the arc oct11.pdfthe arc’s goals were chosen to be directed toward mission and vision and build on...

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

Add us as your friend and keep in touch with all

events at The Arc! facebook.com/arcoffortbend

33835 USE.indd 1 3/17/11 4:21 PM

2011 Texas Advocates Conference

The 2011 Texas Advocates conference was held August 26th, 27th and 28th in San Antonio. The Advocates of Fort Bend County had 21 Self Advocates that attended the conference. The chaperones this year were Pam Alexander, Nancy Dobert, Minnie and Allan Harris, Belinda Jarvis, Mary Stephney-Quinby, Laraine Turner, Caryl and Lyle Woodruff and Shirley Young. Thank you to all of the chaperones! Without your hard work all weekend this trip would not be possible.

October/November 2011Volume 10, Issue 10

Save the Date

Best in the WestBBQ, dance, live and

silent auction

November 19th6:00 pm

George RanchHistorical Park

Chairman’s Corner ..................3

Resource Fair .......................4-5

Aquatics..................................9

Texas Advocates Conference .....................10-11

Bocce News ..........................12

October 2011 .......................14

November 2011 ...................15

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The Arc of Fort Bend County Board of Directors 2011-2012

EXECUTIVE BOARDChairwomanKaren 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 AssistantLindsey Shields 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 will maintain an effective leadership team to ensure the accomplishment of The Arc’s vision and mission.

II. The Arc will deploy outreach strategies that will increase community awareness of the needs of all Arc stakeholders.

III. The Arc will collaborate with existing transportation systems in Ft. Bend County to provide transportation that is reliable, safe and affordable.

IV. The Arc will collaborate with providers of job training and placement programs to improve quality and quantity of programs.

V. The Arc will provide programs and services which will directly improve the quality of life for its clients and their families.

VI. The Arc will implement sound fiduciary strategies that will increase financial stability and growth of the organization.

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

Send acknowledgement to:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Name

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________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.

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Chair’s CornerKaren Daly

I just finished watching one of the news interviews on the recently released audio tapes of Jacqueline Kennedy after President Kennedy’s assassination. Some of the excerpts from the tapes were definitely indicative of the time period in the U.S. Mrs. Kennedy was a very educated woman who made statements on those tapes saying that she didn’t believe that women should try to achieve things on their own. Later, as we all know, she became quite a successful businessperson in the publishing field. As I listened to the opinions she expressed in the 1960’s, it made me think of the evolution for many of us in the field of “labels” for our children. It used to be ok to say your child was “retarded.” Twenty years later (and another generation) it was ok to say your child had “mental retardation” (that’s when my daughter, Emma, was born). And then, after another twenty years, we now use the term “intellectual disabilities”.

Now, our children haven’t changed through the different labels, but the way the world views our children certainly has and I believe our “labels” have tried to keep up with the changing viewpoints through the generations. I cringe when I hear the word, “retarded”,

now but I have to remind myself that it was the standard 40 years ago. I’m sure we will have another generation of “labels” and I will continue to try to keep up with the times and the terms. Hopefully, it will be with a smidgeon of the grace of Jacqueline Kennedy!

From the Executive Director Laura LaVigne

Respect –“to show regard or consideration for”, as in, “to respect someone’s rights”.

As The Arc of Fort Bend continues in our re-branding campaign, I have found myself gently explaining over and over again why we changed our name from ARC to The Arc. Community leaders, newspaper editors, our members, volunteers and those who support us automatically refer to us as ARC – even when “The Arc” is clearly presented. It is automatic for them to transpose it to ARC.

So, why is this change in name so important? The Arc of DC explains it perfectly in their brochure:

Respectful language plays a crucial role in promoting and protecting basic civil and human rights. Because the term “mental retardation” does not communicate dignity and respect, The Arc (of DC) has changed its mission and vision statements to reflect respectful language for those we represent. Changing language changes attitudes.

I could not have said it better.

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Mike Thanks FBJSL!Last December, the Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) awarded a $20,000 grant to fund The Arc’s Special Olympics delegation at Summer Games in College Station. The grant funded the costs of transportation, registration, hotel rooms, meals and new uniforms! Pictured are Mike Marshall, basketball player, with his dad, Hal Marshall, basketball coach and Laura LaVigne, The Arc’s Executive Director. They attended the FBJSL’s first, fall meeting to thank the ladies for the generous donation. Hal described the benefits of coaching and how the grant funded their teams’ participation. Mike prepared and read a heartfelt thank you for sponsoring his teams’ participation. He was awarded with a standing ovation!

Twelve Commandments The 2011-2012 School year is upon us. This is a good time to remember the Twelve Commandments for Parents of Children with Disabilities ©

I. Thou art thy child’s best and most consistent advocate.

II. Thou hast valuable information about your child. Professionals need your input.

III. Thou shalt put it in writing and keep a copy.

IV. Thou shalt try to resolve problems at the lowest level, but not hesitate to contact a higher authority if the problem is not resolved.

V. Thou shalt keep good records in chronological order and categorized as necessary.

VI. Thou shalt seek out information when needed.

VII. Thou shalt take time to think through information before making a decision.

VIII. Thou shalt have permission to be less than perfect. Important lessons are learned from both successes and failures.

IX. Thou shalt not become a martyr. Decide to take a break now and then.

X. Thou shalt maintain a sense of humor. It is great for your emotional well-being and that of your child.

XI. Thou shalt always remember to tell people when they are doing a good job.

XII. Thou shalt encourage a child to make decisions because one day he or she will need to do so.

PACER Center Inc. • 8161 Normandale Blvd. • Minneapolis, Minnesota • 55437-1044 • Voice (952) 838-9000 • TTY (952) 838-0190 Toll-free in Greater Minnesota (800) 537-2237 • Fax (952) 838-0199 • [email protected] • Web site: www.pacer.org PHP-c35

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Volume I0 Issue 10

Carmen and Carlos Hernandez“I promise to give of the time in my life so that Special Olympics athletes can have the time of their lives. I promise to support Special Olympics not just as an expression of charity, but as a form of respect for my fellow human beings. I promise to spread the word of volunteerism because, in giving, I receive so much more in return.”

Carmen and Carlos Hernandez, coaches and volunteers for The Arc’s Special Olympics delegation, were recently recognized by Special Olympics Texas for their 35 years of volunteer service to the Special Olympics program. Imagine giving 35 years of active volunteer support to an organization! Over the years, they have worn many hats within the Special Olympics family. They are the parents of athlete David Hernandez. They were heads of their own delegation before joining The Arc, doing everything including fundraising. They trained and continue to maintain their coaching certifications in bowling, basketball, athletics (track and field), volleyball, and softball. In addition, they are also certified as unified partners. Carmen and Carlos can be counted on to be bus chaperones for out of Sugar Land competitions, bench buddies for athletes who need some extra emotional or behavioral support, and overnight chaperones for State Games. They even celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with athletes at Summer Games in Arlington in 2010. The Arc of Fort Bend County is blessed to have the support of Carmen and Carlos for our Special Olympics delegation.

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AquaticsThe Arc Aquatics team of 21 athletes competed on September 10 in the Area 22 swim meet at Fort Bend ISD’s Dan Cook Natatorium. Two athletes participated in the meet’s opening ceremonies. Bridget Stephney opened with the Pledge of Allegiance while JJ Jimenez wrapped up the ceremonies as the fourth leg of the torch run. The 200 meter medley relay team of Wayne Heitman, Chance Geary, David Hernandez, and JJ Jimenez earned the team their first gold medal of the day soon to be followed by many other medals all day. Three of the team’s four relay teams earned gold in their races! In addition to the relay winners, athletes competed in individual races throughout the day ranging from 25, 50, and 100 meter freestyle races, 25, 50, and 100 meter back stroke, 25 meter breast stroke, and 100 meter individual medley to individual skills tests such as floatation races, walks, assisted and unassisted swims. Special thanks goes out to the many key volunteers and parents who helped coaches Susie Bakus, Beth Jimenez, and Becky Geary at the event including Jeannette Ries, Carlos and Carmen Hernandez, Ronnie Smith, Anita Smith, Terry Moore, Mike Geary, Mary Hordge, Karen Guevara, Pauletta Gori, and Carolyn Spiceland.

The season was marked by practices at two different locations. Practices in the first month of the season were at the Lamar Consolidated ISD Natatorium on Airport. The Arc really appreciates the continued support of Toni Schramme of LCISD for always thinking of our athletes and lining up wonderful lifeguards. While her pool was under construction in August, Richmond State Supported Living Center came through to support our aquatics program. We are so grateful that they allowed us to use their facility again this summer.

The swimmers who participated in the area tournament were: Steve Bily, Davis Caruthers, Chance Geary, Alberto Gonzales, Maria Guevara, Tommy Hajek, Wayne Heitman, David Hernandez, Kenneth Hordge, Mary Hordge, Jan Joseph Jimenez, Karen Kniss, Cyrus Moore, Karen Penrod, Danny Ries, Amanda Spiceland, Danny Stubblefield, Rudy Vasquez, Meredith Webb, Ty Williams, and Monica Wright.

Congratulations to all those who participated at the area meet! Good luck at State in October!

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Texas Advocates Conference Jody White, Secretary

The Self Advocates took a trip to San Antonio for the 2011 conference. We got a late start because the bus went to the wrong place but when we got to the hotel we were already checked in thanks to Minnie and Allan Harris. We brought our bags to the room and then got back on the bus to go to dinner at Pico de Gallo Mexican Restaurant.

Saturday began with breakfast and the opening speaker. The rest of the day we had different workshops that we could choose from. Some of the workshops were How do I get what I need, Money Management, Respectful Language, Leadership, Mission Possible, Working Hard to Have Fun, How a Bill Becomes a Law and The Dating Game.

The Nominating Committee met and came up with a slate of officers for the 2011 – 2012 board. Darrell Richard was the Chairman and Curt Moore and Karen Penrod were the other members of the committee. The group met and voted to accept the committees’ choices for officers. The new 2011 – 2012 Advocates of Fort Bend County board of directors are President – Valerie Collier, Vice President – Russell Smith, Secretary – Jody White, Treasurer – Monica Wright, Parliamentarian – Allan Harris and Members at Large – Randall Black, Robert Jackson and Bridget Stephney. After the meeting we had dinner and danced until midnight.

Sunday morning we got up, had breakfast and then waited for the elevators to bring our bags down. We finally got on the bus and headed back. Thanks to all of the chaperones that helped us this year and we definitely missed Lou Larsen!

Volume I0 Issue 10

Texas Advocates Conference

Get the Power!

Be a Lead

er!

Use your Voice for Yourself and Others!

Volume I0 Issue 10

Bocce NewsSomebody alert Guinness World Records! On Friday, September 9, a new world record was set by a family from Sugar Land, TX. A 2002 Ford Escape was packed with: 2 bocce PVC courts (288 linear feet of PVC), a bucket of PVC connectors, a large first aid bag, a first aid book, a full-sized trash can, 8 lawn chairs, a tent, a bocce ball set, 5 large lawn signs, a bocce binder, 2 towels, duct tape, sun block, hats, sunglasses, maps to Kincaid school, maps to FBCA, and many Special Olympics oath handouts.

That was all in preparation for a half day of bocce scrimmage between The Arc of Fort Bend County and The Katy Wolfpack at the Missouri City Community Center Fields. Shane Mize, recreation superintendent for Missouri City, came by to check out the scene and was glad to see

the well-attended event. There’s a rumor that Robert Pourciau from The Arc and Chip Morgan who leads the Katy bocce athletes might partner with Missouri City Parks and Recreation to develop a bocce tournament for the public sometime next spring. Stay tuned for more information.

This year’s 12 bocce athletes have had a great season. The players include returning partners Chanta Burton and Carrie Wantuch, Katherine Nelson and Nicki Moynihan, Tony Presson and Russell Smith. Veteran player Tommy Martin is partnering with new player Allan Harris, Jr. Veteran player Jennifer Daniels is partnering with new player Scott Johnson. New bocce players Stevie Meyer and Courtney Allen form another new team. The coaches are Robert and Janet Pourciau, Janet Wantuch, Kelly Wheeler, Jeff Hoffman and Margo Pasko.

The bocce team has been fortunate to have two generous sponsors this year. In lieu of birthday presents, 9 year old Maya Nelson, Katherine Nelson’s sister, requested that guests coming to her birthday party donate to Maya’s preferred organizations: The Arc’s bocce team, The Arc’s TwentySomethings group, and the Ronald McDonald House. Maya is in the fourth grade at St. Laurence in Sugar Land, This year’s bocce jersey with the new Arc logo is courtesy of Maya and her supportive friends. Maya said she picked the bocce and TwentySomethings programs because she wanted to do something that would help her sister Katherine.

The other bocce donor is Mr. Wes Payton of the W.W. Payton Corporation. He has known new bocce player Courtney Allen for several years because Courtney’s mom Sonia works for Mr. Payton. Sonia says she has a great boss who has always supported Courtney’s Special Olympics efforts. His generosity will enable the bocce team to travel to Fall Classic.

The Area 4 bocce tournament was on Saturday, September 17 at The Kinkaid School. The NFL-quality football field was the site of 23 bocce courts, 4 of which were borrowed from The Arc. Our athletes led the parade of athletes at opening ceremony, and our very own Tom Martin recited the athlete’s oath. Then the games began! It was a great morning of competition until the skies opened up and the first significant rain in months caused the cancellation of the games. The athletes were hustled into the gym until the thunder and lightning stopped, and then they were dismissed. Coaches Robert and Janet Pourciau, Janet Wantuch and her husband John, Jeff Hoffman and Margo Pasko stayed during the rest of the downpour to deconstruct the courts, collect the equipment and collapse the tent. At press time, there was no word on the results of the competition, but the athletes were assured that Area 4 staff members would tabulate the results and mail the ribbons and medals. Next stop: Fall Classic!

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Thank You!The Arc thanks the following folks for their generous donations:

Debbie Eddlemon – 4 cases of soda for the Fall Classic “Pizza Party”

Maya’s Birthday Party Proceeds:Benefitting Bocce Ball Benefiting TwentySomethings Fred Nelson & Ancie Shah - $130 Rachel Kihleson - $100 W. Cody Martin - $25 Christy Saxer - $80Cynthia Salinas - $60 Tommy Noe - $50Metscript Inc. - $25 Shala Kiolbassa - $20Sergio Conlu - $25

Linda and Rocky Hogue - $40 to Social recreation Program

Wes Payton, W. W. Payton Corporation - $500 for Special Olympics Bocce Ball

Justin Svelik - $50 general donation

Rozina and Sadruddin Qurbanali - $100 general donation

Kalia Thomas, Minuti Coffee Shop - $239 in tips during the month of August

Joanne and Buddy Meyer – a Bocce Ball set

Jon Sklar, Home Depot – PVC pipe for Bocce Ball courts

Our community continues to respond to the “Wish List” printed in the Sun newspaper for bottled water. We use lots of water for our Special Olympics’ team practices and competitions. It’s been a long, HOT summer!

Roy Miers – 10 cases of water

Clemogene Wilson – 4 cases of water

Joyce and Ken Elliot – 2 cases of water

Patrick Allen – 5 cases of water

Mrs.Sulabha Hardikar – 1 case of water

Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us, as well.

- Voltaire

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SR - Halloween Dance

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The Arc Informal Support GroupSO - Aquatics Practice*SO Bocce Practice

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BowlingSR - Houston

Ice Skating & Pizza Party

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Bowling

2011 Conference & Resource Fair

Bowling

October 2011

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 Bowling 2:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Stafford Lanes SR – Houston Dynamos 3:00 p.m. Robertson Stadium3 Self Advocates Meeting 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Sugar Land Branch Library4 SO Volleyball Practice 7:00-8:30 p.m. The PARC, Eldridge Rd.5 The Arc Informal Support Group 9 am – 11 am Christ United Methodist Church SO Aquatics Practice *for athletes who are swimming at Fall Classic LCISD Natatorium SO Bocce practice 6:00-7:30 p.m. Missouri City Community Center6 SO Softball Practice *for athletes who are playing at Fall Classic Missouri City Community Park 8 Ice Skating & Pizza Party 3:30-5:30 pm RSVP required – YG & KP Bowling 2:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Stafford Lanes11 SO Volleyball Practice 7:00-8:30 p.m. The PARC, Eldridge Rd.12 SO Aquatics Practice *for athletes who are swimming at Fall Classic LCISD Natatorium SO Bocce practice 6:00-7:30 p.m. Missouri City Community Center13 SO Softball Practice *for athletes who are playing at Fall Classic Missouri City Community Park15 Bowling 2:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Stafford Lanes 16 SR – Halloween Dance 4:00p.m. – 7:00p.m. K of C Hall in Needville18 SO Volleyball Practice 7:00-8:30 p.m. The PARC, Eldridge Rd.20-22 SO Fall Classic TBA for each sport College Station21 SR – Dance at St. Theresa’s 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. St. Theresa’s 22 Bowling 2:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Stafford Lanes24 The Arc Board of Directors Meeting 6:00 p.m. The Arc office25 SO Volleyball Practice 7:00-8:30 p.m. The PARC, Eldridge Rd.29 2011 Conference & Resource Fair 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Dulles High School Bowling 2:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Stafford Lanes

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Informal Parent Support Group

SR - Dance at St. Theresa’s

Bowling

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Best in the West

Bowling

November 2011

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 SO Volleyball practice 7:00-8:30 p.m. The PARC, Eldridge Rd.2 Informal Parent Support Group 9 am – 11 am Christ UMC5 Bowling 2:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Stafford Lanes SR – Houston Rockets game 7:30 p.m. Toyota Center8 SO Volleyball practice 7:00-8:30 p.m. The PARC, Eldridge Rd.12 SO Volleyball Area Tournament TBA TBA Make Fish Attractors am – City of M/C Youth Group Bowling 2:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Stafford Lanes14 Self Advocates Meeting 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Sugar Land Branch Library18 SR – Dance at St. Theresa’s 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. St. Theresa’s 19 Bowling 2:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Stafford Lanes Best In The West 6:30 p.m. George Ranch Arena26 Bowling 2:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Stafford Lanes28 The Arc Board of Directors Meeting 6:00 p.m. Arc office

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

Add us as your friend and keep in touch with all

events at The Arc! facebook.com/arcoffortbend

33835 USE.indd 1 3/17/11 4:21 PM

The Area 22 Softball Tournament was rained out on September 17.

ALL athletes who were registered for that tournament are eligible to go to Fall Classic, if they have a current athlete enrollment form.

(Please note that as always, traveling to State Games depends on securing the proper number of “gender specific” chaperones. )

the arc oct11.pdfthe arc’s goals were chosen to be directed toward mission and vision and build on...

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