Staff Appreciation Day

by Cheyenne Rainford

On Thursday, June 20, ACR Health staff celebrated their annual Staff Appreciation Day at Willow Bay Park in Liverpool, NY.  

Despite heat advisories; with temperatures peaking at 93 F, according to AccuWeather; the agency was able to move forward with a successful teambuilding program and barbecue lunch. The cover of the pavilion and occasional breeze from the cool waters of Onondaga Lake were a boon in the otherwise stifling heat. 

Upon arrival, staff were divided into two groups to delineate the order in which they would participate in the day’s activities. The first of these was a mock “Family Feud” game featuring questions about the agency, its programs and services, and general sexual health knowledge.  

Although points were awarded based on the popularity of the responses, just as they are on the game show, facilitators Charlye Rosamilia (CNY Q Center Coordinator) and Ash Davis (Cultural Competency Specialist) took advantage of the opportunity to correct common misconceptions and ensure staff were properly educated on each topic.  

Lunch was served by Time 2 Eat Catering, LLC to the beat of former staff member, DJ Rahzie Seals’ lively playlist. The menu featured fall-off-the-bone tender pork ribs slathered in a sweet barbecue sauce; moist grilled lemon pepper chicken; butter-drenched salt potatoes; and fresh salad. For dessert, staff were treated to red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting and lemon and cherry tarts from Biscotti Cafe & Gelateria.  

CEO, Lisa D. Alford, recognized members of staff who have been with the agency for two, five, and 10 or more years: 

10 Year Cohort 

George Deveny 

5 Year Cohort 

Tim Hurn, Isabella Strong, Ryan Sorrell, Kaitlin Zimmer, Alysia Oriolo, Victor Jaskula, Megan Weston-Flanders, and Taryn Poirier. 

2 Year Cohort 

Carolina Diaz, Alexander Grant, Mikey Kelly, Jaclyn Oshins, David Furze, Randy Schryver, Amanda Serrano, Nathoue Noel, Ebony Pringle, Andrew Tavares, Peter Abraham, Tatum Anderson, Ta’Z McBride, Chantel Brooks, and Michelle McElroy. 

After lunch, the two staff groups switched places. Those who had already played “Family Feud” moved into the shade of nearby trees for an introductory icebreaker game. LGBTQ Program Manager, Hilary Avallone, instructed participants to pair off and introduce themselves to their partners with their name, preferred pronouns, title, and a favorite moment on the job.  

With each new round, every pair was joined by another and yet another pair until, eventually, the entire group was reconstituted as one. Finally, everyone introduced themselves to the group. Staff left the circle feeling more familiar with their coworkers, especially those from different office locations.  

By 2 p.m., following parting remarks, staff were dismissed.