Events
Fall Dance
The Minnesota Vikings was the theme for this year's Arc Fall Dance. Most of the 340 participants were dressed in some sort of purple/gold/white Vikings apparel for the occasion. The highlight of the evening for many was the appearance of 2 Minnesota Viking cheerleaders. They patiently took pictures, signed autographs, assisted with raffle drawing and door prizes, and even led the crowd in a cheer!
The dance was held at the K.E.C. this year which was a new venue for us. Great live music was provided by the Custom Made band who thoroughly enjoy entertaining each year. A meal of hotdogs, chips, Viking colored cookies, and a beverage were provided during the evening. Dance goers were thrilled when their name was called, as throughout the night we gave away many Viking themed door prizes. Thank you to a great deal of volunteers who helped out before, during and after the dance and also for the donations received to make this event a huge success!
Annual Meeting & Volunteer Celebration
On Tuesday, October 11th, Arc Kandiyohi County held its Annual Meeting & Volunteer Celebration with approximately 55 people in attendance. The event was held at St. Mary's Church in Willmar. The program began with a powerpoint presentation highlighting the mission of Arc Kandiyohi County, as well as a summary of training/workshops, and events held throughout the year, volunteering efforts, and a look at the People First organization. Mark Mertens, Arc Board President welcomed everyone and did introductions of Board members and staff. Mary Rhude, Executive Director, then held nominations and approval of new officers and followed up with her Executive Report as well as discussion on the Annual Report which was handed out.
Ben Larson, Coordinator for the Housing Access Services program and the Transition to Community and Employment program, spoke briefly about each of those programs.
People First performed a skit called "The Annual Staffing" which highlighted the importance of setting goals, setting strategies on how to meet those goals, as well as follow through. Their main message was "speaking up for yourself, communicating your wants and needs, is one form of self-advocacy."
Announcement and recognition of the Eileen Huberty Post Secondary Scholarship - Michaela Nelson from ACGC school district.
Local employers who employ individuals with disabilities were recognized and applauded.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of our local Arc Awards. Congratulations to the following:
Outstanding Self Advocate - Brenda Simning and Sarah Sagedal, both very active People First and community members.
Outstanding Professional - West Central Tribune, for their superb coverage of not only local but also state level information, events, and opportunities involving Arc.
Outstanding Parent/Family Advocate - Steve & Becky Knudson Family, for the involvement of the family by participating in many facets of Arc Kandiyohi County.
Outstanding Direct Care - Lois Schmitz, West Central Industries, for her work and dedication to the individuals she works with.
Outstanding Community Partner - Vinje Lutheran Church, for their support throughout the years in many ways, such as providing workshop/training/meeting facilities for our use.
Arc was thrilled to present a Lifetime Achievement Award this year to Anne Miller of Willmar. Anne's dedication to everyone, especially those living with intellectual and development disabilities, is amazing. She is a recent past Arc Board Member, a People First Advisor, a member of several Arc committees, and our Senior Companion representative. Anne has given most of her life to sharing time with those who need her.
Everyone enjoyed an ice cream social after the concluding remarks.
Fall Festival
"Say Goodbye to Summer" was the theme for this year's Fall Festival held near the beach at Robbins Island. There were 150 people participating in this afternoon of fun. Most participated in the scavenger hunt around the park and won some cool summer prizes! Fred Zwart and helpers were present with their horses again and provided rides throughout the park.
Beach music was provided throughout the picnic. Some even tried the hula hoops. A meal of turkey sandwiches, potato salad, and a beverage were provided, along with the opportunity to make your own fruit kabob. The Rec & Leisure committee had a great time dressing up in beachwear for this event!
Swim Lessons 2011
The pure joy and excitement was evident the moment you entered the Dorothy Olson Aquatic Center. Adaptive swim lessons were again offered through a collaboration between Arc Kandiyohi County and the Dorothy Olson Aquatic Center. Three sessions were offered this summer for children ages 5-12. Outreach to families with tweens and teens prompted the offering of one session of adaptive swim lessons for those ages 13-16.
A total of 23 individuals participated this year. Families came from Willmar as well as surrounding areas such as ACGC, Clara City, , Kandiyohi, NLS, and Paynesville. Lifeguards from the Dorothy Olson Aquatic Center are trained prior to the lessons by Mary Rhude, Arc Kandiyohi County Executive Director. Positive behavioral strategies were presented as well as sensory needs of children and alternate methods of communications. In most cases the ratio was 1 lifeguard or instructor to 1 child/teen. Individual attention and consistency is important for children with challenges.
Big Kahuna Night
What a blast we had! Weather cooperated and we had a great turnout for our annual night at the Big Kahuna Fun Park in Spicer. We had 42 people in attendance on Wednesday, July 13th. Race cars were buzzing around the track. People were getting splashed as they motored around in the bumper boats. Amateur golfers tried out the newly remodeled mini golf course. Thanks to People First for sponsoring the bus over, for those who needed transportation. Thank You to the Big Kahuna staff for a fun-filled thrilling evening!
Arc Night at the Stingers Game!
What a great success! On Friday, August 5th, fifty people turned out to enjoy a pre-game picnic and watch the Willmar Stingers baseball team win their game. It was "Turn Back the Clock to 1971 Night" so most of our attendees each received a Stingers vintage baseball cap as they entered the park. The picnic consisted of hamburgers, hotdogs, brats, and chips as well as beverages. Door Prizes donated by the Willmar Stingers (signed baseballs and signed drawstring backpacks) were given out prior to the game starting. We had some very excited winners! The weather was beautiful for an outdoor ball game and everyone enjoyed the game as well as the "between innings entertainment" provided by the baseball club.
Arc Night with Horses
Sponsored by Kandiyohi County 4-H Program
Over 30 individuals participated in the Arc Night with Horses on Tuesday, July 5th, at the Kandiyohi County fairgrounds. Youth and adults from the Kandiyohi County 4-H Program were on hand with their horses to talk with those in attendance on the feeding, care, and training of the horses. Individuals were able to pet and help groom the horses if they felt comfortable enough. Thanks to all the volunteers who made this special evening happen.
Picnic / Fun Day
Arc's annual Picnic / Fun Day was held out at Robbins Island on Friday, June 17th. It rained hard before the picnic and again afterwards. The three hours of good weather we had were wonderful! We had approximately 135 people in attendance that enjoyed socializing, playing games, and of course the picnic. Participants could participate in swimming, frisbee golf, bean bag toss, or get in on a game of kick ball. Most people either enjoyed the short walk or took the challenge of the long walk throughout the park before enjoying their brat, chips and beans. We were able to clear everybody out right before the hard rains moved in. Thanks for all the volunteers that helped that day and to the people or companies that donated goods or beverages.
Arc Kandiyohi County and Willmar Public School National Honor Society
Co-Sponsor Spring Dance
"Paradise Cove" was the theme for this year's Spring Dance. The 370 people who attended the dance enjoyed great decor, fun music and snacks and beverages, as well as very accommodating and active students. The students welcomed consumers, caregivers, and family members to the dance, assisted with nametags and signup for door prizes, sold munchies and drinks, and many spent the evening dancing the night away with the consumers. The evening was a huge success and we thank all the consumers, caregivers, family members, school students and staff, and Arc staff and volunteers who made this dance one of the best ever.
Secrets To Our Success
Consumer Conference
The CLIMB Theatre was the highlight of our conference this year. We received a grant from the Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities to bring in speakers and offer scholarships. We had an opening speaker from Self Advocacy of Minnesota (S.A.M.) Over 160 people participated in 4 of this year's classes: Responsibility, Conflict Resolution, Human Rights, Quick Play, Gardening, Exercise, Taste of Mexico, and a Wood or Craft class. A delicious meal was served by West Central Industries.
Family Dance / Fun Night
at the YMCA
Our first ever family event at the YMCA was a success! We had 30 participants enjoying music and dancing to a DJ, basketball, swimming, foosball, and playing in the "play area" for young children. Snacks and beverages were enjoyed as a "break" half way through the evening. Children, youth and adults were able to play and communicate with each other. New friends were made and old friends re-connected. Parents were able to visit with Mary, Executive Director, about services available through our local Arc office.
"Strike Em Down" Bowling Party
The Kandi Entertainment Center in Willmar was buzzing with excitement on Saturday afternoon, March 19th. Arc sponsored a family bowling event with bowling, snacks and beverages, as well as parents and children taking the opportunity to connect or re-connect with other children and parents. Best of all was the anticipation and excitement that was on the faces of the children, youth, and adults as they attempted to "get a strike". We had a total crew of 22 participating that day.
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