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The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence |
The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence (www.thearcjslc.org), recently held their Annual Meeting to elect officers and set terms for the Board of Directors, as well as honor employees, volunteers, and individuals supported by the agency. The 2026 elected officers for The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence Board of Directors are as follows: Laura Carbone, President; Wendy LaFave, Vice President; and Shawn Signor, Secretary/Treasurer.
Employees, people supported, and volunteers were recognized for their achievements during the past year. Michael Forget received the David Brassbridge Staff Member of the Year Award. Forget is an Assistant Habilitation Supervisor for the agency’s Bridges program in Canton. He was honored for compassionately encouraging people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to take on meaningful activities that will assist them to reach their personal goals.
The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence added two new awards to the ceremony this year. The first of these awards was the Rising Star, which recognizes a young person who is achieving their goals and shows perseverance. Annalise DeJesus was selected for the inaugural award in recognition of her ability to face any challenge with grace and determination while working to further her independence at the Bright Beginnings Preschool in Watertown.
The second newly added honor was the Student of the Year Award which recognizes a school-aged person supported by the agency for their tireless work ethic. Isadora Vezina was chosen for her participation in the Bridges program in Potsdam. This young, self-advocate furthers her skills by attending a variety of clubs such as swimming, cooking, and martial arts and has become a role-model for others.
The Self-Advocate of the Year Award was given to Zane Gardner. Gardner is actively engaged in several agency programs such as Community Prevocational Services, Martial Arts, and Community Arts. He most recently achieved the life-long dream of becoming employed when he was hired as an Imaging Clerk with the agency’s contract at the Dept. of Social Services in Canton.
The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence Community Spirit Award was presented to The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Members of the department partner with the agency in a variety of ways throughout the year from the Blue Envelope program, to building Autism Acceptance, and assisting with Special Olympics events.
The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence’s Kathy Hill Individual of the Year Award was given this year to a person supported by the agency who enacted their self-choice as an advocate to not be named publicly.
The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence provides lifelong opportunities that enhance the lives of people, so that they may achieve their goals and aspirations. To learn more, visit www.thearcjslc.org or find us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
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In the photos:
1. Jackie Sauter, Board President (left) and Michael Forget, David Brassbridge Staff Member of the Year Award Recipient
2. Jackie Sauter, Board President (left) and Anthony McConnell, Stephen Robarge Employee of the Year Award Recipient
3. Jackie Sauter, Board President (left) and Annalise DeJesus, Rising Star Award Recipient Services
4. Jackie Sauter, Board President (left) and Isadora Vezina, Student of the Year Award Recipient
5. Steven Sauter, Past Award Recipient (left) and Zane Gardner, Self-Advocate of the Year Award Recipient
6. Jackie Sauter, Board President (left) and The Community Spirit Award Recipients: Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office: Sgt. Ben Timerman, Sgt. Joel Dettmer, Lt. Shaun Cuddeback, Lt. Patrick Larkins, Undersheriff Kristopher Spencer, and Sheriff Peter Barnett