PRESS RELEASE, July 2006

ARC Celebrates Capabilities

 “If we work with people’s capabilities, the disabilities disappear,” Assemblyman Clifford Crouch said as he relayed a story to some 200 guests who were gathered at the Holiday Inn for the Delaware County ARC 14^th Annual Achievement Awards.   “I’d like to thank the ARC for everything they do that accentuates this,” he said.  The Assemblyman as well as Senator John Bonacic were both present to bestow legislative certificates of merit to the eleven individuals and community leaders being honored by the non-profit organization which serves nearly 400 local families affected by disabilities.      

One child and six adults received Outstanding Achievement Awards from an ARC program for inspiring others through their personal perseverance and individual growth.    Honored were Master Kevin Ryan of Walton by Carousel Children’s Services, Miss Kassandra Moore of Delhi by Family Support Services, Ms. Christine Smith of Margaretville by Community Living Skills Arkville, Mr. Robert Huntington of Sidney by Residential Services, Ms. Brandy Parker of Sidney by Resources for Industry, Ms. Lillian Klenick of Hancock by THRIVE Day Habilitation and Mr. Wayne Stalter of Roscoe received the Philip Hale Award for Community Living Skills.

The Luella Rogers Exemplary Volunteer Award, given only twice before, was awarded to Mr. and Mrs. Lee Conklin of Deposit as well as Mr. Glenn Rappleyea of Hobart .   Lee and his wife Pat were recognized for 40 years of combined volunteer service to the ARC.   Both have dedicated a substantial amount of time serving on various ARC committees and volunteering every Monday with the ARC Bowling Club for the past 21 years.   Mr. Conklin was also implemental in securing space in the Delaware County Resource Center on Route 10 Hamden for the fledgling organization and “was always a good friend to have on the Board of Supervisors”, Luella Rogers, a founding parent of the Delaware County ARC, noted.    

Mr. Rappleyea, was recognized for his superior service on the organization’s Board of Directors for 11 years where he held the maximum 6-year term as President, and for his exceptional commitment to its Guardianship Committee.   The Guardianship Committee is a group of people who serve as   advocates and surrogate family members for individuals in need.   “Great leaders lead by example and for purpose.   Glenn’s purpose, simply put, is to help people,” Heather Stevenson, ARC Director of Support Services said.  

The awards highlighted other wonderful stories of people being recognized for helping others.   Among them was Mrs. Marcia Maxwell-Brown of Cobleskill who received the Dr. Gerald Burday Professional Excellence Award.    Mrs. Maxwell-Brown has given over 20 years of service as a Speech Language Pathologist Consultant in various Delaware County ARC programs.  Although she was receiving the Delaware County ARC commendation for professional excellence, Mrs. Maxwell-Brown noted, “The Delaware County ARC has an asset in the Administration and the people hired.   I have such respect for every person who works there.  There’s excellence all around you and it makes me want to do the best work I can.”

K-Mart of Sidney was recognized with the Resources For Industry Partner of the Year Award for enhancing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities in Delaware County .     Resources for Industry is the ARC adult education and vocational program.   Mrs. Laurie Lang and Mr. Tim Murray accepted on behalf of K-Mart Sidney.

Another community award, The Father Willis Good Neighbor Award, celebrates people who embody the spirit of being kind and neighborly as well as actively supports the involvement of individuals who have disabilities in their community.    This year’s Good Neighbor Award was presented to the Senior Meals Dining Program in Walton.   The Senior Meals Dining Program has welcomed individuals served by the ARC with open arms, enabling them to be actively involved in their community through volunteering and enjoying the companionship of fellow diners.

As families, friends, legislators, ARC members and staff all gathered to celebrate the achievements of this year’s award winners, next year’s award winners are already in the making.  “We need to take a moment to thank all who have contributed to the successes highlighted this evening and the successes that happen every single day at the Delaware County ARC.  From the staff who tirelessly work side by side with the children and adults we serve to help them overcome obstacles and focus on their strengths, to our friends and neighbors throughout the Delaware County community who look beyond the disabilities, allowing the capabilities to shine,” shares George Suess, Delaware County ARC CEO, “It is because of this that we know we will be right back here next year sharing new success stories and celebrating the accomplishments of another group of Achievement Award winners.”

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