Summ

er2008

Art print by permission of Martha Perske from Martha Perske’s Best 100 Drawings.

Recreation Support Services, A Model For Community WellnessUnified Recreation Programs In Full Swing

Recreation Support Services at The Arc was designed to meet the

overall needs of people with developmental disabilities and have a

positive impact on health outcomes including socialization and

physical fitness.

Two years after receiving the grant from the Department of

Education, the program has done just that with the implementation

of Unified Recreation through Special Olympics and other recreational

opportunities. Unified recreation is unique in that it is an activity that

is composed of adults with and without developmental disabilities.

For instance, every fall and spring, several individuals receiving services

from The Arc, along with other artists in the community, participate in

painting outdoors or better known as Plein Air Painting. People who

love art will come together this summer to paint in the open air at

the Anita C. Leight Estuary Center to share experiences and develop

friendships with the culmination of an art show at the end of the session.

In January of 2008, a Unified Basketball League was formed. The teams

competed weekly in the true meaning of inclusion! In March, twelve

teams representing companies throughout Harford County gathered

at Rite Aid’s Partner’s Field for a friendly Flag Football Tournament.

This past Spring, the Harford Rollers Senior Unified Bocce team

officially opened their season with an exhibition at the McFaul Senior

Center. The opening was highlighted by the dedication of the bocce

court in the name of Angelo Grossi, a fan of the game and of the

Harford Rollers. And this summer, the sport of kayaking goes unified

as the team retreats to the Eden Mill Nature Center for skill building.

In addition, activities at local fitness clubs in Harford County play an

important role in recreational activities. Since the program’s inception,

staff and people receiving services are more health conscience when it

comes to caloric intake and healthy food choices. Mike Cornish, LPN

at The Arc adds, “People are more conscientious of the need to exercise.

They are in the community moving around and participating in

opportunities that promote any kind of activity.”

Recreation Support Services was recently awarded a $1,000 grant from

the Maryland State Arts Council and Harford County Government

through the Harford County Cultural Arts Board. This award will

allow the program to continue facilitating community-based initiatives

and natural supports in people’s communities. Joe, a local artist, had his

work displayed at the Harford County Cultural Arts Board office in

downtown Bel Air.

For more information concerning Recreation Support Services

at The Arc and Unified Sports, contact Chass Seymour at

410-836-7177, ext. 424 or cseymour@arcncr.org, or Mark Larichiuta

at 410-836-7177, ext. 329 or mlarichiuta@arcncr.org.

2The Arc is a private non-profit membership organization, which has provided support services and advocacy

End The Wait Now! CampaignWaiting List Grows To Over 18,000 Children And Adults

New Waiting List numbers were released in July 2008. There are now 18,024

children and adults on the DDA Waiting List for Community Services, per the

Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). The numbers grew

by nearly 400 in just the past 4 months. The increase reflects a growth of 86%

from 2004 to 2008 in the past 5 years. The Arc of Maryland has joined with

the DD Coalition (made up of the leading statewide advocacy and provider

organizations) on the End the Wait Now! Campaign. The campaign is a targeted

effort by individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in

collaboration with the Coalition. Made possible by funding support from the

Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council and volunteer efforts by families,

the campaign coordinates public education and grassroots advocacy to obtain

the needed funding for the Waiting List. For more information, visit

www.endthewaitnow.com.

Once you have met Stephen Nytrai,

you will never forget him. Stephen

has been serving as a youth advisor

on the Governor’s Youth Council since

January 2007. He has been actively

involved in the planning of the

Governor’s Youth Council Bill of

Rights to support the passing of

Senate Bill 1, which is a bill stating that future governors cannot abolish or change

the group. In addition, Stephen participates on a Sub-Work Group of the Ready

By 21 Committee focusing on education. Most importantly, he is a voice for youth

who cannot “speak” for themselves and who are often overlooked when programs

or services are being planned. One more thing, did we happen to mention that

Stephen is an individual with multiple disabilities? When Stephen was born, his

family was told that he would not be able to walk, talk, or make strides in learning.

Stephen has overcome all of that and so much more. Way to go Stephen!

An Amazing Young ManStephen Nytrai, A Voice For Youth

The Arc has provided training to help

Ron learn how to navigate around

the computer and in cyberspace.

He now has an active email account

as well as an impressive My Space.

He enjoys searching the internet to

learn more about his interests,

including tai chi, practicing a MVA

drivers test online, current events and

relationship building on E-harmony.

He is even exploring a dream business

plan of creating picture symbols

for others in need and is currently

working on learning graphic design

skills from Sean Coomes of AI Designs

in Aberdeen. Ron gives the

communication resource room

at The Arc a big thumbs up!

The Arc Provides The Tools AndSkills To Navigate Cyberspace

Walking The Bridge From SchoolTo The Adult WorldA Transition Guide For Parents

A Transition Guide For Parents is a planning tool to assist parents and their teen

with developmental disabilities to prepare for adult life upon exiting school. This

guide will be offered to families within Harford and Cecil County Public schools

beginning Fall 2008 and is currently available on The Arc website. As a result of

this project we continue to work with our many partners, such as Harford and Cecil

County Public Schools and local government, to improve the quality of life for

individuals with disabilities.

Mutual of America donates a $500 check to The Arc

Northern Chesapeake Region. From Left to Right;

Roy Vaughn, Renee Shew, Regina Lee (Director of

Administrative Services at The Arc), and Deb Smith.

THANK YOUMUTUAL OF AMERICA

On Monday, July 21, 2008, Governor Martin O’Malley, the Maryland

Department of Disabilities and the Maryland State Department of Education,

recognized the impact of the 2008 Maryland Fitness and Athletic Equity Act

for Students with Disabilities. This new law will enhance opportunities for all

students to receive the benefits of physical education and athletic programs.

This Act is a landmark piece of legislation that, for the first time, specifies the

actions school systems must take to include students with disabilities in physical

education and athletic programs. The bill requires that schools ensure that

students with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate in physical

education and athletic programs, develop policies and procedures to promote

and protect the inclusion of students with disabilities, and provide annual

reporting to the Maryland State Department of Education detailing their

compliance with these requirements. This legislation was strongly supported

by The Arc of Maryland and will require that students, families, and advocates

learn what the plans are for implementation in their own school districts.

to people with developmental disabilities and their families in Harford, Cecil and Kent Counties since 1953.

Legislative NewsFitness And Athletic Competition For All

3

Brian Parks enrolled in the Summer

Jobs program at The Arc Northern

Chesapeake Region. This summer, he

continued his volunteer work experience

at Bull on the Beach in a paid capacity.

Through the combined efforts of Harford

County Transit Mobility Trainer, Cheryl

Gable, and The Arc Summer Jobs

Project, Brian Parks has become the

100th rider in the mobility- training

program. This training has enabled

Brian to use public transportation

independently. He has been shown

how to call Harford Transit on his cell

phone to make sure that the bus stops

at the flag stop in front of his place of

employment. He has been interested

in how to read the schedule, learn the

routes, and make a transfer. Brian is

very excited about this opportunity.

It’s another step in the many steps that

Brian is taking towards independence.

The 100th Rider Celebrated With Harford County Transit

Summer Jobs Student Rides For Independence

Left to right: County Executive David Craig, Brian Parks,

Cheryl Gable, Jan Stauffer, Mary Chance

The Arc is always looking to build partnerships and

opportunity for people we support. Please join us for an

inspiring one-hour informational session to learn more about

our mission and how you can get involved to support

individuals with disabilities in our community.

Our Fall Session will feature

Employment Services-Workers With Disabilities . . .Talent For A Winning Team

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

9AM-10:30AM

The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region

Mary and Carl Stephens Conference Room

4513 Philadelphia Road

Aberdeen, MD 21001

Contact Amy Stewart at 410-879-6785 to RSVP

or email astewart@arcncr.org

MEET THE ARC

Administrative Offices • Employment Services • Family Support Services

Members of The Arc are reminded that you will receive

your renewal reminder notices for your membership from

“The Arc of The United States” and payment can be

made directly to The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region

and mailed in the accompanying envelope to The Arc

Northern Chesapeake Region at 4513 Philadelphia Road,

Aberdeen, MD 21001. If you have any questions, please

contact Rosie Wolff at 410-879-6785, ext. 338.

Membership Renewal Reminder

4

Thanks to your support, Colleen has

been receiving training to enhance

her ability to communicate with

friends and family far and wide.

Though Colleen’s speech is quite

easy to understand, her challenges

with reading and writing has put

limitations on her aspirations. Through

the training in the use of Natural

Reader, a software that converts

written text to speech, “You’ve got

mail,” has taken on a whole new

meaning for Colleen! She has been

able to keep in touch with a cousin in

Pennsylvania and an aunt in Florida.

She has also enjoyed writing journal

entries and describing her dreams in

words and picture symbols using the

Writing With Symbols capabilities of

Mayre Johnson’s Boardmaker

software.

“You’ve Got Mail” Takes On A New Meaning

The fourth home renovation as part of The Arc Project took place at Hampton

Hall Court in the community of Riverside and is home to Joe and Louie. Alex

Johnston of Oldtowne Builders designed and oversaw the renovation. Their home

now has a more spacious floor plan, increased accessibility in bathrooms, a new

kitchen and a new deck. The gentlemen will be planning a barbeque to celebrate

with friends and neighbors. A special thanks to The Arc Project, Co-Chairs,

Jim Lambdin of Lambdin Development Company and Paul Muddiman of

Morris & Ritchie Associates and our donors who made this possible.

The Arc Project UpdateA Home Of Our Own

Joe in his newly renovated kitchen in his home in Riverside.

LaPonzina Orthodontics and McKee & Associates

Before dArc Golf Tournament

hosted by The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region

is scheduled for Monday, October 6, 2008

at the Maryland Golf & Country Clubs!

Help us to reach our fundraising goal of $50,000 to help

children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Contact Paul Levine at 410-879-6785, ext. 356,

for more further information and for sponsorship

opportunities or email plevine@arcncr.org.

Visit our website at www.arcncr.org to download

our registration and sponsorship packet.

Before dArc Golf Tournament

SAVE THE DATE

• Individual Support Services • Supported Living Services

Foster Care Celebration

Havre de Grace Mayor WayneDougherty Issues Proclamation For Foster Care Month

5

The Concord Point Lighthouse in

Havre de Grace was the scene for the

Harford County Foster Care Month

celebration on Tuesday, May 20, 2008.

One hundred blue ribbons lined the

fence surrounding the lighthouse and

the railing on the top of the lighthouse,

symbolizing the 10,000 children in

Maryland’s foster care system. Havre

de Grace Mayor Wayne Dougherty

was on hand to issue a proclamation

for Foster Care Month. The Arc’s Family

Services Director Dianne Ross and

Department of Social Services Director,

Jerry Reyerson, also acknowledged the

contributions of foster families and the

staff of their respective programs.

Foster families from The Arc and DSS,

as well as representatives from the

Department of Human Resources

were also in attendance.

Left to right: Havre de Grace Mayor Wayne Dougherty,

Family Services Director Dianne Ross and Department

of Social Services Director Jerry Reyerson

Help the Arc to save postage by providing us with

your email address. All email recipients will receive the

Ambassador newsletter and regular legislative and

Arc updates. Please forward your complete name

and email address to Rosie Wolff at rwolff@arcncr.org.

Receive the AmbassadorNewsletter in your email box!

If you want to make a difference for a child in foster care and have just a little time

to give, consider becoming a respite caregiver for foster families! A respite parent

takes care of a child in foster care for a weekend or a week at a time in the respite

parent’s home. This allows foster parents to take a much-needed rest or to tend to

family emergencies or illnesses. As a respite parent, you are paid for your time and

get the satisfaction of having a caring relationship with a child who needs you!

Call Kathy Pitrat at 410-836-7177, ext. 345 for more information.

Give Foster Families A Break

On June 27, 2008, The Arc hosted a Memory Garden Reception

and provided the opportunity for family members and staff to

reflect on the lives of loved ones whose lives have touched The Arc

in some way. Special thanks to Katie Knox for her time and talents

in coordinating the reception. If you would like to order an engraved

brick to honor a loved one, contact Rosie Wolff at 410-879-6785,

ext. 338 or email rwolff@arcncr.org.

Visit Our Websitewww.arcncr.org

The Arc website has a few new and exciting features.Families can access information about events andother information pertaining to their sons & daughters.

• Become a member.• Donate to The Arc.• Register for workshops & events.• Read current and past newsletters,

press releases, & annual reports.• Find links to important websites.• STAY INFORMED!

6

Memory Garden ReceptionThe Power Of One

The Merrill Lynch Families of Children With Disabilities Program is a service that offers a teamwork approach to integrating solutions that

help address the unique issues facing families who have children with special needs. In recognizing the importance of balancing special needs

concerns with a family’s broader financial picture, Merrill Lynch will begin offering a panel seminar-with a Special Needs Financial Advisor,

a Special Needs Trust attorney, and a professional trustee or disability advocate as panel members-to educate attendees about the benefits of

simultaneously addressing the financial, legal and social issues associated with special needs planning.

This course will be conducted through Harford Community College, on two consecutive Saturdays, September 20th and 27th. The classes are

from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Edgewood Hall, Room 232. The college fees include $49 dollars for tuition and $20 for the course enrollment.

A Special Needs Financial Advisor will highlight the importance of special needs planning in the context of maintaining a family’s overall

financial security including cash management, insurance needs, and retirement planning. There will be time after the second class to meet

with the specialist to ask additional questions or to schedule a confidential and complimentary appointment. For more information contact

Chris Cahill, Special Needs Advisor at 410-547-5120 or call the college directly. Chris is a new Board and Foundation Board Member who

specializes in Trusts for families with children with disabilities.

Planned Giving CornerMerrill Lynch Offers Financial Services To Families

Give From Your Heart!

• Help The Arc go “green” and save postage by helping

to research email addresses for our database.

• We are in need of light weeding in our Memory Garden.

If interested in volunteering, please contact

Rosie Wolff at The Arc at 410-879-6785, ext. 338

or email rwolff@arcncr.org

VOLUNTEER

7

The Arc is assisted by donations

of many kinds.

Some choose to donate money, others their time.

All donations are appreciated.

• Used pick up truck for our facilities department.

• Used laptops (Pentium 4 and above) for our consumers to assist with learning basic computer and communications skills.

If you are interested in donating

any of the items above please

contact us at 410-879-6785, ext. 338.

WISHLIST

Help The Arc Go Green!

If you are receiving more than onenewsletter at your home or office,

please contact Rosie Wolffat 410-879-6785, ext. 338

or email rwolff@arcncr.org.

This will help us “go green.”

Invest in The Arc, Help People to Live Rich & Vibrant LivesHelping people to live rich and vibrant lives is at the core of The Arc’s philosophy and mission.The Arc supports people with disabilities to create lives that mirror yours and mine: studentsattending neighborhood schools, adults going to work and living in their own homes, andindividuals enjoying the social and recreational opportunities of their communities.

The Arc guarantees a return on your investment! Your contribution will make a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities in the following ways:

$25-$100• A night out at the ballgame

• A holiday gift for an individual with no immediate family

• An art class for an aspiring artist

• A fitness class for someone who wants to improve their stamina

• A few hours of respite care for parents of a child with a disability

$250-$1,000• A guest speaker for a Foster Parent training program that give families the tools

to care for a child with special needs

• A camp scholarship for a child that is on summer vacation

• A computer with email to allow someone to remain in contact with families and friends

• An appliance or funding to cover home improvements for our Supported Living Program

$2,500 and above• A walk-in shower to enhance accessibility in a bathroom

• Adaptive equipment to increase one’s level of independence

$20,000• A new vehicle that will help transport people to jobs and recreational activities

Make your donation!

Yes, I want to Help People to Live Rich and Vibrant Lives!

Name: _________________________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________________

City: ____________________________________________ State: _________ Zip: __________

Email: _______________________ Home Phone: _____________ Work Phone: ____________

I would like to invest in The Arc to help people live rich and vibrant lives!

I/We wish to donate _________.

q I would like to talk with someone about planned giving or putting The Arc in my will.

Please make checks payable to The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region.

Mail to The Arc NCR, 4513 Philadelphia Road, Aberdeen, MD 21001

Please charge my Visa/MC #: ________________________ Expiration Date: _______________

Authorized Signature: ____________________________________________________________

Or pledge on-line at www.arcncr.org

2007-2008 The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region Board of Directors

Patrick Neary, PresidentSandy Kyle, Vice PresidentIsolda McClelland, SecretaryDiane Schmittinger, Treasurer

Terry BambergerNancy BrughChristopher CahillSarah CollierJoan DiPietroJanet LeszlMonique MorrisonWayne ShannonDarlene Ward

Immediate Past President - Michele Stutzer

2007-2008The Arc Northern Chesapeake RegionFoundation Board of Directors

Ray Maskell, ChairmanJune Poole, SecretaryLaura Henninger, TreasurerTorri Dietrich, Director of The Arc Northern

Chesapeake Foundation

Megan BrenemanMark DardozziChris GriffithKen KozelSandy KyleJames LambdinJim McKeePaul MuddimanTim QuinnDiane SchmittingerTom Walls

Serving Harford, Cecil, & Kent Counties

4513 Philadelphia RoadAberdeen, MD 21001410-879-6785Fax 410-893-3909www.arcncr.org

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDAbingdon, MDPermit No. 200

Become A Member Of The Arc And Receive Insurance Discounts

Did you know that as a member of The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region, you can receive discounts on you homeowner’s

and auto insurance of up to 15%?

Please call Chuck Bittman at Liberty Mutual Insurance in Bel Air for more details. 410-569-2801, ext. 53174