Dear Editor,
On Sunday, Oct. 25, approximately 70 members, friends and supporters of ARC-Rutland Area arrived at the Bomoseen Grange Hall for their annual Halloween Dance. That afternoon the hall was filled with music, munchies, costumes and plenty of dancing. Lori Anna and Bob Mason, did a super job as DJs and provided a delightful assortment of music “witch” allowed everyone to participate, dancing or not.
People with developmental disabilities, their families and friends continue to enjoy living within their communities and reaching their goals. Our Maggie Pak’s Members’ awards acknowledge the efforts put forth in accomplishing goals and seeing the contributions made to one’s own life, their family or community. With contributions comes acceptance and a sense of belonging, which is socially vital.
ARC Rutland Area’s Self Advocates group has a training they provide to local business and organization showing the strengths of people with developmental disabilities. The training can be done in 5 minutes or can last up to an hour, call for a training in your place.
Thanks must go to the members of the Sunshine Fund and Bomoseen Grange for providing the DJ, hall donation, decorations and beverages. It takes much help from many, and all of the contributions towards making this party the success is what keeps us able to provide this event for the community, year after year.
It is with these activities and donations, that people with developmental disabilities are able to make more meaningful connections in their daily lives. Without community connections it is extremely difficult for natural supportive relationships to develop. We all have a circle of support (friends, relatives, coworkers, and acquaintances) that we have created naturally to fulfill our needs and wants. This dance is another way to help people with disabilities to expand a portion of their circle. We surely value this community opportunity.
Our next event is our annual membership meeting, held on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, from 2-4 p.m., at the Godnick Center in Rutland. Call 775-1370 for more info, all are invited.
Sincerely,
Lisa S. Lynch, executive director, ARC Rutland Area is a United Way of Rutland County member agency
