A new fund created in memory of a former TRC dentist will support the provision of dental services to people with disabilities.

The Resource Center and Filling the Gap, Inc., have established the Dr. John Vona “Smile” Fund thanks to a $15,000 donation from Dr. Vona’s children (Linda Hart, Dr. David Vona, Sandy Stewart, and Daniel Vona).

The fund is named in memory of Dr. John Vona, who worked in TRC Community Health Center’s Dunkirk Dental Office for 20 years before retiring in 2022. He passed away in Match 2024.

Several months ago, Dr. Vona’s children contacted The Resource Center with the idea of creating the Smile Fund to carry on their father’s legacy of providing compassionate dental care to people with disabilities.

“My dad always believed in treating everyone with dignity and kindness, and his dental practice truly reflected that,” said Linda Hart. “He had such a deep love for this community and was always looking for ways to give back. This fund is a way to carry on his spirit of compassion and make sure his legacy of helping others continues, especially for those who need it most.”

Filling the Gap will use the Smile Fund to help close the gap in oral health services for people with disabilities. “We are incredibly grateful for this new fund and the opportunity it presents to expand vital services to those who need them most,” said Greg Krauza, President of FTG’s Board of Directors.

Dr. Vona’s former colleagues at TRC Community Health Center remember him fondly, and they are thankful for the creation of the Smile Fund and the opportunity to serve more people with disabilities.

“We were so fortunate to work with Dr. Vona at our dental office in Dunkirk for so many years. He was a bright spot in everyone’s day and treated each patient with genuine kindness,” said Heather C. Brown, Vice President for Clinical Operations at The Resource Center and Community Inclusion, Inc., which operates TRC Community Health Center.

“It is an honor that his family has elected to continue his legacy and support of individuals in need of dental care in our community.”

“For those who had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Vona, his unwavering passion for serving people with disabilities left a permanent mark on us all. His kind and compassionate nature that he brought to our practice sets the standard for our continued mission to provide the best healthcare we can to our community,” said Lindsay VandeVelde, Community Inclusion’s Executive Director.

“Our gratitude goes out to the Vona family for their generous establishment of the Smile Fund. Their commitment and supportive gesture foster our mission to meet the oral healthcare needs of individuals with disabilities,” Lindsay added.

Dr. Vona, fondly called “Doc” within the community, completed school at the University of Buffalo’s Dental School in 1961 and immediately entered the U.S. Army Reserve Dental division at Ft. Riley, KS. After an honorable discharge, he set down roots in Silver Creek, NY. He had a thriving dental practice for more than 45 years and continued to work well into his mid-80s for The Resource Center at TRC Community Health Center in Dunkirk, NY, where he retired after working 61 years as an area dentist.

He prided himself on building relationships and patient care with a splash of humor. Dr. Vona was a compassionate and highly respected local dentist whose career was defined by kindness, dedication and a heartfelt commitment to serving others — especially individuals with special needs. The “Smile” Fund pays tribute to both his professional legacy and the joy he brought to his patients, co-workers and community.

The Vona family plans to raise money for the fund via the Laurel Memorial Run and Walk, which celebrates people with disabling conditions. The Laurel Run/Walk was created in 1997 by longtime TRC volunteers Wayne and Elaine Hotelling in honor of their daughter Laurel, who had Down syndrome. Dr. Vona regularly attended the event.

“The Laurel Run meant a lot to him,” Linda Hart said of her father, “not just for the cause, but for how it brought people together.”

In addition, Dr. Vona was the dentist for Laurel and her siblings, which enhances the connection between the Vona and Hotelling families.

The Smile Fund joins six other TRC funds that are managed by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.

“The Dr. John Vona ‘Smile’ Fund is a beautiful tribute and a meaningful investment in our region’s well-being,” said Tory Irgang, CRCF’s Executive Director. “We are proud to continue our partnership with The Resource Center and grateful to the Vona family for choosing the Foundation as a steward of their father’s legacy.”

People can donate to the Smile Fund at https://fillingthegap.net/donate. Applications for assistance from the Smile Fund are available at Filling the Gap, 716-661-1519.

Last year’s winning design was created by Lizzy Ball.

Area high school students can put their artistic talents to use by participating in a contest to design the logo for the 2025 Laurel Memorial Run and Walk. The person who designs the winning entry will receive a $50 gift card to a business of their choosing.

Laurel Run was started in 1997 by Wayne and Elaine Hotelling of Silver Creek. The annual event is named in honor of their oldest daughter. Laurel, who died in 2017, had Down syndrome, and the Laurel Memorial Run/Walk seeks to raise awareness and appreciation about the achievements of people with Down syndrome and other types of disabilities. 

The Laurel Memorial Run and Walk raises money for Filling the Gap, Inc., which works with The Resource Center to support people with disabilities and their families in Chautauqua County.

The logo contest is open to high school students in Chautauqua County. Entries should not be too intricate, since the design needs to reproduce well on a T-shirt. Artists also are encouraged to submit original designs, rather than using artwork they find on the Internet or through other sources.

Designs must be received by Monday, May 12. The public will have the opportunity to vote online to help determine the winning design.

Designs should be submitted to: Laurel Run Logo Contest, c/o Filling the Gap, 92 Fairmount Avenue, Jamestown, NY, 14701. Designs also may be submitted electronically to [email protected]. All entries become the property of Filling the Gap.

 The 29^th annual Laurel Memorial Run/Walk is set for July 18 and 19. The traditional Jamestown-to-Dunkirk relay run will take place Friday, July 18. The following morning in Silver Creek, there will be an 8-kilometer running race, a 5k run/walk, a 1k fun walk, children’s runs, and “Laurel’s Memorial Lap” (a free event that is open to anyone who has a disability).

 For more information about the logo contest or the Laurel Memorial Run/Walk, phone 716-483-2344, extension 90135.

Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union (SCFCU) recently announced it had renewed its $15,000 corporate sponsorship contribution to The Resource Center and Filling the Gap, Inc., a Jamestown-based non-profit organization that works with The Resource Center to support people with disabilities and other socioeconomic challenges in Chautauqua County.

As a corporate sponsor, SCFCU will receive recognition as a sponsor of the annual fund-raising events organized by The Resource Center and Filling the Gap.  Those events include the Ability Awareness Awards, TRC Golf Classic, Step Up for Autism, Laurel Memorial Run/Walk, Sassy Baggs & Beyond Blingo, and Mark Pacheco WOW Fund Lip Sync Battle.

“Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union is honored to support The Resource Center and Filling the Gap, Inc.,” said John Felton, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our organization believes in The Resource Center’s mission to empower individuals with disabilities to live meaningful lives. Our contribution is a reflection of our commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and creating opportunities for everyone to thrive.”

“On behalf of myself and the employees of The Resource Center and Filling the Gap, we are appreciative of Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union’s commitment to our core mission,” said Denise Jones, The Resource Center’s Chief Executive Officer.  “The support of community organizations like Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union allows us to fulfill our mission of helping people with disabilities to enjoy meaningful lives. We also recognize the wide-ranging impact John and his employees have on our community as well.”

Photo caption:  l to r – Dave Samuelson, Chief Lending Officer, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, Teena Chau, Chief Tellering Operations Officer, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union,  Denise Jones, Chief Executive Officer, The Resource Center, Kelly Dimitri, Chief Operating Officer, The Resource Center, Cindy Hitchcock, Chief Executive Officer, Filling the Gap, Inc., and Chris Anderson, Marketing Manager/TRC Golf Classic Chair, The Resource Center.

The Resource Center is the Chautauqua County Chapter of The Arc New York, the largest provider of supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in New York State.

Sunny weather and spirited competition highlighted the 28th annual TRC Golf Classic, which raised money to improve the lives of people with special needs in Chautauqua County.

Twenty-seven foursomes competed in the tournament, held July 22 at Moon Brook Country Club near Jamestown.  Winning the tournament with a score of 116 in the four-ball, two-best-ball format was the team of Michelle Grisanti, Mike Grisanti, Lindsay O’Connor and Jason O’Connor.  They will have their names engraved on the champions’ trophy, which is called The Gregg Bender Cup in honor of the retired TRC employee and former longtime chair of the tournament’s steering committee.

Earning top honors in the first flight with a score of 120 was the team of Mike Bird, Jeff Keppel, Todd Conklin, and Jerome Lee Yaw.  Finishing atop flight two with a 129 was the team of Mike Goldman, Mike Roberts, Devan Jackson, and Damien Jackson.

Once the tournament concluded, the traditional Special Olympics putting contest took place.  More than 20 athletes participated, with each Special Olympian getting one chance to make a lengthy putt.  The competitor whose ball came to rest closest to the hole was Paul Ribaudo.

Following appetizers and a buffet dinner prepared by Moon Brook staff, awards were presented to the top teams in the tournament, and prize drawings were held.  Kelly Dimitri, TRC’s chief operating officer, thanked the golfers for participating in the tournament, which raises money to support people with disabilities in Chautauqua County.

For the 13th straight year, Lake Shore Savings was the presenting sponsor.  Other major sponsors were HM Insurance Group, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, the Winifred Crawford Dibert Foundation, AssuredPartners, Bryans & Gramuglia, Double Tree by Hilton Jamestown, Jamestown Container Companies, Lutheran Jamestown, Ocean State Innovations, SKF Aeroengine, The Post-Journal, and USI Insurance.

Other sponsors included Arthur R. Gren Company, Collaborative Children’s Solutions, Conrad Office Products, Courier Capital, Dahlstrom Rollform, Graf Realty, HCH Interiors, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY, Independent Health/Pharmacy Benefit Dimensions, Inscale Architects, Jamestown Awning, Jamestown Macadam Inc. (JMI), Jamestown Mattress, KeyBank, Kinley Contractors, LaBella Associates, Medical Risk Managers (MRM), M.J. Foley Co., Pepsi Co. of Jamestown, Rand Precision Machining, Shults Auto Group, SM Cristall, Twinstar Business Solutions, TRC’s Executive Management Team, Univera Healthcare, UPMC Chautauqua, WCA Foundation, and Weber Knapp Company.

The following donated items: ACME The Appliance Store, Chautauqua Golf Club, Dahlstrom Rollform, DFT Communications, Enterprise Fleet Management, Fancher Chair, Jason Stronz, Pepsi Co. of Jamestown, Philadelphia Insurance Companies, Phil N’ Cindy’s Lunch, Phil and Cindy Ribaudo, Joe and Teri Ribaudo, Paul and Jennifer Capitano, Jim and Sally Jaroszynski, Smokin’ Bear Cigars, South Hills Country Club, Southern Tier Distilling Company, and ZTS Management.

The tournament’s success is due in large part to the efforts of its steering committee: Chris Anderson, chair; Gregg Bender, chair emeritus; Nicholas Bell, Daniel Bender, Anthony Cusimano, Adam Dimitri, John Felton, Todd Frangione, R. Michael Goldman, Cindy Hitchcock, Phil Ribaudo, Mike Roberts, Jason Stronz, Victoria Bardo, Timur Tyra, Tad Wright, Gary Yager, and Ben Windoft.

Also critical to the tournament’s success were the contributions of its other event-day volunteers: Kevin Anderson, Kayla DePane, Theresa Butts, Kelly Dimitri, Kathy Field, Rachel Foley, Mary Jo Hamilton, Austin Mitchell, Jenna Silzle, Karen Silzle, and Anne Yager.

“The 28th annual TRC Golf Classic, in terms of money raised, was our most successful event since 2008!  The weather was perfect, and the golf course was in superb condition,” Chris Anderson said.  “The TRC Golf Classic is only made possible with the generous financial commitment of sponsors and the dedication of many volunteers and the staff at Moon Brook Country Club.  Together, they make a lasting difference in the lives of people in our community.  It is a distinct honor to lead such a successful and important event and have a dedicated team of committee members ensuring the tournament’s continued success.”

He noted that while final figures have not been tabulated, this year’s tournament will generate over $60,000 after all expenses have been paid.  The most money raised in over 15 years.  This will bring the tournament’s cumulative net proceeds to about $1.85 million since the event was first held in 1997.

TRC Golf Classic proceeds benefit Filling the Gap, Inc., a Jamestown-based not-for-profit organization that works with The Resource Center to improve the lives of people with disabilities and other socioeconomic challenges.

Next year’s TRC Golf Classic is scheduled for July 21.  Businesses interested in sponsoring the event can contact Anderson at 716-483-2344, ext 90167.

CAPTIONS

Pictured from left are the members of the winning team: Mike Grisanti, Michelle Grisanti, Lindsay O’Connor and Jason O’Connor.

Paul Ribaudo, center, won the Special Olympics putting contest.  He is pictured with Gregg Bender, left, a member of the tournament’s steering committee and Kevin Anderson, a Resource Center employee and Special Olympics golf coach.

Dan and Beth Hocking, Owners of ACME The Appliance Store, recently donated a Weber Gas Grill that will be used for a drawing to support the 28th Annual TRC Golf Classic.

The TRC Golf Classic is the major annual fund-raising event for Filling the Gap, Inc., a Jamestown-based non-profit organization that works with The Resource Center to support people with disabilities and other socioeconomic challenges in Chautauqua County. In its first 27 years, the tournament has netted over $1.78 million for the TRC Foundation Fund, which raises money to improve the lives of people with disabling conditions in Chautauqua County.

“The Resource Center is a vital part of our community, said Dan Hocking.  “ACME the Appliance Store is honored to serve as a community partner and donate this WEBER Gas Grill to help raise money for the Resource Center.  Beth & I believe strongly in giving back to the community and assist all the wonderful people at the Resource Center, who nurture, uplift and empower others to realize their full potential. The Resource Center makes a positive difference in people’s lives on a daily basis, and we are happy to continue to partner with them to support their efforts.”

The 2024 TRC Golf Classic is scheduled for July 22 at Moon Brook Country Club in Jamestown.  For more information, please visit www.trcgolfclassic.com.

Picture:  l to r – Kim Davis, Special Olympics Athlete, Janel McIntyre, Special Olympics Athlete,  Dan Hocking, Co-Owner, ACME The Appliance Store, and Kay Davis, Special Olympics Athlete.

Photo: l to r – Kim Liddell, President, CEO & Director, Lake Shore Savings Bank, Chris Anderson, TRC Golf Classic Chairman, and Gregg Bender, TRC Golf Classic Chair Emeritus and Board President, Filling the Gap, Inc.

Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc., the holding company of Lake Shore Savings Bank, announced that its Board of Directors has renewed an agreement to have Lake Shore Savings serve as the presenting sponsor of the TRC Golf Classic for three more years.

The TRC Golf Classic is the major annual fund-raising event for Filling the Gap, Inc., a Jamestown-based non-profit organization that works with The Resource Center to support people with disabilities and other socioeconomic challenges in Chautauqua County.

Lake Shore Savings has sponsored the TRC Golf Classic every year since the tournament began in 1997, and since 2012 has been the event’s presenting sponsor.  One of the most successful one-day charity golf tournaments in Southwestern New York, the TRC Golf Classic has netted more than $1.8 million since it began in 1997.

“Lake Shore Savings Bank has been a proud supporter of The Resource Center for the past 27 years,” said Kim Liddell, President, CEO & Director. “We strongly believe in supporting organizations that do so much to help strengthen our community.”

“On behalf of myself and the employees of The Resource Center and Filling the Gap, we are grateful to Lake Shore Savings Bank for its renewal as the presenting sponsor of the TRC Golf Classic,” said Denise Jones, The Resource Center’s Chief Executive Officer.  “We rely on the generosity of our local business community to make our events successful.  Lake Shore Savings has been one of our most treasured corporate partners over the last 27 years.  Their annual support allows us to fulfill our mission of helping people with disabilities to enjoy meaningful lives.”
“The TRC Golf Classic Steering Committee applauds Lake Shore Savings Bank for once again agreeing to be the presenting sponsor for the next three TRC Golf Classics.  Lake Shore Savings has been a major sponsor of our event for 27 years.  And, for the last 12 years, as presenting sponsor, they have contributed $180,000.  Lake Shore’s motto is ‘Putting People First’ and they have once again lived their mission as a wonderful community partner.  We thank Kim Liddell, Taylor Gilden and the Board at Lake Shore Savings Bank for their generous commitment to The Resource Center and the people we serve,” said Chris Anderson, Chair, and Gregg Bender, Chair Emeritus, TRC Golf Classic and Board President, Filling the Gap, Inc.

The 2024 TRC Golf Classic is scheduled for July 22 at Moon Brook Country Club in Jamestown.  For more information or to sponsor, visit www.trcgolfclassic.com or phone 716-483-2344 x90167.

The Resource Center and Filling the Gap, Inc., will pair two of their popular events when the Sprout Film Festival and Step Up for Autism take place Wednesday, September 27.

The combined events will be held at The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts on Third Street in Jamestown.  An autism awareness walk will begin at 5:30.  Walkers will proceed west for about three blocks to the CHQ Plus store, then return to The Reg.  The walk is free, and everyone is invited to take part to show support for people on the autism spectrum.

The theaters doors open at 6:00 for the Sprout Film Festival, with the movies scheduled to start at 7:00.  The festival features 10 short films that celebrate the diverse lives and creativity of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  The films seek to challenge assumptions and break down stereotypes about people with disabling conditions.

Sprout is a traveling film festival, and each host community selects the films that will be screened locally.  This is the seventh time The Resource Center has brought the Sprout Film Festival to Chautauqua County.  Most of this year’s films feature individuals who are on the spectrum.  People can view the festival’s trailer at www.resourcecenter.org/sprout to get a feel for some of the films.

Admission to the film festival is free thanks to a grant from Filling the Gap, which works with The Resource Center to improve the lives of people with disabilities in Chautauqua County.

This will be the 14^th annual Step Up for Autism celebration, which is organized by Filling the Gap.  Two staples of past Step Up for Autism events will be incorporated into the film festival.  Patrons will have an opportunity to try to win donated prize baskets, as well as bid on items in a sweets auction.  The auction features cakes, pies and other treats donated by local establishments.

Officials from The Resource Center and Filling the Gap are looking forward to presenting the Sprout Film Festival and Step Up for Autism on the same evening.

“I am excited to have these two great events become one,” said The Resource Center’s Kevin Anderson, one of the film festival’s lead organizers.  “Sprout has always been a wonderful evening where the greater Jamestown community comes together to enjoy entertaining and enlightening films.  With the addition of Step Up for Autism, we are providing the opportunity for people to mingle before the films and help raise funds for important programs that support individuals on the spectrum.”

“Bringing these two favorite events together gives us one action-packed event,” said Victoria Bardo, development and event manager for Filling the Gap.  “Please join us in front of The Reg at 5:30 for our walk along Third Street, enjoy the movies and don’t forget to participate in our raffles and spirited sweets auction.  This is a beautiful venue, so why not bring along your family and friends?  You will come out of this event with the best feeling and a new perspective on the cherished lives of persons with different abilities.”

Sponsors of this year’s Step Up for Autism include Brown & Brown Insurance, Lake Shore Savings and UPMC Chautauqua.  Money raised through Step Up for Autism will stay in Chautauqua County to support people on the autism spectrum and others with developmental disabilities.

“We would like to send a shout out to all of our sponsors for their continued support in making a difference in our community,” Bardo added. 

 For more information about the Sprout Film Festival, phone Anderson at 716-483-2344.  For questions about Step Up for Autism, phone Bardo at 716-661-1477.

People wishing to make a donation in support of the Step Up for Autism walk, or to help bring Sprout to our community again next year, may do so by visiting http://fillingthegap.net/donate.  People also can mail a check to Filling the Gap, 92 Fairmount Avenue, Jamestown, NY, 14701; make the check payable to Filling the Gap and write either “Sprout” or “Step Up for Autism” on the memo line.