Site Map
July 2010
SUMMER
SCHEDULE: COMMUNITY ART WORKSHOPS SEEK PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
The Opportunities Unlimited of
Niagara Foundation is continuing to host art workshops through September led by
professional artists, with limited openings for community participation. All workshops are
open to the public and a nominal fee may be charged for supplies. Community
participants must pre-register by contacting Marcia Ross at 434-4050 ext. 417.
During the 90-minute workshops,
local artists will teach basic skills in various media including painting, photography,
printmaking, and papermaking to people with developmental disabilities served by
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara and interested community members. This year,
workshops are planned at Opportunities Unlimited sites as well as Niagara University’s
Castellani Art Gallery, the Market Street Art Center, the Kenan Center, Our Lady of Peace
Nursing Home, and the Lockport Library.
These art education workshops
are designed to develop the artistic abilities within people with intellectual and other
developmental disabilities, while promoting community integration through the inclusion of
the participants and volunteers from the public at each session.
These workshops are made
possible, in part, with funds from the Arts Niagara Decentralization Program, a regrant
program of the New York State Council on the Arts, administered by the Tonawandas’
Council on the Arts/Carnegie Art Center. Additional funds were provided by
Target, as part of their ongoing support provided to local communities throughout the
country.
The remaining workshops are
scheduled as follows:
|
Tuesday, July 20th, 10:00
-11:30 AM, Artist: Carol Rafferty, Media: Paper Making, Location: 1555 Fashion Outlet
Blvd, Niagara Falls, NY |
|
Monday, July 26th,
12:30-2 PM, Artist: Carol Rafferty, Media: Paper Making, Location: 107 Heath Street Lockport,
NY |
|
Wednesday, July 28th, 10:00
-11:30 AM, Artist: Carol Rafferty, Media: Paper Making, Location: 2510 Niagara Falls
Boulevard, Niagara Falls, NY |
|
Monday, August 17th,
10:00-11:30 AM, Artist/Media: TBA, Location: Kenan Center, Lockport, NY |
|
Wednesday, August 25th,
10:00-11:30 AM, Artist/Media: TBA, Location: 2510 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Niagara Falls,
NY |
|
Monday, September 13th,
10:00-11:30 AM, Artist/Media: Glass Fusion, Location: 107 Heath Street Lockport, NY |
Other workshops will be scheduled
and information will be updated at this website. Watch for more details.
For more than 50 years,
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara has been providing training, employment, residential,
recreation, health-related and support services to people with intellectual and other
developmental disabilities, from newborn to seniors, and their families. The
mission of the Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara Foundation is to provide a long-term
source of financial support that ensures people with developmental disabilities have
opportunities toward independence and integration within the community.
Gala Spotlight:
Celebrating Growing Success
The Opportunities Unlimited
of Niagara Annual Awards Dinner and Gala was held in May sponsored by KeyBank and John
Masters Organics, and emceed by Maryalice Demler, news anchor for WGRZ-TV. Under the
direction of the event co-chairs Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara Foundation Board
Member Pat Minarcin and Betsy Higgins, member of both the Opportunities Unlimited of
Niagara Agency and Foundation Boards of Directors at the time the celebration, brought
together more than 400 guests as awards were presented to program participants with
developmental disabilities, employees and community friends. Jim Woodruff, president of
the board of directors, remarked, “We applaud all of the achievements of our
participants. The agency provides the resources to reach their greatest potential. Each
step of the way, we – volunteers, parents and employees – admire their
successes.”
“Meanwhile, as we
continue to focus on educating and training our dedicated employees, we applaud their
personal and professional growth. We admire the level of energy and enthusiasm they
bring to enhancing the lives of our participants each and every day,” commented
Connie S. Brown, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara executive director.
“Businesses, organizations and volunteers who enhance the lives of individuals with
disabilities were also recognized for contributions to the agency and the
foundation,” added Brown.
Program Participants of the Year ~ Scott Stives - Day Habilitation; Evelyn Lutter - Day
Services; Anne Marie Adcock - P.A.R.T.N.E.R.S. in Employment; Jackie Gayle -
Residential/ICF’s; Rickey Moore - Supportive Services and Christopher Rifenbark -
Vocational Services
 |
Employees of the Year - Direct Care Professionals ~ John
Davisson, Jr. and Beverly Stewart |
|
Employee of the Year – Manager ~ Adam Andrzejczyk |
|
Business of the Year Award ~ Niagara Falls Aviation |
|
Rainbow of Opportunities Award ~ Niagara University |
|
Family Recognition Award ~ Reger and Conlin Families |
|
Volunteer of the Year Award ~ Dan Antonucci |
Click here
to read all of the details about the honorees.
For over half a century, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, a United Way agency, has
provided rehabilitation and supportive services to people with developmental disabilities
of all ages and their families. We are dedicated to maximizing the quality of life
for individuals with disabilities by providing them the resources to reach their greatest
potential including training, employment, recreation, service coordination and residential
opportunities.
July 1, 2010
Roxane Albond-Buchner, Manager of Communications
ralbond@opportunitiesunlimited.org
297-6400 ext. 332 (W)
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara Announces Election of Agency Board and
Nominating Committee
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, which has been assisting people with developmental
disabilities across Niagara County for more than 50 years, recently elected its 2010-2011
board members, officers and nominating committee at the Annual Membership Meeting &
Volunteer Recognition Breakfast. At least one-third of the board members must be a
parent, sibling or advocate of a person with a disability. The event held on June 30
was sponsored by Independent Health and the Sertoma Club of Niagara Falls.
Jeff Streb, Nominating Committee chair, announced the election of the following
officers to one-year terms: president, Jim Woodruff, Christ the King Church (advocate);
first vice president, Steve Bertini, Wegmans (parent); second vice president, Therese Mudd
(advocate); treasurer, Donald H. Smith, Smith Brothers Construction Co. (parent);
recording secretary, Marie-Therese Frieri (parent), and corresponding secretary, Betsy
Higgins, LMSW, Niagara University/Niagara County Community College. Streb also
announced the approval of the slate of directors for three-year terms of office: Peter
Greisler; Patricia Minarcin (parent); Marsha Piccirillo; Jeanne Schmidt, W.J. Cox
Associates, Inc.(family member); Jeff Streb, Ingram Micro; Melissa Tower, Wilson Central School
and Whitney Vantine, Tonawanda City School District.
Nominating Committee members elected are: Stephanie Cowart, Niagara Falls Housing
Authority; Katharine Guthrie, Orleans Niagara BOCES; Betsy Higgins, LMSW, Niagara
University/Niagara County Community College; Loretta Madia, Niagara University; Patricia
Minarcin (parent) and Don Rappold, Lewiston-Porter Central School District.
Continuing directors are: Mark Barry, Lockport Memorial Hospital; Linda Conlin
(parent/sibling); Steve LaRock (parent); Paul Masters (parent) and Dorothy Repetski
(parent).
For over half a century, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, a United Way agency, has
provided habilitation and supportive services to people with developmental disabilities of
all ages and their families across Niagara County and neighboring communities. We
are dedicated to maximizing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities by
providing them the resources to reach their greatest potential including training,
employment, recreation, service coordination and residential opportunities.
June 2010
June 25,
2010
Kristen Cook
(W) 297-6400 x 382
SUMMER IN THE CITY
FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
Taboo Restaurant, 80 Main Street
in Lockport, is hosting the Summer in the City fundraiser to benefit the Opportunities
Unlimited of Niagara Foundation on Wednesday, July 14, from 5 – 9 p.m.
Tickets are on sale for $5 each
and may be purchased pre-sale at Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, 107 Heath Street in Lockport
or at the door. The event includes a basket auction, lottery tree raffle –
valued at $150, door prizes and finger foods. There will also be live entertainment
on the patio.
All proceeds benefit the Foundation and its life-changing work with more than 800
people with developmental disabilities across Niagara County. For additional
information or to purchase tickets call (716) 297-6400, ext. 382 or kcook@opportunitiesunlimited.org .
June 3, 2010
Roxane
Albond-Buchner, Manager of Communications, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara
(716) 297-6400, ext. 332 (W)
ralbond@opportunitiesunlimited.org
MOUNT ST.
MARY’S HOSPITAL AND HEALTH CENTER PROMOTES ARTISTIC ABILITIES WITH NEW COLLECTION
FROM Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara
An
artwork collection created by Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara artists was dedicated and
blessed on June 3, 2010, at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital and Health Center in Lewiston.
The works were created by people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities
during fine arts classes offered at the three day program locations at Opportunities
Unlimited of Niagara. These pieces now adorn the walls of the connecting hallway
that links the main hospital building with the Primary Care Office and Medical Arts Building.
“This
collection of work by the artists at Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara reflects
choice-making and exploration of art media,” offered Marcia Ross, Opportunities
Unlimited of Niagara fine arts coordinator “The movement of ink through wet
paper, brush strokes and creating shapes in the creation of mono-prints, all inspire the
artists in the process of their art-making.”
The nearly 1,300
associates of Mount St. Mary’s Hospital and Health Center and leadership welcomed
this first collection of artwork and the artists during the opening reception.
“We have
hundreds of people in our facility everyday for a wide array of services,” said
Judith A. Maness, Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital and Health Care Center president and chief
executive officer. “Giving them the opportunity to enjoy works of art from
talented individuals is a bonus. Plus, those of us who are here everyday get to
enjoy them.”
Opportunities
Unlimited of Niagara is pleased to present this collection of work to the public and thank
Mount St. Mary’s Hospital for their generosity in providing this space to celebrate
our artists. We look forward to introducing the community to a variety of art over the
coming months. Click here
for area print media coverage of the event. To view video click here.
For over half a
century, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, a United Way agency, has provided
rehabilitation and supportive services to people with intellectual and other developmental
disabilities of all ages and their families. We are dedicated to maximizing the
quality of life for individuals with disabilities by providing them the resources to reach
their greatest potential including training, employment, recreation, service coordination
and residential opportunities.
For information on
the services of the agency or to schedule a tour the agency for you and your family,
please call Lori Flaugher at 504-2617 ext. 230.
May 2010
May 2010
REVISED SCHEDULE: COMMUNITY ART WORKSHOPS SEEK PUBLIC
PARTICIPATION
The
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara Foundation is hosting art workshops from April to
September led by professional artists, with limited openings for community participation.
These workshops are made possible, in part, with funds from the Arts Niagara
Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts,
administered by the Tonawandas’ Council on the Arts/Carnegie Art Center.
Additional funds were provided by Target, as part of their ongoing support provided to
local communities throughout the country.
All
workshops are open to the public and a nominal fee may be charged for supplies.
Community participants must pre-register by contacting Marcia Ross at 434-4050 ext. 417.
During
the 90-minute workshops, local artists will teach basic skills in various media including
painting, photography, printmaking, and papermaking to people with developmental
disabilities served by Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara and interested community
members. This year, workshops are planned at Opportunities Unlimited sites as well
as Niagara University’s Castellani Art Gallery, the Market Street Art Center, the Kenan
Center, Our Lady of Peace Nursing Home, and the Lockport Library.
These
art education workshops are designed to develop the artistic abilities within people with
intellectual and other developmental disabilities, while promoting community integration
through the inclusion of the participants and volunteers from the public at each session.
The
workshops are scheduled as follows:
|
Tuesday,
May 18th, 10:00-11:30 AM, Artist: Florence Hengst, Media: Landscape Painting, Location:
1555 Fashion Outlet Blvd, Niagara Falls, NY (NEW DATE)
|
|
Wednesday,
May 19th, 9:00-11:30 AM, Artist: Cheryl Hamilton, Media: Printmaking, Location: 2510 Niagara
Falls Boulevard, Niagara Falls, NY
|
|
Monday,
June 7th, 9:30-11:00 AM, Artist: Candace Keegan, Media: Painting/collage, Location:
Lockport Library, 23 East Ave, Lockport, NY
|
|
Tuesday,
June 15th, 9:30-11:00 AM, Artist: Ann Romanello, Media: Glass Fusing, Location: 1555
Fashion Outlet Blvd, Niagara Falls, NY
|
|
Wednesday,
June 23rd, 9:30-11:00 AM, Artist: Mary Louse Campbell, Media: Printmaking, Location: Camp Happiness,
8571 Lower Lake Road, Barker, NY 14012
|
|
Monday,
July 12th, 1:00-2:30 PM, Artist: Carol Rafferty, Media: Paper Making, Location: 107 Heath
Street Lockport, NY
|
|
Tuesday,
July 20th, 10:00 -11:30 AM, Artist: Carol Rafferty, Media: Paper Making, Location: 1555
Fashion Outlet Blvd, Niagara Falls, NY
|
|
Wednesday,
July 28th, 10:00 -11:30 AM, Artist: Carol Rafferty, Media: Paper Making, Location:
2510 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Niagara Falls, NY
|
|
Monday,
August 17th, 10:00-11:30 AM, Artist/Media: TBA, Location: Kenan Center, Lockport, NY
|
|
Wednesday,
August 25th, 10:00-11:30 AM, Artist/Media: TBA, Location: 2510 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Niagara
Falls, NY
|
|
Monday,
September 13th, 10:00-11:30 AM, Artist/Media: Glass Fusion, Location: 107 Heath Street Lockport,
NY
|
Other workshops will be
scheduled and information will be updated at this website. Watch for more details.
For more than 50 years,
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara has been providing training, employment, residential,
recreation, health-related and support services to people with intellectual and other
developmental disabilities, from newborn to seniors, and their families. The mission
of the Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara Foundation is to provide a long-term source of
financial support that ensures people with developmental disabilities have opportunities
toward independence and integration within the community.
May 3, 2010
Roxane Albond-Buchner, Manager of Communications
(716) 297-6400 X332 or ralbond@opportunitiesunlimited.org
NIAGARA FLORAL CENTER AND GREENHOUSE AT
OPPORTUNITIES UNLIMITED OF NIAGARA ANNOUNCES THE KARAT DIG MAY 26
The Karat Dig: A Garden and Home Décor Raffle to be held
Wednesday, May 26, 2010, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara’s
Wheatfield location, 2510 Niagara Falls Blvd., between Sy and Witmer Roads. KeyBank
is sponsoring the evening. Admission is $10 per person (check or cash) and includes the
first 25 basket auction tickets. Tickets are only available at the door, there are
no pre-sale tickets.
The Garden and Home Décor basket auction features more than
75 upscale baskets, each valued at $50 or more. Items include garden tools,
landscape items, a barbeque, original art work, and indoor and outdoor decorations.
The Karat Dig challenges you to scoop up one of many pieces of vintage jewelry.
Additional raffles for cash and other great items! Special Door Prize - Wear your
favorite garden hat and/or agency logo item apparel to be entered into a drawing for a
special door prize.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Niagara Floral Center
and Greenhouse, which offers training and horticulture therapy to people with
developmental disabilities. These individuals nurture the plants and create the
arrangements that will also be for sale that evening and are available year-round.
For over half a century, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara,
a United Way agency, has provided rehabilitation and supportive services to people with
developmental disabilities of all ages and their families. We are dedicated to
maximizing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities by providing them the
resources to reach their greatest potential including training, employment, recreation,
service coordination and residential opportunities. For more information call
504-2617.
May 7, 2010
Roxane Albond-Buchner
ralbond@opportunitiesunlimited.org
MAY 21 ANNUAL GALA & AWARDS DINNER HONORS ACHIEVEMENTS OF OPPORTUNITIES UNLIMITED
OF NIAGARA PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS, EMPLOYEES AND COMMUNITY FRIENDS
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara will celebrate the theme "Growing Success"
at the Annual Awards Dinner & Gala on Friday, May 21st, at the Niagara Falls Conference
Center, 101 Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls, sponsored by KeyBank, NA and John Masters
Organics. “Individuals with developmental disabilities and employees will be
honored for their achievements over the past year,” announced Connie S. Brown,
executive director. “Businesses, organizations and volunteers who enhance
the lives of individuals with disabilities will also be recognized for contributions to
the agency and the foundation,” added Brown.
The Rainbow of Opportunities Award is given for significant contributions of time and
talent, exemplifying concern and devotion to the quality of service for people with
developmental disabilities. This year’s award will be presented to Niagara University
for their outstanding support of Opportunities Unlimited programming.
The Volunteer of the Year Award will be given to Dan Antonucci for his dedication to
making fundraising events, including Golf Raffle and the Niagara Open, successful.
The Business of the Year Award is given for demonstrated interest, concern and support
in employing people with disabilities. This year’s award goes to Niagara Falls
Aviation for their willingness to provide a positive, supportive work environment for
Opportunities Unlimited program participants.
The Family Recognition Award recognizes a family who has demonstrated leadership
skills, contribution of time and talent, and set the example of others to follow in
serving the agency and individuals with disabilities. This year, the award goes to
the Reger and Conlin families of Lockport, who have given their time and resources to
Opportunities Unlimited for several decades.
Program Participants of the Year awards recognize individuals from each of the agency's
program areas for the personal growth they have achieved over the past year. The
winners are: Scott Stives, Day Habilitation; Evelyn Lutter, Day Services; Jackie Gayle,
Residential; Anne Marie Adcock, P.A.R.T.N.E.R.S./Supported Employment; Rickey Moore,
Supportive Services; and Christopher Rifenbark, Vocational Services.
John Davisson, Beverly Stewart, Adam Andrzejczyk, employees who have made a substantial
contribution to the lives of the agency’s participants, programming, and the image of
the agency will also be honored.
The co-chairs for this year’s event are Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara
Foundation Board Member Pat Minarcin and Betsy Higgins, member of both the Opportunities
Unlimited of Niagara Agency and Foundation Boards of Directors. Tickets are $45 per person
and include dinner and dancing. The emcee will be Maryalice Demler, Anchor for
WGRZ-TV. For more information, call 297-6400 ext. 335.
For over half a century, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, a United Way agency, has
provided rehabilitation and supportive services to people with developmental disabilities
of all ages and their families. We are dedicated to maximizing the quality of life
for individuals with disabilities by providing them the resources to reach their greatest
potential including training, employment, recreation, service coordination and residential
opportunities.
Contact: Kim
Palermo, DDDay Chairperson: (716) 896-2180, ext. 143
DEVELOPMENTAL
DISABILITIES AWARENESS DAY THE LARGEST CONFERENCE OF ITS TYPE IN THE USA! - Thursday, May
27, 2010
The 22nd Annual Developmental
Disabilities Awareness Day conference will be held on Thursday, May 27, 2010, from 8:00 am
- 4:00 pm at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center.
This event, which is open to the
public, will bring together approximately 2,000 people including individuals with
developmental disabilities and their families, human service agency representatives and
local officials to explore current issues in the field. The day will include speakers,
workshops, vendor exhibits, and provide information on the many services available to
people with developmental disabilities living in the Western New York community.
This year’s key note
speaker is Rachel Simon, author of the best selling book, “Riding the Bus with My
Sister: A True Life Journey”. In 2002, her book was made into a television Hallmark
Hall of Fame movie, starring Rosie O’Donnell and Andie McDowell.
Commissioner Diana Jones Ritter
- NYS Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities will be in attendance to
promote the innovative and high quality work that is being done in WNY to support
individuals with developmental disabilities and to celebrate the committed staff that
supports them.
Other special events include an Art
Gallery featuring local artists (visit with Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara’s new
art instructor Marcia Ross and view art created by our program participants) and an
Internet Café where classes in basic computer skills will be offered. Entertainment will
be provided by local dance, poetry, and musical performances throughout the day, including
Universal Mind who will perform at 3:45 pm.
May 6, 2010
Kristen Cook
(W) 297-6400 ext. 382
OPPORTUNITIES
UNLIMITED OF NIAGARA FOUNDATION’S NIAGARA OPEN GOLF TOURNAMENT SCHEDULED FOR MONDAY,
JUNE 14
The Opportunities Unlimited
of Niagara Foundation’s 26th Annual Niagara Open Golf Tournament to benefit people
with developmental disabilities is scheduled for Monday, June 14, at the Niagara Frontier
Country Club, 1058 Lake Road in Youngstown. The four-person scramble tournament,
sponsored by Upstate Pharmacy, Ltd., begins at 12:30 p.m. with a shotgun start.
Kathy Cassetta of Cassetta
Agency Inc., Anne Cooper of Cooper Planning Group and Joanne Pearl-Barbati of JM
Management Services are the co-chairs of this year’s event. The entry fee is
$175 per golfer, which includes greens fees for 18 holes of golf, a cart, lunch,
beverages, a one-hour cocktail reception, dinner, give-a-ways, raffles and contests.
Reservations may also be made for cocktails, dinner and the auction for $50 per
person that begins at 6 p.m.
Additional leading sponsors
include KeyBank, FCS Administrators, Inc., Coca-Cola Bottling Company and the Seneca
Niagara Casino & Hotel. Ray Laks Acura is the sponsor of the hole in one
contest, during which participants will have the chance to win a new Acura.
For more information
regarding registration contact the Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara Foundation Office,
at 297-6400, ext. 382, or visit the agency’s website at www.opportunitiesunlimited.org.
The mission of Opportunities
Unlimited of Niagara Foundation is to provide a long-term source of financial support that
ensures people with developmental disabilities have opportunities toward independence and
integration within the community.
April 2010
April 12, 2010
Roxane Albond-Buchner, Manager of Communications
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara
(716) 297-6400 ext. 332 (W)
ralbond@opportunitiesunlimited.org
NIAGARA FLORAL CENTER AND GREENHOUSE AT OPPORTUNITIES UNLIMITED OF
NIAGARA HOLDS MOTHER’S DAY FLORAL SALE
The Niagara Floral Center and Greenhouse at Opportunities Unlimited
of Niagara is accepting Mother’s Day floral sale orders through Tuesday, April 27
featuring wrapped bouquets, violets, flowers arranged in baskets and tropical house plants
in baskets ranging from $12.99 to $30. Returning for 2010 is a window box with mixed
annuals for $35 to be picked up later in the month (May 28). People with
developmental disabilities who participate in the agency’s horticulture therapy
program create all items.
Mother’s Day orders may be placed in person at the Niagara
Floral Center and Greenhouse located at Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara’s 2510
Niagara Falls Boulevard, Wheatfield site from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through
Friday, or by phone at 504-2617 ext. 244. Pick-up locations are at the greenhouse
from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, May 7 and from 8:30 a.m. - Noon Saturday, May 8 or at
the agency’s 107 Heath Street site, Lockport from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, May 7.
To download an order form, click here.
Proceeds from all sales benefit the Niagara Floral Center and
Greenhouse, which offers training and horticulture therapy to 150 individuals with
developmental disabilities each week. These individuals nurture the plants and
create the arrangements for sale.
For over half a century, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, a United Way agency, has
provided rehabilitation and supportive services to people with developmental disabilities
of all ages and their families. We are dedicated to maximizing the quality of life
for individuals with disabilities by providing them the resources to reach their greatest
potential including training, employment, recreation, service coordination, family
supports and residential opportunities.
April 9, 2010
Roxane Albond-Buchner 297-6400
ralbond@opportunitiesunlimited.org
COMMUNITY ART WORKSHOPS SEEK PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
The Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara Foundation is
hosting art workshops from April to September led by professional artists, with limited
openings for community participation. These workshops are made possible, in part,
with funds from the Arts Niagara Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New
York State Council on the Arts, administered by the Tonawandas’ Council on the
Arts/Carnegie Art Center. Additional funds were provided by Target, as part of their
ongoing support provided to local communities throughout the country.
All workshops are open to the public and a nominal fee may
be charged for supplies. Community participants must pre-register by contacting
Marcia Ross at 434-4050 ext. 417.
During the 90-minute workshops, local artists will teach
basic skills in various media including painting, photography, printmaking, and
papermaking to people with developmental disabilities served by Opportunities Unlimited of
Niagara and interested community members. This year, workshops are planned at
Opportunities Unlimited sites as well as Niagara University’s Castellani Art Gallery,
the Market Street Art Center, the Kenan Center, Our Lady of Peace Nursing Home, and the
Lockport Library.
These art education workshops are designed to develop the
artistic abilities within people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities,
while promoting community integration through the inclusion of the participants and
volunteers from the public at each session.
The workshops are scheduled as follows:
- Friday, April
30th, 10:00-11:30 AM, Artist: Ellen Comerford, Media: Painting, Location: Castellani Art Gallery,
Niagara University, Lewiston, NY
- Monday, May 3rd,
1:00-2:30 PM, Artist: Ann Romanello, Media: Glass Fusing, Location: 107 Heath Street, Lockport,
NY
- Tuesday, May 11th,
10:00-11:30 AM, Artist: Florence Hengst, Media: Landscape Painting, Location: 1555 Fashion
Outlet Blvd, Niagara Falls, NY
- Wednesday, May
19th, 9:00-11:30 AM, Artist: Cheryl Hamilton, Media: Printmaking, Location: 2510 Niagara
Falls Boulevard, Niagara Falls, NY
- Monday, June 7th,
9:30-11:00 AM, Artist: Candace Keegan, Media: Painting/collage, Location: Lockport
Library, 23 East Ave, Lockport, NY
- Tuesday, June
15th, 9:30-11:00 AM, Artist: Ann Romanello, Media: Glass Fusing, Location: 1555 Fashion
Outlet Blvd, Niagara Falls, NY
- Wednesday, June
23rd, 9:30-11:00 AM, Artist: Mary Louse Campbell, Media: Printmaking, Location: Camp Happiness,
8571 Lower Lake Road, Barker, NY 14012
- Monday, July 12th,
1:00-2:30 PM, Artist: Carol Rafferty, Media: Paper Making, Location: 107 Heath Street Lockport,
NY
- Tuesday, July
20th, 10:00 -11:30 AM, Artist: Carol Rafferty, Media: Paper Making, Location: 1555 Fashion
Outlet Blvd, Niagara Falls, NY
- Wednesday, July
28th, 10:00 -11:30 AM, Artist: Carol Rafferty, Media: Paper Making, Location: 2510 Niagara
Falls Boulevard, Niagara Falls, NY
- Monday, August
17th, 10:00-11:30 AM, Artist/Media: TBA, Location: Kenan Center, Lockport, NY
- Wednesday, August
25th, 10:00-11:30 AM, Artist/Media: TBA, Location: 2510 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Niagara
Falls, NY
- Monday, September
13th, 10:00-11:30 AM, Artist/Media: Glass Fusion, Location: 107 Heath Street Lockport, NY
Other workshops will be scheduled and information will be updated at this
website. Watch for more details.
For more than 50 years, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara has been providing training,
employment, residential, recreation, health-related and support services to people with
intellectual and other developmental disabilities, from newborn to seniors, and their
families. The mission of the Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara Foundation is to
provide a long-term source of financial support that ensures people with developmental
disabilities have opportunities toward independence and integration within the community.
April 13, 2010
Kristen Cook 297-6400 (W)
11TH Annual Golf Raffle Fundraiser Features Grand Prize Trip for 4 to California
The Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara Foundation’s 11th Annual Golf Raffle is
taking place on Sunday, April 25 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Sanborn Fire Hall, 5811 Buffalo
Street in Sanborn. The event offers golf enthusiasts the chance to win more than $20,000
in men’s and women’s golf related equipment and trips. Event sponsors are
Upstate Pharmacy, Compu-Mail, Blue Ox Roofing, Relph Benefit Advisors, Niagara Falls Coach
Lines, Capital Management Group and Parkview Health Services. All proceeds will
benefit programs and services provided by Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara to
individuals with developmental disabilities in Niagara County.
Admission includes a chance to win the main door prize featuring air travel for four on
Southwest Airlines, ground transportation to Palm Desert, four nights suite lodging at
Marriott’s Shadow Ridge Resort, two half-day lessons at Nick Faldo’s Golf
Institute and two rounds of golf on the resort’s course, for the dates of June 1 to
5, 2010. The trip is valued at more than $8,000. Ticket purchasers do not have
to be present to win.
Tickets are available for $45 and include admission, dinner and soft drinks, plus a
chance to win the grand prize trip and one of 12 major prizes some of which include
Callaway Big Bertha Irons, Taylor Made Burner Driver, Cobra Fairway Woods and Ladies
Paragon full set of clubs and golf bag. Both men’s and women’s prizes will
be featured along with left-handed clubs. The evening also includes a cash bar, more than
60 additional side raffle prizes, door prizes, a 50/50 drawing and a lottery tree valued
at $200.
There are only 500 admission tickets available and they may be purchased in advance
from the Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara Foundation by calling (716) 297-6400, ext.
382. Tickets will also be available on a first come first serve basis at the door.
For more information and the complete list of prizes, visit www.opportunitiesunlimited.org.
The mission of the Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara Foundation is to provide a
long-term source of financial support that ensures people with developmental disabilities
have opportunities toward independence and integration within the community.
March 2010
March 11, 2010
For More Information: Roxane Albond-Buchner, 297-6400 x.332 (W)
REWARDING CAREERS START HERE OPPORTUNITIES UNLIMITED OF NIAGARA TO HOLD OPEN
INTERVIEWS On April 15 & 20 Across Niagara County
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara will hold open interviews to educate potential
employees about available job opportunities working with individuals with developmental
disabilities at locations throughout Niagara County. The agency offers an opportunity for
rewarding work, flexible hours and schedules, competitive salaries, room for advancement
and growth, as well as benefits for full and part-time employees.
Interviews will be held at three agency sites. In Lockport, interviews will be held at
107 Heath Street, off of route 31, on April 15 from 2-7 p.m. In Niagara Falls, the
interviews will be held at 1555 Fashion Outlet Blvd., between Niagara Falls Blvd. and
Military Road, on April 20 from 2-7 p.m. Employees will be available to answer
questions and conduct on-site interviews. Applicants are encouraged to bring a
completed job application and a resume.
Positions are ideal for caring people looking to make a difference in the lives of
others, current college students majoring in human services, those interested in a health
related field and retirees. Shifts are available 24-hours a day and include
full-time, part-time and relief. Internships for college students are also
available.
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara is an equal opportunity employer/affirmative action
agency with more than 500 employees working in communities throughout Niagara County
including Niagara Falls, Wheatfield, Lockport, North Tonawanda and Ransomville. The
direct care workforce is represented by the New York State United Teachers Union, ARCEU
Local #4265.
For more information about the open interview day or job opportunities within the
agency, contact the recruiter at 504.2625 ext. 103, or review the most up to date job listings and obtain
an application.
For over half a century, Opportunities
Unlimited of Niagara, a United Way agency, has provided rehabilitation and supportive
services to people with developmental disabilities of all ages and their families.
We are dedicated to maximizing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities by
providing them the resources to reach their greatest potential including training,
employment, recreation, service coordination and residential opportunities.
Karat Dig
"Lori & Friends" hosted by Lori Caso airing on LCTV Channel 20,
features Bob Bracikowski, greenhouse coordinator, and Roxane Albond-Buchner, manager of
communications, promoting the upcoming Mother's Day Floral Sale and "The Karat Dig" to
benefit the horticulture therapy program at the Niagara Floral Center and Greenhouse the
week of March 29-April 4: March 29 at 8:30pm in Erie County, in Niagara County: March
31 at 10pm, April 2 at 10:30am, April 3 & 4 at 5:30pm. The recipe and
information on the event can be found at LoriCaso.com. Check www.LCTV.net for schedule
changes.
March 2, 2010
Kristen Cook (716) 297-6400 (w)
Preparations are underway
for the Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara Foundation's 17th Baskets O'Plenty
Auction is scheduled for Thursday, March 11, 2010. This year's event is at a new
location, the BPO Elks Lodge #346, 1805 Fashion Outlet Blvd, in the Town of Niagara.
Event sponsors include Walmart, Wegmans, Town of Niagara Business & Professional
Association, Lewiston Service Guild and Greater Niagara Newspapers. Also sponsored
by Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, this year's auction is in memory of sorority
member, Brenda Walton, who was the event founder.
More than 150 theme
baskets valued at $35 or more will be featured along with a high-end side raffle, a
50/50 drawing and door prizes throughout the night. There will also be a "Pot of
Gold" raffle which features a 6 foot pre-lit Christmas tree that has $100 in
lottery tickets and $200 in cash. Basket preview is from 3- 7 p.m.
and drawings start promptly at 7:30 p.m. Admission tickets are just $12pre-sale and
$15 at the door and include 25 chances toward the basket drawings. Extra chances are
25 for $5 or 100 for $15 while side raffle and 50/50 tickets are both6 for $5 and 20 for
$10. "Pot O' Gold" raffle tickets are$5 each or 3 for $10. Pre-sale tickets can
purchased at the following Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara sites: 107 Heath Street,
Lockport, 2510 Niagara Falls Blvd or 2393 Niagara Falls Blvd., Wheatfield and 1555 Fashion
Outlet Blvd, Niagara Falls. For more information please contact Kristen Cook at 297-6400,
ext. 382 or kcook@opportunitiesunlimited.org.
Lori & Friends to
Feature Upcoming Baskets O'Plenty Auction
"Lori & Friends" hosted by Lori Caso will
feature Kristen Cook, Manager of Special Events along with Event Co-Chairs, Pat
Krell & Melody Griffith, who will share all the details of the upcoming 17th
Annual Baskets O'Plenty Auction that will benefit the Opportunities Unlimited of
Niagara Foundation. The show is on Channel 20 and will run in Erie
County on March 1 at 8:30pm. It will run in Niagara County
on March 3 at 10:00pm; March 5 at 10:30am and March 6 & 7 at
5:30pm. For more information on the event and Opportunities Unlimited of
Niagara's services please visit www.opportunitiesunlimited.org.
Check www.LCTV.net for schedule changes.
February 2010
February 22, 2010
Susan Beich (716) 297-6400 (W)
OPPORTUNITIES UNLIMITED OF NIAGARA SEEKS BOARD AND COMMITTEE
MEMBERS
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, the largest not-for-profit agency
in Niagara County providing programs and services to people with developmental
disabilities and their families, is seeking nominations for individuals to serve on its
board of directors and standing committees, announced James Kwasniak and Jeff Streb,
chairpersons of the agency’s Nominating Committee.
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara has been providing individuals
with developmental disabilities -- from newborn to seniors -- the skills necessary to
achieve independence in their daily lives and enjoy community-based recreation (youth and
adult), residential, employment and volunteer opportunities since 1955. The agency
also provides innovative health-related and support services including service
coordination, education, job training (in-house and off-site), school-to-work transition,
exceptional parenting, geriatric assessments, in-home services, horticulture therapy and
respite across Niagara County.
Volunteer positions are available on the board of directors, which
meets monthly and provides oversight, guidance and financial direction to the agency.
Board members will serve a three-year term beginning in June 2010. Committee
positions are also available and focus on personnel, finance, guardianship and the various
programs offered to people with disabilities.
To download an application click (board/word, board/pdf, committee/word, committee/pdf) here or call 297-6400,
ext. 327. Applications are due by Tuesday, March 23, 2010.
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, a United Way agency, is dedicated
to maximizing the quality of life for people of all ages with intellectual and other
developmental disabilities and providing the resources for them to reach their greatest
potential, achieve their goals, learn to live independent lives and become active
participants in their communities.
February 18, 2010
Roxane Albond-Buchner
ralbond@opportunitiesunlimited.org (716) 297-6400 ext. 332 (W)
One
in a Million? No. One of Two in Niagara County? Yes
Opportunities
Unlimited of Niagara celebrated the 90th birthday of Evelyn Lutter at a special surprise
party in January. Achieving this milestone is quite an achievement in the general
public. Achieving this milestone as an individual with a developmental disability is rare.
Evelyn is one of two individuals with developmental disabilities in Niagara County who is
aged 90 to 99, and one of 16 in the seven counties of Western New York. It is a
testament to advances in health care in general, and specifically to understanding how
aging effects people with disabilities, that Evelyn is able to celebrate this milestone.
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara has specifically trained employees who provide
geriatric assessments and plan appropriate social, physical and intellectual activities
for our seniors
Evelyn
is very talkative and active and greeted her numerous assembled guests. Her schedule
includes attending day programming Monday-Friday at Day Services in Wheatfield where she
especially enjoys the cooking club, going bowling on Friday afternoons, and participating
in social activities with her housemates. Evelyn lives at an Opportunities Unlimited
of Niagara community residence in Wheatfield.
For
over half a century, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, a United Way agency, has provided
innovative and results-oriented rehabilitation and supportive services to people with
developmental disabilities of all ages and their families throughout Niagara County and
surrounding communities. We are dedicated to maximizing the quality of life for
individuals with disabilities by providing them the resources to reach their greatest
potential including training, employment, recreation, service coordination and residential
opportunities.
February 13, 2010
Roxane Albond-Buchner, 297-6400 x.332 (W)
Guardianship & Special Needs Trust Information –
With Angelo Massaro, esq. Hosted by the Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara Siblings
& Families Group
On Monday, March 15, the Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara
Siblings and Families Group will feature Angelo Massaro, Esq. providing detailed
information on guardianship and special needs trusts -- topics that impact all families of
individuals with disabilities.
The discussion will focus on the necessity of establishing
guardianship for family members with developmental disabilities and obtaining legal
authority for your family member after age 18.
This educational presentation, part of a series of educational
and social gatherings during the year, is open to any adult who has a family member with
developmental disabilities, regardless of where that individual may participate in
programming.
A light dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. and the program will
run from 6-7 p.m. at the Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara Wheatfield location, 2510
Niagara Falls Blvd., between Witmer and Sy Roads. Free, lighted parking is available
in the back of the building.
Reservations are required. Please contact Cindy Hyde at
297-6400 ext. 335 or chyde@opportunitiesunlimited.org. For more information about the
agency go to www.opportunitiesunlimited.org.
For over half a century, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, a
United Way agency, has provided rehabilitation and supportive services to people with
developmental disabilities of all ages and their families throughout Niagara County and
surrounding communities. We are dedicated to maximizing the quality of life for
individuals with disabilities by providing them the resources to reach their greatest
potential including training, employment, recreation, service coordination and residential
opportunities.
February 5, 2010
Kristen Cook (w) 297-6400
Super Bowl Bingo to Benefit OUN
Foundation
The Elks Lodge #41, located at 6791
North Canal Road, is sponsoring the 10th Annual Super Bowl Bingo Event with all proceeds
benefiting individuals with developmental disabilities in Niagara County served by
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara. The event takes place on Super Bowl Sunday,
February 7, 2010 at 1 p.m. Doors will open at 11:00 a.m. Seating is limited so
attendees are encouraged to arrive early.
The event is open to the public and
will feature an all paper bingo, 50-60-70, and red, white and blue share the wealth. The
event guarantees $2,275 in prizes with $2,875 offered. There will be a $1,000
progressive jackpot with $400 consolation as well as a $800 jackpot. There will also
be a progressive share the wealth jackpot.
The mission of the Opportunities
Unlimited of Niagara Foundation is to provide a long-term source of financial support that
ensures people with developmental disabilities have opportunities toward independence and
integration within the community.
January 2010
Susan Beich
(716) 297-6400 (W)
sbeich@opportunitiesunlimited.org
OPPORTUNITIES UNLIMITED OF NIAGARA FOUNDATION Annual
Meeting . . . Celebrating Ten Years of Leadership
More than 70 guests were on hand to celebrate the 10th
anniversary of the Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara Foundation at the
organization’s recent Annual Meeting and Leadership Donor Recognition Ceremony.
Hovey & Massaro; Toski, Schaefer & Co., P.C. and Upstate Pharmacy, Ltd. sponsored
the Foundation’s Annual Meeting.
Foundation Board president Michael Shaw presided over the
occasion, during which Kathy Egan of Snyder Corporation was elected as the newest member
of the Board of Directors. Officers for 2009-2010 are: president Michael Shaw, Buffalo
Medical Group; vice president Peter Lovering, Niagara National Insurance; secretary
Frances Iusi, City of Niagara Falls, and treasurer Victoria Polka, retired administrator
Niagara Falls School District
Returning board members are: Kyle Andrews; Jacqueline Henwood,
retired, Jenisco, Inc.; Anne Marie Hepfer, of DiMino’s Lewiston Market, Inc.; Betsy
Higgins, LMSW, Niagara University/Niagara County Community College; Tova Kristal, McAuley
Residence; Dawn MacDonald, First Niagara Bank; Jeffrey Mattiuzzo, Eastern Copy Products;
Patricia Minarcin, retired teacher, Hamburg Central Schools and Gary Strenkoski,
Strenkoski Brothers Construction Co., Inc.
Eight new members were inducted to the Coterie Society,
individuals who have made a provision for the Foundation in their estate plans or as the
residual beneficiary of a supplemental needs trust. The Coterie Society now has 51
members.
Program participant Chris Rifenbark shared some of his
Opportunities’ experiences at the breakfast meeting. Earlier this year Chris
was part of the first group of participants who attended a work preparation program at
Niagara University. According to Chris, “This program taught us all kinds of
things like preparing for interviews and we even learned how to shake hands!”
More than 83 individuals, businesses and organizations were
recognized for their leadership gifts of $500 or more during the past year. Thanks
to these and other leadership gifts and the generosity of individuals, families and
community friends, the Foundation has raised more than $3.5 million in the past 10 years.
"We never would have achieved this milestone in the
Foundation's history without the support of thousands of donors, volunteers and
organizations over the last decade,” said Michael Shaw, Foundation Board president.
“To say we are so very grateful to them and to all of those who attended the
event would be a gross understatement. In reality, there is no way we can adequately
express our deep appreciation except to stay the course and pursue the Foundation's
mission."
The foundation also unveiled a new logo designed compliments of
the J. Fitzgerald Group of Lockport
The mission of the Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara Foundation
is to provide a long-term source of financial support that ensures people with
developmental disabilities have opportunities toward independence and integration within
the community.
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