14 More Days to Vote for Citgo Fueling Good Program

The Arc of Orleans County is registered for Citgo's Fueling Good Program. Citgo will donate a total of thirty-six Citgo Fuel Gift Cards in the amount of $5,000 each to worthy charities that win this online voting contest. Voting began on July 17th and will end August 11th. We are hoping you can help us win by going to The Arc's website at http://www.arcoforleans.org and click on the "X - Vote For Us Today" under the Fueling Good caption.

Your support of The Arc and the men, women, and children we serve is greatly appreciated!

August is National Immunization Awareness Month

Are you and your family up ot date on your immunizations? Vaccines help prevent the spread of infection, including potentially deadly diseases. Now is the ideal time to make sure you are current on your immunization needs, as school is about to begin and flu seasoon is right around the corner.

Many school districts require certain immunizations for children to attend. Check with your school and your doctor to ensure your child has all the necessary and recommended vaccinations for their age group. Also, older children going to college should ensure they are current in their immunizations, as they will be living closely with many people.

Immunizations aren't just for kids! Adults should also check with their doctor to make sure they have had the recommended vaccinations. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all people over the age of 6 months receive a seasonal flu vaccine annually to protect against influenza.

Tops Charity Car Giveaway

The voting for the Tops Car Giveaway ended Tuesday, July 26th. The votes are being tabulated and I am sure we will hear something soon. It doesn't look like we won; however, it was very exciting to be one of the top ten charities in the running for a car.

Thank you to all of you who supported The Arc by voting for us online! It is truly appreciated!

Ida Caldwell Named June Employee of the Month

Ida Caldwell has been named The Arc of Orleans County's Employee of the Month for June. Ida is the Empowering Families Coordinator with the Family Support Services Program. Ida is also an investigator for the Agency and during the month of June had to work on an investigation of a very sensitive nature that involved both staff and individuals served. Ida handled herself in the most professional manner while this investigation took a toll on her emotionally. Throughout this investigation, Ida was able to keep her objectivity and continue to seek out the facts in the investigation.
Thank you, Ida, for all your hard work on this investigation! And congratulations on being named the Employee of the Month for June!

Calling All Chiavetta's Chicken BBQ Lovers!

Save the Date

What: Chiavetta's Chicken BBQ Fundraiser. Proceeds to benefit the Meals on Wheels/Nutri-Fair program

Where: The Arc of Orleans County Meals on Wheels/Nutri-Fair program at 16 East Academy Street (Old Grammar School), Albion, NY

When: Thursday, August 4, 2011 from 12:00 to 4:00 pm

Cost of Chicken BBQ: $8.00

What's Included in the Meal?: 1/2 chicken, salt potatoes, macaroni salad, roll with butter and dessert

Where Can I get a Ticket Info.?: Please contact 585-589-7817 for ticket info.

Can I Purchase Advance Tickets?: You can purchase tickets in advance at the Meals on Wheels/Nutri-Fair program located at 16 East Academy Street or at The Arc's Community Relation Department at 122 Caroline Street.

We look forward to seeing you and your appetite on August 4th!!!

Employment Listing 7/18/11 Vocational Training Assistant

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT


POSITION: VOCATIONAL TRAINING ASSISTANT – JOB COACH
REGULAR FULL-TIME

REPORTS TO: SUPPORTED WORK MANAGER – MELISSA COTTER
OPERATIONS MANAGER – DAVE BELLUCCI

LOCATION: ASSOCIATED BRANDS ENCLAVE

DUTIES: Provides direct hands on supervision, training and counseling to people with disabilities in a variety of vocational & community settings.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Working level knowledge of production techniques, methods and/or training involving adults who are disabled. Experience with the developmentally disabled preferred along with factory and other entry level type of experience helpful. Demonstrates skills equivalent to a high school diploma. Ability to deal with people at all organizational levels, good administrative, organizational, problem solving, training and oral & written communication skills required. Capable of completing SCIP, CPR & other required training. Must be available to work weekends, holidays & evenings. Must be flexible. Must be able to drive a 15 passenger van and have access to a vehicle if no program vehicles are available. Needs a valid NYS driving license.

STARTING RATE: Grade 5DC - $8.52/hr.

Vocational Training/Community Living Assistants who are currently paid at grade 9, will continue to be paid at grade 9.

Interested candidates should submit a resume by July 25, 2011 to the:
Human Resources Department.
ATTN: Carol S. Fox
The Arc of Orleans County
PO Box 439
Albion, NY 14411

e-mail: cfox@arcoforleans.org
Fax #589-5669
The Arc of Orleans County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Posted: 7/18/11

Employment Listing 7/18/11 PTII Community Integration Specialist

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT


POSITION: COMMUNITY INTEGRATION SPECIALIST
PART TIME CATEGORY II – 2 POSITIONS
21 HOURS PER WEEK AND 14 HOURS PER WEEK

REPORTS TO: ROBERT & BARBARA HOFFMAN


LOCATION: 10772 RYAN RD., MEDINA, NY 14103


DUTIES: PROVIDE SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE FOR PARTICIPATION IN INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY ACTIVITITES, EVENTS AND VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCES IDENTIFIED BY PERSON SERVED AND THEIR CIRCLE OF SUPPORT.


QUALIFICATIONS:
KNOWLEDGE OF INFORMATION AND TECHNIQUES REQUIRED TO PROVIDE INSTRUCTION, SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE IN COMMUNITY INTEGRATION AND VOLUNTEER PLACEMENTS. ABILITY TO BE AWARE AND UNDERSTAND REACTIONS OF OTHER PEOPLE. ABILITY TO WORK INDEPENDENTLY, GOOD COMMUNICATION, WRITTEN & ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS ARE REQUIRED. MUST HAVE A VALID NYS DRIVERS LICENSE AND MUST MEET THE AGENCY MOTOR VEHICLE GUIDELINES. MUST ALSO BE ABLE TO MEET CHILD ABUSE CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS.


STARTING RATE: $10.50 PER HOUR


Interested Candidates should submit a resume before 7/25/11 to:
ROBERT AND BARBARA HOFFMAN
10772 RYAN ROAD
MEDINA, NY 14103

e-mail: grapeshoffman@yahoo.com

The Arc of Orleans County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Posted: 7/18/11

Summer Safety & First Aid

Here are some tips to keep you safe and healthy during the Summer:

BIKING:
1. Before riding check your bike's condition
2. Always wear a helmet
3. Wear bright colors
4. Avoid clothing that can get caught in the chain
5. Use reflectors
6. Don't ride at night
7. Obey the same traffic signs and signals that cars do
8. Ride single-file and to the right with traffic
9. Signal with your left hand

OUTDOOR SPORTS:
1. Have water handy to drink at all times
2. Play in safe areas, away from traffic
3. Warm up before vigorous activity
4. Wear protective gear
5. Watch for following symptoms of heat stroke: decreased sweating, red, hot and dry skin, confusion, irritability, deep breathing, and unconsciousness
6. If heat stroke symptoms occur; move to a cool place, remove unnecessary clothing, lay on back with feet raised, sponge with cool water. Call 911 IMMEDIATELY!

BOATING:
1. Follow boat safety rules
2. Make sure everyone wears personal flotation device
3. Check equipment and fuel before leaving
4. Carry emergency beacons and/or a ship to shore radio if planning long trip
5. Don't boat in bad weather or near swimmers or water skiers
6. Always let someone know expected departure and return

SUMMER STORMS:
1. In a thunderstorm, seek shelter at once (e.g. in a building or car)
2. If outside, don't take shelter under a tree, and avoid open water
3. Put aside metal items you are carrying
4. In a tornado, seek shelter on the lowest floor
5. Avoid windows and get under a heavy table
6. if outdoors get under a gully or ditch and cover your head

INSECT BITE PROTECTION:
1. Wear protective clothing; long sleeves, pants, shoes and socks
2. Apply a repellent containing no more than 10% DEET
3. Avoid perfumes and scented lotions
4. Carry the proper medication at all times if you have an allergy to insects

Courtesy of Orleans Community Health

The Arc is One Step Closer to Winning a Vehicle from Tops

The Arc of Orleans County is one of the top ten charities still in the running to win a vehicle from Tops Friendly Markets!

Tops Friendly Markets had launched a Great American Charity Car Giveaway in June where a first round of voting took place and the top ten charities went forward to a second round of voting. We are so excited to be one of the top ten.

We really appreciate your support during the first round of voting and we would appreciate your online support for this last round. Simply go to http://www.topsmarkets.com or www.Facebook.com/TopsFriendlyMarkets and click on the icon that states, "Help Your Favorite Charity Win New Car"and choose The Arc of Orleans County. The voting begins today, July 13th and ends at 9:00 am on July 26th.

Please share this information with your family and friends as well. You may vote once a day per email address. The Winner will be announced on or around July 27, 2011.

Thank you for your continued support!

We will keep you posted.

Meals on Wheels Chicken BBQ Fundraiser

Meals on Wheels Chicken BBQ Fundraiser

The Arc of Orleans County Meals on Wheels/Nutri-Fair program will be holding a Chiavetta's Chicken BBQ Thursday, August 4, 2011 from 12:00 - 4:00 pm at 16 East Academy Street, Albion, NY.


Cost of the Chicken BBQ is $8.00 and includes 1/2 chicken, salt potatoes, macaroni salad,
roll w/ butter, and dessert. Take Outs are available!

For ticket info., please contact 585-589-7817. If you are a business located in Albion or Medina and are interested in pre-ordering, please contact Darlene Golson at 585-589-5516 ext. 228.

Proceeds will benefit the Meals on Wheels program.

Camp Rainbow Pool Renovations Completed on Schedule for Camp's Opening Day

The renovations and upgrades of the Camp Rainbow pool are complete and it is up and ready for the 2011 Camp Season! The Arc began to ask for funding assistance for the pool project in December of 2009 and the improvements began in 2010. The Agency raised $16,200 of the $22,860 needed to complete the project. The Arc sends a very special thank you to the Child Welfare Association, Lawley Service, Inc., the Lyndonville Area Foundation, The Rochester Rams, the Medina Area of Churches, the Medina United Methodist Church, and the Orleans County Foundation for their generosity.

Pattie Kepner, Director of Family Services, stated, “The children at Camp Rainbow just love the pool and we are very excited to have all the upgrades done in time for the 2011 season.” The 2011 season begins Monday July 11th and runs through Friday, August 12th.

Camp Rainbow is a five week summer day camp located at 2272 Townline Road in Lyndonville, New York. It serves any child who resides in Orleans County who has completed Kindergarten. It is a joyful place where children, with and without disabilities, get to learn, play, and form lasting friendships.

For information on Camp Rainbow, please call 585-589-1750.

July is UV Safety Month

July is UV Safety Month

Enjoy fun in the sun safely. Participating in outdoor activities like swimming, tennis or gardening generally mean hours of exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) rays. Remember to take precautions to protect your skin and eyes anytime you’re exposed to ultraviolet rays.

Did you know?

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the US.

Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun are the main cause of skin cancer.

UV rays can damage your eyes and cause premature aging of the skin.

Who’s at greatest risk for skin cancer?

Anyone can get skin cancer, but the risk is greatest for people with:

White or light-colored skin with freckles
Blond or red hair
Blue or green eyes

Take these steps to help prevent skin cancer:
Limit your exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest.
Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.
Cover up with long sleeves and a hat.
Check your skin regularly for any changes.
Wear sunglasses whenever you’re outside

Source: http://www.healthfinder.gov/

May 2011 Employee of the Month is Vicki Havholm

Vicki Havholm, Administrative Assistant with The Arc's Nutrition Program (Meals on Wheels/Nutri-Fair), has been named the Agency's Employee of the Month for May 2011. During the month of May, an individual served by The Arc who works as a Meals On Wheels driver, was in need of transportation to the hospital for surgery. Vicki graciously took the day off, using her personal time, and transported him to the hospital. She stayed throughout the surgery so someone was there with him when he came out. She took him to get his medication and transported him home. Later that evening she checked on him to make sure he had everything he needed and even offered to bring him food. Vicki has also volunteered to do this again when he goes for a second surgery. Vicki's genuine concern and support shown to this individual is truly appreciated. Thank you, Vicki, for going above and beyond!

Students Enjoy Trip to Mark's Pizzeria

Recently students in both the morning and afternoon classes at Rainbow Preschool, along with their teacher Colleen Thompson and other staff, enjoyed a nice outing touring and making pizza at Mark's Pizzeria courtesy of Brian Christiaansen and his son Brady. Thanks to everyone at Mark's Pizzeria for a fun day!