People. Progress. Potential:  NYSARC, Inc. Celebrates its 60^th Anniversary

Throughout the summer, NYSARC Chapters held 31 local and regional events in recognition of our 60^th Anniversary.  Chapters creatively engaged with their communities in parades, walks and runs, picnics, baseball games and a variety of other activities in celebration of this significant milestone. State Office Staff was pleased to be on hand for most of the events.

The Chapter events culminated on September 17^th when 1500 people with developmental disabilities, their families, friends, staff and advocates arrived at Albany’s Riverfront Park for a walk to the Capitol Steps.  Led by the Schenectady Police Pipe Band, marchers ascended to the Capitol along downtown’s most visible route where they were greeted by NYSARC President, Katharine Conroy, several local and state elected officials, event sponsors and representation from OMRDD and the Governor’s Office. 

The ceremony at the Capitol, emceed by local anchor woman Lydia Kulbida, began with the singing of the National Anthem by Joe Sacco, one of the founding members of the Orleans County Chapter.  The program included the presentation of flags representing each NYSARC Chapter and remarks from state and local politicians, Katharine Conroy, Max Chmura of OMRDD and the President of Capital Region Key Bank.  A personal letter of congratulations from Governor Paterson was presented by an aid to the Governor.  Immediately following the ceremony, everyone returned to Riverfront Park for a picnic and music from Flame. 

The NYSARC State Office is grateful to Albany County Chapter for catering lunch, Herkimer County Chapter for making the chapter and ceremonial flags, and Steuben County Chapter for making the t-shirts.  These Chapters provided their services at cost therefore making it possible to minimize the expenses associated with the event.  In addition, the Montgomery County Chapter volunteered 2 of their nurses and Fulton County Chapter absorbed much of the cost of the Flame concert.

NYSARC also greatly appreciates the very generous donation of several corporate sponsors including Relph Benefit Advisors, Key Banc, The Bonadio Group, Bailey, Haskell & LaLonde, Expedite/Polycom, Municipal Capital Markets Group, Inc., Philadelphia Insurance Companies and support of the New York State Sheriffs’ Association.  

In addition NYSARC received three proclamations from the New York State Assembly, the New York State Senate and from the United States House of Representative signed by Congressman Paul Tonko.