, please
bring them to Connections and our folks will bring them to Yorktown Love in Action, so we can continue to give
back.
Connections continues to volunteer at the Beacon Reads book store and the Beacon Welcoming Center,
and we also continue to pick up produce from the local Hannaford supermarket and breads/treats from BJ’s
to give back to Delancey Street and Brewster CAP. These two non-profits greatly appreciate the extra food,
especially during the holiday season and colder weather. Brewster CAP is able to use the food to feed local
residents in need.
The WOW programs continue to give back to the community in many special ways, the one that
sticks out most is the Meals On Wheels program through the Dutchess County Office of the Aging. The Day
Habilitation Without Walls groups (DH WOW) have been volunteering on a regular basis as far as in can
remember (1995). We have delivered many meals to many people over the years. The groups get to give
back and make some special connections with the recipients of the meals; they really notice and care about
the people to whom they deliver. We can be delivering to the same people for months, even years, and then
all of a sudden they are not on the list and our people take notice and wonder where they are. This is a great
opportunity for our groups, although they may not realize it, the people we deliver to may be the only people
they see or even talk to on that day. The recipients of the meals are very grateful and are always welcoming to
our groups.
A note of thanks: the Without Walls Day Hab group sorted and donated clothing from PARC’s “Four
Quarters” Thrift Store to the Putnam Lake Fire Department. Those clothing items were then brought to some of
the hardest hit areas of Staten Island, NY, in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.
Help PARC just by searching on the Internet. Go to www.Goodsearch.com and
register to raise money for PARC (The ARC - Putnam County - PARC) with every
search and with every purchase at major online retailers. Good for us, good for you.
GoodSearch!
News
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You Can Accomplish Anything
By Melissa Tiburcio, PARC MSC/Self Advocacy Advisor
We all begin our lives, (well most of us) with others rallying behind, cheering us on and supporting
who we are and what we want to become. Imagine, just for a moment, that, those cheerleaders, friends, and
family support ceased to exist. Imagine a world where your hopes, dreams, deepest emotions and thoughts
were cast out, ignored- SOLELY, because you have a “disability”.
This is not a world that either you or I would want for ourselves, our
families, or the participants we support.
Eleven members of The “Free to Speak” self advocacy group
at PARC attended the annual Self Advocacy Association of New
York State (SANYS) conference from October 25-27, 2012 at the
Albany Marriott Hotel. It was at this conference that staff members
and advocates became enriched with a wealth of knowledge. We as
a group witnessed the power of self advocacy.
We had the honor of meeting so many wonderful people-
Pictured above: Self Advocates Holly
Whitlock and Michael Condreras at the
annual conference.
a quadriplegic painter who created breathtaking works of art by
utilizing a paint brush in his mouth, authors, jewelry makers, and
even lawyers with disabilities who fought their way through law
school. All of these inspirational people defied the odds and gave
each of us the feeling that there is no task that cannot be completed.
There was also a young lady present who was a graduate of Cornell’s School of Business and shared her
story. The experience was much more than empowering; it was life altering. Let it be known that if given a
voice, the people we support are capable, not just of success, but of greatness.
Stella Held Turns 93
By Karen Murphy and Melissa Tiburcio
Stella Held, one of PARC’s most active participants, celebrated her 93rd birthday with a celebration on
November 16, 2012.
Known for her spunk and love of life, Stella first came to PARC in 2008
and lives in a PARC residence and attends day habilitation. Not a day goes by
when Stella isn’t actively involved in a number of activities, from bingo to crafts,
dining out to visiting with friends from her old family care home. Stella spends
her evenings at home helping with meals and cleaning up, but takes the time to
travel locally, pursue her love of quilting, and get her nails done. “And I really like
embroidery,” Stella said during a recent interview for her story.
And just when you thought Stella couldn’t fit anything more into her busy
day, she is also a volunteer for PARC’s recycling project, where she helps to sort
cans and bottles that are donated to PARC by members of the community. “I’m
good at recycling and I miss working at the workshop,” said Stella. Even at 93,
PARC Service Coordinator
Melissa Tiburcio and Stella Held.
Stella takes helping others seriously. “Sometimes I help my friends walk down the hallway.”
Stella’s party was attended by more than 75 guests, who offered her a rousing version of the “Happy
Birthday” song and a number of beautiful gifts.
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News
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In Memoriam - Margaret O’Leary, July 28, 1954 - June 10, 2012
By Hildy Hallisey, Manager of Pinetree and Patterson 311
Margaret was a petite woman with a grand presence. Her very presence could bring a smile to everyone.
Margaret greeted each day with laughter and she welcomed everyone she met. She might not have remembered
your name, but she certainly remembered you.
Margaret could be stubborn, but she was always willing to give out hugs and a little comedy routine.
Margaret spent many years living with the ladies of Birch House before she moved to Patterson 311 in June 2011.
What turned out to be the remaining time of her life was spent with old friends in a smaller setting. Margaret enjoyed
having her own room, designated as the “princess” she was. She brought great joy into the lives of her staff and her
house-mates both, at Birch and Patterson 311, and she was well known for her
creative arts talents.
Rand Otten, director of development, recalls one of her last visits with
Margaret:
“My last memory of Margaret came just a few weeks before her passing.
Margaret enjoyed touring our offices each morning to say her “hellos” and “good
mornings” with her staff member, Guy. One morning, on her tour around what
we call the “Great Room,” Margaret wasn’t having a great start to her day and
needed a little cheering up. I had a few balloons in my desk drawer, something
that was mailed to me from a promotions company, and I found a green one (for
my Irish friend) and blew it up for her, finishing it with a Sharpie smiley face. Well,
Margaret’s face lit up and she said “thank you, my Rand,” and marched off to
enjoy her day.”
Pictured at right: A smiling Margaret at the Cold Spring Waterfront, Cold Spring, NY.
Putnam ARC to Offer Concussion Management Educational Training Program;
Trainings offered to regional school districts to help with new NYS law
Putnam ARC, the leading provider of services for children and adults with developmental disabilities in Putnam County, also
offers programs and services that assist people living with brain injuries, as well as trainings on how to prevent sports-related
brain injuries.
Putnam ARC’s Brain Injury Program, first established in 1993, assists individuals who have sustained brain injuries,
either traumatic or acquired, with a variety of programs and services including support groups, trainings, and assistance with
Medicaid service coordination. The Brain Injury Association of America adopted a new definition of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
in 2011 as “TBI is defined as an alteration in brain function, or other evidence of brain pathology, caused by an external force.”
Since concussions fall into the category of a brain injury, Putnam ARC will be working with regional school districts
to offer the “Concussion Management Educational Training Program.” This program is being offered to assist districts to be in
compliance of New York State’s new “Concussion Management and Awareness Act,” which went into effect on July 1, 2012.
One of the provisions of this new act (details of the full act can be accessed at www.bianys.org/announcements/
concussion-management-and-awareness-act) is that “all coaches, physical education teachers, nurses and athletic trainers are
required, biennially, to complete a course of instruction relating to recognition of symptoms of mild brain injury and monitoring
and seeking appropriate medical treatment.”
“Potential brain injuries may occur during school sports, physical education classes, school-sponsored activities,
or even in the school environment unrelated to sports/physical activities,” said Dr. Lois Tannenbaum, Psy.D, Putnam ARC’s
brain injury program coordinator. “The training focus will be on knowledge of preventative measures, immediate protocols of
intervention in the event of an injury; and brain injury specific academic/recreational accommodations and interventions in the
post-injury phase when students return to home and school.”
Dr. Tannenbaum is a certified brain injury specialist (CBIS) and a dually licensed educator who has formatted a training
that will assist school district personnel in appropriately preparing for the fall sports season. The training will include information
on informed consent, recognition of signs and symptoms of a mild TBI, on-field cognitive testing, removal from play, medical
referral, medical clearance, and more.
School districts in need of this training can contact Dr. Tannenbaum to set up an appointment at lois_tannenbaum@
putnamarc.org or 845-721-2282.
Partners with PARC News
13
Partners with PARC’s events helped to raise over $64,000 in 2012, with the help of sponsors and
event attendees from all over the tri-state area and as far away as Belgium and Arizona.
SECRET GARDEN TOUR: The annual Putnam County Secret Garden Tour, held Saturday, June 9,
2012, again featured some of the best private gardens around Putnam County and special tour of the Frank
Lloyd Wright House on Petra Island, Lake Mahopac. We thank Joe and Barbara Massaro for their continued
commitment to host our guests and help us to raise needed funds.
In addition to the eight private gardens open for the tour this year, the Garden Tour also featured tours
of Stonecrop Gardens in Cold Spring and Boscobel House and Gardens in Garrison.
ANNUAL GOLF OUTING: On July 9, 2012, Partners with PARC hosted the 15th Annual Golf Outing
and raised more than $24,000 with the help of corporate sponsors, hole sponsors, golfers, and many silent
auction bidders. The event, held at Centennial Golf Club in Carmel, featured a number of contests, including
a hole-in-one for a Jeep Wranger Sahara from the Volz Auto Group and $10,000 cash hole-in-one from Relph
Benefit Advisors. D. Bertoline & Sons, PepsiCo, and Deutsch Family Distributors assisted with on and offcourse beverage service all day and evening.
The date for the 16th Annual Outing is set for Monday, July 8, 2012 at Centennial Golf Club.
COLD SPRING BY CANDLELIGHT - A memorable day was enjoyed by nearly 700 guests during
the 10th Anniversary “Cold Spring by Candlelight Holiday Festival and House Tours” on Saturday, December
1, 2012. The Village of Cold Spring was decked for the holidays including the nine private homes and
seven historic sites and churches featured on this year’s tour.
Restaurants and stores offered specials to event attendees
while The Merry Minstrels, The Treble Makers, and After Hours
singers spread joy and music caroling throughout the village
for the event. Other events included storytelling with Pamela
Schembri and “The Make Believe Theater Company,” ice carving
demonstrations with Bill Bywater and family, holiday music with
Sara Labriola, visits with St. Nick, and the annual Village of Cold
Spring holiday tree lighting.
Tour attendees had the opportunity to vote for their
favorite house on the tour. This year’s winner was Vincent
Tamagna, a Putnam County legislator, who has featured his home
on the tour several times. Tamagna received a $500 cash prize
Just one of the Christmas trees at the home of
for his efforts, including an upside down Christmas tree, complete
Vincent Tamagna, winner of the “best house”
with upside down gifts and train set.
during the 2012 “Cold Spring by Candlelight” tour.
Photo courtesy of www.pcnr.com
2012 Partners with PARC Event Sponsors:
Cold Spring Area Chamber of Commerce
Non Profit Org.
US Postage Paid
Brewster, NY 10509
Permit No. 99
31 International Boulevard * Terravest Corporate Park * Brewster, N.Y. * 10509
Telephone: 845.278.PARC * Fax: 845.278.2151 * Website: www.PutnamARC.org