News and Current Events

 

The Arc of Midland receives donation from the Knights of Columbus

Thank you to the Knights of Columbus, Fr. Henry P. DuRussel Council 2141, for the generous donation of $525.50.  These funds were raised during the annual Tootsie Roll Drive.  This year the candy was sold at Assumption BVM Catholic Church, in front of Kmart and in front of Kroger.  These funds will be used to support our programs for children.

Thank you as well to Knights of Columbus #14056 from St. Brigid of Kildare for a donation of $1003.59.

We truly appreciate the support of the Knights of Columbus

 

Arc of Midland a finalist for state award

Posted: Wednesday, June 16, 2010 1:05 pm | Updated: 1:11 pm, Wed Jun 16, 2010.
By Tony Lascari
The Arc of Midland is a finalist for the Outstanding Volunteer Program Award as part of the 2010 Governor’s Service Awards. The nonprofit organization promotes the general welfare of people with velopmental disabilities and increases their presence, participation and inclusion in the community. Gov. Jennifer Granholm recently named 40 finalists in eight award categories that are committed to volunteer service in the state. The Arc of Midland is among five programs named as finalists in its category, which acknowledges the importance of volunteer support in community life.

The organization’s executive director, Jan Lampman, said the group benefits from community volunteers who give their time and skills to help the organization, but also supports its clients who want to be active in serving the community. “It was really a surprise and it’s kind of fun to be nominated for an honor,” she said. “Our chapter of The Arc is about bringing together as many people as possible in the community to make things better for the community.”

Being named a finalist is a great recognition and shows that all people can contribute to their communities, Lampman said. “The Arc’s volunteers are both people with and without disabilities and people of all ages,” she said. “It’s a nice way of recognize all citizens in the community.”

The organization supports its members who want to give back, enabling them to serve in capacities throughout the area.
A representative from the group will attend a June 24 event at the Gem Theatre in Detroit. “An Evening with the Stars” will feature Granholm and First Gentleman Daniel G. Mulhern honoring the finalists. Granholm also will present the Community Foundation Award for Philanthropy at the event.

“Michigan’s volunteers give of their time and talent without thought of praise or recognition,” Granholm said. “Volunteers are making a real difference in their communities. Recognizing them for their efforts is a simple way of thanking them for their commitment to service and honoring their accomplishments across the state.”
The event is coordinated by the Michigan Community Service Commission.

Also on the finalist list is the Lunch Buddies program through the Central Michigan University Volunteer Center in Mount Pleasant, which was nominated in the Outstanding Mentoring Program Award category.
For a list of finalists from around the state, visit www.michigan.gov/mcsc.

 

Pedestrian Bridge Meeting at City Hall to discuss Crossing at Eastlawn and Saginaw Road Monday, December 7th at 7 PM

Royal Braley presented the petitions he had collected to support the construction of a pedestrian bridge at the corner of Eastlawn and Saginaw. He outlined very well the issues of pedestrian safety at this crossing. He was supported by a number of Arc of Midland members. The city decided that a pedestrian bridge would be too expensive, but are going ahead with a number of changes to the intersection to improve the safety of pedestrians living in this area. Council was very interested in the proposal, and asked many questions, and showed great concern about pedestrian safety in that area.

The discusssion of the pedestrian bridge request can be viewed at the following link. The bridge presentation starts at 2:28:00 of the tape.

http://midland.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=1473

August 15th, 2009

The Arts Included Annual Fundraiser for The Arc of Midland was held at the Garden Room of the Midland Center for the Arts. The event began with a VIP reception catered by Fusion Cafe. The guests had an opportunity to meet, enjoy conversation and wonderful food, while browsing the many items assembled for a silent auction. The guests then proceeded outside for a lovely concert by "Good Company"

Good Company is a seven-member vocal group based out of Midland, Michigan.  They began singing together in 1999.  Their repertoire covers classical to jazz with an emphasis on contemporary vocal harmonies and blends;  Good Company is under the direction of Jim Hohmeyer.  They have performed with Steve Zegree’s Jazz Quartet from Western Michigan University and opened for the well-known Michigan Comedy Ensemble “Three Men and a Tenor”, Kirby Shaw’s vocal group “Just 4 Kicks”, the fabulous “Four Freshmen” and for Doc Severinson and his big band on the MCFTA stage.  In 2004, they were one of three vocal jazz groups invited to perform in Los Angeles for the ACDA National Conference. 

Following their performance, dessert and auction results were on tap in the Garden Room.

August 4th, 2009

PLEASE KEEP OUR PEDESTRIANS SAFE

Download Bridge Petition

July 27,2009

Van Donated

The Arc of Midland has received a generous donation of a Van with a lift to help people we serve who are in a wheel chair. The donation came from a Midland family in memory of their daughter, Natasha Troy who passed away this past year in April. The Arc would like to thank the Troy family for their generous donation to the Arc; it will truly help us accomplish our mission!

July 7, 2009

Luke White along with other 7th grade students at Northeast Middle School wanted to raise money for an organization. They decided to raise money for The Arc of Midland but instead of just putting a box or container in the classroom for students and teachers to place money into, one of the students had the idea of putting a toilet in the classroom. This comical fundraiser raised $100 for The Arc of Midland! Thank you Luke and the students and Teachers at Northeast Middle School!

May 7, 2009

The Midland County ESA, in partnership with Everyone in Education and The Arc of Midland, hosted the Mid-Michigan Inclusion Conference on May 7, 2009. Dr. Michael Wehmeyer presented "Access to General Education Curriculum" to teachers, support staff, families and community members who are committed to the education of all students in a heterogeneous classroom environment.

Click here to view more information.

To order Dr. Michael Wehmeyer's Book Self Determination: Instructional and Assessment Strategies, click here. This book contains research -proven instructional strategies that empower special needs students at all grade levels to make their own decisions.

April 28, 2009

Hollie and Taryn Kayden advocated for insurance reform with our State Senator, Tony Stamas and our House Representative, Jim Stamas. I am very proud of the girls.

Taryn spoke very eloquently to Representative Stamas, telling him how important the Autism Insurance Reform is to families like ours. We then hustled to Senator Stamas's office where Hollie spoke. Both of our elected officials were most courteous to the girls and listened carefully to what they had to say. I spoke briefly to both, asking them to consider this bill, but please also take into consideration the Mental Health Parity that is currently in legislation.

It was a wonderful trip. When we finished visiting our Legislatures, we headed to the Capitol Building where Hollie was interviewed for a local TV program. The lady that actually interviewed her was Jamie McGillvery - our Behavior Specialist from when Hollie was 2 years old. She was absolutely FLOORED at how tall Hollie is now and how well Hollie is doing. We were accompanied by my stepdaughter, Lauren. It was a wonderful experience for all of us and Taryn and Hollie did an exceptional job advocating for a great cause. And I am beaming with pride right now!

- Trisha Kayden

If you would like to express your support for the legislation, please indicate your support for HOUSE BILL No. 4183 and Senate Bill SB 957

Contact you House Member at http://house.michigan.gov/representatives.asp

Contact your Senator at http://www.senate.michigan.gov/