Tuesday 1 November 2005

Calendar of Events

Last Week, 10/25: Saratoga ARC

This Week, 11/1: Doc Garrison’s Book, Veterinary Tails

Next Week, 11/8: Apple Pie Festival @ BHBL Senior High School

Coming Up:

11/15: 100^th Anniversary of City Mission of Schenectady

Invocation: Garry Morrow, Dan Stec or Bob Youmans

Rotary Minute, 11/15: Ron Serapilio

Greeter, 11/15: Bill Sewell

Suggestions for future programs may be given to Linda LeTendre

Meeting of 25 October 2005

Ceremonies:

· Garry Morrow presented the invocation.

· Mali Naksanga delivered the usual club welcome – but in Thai. President Rey commented that hosting an AFS teacher as a guest creates the problem of needing to learn 8 new Thai words each week!

· Bob Youmans led the singing of the round, Row, Row Your Boat

· Doug Turpin collected Happy Dollars

· Laura Linder presented a Rotary Minute building on Bob’s song, illustrating the positive aspect of the words and phrases

Announcements:

· Paul Lewandowski reported that an excellent Apple Run had been held on Saturday. About 225 runners participated. Proceeds of about $2500 are anticipated. Thanks to all who helped.

· The physical inventory of the Burnt Hills Hardware Company will be held the morning of Tuesday 1 November. Volunteer labor will be compensated by a contribution to Community Human Services of Glenville.

· Garry Morrow reported that Rotary has funded one Shelter Box for earthquake relief in Pakistan.

· Mark Gasparovic reminded us of the need for volunteers for the cement pour at Clover Patch on Saturday 29 October. Please contact him.

· Mary Anderson mentioned a working party to be held at 4 PM on Thursday 27 October to secure Town in Bloom for winter.

· Ron Serapilio requested help with the Apple Pie Festival, including soliciting of door prizes, contributing pies, and helping to set up and tear down. Posters and other graphics were displayed. The event will be held on Election Day, Tuesday 8 November.

· Ron Serapillio announced that Ade (“a-day”) Osunmo and Don Boucher are new members. Both are very welcome.

Program: Saratoga ARC

Linda LeTendre introduced two speakers from the ARC organization of Saratoga County: Patrick Van Slyke, Director of Residential Services, and Marjorie Perfetti, Quality Assurance Coordinator. They were unable to show a PowerPoint presentation showing ARC activities, and made a team presention.

ARC’s mission is to provide advocacy and services for people with disabilities. It was founded in 1963 by concerned parents. Clients are usually developmentally disabled and enter ARC programs at age below 21. ARC coordinators provide case management and assist families in navigating through the system of service providers.

ARC operates residential homes throughout Saratoga County, serving 4 to 12 clients each. The smaller homes are preferred; the larger ones are older. Each home has 24/7 staff coverage to provide a healthy and safe environment for clients. Staff members work shifts and do not live in the homes.

Day services include a day habilitation program, a sheltered workshop, and a supported work program with job coaches. The workshop does business as Alpha Industries, located near Northway exit 13. Products include kiln-dried firewood and wood pallets.

Transportation services, “Saratoga Shuttles”, transport 450 clients over 23 trips, twice a day, 5 days a week, driven by people meeting strict state standards.

ARC is proud that administration costs are less than 10% of their budget. The organization has plans to grow and expand as the county grows. Opportunities are there for volunteers to help with fund-raising events and to serve on the board of directors.

Mr. Van Slyke noted that ARC (originally Association for Retarded Children) is in the process of a name change to Saratoga Bridges, in response to changing sensibilities.

Please communicate corrections, news items, program information and scheduled events to:

Dick O’Rourke at 372-8287 robrwo@aol.com or Gini Whetten at 399-8905 giniwhetten@cs.com

11-1 Reporter: Fred Baily