The Arc of Dutchess Chapter Board and Members Annual Meeting
April 27, 2017
The Board of Directors of The Arc of Dutchess held their Annual Members Meeting on April 27, 2017 at 6:00 pm at the Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center in Poughkeepsie, NY. Annual reports were presented to the membership and elections of new board members, Janet Sistare, David Fountain and Tom Frost, as well as re-election of board members Gary Collins, Lorraine Costello and Gabe Canino were held.
Officers elected for the coming year were Sharon Russitano, President; Anne Clarke, Vice President; Mark Metzger, Treasurer; and Gary Collins, Secretary. The Nominating Committee members elected for the coming year were Stephen Dambra, Sue Hoctor and Mary Jane LeKanides.
An interesting program was presented at the conclusion of the business me
eting featuring guest author Joyce Scott. The remarkable story of twin sisters being separated and reunited was both heartbreaking and joyful. The unlocked potential and talent her sister discovered as a sculptress provided her world renown with pieces in private as well as permanent museum collections. The well received program ended with a short film about Judith Scott and her art followed by a book signing with Joyce.
In addition, an art exhibit of works created by artists from The Arc of Dutchess was displayed in the gallery of the Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center. Refreshments were served while guests had the opportunity to meet the artists.
Click here to read the 2016-17 Annual Report Please Note: the financial report is an un-audited version
The Chapter Board of The Arc of Dutchess
Officers
Sharon Russitano is a retired Coordinator, from the Center for Communication Disorders at Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital, and Chapter Board President of The Arc of Dutchess. Sharon serves on the Quality of Services and Development Committees.
Anne Clarke is a NYS trained Ombudsman, a retired Registered Nurse, Chairperson of the Guardianship Committee and Chapter Board Vice President, of The Arc of Dutchess.
Mark Metzger is a partner at the law firm of Metzger Injury Law in private practice. Mr. Metzger is a founding member and current Vice President of The Arc of Dutchess Foundation, a member of the NYSARC, Inc. Board of Governors, a member of its Executive Committee and currently serves on its legal committee and scholarships and awards committee. He is Chairman of the Board at the Maplebrook School, first Vice President of Vassar Temple, Vice President of the Dutchess County Jewish Federation and Vice President of the Poughkeepsie Tennis Club. Mr. Metzger is the Chapter Board Treasurer of The Arc of Dutchess and also serves on the Guardianship Committee.
Gary Collins, Ph. D., is a Licensed Psychologist, and Director of the Partial Hospital Program at the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health. Dr. Collins serves as Secretary for The Arc of Dutchess and is a member of the Quality of Services Committee.
Directors
Gabrielle “Gabe” Canino, MSW, is a retired Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Service Coordinator, and Options For People Through Services (OPTS) Coordinator and rate setter at the Taconic Developmental Disabilities Regional Office (DDRO). She is Chairperson of the Quality of Services Committee for The Arc of Dutchess.
Lorraine S. Costello is a semi-retired Director of Special Education at the Arlington Central School District and owner of Ice-Age Design jewelry fabrication. Lorraine is the Secretary of The Arc of Dutchess Foundation and serves on the NYSARC, Inc. Board of Governors. She is active on the Quality of Services Committee and is Chairperson of the Development Committee. Ms. Costello also serves the agency as Secretary for The Arc of Dutchess Foundation.
Stephen Dambra leads the Reformed Church of Beacon as the Pastor of Odyssey Church. Mr. Dambra serves on the Guardianship Committee. He is serving his second term on the Nominating Committee for The Arc of Dutchess.
David Fountain is a Vice President (Lending), at the Bank of Millbrook. Mr. Fountain serves as Treasurer on The Arc of Dutchess Foundation Board of Trustees.
Thomas C. Frost, Esq. is the Supervising Senior Associate, at Rosicki, Rosicki & Associates, PC.Secretary. Mr. Frost is the President of The Arc of Dutchess Foundation Board of Trustees.
Susan Hoctor is a retired Guidance Counselor at the Arlington Central School District, a Member of the NYS United Teachers Association (Retired) and the Arlington Teachers Association (Retired). Ms. Hoctor serves on the Development Committee as well as serving for a second term on the Nominating Committee.
Mary Jane LeKanides is a self-employed Tax Preparer (H & R Block), and a long-time supporter of the Girl Scouts of America. Ms. LeKanides serves on the Nominating and the Development Committees of The Arc of Dutchess.
Janet P. Sistare, Esq. is our newest member of the board of directors. Welcome Janet!