TRC thanks staff that helped make Camp Onyahsa a success

Some of the employees honored for their Camp Onyahsa efforts pose during the recognition luncheon.

It took a special group of people to create a special week of summer camp for about 65 individuals with disabilities this past summer.  And TRC recently took time to let the organizers of the 2010 Camp Onyahsa experience know how much their efforts were appreciated.

A luncheon was held December 7 in TRC’s Conference Center to recognize 26 employees, representing the Camp Committee and those staff members who logged long hours at Onyahsa during camp week.  Each employee was given a maroon TRC sweatshirt bearing the agency logo.

As a slideshow portraying activities from camp week – archery, boating, fishing, tie-dying – was projected on to the wall, Joanne Bevan, Director of Residential Services, thanked the employees for their efforts.

“I know it made a huge impact on the individuals’ lives,” Joanne said.

Tony Prinzi, Assistant Executive Director for Labor Management, oversees TRC’s Staff Appreciation process.  He noted that the weeklong summer camp, which will enter its third year in 2011, “will probably be something that will never be forgotten” by those who took part.

“The residents will be looking forward to it next year,” Tony said.  “These are the things that are so, so special.”

Denise Jones, Chief Operating Officer, shared that it takes a lot of effort for her and her husband to take their two children camping for just one night, so that she appreciates how much more work had to have been involved for the staff members who had to prepare and execute a plan to take 60 individuals with developmental disabilities – many of whom have a regular medication regimen and require special means – camping for a week.  But Denise added that she was sure staff got a lot out of the experience.

“It creates memories that you’ll never forget,” she said, adding that she noticed the smiles on everyone’s faces when she visited Onyahsa during camp week.

Executive Director Paul Cesana congratulated employees on doing a fantastic job.  “This was one of those initiatives that we undertake to enhance even more the lives of individuals with a disabling condition,” said Paul.  He challenged staff to keep up the good work and perhaps figure out a way to extend the opportunity to attend camp to people with disabilities who do not live in a TRC home.

Camp Onyahsa is operated by the Jamestown YMCA and is located on the shore Chautauqua Lake near Dewittville.

Here are the staff members who were honored:

Kevin Anderson
Sandy Biggers
Tanya Brightman
Tyler Case
Kathy Constantino
Heather Courtney
Norine Cramer
Debbie Densmore
Casey Dubose
Jessica Edington
Renee Ferraloro
Leslie Fickling
Janet Graves
Stacy Harrington
Nancy Ingram
Tami James
Melissa Klenke
Renee Moffatt
Bobby Morris
Cherie Ohls
Leda Peterson
Karen Silzle
Carmen Taylor
Bob Warner
Carol Yaggie
Nora Zilkenat