October 28 , 2009, 2:38 p.m.
Sons of Italy's 8th annual BT's Halloween Bash raises money for Ontario ARC

The Sons of Italy's 8th annual BT's Halloween Bash raised $350 for Ontario ARC's programs and services that are not funded by Medicaid. BT -- also known as Bob Taddario -- is an enclave supervisor with the agency and vice president of the Geneva Sons of Italy.

"We'd like to thank Bob for thinking of Ontario ARC and having the agency be the recipient of such a generous gift from the Sons of Italy," says Bill Castglione, Ontario ARC's executive director.

October 27 , 2009, 11:57 a.m.
Kris Ruppersberger featured in Finger Lakes Times

Ontario ARC participant Kris Ruppersberger was featured in the Sunday, Oct. 25 edition of the Finger Lakes Times, highlighting his time at the agency's College Experience Program and his job with Hobart and William Smith Colleges' human resources department. Read the entire story.

October 23 , 2009, 2:09 p.m.
Geneva Harley-Davidson raffling motorcycle to benefit Ontario ARC

Geneva Harley-Davidson will begin selling raffle tickets for a 2010 Harley-Davidson FXDB (Street Bob) during its open house on Oct. 23, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.  A portion of the raffle’s proceeds will be donated to Ontario ARC for its services and programs.  Tickets are on sale until June 11, 2010 are $25 each. The drawing will be held at Geneva Harley-Davidson on June 12, 2010.
                          
In addition, the raffle will also have cash prizes for its second and third place winners – $500 and $250, respectively. To purchase tickets, stop by or contact Geneva Harley-Davidson -- 1103 Routes 5 & 20, Geneva or 315-789-7976.  Tickets can also be purchased by contacting Donna Auria (ext. 191) or Allison Cassara (ext. 123) at the agency, 585-394-7500.

Geneva Harley-Davidson has proudly supported Ontario ARC since 1966.

October 9 , 2009, 10:12 a.m.
Ontario ARC's "Exploring Expressions" brings out local community to Rio Tomatlan

Last night, Ontario ARC held its opening reception for "Exploring Expressions" -- a selection of masks created by participants in its Creative Expressions program at Rio Tomatlan on Beeman Street in Canandaigua. More than 90 masks created by nearly 70 artists will be on display until Oct. 31.

Based out of the agency's Eberhardt Center, the Creative Expressions program includes artistic, musical, and horticultural aspects that specialize in assisting individuals with developmental disabilities achieve goals based in the creative arts.

October 6 , 2009, 10:12 a.m.
Celebrating National Disability Employment Month

President Barack Obama signed a proclamation declaring October as "National Disability Employment Month," recommitting his adminstration to implementing effective policy and practises that increase employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

To date, Ontario ARC has placed 31 individuals in community-based employment opportunities. This record number of placements is up an astounding 63 percent from last year, signifying a major milestone in the agency's history and vocational program.

"The key to our accomplishments is strong relationships with local business and earning their trust," says Michele Wistner, director of Abbey Industries. "As a result, we provide opportunities for people that may not be afforded through the traditional job search."

In addition, agency representatives have been utilizing established relationships through the Board of Directors and Advisory Board, as well as presenting vocational services to area employers, to find matches for participants.

October 5 , 2009, 9:35 p.m.
Ontario ARC issues Fall 2009 edition of ARC Notes

To keep chapter members, as well as Ontario County residents, up to speed with the fast pace of the agency, Ontario ARC has released its Fall 2009 issue of ARC Notes. This quarter's edition features information about the recent opening of the Hickox Road residences, vocational placements, and a wrap-up of "Cruisin' for a Cause." Click here to read the Fall 2009 issue. To view any additional publications, including ARC Apple and ARC Connection, please go to our newsletter section.

October 2 , 2009, 3:52 p.m.
Agency celebrates grand opening of Geneva Presbyterian Church Community Learning Center

Ontario ARC's Geneva Presbyterian Church Community Learning Center (CLC) celebrated its grand opening on Tuesday, Sept. 29 with a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house. With the opening of its latest site, the agency has seven community learning centers throughout Ontario County, which provide individuals with developmental disabilities the opportunity to become involved in their communities through volunteer work and recreational outings.

In addition to the ceremony, the Rev. James Gerling -- Ontario ARC board member and pastor of the Geneva Presbyterian Church -- dedicated the CLC's room to Janice Boyle, a 40-year member of the agency's board of directors who passed away in 2007. Janice's son Bruce, a participant at the CLC, was on-hand to receive the plaque and hang it outside of the room.