Assemblymember Hayes Awards $40,000

Assemblymember Jim Hayes presented James M. Boles, Ed.D., President and CEO of People Inc., and agency employees an award for $40,000 for the expansion of the agency’s Museum of disABILITY History to the former Mennonite Meeting House located on Main and North Forest in Williamsville. The Museum of disABILITY is currently located at 1291 North Forest Road in Williamsville, next to People Inc.’s administrative headquarters. “I am pleased to make this grant to People Inc. so that they can renovate and restore this historic structure in our community,” said Assemblymember Hayes. “The history of people with disabilities and the obstacles they have overcome and continue to overcome, should not be forgotten. I am pleased that this funding will allow People Inc.’s Museum of disABILITY History to locate in the former Mennonite Meeting House in a building that has been under-utilized for too long,” added Assemblymember Hayes.

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Top: Assemblymember Jim Hayes discusses plans for the Museum of disABILITY History’s expansion into the former Mennonite Meeting House with the aide of a $40,000 secured by Assemblymember Hayes.

Bottom: Assemblymember Jim Hayes (left) and People Inc. President and CEO James M. Boles Ed.D. (right) in front of the Museum of disABILITY History’s new home.

People Inc. employees rise to the occasion

People Inc. was in full operation during the recent surprise storm in Western New York. “In such a difficult time, People Inc. employees were absolutely extraordinary. They succeeded in managing the needs of two families – the ones at home and the ones at work.” said Dr. Boles about his staff during the recent storm and its aftermath. He reports that staff truly rose to occasion, worked through challenges and cared for consumers through trying circumstances: “I was incredibly proud of my employees. They did whatever needed to be done. Whether it meant working overtime, assisting with clean-up or coming up with creative solutions to keep the individuals we serve safe and cared for.” People Inc. would like to offer special thanks to the employees, families, neighbors, businesses and local responders for their assistance.

disABILITIES Film Fest to show a unique documentary

The Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., will conclude its month long disABILITIES Film Festival with the documentary Up Syndrome. Written, produced, directed, and edited by Duane Graves, this documentary is about one of Duane’s childhood friends with Down syndrome. For over a year, the film follows Rene Moreno, 23 years old, and shifts the viewer from lighthearted to melancholy to solemn emotions. Duane Graves will be the featured speaker.

The film begins at 2 p.m. at the Dipson Market Arcade Film and Arts Center, 639 Main Street in Buffalo. Admission is $2 per person and free for students. For more information visit the disABILITY Film Festival and Speaker Series website.

Please note that Muderball and Mark Zupan’s appearance previously scheduled for October 14 will be rescheduled (date TBA) due to the storm.

People Inc. employee recognized as a Black Achiever

People Inc. employee Tanya Perri was recently honored as a Black Achiever in Industry. The Buffalo News reported on the twenty-three Western New Yorkers honored at the 34th annual Black Achievers in Industry awards dinner. The dinner, sponsored by 1490 Enterprises, honors those who have made significant contributions in community service, corporate leadership and entrepreneurship in the African-American community.

People Inc. employee Tanya Perri was one of the award winners. Tanya is the assistant director of medical services for People Inc. She recently was concerned about the threat of obesity and led an initiative to help people with developmental disabilities better understand their nutritional needs. She also has trained residential staff in diabetic care and developed a comprehensive plan of care for the hundreds of people with disabilities served by the agency.

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People Inc. participant has art show

Cy Lawson, a participant of People Inc.’s Seniors Unlimited Program, is being recognized for his artistic talents. People Inc. and Starlight Studio and Art Gallery are hosting a showing of Cy’s work from 2000 to 2006. The premiere was held on October 20. His artwork will be displayed until November 17, 2006 at the Starlight Starlight Studio and Art Gallery, 340 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, 842.1525

Cy began drawing in 1999 when a staff person encouraged him. Cy said, “I can’t even draw a straight line.” But he persevered and now is an artist. Before coming to the Seniors Unlimited Program, Cy had retired from a career working for the rail road.

People Inc.’s Seniors Unlimited Program, located at 310 Delaware Ave. in Buffalo, is a unique day respite program created to meet the special needs of those who have developed dementia or memory loss from Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, strokes, heart disease, or any other illness. For more information, call Seniors Unlimited at 853.4500

Borders hosts savings day

In conjunction with People Inc.’s disABILITIES Film Festival, Borders is offering all friends of People Inc. a 10% discount on purchases on October 27-29. In addition, Borders will donate 10% of the final purchase amount, excluding gift cards, to People Inc. Just print out the attached coupons and get an early start to your holiday shopping.

Click here for the top ten reasons to shop at Borders on October 27-29

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People Inc. to receive HUD funding

Business First reported that People Inc. will receive grants to help speed up the development of projects in Hamburg and Wheatfield.

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Become a puppeteer!

Kids on the Block puppeteers travel to elementary schools, colleges/universities, and other local venues across Western New York to promote awareness, education, and acceptance of individuals with disabilities through the use of large and life-like puppets. Kids on the Block relays the message that being different is a universal condition that should be celebrated! No prior puppeteering/acting experience is necessary. Qualified applicants will have a willingness to learn puppeteering techniques, be enthusiastic, energetic, and dedicated to the future development of the Kids on the Block program! Hours are flexible but commitment to training and learning puppetry skills and scripts is a must. If you are interested in taking part in this fun and exciting opportunity, contact Project Coordinator Brie Hofschneider at 817.7478. Kids on the Block puppeteers would be happy to do a free performance at your school or organization! Call today!

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