Volume 3, 2019
Annual Meeting Honors High Achievers -- Page 3 Greylock House Uses Bats and Plants to Reach Goals -- Page 5
Supporting people. Enriching lives.
VISIONS
Berkshire Community Gathers to Support Down Syndrome 1,200-Plus Turnout Takes Over Town for 13th Buddy Walk High school groups, college students, families, business sponsors, and more made up more than 1,200 walkers who marched through the town of Dalton to support people with disabilities. Organized by the Berkshire County Arc?s Down Syndrome Family Group and dressed in the official mint-green shirt, the walkers stopped traffic as wheel chairs, dogs, family members, friends, and dignitaries walked under a clear blue sky. ?You are a great crowd because you recognize people for their abilities, and not their disabilities,? BCArc?s president Kenneth W. Singer told the crowd before the walk started. Other speakers included Aaron Robb, BCArc?s Down Syndrome Family Group, and Sen. Adam Hinds and Rep. Paul Mark who talked about their efforts to support funding initiatives for people with disabilities. Walkers returned to the school grounds for food, music, activities for kids, and raffle prizes. All proceeds go toward services and support for children, adults and families of people with Down syndrome living in Berkshire County.
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Letter from the President & CEO Celebrate the Holidays, But Look Out for the Lonely Many of us look forward to spending our holidays with our families. It?s a time to give, receive, express gratitude, and reflect. There are also many of us who find the holidays overwhelming. This time of the year can bring stress and loneliness to some. The BCArc family is large? we comprise 1,000 individuals and 800 staff members. We come from all all over the globe? Ivory Coast, Cambodia, Mexico, Worcester, Cambridge, Salt Lake City, and North Adams. We are all ages? 17 to 75? dozens of ethnicities and religions, and all levels of education, wealth, and physical abilities. Some have sight, some don?t, some can hear, some cannot, some can run a marathon, some cannot walk. In some ways, we are as diverse as any population on the planet. We are very aware of our differences, and our collective strengths. As the holidays approach, we get the opportunity to learn about each other ?s
different cultures and experiences, different foods, dress, and music. For those of you who have been with BCArc for many years, you know we throw a lot of holiday parties. Festivities abound and spirits are high at our 42 homes. But it is also easy for someone to get lost in the excitement, to feel overpowered and forced off their course. We know this happens. But it is also easy for someone to get lost in the excitement, to feel overpowered. Our profession? our mission as an organization? is to care for one another. We know to pay attention to each other? individuals and staff. Those in the BCArc family are never alone. We are here to support people, and enrich lives. This holiday, like the holidays of the past, will be filled with good cheer, friendship, and continuous hope for a better future. I wish everyone a peaceful holiday season and look forward to seeing many of you in the new year.
T iming is Ever ything: Dr um Cir cle Teaches Teamwor k, L istening, and the Joy of Dr umming Heather, Christina, Louisa, Lara, Megan, and Karen follow drum leader Otha Day (orange shirt). Together they work on drum patterns at a Drum Circle arranged with the Berkshire Music School. The activity offers lessons on communication, self-expression, and discipline.
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An n u al M eet in g Hon or s In dividu al & St af f Tr iu m ph s Ecstatic individuals soaked up the limelight as their names were called to accept their achievement awards in front of 240 people at the 65th BCArc Annual Meeting. The following were called to the podium: -
Employee of the Year -- Rachel Nicola Achievement Awards -- John Abriel, Nicholas Moore, Justin Plumley, Patricia Minkler, and Franck Felix The Joan Grant Self-Advocate Achievement Award -- David Gardner Achievement in Personal Growth -- Kathy Clark Citizenship Awards -- Ben Nguyen and Kimberly Campbell Citizen Advocate of the Year -- Chris Buffi Outstanding Administrative Employee -- Kristi Nastars Outstanding Employment Services Employee -- Nathan White Outstanding Brain Injury Services Employee -- Maryellen Lassalle The Carol Craighead Mission Award -- Kate Hood Outstanding Day Program Employee -- Kayla Lemaire Employer of the Year ? Big Y World Class Market Business Partner Award -- Studley Press
A special award was given to Mary Manzolini, who has the longest history of attending any Berkshire County Arc program; she and her family are one of the initial 11 families that conceived and launched BCArc in 1954. Speakers included State Sen. Adam Hinds, State Rep. William ?Smitty? Pignatelli, State Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, State Rep. John Barrett III, Mayor Linda Tyer, Mayor Thomas Bernard, Allyson Huntoon from Sen. Elizabeth Warren's office, and Matthew Russert from U.S. Rep. Richard Neal's office.
Justin Plumley, Achievement in Personal Growth
Nicholas Moore, Achievement Award, with SDC Director Kristie Cullison
Rachel Nicola, Employee of the Year
John Abriel, Achievement Award
Kathy Clark, Achievement in Personal Growth
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Halloween Tricks and Treats
An n u al Self -Advocacy/ Cit izen Advocacy Celebr at ion
CFD Individuals Turn Annual Picnic into Full-Blown Party
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Bats, Plants, and Hard Work Help Greylock House Reach Goals By Noel McClanahan At the Greylock house, our volunteer project this year began with an idea: to help an endangered animal species in whatever way we could, be it shelter, food, or direct care. Telephone calls led us to a nearby conservationist who works to restore the population of the little brown bat species in the Berkshires. She needed two custom-made bat shelters for the young ones. After months of planning, fundraising for building materials by selling wildflower plants grown at the house, and working as a team to make it all come together, the building of the shelters began. A week later, we took a road trip to the beautiful hills of Colrain, Mass., to meet our customer and present her with the bat houses. She was delighted and remarked that they had the look of fine IndividualsChrisand Dan seated. Article author Noel standing in middle. furniture. She told us about her conservation efforts and what she planned to do with the houses. Then she introduced us to one of the bats, offered refreshments, and we met her three dogs. We will always remember that day, the new friends we made, and the things we learned -- about nature and about ourselves, and that there are still good people around doing things for other good people. Through this project, we got a little bit closer to our own personal goals. As a group, we became closer personally, and discovered our own special abilities all at the same time. If you happen to see Daniel, Chris, Kade or Jim please give them a well-deserved congratulations for all their hard work. We hope that we might inspire others to try to find the fulfillment you can achieve through volunteerism.
Transitions Goes Into the Wild--Overnight--a First for Many Transitions Program participants chose to overnight camp this summer, spending two days in The Pittsfield State Forest. They researched their gear needs, and built a menu. For many it was their first time camping, and being away from a parent or guardian. Staff, who volunteered their time to make this trip a reality, helped pitch tents, cook dinner, fish and swim. People took independent hikes, explored wildlife, and made pill bottle survival kits. At night they played a rousing game of flashlight tag, sang songs, and heard scary stories by the fire. Some woke up before sunrise to take in the sights. Called a huge success, everyone went home with large smiles on their faces. BCArc thanks all the parents and staff who gave their supplies and time to make this a great trip.
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Friends Remembered A great friend, supporter, and former board member of BCArc.
David Johnson 11-13-72 10-26-19
Lisa Couig 7-21-61 9-10-19
Thomas Flynn 8-28-36 9-22-19
June Retires after 35 years with BCArc Considered an "amazing advocate" for the individuals at Crossroads, June Drake retired after 35 years of service. Known to "speak up and push agendas" to support her individuals, she displayed a strong work ethic, a sense of humor, and a great respect for each of her peers.
Ber k sh ir e Cou n t y Ar c Receives $635,000 in Gr an t s, Open s New Hom e f or In dividu als w it h Br ain In ju r ies Berkshire County Arc received two grants totaling $635,000 that helped build a new home in Lanesboro to give new lives to four men with brain injuries. Funding for $435,000 came from the State Facilities Consolidation Fund, and $200,000 from the Federal Home Loan Bank. ?This is part of a larger, statewide effort to move people with brain injuries out of nursing homes into communities to live more engaged and meaningful lives,? said Kenneth W. Singer, BCArc president and CEO. ?Already one of the individuals goes to a program during the day, and the other three are learning skills to do the same. They are also living closer to their families.? Local support helped furnish a basement game room for the individuals to play air hockey and shoot billiards. BCArc intends to build more homes for people with brain injuries. ?Not only do homes in communities offer more opportunity for these individuals, it is less costly to the state when they can move people out of nursing homes and into the community.?
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In dividu als, St af f Celebr at e Hyat t 's Aw ar ds in Bost on & D.C. BCArc Chief Operating Officer Maryann Hyatt was awarded the Arc of the U.S. 2019 NCE Exemplary Mentor Award in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 14, and the Mass. Provider 's Council Award of Excellence one week before that. At the Arc event, Hyatt told the crowd, ?I have a responsibility as a professional woman to provide an accessible path so other women have opportunities to bring forward their natural talents and develop their proficiencies." Staff and individuals made the trip to attend the Arc's annual conference, tour the Capital's sites, and support Maryann. Maryann and Ken
From left: Alex Pettus, Jeff Kane, Cliff Marc feeling presidential. Love, Margaret Hendricks, Marc Dunn, and Tralisa Yerdon.
From left: Marc Dunn, Jeff Kane, Alex Pettus, Margaret Hendricks, Tralisa Yerdon. Back row: staff Clifford Love and Chris Ferrari
After Brain Injury Commission Hearing, State Officials Tour BCArc BI Program Do you car e for a per son inside your home? The Massachusetts Acquired Brain Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Commission held an informational hearing for the Berkshire community, then toured a Berkshire County Arc residential program ? one of its 15 BI programs ? to learn firsthand from direct staff and front-line managers. Pictured above, from left, standing: Amber Steele, Dir. of Brain Injury Services; Ken Singer, BCArc president; Sen. Hariette Chandler; MRC Commissioner Toni Wolfe; Nicole Godaire, CEO, BIAMA; Helene Robilard, survivor; Marilyn Price Spivack, family member, Spaulding Rehabilition Hospital. Sitting: Jeri Frigon and Jay Katz.
You may be eligible for pr ofessional suppor t , including a mont hly st ipend. 413-464-7262 sst ewar t @bcar c.or g
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Betsy's Corner
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by Betsy Carlotto
The Center for Development organizes a series of ?Freaky Fridays? to bring some creativity and spirit to our work days! The seven Freaky Friday events we had were the Ice Cream Social, Cowboy/Cowgirl Day, Casino Day, Pajama Day, Hawaiian Day, Crazy Hat/Hair Day, and Hippy Dippy Day. Hippy Betsy Carlotto Dippy Day happened to be the last day for a long time employee of CFD, Marcia. We miss her dearly! We presented Marcia with a huge felt quilt we made of almost 60 squares, each individually designed by different people. We also gave her flowers and a scrapbook of memories she can take with her.
"Peace out," says Marcia, before cutting into her giant tie-dye marble cake.
Bach t o St ar War s--Tan glew ood Tr eat s BCAr c t o Fr ee Ticket s Several dozen individuals and staff were treated to free concerts this summer when the Boston Symphony Orchestra gave BCArc tickets for a few weekends of shows. W hile the tickets were for reserved seating under the Shed, many individuals preferred the comfort of the lawn.
Givebacks ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE...
Individuals came together to make thank you cards and baked goods, which they presented to
the veterans at Soldier On in recognition of Veterans Day.
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BCArc Adds New Camp, Fills Gap in Family Schedules BCArc's Family Support Center partnered with the Dalton CRA and Transitions Mentors to provide campers a week of summer learning and fun at no cost to the families. The new camp, which gives families needed support between summer programs and school, is in addition to the Spring Break Camp BCArc offers. Mentors from the Transitions program, some of who were alumni of the camps, served as positive peer supports to the younger campers. Staff noted that one of the most rewarding part of the camp was seeing the young adults return to the camp as mentors.
Individuals Get 2 Thumbs Up for Latest WTF Performance Ten individuals from BCArc?s programs performed in ?Summer ?s Soldiers,? an original musical produced by Community Works for the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Their four shows, which featured professional actors, live musicians, singing and dancing, were all performed in front of packed houses. Through Community Works, the program brought together Berkshire residents to work with theater professionals in workshops and rehearsals, to perform in front of more than 2,000 people.
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Self-Portraits for Self-Esteem--A Night of Art and Reflection Individuals spent an evening of conversation and self-reflection to paint an image of themselves to identify and capture their own unique qualities. The program is part of a series of art-themed activities that strives to reduce stress and work toward individual goals using creative methods. In the picture, from left: Lara, Justin, Daniel, Alex (kneeling), Heather, Jordan, Tina, and Kathy.
The Ponds at Fox Hollow Recognized Franck Felix for His 20 Years of Employment Franck Felix likes to sing when he works. He even has his own song, "The Fabulous Franck." On every shift he stops to say hello and good-bye to the assistant manager at The Ponds. When time allows, they have lunch together. This quarter The Ponds recognized Franck for his 20 years of "outstanding work." "You can't have a bad day when you are with Franck," says his Ponds General Manager Ed Pelkey presents a plaque at Franck's event. BCArc job coach Jessica Faille.
BCArc Spots "Management Material," Prepares them through Training Program
Toget h er , Let 's M ak e t h e Space Beh in d Cr ossr oads Accessible f or All t o En joy Engr ave a br ick , dedicate it to someone, or tr eat your sel f
or make a gener al donation Go to www.bcar c.or g/ donate or contact Dave at dsinger @bcar c.or g Graduates, from left: Sharon Watford, Gayle Leroi, Erin Connors, and Shanice Ayala. Not pictured are Andrea Schumann and Julie Sanchez.
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Employees of the Quarter IV
Tanya Balsalmo Ken Van Bramer Bev Tobin SiteManager AdministrativeAssistant SiteManager
CarolineEldred, Co-director Nursing Department
NicoleRusso Relief Staff
Jennifer McNulty Training Specialist Training Dept.
Employees of the Quarter III
Jada Pridgen Residential Support
Gail Perachi Relief Nurse
Fay Dimanche Development Specialist Transitions
Samantha Ring-Hecht Residential Support
Zip 'N Sort's "Fast Fab 3" Pick Up New Projects, Can't Slow Down Lisa, Eric, and Jennifer like to learn. The Fab 3, some of Zip N' Sort's fastest workers, once worked solely on Berkshire Life projects and now handle many new customers. Enthusiastic and fast -- they thrive on new work -- you can often hear their team leader call out: ?Slow down, you are moving too fast."
From left, Eric?s new favorite Timber Press from Washington State, Lisa?s Storey Publishing in North Adams, and Jennifer with the Hirschl and Adler Gallery, N.Y.C.
Non-Pr ofit Or g. USPostage Paid Pittsfiel d, MA Per mit No. 121
The BCArc community thanks the Itty Bitty Farm, Windsor, Mass., for donating nearly 30 Christmas trees this year to our programs. They have been donating trees to Have a good story for Visions? BCArc for more than 35 Contact David Singer at years. dsinger@bcarc.org