NYSARC 60^th Anniversary Celebration

People – Progress – Potential

September 17, 2009 at the Corning Preserve

Join us as NYSARC celebrates its 60^th year of providing services to persons with developmental disabilities and their families. Throughout the summer there have been many local and regional celebrations to raise awareness of the mission and work of the 57 local Chapters that make up NYSARC. Check here often for information of the events happening around the state leading up to the statewide rally at the Capital Steps in Albany on September 17, 2009. On September 17, 2009 NYSARC supporters from around the state will meet at Albany’s Corning Preserve Amphitheater and march to the Capital Building at the top of State Street. After the ceremony in front of the Capital steps the Celebration will continue with a picnic back at the Amphitheater.

Celebration Events:

AHRC New York City                                                5/16/09

In our 60^th year AHRC New York City held the following events:

• AHRC New York City recognized our 60^th Anniversary with our 60^th Annual Dinner that was held on May 16^th. The gala event held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel was attended by 1,200 guests. We honored Governor David Paterson who had been invited prior to the State budget issues now facing our state. This proved to be a good venue for us to make a statement to him about the needs of our community. We also honored Geraldo Rivera who brought down the house with his heart-felt comments about his long history with the individuals we serve. And we honored Genevieve O’Neil, a parent and AHRC Board Member for her years of volunteerism.
• The New York City Chapter held it 60^th Annual Membership Meeting on June 11th at AHRC’s Betty Pendler New York League Work Center, a huge loft-like factory floor that was transformed into a 400 person auditorium with a stage and dining area for the evening. It was a large celebration that honored the people we serve and the hands-on people who serve them. Twelve individuals served in AHRC programs who have made amazing achievements were honored as were twelve staff members. A “Good Neighbor Award” was presented to a couple who live in close proximity to an AHRC residence. The Chapter’s Employer of the Year was presented to CVS pharmacy. And Board Members were installed by Kathleen Broderick, OMRDD Assistant Commissioner.
• In honor of 60 years of working with families and providing service, AHRC New York City launched a new Family Education Series that reached out to hundreds of families hitherto unaffiliated with AHRC New York City. Twice a month, Family Education Sessions were held throughout the city featuring AHRC staff speaking on topics of great concern to families of individuals with developmental disabilities, for example, how to deal with challenging behaviors, what is the Medicaid Waiver, the how to of guardianship, educational advocacy 101 and many other topics. These sessions have brought several hundred new families into the AHRC family.
• And  celebrating 60 years and how far we have grown, AHRC New York City held a series of art exhibits in art galleries and libraries throughout the city where fabulous artwork created by adults served in our programs were exhibited to rave reviews. Articles were written about their work and art was sold. AHRC enlisted several framers who donated their services upon seeing and being impressed by the quality of work created by our individuals.

Nassau                                                6/12/09

Celebration in conjunction with the 59th Annual Rose Ball

Celebration run. The race will start at 9am at 465 N. Perry Street Johnstown, New York 12095. 5K run & 1 1/2 mile walk.

Columbia                                             6/13/09

COARC will march in the Hudson Flag Day Parade.  The line up time begins at 1:30 with a 3 pm step off. 

Ontario                                                        7/04/09

The chapter will be marching in the July 4 parade in Canadaigua

Otsego                                                        07/04/09

The Arc Otsego will be marching on July 4 from our headquarters to The Arc Otsego booth in Neahwa Park for the Hometown Oneonta Fourth of July Celebration- a community-wide all day celebration that culminates in fireworks in the evening.  Our marchers are consumers, staff, family and community members

Allegany                                                     07/11/09

Saturday, July 11th to march in the Balloon Rally Parade in Wellsville, NY which begins with lining up at 10 am and actual parade walk at 11 am.   There will be a picnic lunch afterwards.

HARC will hold its Annual Community Awareness Walk on Saturday July 11th beginning at 11am as a part of its Annual Life is Beautiful Festival. The Walk is titled A Walk in Our Shoes Community Awareness Walk and will incorporate NYSARC’s 60th Anniversary theme. It will represent our chapter’s contribution to NYSARC’s community awareness activities. Day of registration for the 7 10ths of a mile walk through the Village of Herkimer is at 10am on the 11th. The Festival begins at noon and ends at 5pm. It features live music, food, a Poker Run, games and family fun.

 
Wayne                                                       07/10/09

July 10th in Lyons, NY. Yates County Chapter will have a float the Peppermint Days Parade along with many of individuals marching along side. 

Region 7 Event
Allegany, Livingston-Wyoming            07/11/09

Saturday, July 11th, to march in the Balloon Rally Parade in Wellsville, NY which begins with lining up at 10 am and actual parade walk at 11 am.  There will be a picnic lunch afterwards.

The Taconic DDSO and Community League 19th Annual Picnic.  Great Picnic Food, live Music w/Bill Vogel, Family Sports, Carnival Booths and Fun Prizes. The event will take place at the Taconic DDSO - Wassaic Campus.

Montgomery                                             07/21/09
 
Baseball game at Shuttleworth Park, Amsterdam.

Orleans                                                     07/26/09

Open House at Camp Rainbow, the chapter's first program, is great time to celebrate NYSARC's 60th Anniversary

Monroe                                                     07/31/09

The Arc of Monroe plans to tie in the NYSARC 60th Anniversary Celebration with its annual “Summerfest Event” scheduled on July 31st.   Each program site participates in the event with fun activities, a catered lunch and ice cream.   A traveling marquis will visit each site so individuals, their families and staff can sign a Happy Anniversary Card to NYSARC.   The festivities will be kicked off at ArcWorks, Monroe Arc’s sheltered employment program.  Dignitaries and local legislators will be invited to attend; a proclamation will be presented that we will have signed by the Mayor and County Executive and a brief program will be held.  The marquis and Chapter Flag will be travel to each day program site.  The tentative plan is for the marquis “Anniversary Card” travel to Albany on September 17th.

Genesee                                                   08/05/09

Genesee ARC night at the Ballpark. (Location – DWYER STADIUM, 299 BANK STREET BATAVIA) There will be a ceremonial walk of Genesee, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans and West Seneca D.C. Chapters throughout the seating area and down to the field. 

Orange                                                      08/09/09

In conjunction with a vintage car show.  Walk/Run to Campbell Hall from Orange County Park, 3.5 miles

Livingston-Wyoming                              08/14/09

At 11 am at the Perry Fireman's Field to kick off the Hilltop Picnic festivities.  We will be walking around track with chapter flags and there will also be a NYSARC representative in attendance.

Chemung                                                 08/15/09  

Chemung will be hosting the Anniversary Celebration in conjunction with the Family Fun Day at Horseheads Holding Point Complex.  In conjunction with the Chapter's Family Fun Day, Chemung County Executive, Thomas J. Santulli will recognize Chemung ARC on the 15th day of August, 2009 as they join ARCs from across New York State to celebrate the "60th Anniversary of NYSARC, Inc. in Chemung County".

At 11AM at Sherrill Brook Park in New Hartford. There will be a 1 mile, 2 mile and 3 mile loop for walkers to choose.

Schoharie                                                08/15/09

Coby Challenge Games, is a localized version of athletic competition for individuals of all ages with developmental disabilities.  It will take place at SUNY Cobleskill’s campus. In addition to hosting sessions of athletic competition the Chapter is celebrating NYSARC’s 60th Anniversary with a 60 mile walk. Sounds like a lot to accomplish and IT IS if you’re doing it alone. The  goal is to collectively walk 240 laps on the track- hopefully with as many people as possible. This is a team effort, much like our organization is, consisting of all involved in an individual's care including ARC Staff, Board Members, Community Members, Parents, Siblings, family, friends & neighbors! With a collaborative effort of so many people, it should be really easy to complete 60 miles (or 240 laps at SUNY's Track). The theme for NYSARC's 60th Anniversary is People. Progress. Potential. The walk around the track, completing 60 miles (1 for each year of NYSARC's existence) is symbolic of the strides we make everyday in caring for those we serve.

A local Skydiving team from Duanesburg drop in, hopefully, on a big ‘60’ in the center of the track and will be offering an Aerial photo and video footage from this event. Tony will be inviting Senators James Seward and Peter Lopez to walk with us, as they have always been supportive of our organization and NYSARC.

Celebration picnic will be held on the Chapter grounds on Krumkill Road in Slingerlands.

Rensselaer                                             09/11/09

Rensselaer will hold their celebration in conjunction with their annual staff picnic.

Niagara                                                   09/12/09

Niagara County Chapter will be marching in the Annual Kiwanis Peach Festival Parade in Lewiston, NY.

Onondaga                                               09/12/09

Onondaga County Chapter celebration is Saturday, September 12th.  They are combining it with their annual 1/2 marathon, 5k and family fun walk.

St. Lawrence                                          09/12/09

Details to follow.

Warren-Washington                             09/13/09

Details to follow.