Niagara Cerebral Palsy
Spring / Summer 2011
Across Niagara
NCP ~ leveling the road so we can all reach higher ground together...
Matthew J. Murphy on the Tee Fore NCP Golf Tournament
This year’s golf tournament was held on June 17, 2011 at the Seneca Hickory Stick
Golf Course. The event was a HUGE success! As always, John Murphy, Sports
Director for WIVB-TV Channel 4 and Keith Radford, Anchor for WKBW-TV
Channel 7 were our Honorary Chairmen. We had 94 golfers and an additional 17
people for dinner to celebrate this 19th annual fundraiser.
Niagara Cerebral Palsy
Spring / Summer 2011
Niagara Cerebral Palsy’s Mission:
NCP Board of Directors
Dr. Richard Sawicki
President
Salvatore Passanese
1st Vice President
Mission: To provide person centered services which foster independence, inclusion, individuality and productivity to children and adults with various disabilities by establishing goals together to enable each individual to reach
their highest potential while utilizing a quality process.
Vision: To be a service provider of the highest quality, for individuals with disabilities
Marcus T. Latham
Recording Secretary
Strategic Goals:
•
To empower individuals and families to make informed life choices which lead to personal identity and self
respect.
•
To promote independence.
Russell J. Petrozzi
Corresponding Secretary
•
To encourage the development of relationships.
Sharon Highfield
•
To increase community inclusion.
Treasurer
•
To ensure the safety of individuals with various disabilities.
•
To establish comprehensive, cost-effective services.
•
To foster advocacy for the rights and betterments of persons with special needs.
~
Thomas J. Caserta
Robert M. DiFrancesco
Neil M. Gruppo
Susan Kuznik
Robert A. MacPhee
Lawrence Morehouse
Patricia Mulcahy
Donald Napoleon
Daniel Vitch
Ann Wehrmeyer
Helen White
Stacey Willard
NCP CLINICS
Dental CLINIC -
Upcoming Dates to Remember
August
Tuesdays: 8:30am - 1:30pm
September
Wednesdays: 1:00pm - 4:30pm
7th—First day of School for Preschoolers
(2) Thursdays per month: 8:30am - 11:30am
12th— NCP Board of Directors Meeting
20th—NCP Annual Dinner
Podiatry CLINIC (2) Thursdays per month: 1:00pm - 5:00pm
October
3rd— NCP Board of Directors Meeting
Audiology CLINIC -
24th —State CP Conference
8:30am - 4:00pm Daily
Niagara Children’s Open House
Mon., Wed. & Fri. - Mt. View, Lockport site
November
Tues. & Thurs. - Trott Bldg., Niagara Falls site
7th— NCP Board of Directors Meeting
December
*Wheelchair CLINIC (2) Mondays/Month: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
NCP is a member of the United Way of
Niagara , as well as an affiliate of Sertoma
International.
The agency receives funding from the NYS
Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities and the Department of
Health, the NYS Department of Education,
the Niagara County Department of Mental
Hygiene Cerebral Palsy of NYS and BPO
Elks Major Projects.
5th— NCP Board of Directors Meeting
Save the Date !
February 2012
* Please call 297-1478, ext. 154
for exact dates & appointments.
Snowflake Basket Auction
Niagara Cerebral Palsy
Spring / Summer 2011
Message from the CEO
Dear Friends and Members of the NCP Family:
It was my good fortune, on July 26, 2011, to have been witness to the closure of the
WNYDDSO as a residential opportunity for individuals with developmental disabilities. The facility
opened its doors in 1962 to individuals, who because of their disability were “institutionalized” because
of a lack of community options and/or supports. I am pleased to reflect that in 1965 when I joined the
United Cerebral Palsy Association of Niagara County, Inc. family, I would, through our CVRC Program,
take the first steps of deinstitutionalize with one individual named Jimmy C. The 60’s was an era during which families were routinely advised to place their child with a disability into an “institution”. Individuals were housed in wards consisting of 20-25 individuals. The “Institutions” followed the medical model with the first two directors being required to have a Medical Degree, i.e.,
Dr. Feinstein, MD, Dr. Huzella, MD. Fortunately, as a result of the Willowbrook Decree, the State was compelled to make significant changes in the way individuals with disabilities were to be served.
I am proud to say that New York State, New York State Cerebral Palsy and its Affiliates, as well as other not for profit
providers stepped forward to develop alternatives to institutionalization and institutional care. Community options and support
have been developed since the 60’s. In addition to deinstitutionalization efforts, living opportunities have been developed to prevent institutionalization by developing individualized living options for people in our communities.
We have come a long way in the 50+ years, but we must be ever vigilant. Current NYS Budget reductions in services to
people with disabilities threaten the fabric of the current service delivery system. It appears that New York State’s commitment to
its citizens with disabilities is being sacrificed on the altar of balancing the Budget.
We must let our elected representatives know that a balanced budget and deficit reduction, cannot be on the backs of its
citizens with disabilities.
Sincerely,
Joseph Mineo,
Executive Director/CEO
Assemblyman Mark J.F. Schroeder
Courtney Burke,
OPWDD Commissioner
Kirk Maurer, Director of
Western New York DDSO
Niagara Cerebral Palsy
Spring / Summer 2011
NIAGARA CHILDREN ETC NEWS
Moving Up Day was on June 24.
Many of our children left the program and will be going on to kindergarten. We will miss you very
much.
MOTHER’S DAY TEA
Mother’s Day Tea was celebrated
on May 8. The program began with
each class singing their song to the
mothers. It was a very special day
for all.
Pictured l. to r. are Zephaniah and
Richard, and Richard with his
mother and Grandma
FATHER’S/FLAG DAY
The children honored their dad’s and grandfathers in celebration
of Fathers and Flags Day. Everyone paraded around the inside
and outside of the school building. We raised the flag and sang
“It’s a Grand Old Flag.”
Pictured l. are Ryan and his dad marching and P. Zamieris outside with his father.
MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
On May 30th, over 25 individuals and their staff from NCP’s group homes participated in the Lockport
Memorial Day Parade. Kudos to Justin Harvey, CSS for all of his efforts on rebuilding the float and
making all of the arrangements for NCP to be in the parade. Kudos as well to Melissa Griffin and Russ
Polvino for their assistance, as well as to Amber Renne who was the mermaid throughout the entire
parade. She was a big hit with all of the kids along the parade route. The individuals from the homes
who attended had a great time. Next up is the Peach Festival Parade on September 10th.
Pictured (l to r): Amber Renne and Joshua Toy
Niagara Cerebral Palsy
Spring / Summer 2011
2nd Annual Snowflake Basket Auction:
Another Great Success
This year’s 2nd Annual Snowflake Basket Auction was a two day event held on February 25th and 26th, 2011 at the Elk’s Lodge #346. The
Honorary Celebrity and Emcee for the event was WGRZ News Channel 2 Reporter, Aaron Saykin. The auction featured over 200 baskets
and gift certificates , 15 big ticket items, and two 50/50 draws . In addition, we raffled off an iPad and a 42” flat screen television with wall
mount. The event was another great success and raised over $9,000! The profits will be divided between the Vocational, Educational, and
Residential Divisions and used to fund approved projects within each of the divisions.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors: Smokin’ Joes, Randy’s Smokeshop, Mom’s Restaurant and Wegman’s.
Also worthy of mentioning is Gary Geitter. Mr. Geitter was our 50/50 winner on Saturday night and he donated a large portion of his winnings back to the agency. Thank you Gary!
Finally, our sincere gratitude to all of the NCP Management, NCP Staff, family and community members, and businesses who donated their
time and energy at the auction and/or made a donation to the auction. We couldn’t have done it without you! So THANK YOU to all,
who contributed! Your efforts were greatly appreciated! We look forward to an even bigger and better event next year!
NCP Staff working hard at the auction!
Pictured Above: Annette Kilgour, Co-Chair;
John Reardon, COO; Aaron Saykin, Honorary Chair;
Joe Mineo, CEO; and Jaime Peters, Co-Chair
Attendees peruse over 200 baskets!
THANK YOU TO OUR NCP SUPPORTERS!
ROTARY
Rotary has had a long relationship with NCP over
the years. At Olde Sanborn Days, July 8th and 9th,
Joe did some cooking (hot dogs and hamburgers).
Pictured: Joe Mineo Executive Director / CEO
(center) accepted a Donation of $1500.00 at Old
Sanborn Days from Past President Bob Graczyk and
current President Marcia Emmons .
ELKS
The NYS Elks Association sponsors the Home Service Program at
each CP Affiliate across the state, including NCP. The Program provides direct services to families in their homes, including referral,
advocacy, counseling and follow-up. Since there is a great deal of
travel with this program, the Elks supports each agency with the
purchase of a vehicle for program use. Pictured with NCP’s Home
Services Program’s new Ford Escape are Denise Lehane, MSC,
Marilyn Morreale, MSC Supervisor, John Reardon, COO, and Joe
Mineo, CEO. Denise is NCP’s designated Home Services Director.
Niagara Cerebral Palsy
Spring / Summer 2011
VOCATIONAL NEWS
In January we began an in-house bowling league using our Wii Systems. For 15 weeks, 40 consumers on 10 different teams bowled on either Mondays or
Wednesdays. This was one of the most popular activities we have had to date. It provided exercise, team bonding, friendly competition, and camaraderie.
On May 6th we had our banquet complete with a Barbecue Chicken Luncheon, Trophies, and Certificates. A special bowling cake was made and decorated
by Irene Barry, daughter of Activities Coordinator Dave Barry, and a variety of homemade cookies were donated by Kathy Hockenberry, Tim’s mom.
Our thanks to them for these great desserts! Pictured below is the first place team with their awards and other bowlers enjoying the banquet. Special
thanks to Jackie McGrath who assisted in running the league, her dedication and commitment helped our league to be a great success.
Our Spring Tenure party was held on May 27th and was a huge success. This year’s theme was “The Circus is Coming, The Circus is Coming” and our
cafeteria was decorated to look like a large Circus Tent. We enjoyed a Circus menu including Corn Dogs, Nachos, Animal Crackers, Watermelon, Popcorn, and a Circus Train Cake. Entertainment included a Magic Show by the Amazing Rich from Always A Party, “Clowning Around” by Dave & Irene
Barry, and “The Animal Tamer” by Donna Evans, Dave & Irene Barry. Awards were presented to the following in recognition of their many years of
service:
25 YEARS:
David G.
20 YEARS:
Michele R, David T., Sandra H., Kathy F., & Bernard B.
15 YEARS:
Michael W., Gordon C., Sharon R., Samuel C., Jessie H., Julia K., Susan
B.,
Director Kim Kiely
(right) presents
Kathy Finiki with her
service award at the
Spring Tenure Party
Jane H., Michael H., Patricia M., Susan P., Allan S., & Dennis W.
10 YEARS:
Alfred F., John M., John S.
5 YEARS:
Derrick H., Christopher S., & Michele D.
Our Self Advocates Program expanded our Garden this year by working in conjunction with Community Missions. Community Missions supplied wood,
top soil, and fencing for our “Community Compassion Garden”. This year we planted green, yellow, & orange peppers, eggplant, zucchini, onions, 4 varieties of tomatoes, leaf lettuce, cucumbers, and cantaloupe. Half of the produce raised will be shared with Community Missions Kitchen and Food Pantry.
The remainder will be used at CVRC to help educate our participants on healthy cooking and eating. Volunteers from Bacon Memorial Presbyterian
Church are assisting in maintaining the Garden making this a true Community Project.
We enjoyed several outings over the past few months including a Bison’s Baseball Game, Dr. Victor Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve, a picnic at Whirlpool State Park, the Museum of Disability History, a Farmers Market, walking trips, dining and shopping.
Educational in-services on Sunscreen, Beating the Heat, and Bug & Insect Bites were held. A variety of games and crafts are continuing to be offered including Bingo, Kan Jam, Wii Sports, holiday and seasonal crafts, and cooking groups.
Items in the works in our continuing efforts to make CVRC the best it can be include a new recycling room to improve and strengthen our Self Advocate’s Recycling Program. We are also setting up an activities area where we will be offering a wide range of activities. Painting, drawing, woodworking,
ceramics, photography, jewelry making, and scrapbooking are just a sample of the weekly offerings.
The first vegetables from our
garden are presented
to Pastor Mark Breese of
CMI (center) by Willie
Groomes, Gordon Chaffin
and Jackie McGrath (l. to r)
First Place Team Members:
Rebecca Napoleon, Valerie
White, Robin Warren &
Timothy Hockenberry
Bowlers enjoying the banquet:
Billie Jo Potter, Kevin Hance, Denise Dean, Samuel Cumbo, Matthew Bowen, and Craig Creenan
(l. to r.) Matthew Bowen
and Kevin Hance tend one
of our 3 Gardens
The Animal Tamer Act at the
Spring Party: (l. to r.) Dave Barry,
Donna Evans, & Irene Barry
Niagara Cerebral Palsy
Spring / Summer 2011
ARTWORK CONTEST
Spring in Bloom
Animals on Parade
Sweet Rebecca
by Michael Miller
by Molly Murphy
by Michele Dier
Greetings! From NCP’s Individuals with Special Abilities
Niagara Cerebral Palsy (NCP) held its first artwork contest on July 12, 2011. Individuals of all ages with special abilities that NCP services submitted
their artwork to be placed on note cards. The judges were treated to many beautiful pictures, making it very difficult to choose which pieces would be
used for the cards.
After careful deliberation, five pictures were selected. The winners were: (1) Michele Dier for Animals on Parade selected as Judges Choice and Best in
Age Group (over 18); (2) Michael Miller for Spring in Bloom; (3) Molly Murphy for Sweet Rebecca; (4) Hailey Burdick for Butterflies are Free; and (5) Hope
McNaughton-Woodruff for Galaxy of Hope.
Two additional artists were recognized: Best in Age Group (under 18) – Karilian Molina for her creation of Exuberance and Most Original – Michael
Miller for his rendition of Cowboy Mike.
NCP sends a big thank you to ALL the aspiring artists who shared a part of their lives with us in their drawings.
NCP would also like to thank the judges who volunteered their time toward this event. While each of them comes from a different background, they
share an appreciation of the fine arts. Ms. Irene Rykaszewski has been Executive Director of the Lewiston Council on the Arts since 1994. Check out
her web site at www.artcouncil.org for current and future events in Lewiston (e.g. Lewiston Art Festival; KeyBank Chalk Walk Competition; Marble
Orchard Ghost Walks). The second judge was Mr. John Urban, Vice President of A&U Advertising INC. His expertise in graphic designs has led companies and non-profit organizations in promoting their services through television, brochures, and logos as in the Buffalo Blizzard. The third was Mrs.
Irene Frosolone, Accounting Specialist at NCP. Her hobby is singing solos at church. She enjoys impressionist paintings by Monet and Renoir.
NCP is proud to announce that the artwork will be displayed on August 13 and 14 at the Opera Hall OH! Gallery in Lewiston. The greeting cards will
be available for purchase as well. Upcoming events where one can view these pieces include the Peach Festival and NCP’s Annual Awards Dinner. Call
297-0798 Ext 120 for advanced orders. A package of 5 cards is $5.00.
Lastly, thanks again to artists “Michele, Michael, Molly, Hailey, Hope, and Karilian.”
Butterflies are Free
by Hailey Burdick
Galaxy of Hope by
Hope McNaughtonWoodruff
Exuberance by
Karilian Molina
OUR JUDGES
Pictured (l to r): Joseph Mineo,
Irene Rykaszewski, Irene Frosolone,
Mr. John Urban
Cowboy Mike
by Michael Miller
Non-Profit
U.S. Postage
PAID
Niagara Falls, NY
Across Niagara
Permit No. 28
Niagara Cerebral Palsy
9812 Lockport Road
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
(716) 297-0798
www.niagaracp.org
COMING SOON: NCP’S ANNUAL DINNER
September 20, 2011 at Antonio’s
You are invited to join us for NCP’s Annual Dinner on September 20, 2011 at 5:30pm at Antonio’s.
Tickets are $25.00 per person. If you are unable to attend, please consider sponsoring a program
participant to attend the annual dinner.
There are also sponsorship opportunities to
advertise in the Program Book.
Rates are: $60.00 - 1/2 page
$100.00 - full page.
Please contact Susan Drabczyk at (716) 297-0798 Ext 120 for
more information