The Arc Downriver Wishlist, Pg 7 Adventure Club Potluck, Pg

President’s Report, Pg. 3,5 No. 12 December 2018 Skills Basketball Sign Up, Pg. 4 The Arc Downriver wishlist, Pg 7 Adventure Club Potluck, Pg. 5

Downriver Whether it’s through a special holiday donation, becoming a member, renew- ing your membership, donating goods from our wish list or supporting us in our fundraisers, YOU are helping to ensure that the Arc Downriver fulfills its mission of advocacy, creating opportunities and providing support so individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities can fully participate in the community. If you would like to make a special holiday donation to The Arc Downriver, you can mail a check to us at: 1028 Oak Street, Wyandotte, MI 48192.

If you are receiving a printed copy of the newsletter through the mail, you may be wondering why everything is in black and white. Unfortunately, we can no longer print the front and back of the newsletter in color due to lower donations, fewer memberships and rising costs. We really need YOUR assistance through donations and support. Thank you for your understanding.

The Arc Downriver and Arkay Incorporated are Invited to Attend...“A Holiday Concert” Performance by “The Downriver Community Band”

Date: Friday, December 7, 2018 Time: 7:00 p.m. Doors open Location: Arkay Incorporated at 6:00 p.m. 15221 Eureka Road Southgate, Michigan 50/50 Raffle This is a free concert for The Arc Downriver members and guests, Arkay staff, group home residents and anyone else who wishes to attend this wonderful performance by The Downriver Community Band Please contact The Arc Downriver at 734-283-0710 or Arkay at or more information.

If you are able to donate your time for set up, clean up or bring cups, napkins

and / or refreshments. Please call the office a soon as possible. THE PYRAMID THE

THE PYRAMID is the official newsletter of The Arc Downriver Co-Editors: Beth Klocek, Eileen Brandt, Lori Huntington Publisher: The Arc Downriver Mission Statement

To advocate for individuals who are developmentally challenged, have cognitive impairments and their families by promoting choices, creating opportunities, and providing support needed to fully participate in the community. The Arc Downriver Proudly serving children and adults with 1028 Oak Street Wyandotte, MI 48192 developmental disabilities since 1954. Office: Beth Klocek Affiliated with The Arc of the U.S. and The Arc of Michigan. Phone: 734-283-0710 Fax: 734-283-9018 A member agency of Email: [email protected]

Website: www.downriverarc.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ TheArcDownriverOFFICIAL

Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00 am-2:00 pm Teresa Alfieri

CLOSED: Friday Josiah Curren CLOSED: Dec. 24 – Jan. 1 Jimmy Hamric Nicholas Anders The Arc Downriver Board of Directors Advocates: Jacob Moody

OFFICERS Tammie Schroeder President: Jim Dickinson Working to fulfill the Vice President: Jerry Swindle mission in accordance Desiree Estrada Treasurer: Kevin Martin with the Arc of the Secretary: Tammy Affholter United States, advo- Christopher Colucci cating for individuals Danette Koszewski DIRECTORS 2018-2020 who are developmen- Angela Farley / Rozi Keller tally challenged and/or Anastasia Bozymowski Tom Moody / Dennis Glinski cognitively impaired and their families by Danielle Jarbo promoting choices, DIRECTORS 2017 - 2019 creating opportunities Deborah Brown / Terey DeLisle / Gerald Morello and providing support Stephanie Nankervis / Beverly Witchelhouse needed to fully partici- If your name is pate in the commu- missing from PAST PRESIDENT 2010 - 2011 the birthday list, nity. Below is just a it may be Mike Cervenak brief listing of some because you of the areas that may not have EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR our advocates han- Kevin McGuckin dle.

Serving eighteen communities in the Downriver area for 64 years: Allen Park, Brownstown Township, Ecorse, Flat Rock, Gibraltar, Grosse Ile, Lincoln Park, Melvindale, New Boston, River Rouge, Riverview, Rockwood, Romulus, Southgate, Taylor, Trenton, Woodhaven and Wyandotte. 2 President’s Report By Jim Dickinson President, Board of Directors Just hear those sleigh bells jingle-ing, ring-ting tingle-ing… My, this year seems to have slipped past us much too quickly and it soon will be 2019. Amazing how the years go by faster and faster as we grow older. In keeping with that thought take time during this busy season to call on a loved one: friend or family member. Rekindle the good ‘ol days and cherish the blessings we hold today.

May peace, happiness and goodwill be with you and your family not only on Christmas, but throughout the year and beyond. Wishing you Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

Annual Art Exhibit Our annual Art at the Arc exhibition occurred on Friday night, November 2. The event was well attend- ed by family and friends. Many wonderful artists displayed their fine work for all to appreciate. Great job everyone. Thanks to Deb Bury for organizing the event. Thanks to all who gave their time and ef- fort helping put together this most excellent event. Note cards were created from many of the paint- ings and available for sale at The Arc office. Stop by and purchase some for your Christmas card list.

Christmas Concert! The Downriver Community Band is once again playing their Christmas repertoire for The Arc Downriv- er on Friday, December 7 at 7pm at Arkay on Eureka Rd at Dix. The full band is playing so come out for lots of holiday music and cheer afterward. See you there!

Your Amazon Purchases Can Help The Arc Downriver! AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. You can choose from nearly one million organizations to support. How do I shop at AmazonSmile? To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. You may also want to add a bookmark to smile.amazon.com to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at Ama- zonSmile. Which products on AmazonSmile are eligible for charitable donations? Tens of millions of products on AmazonSmile are eligible for donations. You will see eligible products marked “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation” on their product detail pages. Recurring Subscribe-and-Save purchases and subscription renewals are not currently eligible. Can I use my existing Amazon.com account on AmazonSmile? Yes, you use the same account on Amazon.com and AmazonSmile. Your shopping cart, Wish List, wedding or baby registry, and other account settings are also the same. How do I select a charitable organization to support when shopping on AmazonSmile? On your first visit to AmazonSmile, smile.amazon.com, you need to select Arc Downriv- er to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. We will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation.

(Continued on page 5)

3 Arc Downriver Skills Basketball

Starts: Monday, December 3, 2018

Where: Paragon gym (old Madison School) 2101 Grove Street Wyandotte, MI 48192

Time: 6:00 to 7:00 pm

Skills practice dates are: December 3, 10, 17 January 7, 14, 28 February 4, 11, 25 Athletes will focus on three skills: dribbling, shooting, and passing.

PLAYERS:

•Must be a current Arc Downriver member. •Must have a current Special Olympics physical form on file in the Arc Downriver office that will not expire before the 3/30/19. •Must be 8 years or older to participate. •Must wear appropriate clothing.

Skills Basketball 2018 – 2019 Sign-Up Sheet

Name of Athlete ______

Address ______

Email Address ______

Phone Number ______

I give my permission for my son/daughter to participate in the 2018-2019 skills basketball season. I understand that my son/daughter must have a current Special Olympic physical form on file in The Arc Downriver office.

Signature of Parent or Guardian ______

Date ______

Please return to The Arc Downriver, 1028 Oak Street, Wyandotte, Michigan 48192 by Monday, December 3, 2018. Or fax to 734-283-9018.

4 ADVENTURE CLUB HOLIDAY “POTLUCK DINNER” PLEASE BRING YOUR FAVORITE DISH, SALAD, DESSERT, BEVERAGE OR SNACK TO OUR ANNUAL ADVENTURE CLUB HOLIDAY DINNER THAT WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19th from 5:30 UNTIL 7:30 PM* WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING EVERYONE!!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT... Note: We will have regular Adventure Club hours December 19, 2018 5:00 - 7:30 pm Sign up Sheet will be available at Adventure Club

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SET UP, SERVING AND CLEAN UP

Name:______

I will be brining:______

YES I WILL VOLUNTEER: (Name)______

THANK YOU, FROM THE ADVENTURE CLUB STAFF

Bring a $5 boy, girl gift exchange if you want to participate during this event! Note: Regular hours from 5 pm until 7:30 pm. *Please be prompt when picking up individuals attending the event.

President’s Report Continued:

Seminar: Transition Planning Speaker will discuss the legal requirements of IEPs regarding transition planning, career and interest assessments, student, family and school responsibilities, community resources and how to make a smooth transition from school to post-school life. Where: 10218 Arthur St. Livonia – NEW LOCATION Please RSVP: 734-729-9100 or 313-532-7915 or [email protected] When: January 10, 2019 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Seminar: Opportunities for Life After School Speaker will discuss the different options for services after graduation including skill building, supported employment, community inclusion and volunteering as well as getting the support that you need from the Mental Health System to create a meaningful day. Where: 10218 Arthur St. Livonia – NEW LOCATION Please RSVP: 734-729-9100 or 313-532-7915 or [email protected] When: January 17, 2019 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

5 What do I do? In part, I assist in navigating the alphabet soup of special education. I talk with parents/guardians , self-advocates and educational staff (administrators, teachers, support staff such as SLP (speech-language pathologist), OT (occupational therapy), PT (physical therapy), etc.) and assist in determining the services and supports that are necessary to provide the student access to the general education curriculum. Additionally, I sometimes attend meetings at schools to assist in making sure that Special Education Laws and Regulations (state and federal) are respected and implemented. I also work with Lori (the other advocate) on certain cases for adult services. Lori and I make sure to stay up to date on current laws, regulations and practices. Eileen Brandt When I go into the schools, I am not going in as an adversary—that is not my role! I attend to Educational Advocate make sure that the student and his/her needs are what remain the focus in the meeting; from all of & Family Outreach the adults (including parents, staff and admins), special education rules, regulations and laws are Consultant followed and that the process doesn’t “stall out”. Sometimes, my role is actually “translating” what the parents are saying to the school and vice versa; you would be surprised at how often all of the adults are saying the same thing, but not realizing it!

Much of the work that I do actually has impact beyond one student. The educational staff often will take what they learn at a meeting and apply it to the rest of their caseloads. Parents will apply what they learn to future meetings or meetings for their other children. The work we do in these educational meetings can be far reaching within the school and the district! Not to mention, if we can make one student successful at school, the parent’s anxiety is lessened, the staff’s anxiety and work is lessened and the student’s anxiety is lessened. This makes life, in and out of school, better for everyone!

Not all meetings are sunshine and roses, but that is okay! The meetings are part of the educational process. This process just means that each member of the team (parents and educational staff) needs to have a working relationship with each other. Staff and parents don’t have to be best friends forever; staff and parents just need to be sure to leave their egos at the door and keep the student and his/her needs in the forefront and keep moving forward!

What do I do? The majority of my work is with adults who are seeking services. I talk with parents, guardians, self-advocates, educational staff, CMH (Community Mental Health) Providers and more. I help people navigate the systems that they enter when they turn that magical age of 18 years old. From discussions of alternatives to guardianship like Power of Attorney, supporting self-determination opportunities, finding meaningful employment, applying for social security, food benefits, recreation in the community and acquiring housing—-adulthood is a busy time with many challenges and opportunities. I also occasionally work with Eileen (the other advocate) on certain educational cases. Eileen and I make sure to stay up to date on current laws, regulations and practices.

My role is one of support and resource. The person with a disability and his/her family are the Lori Huntington people who guide the decision-making process. When deciding what is going to happen in an adult’s Advocate & Family Outreach life, the most important voice is the adult with the disability! I make sure that the person’s voice Consultant isn’t lost in what everyone else wants to do to help out; sometimes, family/friends/care providers, even with the best of intentions, get overly concerned about their dreams for the adult with the disability. So much so, that the interests, desires and needs of the client get lost. That is where I come in. I make sure that the client has the opportunity to be a full participant in the planning of his/her life!

When talking and working with providers, employers, landlords or family members, we know that the message that we communicate must be consistent and adamant: the client must be respected, protected and HEARD. Even though many of our clients may have communication deficits, they have needs, wants and interests. We work on observing, listening and questioning to find out what priorities the client and his/her family have. Participating in and supporting the client in PCPs (Person-Centered Plans) and making sure that the process is authentically followed is one of the ways that I make sure that we never forget the reason we are meeting; we are meeting to help an adult, who happens to have a disability, have as much choice and input as possible in every aspect of how their life will be lived.

Just as in the special education realm, there are meetings that go amazingly well and the meetings that definitely have room to improve. When things go wrong, there are processes available to get things corrected. My role is to help guide everyone through that process to make sure that the needed outcome is achieved. The goal is to assist every adult to lead the most independent life that they possibly can achieve; this will look different for every single person!

The Arc Downriver

To help us reduce expenses and meet our Organizations mission we are in need of the items listed below. Should you have any of these items that are new (or in good condition/like new) and would like to donate them to our organization, please drop off at The Arc Downriver at 1028 Oak Street, Wyandotte, MI 48138 or contact the office at (734) 578-6186. With your donation of any item on this list, you are helping us fulfill our mission of providing programs, services and advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities:

General Business Supplies/Services: • Iphone/Ipad to be used for Credit Card payments • Outdoor Motion Lights to for entries to The Arc Downriver Building for improved safety • Electrician Services to install motion lights • Private Parking Signs • Paper Shredder • Staplers, paper clips • Good Working Order Office Chairs • Updated, working desktop/laptop computers

Items for Fundraising: Fundraising is our main source of income for our organization so any and all donations are greatly appreciated. • Tickets to Sporting Events • Tickets to Entertainment/Cultural Events • Collectibles • Sports Memorabilia • Art • Gift Cards • Money • Place Scrip Gift Card Orders with The Arc Downriver

Art Supplies: • Bottled Water • Craft Supplies (construction paper, glue, beads, markers, crayons, etc.) • Gift Cards for Craft Supply Stores • Glue Guns and Glue Sticks • Plastic cups

Possible Sports Equipment/Needs: • Assitstant Coaches/Volunteers needed and necessary! • See Mike Herbst for more information on needs for the Sports Program

Hygiene Closet at The Arc Downriver Office: • Tooth Brushes • Toothpaste • New Combs and Brushes • Shampoo/Conditioner (Men & Women) • Soap & Body Washes • Deodorant

7 The advocates at the Arc Downriver would really like to offer presentations and trainings to self-advocates, family members, education staff, agency staff and community members, but we simply do not have the funds to do so. The trainings/presentations would be on topics that relate to education (IEPs, suspensions, behavior interventions, etc.), independent living (how to obtain housing, recreation, access community supports, etc.), health issues (CPR Training, seizure training, etc.) and more! Lori and Eileen would love to be able to share some of their knowledge, answer your questions Please! and provide support. Please consider donating! If you would like to support this endeavor through a donation, please write for ADVOCACY Trainings in the memo line of your check and mail it to: The Arc Downriver, 1028 Oak Street, Wyandotte, MI 48192.

The Arts & Crafts Class on the 2nd Saturday of each month at the Arc Downriver Office is free to participants! The only requirement is that participants pre-register for the class.

Did you know that… The materials for the crafts, food supplies for the food craft and light refreshments are all donated.

The Advocates do not exclude people or charge them to participate in the class. Providing opportunities for ALL is what advocacy is about!

Please renew your membership to support the many programs and services offered by The Arc Downriver! Fill out the membership form in the newsletter and drop it off or mail it to The Arc Downriver, 1028 Oak Street, Wyandotte, MI 48192.

SAVE THE DATE ! … Sunday, August 18, 2019 at 17th Annual Taylor Meadows Charity Golf Outing Golf Club

Looking for additional Golf Committee members…… This is the largest fundraiser The Arc Downriver holds, this year it raised over $13,000 and next year we hope to raise even more for The Arc Downriver to support our programs. To help make next year’s outing even better, we are looking for additional golf committee members to help strategize, plan and grow this event. If you are interested in joining the Golf Committee please either contact the office at (734) 283-0710 or email [email protected] or email Deborah Brown at [email protected]. 8 Adventure Club is from 5:00—7:30 pm. at the Arkay Building, 15221 Eureka in Southgate (next to the Olive Garden)

Wednesday Evening Activities December 5 Karaoke December 12 Pizza Night $2 - No Art at the Arc December 19 Adv. Club Christmas Party Potluck - No Art at the Arc December 26 No Adventure Club or Art at the Arc

Participants in If YOU need to: Adventure Club, Art at the Arc, and the dances MUST: renew your membership, sign the new Consumer Activity Policy • have a current Arc Downriver membership or • have a signed Consumer Activity Policy on file update your Emergency Card, • have a current Emergency Card on file please see the staff.

Art at the Arc Art at the Arc is a therapeutic acrylic painting class.

The 4-week sessions take place during Adventure Club hours (5:30-7:00 pm) and are taught by Patricia Izzo, one of Downriver’s finest artists.

Artwork completed throughout the year will be displayed each November, when we have the Opening Reception for the Art at The Arc Exhibit.

Class size is limited to enable our instructor to spend more one-on-one time with each student so please register early as classes fill up quickly.

January Art at the Arc Class Registration (January 9, 16, 23, 30) $25.00 Non-refundable (Name: ______Non-transferable Phone Number: ______

Amount Paid______Cash_____ Check #______Staff Initials______

Art at The Arc staff / Adventure Club would really appreciate it if all art students pay for their monthly art class during Adventure Club hours. If for some reason you are unable to do this, and have paid at the Arc Downriver office, please bring your receipt on the evening the class begins so the staff will know that you have paid for that class and can add your name to the list of students. Thank you, Adventure Club Staff

Memorial Donation for Margaret Klopfer

Dr. Gail Gwizdala, Dr. Sandra Brown , Ms. Cheryl Oliverio, Jefferey Byrnes & Laurie Tuttle

Memorial Donation for Bernice Clutts

Cathey Casey & Virginia and Paul Zureki

Memorial Donation for Betty Johnson Thank you for all your donations, time given and support of Diane Reed & the Herbst Family everything that is offered through at The Arc Downriver! We can not do this without your continuous kindness!

A Friendly Reminder: It’s Time to Renew!

Please help the Arc Downriver continue it’s mission—WE NEED YOU!

Timothy Affholter Collie Hooper-Yan Timothy Barclay Da'Avion Humphrey Organizations: Jirard Bond John Hunter Jr. Christine Jakubek Dawnshire Home Johnathon Britt Glen Justice Truman Home Alex Cellini Vito Manzari Thomas Chenette Tristan Mazglad Kingspointe 2 Patricia Ciullo Joshua McCarrall Westburg Group Porchia Coleman Sharlene Myers-Krupnak Home John Colucci Judith Page Tamra Perkins Robin Davis Joseph Piasecki Jane Dwyer Please help Brian Pullum the Arc Downriver Janice Finley Eda Risk continue it’s mission— WE REALLY NEED Harold Foley Melissa Rupp YOUR SUPPORT! Janice Siroskey Please renew your Cindy Gourlay membership and send James Tocco Douglas Gourlay (or bring in) your dues Frank Vargo as soon as possible! DeAngelo Green Brenda Widener The Arc Downriver Carlos Gutierrez Jacquelyn Williams 1028 Oak St. Wyandotte, MI Sheri Holt Betty Woods 48192

10 We could use another voice...yours. Please decide to help others. Join the Arc movement.

____NEW MEMBERSHIP OR ____RENEWAL APPLICATION

Type of Membership (check one): _____Individual _____Family _____Group Home

INDIVIDUAL OR FAMILY MEMBERSHIP — Please fill out this section

First Name(s) ______Last Name ______

Street Address ______

City ______State ______Zip ______

Participant’s Name ______Participant’s Birthdate ______

Phone Number ______

Email Address ______

Please check one of the following boxes:

Self-Advocate Professional in the Field of Developmental Disabilities

Self-Determination Home Parent/Relative of Person with Developmental Disabilities

GROUP HOMES — Please fill out this section.

Group Home Name ______Phone Number ______

Street Address ______City ______State ____ Zip ______

Group Home Manager ______Number of Residents ______

Please list the group home residents below along with their birthday. Use an additional page if needed.

First Name______Last Name______Birth Date______

$______Membership Fee ($30 for individual, family, or group home) – non-refundable

$______Additional Donation

$______Total Amount Enclosed

Arc Downriver 1028 Oak Street Wyandotte, MI 48192 Rev. 11/16 11 The Arc Downriver NON-PROFIT ORG. 1028 Oak St. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Wyandotte, MI 48192 PERMIT NO. 103 Affiliated with: WYANDOTTE MI 48192 The Arc U.S. The Arc Michigan

United Way Community Services Occupant or

Please RENEW Your Membership BEFORE it Expires!!!

Bowling: December 7, 14, 21 SAVE YOUR TABS!!! Basketball: December 3,5,10,12,17,19 Skills Basketball: December 3,10,17 and start up again Please save the aluminum pull tabs off your soda, beer and on January 7th and 9th, 2019 other cans. Dates To Remember: You can turn in your tabs at Basketball: Adventure Club on Wednesday Jan. 12, 2019 - Huron High School night or Jan. 13, 2019 - Jo Brighton to be played art Carlson directly in the container at The Arc Downriver office. High School Jan. 26, 2019 - Woodhaven High School