Visions March 2023 Vol. 1

VISIONS

Sprout Film Fest Ret urns, Full Crow d and 13 Short Movies

"I Am Alive," "Ascent," and "Cocktails with Ben" were a few of the 13 short films spotlighted at the 13th Sprout Film Festival, hosted by BCArc's Down Syndrome Family Group The films and lunch

took place at Taconic High School for the first time. The crowd stayed for lunch, socialized, and shopped for crafts made by BCArc individuals from several programs

Board of Direct ors

Mike Ferry, Chair

Michael Lyon, Vice Chair

Bruce Marzotto, Treasurer

Thomas J Hamel, Esq , Assistant Treasurer

Dr Mark Pettus, Clerk

Board Mem bers

Linda Carnevale

Kathy Clark

Douglas Craighead

Eric Harlow

Anthony Mazzeo

Bob Sinopoli

Joanne Spence

President & CEO

Maryann Hyatt

Leading BCArc Toward its Future

The staff at BCArc are inspiring You will see in these pages that we recently opened a new residential program for individuals with brain injury, and launched a program to support families who need extra time after work It is the drive and initiative of BCArc's staff -- its future leaders -that make these new programs possible.

This Agency is structured to provide clear career paths for staff to grow and advance Ideally we want to retain our staff for a meaningful and lifelong career Last year alone we promoted 49 employees We have more than 40 employees who have been with BCArc 20-plus years, and 130 employees over 10 years. Those stats tell a powerful and positive story about the staff at BCArc. I started at BCArc in a residential program and took advantage of the career path and opportunities for advancement that BCArc offers

Because of our committed, determined staff, we are well-positioned to serving the growing disability population for generations to come.

Maryann Hyatt President & CEO

Employees of the Quarter -- Quarter I, 2023

I, 2023

Six staff members, nominated by their coworkers for their work in the past quarter, were recognized as Employees of the Quarter

Albert Armah Residential RamsAlhassan BI CommunityCenter

Laverne RobinsonPeters, Residential Crystal Taylor Residential

Sonia Colon Vidal Crossroads

CharlesKing Relief

BCArc Opens New Home, Welcomes Nikki

Berkshire County Arc opened its 43rd residential program this spring with a newly built home in Southampton. Its first resident -- Nikki -- moved in from a nursing home

Nikki was thrilled to settle into her new house and enjoy the privacy of her own bedroom. Within days she visited other BCArc programs and made new friends She eagerly awaits her housemates.

Nikki said that since moving in, she "wakes up everyday and thinks she's dreaming "

New Program Offers Respite for Families and Skill-Building Fun for Individuals

A new BCArc program provides support for young adults who live with their families and may not have any supports during the later afternoon and evening hours. The new program -- which runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p m , integrates activities with the community, including music, art and dance classes, museum visits, sporting events, and more.

"Through these activities we teach communication, decision making, personal finance and managing money, social skills and working together," said Sonja Haecker, Executive Vice President. "The goal is safety and fun."

Molly, an Avatar fan, celebrated her 25th birthdaywith thegroup in March.

Ryan, left, with Daryn, posesin theart room with staff member Vicki.

Nikki, described asoverwhelmed with happiness, entersher bedroom for the first timewith her sister Trisha.

Nikki madea quickfriend with her newneighbor.

BCArc Launches Transitions Emporium Store

The Transitions Emporium had its official launch on Valentine's Day, offering a variety of products for sale including backpacks, water bottles, shirts, and crafts made at the programs

The Emporium is designed, operated and marketed by members of BCArc's Transitions program team Profit made by their sales goes back into the programs. You can visit the shop through BCArc's homepage www.bcarc.org.

RetiringAfterGrowingtheSampleExpressSite

Peter Muir will miss the business and the people who helped make it successful through BCArc's Employment Services -- including six hardworking individuals with disabilities For 15 years he headed up the operation that cut commercial roofing material into samples to prepare for distributing around the world -- one of three sites in the country for the global Sample Express "It was always an interesting mix between human services work and corporate expectations I look forward to retirement -traveling and bicycling -- but thankful for this experience with BCArc," said Peter.

"It w as alw ays an int erest ing m ix bet w een hum an services w ork and corporat e expect at ions."

BICCMembersShineat OpenHouseEvent

The ribbon-cutting event for the Westfield Brain Injury Community Center highlighted the speaking talents of its individual members, who told emotional, personal stories on the Center's impact on their lives. Attended by Mayor Michael McCabe, Sen John Velis, and MRC Commissioner Toni Wolf, the event brought the Center recognition for its achievements.

"We are thrilled to open the only club house for individuals with brain injury in Western Massachusetts,?said Ken Singer, BCArc?s previous president & CEO ?It has been planned for a long time and it is exciting to see it come to fruition.?

Member and Mural Artist Frankie BICCMembersMichael and Jeff BICCMember Brian

Mayor Michael McCabe & Jillian Rivera, Program Director

Senator John Velis

BCArcPresident & CEO Maryann Hyatt

MRCCommissioner Toni Wolf

Sarah Serves Up Smiles at Dietary Aid Job

Sarah has been working at the Mt Carmel Care Center in Lenox since 2007 as a Dietary Aide. Her main job duties include setting up the meal trays, assisting in the tray line at meal time, delivering the meal carts, stocking and delivering the beverage carts, setting up and cleaning multiple dining rooms, and help cleaning the kitchen at the end of her shift

Sarah has memorized the residents' dietary restrictions on their meal cards to cross reference their meals. She can tell you who eats and doesn't eat specific ingredients. Her positive attitude and contagious smile brings joy to the residents She is also a well-known fan of Taconic High School's basketball You can often spot her cheering in the stands.

Sarah also makes desserts, stocks the dry cereal, sweeps, and more. She stayed employed during COVID and worked full-time hours due to shortages to support the staff "Sarah steps up to the plate on a regular basis, and is reliable and dependable," said her manager Michelle

Marissa Deputized Fire Marshall During Station Tour

On their way to the Fire House, individuals from BCArc's Northview program passed four trucks tending to a call While touring the Station, the trucks returned, and the firefighters welcomed the individuals to the station, gave the grand tour, and appointed Marissa as Fire Marshall. In return for their firefighter's generosity, they baked and delivered five dozen cookies for the squad.

Full-Time at BICC, Pursuing a Degree, and Providing Residential Relief by

Lamnatu Alhassan, or Rams, as she is known by friends and family, was recently named one of BCArc?s Employees of the Quarter, a result of her strong work ethic and willingness to help wherever she is needed

In addition to her work at the Brain Injury Community Center, Rams also performs relief work on weekends at BCArc's residential homes, and will begin pursuing her Bachelor's Degree in the fall at Westfield State. Rams described herself as someone who is always willing to pick up a shift when she is able, which is why she believes she was chosen for this award Her favorite part of the job is spending time with individuals and connecting with them.

"I love to work, and I don't hesitate to help where I am needed "

BCArc Packs Beacon Cinema for Private Show

Champions, starring Woody Harrelson, depicts a basketball coach working with a team of individuals with intellectual disabilities as part of his community service.

BCArc individuals filled every seat of the private showing extended to the Agency, and at least one patron was heard shouting, "Hey, that player looks like me."

Nicole Lemire

Betsy's Corner: Letter to the City Leads to a Smoother Ride by

Betsy Carlotto

This January I wrote to the Vice President of Residential Services, Chris Melski, to tell him how worried I was about the condition of Quarry Hill Road and asked him to please fix the road we travel daily to The Center for Development. There are huge pot holes in the ground which make for a very bumpy ride There are 50-plus people who attend CFD and 20 staff who travel this road every day. Sometimes people drive on the other side of the road to avoid the pot holes!

As soon as Chris Melski got my letter, he immediately took action! He forwarded my letter to the Town of Lee?s Department of Public Works Superintendent Lenny Tisdale, and the very next day there was a crew outside filling the pot holes on Quarry Hill Road This is a temporary fix; when the weather gets warmer the whole road will be done over the right way with a new blacktop

One night Chris called to tell me what a good job I did on the letter and how proud he was of me for advocating for myself I said ?I was just thinking about the safety of my friends It is not fun bouncing around in the vans and some of my friends are in wheelchairs, which are locked in but can move a little sometimes ?The ride is better now, thank you to Chris Melski and The Department of Public Works in Lee. We can always count on you.

Brittiany McDermott

Wins George Porter Memorial Award

Therapy Dog--Named after Donna's In-Law--Visits Program

Brittiany won this award for her care and commitment to the individuals BCArc serves.

Congratulations Brittiany!

Winston the Therapy Dog was named after Donna's brother-in-law, a Lieutenant with the Pittsfield Police Department who passed away in 2018. Here, Winston and Officer Derby visit the Northview program, where Donna attends. Pictured here is Jenna getting big greetings from Winston

Friends Jam at St. Pat's Chance to Dance Event

Celebrating Her 80th -- With BCArc Since Age 11

BCArc recently celebrated Mary?s 80th birthday with her family Mary's parents were part of the initial group that conceived and launched BCArc in 1954

Of the first group served by BCArc 65 years ago, only Mary survives. Tracing Mary?s journey through BCArc, when she started at age 11, is also a journey through BCArc itself BCArc began with

Her parent s w ere part of t he init ial group t hat conceived and launched BCArc in 1954.

11 people coming together to create a support network The regular meetings started to attract more families, and eventually professionals? teachers, doctors, nurses, speech and hearing specialists. The story continues 69 years later

BCArc Staff Host Cooking Shows, Promote their Culture's Dishes

BCArc hosted cooking shows featuring Carmen Betances and Carlton Deen, two staff members who enjoy feeding the individuals in their residential programs. In the videos, Carmen and Carlton move through their recipes, instructing viewers on their no-longer secret ingredients. Carmen cooked a Dominican Pollo Guisado con habichuelas guisadas con arroz y ensalada verde, and Carlton made a spicy chicken curry, brought over from the West Indies The programs, presented by BCArc's Diversity Committee, celebrate the cultural diversity BCArc staff bring to the agency Check out both videos at bcarc.org/the-bcarc-diversity-page/

Maria's

Training Dept. BCArc Babies: Meet Delilah Rae

Rachel Nicola Jefferson gave birth to Delilah Rae, calling her "Rose Manor and Goldenhill?s favorite new addition "

BCArc individual and artist Maria, left, was commissioned by Senior Training Specialist Jen McNulty, center, to create a painting for her office Also pictured, Vicki Alibozek from Transitions.

BCArc wishes all the best to Rachel, a past Employee of the Year.

Celina meal isa traditional dish of theDominican Republic.

Carlton preparesWest Indian chicken currywith the help of a few individualsin the home.

Art to Hang in

Artists Show their Work at Botanical Gardens CATA Show

Titled "My Vacation," Nathaniel dances in front of his latest painting at CATA's Berkshire Botanical Garden show called "The View From Here " At right, Jeri, who attends Nu-Opps and lives in a BCArc program, stands by her untitled watercolor monotype Several BCArc individuals sold their art work at the show. CATA provides the art classes and presented the exhibit.

Employment Services Comes Together for Pancake Breakfast and Comradery

Employment Services staff typically spend the workday spread across Berkshire County to help more than 80 individuals with disabilities succeed at their employment sites. Pictured here is a community breakfast to bring staff together for a rare time of comradery and leisure Joining

Employment Services staff is the team from Northview, left, a community based day service. On right, Chef Pam Kight, Director of Employment and Community Based Day Services, with staff Stephen Albareda.

The Lepotakis Family enjoy their victory moment with their son Stephen (pictured above left) BCArc board member Kathy Clark holds her bronze medal, while Cindy smiles with her silver medal at the Special Olympics State Bowling Tournament in Auburn.