Enabling the potential of people with developmental disabilities, enriching our communities
NHR's 35th Annual Invitational Golf Tournament
Contributed by David McGorry
More than 100 golfers came together at the Powelton Club on Monday May 7th to support New Horizons Resources in its mission to enable people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live fulfilling lives in their local communities.
During the past 18 months New Horizons has expanded its residential programs to be more “person-centered,” helping additional people we support to live more independently in supportive apartments while maintaining congregate settings for people needing more support. We also expanded our day programs to meet the individual needs of each person we serve.
Alison Heady, who lives in a New Horizons supportive apartment, shared her experiences in acquiring new independence when she spoke at the golf tournament dinner. In addition to moving from a congregate setting to an apartment she shares with one other person, she recently mastered creating and using an Uber account and can now travel independently.
Alison was joined at the podium by Michele Rodriguez, her DSP, who explained that one of her responsibilities was to enable the people she supports to grow and reach their personal potential. Uber had just become available in the Hudson Valley and she saw it as an opportunity to extend the independence of people living in the apartments.
“I didn’t know how to use Uber myself and so we had to research it together to learn how it could be done,” Michele said. “Busses have numbers, color coding and often require transfers. This was an alternative form of transportation that was less complicated and provided a new opportunity for more independence.”
As with all NHR events, many of the people we support volunteered to ensure the golfers had a good time. Quincy Ferguson and Todd Motter monitored the seventeenth hole where players could win a car for getting a hole-in-one. Karen Coburn volunteered to manage the putting contest. Matt Rowlette and Alison each helped manage player contests at separate holes.
Golfers Joe Burczack, Tom Mulvaney, Charlie Eaton and Ian Walsh from Relph Benefits won first place with a 63 score.
Ron Flaherty, Mike Rostanzo, Scott McNally and Matt Bannon of the TEG Federal Credit Union won second place with 65.
Dan Barry and Michelle Nolan on the AFLAC team took third place with a 67.
Chris Healey from Marvin & Co. won the longest drive in men’s competition and Lois Loggia from Bottini came in first for the women’s group.
NHR’s 35th Annual Invitational Golf Tournament A Volunteer’s View from the 3rd Hole
Contributed by Jackie Hoffman
Well, Winnie the Pooh would have classified Monday, May 7th as a “blustery day”. It was also NHR’s 35th Annual Invitational Golf Tournament that was held this year at the extremely exclusive and beautiful Powelton Club. As a person who doesn’t play golf, had never watched much less attended a tournament and knows frightfully little about either, I had an eye opening day as a volunteer that was also extremely fun!
My day began helping out with registration. I was paired with a lovely lady who is an NHR board member (Rita McPeck). She was able to show me the ropes because, like most of the volunteers, she was a longtime volunteer at the tournament. We met some very friendly and philanthropic individuals as they checked- in for the tournament. We directed them to the table that had their complimentary moisture-wicking polo, which was included in their registration.
I was assigned on the 3rd Hole, where there needed to be at least 2 volunteers at all times. This was to witness the unlikely "hole in one" which would win a car! Fortunately, the organizers had the forethought to assign 3 of us, in case one of us needed a break. I was pleased to meet the other 2 friendly volunteers, Jill and Quincy. Jill, I came to find out, is the mother of three young boys and daughter of one of the most active members of the golf committee, NHR’s Director of Facilities Management John Smith. Quincy is another of the most elite members of the NHR. Like my daughter, Quincy is person NHR provides supports to. This day was another shining example of the “family feeling” of NHR where everyone feels a strong sense of belonging.
It was apparent that the golfers were there not only to play and enjoy the beautiful day, but also to contribute to such a wonderful cause. They opened their wallets to enter the raffles and bid on the silent auction items. A carefree attitude was in air as well, which made the weather and luxurious golf course even more beautiful. Although I took a few pictures I'm looking forward to seeing the photos the professional photographer took.
After the players were done we were invited in to the stunning clubhouse for cocktail hour where we could, once again, explore the raffle and silent auction items. Then a lavish banquet was served. There was a short blessing by Pastor Steve Dambra from Odyssey. After introductory comments by David McGorry (NHR’s Director of Development), Sam Laganaro (NHR’s Executive Director), the main speakers were introduced by Sarah Green (NHR’s Community Supports Coordinator). The main speakers, DSP Michele Rodriguez and Alison Heady (a person receiving supports). Michele and Alison talked about how they worked together to enable Alison to use Uber and other transportation options to get around independently without staff. It was wonderful to hear from both ladies about their experiences. I was fascinated to hear Alison was also an NHR board member!
I left feeling even more a part NHR and encourage anyone who cares about NHR’s mission to help support NHR as a volunteer in future events.
