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February 2015


Happy New Year!  The Arc of Moore County invites you to read about recent activities and news for people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  We would also encourage you to become a member or renew your membership with us to help us continue to provide the services, supports and activities that you will read about in this edition.

Thank you,

Wendy Russell, Executive Director

COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS AT SCC

Recently an information sharing meeting was held at Sandhills Community College for parents, providers, and individuals with I/DD regarding the transition of the Compensatory Education program to Adult Basic Education classes.  The meeting reviewed the history of the Comp Ed program and what the program offered such as basic and life skills, including social skills, leisure and humanities within the Division of Continuing Education.  Due to discontinued state funding, this program has been redesigned.

Currently, the Continuing Education division has restructured to include the College and Career Readiness Department which oversees the Adult Basic Education classes.which are leveled according to ability and are focused on transitioning students to higher education and/or the workplace. In addition, the college has created a new transition program for some adults (START Hospitality Program), and is partnering with the community to address needs of students that need to make other connections for alternative education programs or job training.

The Arc of Moore County will work with parents and other local agencies and organizations to help young adults who may be searching for the right fit in integrative learning opportunities or job training.

Those that are in need of other resources should contact our office at 692-8272.

FUN FRIDAYS AT PINEHURST PARKS AND RECREATION
Inclusive Monthly Group Outings

The Village of Pinehurst Parks and Recreation is offering activities for individuals ages 14 and above for group outings.  These activities range from watching movies and sporting events at Village Hall and local restaurants to bowling, bocce and disc golf.  Prices for these sessions are $10-15 for Pinehurst residents and $20-30 for non-residents.  Please call Nicole at the Village of Pinehurst at 295-2817 for more information..

AKTION CLUB FUNDRAISER
Pooling Our Pennies

The Aktion Club of Moore County has been partnering with the Sandhills Sandsharks in their quest to build a training center in the former location of the Pinehurst  Community Pool.  Our club will be holding a "penny fundraiser" throughout the area during the spring and summer.  Look for donation jars in local businesses with the picture on the right.  Please help us by saving your pennies and donating to this great cause! 
The mission of the Sandsharks Traning Center is to seek to facilitate and promote excellence for a broad range of community swimming needs for children through seniors. The center strives to provide programming for competitive training of all ages, swim lessons, recreation, water safety instruction, and for the needs of the adaptive/special needs community.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS SPRING GAMES
Mark your calendars for Friday, April 24

Moore County Special Olympic track and field athletes will be practicing on Tuesdays beginning February 17 from 2:30-3:30 at the field at Sandhills Community College. The Spring Games will be held at Pinecrest High School on Friday, April 24. There is a need for volunteers to assist at the practices!  Please contact Melinda Ransdell at mransdell@windstream.net if you are interested.
FUTURE PLANNING 101
New Resource from The Arc

The Arc has created a resource to support people with I/DD and their families to be able to plan for the future. A plan is important throughout all stages of life and especially in the future after the parent or caregiver is no longer able to provide support. 

To get started, be sure to involve family members, friends and professionals. Secondly, talk to others in similar circumstances to establish a support network. Also, find out about public benefits eligibility as this varies from state to state. 

To read more about this resource, click here.
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Two successful events

The Arc would like to thank everyone that participated in Operation Santa this year!  Because of your generous donations we were able to provide needed items for the children supported by First In Families.  This year we served over 80 children with disabilities.

Also, The Christmas Movie and Snow Spectacular was again a great success!  The weather was colder than usual but perfect for snow!  Over 200 children and adults enjoyed carol singing followed by a visit from Santa and the annual showing of "Elf" at the Sunrise Theater.  After the movie children of all ages enjoyed sledding and snow play outside.  To view more pictures of the  event, click here.                                                                           
SUCCESSFUL PROGRAMMING
ArcFIT, Book Club and Joyful Noise!

ArcFIT staff members Ruth Howson and Tyler Looney reported that the 12 participants of the initial 12-week session gained valuable knowledge about nutrition, healthy eating and importance of exercise while losing unwanted pounds.  The group frequently met outside of regularly scheduled meetings to walk together and discuss goals for healthier lifestyles.
The pilot program will be evaluated and some changes may be made to make the experience more effective for future classes.  If you are interested in signing up for the next session, please send email to arcmoorewr@embarqmail.com.

Book Club meets the first Monday of each month.  A new reading selection and activity is planned each month based on the book.  Members enjoy bringing books to life through discussions, programs and activities such as movies, plays and local programming reflecting the reading selection for the month. For more information, send an email to ednamcneill7@gmail.com.

Joyful Noise had a very busy holiday performance season throughout the county.  Practices are continuing on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30-4:30 at Sandhills Community College.  If interested in joining this group, please send an email to joyfulnoise05@earthlink.net.