Arc opens snack shop at Arnold Gregory site in Albion

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Arc of Orleans County celebrated the opening of the “Snack Shack” today with a ribbon-cutting at the Arnold Gregory Memorial Complex at 243 South Main St.

The Snack Shack had a quiet opening last month, with people served by The Arc selling snacks, baked goods, soda, coffee, ice cream, fruit and candy. The site has added breakfast and lunch sandwiches.

Robert Gallagher mans the cashier and accepts money from Darlene Golson after she bought a beverage and a snack.

Karen Appleman, an Arc employee, is pictured in back left. Arc staff provide some oversight and assistance for the Snack Shack, but the goal is to have the site be run by people served by The Arc, giving them work experience and job training so they could transition to other employment in the community, said Melissa Cotter, employment services coordinator for The Arc.

She estmated 5 to 10 people served by the Arc would work regularly at the site, which is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. this month and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning in November.

Robert Greer makes his coffee at the Snack Shack. He is president of the Self-Advocacy All-Stars at The Arc.

Ben DeGeorge and his father Joe purchased the Arnold Gregory site in December from Ray Lissow. Ben DeGeorge asked The Arc to consider running a snack shop in the spot near the front entrance of the facility.

DeGeorge added furniture for people to hang out and relax. He said about 250 people are in the building each day.

The site is used by The Arc for Rainbow Preschool, and offices for the agency’s family services and community living staff. Other doctors and professional staff also use space at Arnold Gregory, a former hospital.