thanks to you, A Night of Bourbon & Bidding surpassed our goal of raising $40,000!

Over 120 items were donated for the live and silent auction raising nearly $60,000 for the Building Futures Foundation of The Arc of Madison Cortland. Auction items included an Apple iPhone 7, Ausable Chasm passes, four Walt Disney World Hopper passes, autographed football helmets from NY Giants Eli Manning and Buffalo Bills LeSean McCoy, gift certificates to restaurants, hot air balloon rides, jewelry, art, property services and more.

An Argentina Dove Hunt trip, a sparkling diamond ring, and a South African photography safari were just a few of the live auc-tion items that Messier’s Auction Services sold to the highest bid-ders.

Guests also enjoyed the sweet sounds of Classified, Central New York’s premier horn band, and special guest, Ryan Quinn from NBC’s The Voice. Ryan, a Central New York native, returned from the West Coast to perform onstage. Local 13-year-old come-dian Owen Murphy served as the emcee for the night. When peo-ple weren’t dancing, bourbon tasting or rolling cigars, they were bidding on live and silent auction items.

Brian Hurley, a member of the Building Futures Foundation board, is pleased with the funds and awareness raised by last year’s event. “With the rapidly changing landscape of funding and regulations that the agency faces today, fundraising is more important than ever. A Night of Bourbon and Bidding will be an event to build upon each year,” says Hurley.

And that’s exactly what we plan to do in 2017. A Night of Bourbon and Bidding will be held Saturday, November 4th, 2017 at Vernon Downs Hotel Ballroom. Be sure to check www.BourbonandBidding.com for future updates on this year’s event as we draw closer to November.

For information on how you can volunteer, donate or be an event sponsor, please contact Shannon Richard at 315-363-3389 ext. 1600 or Shannon.Richard@arcofmc.org

Thank you to the many sponsors and donors who made 2016’s A Night of Bourbon and Bidding a success (see listing on page 4).

The Many Faces of THE ArcThe Arc of Madison Cortland

701 Lenox Ave, Oneida, NY 13421315-363-3389 | www.arcofmc.org

2017 Spring edition

together we are building futuresThe Arc of Madison Cortland Board of Directors:

Randy Schaal - PresidentCharles Stevens - VPGary Gibbons - VPJoseph Zifchock - TreasurerDeborah McGowan - SecretaryMelinda BoweDiane BrownMaureen LouisCynthia RoachEdward Scoville, Sr.

Directors Emeritus:David LewisEdward ShivePhyllis LittleWanda ReadyEric Stickels

Executive Director:Jack C. Campbell

Assistant Executive Director of Quality, Compliance & Program:Barbara McDermott

Assistant Executive Director of Business/CFO:Perry Courto

Building Futures Foundation Board of Directors:

Brett Zielasko - President & ChairCharles Stevens - Vice President & Vice ChairMichael West - TreasurerKelly Karram - SecretaryJames BetroJack C. CampbellBrian HurleyDouglas KalletRaymond LewandowskiCarol NeveuEric Stickels

Development & Communications Staff:

Director of Development & Communications: Shannon Richard

Fundraising and Marketing Coordinator:Cassaundra Conant

PR Clerk:Erica Ostwald

Administrative Offices:

16 Crawford St.Cortland, NY 13045

701 Lenox AveOneida, NY 13421

thank you to all that helped make a Night of Bourbon & Bidding 2016 happen:

Sponsors:NYE Automotive GroupIV4 Community BankThe Bonadio GroupOne GroupRelph Benefit AdvisorsWalmartM.E.I.D.Blue Rock EnergyJohnson Brothers Lumber Co.Brown & Brown Insurance Stafford, Owens, Pillers, Murane, Kelleher & Trombley PLLCZielinski’s Asphalt Inc.Donald Hicks Dew FoundationRodney & Kathy Kent

Donors:Adirondack RailroadAnna Tedesco Arc of OnondagaAshley TylerAT&TAusable ChasmB.O.B RaftingBailey’s Lawn ServiceBarker Brook Golf CourseBee Man Candle CompanyBetween Us Sisters

Buffalo Sabres Caesars Entertainment Café CaNoleCapitol TheaterColgate Inn Community Car WashCooperstown Baseball Hall of FameDick’s Sporting GoodsEbeneezers Ice Cream CaféEclectic ChicEdible ArrangementsErin Hamlin - Team USAEnders & Company Engelberts JewelersEvergreen StablesFrancesca’s Froass FurnitureFundraising RidesGroom StationHanifinsHands4HealthHart Rifle Henley & Delamere Adventuring Holmes Property ServiceHummel’s Office PlusJennifer BasicKatlynn LynchKelly KarramKenwood Kakes

Laser Spa @ 610Liberty TabletopLilly BeanLynn’s ClosetMatt Barone - Creative ChefsMatthews Salon SpaMazzulo & Sons CarpetMcConnellsville Golf CourseMid York Chimney and StoveMirror Lake InnMohawk Glen Golf CourseMorrisville State CollegeMOST Museum Mumford Driveway and SealingNails TouchNYE Automotive GroupOdd & Old Trading CoOneida Big LotsOneida Community Golf CourseOneida FloralOneida MovieplexOneida Nails and SpaOneida Pizza HutOneida YMCAOriskany Hills Golf CourseOtesaga ResortOtterBoxPam LynchPatty Wallace

Pizzeria UnoRay & Christine Lewandowski Rome Country ClubRome Humane SocietyRosamond Gifford ZooRubicon GroupNew Horizons TattooSilver City Tire and Auto Service CenterSnow RidgeStudio 129Studio 26.2Susan MachamerSyracuse Sky ChiefsSyracuse Symphoria The Place at Center StreetTime Square JewelersToggenburg Mountain Townsquare MediaTurning Stone CasinoUtica CollegeUtica CometsVarano PhotographyVernon Downs Hotel & CasinoVernon National Shooting PreserveVilla VeronaWalt Disney WorldWater Safari - Enchanted ForestWhitewater ChallengersYankee Trails

thank you for being a friend

We at The Arc of Madison Cortland are grateful for the many friendships that have been created throughout the last 50 years. Friendships are unique and each one contributes something special to our agency. We would like to thank Bill Nye for his friendship and contributions to The Arc of Madison Cortland.

In 2015, Bill welcomed the opportunity to turn his Ford Showroom into a Las Vegas style fundraising event entitled, Viva Arc Vegas. Following the successful evening, Bill was determined to assist in making the next event more successful. And in 2016 the event moved to a larger facility and A Night of Bourbon and Bidding raised the roof!

Bill’s generosity extends far beyond supporting fundraisers. NYE Automotive Group is one of many local businesses that participates in Supported Employment and work readiness programs at The Arc of Madison Cortland. Alternatives Vocational Services and other work readiness programs help people with a wide array of disabilities overcome barriers and find competitive employment or volunteer opportunities in the community. Forest Furlong participated in the work readiness program and volunteered in NYE Automotive’ s service department cleaning vehicles. Thanks to the NYE team, Forest created friendships and learned valuable life and work skills in the community.

Thank you to Bill Nye and NYE Automotive Group for supporting events and programs at The Arc of Madison Cortland!

Visit arcofmc.org to donate,Become a member & sign up for our e-newsletter!

Follow us on social media:@ArcofMCNY

Members of Classified performing with Ryan Quinn

The night featured over 100 different auction items

Auctioneer Stephanie Messier and Building Futures Foundation board secretary Kelly Karram

The Arc of Madison Cortland | 701 Lenox Ave, Oneida, NY 13421 | 315-363-3389 | www.arcofmc.orgThe Arc of Madison Cortland | 701 Lenox Ave, Oneida, NY 13421 | 315-363-3389 | www.arcofmc.org

membership helps us build futures - become a member today!

This year I will celebrate 22 years of membership to The Arc of Madison Cortland and I invite you to join me in renewing your membership or becoming a new member.

Membership is described as the state of belonging to or being a part of a group or an organization. Notice the word belonging and the significance it holds to self-advocates, families and friends as we look back at our rich history and what it meant to belong to a grassroots movement that formed our organization.

Today, The Arc continues to advocate for people with developmental disabilities and their families and provide a wide range of services including: Medicaid service coordination, self-direction brokerage, residential, respite, family support, vocation, Pathway to Employment, community pre-vocation, day habilitation, clinical services, guardianship, transportation, children’s program, community habilitation, and senior program.

For as little as $5.00 per person, your membership will fund programs and services for people who have Autism, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities. Additionally, your membership means a more informed public and will connect you to the New York State Arc (NYSARC) and Arc US.

Thank you for making a difference and becoming a member of our organization.

I ask that you take a moment to either fill out the remittance envelope included in this newsletter or visit our website at arcofmc.org/membership and become a member today. Together we are building futures.

Sincerely,

Randy Schaal President, The Arc of Madison Cortland Board of Directors

Thank you everyone! I want to tell you how pleased I am with the advocacy efforts of the bFair2DirectCare Campaign that was championed by Steve Kroll, former Executive Director of NYSARC Inc. The Arc of Madison Cortland’s

dedicated board members, self-advocates, family members, Arc staff and community members worked tirelessly meeting with legislators, calling the Governor, and sending emails and letters to their representatives. It was the actions of many that made the difference in increasing the living wage for our Direct Support Professionals (DSP’s). This victory wouldn’t have happened without you. Kudos to you all!

As you know, the field of developmental disabilities is facing many challenges. Federal and state funding will decrease and demands and requirements from the state will continue to increase. The Arc of Madison Cortland must find new and creative ways to generate income and jobs for people with developmental disabilities. This being said, we will remain focused on our mission and with the help of our Board of Directors, Building Futures Foundation, our business partners, donors and a self-sustaining social enterprise, we are certain that we will survive and thrive in this challenging environment.

In giving out thank yous, I would also like to thank Christine Sears for her commitment of 20 years of service in our field and to our agency. Christine retired last summer and has dedicated herself personally and professionally to the field of developmental disabilities. Shannon Richard has been hired as Director of Development and Communications and is eager to carry on Christine’s legacy in advocacy, philanthropy, marketing and communications.

I honestly believe the challenges ahead will provide opportunities to grow stronger and I am confident that we will work together to build futures for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

With gratitude,

Jack Campbell Executive Director

Letter from Our Executive Director

bowling ramp gives hope

Thanks to donations from the Tappet Twirlers Automobile Club of Rome and the Szaraz family, The Arc of Madison Cortland now has an adaptive wheelchair bowling ramp. The ramp makes bowling a dream come true for people who are unable to leave their wheelchair. With a gentle touch, the electronic control system allows the release of the ball from the top of the ramp. It can be brought to any bowling alley and used with regulation size bowling balls.

NYSARC Grant turns dreams into reality for many

The Madison Cortland Chapter is very thankful for the NYSARC Trust Services Recreation Grant. With the generous disbursement, we were able to support 211 children, teens and adults in 9 fun- filled recreational opportunities throughout the 2016 year. From attending a Def Leopard concert to riding a scenic Adirondack railroad train, the smiles were endless. Thank you NYSARC!

You’re invited:

Ribbon Cutting for Clinic & Training Center and BirchwoodMay 31, 201711:00AM at 165 Main St. Oneida, NY 1342112:00PM at 634 Birchwood Ave. Oneida, NY 13421 Reception to follow at Birchwood

Annual Dinner & AwardsJune 8, 20175:30PMVernon Downs Hotel Ballroom4229 Stuhlman RdVernon, NY 13476

Spring ConcertJune 13, 20177:00PMThe Kallet Civic Center159 Main St.Oneida, NY 13421

ADA CelebrationJuly 27, 201710:00AM-12:00PMKallet Civic Center159 Main St.Oneida, NY 13421

“Where’s Molly” Film ScreeningSeptember 27, 20175:00PM-7:30PMCazenovia College Catherine Cummings Theatre16 Lincklaen St.Cazenovia, NY 13035

A Night of Bourbon & Bidding Gala EventNovember 4, 20176:00PM-10:00PMVernon Downs Hotel Ballroom4229 Stuhlman Rd.Vernon, NY 13476

For tickets, advertising, and sponsorship information on any of the above events, contact Shannon Richard at 315-363-3389 ext 1600 or Shannon.Richard@arcofmc.org

congratulations graduates!

SANYS - The Central Region of the Self Advocacy Association of NYS (SANYS) provides an innovative curriculum, “SANYS U,” that is designed to provide individuals with disabilities and direct support professionals a more thorough understanding of self- advocacy while helping to develop future leaders for the self-advocacy movement. For some graduates, this is the first time they have participated in a graduation ceremony. Congratulations class!

Cortland County graduating class is on the left, Madison County is on the right.

article 16 Clinic expansion

The Arc of Madison Cortland celebrated the opening of new Article 16 Clinic facilities in Chenango, Herkimer, Lewis, Oneida, and Oswego counties. The clinics provide health care services and access to individuals with disabilities.

We work closely with Medicaid Service Coordinators and family members in order to ensure that we are providing the most effective services to the individuals we serve.

Advocacy works

Visits, emails, phone calls and letters all had a direct impact on the approved $55M funding for a living wage for direct care staff in the NYS budget. Thank you Governor Cuomo and everyone who helped play a part in protecting people with developmental disabilities. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Thank you Community Carwash:Fundraising outside the box

We are incredibly thankful for the generous fundraising by Commu-nity Carwash that we received in the fall. They donated 20% of pro-ceeds from one week straight at their Community Carwash location on Route 365A across from the SavOn. Donations like this assist us in supporting people with Autism, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injury and other developmental disabilities.

Congratulations to Keith Drummond for being nominated for the NYSID Preferred Source

Solutions William B. Joslin Outstanding Performance Award!

We would like to take a moment to congratulate Nichole Hastings for winning the 2016 Gene

Fiorentino Self-Advocacy Award presented by Resource Center for Independent Living!

Congratulations to Debbie Marshall for winning the Self-Advocacy Award at DDSO’s Annual

Tribute to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

AWARD CORNER

Congratulations Jack!

Jack Campbell was honored in 2016 by winning the Adrian Levy Professional Leadership Award. The award recognizes individuals who have made valuable contributions in the rehabilitation field. Recipients of this award must be distinguished in the field with more than 20 years of service and a professional record which emulates extraordinary contributions to the field. The Arc of Madison Cortland is the only agency to have two Executive Directors win this award.

The Arc of Madison Cortland | 701 Lenox Ave, Oneida, NY 13421 | 315-363-3389 | www.arcofmc.org The Arc of Madison Cortland | 701 Lenox Ave, Oneida, NY 13421 | 315-363-3389 | www.arcofmc.org