Cultivating a Successful Summer Job

For many people job satisfaction can be quite a challenge. For Donald Anderson or D.J., as he’s known by to his family and friends, it’s been a walk through the park. Better yet, it’s been a stroll through the greenhouse.

Donald 22, a worker in the Clinton ARC’s Workforce Network program spent this past summer working at Campbell’s Greenhouse in Saranac. D.J. was given many responsibilities by his boss, owner/operator Ken Campbell. Weather it was taking care of a wide assortment of plants in the greenhouse, working the fields outback or even landscaping in the community, D.J. has stepped up to the plate. “Having D.J. here this summer has been a real pleasure,” said Campbell. “The guy just always came to work with a pleasant, happy attitude.” “No matter whether we were watering plants, laying stone or doing something else, D.J. always had a smile on his face.” “You just don’t always get that.” Donald’s on the job successes have come from a combination of a lot of hard work and from a sincere joy for what he’s doing.

“I really like my job and the people I work here with” Explained D.J. “I also get to work outdoors and get to see animals almost everyday. It’s been a combination of all these things that has really made this job a lot of fun.” D.J.’s job at Campbell’s had been a positive experience for everyone involved. His supervisor had noting but praise for his young protégé. Mr. Campbell stated, “D.J. always completed his tasks with a smile and I Wouldn’t hesitate for a second to take him back.” “He’s just a great guy…”

You might say Anthony Hubbard is a man of few words but don’t let the quiet demeanor fool you! When it comes to his job, Anthony lets his actions speak for themselves. For the past two-plus years, Anthony has been employed by CVI Janitorial (Clinton County ARC) and participates in the Advocacy and Resource Center’s WorkForce Network.

Anthony, a 2003 graduate of Peru High School who just recently celebrated his 23rd birthday, has been a shining example of just how far a little commitment and hard work can take you. His no-nonsense approach to his job has also earned him the appreciation of his supervisors and co-workers alike. Seen by many of those who know him as a “good guy” who likes to keep to him self, Anthony has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a flexibility seldom seen in young men his age. It hasn’t always been easy but Anthony continues to show that you don’t need to make a lot of noise to face up to your challenges and make great strides in both your professional as well as your personal life. Kudos to Anthony.

Meet Michelle Micheals

Safety First – Michelle Michaels is a longtime member of the Self Advocacy Group and the C.O.O.L Speakers Bureau at Liberty, the Montgomery County Chapter NYSARC, Inc.

“I have been a member of the Self-Advocacy group for almost eight years,” says Michelle. “It has given me a chance to share ideas with other people in the group and to make changes when things need to change. One area that we have been working on is safety. I brought the Self-Advocacy group’s ideas to Liberty’s Safety Committee and have been asked to join and help run the meetings. I was a little nervous at first but Barb Rockwell and the other members have made me feel welcome. A few of the things we have talked about are: the need to wash your hands after using the rest room to keep from spreading germs; making sure that lids are put on hot coffee; and removing pallets from walkways at Amsterdam Print in case of fire. We are making posters to remind everyone at Liberty how important safety is and talking about safety in our Life Skills group. My friend Kiesha and I gave a presentation on safety at the February staff meetings at Liberty Enterprises and Day Support.”

Special Olympian with a determined heart overcomes injury and brings homes silver and gold!

Andy Beyel is an exceptional person having overcome injury to medal at the Special Olympics World Winter Games.

Born with a developmental disability, Andy moved from foster home to foster home before being adopted by Roger and Donna Beyel of West Leyden at the age of nine. After graduating from Adirondack Central High School, Andy moved to Utica where he met some great people at The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter, NYSARC (The Arc). He now lives in an Arc supported apartment and works as a fork lift operator at Casa Imports in Utica. Karen Hoffman, his job coach in The Arc’s Employment Services program, describes Andy as determined, hardworking and honest. “When he sets his mind to something, he’s going to do it, no matter what,” said Karen.

A few years back at a Halloween party, Linda Schuyler, residential manager on Bennett Street, introduced Andy to Lisa Kolwaite. Not only did Andy meet his now fiancé, he met Larry Kolwaite, Lisa’s father, who became Andy’s skiing coach.

Larry got Andy involved with the Special Olympics and was there to coach Andy when he became interested in Nordic (cross-country) skiing. With Larry’s help, Andy excelled and was chosen as one of only two skiers from New York State to join the American International Special Olympics Nordic team. Andy competed in the 5K race, 10K race and the 4 by 1K relay team. This year the Special Olympics took place in Nagano, Japan February 26 through March 5.

During the 5K race, Andy’s first event, the severe weather turned the course dangerous changing the snow to ice. Andy, who was then leading the field, veered off course and hit a bridge, spraining his shoulder. He finished the race coming in sixth and insisted on competing in the 10K race two days later. That determination paid off as Andy, the only American participating in the race, crossed the finish line earning a silver medal.

The next day was the relay event and Andy competed after more insistence that he was fine. With the American team in third coming to the final lap, an injured Andy took over. With a sore shoulder he passed the two teams ahead of him and helped America win the gold medal.

The only person who knows how he did it is Andy, who says he wanted to show everybody how much heart athletes with developmental disabilities can have. - by Donna-Lee Penney