Rainbow Preschool Wish Lists & More

Rainbow Preschool and Pre-K

Rainbow Preschool has spent more than 40 years providing a creative, stimulating and warm environment for children up to age 5. Our New York State approved program offers special education and our Early Intervention Service to help more than 300 children and their families learn, grow and reach their greatest potential.

 

Our qualified, caring professionals help students reach their individual educational goals with special education, speech, occupational, physical and music therapy, as well as nursing, counseling, behavioral interventions, and clinical psychology.

Services are provided in the home, Rainbow Preschool Centers in Albion and Batavia or at the child's day-care or Head Start program.

Rainbow Pre-Kindergarten

Children ages 2½-5 are eligible for Rainbow's Pre-Kindergarten program, available at our Rainbow Centers at Arnold Gregory Complex in Albion and on Liberty Street in Batavia.

In this program, children of all abilities are integrated in a classroom together, developing friendships and understanding in an environment that prepares them for the rigors of kindergarten and higher grades.

To learn more about Rainbow Preschool and our other programs, please visit The Arc's website at www.arcoforleans.org.

While you're on the website, please take a moment to check out Rainbow Preschool's wish list named,  Our Wish List;  as well as our recently updated wish list on Amazon.  You can also click on following link to go directly to Rainbow's Amazon Wish List - Amazon Wish List.

Thank you!

Quilt Show Open House Held

The Arc of Orleans County's Day Habilitation group held a Quilt Show Open House on Tuesday, February 26th.  The Day Hab group made a beautiful quilt that was made possible through grant funding from GO-Art! 

Participants of the Day Hab program, along with the help of staff, made the quilt entitled "Historicial Highlights Through Our Eyes."  The quilt included photos of historic buildings and sites in the Orleans County area.  Day Hab participants were totally involved in the making of the quilt: photo group, research group, and sewing group.  Also shown at the Open House were photos of the buildings with write-ups describing each one. 

The Open House was held at the newly-built Hoag Library in Albion, with close to fifty people attending.  The Arc of Orleans County would like to thank both GO-Art! and the Hoag Library for their assistance with this project and event.

Thank You to The BEST Center!

Staff at The Arc of Orleans County are participating in computer training classes offered through a grant with Genesee Community College's The BEST Center.  Classes on Microsoft Excel and Word are being offered to help staff improve their skills on the computer and make their work more efficient.  The first class was held on Tuesday, February 26th, with attendees taking an intermediate Excel training class.  Karen Bryant and Kathy Leuthauser from The BEST Center taught the class.  Those attending learned some great new information on Excel 2010 and some tips that will be great timesavers when using the computer.  More classes are being offered over the next three months.  The Arc thanks GCC and The BEST Center for this great opportunity!

Rainbow Preschool Book Fair Raises $178

Thanks to everyone who came out yesterday to support Rainbow Preschool's Book Fair!  Parents, grandparents, friends, and Arc staff helped Rainbow Preschool raise $178 during the three-hour fair.  Melinda Cotter, Senior Secretary at the Preschool, is shown in photo with Books Are Fun sales representive Charlie Brittain.  Melinda said the next Book Fair will be even bigger and better!  Thanks to Melinda, Charlie, and all the Preschool staff who helped to make this fundraiser a success!

Songs for NYSARC Campaign Continues

The Songs for NYSARC campaign continues!  We hope that you find it in your heart to help us reach our goal.  Thank you to all who have participated so far.  For those who haven't heard these wonderful songs yet, there is still time.

Help us use music to make the world a better place for those with a developmental disability, and remember, you could be part of making the first gold record, too!

You can hear the songs, buy downloads, and make a donation at: Songs for NYSARC - Arc of Orleans.

Please share the songs with your friends and help The Arc of Orleans County support families in our community!

Employment Listing 2/19/13 Direct Support Professional

POSITION: DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL– REGULAR FULLTIME/PART TIME

                                     

                                        

REPORTS TO:  COMMUNITY LIVING MANAGER

   

LOCATION:       ORLEANS COUNTY

DUTIES:  Provides program participants with support and training in independent living skills, such as meal planning and preparation, home maintenance, money management, housekeeping (lots of cleaning tasks) and laundry, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS:    Good math & writing skills.  Must have a valid NYS driver’s license. Must be capable of completing SCIP, CPR, First Aide and other trainings as required. Must be able to lift, push and pull up to 40lbs.

                            

STARTING RATE:  Grade 7DC - $9.28/hr.

Interested candidates should submit a resume by 2/26/13 to:

Human Resources Office

The Arc of Orleans County

P.O. Box 439

Albion, NY  14411

e-mail:  cfox@arcoforleans.org                                      Fax:  (585) 589-5669

The Arc of Orleans County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Posted:  2/19/13

Dare to Dream: The Time is Now!

A free event  for individuals with disabiltities and their families to learn about the various transitions of life from birth to adulthood.   Topics include: Family Matters, Self Advocates, Mental Health, Transition EI-CSE, Transition to Adulthood, Housing and much more!

When:  Saturday, March 2, 2013
Time:   9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: Millenium Hotel
             2040 Walden Avenue
             Cheektowaga, NY 14225

Lunch will be provided.

To learn more about this event as well as to register online, go to www.parentnetworkwny.org.  In the drop down menu go to Workshop and then March 2013 Workshops.  You will see information on the event as well as directions for registering online.

Check your local TV and radio broadcasts for cancellation information.

 

Preschool Fundraiser

RAINBOW PRESCHOOL'S

FIRST ANNUAL BOOK/GIFT FUNDRAISER

Where:  Arnold Gregory Complex- 1^st Floor Foyer
    243 South Main Street, Albion, NY
When: Thursday February 21^ST from 11:00-2:00

We will have many items, not just books!

Great items for any age.  

Each $5.99 unit sold is worth a $50 value.

A HUGE SAVINGS!

This is a fantastic opportunity to help

Rainbow Preschool earn money.

For every unit sold our school earns $1.00.

We hope to see all of you and

we THANK YOU in advance

for your support!

Happy Valentine's Day!

The Arc of Orleans County would like to wish you and yours a very Happy Valentine's Day.  February is also American Heart Month and we thought we would share some information with you to keep you "Heart Healthy!"

Go Red for American Heart Month

High blood pressure is the single most significant risk factor for heart disease. When your blood pressure stays within healthy ranges, you reduce the strain on your heart, arteries, and kidneys which keeps you healthier longer.  High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, means the blood running through your arteries flows with too much force and puts pressure on your arteries, stretching them past their healthy limit and causing microscopic tears. 

What is the Cost of High Blood Pressure?

Uncontrolled high blood pressure can injure or kill you by causing heart disease or stroke. It's sometimes called "the silent killer" because it has no symptoms.  Approximately 90% of all Americans will develop hypertension over their lifetime and one in three adults has high blood pressure, yet, many people don't even know they have it. 

What Can I Do to Reduce My Blood Pressure?

Good news! High blood pressure is manageable. Whether your blood pressure is high or normal (normal is less than 120 mm Hg systolic AND less than 80 mm Hg diastolic or <120/80) the lifestyle modifications listed here provide a great heart-healthy living plan for all of us.
In addition, these changes may reduce your blood pressure without the use of prescription medications:
* eating a heart-healthy diet, which includes reducing sodium;
* enjoying regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight;
* managing stress;
* limiting alcohol;
* avoiding tobacco smoke.

Check out the American Heart Association's "Life's Simple 7" at http://mylifecheck.heart.org for a simple seven-step list to help you live a long, productive healthy life.  

Source:  American Heart Association

Albion Middle School Students Help The Arc!

  (From left to right - Samantha Hollenbeck, Samantha Champeney, Engracia Perez) 

Mr. Archer's Community Service Class from the Albion Middle School has been helping out The Arc's Community Relations Department this month.  Mr. Archer had contacted us several months ago to see if his students could assist The Arc in anyway.  We are grateful for their assistance with folding brochures and we are looking forward to using their talents in the future.  

A special thank you goes out to the students, Mr. Archer and the Albion Middle School! 

                                  

Driving Tips During Snowy & Icy Weather

We hope everyone stays safe during Winter Storm Nemo!  Below are some tips to help you get to your destination safely.

Driving safely on icy roads
1.Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
2.Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
3.Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
4.Keep your lights and windshield clean.
5.Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
6.Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
7.Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
8.Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
9.Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

If your rear wheels skid:
1.Take your foot off the accelerator.
2.Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right.
3.If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.
4.If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.
5.If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.

If your front wheels skid:
1.Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don't try to steer immediately.
2.As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in "drive" or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.

If you get stuck:
1.Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.
2.Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.
3.Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.
4.Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.
5.Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.
6.Try rocking your vehicle. (Check your owner's manual first — it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you're in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.

Source: National Safety Council, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Washington State Government Information & Services

The Sandstone Trust of Medina Provides Grant Funding!

The Arc of Orleans County received a grant of $250 from The Sandstone Trust of Medina on February 5th!  This is the third year that The Arc has received funding from The Sandstone Trust. To learn more about the great things they do, go to Sandstone Trust.

The grant will be used to purchase some fun games and activities to be utilized by the individuals served by The Arc's Nutri-Fair/Meals on Wheels Program.  For more information about the program, please go to the Nutri-Fair Senior Nutrition Program.

Many thanks go out to The Sandstone Trust of Medina for their support of The Arc and all those served!

EMPLOYMENT LISTING 2/5/13 OTR OR COTA

Position:  COTA or OT   Part Time II  20 Hrs/Wk

Reports to:  Carrie Wilson-Occupational Therapist
Location:     Rainbow Preschool-Batavia Site

Dutites:        COTA provides occupational therapy services within guidelines of NYS & AOTA, based on goals determined by a registered occupational therapist.  Writes progress reports and communicates regularly with teachers and parents.
                    OT needs a BS degree in Occupational Therapy and NYS certified by NOTCB.  Ability to deal with people at all organizational levels, good administrative, analytical, organizational, problem solving and oral & written skills. An aptitude for directing and motiviating people are required. One year performing duties. Must have a valid NYS drivers license. Must be able to lift and carry 40 lbs.

Salary:          COTA-Grade 21 Step 1 $15.37/HR
                    OT-Step 1 $22.67/HR

Interested candidates should submit a resume by 2/12/13 to:

Human Resource Office
Attn: Carol Fox
PO Box 439
Albion, NY 14411

email: cfox@arcoforleans.org                            Fax 585-589-5669

The Arc of Orleans County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Posted 2/5/13

The Songs for NYSARC & The Artists

We hope that you've had a chance to visit our Songs for NYSARC page and have been inspired to share these songs with everyone you know to help create more compassion for those with a developmental disability.

In addition to creating awareness, we'd love to create the first Gold Record inspired by people with developmental disabilities, and with your help we can do it! Just visit our page where you can buy downloads and make a donation at Songs for NYSARC.

We sincerely appreciate any support you can offer to help reach our goal and we hope you enjoy the music!

Please read below for some information on the wonderful artists involved in the Songs for NYSARC Campaign. We encourage you to visit their websites and learn more about them.

 

Liz Longley - "I Am"

In the short time since her graduation from Boston's renowned Berklee College of Music, singer-songwriter Liz Longley has assembled an impressive resume. While best known for her stop-you-in-your-tracks voice, Liz has steadily developed a reputation as an accomplished songwriter, crafting intimately personal portraits through her music. In the past two years, Liz has taken home top prizes at some of the most prestigious songwriting competitions in the country, including the BMI John Lennon Songwriting Scholarship Competition, the International Acoustic Music Awards and the Rocky Mountain Folk Fest Songwriting Competition.

A Philadelphia native, Liz recently moved to Nashville, Tennessee where she has quickly made her presence known throughout Music City. In addition to writing more than forty songs with some of the best songwriters in the business, Liz has also managed to keep up her seemingly never-ending touring schedule, playing over a hundred shows in the last year. To learn more go to www.lizlongley.com.

 

Kesleah Hall - "Wonderful"

Kesleah has been singing since she was three. At the end of her sophomore year in high school she was offered the chance of a lifetime. Her vocal coach set up an interview with Jamie Kiner of Word Records. She went to the interview, sang for her, and the next thing she knew she was invited to spend an entire week in Nashville writing songs and recording demos with the pros!

Little did she know that week would change her life forever. On Friday of that week she performed and interviewed for their entire panel, including the president of Word Records, and on her way home she got an amazing phone call saying they wanted her to sign with their label. Since then she's been working on her debut album.

In the mean time she's also attending Belmont University and working as a session singer doing jingles, demos and making connections in the music industry.

 

Kortney & Dave - "Because of You"

We've met the Wilsons, watched them flip out, and they’ve taken our requests. Now, Kortney & Dave are back in the forefront with new music. With three – yes, three - hit shows on CMT Canada, they felt it was time to get back to doing what they love the most, performing for their fans. "We always saw the TV success as a great way for our fans to hear our music. But, we are still two kids who moved to Nashville to write songs and play music and it's time to get back to the heart of it", says Dave.
Kortney & Dave arrived in Nashville within a week of each other from their native Ontario, both pursuing solo careers. As fate would have it, they met each other soon after at Deric Ruttan’s farm. As the old saying goes, they have been inseparable ever since. After both testing the waters with solo projects, they felt their true musical harmony was with each other and so was born The Wilsons. More...

Terry Vital - Terry Vital Music - "We're Just the Same"

Although a musician all her life, Terry has only recently shifted her interest to develop as a singer-songwriter. Her style falls mostly in the contemporary folk, AC, and singer-songwriter genres.

Her music has been licensed for commercials, independent film, and US and Canadian television programs, documentaries and reality shows that air on networks including ABC, NBC, PBS, MTV, The Weather Channel, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Planet X and Canadian Networks.

Terry is a composer/lyricist and multi-instrumentalist, with guitar as her main instrument. Her 25-plus years in the advertising and broadcast environments combined with a Master's Certificate in Songwriting from Berklee College of Music give her a unique insight into composing and producing commercial and brand music.
Her experience writing for the short form commercial format has been expanded to include original instrumental compositions for film and television soundtracks. More...

For more information on NYSARC visit www.nysarc.org.

February 2013 Events at The Arc of Orleans County

Open House for The Arc's

"Historical Highlights Through Our Eyes" Quilt

 Tuesday, February 26th

5:00 - 7:00 PM

Hoag Library, Center Room

134 South Main Street, Albion, NY

Refreshments provided 

This event is open to the public at no charge.  For more information, please contact Darlene Golson, Community Relations Manager, at 585-589-5516 ext. 228.

Made possible by grant funding provided by GO-Art (Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.)

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Stuffed Chicken Breast Dinner Fundraiser

to benefit The Arc's Nutrition Program

(Meals On Wheels / Nutri-Fair)

Thursday, February 28th

4:30 - 7:00 PM

Nutri-Fair congregate site

16 East Academy Street (south side), Albion, NY

Dinner tickets are $8.00 / under age 10 only $5.00

50/50 raffle tickets $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00

Eat in or take out.

Call 589-7817 for more information.

Tickets are available at the Albion congregate site or at The Arc's Main Office, 122 Caroline Street, Albion.  See Denise or Darlene in the Community Relations Department.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Arc Clothing/Logo Sale

The Arc's Community Relations Department is holding a Clothing/Logo sale through Monday, March 4th.  Arc logo items include short and long-sleeved t-shirts, hoodies and crewneck sweatshirts, fleece jackets, totes, and travel mugs.

If you are interested in a catalog and order form, please contact Denise Withey, Community Relations Specialist, at 589-5516 ext. 227 or by email at dwithey@arcoforleans.org. 

"Getting Healthy, Staying Healthy"

“Getting Healthy, Staying Healthy” is the Recreation Department's theme for 2013. Thanks to grant funding from NYSARC several of the individuals served by The Arc are well on their way to a healthier 2013.

Through the NYSARC grant, The Arc's Recreation Department was able to purchase gym memberships to Albion Fitness Center for two groups.  The staff at Albion Fitness Center have gone that extra mile to assist individuals with knowledge of gym equipment, safety procedures and personal exercise routines.

Thank you Albion Fitness Center and NYSARC for assisting in a healthier lifestyle for many of the individuals served by The Arc!