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Report to Our CommunityLexington - Fulton County Chapter, NYSARC, Inc.

2012/2013

Chapter of

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Report to the Community—2012/2013Lexington – Fulton County Chapter, NYSARC, Inc.

MISSIONLexington’s mission is to provide the best possible supports to children and adults with disabilities and their families, to be the

best possible employer for its employees, and to contribute to the community.

127 E. State Street Gloversville, NY 12078 (518) 773-7931 www.lexingtoncenter.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORSJudy Schelle, President

Jean Schultz, Vice President

Katherine Preston, Secretary

Rinaldo Esposito, DC, Treasurer

Nancy Blanchard

Lisa McCoy

Dave Miller

Nancy EnnisAll are parents or immediate family members of a person/s with intellectual or developmental disabilities

ADMINISTRATIONShaloni Winston, Executive Director

Dan Richardson, Deputy Executive Director

John Kuznia, Chief Financial Officer

LEXINGTON FOUNDATION465 North Perry Street Johnstown, NY 12095 (518) 736-3917

FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORSJudy Schelle, Chair Barbara Treadwell Lisa McCoy

FOUNDATION ADVISORY BOARDJoan Bryan Don Fleischut Brian Hanaburgh Lora Ann Johnston David Jung Sandra Maceyka Beate Madnick Louis Pollak Debbie Rose Richard Ruby James St. Thomas David R. Seward John Widdemer

ADMINISTRATIONWally Hart, Executive Director

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Report to the Community—2012/2013 Lexington – Fulton County Chapter, NYSARC, Inc.

LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTORIn 1953, a small group of local parents began an

effort to improve the lives of their children who

had developmental disabilities. Like every parent,

they wanted their children to lead fulfilling lives

in the community. I am sure that this small group

never envisioned the Lexington of today – 1600

employees supporting almost 1000 children and

adults with disabilities in over 80 locations in Fulton

and Albany Counties. Those parents would be so

proud of what their creation has become.

In 2013, as we look back at 60 years of service to

the people we support, our employees and our

community, we are both humbled and proud of this

legacy that has given so many people a rich and

fulfilling life that they love.

Our history is full of stories; stories of parents

advocating for rights for their children, of long-

tenured employees devoting their lives to the

organization and to those we support, and most

importantly, hundreds of success stories of the men

and women who participate in our programs and

services. We love to share these stories! You will see

several of them in this Report to Our Community.

We also plan to share many more in upcoming

Newsletters, on our website, and on our Facebook

page. These stories demonstrate the importance of

your continued support for Lexington as we ensure

that every child and adult with a developmental

disability has what our founding parents worked so

hard for – a rich and fulfilling life.

One of our finest examples of celebrating

Lexington’s heritage is the development of the Paul

Nigra Center for Creative Arts, in memory of Paul,

who was the Executive Director of our organization

for over 42 years. You will find more information

about this exciting project within these pages.

When I speak with people within our community,

many people ask how they can get involved with

Lexington. So, how can you help? Attend, volunteer

or otherwise support our many fundraising and

friend-raising events, volunteer to help with

a service or program, “Like” and follow us on

Facebook, and, if you are able, make a donation. To

learn more about how you can support us as we

help make the people we support in their wishes,

their lives, and their dreams, please call us or visit

our website.

Thank you for your continued support for people

with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and

for Lexington. We are a richer agency because of you.

Shaloni

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Since 1953, Lexington (Fulton County Chapter, NYSARC Inc.) has been a leader in supporting people with disabilities and their families. We provide clinical, medical, residential, day, recreation, vocational, job placement and other services to people of all ages. Lexington supports people who have developmental and learning disabilities, autism, mental illness, cerebral palsy, physical disabili-ties, epilepsy and/or traumatic brain injuries.

RESIDENTIAL SUPPORTS Residential supports are provided to 425 people in a variety of community settings throughtout Fulton county and 70 people in Albany County. Residential opportunities are individualized to meet the needs and desires of the person supported and include: Homes with 24-hour live-in support; Supported apartments with daily or less frequent visits; Homes with 24-hour medical support for per-sons who are frail due to age or medical condition; Independent apartments with only the level of support desired; Living with A Family in the community; Homes for Children, Men, Women and Seniors.

DAY SUPPORTS Day Habilitation programs support 520 people with developmental disabilities in many settings helping them pursue their interests and achieve their goals while addressing their needs. Using train-ing programs and philosophies of Positive Psychology, the Mayo Clinic and the HealthMatters curriculum of the University of Illinois, Engaged & Empowered is the wellness model of our day programs that supports each person in enhancing their physical, social, emo-tional, spiritual, intellectual and occupational needs.

CLINICAL SUPPORTS Lexington’s Article 16 Clinic offer extensive services to 240 individ-uals to enhance independence, integration and productivity through clinical, diagnostic and support services for people who have devel-opmental disabilities. Services are provided in individual, group or family counseling formats. We have qualified specialists in the following areas: Social Work, Psychology, Nursing, Vocational Rehabilitation, Psychiatry, Podiatry, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech and Language Pathology.

EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTS Employment Resources supports 211 individuals, of whom 119 are employment in the community. Others are being supported in preparing for, finding and retaining jobs. We specialize in working with people who have difficulty finding a job, people with disabilities and people who are receiving temporary assistance and/or food stamps. We provide support with Job readiness training; Place-ment in competitive industry; Follow-up employment supports including job coaches; Finding child care, transportation or appro-priate clothing for work and assistance with other personal needs.

FAMILY SUPPORTS Lexington’s Family Services supports 165 families caring for a child or adult in their own home in Fulton County. Family support may take place at the family’s home, in the community or at a Lexington site. Family supports include Respite, After School Program, even-ing and weekend recreation, childcare during school holidays and vacations, specialized groups, parent support groups and net-

OUR SERVICES AND PROGRAMS

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works, training information and referral. Community Habilitation services include training and assistance to encourage a person to live, work and play as independently as possible in their own com-munity.

RECREATION AND SOCIAL PROGRAMS The Creative Expressions and Family Services programs offer 420 people a wide array of social, artistirelax recreational activities at Lexington and in the community. This innovative program is con-stantly creating new activities and social events that promote creativity, individual talent, choice, exercise, social interaction, self-worth and involvement in our local community.

SERVICE COORDINATION Service Coordinators help 605 people attain the highest quality of life and live as independently and productively as possible. They work in partnership with the person and/or family members to develop, implement, and maintain an individual’s life plan. This life plan describes who the person is, his or her strengths, capacities, needs, valued outcomes, and the supports and ser-vices he or she wants or needs to achieve these outcomes. The Service Coordinator is at the core of the advocacy and sup-ports for each individual. Lexington has a 5-star rating of it Servive Coordination services for people with developmental disabilities from the Office for Persons with Developmental Disabilities.

EARLY INTERVENTION AND PRESCHOOL SERVICES Lexington provides Speech/Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, to children who are referred by the Fulton County Department of Public Health for Early Interven-tion or Preschool Services. The Early Intervention Program is a statewide program that provides many different types of early intervention services to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. Lexington currently serves 18 children. We also offer Early Intervention Assessments

AUTISM SUPPORT SERVICES Lexington supports a number of adults and children with a diagnosis on the Autism spectrum, people who have unique needs and a need for individualized supports. We tailor activi-ties and strategies to address those needs with evidence based interaction and communication tools including: Specialized training for staff and families in Autism Spectrum Disorders; Positive Behavior Supports; Social Cognition Supports; Sensory Swim; Autism Movement Therapy; Assessments and Supports for Sensory Challenges; and Visual Supports. Lexington also hosts the Fulton-Montgomery Chapter of the Autism Society of America and the ASPIE group.

Lexington is comprised of 1,650 caring, engaged employees who are a vital part of our nurturing environment. As the largest employer in Fulton County, Lexington is a vital part of the community.

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Financial information 2012

Audited by Bonadio & Co., LLP—Certified Public Accountants

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2012Lexington’s $35 million Residential Supports program is audited by the NY State Office of Medicaid Inspector General (OMIG). The organization receives the first positive report ever received from NYSOMIG for any organization similar to Lexington.

Lexington mourns the passing of former Executive Director Paul Nigra, and announces the development of the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts.

Lexington assumes oversight of two additional residences in Albany. Lexington’s new Albany family now includes 66 people supported with 120 staff members who are helping them all realize their full potential and supporting these people in their endeavors. Lexington receives deficiency-free surveys from the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) after only 30 days of operation of these Albany homes.

Flame performs at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.

The Lexington Foundation hosts its first Lexington Gala in October at the 127 E. State Street, Gloversville gymnasium. The gym is transformed into an art and performance space, featuring artists from the Creative Expressions Program and Flame, and $23,000 is raised for the development of the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts.

Lexington’s Service Coordination Department receives a 5-Star Rating, the highest possible, in its “Overall Agency Performance” from the NY State OPWDD. The department met or exceeded statewide ratings in every performance category.

2013Lexington is awarded an OPWDD grant of $227,000 for more independent housing opportunities for people we support in Fulton County.

Self-Advocates plan and host their first conference, “It’s All About Me,” at the Holiday Inn in Johnstown. The conference welcomes 80 people to hear about the self-advocates’ plans, their successes, and their future.

Flame performs at a “Rocks for Abilities” concert at 127 E. State Street, Gloversville during National Developmental Disabilities Awareness month and the event raises over $2500 and collects hundreds of non-perishable food items for local food pantries.

Lexington is named one of the Capital Region’s Top Workplaces by the Albany Times Union. The award is the result of our employees responding to surveys about Lexington.

Engaged & Empowered, a new Wellness program that supports people living healthier, happier lives, is unveiled.

Timeline for Agency Successes 2012/2013

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Lexington provides a $500 scholarship for students at Fulton-Montgomery Community College who are majoring in Human Services.

Lexington receives a four-year Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation from the Council on Quality and Leadership.

Artists from the Creative Expressions program are the featured artists at a Sacandaga Valley Arts Network Show at the Northville Public Library and at an Art Show at the Orendaga on Northville Lake.

Lexington opens a new conference and event

center and holds its first public event – the Lexington Foundation Fashion Show and Luncheon with fashions by Saratoga Trunk.

Renovations to the now-closed Sheltered Workshop at the Center at Lexington, 465 N. Perry Street, Johnstown, are completed and the renovations make possible new spaces for several Day programs, Home Base, Article 16 Clinic, administrative offices, and the Training Center. A new art gallery displaying the endeavors of people supported is unveiled in the new space.

Timeline for Agency Successes 2012/2013

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LEXINGTON NAMED A “TOP WORKPLACE FOR 2013”Lexington was selected as one of the Albany Times Union Top Workplaces for 2013. We were one of five Capital District companies named to the list that has an employee base of 500 or more.

The Top Workplaces are determined based solely on employee feedback. The employee survey is conducted by WorkplaceDynamics, LLP, a leading research firm on organizational health and employee engagement. WorkplaceDynamics conducts regional Top Workplaces programs with 37 major publishing partners, like the Albany Times Union, and recognizes a list of 150 National Top Workplaces.

“We want to thank our employees for making Lexington one of the Times Union Top Workplaces for 2013,” said Shaloni Winston. “Part of Lexington’s mission statement is ‘to be the best possible employer.’ This means we go to great lengths to make Lexington a great place to work, where employees feel valued, nurtured and respected. Employees find fulfilling, meaningful careers here and enjoy being part of our family and it shows in this award.”

One aspect of Lexington’s culture that sets it apart from other companies is the agency’s Nurturing Environment program. “Our Nurturing Environment Program has been in place

for over a decade and is instilled in everything we do,” said Shaloni. “The people we support and our employees are part of this program that continually looks at all aspects of our organization for improvements…24 hours a day, 7 days a week. From increasing employee morale to insuring quality care for those we support, Lexington’s Nurturing Environment program sets the standard for excellence.” One aspect of the program is a monthly meeting that provides an open forum for families and individuals to share experiences, ideas and concerns with Agency staff and administration with the goal of continuous improvement.

The Times Union published the complete list of Top Workplaces on Sunday, April 21. In addition to five “large” companies with 500+ employees, also included

on the list are 15 “medium” companies (150-499 employees) and 25 “small” companies with 35-149 employees. For more information about the Top Workplaces lists and WorkplaceDynamics, please visit www.topworkplaces.com and www.workplacedynamics.com.

A group from Lexington accepted the “Top Workplaces Award” at an April 17 event at Albany’s Desmond Hotel & Conference Center. From left, Wally Hart (Division Director, Business & Community Development), Dan Richardson (Deputy Executive Director), Shaloni Winston (Executive Director), Times Union Publisher Rex Reed, Christine Stanavich (Supervising Physical Therapist), Amanda Herlan (Senior Programmer/Analyst), Terry Swierzowski (Director of Communications), and April Perez (Direct Support Coordinator).Christine, Amanda and April were recognized last year as three of Lexington’s top employees, selected by their peers.

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LEXINGTON AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS FOUR-YEAR ACCREDITATION

In June of this year, Lexington was proud to have received the prestigious four year CQL Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation from The Council on Quality and Leadership. This award confirms that the organization shares CQL’s vision for person-centered solutions to improve the quality of life for people receiving supports and services. The announcement was made at an event at Lexington held on Tuesday, July 9, “Celebrating Our Successes,” at which Lexington also began its 60th Anniversary celebrations, and highlighted the recent renovations to its 465 N. Perry Street, Johnstown location.

“Lexington is committed to implementing our Person-centered Excellence plan over the next four years. The plan will focus on empowering the people who receive support from Lexington to make choices in how they live their lives … where they work, where they live, how they create a community,” said Shaloni Winston, Lexington’s Executive Director. She continued, “Organizations that are awarded accreditation by CQL meet a stringent set of criteria and demonstrate an on-going commitment to person-centered excellence. We are proud to be one of a handful of organizations that are currently CQL-accredited in NY State and fewer than 400 organizations worldwide. CQL Accreditation confirms what we already know—that we are one of the best organizations of our kind in NY State.”

When Lexington partnered with CQL to pursue accreditation, they undertook a rigorous process to review and improve services and supports. Lexington has been awarded CQL accreditation as a result of demonstrating proficiency in the following areas:

• Basic Assurances (ensuring fundamental safeguards related to health, safety and human security)

• Personal Outcome Measures® (supporting and empowering people to achieve their goals and dreams)

• Person-centered Excellence (demonstrating organizational commitment to continued enhancement of systems directly related to person-centered services)

Cathy Ficker Terrill, President and CEO of CQL, stated, “CQL commends Lexington for its success in increasing the quality of life for the people it supports. We are pleased to partner with them on this journey.”

For more information on CQL’s Person-centered Excellence Accreditation go to www.thecouncil.org/CQLAccreditation/

For more than 40 years, CQL has been a leader in raising the bar for human service organizations and systems to continuously define, measure and improve the quality of life of all people. Organizations that are awarded accreditation by CQL meet a stringent set of criteria and demonstrate an on-going commitment to person-centered excellence.

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LEXINGTON SELF-ADVOCATES HOLD FIRST CONFERENCEIt’s All About ME!The Lexington Self-Advocacy Committee held its first conference on March 25 of this year. Entitled “It’s All about Me!”, the half-day conference was designed to bring together the agency’s self -advocates, parents and caregivers, family members, Lexington staff, and the community to network, hear success stories from other self-advocates, and get helpful information.

The first conference hosted over 60 people who heard Chester Finn talk about his efforts as a renowned NY State self-advocate. Also presenting were Cynthia Gilchrist and Shameka Andrews from SANYS (Self Advocates of New York State) who showed the video “Choices” which told the stories of self-advocates from around New York State. Michelle King, lead singer of Flame sang “Wonderful” from Songs for NYSARC among other selections. Created through a collaboration of talented artists and parents, Songs for NYSARC is a joint

effort of NYSARC and Musicians for a Cause that features inspiring songs written about people with developmental disabilities. Attendees also heard from a panel of Lexington Self-Advocates including David Morray, President of the Self-Advocacy Committee; Jose Kemp; Charlie McClary; Victor Colon; Patrick Foote and Andrew Looman.

The Self-Advocacy Committee is supported by Lexington staff members Josephine Gerke, Renee Mackey and Lynette May, who took a “back seat” in the planning of the conference. The three said that there was almost no staff effort in putting together the event – staff members only helped reserve the room at the Holiday Inn of Johnstown-Gloversville, where the conference was held, and helped get the conference tee shirts made. “It truly was their conference,” said Renee Mackey, “there was not a lot that we had to do.” The group decided to hold this first conference in March, to coincide with National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

David Morray, President of the Self-Advocate Committee, felt that the conference was a great success. “We are definitely going to plan another conference for next year,” said Morray. “We felt good about what we accomplished with this first one.”

The Lexington Self-Advocacy group was first established about five years ago, and was originally called the Empowerment Group, which was based in Johnstown Day Hab and supported by Lexington staff member Monica Naslund. At that time, the majority of the members of this group were participating in Day Hab programs. Then, a residential Empowerment group was started about

Self-advocates pose for a photo at their first conference.

Self advocates and Lexington staff pose with Senator Cecilia F. Tkaczyk outside her office in Albany

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four years ago. Both groups came together in early 2012, evolved into the Self-Advocacy Committee and became affiliated with SANYS at the end of last year. Lexington’s Self-Advocacy Committee is already beginning to talk with other self-advocacy groups, and is looking to find a stronger voice, with more members, as they move forward.

Since 2012, the Self-Advocacy Committee has hosted a number of interesting speakers to speak on a myriad of topics. For instance last November, Gloversville Mayor Dayton King gave a presentation on elections and voting, and Flame’s Michelle King gave a presentation on the band. Lexington staff members have been given the opportunity to

speak at the meetings about their areas and departments – Tim White spoke about Lexington’s new menu system; Bill Roe spoke about agency safety; Wally Hart spoke about the Lexington Foundation and business development; and Dan Richardson, Lexington’s Deputy Executive Director and Shaloni Winston reported on Lexington’s 2012-2013 priorities and sought their feedback. There was a presentation about Fire Safety and Prevention given by Scott Hall of the Broadalbin Fire Department, who also works for Lexington. Self-Advocate David LaGrange recently spoke at a meeting about his faith as a Catholic.

For information about Lexington’s Self-Advocacy Committee, contact President David Morray at (518) 773-7931.

Group of self-advocates in Albany where they spoke to elected officials to lobby against budget cuts for Lexington and similar agencies

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ADAPTIVE SPORTS – We Can Do AnythingBonnie Reuss, a Physical Therapy Assistant at Lexington, is our resident “Adaptive Sports Specialist”– she has been employed at the agency for 18 years and has been working with adaptive sports almost from the day she started.

The people we support became involved in adaptive skiing because of Glen McKinney, a young man who received supports at Lexington, and his mother. During one of Glen’s Individual Support Plan (ISP) meetings, his mother noted that he had been an avid skier for Queensbury High School before an accident left him with a traumatic brain injury. Bonnie then started investigating the opportunities at Gore Mountain in the Adirondacks and at Windham Mountain in the Catskills and from there, Lexington’s adaptive sports participation was born.

The first people who took advantage of the Adaptive Ski program from our agency were from the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) program. That first trip was to Windham Mountain and included Bonnie, four men (including Glenn McKinney) from TBI with three additional staff members. Bonnie said that this first trip was amazing for everyone involved – the people from TBI loved it, and the group found everyone involved from Windham was very accommodating and well trained. Everyone returned from that first trip with smiles and excitement at sharing their story with friends and family.

At the time, Windham had a good program, but for people with disabilities, getting to the ski lodge was rather cumbersome. To get to the adaptive ski area, the group first had to go to the main ski lodge’s

second floor, accessible only by a service elevator, by first having to navigate through the cafeteria and around some corridors. Today, the Adaptive Sports Foundation at Windham Mountain is the largest program of its kind on the East Coast, and is considered one of the top adaptive sports programs in the nation. The program welcomes children and adults with physical and/or cognitive disabilities and chronic illnesses. The program now operates from its own lodge, the Gwen Allard Adaptive Sports Center, which is better accessed by people with disabilities (one floor and located slope side) with its own equipment room and cafeteria. (www.adaptivesportsfoundation.org).

Since that first trip, individuals from Lexington have been able to visit Windham’s Adaptive Skiing program every year – weather permitting. Lexington has a very good relationship and rapport with the Windham Ski program, and the program often lets the agency book special dates and make sure that men and women we support are given the opportunity to visit at least once a year.

Windham’s program provides rentals, lessons and lift tickets all for only $35 per person. The program has available a myriad of adaptive ski equipment - mono skis, bi skis with an outrigger, and a forearm support walker on skis. Not only does the Windham program accommodate people with physical disabilities, but Keith Frasier, a person with visual impairments who is supported by Lexington, was recently able to ski at Windham (pictured). There are Windham instructors who are specially trained to support people with visual impairments by providing verbal “cues” as to when to turn, and

Andrew Platt skis this past January at Windham.

Michael Tybor takes to the

Windham Mountain slopes in January of this

year.

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what to avoid when slushing down the mountain. In fact, all the instructors at Windham are specially trained for each piece of equipment or disability. All equipment is specially fitted to each person who skis and the focus is always on safety.

This past winter, Andrew Platt and Michael Tybor both went to Windham to ski, and were able to wear helmet cams to record their experiences. The video of their ski experience can be viewed on the Lexington website, www.lexingtoncenter.org. The video really imparts on the viewer the pure excitement, elation and euphoria of these two men as they ski Windham Mountain. Both Andrew and Michael had expressed an interest in skiing prior to the trip and were excited to be able to participate.

Men and women we support have been skiing in the Windham Adaptive Ski Program since 2003 – Lexington has participated for ten years and over 20 different people have been able to ski at Windham. As a “Thank You” to Windham’s Adaptive Ski Program, Lexington’s Johnstown Day Program’s Room 11 made a ski poncho especially designed for people who use wheelchairs that they donated to the Windham program.

In the warmer months, people we support also participate in the Y-KNOT Accessible Sailing program on Lake George; the first group of individuals went sailing in 2006. Interest in this program again came from a parent of someone who attends a Lexington program who had taken her son through Y-KNOT and wanted to share the experience with other individuals. Bonnie Reuss researched the program, found it worthwhile and became trained

to participate. One of the advantages of this sailing program is that people who want to participate are not limited by size or physical limitation and each sailing trip can accommodate three or four people with their support staff. Bonnie’s goal is to lead one or two trips per year to the Y-KNOT program.

The Y-KNOT program is truly special because while people are in the boats, the instructors are teaching them all about sailing and the boats, and those participating actually steer the boat and use the sails to navigate. The Y-KNOT program is run entirely by volunteers and all who participate are active and part of the experience. The sailing trip can be taken at a cost of $25 per person with instruction. For more information, visit www.yknot.com.

Bonnie Reuss firmly believes that there is nothing that is out of the question as far as people we support and their wishes to participate in sports. A woman we support has expressed an interest in learning to ride horseback, and Bonnie is doing the research. She says, “If someone wants to learn how to play softball, we will figure out how to make it work. If I can’t figure it out, I know who to call.”

For more information about Lexington’s Adaptive Sports program, contact Bonnie Reuss at (518) 736-3808 or email [email protected].

Maggie Harris participates in the Y-Knot program on Lake George.

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A HOUSE BECOMES A HOME – The Story of O’Neil AvenueIt started as a generous in-kind donation to Lexington. Mr. Karl Miller, of Johnstown, passed away in 2010 and left to Lexington his home on O’Neil Avenue that he had owned with his wife, Helene, since 1948. He had no connection to Lexington other than he respected Lexington’s mission and the work that we do. The house sits on a beautiful 3-acre plot just outside of the city of Johnstown. Marion Bledsoe, a friend of Karl’s and the Executrix of his will, was able to carry out his wishes by contacting Lexington and facilitating the donation.

Within a few weeks of learning about this generous gift, Lexington was asked by OPWDD to support four young men that were graduating from their school program and transitioning to adult life. So, the O’Neil Avenue home came along at the perfect time…and Lexington envisioned that it could become the perfect home for the Baker Road gentlemen. OPWDD agreed to provide funding to renovate the home, so these men could begin their journey as productive members of their community.

When the renovations began to the O’Neil house, the four young men were part of the planning and design. In the building phases, the men visited O’Neil to monitor the progress and so they could start feeling a sense of belonging. During construction, the men and their families spent time picking out paint colors and other details for common areas and their individual bedrooms.

As the big move was slated for October 1, there were a lot of visits to the new home during the last two months before it officially opened. The men wanted to visit once a week, so they did. Ryan, one of the men who was moving in to the house, had a hard time going each time, as he had experienced a hard time transitioning to the Baker Road move. During this last phase, when Ryan finally visited O’Neil Avenue, he fell in love when he walked in. He didn’t want to leave – staff had a hard time getting him to go! What a great “problem” to have!

There were so many rooms in the new home that were “fun” to decorate such as the “Rec Room” on the second floor that everyone likes to congregate in and watch television or play video games. There is a great small room off of the living room near the kitchen that was furnished with a very small table that can

only fit one or two that sits under a window. The men love to eat quietly there as they look out the window at the wooded backyard. And then, the Lexington Foundation got a call about a donation of a piano – would Lexington be able to use it? Immediately, one of the men who were moving to O’Neil, Kenneth, came to mind. He loved to play piano and is very talented….and, the piano was a perfect fit.

At the end of the first day in their new home, Stewart, one of the new residents at O’Neil, said, “I love this house and I love my staff.

Thank you.”

Thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Karl Miller for the generous donation of their home.

Spencer Family Donation -- Two Gracious GiftsIn 2012, Lexington received a special gift from the Estate of Mary Spencer. Mary left a portion of the proceeds from her estate and the gift of her home at 26 Second Avenue, Gloversville. The two-family home has been given to Lexington to use or sell, whichever is most beneficial for Lexington. The transfer of the property has recently been completed and Lexington will now decide how to use this home. Mary made the contribution in honor of her son, John, who currently lives in a

home supported by Lexington.

These are two generous ways that people can support Lexington and affect, in such a positive and direct way, the people that are supported at our agency.

For more information about donating to the Lexington Foundation, contact Foundation Executive Director Wally Hart at (518) 736-3917 or email [email protected].

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Donors to the Lexington Foundation January 1, 2012 to October 1, 2013

Lexington FoundationAnonymous Joseph AgnelliLee and Joann BrewdaNancy FrakerFrank Garwatoski Fulton-Montgomery Community College Gaming Club (Study of Modern Visual Culture)GE Matching Gifts (match for gift from Frank Garwatoski)V.J. and Donna Harwick Knox Family FoundationNew York Central Mutual Insurance Co.Angel PerezJim and Kimberly Post Ronald and Trina Zimmerman

Paul Nigra Center for the Creative Arts Foothills Family ProductionsJohnstown Day HabKristen LevenduskiMy Day My Way/ Evergreen Day ProgramsOtsego County ARCSacandaga Valley Arts NetworkSusan PutmanThomas and Camille Smullen

2012 Lexington Family Services 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk SponsorJaeger & Flynn Assoc. Inc.

2012 Lexington Foundation Fashion Show SponsorsFrontier

2012 Lexington Family Services ConferenceJaeger & Flynn Assoc. Inc.

2013 Lexington Family Services 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk SponsorJaeger & Flynn Assoc. Inc.

2013 Lexington Foundation Fashion Show SponsorsFrontier Lisa QueeneyRuby & QuiriSaratoga Trunk

The Lexington Gala 2012 SponsorsDerby Office Equipment Hill & Markes Lytle & AssociatesQuandt’s Foodservice

Rose & Kiernan, Inc.

The Lexington Gala 2012 DonorsJoseph AgnelliKathleen P. BaronThe Basuk Family Louis and Nancy C. BlanchardMarjorie BoshartVal BradtJoshua BrooksJoan Bryan Rosemary and Henry Jack BuggelnDouglas CountrymanWilhemina CountrymanBill Crankshaw and Wally Hart Kelly Colby and Paul GiudilliFrancis and Phyllis DempseyNancy DesandoJames M. DwyerDr. and Mrs. Rinaldo EspositoNancy FrakerMary GancarzMichael and Donna GendronJim and Linda HinkleDennis HoyerNancy KosinskiNancy Richards and Marcia LaDeauFaith LaFountain William LambdinAnna LanphereNicholas G. LanzaCarol McQuadeSandy Maceyka Barbara MadonnaChristina A. Mauro Nicole MiloVickie MorrisonJim and Kim PostTodd and Donna RulisonPatricia Mary and Arthur J. RiceDan Richardson Madalene SalamackCatherine SchottenhamSusan and Ralph Simon (in memory of Donald Edward Simon)Jacqueline SwattAbby Tavalaro Linda and Allen ThorntonCharles J. TiltonBarbara TreadwellJeanne WilkinsonShaloni WinstonBetty and Sol Wise

Kaleidoscope Day Program/Calendar of Love

AnonymousTeresa BeckerRobert and Kathleen BergmannJeffrey CogswellDennis and Cynthia CoteRichard DomaleskiTom Drumm/T.W. Leather (2012/2013)Tom Drumm (in Memory of William Keegan)Tom Drumm (in Memory of Theresa Ruggerio) M.H. and A.C. FieldsFrank J. and Frank GagliardiBen and Ann GeraghtyBrendan GeraghtyMr. and Mrs. James Geraghty and FamilyJohn, Jennifer, Johny and Paul GeraghtyKevin and Lisa GeraghtyMichael GeraghtyFred and Marie GilbertJessica Goren and Christopher OuelletteGrace HaakeDeb HickockLezabeth JohnstonStephen JonesTim Keegan (2012/2013)W. David and Lee KellyDianne and Martin KierpiecMark KilmerAnnette KimmickElizabeth LauriaLeader-HeraldSandra MaceykaJanet Mayberry (in Memory of Don Simons) Maurice and Susan OuelletteRalph and Elizabeth PietroRocco’s – Worcester, MAGregory and Susan RothermichFrancis and Elizabeth SabaJohn SordilloJoan Suntrup Susan and Ralph Simon (in memory of Donald Edward Simon)Sweeney, Rogers, Geraghty, Inc.James and Jean TierneyDavid Webb

Tributes In Honor of Barbara Treadwell Elizabeth M. Anderson

In Honor of Beate Madnick on her birthday Judy and Stuart Madnick

In Honor of Elisa Madnick (for Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts) Judy and Stuart Madnick

In Honor of Gary and Julie Robbins Jack and Janice Wilson

In Honor of the Wedding of Kevin Tyle and Brian Lavigne Daniel and Wendy Keyser

In Honor of James V. Gargiulo Scott and Lisa McCoy and Family

In Honor of Nancy and Frank Ennis Ernest and Connie Bucknell

In Honor of Nancy Fraker (for Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts) Cheryl Blackwood

In Honor of Tiffany Gosselin Taylor Made Group, LLC. James W. Taylor Living Trust

In Honor of Arlene M. Sitterly on her 90th Birthday Celebration (for Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts) Fred and Marie Gilbert Wally Hart and Bill CrankshawBerry and Mary KnappMary Niles James and Linda Samek Judy SchelleSandra Maceyka

Memorials In Memory of Mary Blowers Beverly J. Blowers

In Memory of Robert G. Boucher Mary and Lena PolenskiTony PolenskiRonald and Trina Zimmerman

In Memory of Tanya BradburyMr. and Mrs. Nestor Bojarczuk, Jr.Elizabeth DannerMattheau and Alycia DavisAnn Marie HammondCarl and Andree JennerMayfield BOCESJean PapaCharles and Tina Travis

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In Memory of Freda Brothers Leader- Herald

In Memory of Ida Cash, Catherine Unislawski Kiwanis Club of Gloversville-Johnstown

In Memory of James and Stella Downing (for Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts) Jennifer and Joseph Gilston, Sr.

In Memory of Betty FancherAnna Lanphere

In Memory of Jim Fox Dr. Ronald and Cynthia Berghoff Betty Jean Buyce Gary and Kathy CollarDominick and Carolyn DarkangeloArthur and Edalenia Davenport Mr. and Mrs. Frank DiMarcoGerald P. and Roseann FitzgeraldJohn and Patty FrancoMary Jane FredericksNellie Georgelos Jim and Betty Hayes Larry L. Huber John L. and Gail A. Maurer Joseph and Frances Mitchell Sylvia G. Parker Anthony and Carol Reppenhangen Barbara ReppenhagenMr. and Mrs. William Robelee Mr. and Mrs. Michael Sandel Mr. and Mrs. Robert Schmidt Jennifer Shaad-DerbyJames and Barbara VanSlambrouckNoel and Sue WingEileen Wrightsman

In Memory of Grace Kerns and DeAnna M. Borrous (for Flame) Heather A. Kennedy Lisa A. Mell

In Memory of Glenn T. McKinney Anna J. ClearDonald G. ClearSuzanne ClearRichard and Sheila GarlenDeborah L. HallMarvin and Ruth HallGary and Mary ParsonsRonald and Jane ParsonsRobert and Regina RaymondBarbara J. SchierlohRobert and Marilyn Surprenant

In Memory of Shirley Marlitt Carole Schwed

In Memory of Mary Jane MerittJohn and Gloria Brilling

John and Robin DaveyRaymond S. DavidAnna LanphereRalph and Gail Willner-Giwerc

In Memory of Paul Nigra – (for Flame)April and Roger IanottiLisa Miller and FamilyRobbie MitchellDuane and Nancy Woodruff

In Memory of Paul Nigra – (for Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts)Marc and Susan BrandtJoan BryanJohn and Carol CastiglioneRichard CrossMichael DelCostelloArthur and Andrea DonahuePatrick DowdBarbara EdwardsenEmployment Resources EmployeesFrancis X. and Nancy L. EnnisDr. Rinaldo EspositoNancy FrakerBrian and Anita HanaburghWally Hart and Bill CrankshawNancy and Anna HladikThomas and Joyce HodgeApril and Roger IannottiJames and Frances JackIrene KnoxNancy KosinskiJoseph KovlerAloysius J. KozlowskiKucel Contractors, Inc.John KuzniaRichard and Sandra LaisHubert and Shirley LehrSandra MaceykaStuart and Judy MadnickLisa Miller and FamilyBarbara NigraKathleen PerryTerry J. PrestonDan Richardson Eric and Maureen SweetAllen and Linda ThorntonFrank VietriShaloni Winston

In Memory of Paul Nigra – (for Lexington Foundation)ARC Foundation of Saratoga CountyARC Rensselaer CountyKarl BlanchardLouis and Nancy BlanchardCarol, Craig and Andrew BrookinsDon Brown Bus Sales, Inc.Madeline BurgosNancy Cannon and Robert ZajacEdward and Kathleen CarangeloPatrick and Sheila ConroyThomas DowdJames Dwyer and Kara Dwyer

SidenerFrancis X. and Nancy L. EnnisWilliam FaubionSteve and Sharon GiffordDonna and Leon GraySandra JacquesMarcia LaDeauLiving Resources CorporationBeate MadnickLisa Miller and FamilyRobbie MitchellJim and Kim PostMadelene SalamackJudy SchelleDoug and Kathy SeigJeremiah and Patricia SheehanDenise SpeddingJames and Leejun TaylorGayle Q. WalrathRoberta R. WeberSusan WhitmanEdward Wilcenski (Wilcenski & Pleat, PLLC)Elise WilsonEllen WoodDr. Alexander YvarsRonald ZimmermanRichard Zuckerwar

In Memory of Jim Rice Michele Ambrosino and Jimmy HarterEdwin and Shirley AnadioBleecker Fish and Game Club (for Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts)Wayne and Mona BlomPatricia BolesTheodore and Kelly BradtBruce and Millie BuschConcordia Singing SocietyDonald Ernst and Flora B. Shafer-ErnstMarjorie FrasierRuth FrasierAnne Marie HammondShirley HollidayElsie T. HumberRobert and Sandra HurlbertPhilip and Bonnie JarosAndree and Carl JennerEric and Tracy KanowskyHarold and Emily KingPeter Leonardi (Halo Sports & Safety, Inc.)John McCarthyScott and Lisa McCoy and FamilyHarry and Doris McIntoshJohn S. MottThomas J. Murray, Jr.Roy and Judy PalmateerMyrna L. Phelps and Karen L. MincklerStephanie Cross RoblesDon and Jean SavageRichard and Joan SmullenThomas M. and Camille A. SmullenLarry and Donna Teetz

Herbert UnislawskiRobert K. and Carol S. WinningCecile ZajaceskowskiJeannine E. Zaluski

In Memory of Verna RoachV.J. and Donna HalwickJudy Schelle and Family

In Memory of Christopher Robbins Rodena and John Bosch Russ Brown John and Rose Brunetto Edward and Nancy Cole Janet and David Hayes Robby Mitchell and Family William and Susan Naple Gary and Julie Robbins Richard and Susan Robbins Patricia J. Schwartz Susan and Marion Smith Debbie Swarczewski and Friends Mrs. Willie M. Valliero Susan Whitman

In Memory of George Sherman Ronald and Trina Zimmerman In Memory of Mary Spencer Russell and Sadye Goodemote

In Memory of Benjamin Suits Konrad and Nancy Langlie Helen F. Suits

In Memory of Christine Marie Swartz Holy Trinity Church Choir

In Memory of Terry Treadwell Norma Jean BradleyJeanne BrutmanRobert and Marilyn CastiglioneCharles and Barbara CorteseCowan Financial GroupJane DesmondEdwin and Jane FeilerNicole FonarowAmil J. and Elaine GarganoDavid and Doris JohnstonLEAP SYSTEMS, Inc.Patricia C. LyonsRobert and Barbara MalfucciScott and Lisa McCoy and FamilyMicah Nessan and Denise LangRuth PerkinsThomas J. and Ann PerkinsAmy RaudenbushCharles Patterson SawyerSterling Resources, LTDBarbara TreadwellFremont P. and Lynn N. Wirth

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2012 Membership SponsorsSUPPORTING MEMBERSJoseph Agnelli (in Memory of Helena Agnelli)Patricia Boucher (in Honor of Robert Boucher)Herbert Boynton (in Memory of Leda L. Boynton)Patricia Brockley Barry Brown Norman and Doris Clo (in Honor of Franklyn Whitney)David M. Connor James DelSavio and Hon. Polly Hoye Derby Office Equipment , Inc.Mary DeWitt (in Memory of John DeWitt)Elizabeth DiCaprio (in Honor of Kelsey E. McCoy)Dr. Gary and Mary DiSanto-Rose Dr. Rinaldo C. Esposito Donald and Delores Fleischut Caroline Hayes (in Memory of Kathy Berry)James Higgins (in Memory of Theodora Higgins)Nancy Hladik (in Honor of Jimmy Hladik; in Memory of John A. and Anna M. Hladik)Thomas and Joyce Hodge (in Honor of H. Thomas Hodge, Jr.)Robert and Sheila Hughes Roland Jeffers (in Honor of Norma Jeffers)Atty. David Jung Peter and Nancy Jung (in Honor of H. Peggy Gifford)Laurence Kelly Maureen Kelly (in Memory of Carol Ann Kelly)Aloysius J. Kozlowski Patricia and Nicholas LanzaFrances LoCascio Brian and Renee Mackey Thomas and Sally McKinney Andrew Marino (in Honor of Michael Ossip)Friederike Moncsko Dr. William S. and Linda Nelson Mary Niles George Pappas (in Memory of Nicholas and Panagiota Pappas)Jeffrey Platt Peter Platt Jim and Kim Post Katherine J. Preston Martin and Valerie Pulver (in Memory of Ethel Brooks and in Honor of Sharon Pulver)Judy Schelle Janice Schuster Arlene M. Sitterly Clayton and Jane Sitterly Manuel Soifer James and Veronica Swart (in

Honor of Madison Swart)Jonathan and Tara Sweet Thomas Urdang Gayle Q. Walrath Elise Wilson (in Memory of Peter S. Wilson)Robert and Kathleen Womer

SPONSORS Donald and Ruth Hall Dr. Brij SaranCamille and Tom Smullen

PATRONSRichard and Katie BarronDonna A. Caniano, M.D. and Barbara M. Caniano Lee and Richard Lindstrom and Sarah HulettMohawk Valley Group of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney (Ron Zimmerman)Palmer Pharmacy William and Winnie Pollak (in Memory of Michael Pollak)Ronald and Trina Zimmerman

BENEFACTORS Francis X. and Nancy L. Ennis Nicholas Karl (in Memory of Charles N. Karl)William H. St. Thomas Family FoundationBarbara Treadwell Shaloni Winston

2013 Membership SponsorsVictor BasileoPaul and Marny BoardwayPatricia Brockley (in Honor of Ruth Dixon)Maria DiehlMargaret DowseClark and Jeanne EasterlyVirginia EasterlyJudith Eddy Barbara EdwardsenNeal and Diane Fisher (in Honor of Alrene Fisher) John and Patty FranceJohn GheeRudy HladikElisa (Madnick) HymanSeth (Madnick) MartinRobert and Jeanne JohnsonMarty and Dorsey KrempaHelen LaFountainCarol LarterPete and Shirley LeherYvonne MasorScott, Lisa, Kieran, Kelsey McCoyCheryl McGrattanMarvin Jr., Cathy, Marvin III MeherMildren Morgan (in Memory of Irene Gresko) Karen Palmateer (in Honor of

Lorinda Palmateer) Todd and Donna RulisonClara Sammarco (in Honor of David Gifford)Albert Sanges Deborah SanJuan Steve Schloicka Arlene Sitterly David and Sarah SlingerlandsNancy SmithJacqueline SwattMr. & Mrs. Michael Tibbetts John and Carolyn Tierney Gary and Colleen Ulrich Ernest and Erma VoorheesGeorge Walver III Duane and Nancy Woodruff Elizabeth Zimmerman

SUPPORTING MEMBERS ($100-$249)Joseph AgnelliDominick and Cheryl BaggettaDonna CanianoNorman and Doris Clo (in Honor of Franklyn Whitney)Patrick and Aimee DowdMark and Debra FinkleDavid and Nancy DeuelElizabeth DiCaprio (in Honor of Kelsey Elizabeth McCoy) Donald and Dolores FleischutBarbara GaneyFrank and Margaret GarwatoskiFred and Marie GilbertPatrick and Valarie GilesBrian and Anita HanaburghCarolyn Hayes (in Memory of Kathy Berry)James Higgins (in Memory of Theodora Higgins)Nancy HladikThomas and Joyce HodgeRobert and Sheila HughesRobert and Sandy Hurlbert (in Memory of Deb Towne)Carl and Andree JennerLora JohnstonLaurence KellyWendy and Daniel Keyser (in Honor of Michael Keyser)Nancy KosinskiJohn KuzniaRichard and Sandy Lais (in Memory of Paul Nigra)Thomas and Sally McKinney (in Memory of Glenn McKinney) Stuart and Judy Madnick (in Memory of George and Mynn Madnick)Friederike MoncskoShirley Nellis (in Memory of Donna Holland)Mary NilesKathleen Perry (in Memory of Jim Reyes and Paul Nigra)Jeffrey Platt (in Memory of Natalie and Edward Platt)Peter Platt (in Memory of Natalie

and Edward Platt)Jim and Kim PostRalph, Kathy and Rebecca PrestonBrett and Suzette RemondaAlan and Terrie RobbinsLisa QueeneyJudy SchelleFrances SchneiderJanice Schuster (in Honor of John Schuster)Manuel Soifer (in Honor of Karen Soifer)Roland SteffersThomas UrdangElena WillettRalph and Terry Williams (in Memory of Mary Ann Neator)Elise Wilson (in Memory of Peter S. Wilson)

SPONSORS ($250-$499)Richard and Katie BarronDr. Jeffrey BernsteinJames DwyerDerby Office EquipmentDr. Rinaldo and Roberta EspositoKathleen M. EglyEgelston Carpentry, LLCDavid MillerDr. Brij SaranThomas and Camille Smullen

PATRONS ($500-$999) Louis and Nancy BlanchardRobert and Priscilla FergusonWally HartOtto and Dorothea KimmelLeonora LinstromSandra MaceykaApril PerezWilliam Pollak (in Memory of Michael Pollak)Daniel RichardsonRonald and Patrina Zimmerman

BENEFACTORS ($1,000 and up) Francis X. and Nancy L. EnnisGloversville Funeral Service – Brian Mackey (in Memory of Paul Nigra)Karl NickShaloni Winston

Gifts In KindKathleen Derwin (to Kaleidoscope Day Hab)Sarah Lathrop (Early Intervention Program) Karl Miller (O’Neil Avenue, Johnstown home) – Executrix Marion BledsoeMary Spencer (24 Second Ave., Gloversville home) in Memory of son John Spencer

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Lexington honoring the legacy of Paul Nigra with the development of a Center for Creative Arts

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts (PNC) is being developed to honor Lexington’s late executive director, Paul Nigra, who served the agency and people supported for 42 years. Paul was a tireless advocate for the men and woman at Lexington and he had a passion for music and the arts. One of Paul’s greatest achievements was the creation of the band FLAME and the message they spread across the globe on behalf of men and women with disabilities. Paul celebrated their abilities and cheered them on as they performed hundreds of concerts annually and recorded four CDs.

Lexington has committed to developing a community Center for Creative Arts to honor Paul and to create opportunities where the men and women can collaborate with other artists and musicians. The PNC will be a permanent studio for FLAME and will also offer opportunities for other musicians. The PNC will also be home to studios for painting, photography, pottery and other visual and performing arts.

Since April 2012, the Lexington Foundation has raised $175,000 towards the goal for this project. We will continue to fundraise and build support for this worthy project as we complete our plans and select from the sites and options we have been exploring for the PNC. The Lexington Foundation has committed at least $100,000 to this project and will seek grants and serve as the main fundraiser for the Paul Nigra Center.

Throughout the last year, many of our employees and the people we support have held fundraisers to benefit the PNC. In addition, many community members continue to make gifts to the Lexington Foundation specifically earmarked for the Paul Nigra Center in his honor. We will continue to work diligently to raise the necessary funds to develop a community center which would make Paul proud. For more information about this project or to make a contribution contact Wally Hart, Executive Director, Lexington Foundation, [email protected] or 518-736-3917.

report to our communityrkosowicz-graphics.com/...2013_annual_report.pdf · in 2013, as we look back...

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