Arc Connections
October 2025
Falling for Art Show! More on page 2.
IN THIS EDITION: Disability Employment Awareness Month.........4 Meet Roy Gibson.........................................................5 Wings for All is Back...................................................6 2026 Dinner Details....................................................9
Arc of Onondaga supports people with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities in leading meaningful lives in their community.
FALLING FOR ART! Arc of Onondaga was excited to host its first-ever Art Show this fall! The exhibition featured over 40 pieces of art showcasing the talents of 60 artists currently receiving supports from Arc of Onondaga, and included: paper mâché, acrylic paintings inspired by Vincent van Gogh, leaf prints, and a large fiber art installment. The show also spotlighted two artists; Iiaisha, who is inspired by capturing the essence of emotions, and Tony, whose pencil drawings bring nature to life, as seen through the lens of Native American culture. The highlight of the event was a collaborative fiber project featuring 100 fiber balls hung from the ceiling, forming a whimsical curtain of colorful hand-wound balls. Forty-seven artists collaborated to create the autumnal fiber piece using solely reclaimed materials. The balls of fiber were constructed with scrap fabric, colorful yarn, thread and vintage elements. Each ball is vibrant and unique, forming a perfect representation of the artists who created them. The reclaimed materials in the piece came from across Central New York, arriving at Arc of Onondaga’s doorstep many times in garbage bags, often with a humble comment: “we hope you can use these old supplies.” The collaborative piece is a celebration of those donations and the spirit of creativity that lives within each of us. Arc of Onondaga’s arts program features a vast array of artistic opportunities giving artists a wide range of experiences with varied mediums, inspiration and challenges. The art studio, located at Arc of Onondaga’s administrative building, is a dedicated space for the people Arc supports to channel their creative energies by encouraging creativity, and giving a voice to those who may be struggling to find theirs. The fiber project encouraged artists to flex their fine motor skills as they wrapped materials around an ever-growing ball, exploring the way colors and textures can work together to create a masterpiece. “In the two and a half years our arts program has offered classes, we’ve never laughed as much as we did in the classes to create this piece,” said Erica Danega, Art Coordinator for Arc of Onondaga. “While wrapping 100 fiber balls, there were countless times when the balls rolled off the table, when yarn would get intertwined, when a spool of thread would roll away, or when we’d wrap our fingers into the piece. Each mishap could have been a reason to get frustrated, but instead, time and time again, the artists laughed amid the struggle and carried on creating a beautiful piece.”
Join us for an Art Exhibit and Artist Meet & Greet Art Show and Artist Meet & Greet Tuesday, September 30th 10:30am-12:30pm Wilbur Art Studio at Arc of Onondaga 600 S. Wilbur Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13204 Celebrate and experience Fall through the eyes and creative hands of artists who are supported by Arc of Onondaga!
Contact Erica Danega for more information 315-582-5656
“Roy has demonstrated to us that he is one of the most respectful people I have met in this field in my entire 38-year career. He arrives on time to clean our site and always asks everyone present: “Hey, how was your day?” Keith Havis, Director of West Genesee Day Hab Roy Gibson has worked for Arc Contract Services for two years, the entirety of which has been at the same site. The Office of People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) West Genesee Day Hab site was desperate for a worker that could be depended upon to not only do a good job, but be able to work independently and show up regularly. The previous custodian was asked to leave, and Arc’s Contract Services needed to get a van and crew there on a regular Congratulations Roy Gibson New York State Industries for the Disabled 2025 Joslin Award Recipient
basis. Arc and West Genesee Day Hab needed someone responsible, reliable, ready and willing to do a good job, and someone who could work independently without the need for a crew or constant supervision. They found all of that and more in Roy. Before working for Contract Services, Roy worked in many different fields. He worked in the food industry at a pizza shop as a prep cook, he worked with animals at a doggy daycare, and he worked in retail at the furniture warehouse, China Towne Furniture. Roy has maintained such a good relationship with his previous employer, that he still goes back to China Towne to help out during the days when needed. Roy said that out of all his jobs, he really likes working custodial for West Genesee Day Hab. He said he likes seeing the immediate results of his work, and likes knowing he is contributing to helping other people, even if it is behind the scenes, because every job matters. Craig Dickinson, Enclaves Manager for Arc Contract Services, says; “He takes pride in his cleaning and is always looking for ways to improve what he has already done.” Roy works five days a week in the evenings. He is trusted with his own key to the site, and the staff know him and love him. “He is dedicated and reliable, and the only time he ever takes off is when he goes on vacation,” said Craig. Roy likes to travel to the Florida Keys and St. Pete’s Beach in Tampa to visit family. Roy was born and raised in Wayland, NY and moved to Syracuse to be closer to his sister. He lived alone for eight years, and currently lives with his nephew, which he very much enjoys. He likes to save his money and enjoys the independence having a job affords him. He lives close to a park and likes to go biking and walking in the park when he is not working, particularly noting that he enjoys being outside with the trees and squirrels. He also enjoys going to concerts and loves classic rock. He has seen concerts at the JMA Dome and at the Lakeview Amphitheatre with some of his favorite performances being ZZ Top, Hootie and Blowfish, Bryan Adams and Billy Idol. The William B. Joslin Outstanding Performance Award is New York State Industries for the Disabled annual people-centered awards program which recognizes exceptional vocational and personal success on Preferred Source jobs. Roy is the 2025 recipient, and will be honored this month with an awards ceremony and reception at Arc of Onondaga’s administrative offices.
Stephanie has been employed as an Instructor for the Redhouse Arts Center at the Lyncourt School since August of this year. Her job is to teach both academics through the curricula and her own enrichment lessons to the students. So far, Stephanie said she loves her job and is happy to have found her niche! We wish you much success, Stephanie!
Mike just celebrated four years working for Arc of Onondaga at National Grid as a full time Production Worker. His job is to salvage materials through a process which includes sorting, cutting and disassembly of products. Mike enjoys working as part of a team, has made some new friends, and is very happy to be there! Great job, Mike! We’re so happy for you!
Kevin works as a production worker at National Grid through our Contract Services program. He says he likes earning a paycheck. Kevin says it’s a good place, and he wants to stay working at Grid permanently. He mentions liking his job often!
Tim works at National Grid as a production worker. Tim says his favorite part of his job is cutting boxes. He also says he likes working with his coworkers! Tim is always helping his coworkers and supervisors out, and he enjoys seeing all the random objects that get thrown into the bins he sorts. Way to go, Tim!
Ted is a self-employed musician and performs at various nursing homes in the community, playing the piano for the residents at each site. Ted plays the piano every day and has been playing since he was a child. When asked what he likes best about performing, Ted expressed he likes the applause. Thank you, Ted, for sharing your talent and showing us your entrepreneurial spirit! You are a true inspiration!
Theresa, has worked at the VA here in Syracuse for 15 years! Theresa says she likes working with the equipment and the flexibility that the job provides. Great job, Theresa!
OUR FLIGHT IS FULL! You spoke and we listened!
Join the Arc of Onondaga Foundation at our 30th Annual Achievement Awards Dinner, celebrating Arc of Onondaga’s 75th Anniversary!
Due to an unprecedented and overwhelming response to our first call for Wings for All passengers, Arc of Onondaga, in partnership with the Syracuse Hancock International Airport and United Airlines was able to add a second “flight” to our intinerary, which is also now fullly booked. We thank you for your support and interest, and are thrilled to be able to offer this experience to the Central New York community. Wings for All aims to alleviate some of the stress that people with autism and other intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families experience when travelling by air by providing families with the opportunity to experience and learn about how their loved ones will react to different stimuli in the airport. Arc of Onondaga, in partnership with United Airlines, Syracuse Hancock International Airport and The Arc US, is excited to bring Wings for All to Syracuse and will be hosting an airport rehearsal on Saturday, November 12th. There are a limited number of seats on the plane and each participant can attend with up to two family members/supporters. During the airport rehearsal, participants and their families are able to:
Enjoy cocktails, an elegant dinner, awards, live music, and our best live and silent auctions yet!
Honorees to be announced in December 2025.
For sponsorship opportunities please contact Joanna Jewett: 315-401-0917 or jjewett@arcon.org
Overnight accommodations now available at Marriott Syracuse Downtown. Scan the QR code to book your stay.
Check-in to receive boarding passes Pass through the TSA security checkpoint Wait in the boarding area Board an aircraft (that does not take off)
Saturday, November 15, 2025 Syracuse Hancock International Airport
ANNUAL REPORT
ALL AROUND ARC
2024 Arc of Onondaga
Congratulations Nadine! Congratulations to Nadine Canada-Eudell on her retirement from Arc after 22 years of service! Thank you, Nadine, for your commitment to turning disability into ability! You will be greatly missed!
Strikes and Spares Lancaster was out and about, as always, enjoying all our community has to offer with a few games of bowling and camraderie with friends at Flamingo Bowl!
Canine Therapy Ranger, our resident therapy dog, made the rounds, visiting with Sarah and Bill spreading joy and enjoying the companionship.
Bird Watching The East Syracuse Day Hab crew were out in full force, enjoying the sunny days and crisp fall weather. They even stopped at Beaver Lake Nature Center to take in some bird watching in the enclosed viewing area.
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Year | 1
FALL INTO YOUR NEW CAREER Join our team, discover your career!
ART SURGE OPWDD and FSS eligibility required | Ages 8-18
First Saturdays | 10 am - 12 pm Exploration of the Self: A Self Portrait Workshop October 4 | November 1 | December 6 J oin us for 5 days of self-portrait work. Each month will focus on different artistic medium, such as drawing, painting, collage, and sculpture, but the subject will always be the same - YOU! November 1 December 6
Register now! Contact Sarah Clark: sarah.clark@arcon.org
Children can attend with personal support. Waiver units and self-pay options available.
315.464.0957
600 S Wilbur Ave, Syracuse NY 13204 | arcon.org
600 S. Wilbur Ave., Syracuse, NY 13204 www.arcon.org
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