Lexington Center News & Events

Family Services Presents:

“Support Services Available At Lexington Family Services and How to Access Those Supports ”
Wednesday, February 8th, 2012
Presented By:
Kathy Simone, Family Services Assist. Director
Kim Schutz, Lexington Single Point of Entry

Time: 7:00-8:30PM
Place: Lexington Family Services
43 Harrison St., Gloversville, NY

Childcare and Valentine Themed Respite activities will be provided on site, with special thanks to Mrs. Esther Carpenter!
Meetings are open to educators, other professionals, all individuals with special needs and their families.
For more information, call 773-2014.
New members are always welcome!

PARENT ROUNDTABLE SUPPORT GROUP

“Overview of Changes in Special Education Laws and Parent’s Rights”

Presenter: Tina Beauparlant
Parent to Parent of New York State

Tuesday, February 14, 2012
12noon-1pm

Lexington Family Services
43 Harrison St.
Gloversville, NY

Lunch will be provided, Transportation may be furnished upon request

For more information or to register, please call (518) 773-2014

Love Knows No Boundaries

Bill and Taneesh met in the summer of 1996 at a Lexington pre-vocational program. After becoming close friends they began dating and their relationship began to grow into something very special. After two years they began to think about the possibility of being married one day. Uncertain how that could happen they asked for support from family and people at Lexington. Lexington staff researched every aspect of their plans and gave them the information and support they needed to help them along the way. Bill & Taneesh went through the agency's couples counseling to help them learn what to expect and discuss their mutual goals and aspirations.

They decided to first live in the same supported house. Once there was an available room Taneesh moved into Bill's home. While they did have separate rooms, it gave them an opportunity to be closer to each other and spend more quality time together. Going to the movies, dinner, and shopping became easier and Bill would even occasionally surprise Taneesh with a candlelight dinner in a backroom of the house. Their love and commitment to each other continued to grow and they were certain they wanted to take the next step. In April of 2010 they were able to move into a newly constructed supported home with four of their friends. Each of them were involved in the planning, design and decorating of their new home. Bill and Taneesh had special adjoining rooms which let them to be close to each other but still allowed for some privacy and accommodations for their special needs. Since everyone living there uses a wheel chair everything in the house was designed to support their independence and active lifestyles. Bill and Taneesh announced their engagement on April 4, 2010.

On August 20, 2011 on a beautiful summer day the glowing bride was escorted down the isle by her father. What made this even more special was that Taneesh was able to "walk" down the isle. Months prior to the wedding Taneesh was determined to fulfill her dream to one day walk down the isle. After months of working with her Lexington physical therapist she gained the strength and skill to get out of her wheelchair and walk a short distance. Her dream became a reality in front of a gathering of teary eyed family and friends. An elegant reception followed the nuptials which included food, dancing and amazing memories. Bill and Taneesh's story of devotion and commitment has inspired friends, family and our agency. They have realized their dreams and in the process our agency became fully aware of the limitless possibilities a nurturing, person-first environment can produce.

Flame Featured on Sirius/XM Radio

Michelle King & Falon McBride represented Flame on "The Janette Show" on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio. The show aired several times through the end of November on station Starz 107. "The Janette Show" hosted by comedienne & writer Janette Barber is recorded at the Siruis/XM studios at Rockefeller Center in Manhattan, NY. Michelle and Falon enjoyed strolling through Times Square and the star treatment they received at Sirius/XM, including signing the wall of Fame in their lobby. Janette talked to the band about Lexington and Flame and finished up the 10 minute interview with an acoustic version by Michelle and Falon of Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl".

THE MAINICHI DAILY NEWS

12/15/11

The Shining Flame of Hope
FLAME is a rock band that has up to 100 performances every year in the United States, mainly centered around New York State. All 12 of it's members have some type of physical or mental disability, making it the one and only touring rock band in the world of its kind. The first chance for the band to come together was in 2003, at a talent show in a human services facility in New York. An idea about creating a band naturally arose. Almost all of the members live in a group home, with support. Michelle, who is the vocalist for the band, has autism. She has been interested in music since she was very young and often sang Gospel at her church. Her mother Mary says that Michelle's sociability and vocabulary has grown exponentially since she joined the band. FLAME's fame has spread through the internet. David, who cannot see and is mentally challenged states that he feels the bewilderment of the audience before he starts playing, while when he starts playing, the bewilderment
turns into a loud applause. In front of the stage becomes so packed from people dancing that no one can move around. The band says it has the most fun experiencing the reaction of the audience. The person who named the band FLAME is also David. "It makes me happy when people who listen to our songs become happy. I want to keep a flame of hope burning." Maria, the manager, comments "Each member is like a puzzle piece, when the pieces come together, they become one piece of art. The ability and passion of each person can be felt from their music and you find there is a lot you can learn from them."