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- THE 29th ANNUAL CONFERENCE – T0GETHER WE DID!
THE 29th
ANNUAL CONFERENCE – T0GETHER WE DID!
On behalf of NYSACRA’s Board
of Directors and Staff, we hope you enjoyed last week’s conference and returned
safely home with a renewed sense of spirit and optimism. Our three days at the
Sagamore have become more than just a conference - it is an experience -
and thanks to all of you who participate in the planning, presenting and
attending, it is also the sum of its many parts.
This year’s theme, “What
If? Why Not? Together We Can!” focused on questioning the possibilities that
our industry provides, encouraging each other to reach higher and the necessity
of working together. At our Annual Banquet Dinner we thanked our President,
Robert Budd for his five years of tireless energy, thoughtfulness and
leadership. We also welcomed our newly elected President, Tom McAlvanah,
Executive Vice President of Lifespire in New York City. Finally, we recognized
one of our field’s true heroes, Dr. Beth Mount, by awarding her with NYSACRA’s
Annual Excellence Award. As Mary Beth and Carl Tegtmeier who are the parents of
a child with a developmental disability wrote:
| “When Beth Mount entered
our lives, we met our Guardian Angel. Beth gave us hope, showed us the
possibilities, empowered us and guided us. Beth clearly understands and
appreciates the family dynamics. Through personal experience and
knowledge, Beth has a genuine sensitivity that enables her to grasp the
true essence of each individual person. Beth you are brilliant, creative,
respectful and oh so passionate. We are so fortunate to have Beth with her
endless multitude of amazing talents share her gifts with us all. On
behalf of our daughter and all the individuals with developmental
disabilities and their families, we send our love and heartfelt
appreciation.” |
Other highlights during the
conference included:
The Annual Art Exhibit &
Reception on Thursday was another great success showing more than 250 pieces of
work by nearly 100 artists with disabilities who receive services from 32
NYSACRA member agencies. We also enjoyed another performance of Potential
Unlimited Productions who entertained us with their extraordinary talents. Special thanks to the New York State DDPC for providing scholarships so that
nearly 50 of the artists were able to join us. More thanks to Plaza Pharmacy for
hosting this event for the fifth year in a row. Congratulations to Evan Gozali
who receives supports and services from FEGS in New York City for winning the
first prize for his art work and to Justin Falco, who receives supports from The
Arc of Monroe County, winner of The People’s Choice Award.
With support from NYSACRA’s
Benefit and Communication program, we held our First Annual 5K Fun Run. More
than 70 runners and walkers woke up early to participate in the event that
raised money to support NYSACRA’s Regional Direct Support Professional
Conferences that will be held around the state later this year. Congratulations
to our winners Richard Murray, from Program Development Services - Male Over 50,
Leo DeRuijter, from Tulip Travel - Male Under 50, Lynne Vairo, Program
Developmental Services – Female Over 50, Jackie DeForest, Ulster-Greene ARC –
Female Under 50, and Team COARC, winner of the Team Competition.
Once again, the Executive
Leadership Session presentation was sponsored by the MP Agency. Michael Cavallaro, who specializes in underwriting and brokering of management and
professional liability insurance products, spoke to executives on how to protect
their agency from risk and minimize liability. Congratulations to Katie Swick
from our member agency, Suburban Adult Services on winning a trip to Bermuda!
Other lucky conference
participants were: Rachel Harris from The Block Institute who won a Lap Top
Computer by visiting all of our vendor booths and Jim Love from St. Lawrence
County Chapter NYSARC who won a weekend at The Sagamore by purchasing the
winning raffle ticket.
Lastly, our two keynote
speakers, Mick Lunzer, who humored, juggled and yo-yoed his way into our hearts
with the Fish Philosophy and Team Hoyt who closed the conference with their
amazing story of a father and son’s commitment to each other and their
incredibly inspiring sense of teamwork, devotion and spirit.
Thank you to all of our
breakout session workshop presenters, Networking & NYS-OPTS Neighborhood
presenters and each of the 950 conference participants who came and supported
our 29th Annual Conference. Be sure to check out our website,
www.nysacra.org for pictures!
We couldn’t have done it
without you – Together We Did!
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