Job Placement Coordinator Michael J. Marra (second from left) presents TOPS International with NCP’s 2014 Employer of the Year Award at NCP’s Annual Dinner, September 23rd at Antonio’s Conference & Banquet Center.

The Niagara Falls Boulevard location is a great supporter of NCP’s Job Placement program, employing several individuals we serve, including Darryl Kosut (center), a cart attendant.

Accepting the award are (left to right): TOPS Store Manager Sam Qureshi, HR Manager Debbie Forcucci, Customer Opera-tions Manager Wendy Figurilli, and Customer Service Manager Michele Soder.

Employees, volunteers, community organizations and advo-cates, and others who have helped NCP and the community we serve, were honored at the event.

Cont’d on page 2

NCP ~ leveling the road so we can all reach higher ground together...

NCP Welcomes New Executive Director, Promotes Leadership Team Members

NCP is excited to announce the appointment of Jeff Paterson as its new executive director, effective November 1, 2014.

After a nation-wide search, Paterson was selected from a competitive field of candidates.

“We are very pleased to welcome Jeff as part of the team at NCP,” said Rita Tweedie, NCP’s chief financial officer.

Paterson served as the executive director of Community Music School of Buffalo since 2012.

He is also a faculty member in the Buffalo State College Depart-ment of Communication, where he teaches courses in public relations and advertising.

Paterson previously served as director of communication and advancement at the Health Association of Niagara County Inc., where he won numerous public relations awards and raised millions of dollars to support new programming and facilities.

“Niagara Cerebral Palsy has been a pillar of this community for 60 years, and I am humbled to have the opportunity to lead the organization into the future,” said Paterson, “With its committed Board of Directors and outstanding staff, there is no limit to what NCP can accomplish."

Previous Chief Executive Officer (CEO)/Executive Director John Reardon departed NCP mid-August, to relocate out of the area. There he is continuing his work in the human services field.

Tweedie has served as interim CEO/executive director.

In addition to Paterson’s appointment, Diane Baehre was promoted to director of program operations and quality assurance administrator, and Kristin Minervini to director of human resources, effective immediately.

Official Newsletter of Niagara Cerebral Palsy Summer/Fall 2014

Across Niagara

Annual Dinner 2 Agency News 3 CP of NYS Awards Beyond Barriers Program Updates 4 Giving Back 5

Artist of the Year 6 OPWDD Selfie Campaign Upcoming Events 7 Be Part of NCP History Save the Date: Women of 8 the Moose Chili Cook-off

Annual Awards Dinner

In This Issue

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Annual Awards Dinner

This year, our agency is celebrating its accomplishments over the past 60 years. We are extremely proud of the high quality supports we have provided to thousands of children, adults, and families. From our humble beginnings, the organization has developed into a leading provider of services for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are honored to help each individual reach his or her highest potential.

On September 23rd, we held our Annual Employee Dinner at which we recognized the volunteers, community organizations, employees, and individuals who have contributed largely to our agency’s success.

Humanitarian of the Year, Art Eberhart

Industrial Relations Award, Shield Manufacturing

Employer of the Year, TOPS International, Niagara Falls Boulevard location

George Optical Award (Residential), Karen Bailey

Jacob J. Wozniak Memorial Award (Vocational), Paula Bianco

Tommy Caserta Award (Educational), Robert Rich

Niagara Children ETC Family of the Year, James & Kasielynn Schultz

Volunteer of the Year Award, Kilgour/Pelletier family

Community Service Award, Antonio’s Banquet & Conference Center

In addition, we recognized the following employees for his or her years of dedication and service:

5 years Kathleen Bennett, Paula Bianco, Ashley Cronkhite, Donna Evans, Connie Lamont, Twila Matthews, Conner McIntosh,

Kristin Minervini, Melissa Payne, Amber Renne, Robert Rich, Ernestine Shellman, Neeka Walker, Laura Wedge, Kyle Wilson

10 years Jeannette Archie, Joan Bailor, Robert Bil, Nicole Bradford, Job Conger, Lisa Cuddahee, Cecilia Griffin, Sean McCloskey,

Patricia Rappleyea, Paulette Rinker, Tina Shugarts, Kathleen Smith, Sandra Worthington

15 years William Krayss, Lawrence Hoffman, Nancy Mangus, Russell Polvino, Renetta Rolling, Katrina Rowley

20 years Keisha Carter, Tina Joynson, Salvatore Morreale

25 years Justin Harvey, Kim Kiely

30 years Marilyn Morreale

*For more pictures, please visit our website and Facebook pages. Friend us on Facebook so we can share yours as well!

Photo Caption

Family of the Year recipients James and KasieLynn Schultz, with sons James (left) and Jeremiah

Renetta Rolling accepts her 15 Year Service Award from Kristin Minervini (left), Eric DesSoye, and Rita Tweedie

Consumer of the Year Joshua Toy with Nicole Bradford (left) and Tina Shugarts.

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3

Going Above and Beyond!

Thank you and congratulations to Carrie Gow and Melissa Diel, who were presented with NCP’s Safety Award for their professional and prompt evacuation during a recent fire at our Hoover Avenue residence.

With the residents’ safety as their first priority, Melissa and Carrie ensured everyone got out quickly and safely.

Anthony Restaino Partner, Restaino Reddien, LLP

Anthony Restaino, Esq. is a Partner at The Law Offices of RestainoReddien, LLP in Niagara Falls, specializing in the fields of personal injury, real estate transactions, estate planning, estate administration, special needs planning, elder law, and long term care planning.

He has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and Government from Niagara University and earned his degree in Law from the State University of New York at Buffalo Law School. He served as the Vice President on the Niagara Catholic High School Board of Trustees, and as a member of the Niagara County Youth Board.

NCP Staff to Receive Awards at 2014 CP State Conference

Four Staff Members will receive Staff Recognition Awards at 2014

CP State Conference for their work. Each person was nominated

by one of the Divisional Directors.

Congratulations to the following staff:

Keisha Carter, Lead Workshop Supervisor

Jennifer Lane, Occupational Therapy Assistant

Nancy Mangus, Budget Manager

Bonnie Perri, Direct Support Professional

The Conference is in Albany October 20-22.

Below: Award recipients Keisha Carter (left) and Jennifer Lane

We are excited to welcome the newest member to the Niagara Cerebral Palsy Board of Directors:

Beyond Barriers

The fourth episode of NCP’s televisions show,

Beyond Barriers, is currently airing on LCTV,

Channel 20.

The episode, “A Day in the Life”, features footage

of individuals from Steele Circle IRA, at their

home, as well as at CVRC. The next show will

focus on the second half of “A Day in the Life”,

again featuring the men from Steele Circle both

at home, and at work.

It is currently airing on LCTV.

Justin Harvey, IRA manager, did the on location

filming, and Stephanie Lester, CSS, assisted with

editing, music, and graphics. Great work to them

and the rest of the film crew!

The next show is currently being developed. If

you have any ideas for show topics, let us know!

Check out our Facebook page or website,

www.niagaracp.org for more information!

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Vocational News

The vocational division has had a busy, but fun summer!

CVRC held its Annual Picnic July 11th at Hyde Park Oasis. 125 people enjoyed games, music, and delicious food by Melloni’s. The group surprised outgoing Executive Director/CEO John Reardon with a huge cake that said “We Will Miss You John” and a huge card that the individuals made.

They’ve also gone on outings to Oppenheim Park, Goat Island, the Aquarium at Niagara Falls, Maid of the Mist Boat Tour, the Silo, as well as going swimming at Hyde Park, fishing at the Niagara River Angler’s Pond, and on shopping trips, and to garage sales, cookouts, restaurants, and community meetings!

Individuals from CVRC also held a retirement party for Dean Hangen, who retired after 27 years with NCP. We wish you the best in your new endeavors Dean!

On Tuesday August 5th, Angela Gantt, CVRC Case Manager, staff for Crusaders our Self Advocacy group and Kim Kiely had their annual Family Support Services Survey at the West Seneca DDRO. The survey stated we were at the top of their list for high organization and would recommend our staff training documenta-tion form as a “best practice” for other agencies!

Educational News

The pre-school was awarded a $2,000 grant from the Guillemont Memorial Fund, and given a generous donation from Univera Healthcare for $3,200 toward its playground resurfacing project. Staff also raised more than $500 by volunteering at the Wet and Wild Triathlon in Wilson. The project includes the installation of a rubber composite surface in both playground areas to create a safer, more resilient, and handi-capped accessible play area. The project will cost approximately $28,000. Fundraising efforts for the project are ongoing.

Clinical News

Niagara Hearing Clinic is accepting new patients! We have extensive experience, great prices and technology. If you or a loved one is experiencing signs of hearing loss, call today! We don’t earn commissions so there is no incentive for us to oversell. Get the best experience for the best price around! With two locations: the Shaw Building in Lockport, and the Trott Building in Niagara Falls. Visit our clinical page at www.niagaracp.org/clinical-services for more information!

Residential News

The residents took part in many fun activities including camping at Fantasy Island, the zoo, movies, out to dinner, and a parade!

Residents also attended a Benefit/Spaghetti dinner where William won a 42” flat screen TV. He plans to hang it in his room. The tickets were generously donated by NCP Board member Marcus Latham.

On October 26th, at 3 PM, residents and staff will hold its Spooktacular event at the Lewiston #2 Fire Hall. The night will feature a Halloween-themed dance, costumes, music, food, and photo ops. All residential locations are invited.

Over the summer, we also said goodbye to three members of our family, Cregory, Taylor, and Jackie. Dedicated employees planted a tree in honor of Taylor, and decorated it with Lego blocks, which Taylor loved to play with. The tree (shown left) is located at her former residence. A memorial for Jackie is currently being planned.

Lisa Sundy (center) shows off her bocce skills while Sammy Thames (left), Kim Kiely, and Becky Napoleon wait for their turns at CVRC’s Annual Picnic. Dan Cecere, Wendel Bone, Jenny Kiely, Ebony Tyson, and Nina Bianco look on.

Michael, Lance, and Carrie Gow take a break from the sun while camping at Fantasy Island

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Joe Azbell retired as Assistant Director from Niagara Cerebral Palsy (NCP) in 1999. But for the past two summers, he and his wife, Carol, have spent a couple of hours each week on their hands and knees pulling weeds in the agency’s Children’s Memorial Garden.

The garden, which includes stones and plants in memory of NCP’s family and friends, was built in 2006. “We were concerned about all the effort and work that went into it,” said Carol, “The sad part is that the money came from a grant, so it’s gorgeous for a few years, but there isn’t money for maintenance. This, nature, is very important to us.”

The Azbells dedicated a stone in the garden to their daughter, Dana, who attended programming with the school as a child. “This was something we can do to give back,” said Carol.

Joe estimates that they spend about 80 hours maintaining the garden each summer. “There’s two of us, and we put in about four hours each time, over the course of the summer,” he said, “We have the time.”

“I think it’s a beautiful garden,” said Carol, “It’s great for children to go through and see how much everything changes.” This spring, the students planted squash, which is starting to show signs of growth.

Below: The Children’s Garden in full bloom and the Azbells hard at work

August 6, NCP staff participated in the 22nd Annual Greater Niagara Newspapers & United Way “Make a Difference Day”, selling special editions of the Niagara Gazette for $1.00 at the corner of 429 and Saunders Settlement Road in Niagara Falls and the corner of Center Street & 9th Street in Lewiston.

Employees from vocational division’s Job Placement program, including staff members Connie Walker, Jennifer Prokop, Kim Farmer, Paula Bianco, and Michael Marra sold papers at the corner of Center Street & 9th Street.

Residential staff Heidi Greenawalt, Scott Page, Tara Patronski, and Deanna King (shown right) manned the corner of 429 and Saunders Settlement Road.

This is the 13th year the residential program participated in this event, and the 5th year at the Saunders Settlement location. The vocational program participated in “Make a Difference Day” for the past 10 years.

Sales benefitted the United Way of Greater Niagara. This picture of the residential team was featured on the front page of the Niagara Gazette the next day!

Giving Back

United Way’s Make a Difference Day

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Mapleton Road Resident Wins State-wide Art Contest

Julie Bissell, of Mapleton Rd., was the winner of the 10th Annual Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State (CP of NYS) Visions of New York Consumer Art Contest. Her original artwork will be the centerpiece of the commemorative poster featuring original creations from 19 CP of NYS Affiliates from across the state. The poster is

scheduled to be printed in October.

Julie will be recognized at the CP of NYS Annual Conference in Albany in October, where she will be presented with a plaque and a framed copy of the poster as CP of NYS Artist of the Year, at the Annual Awards Dinner.

Congratulations Julie!

Selfie Campaign

As you may have seen OPWDD is doing an “I am able…” “selfie” awareness campaign to celebrate the abilities of the individuals we serve.

To participate, take a “selfie” of yourself living, working or taking part in the community. It can be anything from the ordinary to the extraordinary. Finish the statement “I am able…” and submit your statement with your “selfie” and your e-signed consent to show NY you’re “Able”.

Friends, family members, support staff and all New Yorkers are invited to submit their own “selfies” with the statement “I support ability” to show your support for individuals with developmental disabilities who choose to live, work and take part in the community. Submit the statement “I support ability” with your “selfie” and e-signed consent.”

All information can be found at the follow site: http://www.opwdd.ny.gov/iamable

If anyone knows of an opportunity, a family member, friend, athlete, celebrity, etc., who would do this, please contact Katie Cassens for an agency t-shirt. Let’s show everyone what we can do!

NCP-Sertoma Chiavetta’s Chicken BBQ

On Sunday, August 24th, NCP staff donned aprons

to with the Sertoma Club for our annual Chiavetta’s

Chicken BBQ at Hyde Park Oasis.

The event raised more than $4,000 for both the

Sertoma Club and NCP. Sertoma is a great

supporter of NCP ‘s events and programs.

Thank you to everyone who made a basket, baked

goods, attended the event, and to our wonderful

volunteers. According to Sertoma members, the

event would not have been possible without you!

On August 2nd, 14 NCP staff, board, and friends and family members helped work the Wilson, Wet and Wild Triathlon sponsored by Eclipse Multi-sport. The group raised more than $500 for the preschool’s playground renovation project.

Tara Stufkosky and Kathy Ward were featured in Eclipse Multisport’s photo page!

If you’d like to help NCP fundraise, contact Katie Cassens at kkirchmeyer@niagaracp.org or see our Volunteer section for more information!

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Join Us in 2014 as We Celebrate Our 60th Anniversary!

By supporting Niagara Cerebral Palsy programs and services, you promote independence, individuality and community

inclusion for people of all ages with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy,

neurological impairment, seizure disorder, and autism.

Thank You for Your Support!

For 60 years, we've been a service provider of the

highest quality for individuals with disabilities.

October

20-22 CP of NYS Conference

23 Human Services Coalition Resource Fair, N. Tonawanda Middle School

4-7 PM

26 Spooktacular, Lewiston #2 Fire Hall 3PM

30 Agency Cup Challenge 9 AM-2 PM

November

5 Parent-Teacher Conferences 2:45-6:45 PM

Healthy Harvest Health Fair, Tuscarora Nation Health Center

3-7 PM

10 Board of Director’s Meeting 6:30 PM

9 Moose Lodge #180 Chili Cook-Off 12 PM

20 Merry and Bright Event 5:30-8:30 PM

27-28 Thanksgiving Holiday

December

25 Christmas Holiday

Volunteers wanted!

We’ve got a lot of great things going on and need help to keep up with it all!

Have you heard? We’re kicking off new agency-wide fundraising opportunities! If you’re willing to take on Bills fans, we’ll be selling concessions throughout the Buffalo Bills season to raise money for our programs.

Volunteers will not have to work every game, and carpooling will be available! If you will commit your time to this, please let Katie Cassens or your supervisor know and we’ll provide more information and sign you up!

We’re also partnering with Eclipse Multisport to work races throughout the year varying from 5Ks to Triathlons.

Now looking for volunteers for the Boo Bash on November 1st in Downtown Buffalo! There are also races on 12/6 and 12/20.

It’s fun, and there’s a free t-shirt, coffee, a post-party, and more in it for you! Non-NCP staff can volunteer also!

Can’t volunteer this time? That’s okay—keep your eye on our website and Facebook page for more opportunities!

Contact Katie Cassens at 297-0798 ext. 173 or kkirchmeyer@niagaracp.org for more information.

NCP t-shirts are now available! Sizes are adult male and pricing is as follows: S-XL is $7, XXL is $9, XXXL is $10. Shirts are dark blue with the logo on the front in white, and the programs listed on the back with the phrase: “Niagara Cerebral Palsy - Leveling the road so we can all reach higher ground together…” Check out our Facebook page for pictures, and send a message if you’re interested!

Want to get our directly in your inbox? Send us a message on Facebook or email kkirchmeyer@niagaracp.org and join our e-news list!

Be a part of NCP History! NCP is going through an exciting period of growth and we’re looking for help from you to keep going. Saturday October, 25th, from 9 AM – 12 PM, we’re having a facilitated brainstorming session related to our current status in the community to help us most effectively serve it in the future. If you have thoughts or feedback related to our publications, literature, brand, logo, name, etc., please think about attending. If you don’t know a lot about us, you would be able to offer a fresh view, which we are also looking for. Here’s your chance to make an impact! Food and beverages will be provided and the session will be finished by noon. If you are interested, please contact Katie Cassens at kkirchmeyer@niagaracp.org for more information.

Upcoming Events

*Check the website for additional events

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Contact Us

For more information about our

programs, services, and

upcoming events

Niagara Cerebral Palsy

9812 Lockport Road

Niagara Falls, NY 14304

(716) 297-0798

email@niagaracp.org

Visit us on the web at

www.niagaracp.org

Niagara Cerebral Palsy

9812 Lockport Road

Niagara Falls, NY 14304

Non-Profit

U.S. Postage

PAID

Niagara Falls, NY

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