The Arc Today Donate your vehicle today! tax deduction and free towing (877) ARC-CAR0 (877) 272-2270 August 2012 Volume 11, Issue 6 Save the Date Telfair Charity of Choice Walk October 13th Including You Conference October 26th and 27th Inside this Issue Athletic Banquet ..................4-6 Special Olympics .................... 7 Learning Trails Child Care ....... 8 August 2012 Calendar .......... 10 The Arc Annual Meeting 2012 From the Executive Director Each year The Arc of Fort Bend County honors those who have supported our mission of “improving the lives of those with intellectual (formerly known as mental retardation) and developmental disabilities”. At the same meeting, The Arc inducts the board members and officers. This year the Hyatt Place, Sugar Land hosted the event on June 25, thanks to the generosity of Michael Gleeson, General Manager and Adam Hricik, Sales Coordinator, both of Hyatt Place. “Outstanding Educator” awards were presented to Shannon Brown and Eno Usanga, Clements High School; Ashley Callis, Travis Elementary; Karen Mitchell, Ridge Point High School; Darin Quintero, Elkins High School; Sara Smith, Colony Meadows Elementary and Katie Wiseman, Colony Bend Elementary. Parents of children with disabilities nominated these teachers because of the effort they give every day to meet the special needs of their children in their classrooms. The “Community Awareness” award went to Don Kerstetter, Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land, to thank him for the 2011 and 2012 Title Sponsorships of The Arc’s Golf Classic. Two “Larry Sharp Service” awards were presented. Larry Sharp was a founding member of The Arc and this award is given to the organization or individual who has contributed in a major way toward the goals and projects of The Arc. Jamie Hill, of Pamela Printing, received the first award to express gratitude for her talented work on The Arc’s monthly newsletter and other printed materials. The humanitarian youth group, “Generation”, sponsored by Memorial Herman Hospital and Karen Chitty-Boe, received the second “Larry Sharp Service” award. The young adults have volunteered at many of The Arc’s community events helping with the many tasks required to make each run smoothly. Michael Cushenberry earned “Outstanding Employee” for his years employed at Kroger, Missouri City. Jenny Gortney, Prosperity Bank, received the James Patterson “Volunteer of the Year” award for the many years she has helped plan The Arc’s fundraiser, The Best cont’d on page 3
Transcript
The ArcToday
Non-Profit OrgUS PostagePAID
Sugar Land, TXPermit No 19
The Arc of Fort Bend County123 Brooks StreetSugar Land, Texas 77478Phone: 281-494-5959Fax: 281-494-5960
Add us as your friend and keep in touch with all
events at The Arc! facebook.com/arcoffortbend
Donate your vehicle today!tax deduction and free towing
(877) ARC-CAR0(877) 272-2270
August 2012Volume 11, Issue 6
Save the Date
Telfair Charity of Choice Walk
October 13th
Including You Conference
October 26th and 27th
Inside this IssueAthletic Banquet ..................4-6
Special Olympics ....................7
Learning Trails Child Care .......8
August 2012 Calendar ..........10
The Arc Annual Meeting 2012
From the Executive Director
Each year The Arc of Fort Bend County honors those who have supported our mission of “improving the lives of those with intellectual (formerly known as mental retardation) and developmental disabilities”. At the same meeting, The Arc inducts the board members and officers. This year the Hyatt Place, Sugar Land hosted the event on June 25, thanks to the generosity of Michael Gleeson, General Manager and Adam Hricik, Sales Coordinator, both of Hyatt Place.
“Outstanding Educator” awards were presented to Shannon Brown and Eno Usanga, Clements High School; Ashley Callis, Travis Elementary; Karen Mitchell, Ridge Point High School; Darin Quintero, Elkins High School;
Sara Smith, Colony Meadows Elementary and Katie Wiseman, Colony Bend Elementary. Parents of children with disabilities nominated these teachers because of the effort they give every day to meet the special needs of their children in their classrooms.
The “Community Awareness” award went to Don Kerstetter, Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land, to thank him for the 2011 and 2012 Title Sponsorships of The Arc’s Golf Classic.
Two “Larry Sharp Service” awards were presented. Larry Sharp was a founding member of The Arc and this award is given to the organization or individual who has contributed in a major way toward the goals and projects of The Arc. Jamie Hill, of Pamela Printing, received the first award to express gratitude for her talented work on The Arc’s monthly newsletter and other printed materials. The humanitarian youth group, “Generation”, sponsored by Memorial Herman Hospital and Karen Chitty-Boe, received the second “Larry Sharp Service” award. The young adults have volunteered at many of The Arc’s community events helping with the many tasks required to make each run smoothly.
Michael Cushenberry earned “Outstanding Employee” for his years employed at Kroger, Missouri City.
Jenny Gortney, Prosperity Bank, received the James Patterson “Volunteer of the Year” award for the many years she has helped plan The Arc’s fundraiser, The Best
cont’d on page 3
Page 2 Volume 11 Issue 6
The Arc of Fort Bend County Board of Directors 2011-2012
EXECUTIVE BOARDChairmanKaren Daly
Vice ChairmanHimesh Gandhi
TreasurerStewart Jacobson
SecretaryMary Stephney Quinby
MEMBERS AT LARGE Barry BeardMike CaseyRick CushenberryBecky GearyAvis GoldyJenny GortneyGreg HernandezCharlie HuberLarryn LobueJack MolhoSandra Pierce
Executive DirectorLaura LaVigne
Education AdvocateCheryl Sewell
Employment SpecialistMargo Pasko
Program DirectorNancy Dobert
Administrative AssistantAshleigh Jones
Account ManagerJenny Schulte
Committee Assignments and Job Descriptions are available on our website
CORE VALUES1. Awareness: greater awareness about
individuals with disabilities increases understanding about the abilities of individuals with disabilities, and greater understanding increases opportunities for individuals with disabilities, so we work to achieve greater awareness to achieve greater understanding to expand opportunities.
2. Diversity: we must serve all individuals with intellectual and related developmental disabilities and their families in this county.
3. Respect: we must be understanding of and sensitive to the concerns of individuals with disabilities about their identity and how we describe them.
4. Ownership: it is important to have community members serve on our committees and board, and support our association, but our association should remain an “individuals with disabilities and their families” organization.
5. Advocacy: with limited resources, if we become primarily or solely a provider organization, our association will never do more than make only a limited impact on the quality of life of a few individuals with disabilities.
6. Cooperation: advocacy and programs that benefit individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families in many cases will also benefit individuals with other disabilities.
7. Good Stewardship: as an association, we must be fiduciaries of the talent and resources that our volunteers and community supporters entrust to us.
OUR GOALS
The Arc’s goals were chosen to be directed toward Mission and Vision and build on our strength and success.
I. The Arc shall advocate for appropriate individualized educational programs/ opportunities for people with I/DD in all stages of life.
II. The Arc shall advocate for a variety of vocational/employment options for people with I/DD.
III. The Arc shall advocate for public and private community institutions to become more responsive to the individual needs of people with I/DD, thereby promoting quality of life for all.
IV. The Arc shall advocate for and promote a variety of appropriate, inclusive, social, cultural and fitness/wellness opportunities in the community.
V. The Arc shall continue to invest in properties that are self-sustaining and provide facilities for our constituents.
VI. The Arc shall provide effective leadership and fundraising efforts to accomplish our mission.
To Send a Special Tributeo In Memory of or o In Honor of
Pay tribute to a friend or family member while also supporting services and programs that benefit the Arc of Fort Bend County with your donation.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Person’s Name Occasion
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Address City, State, Zip
Please make checks payable to:The Arc of Fort Bend County
123 Brooks Street, Sugar Land, Texas 77478
OUR MISSIONThe Arc of Fort Bend County ensures opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to maximize their quality of life within our community.
Volume 11 Issue 6 Page 3
The Arc Annual Meeting 2012in the West.
Alan, Minnie and Alan Harris, Jr. received the “Family of the Year” award to commemorate their years volunteering.
Special recognition was given to John Schanck, Fluor, to thank him for the recent grant awarded to The Arc in March, 2012. The Arc purchased a much-needed minivan with part of the grant funds.
The Honorable Brenda Mullinix agreed for the second year to install the 2012-2013 officers and board of directors. Officers include Karen Daly, Chairman; Himesh Gandhi, Vice Chairman; Stewart Jacobson, Treasurer; and Mary Stephney Quinby, Secretary. Additional board members include Barry Beard, Mike Casey, Rick Cushenberry, Becky Geary, Avis Goldy, Jenny Gortney, Greg Hernandez, Charlie Huber, Larryn Lobue, Jack Molho and Sandra Pierce.
This year marks the adoption of a new 5-year plan for The Arc. The goals are listed on page 2. The board is in the process of approving the objectives and activities, which will address the goals established. Those will be posted on the website, soon, so be on the “look-out”!
Laura
Page 4 Volume 11 Issue 6
2012 Athletic BanquetMargo Pasko
What a wonderful afternoon it was! The Arc’s annual Athletic Banquet for Bowling and Special Olympics was held on Saturday, July 14, at a new venue, the Missouri City Community Center on Texas Parkway. Nearly 230 athletes, family members and volunteers enjoyed delicious barbecue from Frank and Stathi Demeris, generously subsidized by The Arc’s board member, Jack Molho. The great food was served by Jack, his wife, Donna, and fellow board members, Avis Goldy, Rick Cushenberry, Becky Geary, Stewart Jacobson (and daughter Abby), Himesh Gandhi, Charlie Huber, Deanna Hernandez (wife of board member Greg Hernandez) and their son, Jake, and Mary Stephney Quinby. Board chairman, Karen Daly presided over the festivities. Staff members Nancy Dobert and Margo Pasko organized and executed the event. They were assisted from start to finish on the day of the event by Margo’s husband, Jeff Hoffman.
Missouri City Parks and Recreation allowed The Arc to use their fabulous facility to accommodate the largest athletic banquet The Arc has ever had. They even provided an on-site staff member for assistance. The Arc is grateful for the ongoing support from Missouri City Parks and Recreation department for many programs and facilities.
Volunteers from The Greater Houston Church, a non-denominational church affiliated with the International Churches of Christ, provided creativity and strong arms and legs, setting up the tables and chairs, decorating, and running meals from the servers to the guests. These members are part of a “bible/family group” in the Missouri City/Stafford area and have been community partners for The Arc’s TwentySomethings activities. They have reached out to The Arc and we are thankful for their involvement.
Generation, a humanitarian youth group organization which was recently honored at The Arc’s annual meeting, provided volunteers who also assisted with set up, serving and check-in. The Arc appreciates their responsibility, reliability and work ethic!
Staff member Ashleigh Jones assisted Generation with check in. She also saved the “decorating day” by running out and purchasing last minute supplies when it was discovered that the balloon and helium tank package had been ransacked. Thank you, Ashleigh!
Hayley Marshall created a wonderful slideshow that played throughout the afternoon. Everyone was excited to see themselves on the big screen. If your picture was not displayed, there is always next year - ask someone to send your sports or bowling photo to Margo for the 2013 banquet. Hayley is the daughter of basketball coach Hal Marshall, sister of basketball coach Matt Marshall, and athlete, Mike Marshall. Hayley’s mom, Desi, is also an active Special Olympics volunteer. Hayley’s grandfather, Chuck Atwood, is a frequent chaperone on out of town Special Olympics trips. It was a Marshall family affair!
DJ Andrew Dojs contributed to the festivities as he kept the guests on their feet for the dance. Andrew donated his time, experience and equipment to the event. Thank you, Andrew! It was a family affair here, too: Andrew’s Auntie Joyce and Uncle Ken Elliott helped with set-up, technology and water service. A big shout-out to them!
Bowling League Leaders Avis Goldy, Carolyn Spiceland, and Gardenia Burton and Special Olympics head of delegation Larry Lobue honored their participants with trophies. Avis, Carolyn and Gardenia have done such a great job running the league! Larry and Debbie Eddlemon (who was unable to attend) have worked very hard to successfully expand The Arc’s Special Olympics program. It’s the hard work of Avis, Carolyn, Gardenia, Debbie, Larry and all the other volunteers who make things happen for the bowlers and the athletes.
The Bowling and Special Olympics volunteers were thanked and presented with bright orange clipboards emblazoned with The Arc’s logo. Larry Lobue presented Jeannette Ries with a special thank you gift – a baby’s swimsuit for her granddaughter, Madelyn Jo. Susan Ries Bakus, Jeannette’s daughter and Maddy’s mother, was an assistant swim coach, for several years, a unified swim partner, and then head aquatics coach for 2 years until the birth of Madelyn. Family indeed matters at The Arc.
Taking all of these contributions into account, it was truly a wonderful afternoon!
Volume 11 Issue 6 Page 5
2012 Athletic Banquet
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2012 Athletic Banquet
Volume 11 Issue 6 Page 7
Special Olympics NewsMargo Pasko
Here is an update on what’s happening with our Special Olympics delegation. Aquatics and bocce seasons are in full swing, with softball following close behind.
There are 25 swimmers signed up for our aquatics program. Diana Rushing, a Western Dance volunteer, has stepped up to be head coach of the aquatics program. She brings several years of experience in teaching people how to swim. The athletes are so lucky to have her—they would have had no swim season without her! Diana is assisted by longtime assistant coaches, Becky Geary and Beth Jimenez, and new assistant coach, Rudy Gonzalvo. JoAnn Bily has graciously accepted the responsibility of “records keeper” for the team and is doing a fabulous job keeping tabs on athlete- to- chaperone ratios, attendance and other required paperwork. Ronnie and Anita Smith continue to work with the assisted swimmers, along with Diana’s daughter, Shelby. Toni Schramme of Lamar CISD has provided the pool once again, free of charge and provided a list of lifeguards we could hire. All in all, it’s a team effort!
Bocce ball is also well underway. Head coach Robert Pourciau not only organizes all team communications, maps and paperwork, but he and his wife, Janet, haul an entire carload of PVC pipes to and from each practice. Loading, unloading and set up is done by athletes and coaches and volunteers. The bocce players are really enjoying the beautiful scenery at their new practice venue, the First Colony Community Association’s brand new bocce courts. In addition to Robert and Janet Pourciau, the coaches are Kelly Wheeler, Janet Wantuch, my husband, Jeff Hoffman, and me. I enjoy being a volunteer for Special Olympics and recently received my 10 year volunteer pin.
On July 19, Larry Lobue and Laura LaVigne convened a softball team meeting in preparation for the practice season which gets underway on August 2. Softball is such a popular sport that they needed to be sure there were enough volunteers to support all of the athletes who want to play softball. So far, so good! We’ll keep you updated on softball as their season progresses.
Volunteers are needed for all of the sports, for many different tasks, not just coaching. If you are able to help out in any way, from purchasing and transporting snacks for area tournaments(you will be reimbursed) , to helping athletes find the restrooms at practice and tournament venues, to helping coaches by encouraging specific athletes, please call or email me at 281-494-5928 or [email protected]. The athletes hope you will help by giving some time from your life so they can have the time of their lives.
Volume 11 Issue 6 Page 8
Learning Trails Child CareCheryl Sewell
The Arc does not endorse, promote or recommend any particular person, therapy, institution, professional system or service. Our desire is to bring together families and those interested in meeting the needs of persons with disabilities. Please call to discuss your issues, concerns, wants and needs and perform “due diligence” when seeking a service provider.
There’s a new kid in town! Learning Trails opened on June 4, as the new childcare facility in Missouri City. Learning Trails’ owner, Malkia Moore, is a certified Special Education teacher with a Masters in Educational Administration. Malkia believes in “inclusion” and is delighted to welcome children with and without special needs. Malkia indicated that she has experience teaching children with autism, and in behavior, resource, life skills and co-teaching classrooms. Malkia taught in HISD and in private schools while also operating the “Open Book Academy”, where she provided private tutoring and in-home training services. Malkia’s dream, however, was to open her own inclusive day care. Her students in her “behavioral” classroom at the private school suggested the name Learning Trails.
Learning Trails is located at 2435 Texas Parkway, #H, next to Dai Ichi Shotokan Karate. Dai Ichi is also “special needs friendly”. Learning Trails offers 5000 square feet of floor space and can accommodate up to 200 occupants. The foyer will have a few chairs and tables and there is a room off the foyer, which Malkia has designated for afterschool and Saturday tutoring. The Pre-K and younger elementary school aged children’s’ room has learning “stations” including music, reading, and table activities. There is a separate arts/crafts room and a room for upper elementary and middle-school children. There will also be room available for high school and young adults with special needs. Malkia’s license through the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services is for children up to age 25. Malkia believes in integrating all students as much as possible, but understands that separate space is necessary for the different age groups. She will eventually provide lunches through a catering service, utilizing the kitchen. There are several accessible restrooms and Malkia indicated that Learning Trails’ staff will be able to assist with diapering, toileting and toilet training, as needed. There is a washer and dryer on premises. Unfortunately, Learning Trails is not able to accommodate medically fragile children who require G-tubes, trachs, etc., or who require on-site nursing care.
Malkia wants to be responsive to the needs of the community where she grew up. She attended Briargate ES, Missouri City MS and graduated from Willowridge HS. She feels that providing an affordable day care would be one of giving back. Malkia has started the application process to become a 501(c)3, non-profit entity. She hopes that through grant funding, she will be able to provide even more exceptional programs and services. If enough families need a program, Malkia says she will do her best to offer it. Learning Trail operates from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm to accommodate both before and after school care. She plans to offer summer camps and tutoring. She has applied as a Respite Care provider through the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) and is talking to DADS about contracting with HCS providers.
Learning Trails is designated as a certified Neighborhood Center. Neighborhood Centers can offer a reduced rate to income-eligible families. Malkia, the mother of 3, indicated that she knows how difficult it is to work and/or go to school and pay for childcare. She stated that all along her goal was to provide affordable child care and she is exploring every avenue to make Learning Trails affordable to families.
For additional information about Learning Trails, contact Malkia Moore at 832-224-6958 or [email protected]. Their website is currently under construction but will be www.mylearningtrails.com.
Volume 11 Issue 6 Page 9
Take a SNEAK peek! (or take a peek at SNEAK!)Cheryl Sewell
If you have visited The Arc of Fort Bend’s website recently, you may have noticed the new button on our home page, “SNEAK Community Calendar.” I hope that you asked yourself, “What in the world is that?” and clicked on it. You would have seen that SNEAK stands for “Special Needs Events and Activities Kalendar.” (Forgive our literary license.)
This project actually started 3 years ago when I first applied for free assistance from the University of Houston’s MIS department to create a community calendar. My project was finally accepted for the January 2012 semester. I was assigned 4 students: Josh Dorsey, Daniela Lahoud, Lev Morales and Bill Sedberry. The UH students worked with our website manager, James Walters, at Click & Create. After many discussions and revisions, SNEAK now has a presence on The Arc of Fort Bend’s website! www.arcoffortbend.org
Anyone can browse through the calendar to find events and activities. You do not need to register if you just want to browse. Any agency, organization, therapy group, special needs-friendly community group that serves persons with any type of disability or organizes an event for persons with special needs is invited to register their company and then add events to the SNEAK Community Calendar. SNEAK has the ability to handle recurring events such as weekly or monthly support groups or trainings. An administrator from The Arc of Fort Bend will pre-approve all events before posting.
Phase 1 of the SNEAK project was to get a community calendar up and running. We are delighted that Phase 1 is 99% completed. Phase 2 will include a searchable database of the registered agencies.
Please send any comments to Cheryl Sewell at [email protected]. We want to make SNEAK as user-friendly as possible!
Left to right, Bill Sedberry, Josh Dorsey, Lev Morales and Daniela Lahoud.
The Arc Family MattersKenny Larsen, Tim Larsen’s older brother, passed away on July 24, at Hermann Hospital. Athleen Tremble, grandmother of Amy Crane, a member of The Arc, passes away on July 1, 2012. Please keep these families in your thoughts and prayers.
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SO - Softball Practice
SO - Softball Practice
SO - Softball Practice
The Arc Board of Directors MeetingSO - Softball Practice
1 SO - Aquatics Practice 7:20-9:00 p.m. LCISD Natatorium 5021 Airport Road, Rosenberg
2 SO - Softball Practice 6:30-7:30 pm. Missouri City Community Park, 1700 Glen Lakes Ln, Fields 1 & 2
6 SO - Softball Practice 6:30-7:30 pm. Missouri City Community Park Fields 1 & 2
8 SO - Aquatics Practice 7:20-9:00 p.m. LCISD Natatorium
9 SO - Softball Practice 6:30-7:30 pm. Missouri City Community Park Fields 1 & 2
13 SO - Softball Practice 6:30-7:30 pm. Missouri City Community Park Fields 1 & 2
14 SO - Bocce Practice 7-8:30 p.m. First Colony Community Association, 4350 Austin Pkwy
15 SO - Aquatics Practice 7:20-9:00 p.m. LCISD Natatorium
16 SO - Softball Practice 6:30-7:30 pm. Missouri City Community Park Fields 1 & 2
17 SR - Dance at St. Theresa’s 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. St. Theresa’s Catholic Church
20 SO Softball Practice 6:30-7:30 pm. Missouri City Community Park Fields 1 & 2
21 SO - Bocce Practice 7:00-8:30 p.m. First Colony Community Association
22 SO - Aquatics Practice 7:20-9:00 p.m. LCISD Natatorium
23 SO Softball Practice 6:30-7:30 pm. Missouri City Community Park Fields 1 & 2
27 The Arc Board of Directors Meeting 6:00 p.m. The Arc Office
SO - Softball Practice 6:30-7:30 pm. Missouri City Community Park Fields 1 & 2
29 SO - Aquatics Practice 7:20-9:00 p.m. LCISD Natatorium
Volume 11 Issue 6 Page 11
Please indicate o New Member o Renewing Member
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The ArcToday
Inside this Issue:
Non-Profit OrgUS PostagePAID
Sugar Land, TXPermit No 19
The Arc of Fort Bend County123 Brooks StreetSugar Land, Texas 77478Phone: 281-494-5959Fax: 281-494-5960
