Thank you, Gene! by Alicia Munson

Thank you, Gene! by Alicia Munson https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25 Celebrating Gene Martinez's 25 years of advocacy with The Arc. en-us 2019-09-04 20:39:36 UTC 2025-03-19 01:17:22 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.pics/1/image.webp?t=g_auto&url=https%3A%2F%2Fpadlet.net%2Ficons%2Fpng%2F1f3c6.png Gene - Thank you for 25 years of hard work and dedication to The Arc Minnesota! Your heartfelt and passionate advocacy means so much to so many! aliciam6 https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380146155 - Alicia Munson]]> 2019-09-04 20:47:14 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380146155 Congrats on 25 years! https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380156517 Thank you for dedicating your passion to advocacy and making MN a better place for people with disabilities!]]> 2019-09-04 21:23:26 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380156517 https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380158055 Gene - 25 years represents many battles to keep and improve services for those we serve
thank you for making a difference Cindy Owen ]]> 2019-09-04 21:30:38 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380158055 Wow, what a milestone achievement! Congratulations on reaching the big 2-5! And much gratitude for giving generously of your time and talent and your evenings and weekends over the years protecting the civil rights of people with disabilities and supporting their families in navigating the ever evolving service system. You're a gem Gene! Cheers to you! https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380161776 ~Barb Kleist]]> 2019-09-04 21:51:04 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380161776 Thanks Gene! Your the best! Kurt Rutzen https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380161984 2019-09-04 21:51:58 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380161984 You were one of the very first advocates I met when I first started working in the field of disability services policy Gene, thank you for the many lessons you have taught me over the years! And thank you for all your efforts at the capitol that have truly improved the lives of Minnesotans accessing disability services. https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380163129 - Anni Simons ]]> 2019-09-04 21:56:21 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380163129 What an incredible achievement, Gene! Your work has impacted so many lives across Minnesota. Thank you for your hard work and dedication! https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380163778 - Nick Boerum]]> 2019-09-04 22:00:41 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380163778 Congratulations Gene on your 25th Anniversary! Thank you for your hard and dedicated work on behalf of so many people. https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380165808 Laurie Berner, Arc Northland]]> 2019-09-04 22:12:41 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380165808 SILVER STAR! arcsvaluevillage https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380166860 Gene congratulations and thank you for your many, many years of working to make our world a better place! Traditionally silver is given for 25 years, so for you I award the silver star! Shine On!
~Molly King]]> 2019-09-04 22:19:58 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380166860 Gene - Thank you for standing with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and dedicating your career to improving their lives and the lives of the people who love them. https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380178267 Melissa Haley]]> 2019-09-04 23:26:46 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380178267 Thank you for all of your amazing work, Gene! You are an inspiration! https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380180464 Maren Christenson Hofer]]> 2019-09-04 23:38:51 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380180464 Thank you, Gene, for being such a role model for so many. You have made such a difference in the lives of so many people and I am grateful for all you have done. What a milestone! Congratulations! Sara Messelt, Proof Alliance https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380181884 2019-09-04 23:46:11 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380181884 Joan willshire https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380231284 Way to go Gene!]]> 2019-09-05 03:33:47 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380231284 Congratulations Gene! We will never be able to fully document the impact that you have had on the lives of people in Minnesota and beyond. Compassion and competence for 25 years! Thank you on behalf of my daughter, our family, and the countless number of people that are able to live better lives because of your work. https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380379271 Rich Stoebe]]> 2019-09-05 13:10:22 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380379271 Ellen Baudler https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380396050 Congrats Gene! Thank you for your advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities! It is a pleasure working with you and I am grateful for all the knowledge and good advice you have shared with me. The world is lucky to have you!]]> 2019-09-05 13:35:31 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380396050 Kyle Soderberg, Intern https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380409697 Congrats Gene! Your dedication to advancing Arc's mission is inspiring! Looking forward to working with you! Congrats again!]]> 2019-09-05 13:56:47 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380409697 Zack Eichten, MNBIA https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380414961 Gene, Crongrats on 25 years! You have been awesome to work with as I learn the ropes of advocating for people with disabilities! Again, congrats!]]> 2019-09-05 14:04:56 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380414961 Hi Gene: I checked the headlines for that time period—In 1994 President Clinton was signing major legislation not issuing Executive Orders to build walls; the IRA had declared a cease-fire in Northern Ireland; and O.J. Simpson had a long ride on California freeways before being arrested. The ADA was four years old. Newt Gingrich was preparing “Contract with America” that was renamed “Contract on America.” Governor Carlson was reelected in 1994 and MinnesotaCare was two years old. Bruce Johnson was selected as closure czar because hundreds of people with developmental disabilities still lived in regional treatment centers. John Johnson had a “home of his own” after living at Faribault Regional Treatment Center. Governor Carlson wanted to prevent future deficits and so he called upon John Brandl and Vin Weber to study how to restructure Medicaid. Part of their recommendations included means-testing for any program for people with disabilities and funding people with disabilities directly rather than bureaucracies. Remembering with Dignity began. Dr. Seuss said, “Oh, the places you will go.” Think of the hundreds of initiatives and bills that you have touched in 25 years. Congratulations. Colleen https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380415737 2019-09-05 14:05:59 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380415737 Thank you! https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380425114 Your knowledge and passion for this work is inspiring. You constantly go above and beyond to learn new things that improve the way you do things. 25 years is the sum of every day you have come to work and made a difference. Thank you for leading by example!
-Cortney Kressin]]> 2019-09-05 14:20:13 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380425114 Gene, thank you for your leadership and commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities. I am lucky and humbled to have brillant, committed colleagues like you. Bravo! Susan Sochacki https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380432171 2019-09-05 14:30:25 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380432171 Congratulations on 25 Years!! https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380440115 Thanks so much for all of your work on behalf of people who have disabilities in Minnesota! We have all benefitted from your hard work!
Lynn Noren, Rise]]> 2019-09-05 14:40:38 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380440115 Gentle Giant https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380440286 Congrats on the 25 years of working for The Arc and the community it serves! Your calm and quiet demeanor in the face of challenges impresses me and in that calm you have been able to make great strides for the community The Arc supports. Thanks Gene and look forward to what is to come!
Ryan Anderson Pascual]]> 2019-09-05 14:40:57 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380440286 Gene! We are so lucky to have you in our advocacy community! Your commitment to this work is evident in all you do. I've often admired your steadfastness, your dedication, your great humor and your many ideas and contributions. We are lucky to have you on our team! Thank you for being you and for making so many lives in Minnesota better! https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380444916 -Susie Emmert]]> 2019-09-05 14:47:36 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380444916 Amazing! https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380452544 Congrats on this great achievement Gene :)

Pa Nhue]]> 2019-09-05 14:58:51 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380452544 Congratulations Gene! 25 years of advocating for those with disabilities is truly inspiring and so necessary! Your quiet strength, knowledge, compassion, and dedication to serving is something we can all learn from. Keep up the great work and thank you for your service. Cheers, Wendy Gerlach https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380463576 2019-09-05 15:16:02 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380463576 Congratulations Gene on 25 years! We are so lucky to have you advocating on behalf of individuals with disabilities. We appreciate your knowledge, inspiration, and commitment! We look forward to continuing this great work with you! Congrats again on 25 years! https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380469176 Kate Bottiger, Reach for Resources ]]> 2019-09-05 15:24:37 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380469176 MVP! https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380495598 Gene,
Congratulations on your 25 year anniversary! We appreciate you and love having you in the This Is Medicaid coalition. I have already learned a great deal from you in a short period of time. Thank you for the advocacy you've done and continue to do! I look forward to working more with you.

Julia Burkstaller, This Is Medicaid]]> 2019-09-05 16:05:29 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380495598 Thank you Gene! Your wisdom, kindness, humor, and commitment are such treasures to our wider community. Thank you for your many contributions, and congratulations on this tremendous milestone! https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380511052 Kirsten Anderson]]> 2019-09-05 16:28:44 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380511052 Gene.... Congrats on 25 years!! Thank you for all your hard work and dedication! We are all very lucky to have you on our team!! James Mulvihill https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380568217 2019-09-05 17:47:33 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380568217 Gene, https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380603194 Thank you for welcoming me to The Arc, and inviting me to help with voter registration. I value your knowledge of all things political and have enjoyed talking with and learning from you. Your commitment to empowerment for the I/DD community is an example to us all. Let the voices be heard!

Heather Lund ]]> 2019-09-05 18:41:54 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380603194 Gene! 25 years is an amazing feat but not as amazing as all the lives you have impacted! Congratulations on 25 years of strong leadership, tremendous impact and life long positive change for people with disabilities. You are awe-inspiring and a true role model. Congratulations again! https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380603365 Michelle Theisen]]> 2019-09-05 18:42:17 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380603365 1 in a Million! parisgatlin https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380661701 Gene,
Thank you for your 25 years of services promoting and protecting the rights of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Being a catalyst for change by supporting and creating opportunities for individuals with IDD to live their BEST LIFE!

Paris Gatlin]]> 2019-09-05 21:12:24 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380661701 Gene, congrats on 25 years with The Arc! You are awesome in all that you do. https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380938338 Chloe Ahlf]]> 2019-09-06 15:02:18 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/380938338 Gene, you are incredible at what you do and you are a great person to work with. All the best. https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/381116463 Tara Sullivan]]> 2019-09-06 20:54:50 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/381116463 Congrats https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/381166398 2019-09-07 05:29:35 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/381166398 Congrats Gene! Thanks for all you do! https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/381166399 Nathan Chomilo, MN Doctors for Health Equity]]> 2019-09-07 05:29:36 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/381166399 Gene - https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/381210968 I knew you were going to be a great advocate all those years ago when I hired you!
Sue Abderholden]]> 2019-09-07 16:16:30 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/381210968 Thank You for All You Do https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/381428197 Gene, thank you for investing your time, energy, and talents over the past many years of advocacy, support, and leadership. You've helped to improve the lives of countless people with disabilities, families, and our broader communities — including your 25 years with The Arc. You're a passionate leader and fantastic role model. I appreciate your deep compassion, vast wisdom, and unwavering persistence. I completely agree with Ryan: you're a "gentle giant" with your calm and quiet demeanor; sharing compassion, knowledge, and wisdom in the face of widespread, complex challenges; many looking to you during these difficult times for your guidance. We're blessed by your presence and talents. Thank you for fulfilling such critical roles and contributing so much to the evolution of our society.]]> 2019-09-09 03:54:54 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/381428197 https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/381679435 Congrats on your 25 years with The Arc! It truly is an amazing achievement.

-Bethany Schwerr ]]> 2019-09-09 15:34:48 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/381679435 Congrats https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/381687061 2019-09-09 15:45:37 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/381687061 Congrats Gene! Wow- 25 years! You have made such an impact on this agency in that time. Your commitment and steadfastness is admirable! https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/381687067 Thanks for 25 years!
-Tori ]]> 2019-09-09 15:45:38 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/381687067 Congrats Gene! https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/382297765 Thanks for all you do!]]> 2019-09-10 17:11:29 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/382297765 Congratulations, Gene! https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/382393153 Thank you for all you do! - Laura Mortenson]]> 2019-09-10 19:48:11 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/382393153 Gene, it's hard to believe it has been 25 years! The work that you have done, the leadership you have provided, the dedication you bring to your job and to The Arc are so amazing. I am always so impressed with the amount of knowledge you have and your willingness to work on whatever needs to be done. It has been an honor to be able to work with you. Congratulations! https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/382404063 Buff Hennessey]]> 2019-09-10 20:16:02 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/382404063 Gene, https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/382443300 Congratulations on the recognition & keep up the good work!

Phil Griffin]]> 2019-09-10 22:53:11 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/382443300 Gene https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/388492460 2019-09-23 21:14:25 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/388492460 Gene, https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/388492466 Thank you for your hard work and tireless advocacy for the disability community over the past 25 years! Your hard work is a testament for all of us and I'm thankful to have you as a partner.

Kody Olson, Minnesota Council on Disability]]> 2019-09-23 21:14:26 UTC https://padlet.com/aliciam6/Gene25/wish/388492466