Music-and-Community-minded Attend A RC /FLAME Concert at Arboretum;

ESPERANCE, NY (07/29/2007)(readMedia)-- Close to 250 people from five counties gathered to raise funds for universally accessible gardens at Landis, the Capital Region’s Arboretum on July 21. United under the great tent at the Arboretum, guests settled in for a midday concert that included Fulton County’s award-winning soft rock band FLAME, following a spirited warm-up by Schoharie County’s Ms. Cherie and the Hot Pots. Assemblyman Peter Lopez, 127 Assembly District, longstanding supporter of ARC goals and initiatives, emceed the event.

In the spirit of the day, the ARC Foundation donated the huge tent required for the event and Esperance Elks Lodge 2507 donated the food and beverages as well as the proceeds from the concession booth.

“It was a labor of love for all of the Elks that worked at the Arboretum that day,” says Lodge member and spokesperson Daryl Cummings, who galvanized Lodge members to support the event. “And, we certainly had a ball doing it,” he adds, referring to FLAME event participants William Franklin Fowler and his wife Lu, Past Exalted Ruler Darryl Cummings, Burke Tillman and wife Lisa, Steven Robertson and his wife Liz, Kane Rockwell and fiancée Amy, Brian Dunning and wife Randi, along with Kathy Bottomly, Joan Sossei, Morgan Diamond, and Roger Freund.

Rob Hewit, new owner of Gotta-Go portable toilet rentals (Pattersonville) also contributed to the needs of the day and discounted the additional handicapped-accessible units required for the event.

Work is expected to begin on the Arboretum’s Wanderland accessible garden project in the Spring of 2008 with continued assistance from the Schoharie County A RC Foundation, the Elks Lodge of Esperance, the generosity of staff members of SUNY Cobleskill, the assistance of Capital Region BOCES, and the steadfast commitment of the Arboretum’s Horticulture and Grounds Committees and the volunteers that support the Arboretum.

Planting the Seed for Wanderland

The July 21 event evolved from an informal partnership initiated in May 2006 between the Arboretum and area A RC s. The initiative offers A RC consumers training in gardening and retailing skills in exchange for volunteer time in the Arboretum’s office and gardens. Paul Blair, a longtime Arboretum member and former Trustee, envisioned a garden at the Arboretum that would be accessible and enjoyed by everyone. After years of delay because of limited resources, the idea is alive again and fundraising efforts are under way for such a garden.

“We call it Wanderland,” says Arboretum Executive Director Thom O’Connor, “and with Paul envision a place in which anyone can amble freely against the backdrop of the Arboretum’s Meeting House and the embracing spirit of our Great Oak. “

About Landis

As the Capital region’s Arboretum, Landis is a multifaceted natural jewel. It now encompasses 548 acres of trees, shrubs, old growth forest and, of course, breath-taking vistas and memorable gardens. Long a destination of choice among Capital District gardeners, environmentalists, nature lovers, hikers, bikers, and birders, the Landis Arboretum may be one of the best-kept secrets among Capital Region residents. The Arboretum is located 1.5 miles off Scenic Route 20 in Esperance, NY, an easy drive from anyplace within the Capital Region.

About NYSARC

NYSARC, Inc., is a voluntary organization of fifty-five chapters consisting of parents, friends and volunteers serving thousands of New York residents with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. The Association currently has over 71,000 members located in almost every county, community and developmental center. NYSARC, Inc., through our chapters, employs 26,000 individuals and is able to provide direct services to over 60,000 people daily. We are the largest organization of its kind in the nation.

About the Schoharie County ARC

The Schoharie County ARC is a family-based, not-for-profit organization serving, supporting and advocating for persons with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, and their families. The organization currently serves over 300 individuals through a continuum of supports and services including: residential, clinical, day habilitation, vocational, Medicaid service coordination, family support and transportation supports. Since its founding in 1969, the Schoharie County ARC has been committed to “Creating Opportunities that People Desire.”

About FLAME

FLAME is a rock band that has impressed celebrities, amazed politicians and overwhelmed audiences of all ages and backgrounds. They play more than 100 popular classic hits from the past five decades and they tour the northeast playing over 75 paid performances per year. They are changing the world through music and their fame is growing rapidly. The eleven band members happen to have developmental and physical disabilities, including autism, Down's syndrome, mental retardation, and blindness. Welcome to the phenomenon that is FLAME. To order a copy of FLAME's CD or to see FLAME live on their scheduled tour, call Tim Fiori at 518-762-0024. http://www.flametheband.com/

About the Hot Pots

The 13-member Hot Pots favor the sounds of the 40s, 50s, and 60s and always add sizzle to any event. The ensemble has been together for more than three years, says coordinator and lead singer Cherie Stevens.

“We got together for the primary purpose of entertaining at hospitals and perform often at nursing and adult homes in Schoharie County and have appeared in Albany , Guilderland and Troy facilities". Eleven of the 13 Hot Pots are senior citizens themselves. Some performers are in their 80s. Hot Pots, 518-255-5528.

Family Fun

According to Tammy Rumph, Public Relations/Fundraising Coordinator, Schoharie County Chapter, NYSA RC , Inc., “The July 21 concert for Wanderland was a family event and a success on every level. The full support and participation of many organizations throughout the Capital Region ensured the success of this early afternoon event that will benefit hundreds of A RC consumers and their families – and all of us as well.”

Upcoming Events at Landis

LAPE DAY 2, Sunday, August 19, 3 p.m. - ??? Fred Lape’s Birthday Bash will again bring talented artisans, artists, musicians, photographers, performance artists, and vendors to the site of the Lape Homestead at Landis. All are invited to an afternoon open-mike celebration of Arboretum founder Lape’s 107th birthday. Suggested donation: $5 person; $15 family.

TIREFEST ’07, Saturday, August 25, 9 am - 3 pm Don’t put those work gloves away just yet! Bring them and your tireless friends to the Arboretum’s third annual tire clean-up. We also could use a couple of four-wheel drive pickups—if you have one we could use, please let us know. Lunch provided. Tire disposal funded by Iroquois LEAF of the Iroquois Pipeline Operating Company. Free of course!

The First Annual Arboretum 5K Cross- County Forest Run, Saturday, Sept 1 Run /Compete for Family Fun! Achieve your Personal Best! AND enjoy the spectacular views of the Schoharie countryside at the beautiful Landis Arboretum. Prizes awarded to runners in each age group in this timed event. All proceeds to benefit the non-profit Landis Arboretum. Race start: 10 am, Meeting House lawn. Race Day Registration: 8:30 am--9:30 am. For more information: 518-231-2290

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Posted Sunday July 29, 2007 at 12:17 pm by Landis Arboretum