Receiving paper checks for federal benefit payments is risky. Criminals can steal checks out of mailboxes, leaving people who rely on that money for essentials – such as medicine, rent or groceries – in a difficult situation.

That’s one of the reasons why the U.S. Department of the Treasury is moving to all-electronic federal benefit payments. It’s important that people not wait until the final March 1, 2013, deadline to make the switch to electronic payments.

Wilson has been the executive director of The Arc of Schuyler since the formation of the organization in 1978, almost 33 years. In that time the organization has grown to be one of the largest employers in Schuyler County and provides supports to hundreds of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. According to Harold J. Hoffmeier, President of The Arc’s Board of Directors, the process of forming a search committee has begun. In the interim, Jeannette Frank, assistant executive director, will be named acting executive director effective July 1, 2011. Frank has served as the assistant executive director at the organization for many years and is well versed in both administrative and programmatic issues.

Wilson began his career at The Arc after working at other organizations providing supports to people with disabilities including Challenge Industries in Ithaca, NY, Chemung ARC and the Association for the Visually Impaired, both in Elmira, NY. Wilson has been involved in numerous community efforts and organizations over the years and is a member of the Schuyler County Hall of Fame. He has served as Chair of the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce and on various boards including the American Red Cross, the Chemung, Schuyler, Tioga Board of Cooperative Educational Services , the Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben Workforce Investment Board and the Schuyler County League of Women Voters where he currently serves as president. Wilson also served for a number of years as the Chair of the NYSARC, Inc. Executive Directors Association and as a Board Member of the New York State Association of Community and Residential Agencies.

Wilson said that he is proud of the work done by The Arc and of the people that The Arc represents – volunteers, employees and individuals and families supported by The Arc. “The organization is in good financial health and is well known in the community and throughout the state for its supports and services. I believe the organization is well positioned to continue the great work that it does on a daily basis. I am leaving at a time when both the organization and I are in good health and I’m looking forward to a little relaxation, spending time with family and volunteering in the community. Although there are difficult fiscal times ahead, the organization is based in grassroots advocacy efforts by family members and people with developmental disabilities. These are passionate people who know how to speak up when times get tough”, Wilson said.

Saratoga Bridges was the beneficiary at this year’s event with proceeds directed to their Family Support Programs and Services. Executive Director Valerie Muratori says, “We are extremely grateful to Hattie’s for helping us to continue our mission of providing the highest quality services for more than 775 individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in Saratoga County. The timing is perfect as we have had significant cuts to our budget. In 2010 we had a reduction of over $300,000 and are predicting more than double that in 2011. With the fiscal realities facing New York State, we are very concerned as to how this will impact our programs. Since our Family Support Services are dependent upon state and federal dollars, we need to raise funds more than ever before to assist over 200 families who have a loved one with a disability living with them. They receive a wide range of programs including in-home Respite, Residential Habilitation, Family Reimbursement, Educational Advocacy, SASSI (Specialized Autism Support Services for individuals and their families), Adult Social Club and Sibshops.”

Chef and Owner of Hattie’s Jasper Alexander catered the event featuring gumbo, jambalaya, mini po-boys, mini muffuletta sandwiches and ribs. Other highlights included complimentary Mardi Gras Cocktails; lively entertainment and music by Soul Session with Garland Nelson; a Mardi Gras-themed cake complete with Hattie’s and Saratoga Bridges’ logos created by The Bread Basket; a Mardi Gras centerpiece designed by artists from Saratoga Bridges’ Creative Endeavors Program; and great silent auction items. Heather Bohm-Tallman provided guests with photographs from the Crazy Photo Booth. Photos are available for purchase at hbtphoto.com and a portion of the print sales will benefit Saratoga Bridges.

Hattie’s Annual Mardi Gras began in 2000 at their restaurant on Phila Street benefitting the Yates Arts in Education Magnet School. The event moved to the Canfield Casino to better accommodate the increased attendance. More than $30,000 was raised last year for Saratoga Hospital. Other past beneficiaries have been Shelters of Saratoga, Regional Saratoga YMCA and Franklin Community Center. In 2012, Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar will be the selected charity. Every year a new non-profit is chosen by Hattie’s Helping Hands Committee.

Additional donations can be made at www.saratogabridges.org, calling 518-587-0723 ext. 1242, emailing info@saratogabridges.org, or sending checks payable to Saratoga Bridges Foundation, 16 Saratoga Bridges Boulevard, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Seated are Peter and Debbie Hilger, and standing, left to right, HARC Director of Community Relations & Fund Development Dominic Frank, Wine Model Bianca Castellano, Sommelier Johannes Neckermann, and Wine Model Marlee Mitchell.

Herkimer - The New York International Wine Auction (NYIWA) not only reached the milestone of celebrating 15 years of raising funds to empower people and enrich lives, the charity wine auction continues to thrive—setting two records for sponsorship and auction gross at the October 2010 event.

Proceeds from NYIWA help the Herkimer ARC to support people with disabilities and others in the community to achieve full potential and to live enriched lives.

Herkimer ARC Executive Director Kevin Crosley commented, “Each year I am amazed by the generosity shown by both those who donate to the wine auction and by those who attend that evening. This year, we not only had outstanding wine lots, we also auctioned trips to Paris, France, the Dominican Republic, and Napa, CA, a mink coat, artwork, jewelry, among many other exciting offerings for our guests. Also, thanks to businesses, such as Annese & Associates and NBT Bank, who step up each year to the top sponsorship spot, and other local businesses and individuals, we achieved record sponsorship and ultimately raised a record gross of over $205,000.”

NYIWA 2011 is slated for Saturday, October 22, 2011 at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, NY. NYIWA staff is working in concert with the Turning Stone to plan a weekend of events: from overnight accommodations to international wine tastings—culminating in spectacular silent and live auctions and a grand gourmet dinner on Saturday evening. The California Solicitation team is headed to California in January to bring back the outstanding wine donations.

NYIWA’s 2010 top ten bidders included: Chip and Judy Hummel, Pete and Debbie Hilger, Bob and Deirdre Relph, Ron and Kim Scalise, Joe and Yvonne LoRe, Dr. Kenneth and Diana Ortega, Paul and Alicia Giovannone, Drew and Donna Goodbread, John and Paula Sherman, and Dr. Robert Lancey and Lisa Manna.

Sponsors for 2010 included: Annese & Associates, Inc., NBT Bank, The Bonadio Group, Scalzo, Zogby & Wittig, Inc., Romanelli Communications, First Source Federal Credit Union, ConMed Corporation, Neckermann Consulting, Jill Rae Signs, M&T Bank, Adonis-Avanti Limousine Service, Crystal Chandelier Restaurant, Brown & Brown of New York, Inc., PJ Green Advertising, Jim Brock Agency, REM Fire Systems, Marron Photography – Karl Ermisch, Assemblyman Marc Butler, Precision Care Software, Inc., Omni Care, Endweld Supply, Yetty’s Pizza & Pasta, Erie Materials, Mohawk Valley Print Co., Mohawk Valley Florists, and Healthcare Assoc. of NY (HANY).

For more information about becoming involved with NYIWA 2011 as a sponsor, donor, guest or volunteer, contact Tony Vennera at (315) 574-7355 or tvennera@nyiwa.com. For updates regarding the 2011 event, visit www.nyiwa.com. For more information regarding the HARC, visit www.herkimerarc.org.