Page 1 February 2015 Issue 18 Main Street Mt. Morris, New York 14510 TEAMtalk TEAMtalk Our Vision: The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming empowers people of all ages to experience the joys and challenges of life with a growing sense of personal dignity and independence. In this issue… Families Cannot Be Caregivers Forever Cover Maureen Davis Scholarship 2 Dylan McClurg 2 Anniversaries 3 Compliance Corner 3 New Hires 3 LIVES Students Give Back 3 Kudos Corner 4 Residential Services 5 Tax Time & Your W2 5 Getting To Know MSC 6 Your Benny Card 6 Payroll Check Dates 7 Valentine Poem 7 Calendar of Events 7 2015 Agency Holidays 7 Sudoku 7 Arc Idol Registration Form 8 Transportation 9 Work Orders 9 Main Street Production 9 Arc Job Postings 10 Recommended Reading 10 KidStart Backpack Program 11 Transportation Value Card 11 Team Talk Kudos 11 Stanley Street Fitness Ctr. 11 Amazon.com 11 Sudoku Solution 11 Questions, corrections or com- ments about Team Talk, contact Tina Sick at 658-2828 ext. 133 or [email protected]. Families Cannot Be Caregivers Forever Written by Marcy Van Zandt It has been 7 years since my daughter Casey, then 25 years old, left our fami- ly home in Castile, NY for a place of her own 25 miles away in Dansville. In some ways, it was a typical transition for a woman in her mid 20s. But it was also somewhat extraordinary, a point that I hope is not lost on Gov. Cuomo. You see, like one in roughly 50 Americans, Casey was born with a develop- mental disability, which in Casey's case affects her cognitive and language skills. My husband, Ed, and I had already watched two sons go off to college, so the tears and proud feelings associated with children “leaving the nest” were familiar. But Casey had overcome so many extra hurdles on this journey to residential independence. I remember Casey's first night in her new house, a group home operated by The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming, as if it were just yesterday. She had spent nights away from home before, but this time was different. As parents, it was very lonely, with lots of tears. Did she think we abandoned her? What was going through her head? Today, that nervousness has been eclipsed by an overwhelming feeling of pride. For the first time in her life, Casey is able to experience all of the thrills, nervousness, and responsibility that accompany independent living. I also feel an incredible sense of relief knowing that Casey is well cared for by dedicated direct support profession- als at the house, and at The Arc's day programs where she works and practices life skills. It is important never to forget that Ed and I are in our retirement years, and the reality of life is that someday we won't be here for Casey. Put simply, families cannot be caregivers forever. Which brings me to Gov. Cuomo, and a call to action for readers of this letter. I urge you to contact Gov. Cuomo, as well as our State Senators and Assemblymembers. Recent actions by his office have shown a disturbing disre- gard toward people with disabilities who are living at home with aging family members. On November 21, the governor vetoed four very important bills for people with developmental disabilities. In particular, these bills would have begun to address the growing waiting list of people living at home in critical need of service, many of whom have parents that are too disabled by age to care for them any longer. The response among families has been dramatic and poignant. During highly emotional testimony at hearings held across the State, these families told of how the lack of any alternatives is pushing many to the brink. One family member said her only solace lay in thoughts of suicide. We cannot let the governor's vetoes represent a beginning for policy as it pertains to aging families of children with disabilities throughout New York State. Instead, especially with a record budget surplus of over $6.8 billion, the State must make a real and concerted effort to finally do something to address this problem. Families, advocates, and people with developmental disabilities around the State need to implore the governor and our State legislators to include funds in the upcoming State budget to provide critical services. Locally, The Arc has set up a section of its Web site with contact information for Gov. Cuomo and other represent- atives. Visit www.lwarc.org to join the effort. Let's join together and let Albany know that we care about our daughters, sons, friends, and neighbors with disa- bilities, not just today, but as we grow older together. There's something extraordinary that happens in houses like the one where Casey lives. Please join Casey and me as we tell the State about it. Together, our voices won't be denied! Van Zandt family—(l-r) Marcy, Casey, and Ed.
Transcript
Page 1
February 2015 Issue
18 Main Street
Mt. Morris, New York 14510
TEAMtalkTEAMtalk Our Vision: The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming empowers people of all ages to experience the joys
and challenges of life with a growing sense of personal dignity and independence.
In this issue…
Families Cannot Be
Caregivers Forever Cover
Maureen Davis Scholarship 2
Dylan McClurg 2
Anniversaries 3
Compliance Corner 3
New Hires 3
LIVES Students Give Back 3
Kudos Corner 4
Residential Services 5
Tax Time & Your W2 5
Getting To Know MSC 6
Your Benny Card 6
Payroll Check Dates 7
Valentine Poem 7
Calendar of Events 7
2015 Agency Holidays 7
Sudoku 7
Arc Idol Registration Form 8
Transportation 9
Work Orders 9
Main Street Production 9
Arc Job Postings 10
Recommended Reading 10
KidStart Backpack Program 11
Transportation Value Card 11
Team Talk Kudos 11
Stanley Street Fitness Ctr. 11
Amazon.com 11
Sudoku Solution 11
Questions, corrections or com-ments about Team Talk, contact Tina Sick at 658-2828 ext. 133 or [email protected].
Families Cannot Be Caregivers Forever
Written by Marcy Van Zandt
It has been 7 years since my daughter Casey, then 25 years old, left our fami-ly home in Castile, NY for a place of her own 25 miles away in Dansville. In some ways, it was a typical transition for a woman in her mid 20s. But it was also somewhat extraordinary, a point that I hope is not lost on Gov. Cuomo.
You see, like one in roughly 50 Americans, Casey was born with a develop-mental disability, which in Casey's case affects her cognitive and language skills. My husband, Ed, and I had already watched two sons go off to college, so the tears and proud feelings associated with children “leaving the nest” were familiar. But Casey had overcome so many extra hurdles on this journey to residential independence.
I remember Casey's first night in her new house, a group home operated by The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming, as if it were just yesterday. She had spent nights away from home before, but this time was different. As parents, it was very lonely, with lots of tears. Did she think we abandoned her? What was going through her head?
Today, that nervousness has been eclipsed by an overwhelming feeling of pride. For the first time in her life, Casey is able to experience all of the thrills, nervousness, and responsibility that accompany independent living.
I also feel an incredible sense of relief knowing that Casey is well cared for by dedicated direct support profession-als at the house, and at The Arc's day programs where she works and practices life skills. It is important never to forget that Ed and I are in our retirement years, and the reality of life is that someday we won't be here for Casey. Put simply, families cannot be caregivers forever.
Which brings me to Gov. Cuomo, and a call to action for readers of this letter. I urge you to contact Gov. Cuomo, as well as our State Senators and Assemblymembers. Recent actions by his office have shown a disturbing disre-gard toward people with disabilities who are living at home with aging family members.
On November 21, the governor vetoed four very important bills for people with developmental disabilities. In particular, these bills would have begun to address the growing waiting list of people living at home in critical need of service, many of whom have parents that are too disabled by age to care for them any longer.
The response among families has been dramatic and poignant. During highly emotional testimony at hearings held across the State, these families told of how the lack of any alternatives is pushing many to the brink. One family member said her only solace lay in thoughts of suicide.
We cannot let the governor's vetoes represent a beginning for policy as it pertains to aging families of children with disabilities throughout New York State.
Instead, especially with a record budget surplus of over $6.8 billion, the State must make a real and concerted effort to finally do something to address this problem. Families, advocates, and people with developmental disabilities around the State need to implore the governor and our State legislators to include funds in the upcoming State budget to provide critical services.
Locally, The Arc has set up a section of its Web site with contact information for Gov. Cuomo and other represent-atives. Visit www.lwarc.org to join the effort.
Let's join together and let Albany know that we care about our daughters, sons, friends, and neighbors with disa-bilities, not just today, but as we grow older together. There's something extraordinary that happens in houses like the one where Casey lives. Please join Casey and me as we tell the State about it. Together, our voices won't be denied!
Van Zandt family—(l-r)
Marcy, Casey, and Ed.
Page 2
Maureen Davis Staff Development Scholarship
The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming Foundation, which is our agen-cy's fundraising arm, offers a scholarship specifically for Arc em-ployees. The scholarship honors the memory of Maureen Davis, a beloved wife, mother, friend, and behavior specialist for our agency. Sadly, Maureen was taken from us on July 25, 2013, at the young age of 40. Maureen Davis worked at the Arc of Livingston-Wyoming from January 2007 to July 2013as a Behavior Specialist. Prior to this, Maureen worked for 10 years at the Arc of Steuben providing similar support to a Crisis Program. Maureen was known for bringing out the best in people and believed in the benefits of positive behavior supports. The Maureen Davis Staff Development Scholarship is awarded periodically to an employee who shares Maureen's values and spirit, and who wishes to take part in a training/professional de-velopment opportunity that is unique and might not otherwise be possible. An example might be a multi-day training conducted by key professionals somewhere outside of our geographical re-gion. The intent is to provide a wonderful professional growth experience for someone while remembering Maureen. The dollar amount and frequency of the award varies and will be determined in part based on applications that are received. In 2014, two staff members received Maureen Davis Staff Develop-ment Scholarships, which allowed them to participate in profes-sional development conferences that they may not have other-wise been able to attend. The scholarship winners are: Maureen Kingston, Layton IRA Site Supervisor; and Marianne Skye, Kid-Start Physical Therapist Assist.
Maureen Kingston, Site Supervisor at Layton IRA, reflects on what it was like to be the first scholarship recipient. “It was such an honor to be given the Maureen Davis Development Scholarship! Maureen was such a super person to work with here at The ARC and is missed by us all. In was a terrific opportunity to be afforded the pleasure of attend-ing a workshop last spring. The workshop was something that Maureen herself probably could have hosted. The general theme was promoting joy in the workplace and especially as it relates to management. Clear evidence was presented as to the benefits of fostering positivity in the workplace. It was pretty powerful. There have been many times in my day to day interactions here at the Layton IRA and with my colleagues throughout the agency, and find myself recalling and implementing some of the tech-niques and practices that were reviewed and have noted their positive responses. This scholarship is a great way to pay tribute to Maureen's lasting impact on the agency and staff.” The Foundation looks forward to receiving applications from can-didates throughout the agency. The Maureen Davis Staff Devel-opment Scholarship is open to all staff (full-time, part-time, and per diem). Applications can be found on the Intranet/Red Door. If you do not have access to a computer/Lotus Notes, please see your support staff to assist with printing a copy of the application. Or, contact Tina Sick Public Relations Coordinator at 658-2828 extension 133.
Special Recognition
During the Perry Homecoming Pep Rally on October 17, 2014, the announcer took a moment to recognize a true athlete, one who uses his strength, and does not stop when pushed down, and went on to talk about this person’s achievements with Special Olympics and in the community. Then they called the person who had just been described to come forward. Dylan McClurg was presented with his Perry Varsity Jacket, with his Special Olympics pins on it, in front of the school body — there was not a dry eye in the house.
For those that are not aware, Perry Varsity jackets are only available if you have a varsity letter, this is one of the reasons that this is special. Way to go Dylan!
Senior Dylan McClurg (Center) with his sister Marissa
McClurg and mom Jamie Provorse. Dylan was presented
with a varsity jacket during homecoming pep rally on Oct. 17.
Dylan is a competitive athlete in the Special Olympics.
“Making a decision usually means taking one of two roads. One is doing the right thing. To take the other road, you have to sit back and spin a story around the deci-sion or action you are taking. If you find yourself thinking up an elaborate justification for what you are doing, you are not doing the right thing.”
~ Wayne Sales
The LIVES Students
Give Back AGAIN
Again this year, the students in the LIVES Program are giving back to their community. On November 20, the students helped fill bags to be distrib-uted to those in need through the Geneseo Groveland Food Pantry. A total of 42 families were helped by their efforts. “I call them my Merry Band of Elves because they are always so cheerful and willing to help. They’re part of a group of community members who make this so successful,” said Food Pantry Manager Betsy Matthews. It takes the students about 45 minutes to fill the bags with fixings for a Thanksgiving dinner and other staples such as pasta, cereal and soups. The students have come to realize that if we each give a little of our time, we can help a lot of people. For Christmas, the students have sent cards to homebound people in Gene-seo and Mt. Morris. They each wrote a personal message inside a Christmas card to brighten their day.
Patrick Chmela helps to pack bags at
the Food Pantry.
Page 4
Kudos to Seniors and Day Hab for their efforts with helping Camp Good Days after their devastating flood. They held an ice cream social and raised $100 for a donation to them. ~ Cathy Sullivan I’d like to give special thanks to the many that help Jeff Thomas, and me, throughout the year with the many agency events and drives the Public Relations department organizes. We recognize the “ask” is often, so to those that volunteer or assist, you are appreciated more than words can ever express. Thank you. ~ Tina Sick Kudos to Jean Pachuta for solving my dilemma. You rock, Jean!!! ~ Mary Coniglio Kudos to Krystin Petzoldt for persevering and obtaining a communi-cation device for a consumer. The device will afford more opportu-nities for this person. Thank you, Krystin!! ~ Mary Coniglio Kudos and a BIG thanks to Grant Cox for transferring all of my cell phone data from my old cell phone to my new cell phone, and you did it off the clock. ~ Mike Bundschuh Kudos to the mechanics and Sue Cox in Transportation for providing great customer service! Thanks! ~ Tabitha Royce Huge thanks to the staff at Hope IRA and the Supportive Apartment staff for helping out an individual with medical issues who lives in the community. Your willingness to help out, be patient, and wel-come this individual has been wonderful! Thank you to Sandy Kader for coming in on a scheduled vacation day to welcome him and get everything set up so he could stay at Hope while he goes through this medical crisis and all the other things you've done for the individual during his stay. Many thanks also to Cathy Shaffer for all you do for the individuals we serve. Thank you Deb Tuckerman and Amanda Hamler for helping make this happen for the individual! Thank you to Kellie Kennedy for continued advocacy for this individ-ual. All of you came together to make this as smooth as possible for the individual and always keeping me up to date when staff other then me took him to medical appointments. I cannot express how much this means! ~ Jody Dumbleton Jessica Berry, thank you for all of your hard work in Community Connections! ~ Eva DuPont and Amy Roggow Sally Urbonas and Lisa Faulds, thank you for all your help and coor-dination of the Thanksgiving Food Drive and Toy Drive at your sites. ~ Tina Sick Vicki Cicero, thank you for being our photographer at Harvest Fest and Breakfast with Santa events. ~ Tina Sick Marianne Skye, thank you for being such a dedicated beacon of light. Good luck with Zensational Kids program—Educate 2b. ~ Mary Tuso Kudos to Tracy Burkhard for completing her LPN course and gradu-ating on September 30, 2014. Good luck on the NCLEX. ~ Barb Price
KUDOS Corner … KUDOS Corner … KUDOS Corner … Thank you to Cathy Sullivan, Amy Conrad, Courtney Rewa, Kayla Koch, Matt Barber, Patty Thorne, Julie Jansch, Missy Potter, Hannah Brown, Andrew Sass and Diane Averill for helping at the Teddy Bear parade in Geneseo. What an amazing sight to be greeted by a sea of orange balloons with The Arc logo on them! It looked like hundreds. ~ Jeff Thomas I just wanted to thank everyone who helped make Breakfast with San-ta a huge success again this year! I also wanted to share that while waiting in line for breakfast a parent ahead of me started talking to me; first just asking questions about the breakfast itself, but then once she realized I am an employee of KidStart she started telling me a little about her son's story. She told me that finding KidStart has been such a blessing for her family (not just her son, but her family!) I just wanted to share that because in such a busy, hectic time of year, it's a wonderful reminder to smile and remember that we really are making a difference in people's lives. Keep up the great work throughout the agency, it really is appreciated by many in our communities.
~ Tricia Griese
Thanks to all of you for donating to MDA and contributing to my bail money. I ended up raising $285 to support this great cause.
~ Jen Warner
The Arc's very own "Special Santas," the incredibly generous Morrow family, were featured prominently as the main story on the front page of the new Livingston County News. Thank you to the Morrow family
for 21 years of giving to The Arc. ~ The Arc
If you would like to acknowledge or say thank you to a co-worker, sub-mit your comments to Tina Sick at
18 Main Street.
Page 5
Residential Services
Tax Time & Your W2 W2s have been distributed to all employees which reflects TAXABLE wages for 2014. This figure is not necessarily your actual (gross) earnings for the year.
If you have any of the Section 125 Benefits (Dental Insurance, Health Insurance, Flex Medical, Flex Day-care, Cancer Insurance, Vi-sion Insurance) these deductions reduce your taxable earnings for the year. Also, if you contribute to the 401K or the 457, these deductions also reduce your Federal taxable wages.
Reminder about Box 12 DD: This is INFORMATIONAL ONLY. The government requires employers to report the TOTAL employee withholdings and employer contribution for the cost of all employer-sponsored Section 125 Benefits. This reporting to employees is for their information only, and does NOT cause excludable employer-provided health care coverage to become taxable.
An All Employee email from Kathy Lennox (1/21/15) provides an example of earnings/deductions and the corresponding W2 for 2012 wages. This example works the same way for 2014 wages and W2 reporting.
Please keep your W2 in a safe place. If you need a duplicate copy of your W2, there will be a $15 replacement fee. Please contact Payroll Specialist Charlene Ellis at 658-2828 extension 113.
Page 6
Get to Know The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming’s
Medicaid Service Coordination Team
What was the very first vehicle you owned?What was the very first vehicle you owned?What was the very first vehicle you owned?
Tara Callaro (MSC): My first car was a black Mercury Lynx named J.C. (after the Snoopy "Joe Cool" air freshener that hung on the rearview mirror).
Paula Comstock (MSC): My very first vehicle was a 1967 Pontiac Lemans 2-door 4-speed. It was green with a black top. My dad bought it for me in the Winter of 1981 from my college landlord (he was 80 years old & couldn't drive anymore) for $600 so I had transportation to do my student teaching. It had 60,000 miles on it. It was a great car! (Probably TMI).
Laurie Greig (MSC): 1989 Ford Escort
Amaris Peffers (MSC): 1990 Oldsmobile 88
Jennifer Powers (MSC): A 13 year old Ford Tempo. It certainly wasn't flashy, but it was mine, and I loved it!
Eric Riggs (MSC): 1981 CJ7
Stacy Storms (MSC): VW Rabbit
James Swatt (MSC): My first car was a Mercury LN-7, silver two seater, awesome car!!
Jen Warner (MSC Director): Chevy S-10 truck. My Dad facilitated the purchase of this particular vehicle as he thought I'd be less inclined to drive people around due to limited seating. Didn't he realize how many people can fit in the back of a pick-up truck??
Your Benny Card
Thank you all for your patience with the delays of the Benny Card being mailed. During the open enrollment
meetings in November, many new things were discussed. Here are some details in regards to the changes
starting 01/01/2015. Please note these are general and may not apply to your situation. If you have any ques-
tions in regards to your benefits or any changes, please contact Human Resources Benefit Specialist Miranda
Collin at 658-2828 extension 104.
Your Benny Debit Card is to use to pay for prescriptions. The funds come from the deductible share account. You
can no longer use your Benny Card in any other situation. This is the only time you may use your Benny Card. For
those of you that are new to having a Benny Debit Card, it will be mailed to your home address. It looks like a
credit card and you will have to call the number on the front of the card to activate it.
If you have a Flexible Spending Account, you must pay for the product or service. In order to get reimbursement,
you must submit the proper receipts along with the Heath Care Expense Reimbursement form. The Benny Debit
Card will not work to pay for your product or service. It is only to pay for prescriptions.
When you have a doctors appointment, you will be required to pay a percentage of that visit. We no longer have
copays, so it will be a percentage of what the doctor charges along with your status of gold, silver or bronze. For
example, if you are gold/silver, you have an 80%/20% split. The 80% of the doctors visit will come from your
deductible share account. The other 20% you will be responsible in paying. If you are at a bronze status, you have
an 60%/40% split. The 60% of the doctors visit will come from the deductible share account. The other 40% you
will be responsible in paying. The doctor will bill you for the portion you are responsible for, but may ask for a
good faith payment upon arrival at your visit.
Your MVP medical insurance card does look, in essence mostly blank. That is because we no longer have copays,
therefore, no copays are listed on the card.
Page 7
Holidays Date Administration & Hilltop KidStart Day Care Residential
Memorial Day Monday, May 25, 2015 Closed Closed Closed Open
Independence Day Friday, July 3, 2015 Closed Closed Closed Open
Labor Day Monday, September 7, 2015 Closed Closed Closed Open
Thanksgiving Day Thursday, November 26, 2015 Closed Closed Closed Open
Day after Thanksgiving Friday, November 27, 2015 Closed Closed Closed Open
Christmas Eve Thursday, December 24, 2015 Closed Closed Closed Open
Christmas Day Friday, December 25, 2015 Closed Closed Closed Open
** KidStart: Please refer to the School Calendar for additional school holidays.
** Residential is open 365 days per year. Their employees are compensated for holidays as noted in the Employee Handbook.
2015 Agency Holidays
Calendar of Events Pay-Period
Dates
Check Dates
2015
01/10/15-01/23/15 1/30/2015
01/24/15-02/06/15 2/13/2015
02/07/15-02/20/15 2/27/2015
02/21/15-03/06/15 3/13/2015
03/07/15-03/20/15 3/27/2015
03/21/15-04/03/15 4/10/2015
04/04/15-04/17/15 4/24/2015
04/18/15-05/01/15 5/8/2015
05/02/15-05/15/15 5/22/2015
05/16/15-05/29/15 6/5/2015
05/30/15-06/12/15 6/19/2015
06/13/15-06/26/15 7/2/2015
06/27/15-07/10/15 7/17/2015
07/11/15-07/24/15 7/31/2015
07/25/15-08/07/15 8/14/2015
08/08/15-08/21/15 8/28/2015
08/22/15-09/04/15 9/11/2015
09/05/15-09/18/15 9/25/2015
09/19/15-10/02/15 10/9/2015
10/03/15-10/16/15 10/23/2015
10/17/15-10/30/15 11/6/2015
10/31/15-11/13/15 11/20/2015
11/14/15-11/27/15 12/4/2015
11/28/15-12/11/15 12/18/2015
12/12/15-12/25/15 12/31/2015
Payroll Dates and
Check Distribution
2/2/2015 Groundhog Day
2/7/2015 Child Safety Seat Check 10 am - 2 pm Department of Transportation 5543 Lakeville Road, Geneseo For more information, contact: Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Traffic Safety Education Program Coordinator Amber Pellicane - [email protected] or 585-991-5432.
Several months ago, John Prospero conducted a customer survey to gauge how the Transportation Garage was doing, compared to others.
The results were excellent. Overall, customers saved by using the Transportation Garage. The benefit and savings are staggering.
John shared some details about the survey, “I wanted to quantify the benefit that we are providing to our employees through the vehicle repair services. So, compared what we charged our employees vs what an average garage would have charged them for the same ser-vices.”
He went on to further provide the benefits received, “The overall sav-ings that we provided to our employees, board members and their family members in 2014 is $19,284. This number excludes oil chang-es. We are about even with most garages for oil changes--so the number is just for general repairs.”
Please contact the Transportation department to assist you with any of your vehicle repairs or maintenance needs. On page 11, there is a Customer Value Card. The card gives you a discount on your 5th oil change.
Transportation Department Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
Work Orders — IT and Maintenance
The IT and Maintenance departments have work order databases they use to prioritize and track outstanding tasks. Employees are able to directly submit work orders to both databases which ensures that requests don't get lost and that they get to the most appropriate person as quickly as possible. Be-low is a chart that summarizes the best way to get IT and Maintenance sup-port by program.
Also note that KidStart, MSC, and Hilltop employees are still asked to send requests for IT assistance to Lisa Faulds, Jean Pachuta, and Cathy Tavernier, respectively. Lisa, Jean, and Cathy are able to solve many issues and help IT to coordinate larger issues. If they are out or if you know your issue requires the IT department, you can send an e-mail directly to HelpDesk but we re-quest that you copy them so they can keep track of requests for their respec-tive programs.
If you have any questions, please contact IT at 658-2828 or email.
Main Street Production and
Holiday Shenanigans
Driver Ron
Rawleigh (right)
drove a Christmas
themed forklift
while dressed like
an elf during the
holidays. He was a
good sport about
it, and had pro-
duction employees
in good spirits.
Page 10
Recommended Reading
for adults
For complete job posting details, visit www.lwarc.org/employment.html
Submit applications to: Kristen Fitzpatrick, HR Specialist—18 Main Street
Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid—
A Survival Guide for Ordinary Parents of Special Children By Gina Gallagher & Patricia Konjoian
On a “perfection-preoccupied planet,” sisters Gina and Patty dare to speak up
about the frustrations, sadness, and stigmas they face as parents of children
with disabilities (one with Asperger’s syndrome, the other with bipolar disor-
der). This refreshingly frank book, which will alternately make you want to
tear your hair out and laugh your head off, should be required reading for
parents of disabled children. Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid provides wise
and funny advice about how to: find a support group—either online or in your
community; ensure that your child gets the right in-school support; deal with
people—be they friends, family members, or strangers—who say or do insensitive things to you or your
child; find fun, safe, and inclusive extracurricular activities for your child; battle your own grief and seek
professional help if you need it; and keep the rest of the family intact in moments of crisis.
Page 11 Detach and present this card at your next oil change.
Team Talk “Kudos” Team Talk “Kudos” Acknowledge someone for a special deed, to
say thanks, or just because. Submit a brief comment/kudo, include the per-sons full name and their department. Don’t for-
get to tell us who the Kudo is from. Forward to Tina Sick, PR Coordinator @ 18 Main Street or email [email protected].
How The Arc Benefits
If you use Amazon, please consider shopping through their "Amazon Smile" program. By doing so, .5% of your purchase can benefit The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming. Here is how to get started:
Go to http://smile.amazon.com
Sign in using your email and Amazon password
You will be prompted to choose a not-for-profit that your purchases will benefit. In the box la-beled "Pick your own charitable organization," type: Nysarc mount morris
Our agency will appear. Hit the "Select" button next to it.
From now on, when you shop at smile.amazon.com, your purchases will benefit The Arc. Be sure to use the smile.amazon.com URL (as opposed to the regu-lar "amazon.com" link) when going to Amazon to en-sure the donations. The site is exactly the same as the "regular" Amazon (same prices, same Amazon Prime eligibility, etc.)
