The Walton Music House, the 2018 winner of the “Partner of The Year award”.
Each year The Arc selects businesses and people from our community that are true friends indeed and instrumental in supporting our mission by exemplifying our Unifying Principles.
These selections can be nominated by both the staff members and people we support. They are selected for meeting the criteria for each award. The criteria for the Partner of the Year award is as follows:
This award is presented to the community partner that has done the most to enhance opportunities for individuals with disabilities in Delaware County.
Staff member Jessica Baldi nominated the Walton Music House and she describes the qualities that stand out as well as how they have gone above and beyond to qualify for this award. We would like to share her nomination letter for this awesome business in our community: Larry Jamieson and The Walton Music House have supported individuals from the Arc of Delaware County to learn new skills, discover hidden talents and relate to others through the universal power of music. Larry’s open and adaptive approach creates an atmosphere of learning and enjoyment!
Larry has shared his musical talent with numerous individuals supported by The Arc throughout the years. One of these individuals is Joe. Joe began taking guitar lessons with Larry a little over a year ago. Joe has a bright and fun personality but sometimes struggles with taking directions which presents challenges to learning new skills. In those moments, Larry gives Joe the reins and lets him use his music as an outlet to release what Joe might be feeling and what we don’t understand. Larry is very attentive and will read Joe’s body language and take cues from him to know when to once again begin to introduce instructions. Larry is flexible in his teaching and allows Joe the freedom to feel in control, yet still keeps the lesson structured to include elements of learning.
Larry Jamieson has a very person-centered approach and models the same values and beliefs as The Arc of Delaware County. He genuinely wants people to learn and cares about them. Instead of directing and redirecting, Larry will adapt his lesson to best fit the needs at the moment. He does this naturally and without hesitation. Larry understands that people learn at different levels and speeds. He is mindful of and encourages the small victories. In doing so, people are more apt to learn and are able to relate to Larry positively. Every person that has taken lessons or has worked alongside him speaks fondly and enthusiastically about him. This speaks volumes in terms of his overall personality. It’s observed that Larry takes joy in sharing his passion for music with others regardless of their abilities.
Larry Jamieson and The Walton Music House have enhanced musical opportunities and positive learning experiences for people he supported at The Arc of Delaware County. Joe and others live richer, more full lives due to his additional shared musical passion and talents.
Jessica Baldi, LCV
Congratulations to The Walton Music House and many thanks for being dear friends in the community supporting people to live enriched and fulfilled lives! Kudos!!