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