Arc Waves

Newsletter Spring Edition 2011

2011 Walk-a-Thon To Be Held May 21st!

T
he Arc Mercer is preparing for one of our largest fundraisers of the
year, the annual spring Walk-a-Thon. This year the event is taking
place on Saturday, May 21, 2011 at Veterans Park in Hamilton, NJ.
Our Walk-a-Thon is a family friendly event that gives us an opportunity to
come together as a community in support of quality services for individuals
with developmental disabilities. One hundred percent of funds raised at our
event benefit those we support!
The Walk-a-Thon is comprised of teams and individuals who have
WALK
raised funds to participate. Teams are often comprised of a group of col-
leagues, club members, friends or family members. There is no set amount
-A-
one must raise to participate, however each person who raises at least $25
receives a 2011 Walk-a-Thon T-Shirt. THON
This year we are very excited to be joined by area mascots Boomer of
the Trenton Thunder, Scorch of the Trenton Devils & the Chik-Fil-A Cow.
Also in attendance will be Greater Trenton Pipes & Drums to call our walk
SATURDAY - MAY 21
VETERANS PARK - KUSER ROAD ENTRANCE - HAMILTON, NJ
together, the Nottingham High School Marching Band to start our walk off
& local area cheer teams to encourage our participants! REGISTRATION AT There is no set donation to
participate but all participants
We invite you to join us in our 2011 Walk-a-Thon by either forming 9:00 o’clock AM who raise at least $25 receive
your own team or walking individually! You may register for the event and WALK BEGINS AT an event t-shirt!
10:00 o’clock AM Join our family friendly event!
create your own personal fundraising page by visiting:
PICNIC LUNCH, GAMES & LIVE DJ Contact: The Arc Mercer
http://www.firstgiving.com/arc-mercer TO IMMEDIATELY FOLLOW (609) 406 - 0181, Ext. 146

If you are unable to participate in the walk itself, you may also make a fi-
nancial donation to the event on our First Giving website. We encourage our
participants to register for the event by May 14, 2011 however we do accept
walk-ins the day of the event. We look forward to walking along side you!
REGISTER ONLINE TODAY AT WWW.FIRSTGIVING.COM/ARC-MERCER
The Arc Mercer is a nonprofit organization that supports individuals with developmental
disabilities in our community. Our mission is to empower lives through oppportunity.
100% of funds raised directly benefit those we support.
REGISTER YOUR WALKING TEAM TODAY!

For more information about the Walk-

a-Thon and how to participate contact
Kelly Jiras at (609) 406-0181 Ext. 146
or kjiras@arcmercer.org.

What’s Inside…
New Sound of Arc Mercer..............Page 3
Health Care Center to Open..........Page 4
Letters from Volunteers..................Page 5
A Diamond Among Many Gems....Page 6
The Arc Mercer Gets
From Left: Karen Koreyva, Steve Cook, Hamilton Mayor John Bencivengo, Former Ewing Mayor emPOWERed............................Page 7
Jack Ball, Board President Geoff Morris, Wayne Sallie & Members of the National Guard cut the Club Hero/Recreation..................Page 10
ribbon for the 2010 Arc Mercer Walk-a-Thon.
 Letter from the Board President
This February Steve Cook and I were among over 600 ad-
vocates from across the country who attended the Disability
Policy Seminar in Washington D.C. This was an opportunity
to attend informative sessions by Administration Officials on
the most pressing policy issues in our country, including the
Advancing Employment Policy, implementing the Affordable
Care Act, and reforming the Section 811 Program. On the last
day of the event we also had the opportunity to meet with our
Steven Cook
congressman Chris Smith. The Seminar was a great chance to
Executive Director
connect with other service providers and advocates, share ex-
Geoff Morris periences and advance our own knowledge of current policies.
Jennifer Godoski
This past winter Arc Mercer expanded the vocational training
Administrator of Program Operations
program to include a work crew specializing in snow removal and landscaping services.
This training program has been a great success. The program not only adds a new vocation-
Donna Rachels
al track to our existing services, but by providing these services in house the organization
Controller
is saving a tremendous amount of money. I look forward to seeing how their landscaping
work progresses this spring!
Luke Rattan
Speaking of spring, on May 21, 2011 the Arc Mercer will host our annual Walk-a-Thon
Administrator of Residential
at Veterans Park in Hamilton, NJ. One hundred percent of funds raised at this event ben-
efit those we support in Mercer County. I hope to see you there!
MaryAnn Raimondi
Director of Human Resources
Letter from the Executive Director
Joe Gleason Spring 2011 is poised to be a time of exciting growth for The
Director of Day Programs/Recreation/Respite Arc Mercer as we embark on new endeavors and expand suc-
cessful ones. In May the Arc Mercer Health Care Center will
Kelly Jiras be operational, filling a vital need of people with developmental
Director of Program Development disability in Mercer County. Our clinic will provide compre-
& Communications hensive services to support the entire individual, including both
quality medical and psychiatric supports. This project came
Laurene Sikora to fruition with the exceptional support of our friends at the
Personnel Manager Maria Grazia Panaro Foundation who awarded the Arc Mer-
cer $37,000. Additional start up funding was provided by the
Dawn Carmosino Steve Cook
Catholic Human Services Foundation and AmeriChoice.
Executive Assistant Additionally, the Arc Mercer Art & Music program was the recipient of a $5,000 grant
from TJX Foundation, the parent company of Marshalls, Home Goods and TJ Maxx. This
Gloria Panebianco grant funding allows us to expand these very successful programs. The Arc Mercer credits
Volunteer Editor Ewing Mayor Bert Steinmann with the opportunity to apply for such funds by bringing
businesses willing to take a positive leadership role, like Marshalls, to Ewing Township.
For more inforamation, On May 21, 2011 we are hosting our annual Walk-a-Thon. The Walk-a-Thon is an
please contact: opportunity for our community to come together in support quality services for people
The Arc Mercer with developmental disabilities. I encourage you to sign up today and join us on Saturday
180 Ewingville Rd. May 21st at Veterans Park in Hamilton, NJ!
Ewing, NJ 08638
Phone: 609-406-0181
Fax: 609-406-9258
www.arcmercer.org

Our Mission
The Arc Mercer is committed to
securing, for all people with
developmental disabilities,
the opportunity to choose
and realize their goals.
From Left: Steve Cook, Christian Morris & Geoff Morris visit Congressman Chris
Smith in Washington DC
2 Spring 2011
 The New Sound of Arc Mercer

T
his past winter a new music program has been implemented
at the Arc Mercer offering exploration, experimentation and
integration! This unique program spanning our recreation,
respite and day programs is orchestrated by our Music Coordinator
Jim Gaven.
Arthur Coombe plays the guitar
During the week groups are introduced to daily lessons such as
“Make Music Monday” and “Think Tank Thursdays.” The lessons
are accessible for all, providing the musical novice with the opportu-
nity to enjoy the experience along with someone more experienced.
For example, on “Make Music Mondays” participants learn a new
note on various instruments. All major notes on various instruments
are color coded the same for continuity allowing for everyone to par-
ticipate, regardless of experience.
Once a month the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen Band, the “Funk-
TASKtiks,” volunteer with the program in an integrated perfor-
mance featuring live music, dance, and song. The performance is
lively, spirited and gives everyone a chance to get involved! In addi-
tion to the FunkTASKtiks, a second outside musician/musical group
visits monthly to introduce the participants to new sounds and styles
of music.
Tying the whole experience together, the Arc Mercer Music Pro-
gram also had the opportunity to visit The College of New Jersey
Radio Station, 91.3 WTSR. The experience was a great success and
the program will be visiting the radio station at Mercer County
Community College on a monthly basis from May to September.
The group will tour the station and even have the opportunity to do
some voice over work! Sounds like a great time!

Art Program Revitalized

W
ith spring comes new growth planned, including the Princeton Art Mu- The Art Program has been so well received
and the Art Program at the seum and Rider University’s Gallery. In April that Arc Mercer is currently planning to ex-
Adult Resource Day Program the Advanced Artist sessions will kick into pand it to the Recreation and Respite Pro-
(ARP) is no exception! The program has full gear with the help of student volunteers grams as well.
recently expanded to offer two art sessions from TCNJ’s Art Department.
every day, and is currently planning an Ad-
vanced Artist session for artists who wish to
broaden their horizons using new mediums
and elements.
In February participants in ARP took a
trip to The College of New Jersey (TCNJ)
Art Gallery to view the exhibit “Contem-
porary Inuit Art from Cape Doreset.” ARP
Consumers & Staff had the opportunity to
view the work on display and participate
in a printmaking workshop with the help
of TCNJ students. The trip was so success-
ful future trips to local Galleries are being Art Program participants create a mural for the new medical clinic at Arc Mercer

Art & Music Program

From Left: John Ottobre, Mayor Bert Steinmann, Board President Geoff
Morris & Representatives from Marshalls Department Store in Ewing,
NJ.
Spring 2011
Receives Grant Award
On April 7th the Arc Mercer was the proud recipient of a $5,000
grant from Marshalls Department Store in Ewing, NJ through
the TJX Foundation. The grant award is in support of Arc Mer-
cer’s Art & Music Program for individuals with developmental
disabilities. TJX is the parent company of Marshall’s, TJ Maxx
and Home Goods. The check was accepted by Geoff Morris, Arc
Mercer Board President, and participants of the Art & Music
Program at the new Marshalls store in Ewing, NJ. Also on hand
in support of the project was Ewing Mayor Bert Steinmann.
3
 Health Care Center to Open May 2011

T
he Arc Mercer is almost ready to open Practitioner who has worked with the doctors
the doors to our Health Care Center! will also be providing care. Both the psychia-
All of the exam room equipment was trist and the medical doctors will be establish-
delivered, installed and ready for use. We are ing office hours on the same day of the week.
poised to be fully operational in May 2011! This is crucial to reinforce the collaborative
We have signed a contract with Catholic care on behalf of our consumers.
Charities in Trenton for the Center’s behavioral Our service delivery will begin by seeing Arc
BOARD OF DIRECTORS health care needs. Both practitioners will be- Residential consumers who were left without a
gin seeing individuals for thorough assessment physician last fall when the one medical facil-
Geoff Morris which will be the basis of a treatment plan in ity for people with developmental disabilities
President concert with one of our medical doctors and closed.
Arc Mercer’s Behavior Support staff. We have So watch for the announcement of the Health
Cathy Tramontana contracted with two Family Physicians both of Care Center’s opening date. We will also be
1st Vice President whom come to Arc Mercer with 20 years of planning an Open House event for all our staff,
experience working with individuals with intel- Board of Directors, families and benefactors and
Rick Koreyva lectual/developmental disabilities. The Nurse community stakeholders.
2nd Vice President If you have any
questions/com-
Joseph Latoof
ments feel free to
Treasurer contact: Anne E.
Nick Tummillo Brady, Director, Arc
Mercer Health Care
Recording and Corresponding Secretary
Center, 609 989-
Sam Colavita 9211 x 127
Parliamentarian Director of The Arc
Delegates Mercer Health Care
Anthony Genovese Center, Anne Brady,
Jeff Hewitson in one of the new
Sharon Lamont exam rooms.

Dan Antonellis
Immediate Past President
New Family Support at Arc Mercer

A
rc Mercer has developed a broad Family Support program to respond to the needs of
Members-at-Large families, guardians and caregivers of consumers in Arc’s many day programs as well
Wayne DeAngelo as the Residential and Supported Living programs.
Steven J. Doerler Arc Mercer’s new Family Support program brings together all care stakeholders of our
consumers to enrich every aspect of care and service delivery. The Family Support Program
Jerry Isaacs
uses an array of communication strategies. The heart of this effort is improving, document-
Patricia Jordan-Granville
ing or increasing communication with care stakeholders to provide a response within 24
Sonny Panebianco hours.
Mike Pratico, Jr. This spring Arc Mercer sent out our first annual family survey to give care stakeholders
Roger Schwarz the opportunity to provide feedback or suggestions regarding our programming. We have
Michael Silvestrov had a great response and are currently working to quantify our data. In the months to come
Rick Steele our families can expect quarterly care stakeholder meetings to enable contact with senior
Bert H. Steinmann staff and learn about current issues .
Janice Van Deusen For more information on our Family Support Program contact our coordinator at 609-
Judy Zoffinger 406-0181 Ext. 144.

Residential Program Prepares for Expansion

A
rc Mercer’s Residential Program opened its first home at
Parkway Ave in Trenton, New Jersey in 1979. Since 2007
Arc Mercer has opened four new residential properties. Our
newest location opened in February 2011 within the Twin Ponds
residential complex in Hamilton, NJ. The expansion is poised to sig-
nificantly increase with the initiative by the State of New Jersey to
eliminate waiting lists of people with developmental disabilities that
are residing in State Developmental Centers.
While the expansion of our Residential Program is exciting, we
4 Spring 2011
never lose site of the fact that Arc Mercer does not just provide hous-
ing, it creates homes. The happiness of those we support and their
families is paramount. “The Twin Ponds program was created for my
Aunt Cathleen, a former resident of 49 years of Vineland Develop-
mental Center” says Stephanie Rosati-Pratico. “It is a two-bedroom
apartment in an age-restricted community in Hamilton, which is
where Cathy’s family resides. Twin Ponds is a beautiful community
and Cathy has a very cozy apartment. She enjoys having family visit
and has bonded well with her staff from the ARC Mercer.”
 Volunteer Group Receives State Award
O
n October 28, 2010, The Arc of New Jersey hosted their
Annual Recognition Awards Dinner. The event recognizes
achievement of excellence in a variety of categories. We are
very proud to announce The Helping Hands Volunteers from Bristol
Myers Squibb (BMS) were awarded the Distinguished Community
Service Award in recognition of their work with Arc Mercer!
This award recognizes a community group or organization which
has performed an outstanding service for, or on behalf of, individuals
with developmental disabilities. The BMS Helping Hands group has
volunteered with several different activities at the Step Ahead Pro-
gram, a developmental day care for children with special needs ages
birth to three years. They have participated in several “Days of Car-
ing” during which they generously provided lunch for the students,
as well as participated in games and activities. Congrats BMS Help-
ing Hands! Thanks for all you do!
Letters from Volunteers
This Spring we are proud to spotlight the volunteer experiences of Johnson & Johnson at Arc Mercer. Below are letters from current volun-
teers about how their experiences have impacted them. Thank you Johnson & Johnson for your continued support!
A letter from Juliet Bronstein , Johnson & Johnson
Volunteering at The Arc Mercer has truly been a rewarding expe-
rience for our community service volunteers. The variety of events
we have participated in with the clients have been fantastic; paint-
ing murals on the walls of 801 New York Ave, caroling, drawing/
painting shapes, painting murals to be hung in the offices, creating
Thanksgiving center pieces, etc.
During our last event in March, the art director enabled the
majority of the clients to participate in the murals project. This
allowed our volunteers to meet several “new” faces and gave us a
chance to communicate on different levels with various clients.
Once complete these murals were being to be hung in the offices of
the new medical clinic.
During each visit, interacting with the clients brings joy, happi-
ness, smiles & laughter to our team. While we know the clients en-
joy our group coming, I cannot emphasize enough how the clients
touch our lives during each visit. The team is amazed at the con-
versations and connections we have with the clients and staff at The
Arc Mercer. Thank you for allowing our community service team
to be a part of such a wonderful community at 801 New York Ave.
Spring 2011
Kristie Fischer (center) accepts award at the Arc of NJ Annual
Recognition Dinner with Arc Mercer Staff
A letter from Tim Kline, Johnson & Johnson
I recently attended The Arc Mercer’s Holiday Caroling Event
during the 2010 Holiday Season. We recently learned that the Arc
Mercer had incorporated a musical program which was very excit-
ing to see. We spent the early morning practicing Rudolph the Red
Nosed Reindeer and Santa Claus is Coming to Town, with the Arc’s
Client’s, led by Musical Coordinator, Jim Gaven.
After we had rehearsed, we headed over to another facility where
we were to sing our songs. After acquainting themselves with the
audience, The Client’s began to sing their newly learned songs to
the fairly large group of audience members. I personally, would
have been extremely nervous to perform in this setting, but not
them, they were cool, calm and collected. They sang their hearts
out and before long the audience began to sing right along with
them. One of the members whom we were singing for even stood
in front as to conduct the carolers. Jim was playing guitar and mak-
ing his way around the room in an effort to engage all of the audi-
ence members.
Needless to say, the show was a success. I know my spirit was
lifted as I am sure many others’ were as well. Being in a musical
band myself and previously suffering from stage freight, I learned
a valuable lesson from the client’s that day and that was to “just go
with it”. Their willingness to sing songs to audience members they
didn’t know was wonderful to see. Since then, I have arranged to
come back in June to participate further in the music program. I
am extremely excited to be able to share musical appreciation with
such wonderful people.
Thank you for allowing us to share these times with your Client’s
and to learn from them.
5
 Arc’s Janitorial Program Explodes with Opportunities

T
he Arc Mercer, Inc.’s janitorial program has more than
doubled in size over the last several months. In December,
through the state’s set-aside program and ACCSES-NJ, we
added approximately 1million square feet of office space that we are
responsible for cleaning daily, including the NJ Department of En-
vironmental Protection, the NJ Department of Community Affairs
and several other state buildings. This is in addition to the other state,
municipal and private contracts that we maintain which include the
NJ Department of Transportation, the Hamilton Township Munici-
pal Buildings, and a First Choice Bank branch in Hamilton bringing
our total square feet to almost 2 million each day!
As a result of the success of the Janitorial Program, the Arc/Mer-
cer now employs approximately 100 people with developmental dis-
abilities daily. This includes 25 individuals who had previously done
‘piece-work’ in our Occupational Training Center. These individuals
now assemble each morning in their uniforms and are transported to
work at one of our janitorial sites by Arc Trans.
This program is successful as a result of the continued training
and support provided by Arc Mercer staff which begins at intake and
continues through their career with us.

“shArc” Attack!
Arc Mercer’s New Shredding Program

T
he Arc Mercer, Inc. is excited to announce our latest business enter-
prise “shArc,” a document destruction business! With the addition
of an industrial shredder at the Occupational Training Center, we
are currently in the approval process with a national certification agency to
become a licensed document destruction center. We expect to be fully op-
erational this spring!
As it becomes increasingly more important that we protect our confiden-
tial and private information from exploitation, we are working to develop
business with local residents, businesses, lawyers, doctors and even the State
of New Jersey!
“shArc” Services are available for $5 per cubic foot (approximately 1 milk
crate) or $0.25 per pound!
Secure pickup is available for a small fee.
Call 609-393-2483 x109 to arrange services.

A Diamond Among Many Gems

A
mong many of our not just interested in drawing, but he excelled at it! Robert’s main
“gems” at the Occu- area of proficiency is technical drawing and he has documented his
pational Training- personal work experiences at the OTC through a series of works.
Center (OTC) there is a Robert’s artwork can now be found on display at the Arc Mercer
particular individual with a Main Building in the Touch of Taste Cafeteria. Next time you visit,
very unique talent, our own please be sure to check it out!
Robert Halpin. Robert began
working at the OTC in July
of 2007. Through training
and progression Robert has
made his way to the Master’s
level and is currently working
within our Janitorial enclave
program.
While meeting with Rob-
ert this past winter the topic
turned to his personal inter-
ests. We discovered that he
Robert Halpin with one of his was very interested in draw-
drawings ing. With some encourage-
ment he shared his artwork
with us and we realized he was

6 Spring 2011
 Volunteering at
The Arc Mercer

A
pril has been recognized as National Volunteer Month and
it is a great opportunity to seek out creative ways to get in-
volved within your community. We would like to extend you
a special invitation to become part of The Arc Mercer’s Volunteer
Team. We believe everyone has unique qualities and abilities which
you can lend to make a difference in the lives of others. In 2010 Arc
Mercer utilized 179 volunteers who donated a total of 6,719 hours
of their time.
The Arc Mercer offers a variety of programs for volunteers and
interns to become involved with, including recreational programs,
summer camp, fundraisers, occupational training and more! We offer
volunteer opportunities for individuals or groups on a one time or
reoccurring basis.
For more information on how you and/or your company can vol- Natalie Saez and Tim Kline of Johnson & Johnson assist Joey and
unteer with Arc Mercer please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at Hector with a mural.
(609)406-0181 ext.133.

The Arc Mercer gets emPOWERed!

Arc Partners with PSEG on Energy Saving Project

T
he Arc Mercer has partnered with PSE&G through their completion in late April 2011, this enhancement will increase our
“Direct Install Program for Non-Profits” in an effort to re- annual savings even further.
duce our energy costs. The Direct Install Program offers af- While the energy and cost savings are extremely important, there
fordable, energy-saving solutions to help non-profits lower energy are other rewards to this project as well. The new lighting, equipment
costs by replacing lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning and roofing has improved the overall climate of the facility, making it
equipment. a more desirable and comfortable place to work for those who attend
The Arc Mercer Facilities Department completes annual property the OTC. The facility has evolved from a building the Arc Mercer
evaluations for each of our locations. Upon our annual inspection of considered selling, due to age and facility costs, to a cost saving pro-
the 600 New York Avenue property, which houses our Occupational gram we will use as a model for energy efficiency.
Training Center (OTC), it was determined that dated air condition-
ing and lighting equipment was resulting in energy loss and high
utility costs. The PSEG Direct Install Program offered the perfect
solution!
PSEG provided Arc Mercer with a free, on-site “energy audit” of
our electrical equipment. Based on the audit, recommendations were
made to update our energy efficiencies. The Direct Install Program
funds 100% of the costs associated with the energy-savings solutions
up front, and only requires Arc Mercer to pay back 20% over 2 years
interest free. This opportunity allowed us to take immediate steps to
reduce our energy costs.
Through the PSEG Direct Install Program the Arc Mercer was able
to replace our air conditioning and lighting equipment. In addition,
motion sensors have been added to areas of minimal traffic, eliminat-
ing the need for the lights to remain on in those areas continuously.
With these changes alone, the Arc Mercer will experience a savings
of $25,000 per year.
With the new investment of energy saving equipment and knowl-
edge gained through the process, Arc Mercer felt it was the best time A.W. Martin Construction works to replace the 25 year old roof at the
to replace the facility’s roof. A.W. Martin Construction is currently Occupational Training Center. The new roof will further increase our
replacing the 25 year old roof, and adding new insulation. Upon energy savings.

Spring 2011 7
 Arc Mercer Facilities Department Takes on
Landscaping & Snow Removal

A
t Arc Mercer we are always looking for new entrepreneur- vary greatly with the amount that falls; a savings of over $14,000 can
ial opportunities that also allow us to expand our vocational be estimated based on previous years.
training. When we can offer new initiatives while bringing
financial savings to our organization it is a win-win! This was exactly
the case with our Landscaping & Snow Removal Services.
Every season the Arc Mercer contracted out for our agency wide
snow removal and landscaping. While we were pleased with the
services the costs began to mount. Simultaneously, Arc Enterprises
had been undergoing a period of much growth and so we decided
to begin to look in house, at our consumers, to identify who may
have this type of vocational goal.
We identified a crew to train along with our facilities department
and began the new initiative this winter with snow removal. Who
knew this year we would get over 40 inches of snow! It was a true
test and they did an amazing job! They successfully cleared all Arc
Mercer Properties through several large storms in a timely fashion,
maintaining a safe environment for staff and consumers. The suc-
cess has inspired us to expand to landscaping services this spring.
By moving these services in house, not only has a great skills
training program been developed but the cost savings have been
substantial as well! By bringing our landscaping services in house
alone, the agency will save over $40,000. While snow removal will

Free Masons Hold Bowling Fundraiser for Walk-a-Thon

Masons to Provide Food at Walk-a-Thon for the 8th Straight Year!
On Friday April 1st the Free Masons, led by board member Rick Steele, held a bowling fundraiser to raise funds in support of the 2011 Arc
Mercer Walk-a-Thon. The event, held at Slocum’s Bowling alley, raised $1,500.00 to provide the food for our picnic lunch. The Free Masons
will also generously donate their time to prepare and serve lunch at our Walk-a-Thon May 21st.

Eric Zimmermann (left) and Steven Podesta enjoy the event! David Kydd & Davita Marcus

8 Spring 2011
 Employee Day a Great Success!

O
ur annual business fair was a
great success. The following
vendors participated and of-
fered discounts and prizes to our em-
ployees: Credit Union of NJ, Verizon
Wireless, Sovereign Bank, BJ’s. For those
employees who participated in our an-
nual Employee Donation Drive, a draw-
ing was held for the following prizes: An
extra vacation day, $100.00 Gift Card,
$75.00 Gift Card, $50.00 Long Horn
Steakhouse Gift Card and a $25.00 Gift
Card to Ruby Tuesday’s. Thanks to all
who participated. Dion Davis won a $100.00 Gift Card for her
participation in the Employee Donation Drive.
Pictured front from left: MaryAnn Raimondi,
Dion Davis. Back: Pat Cacacie, Steve Cook

Employees of the Month

The Arc Mercer Employee of the Month now receives an award of $250! The Arc Mercer Employee of the Year receives an ad-
ditional $1,000 reward!

January Employee of the Month Consumer of the Quarter (February)

Curtis Shy has been the driver for the Step Ahead program for
several years. He has always been willing to volunteer to drive
for day programs, evening and weekend trips. Curtis has a great
love for the children and families he works with and always
makes a significant effort to maintain a great relationship with
them.
Claire Mahmoud has been with the Arc Mercer since 2007. Re-
cently Clair has increased her independence and now resides in
a supervised apartment. Claire likes to cook and clean her apart-
ment and takes pride in whatever she does.

March Employee of the Month

Priscilla Gordon is very responsible and reliable. She has con-
tinued to maintain a high level of work performance over the
past several months doing medical and dental appointments
for the agency. She interacts and communicates in an effective
and care way with the consumers.

Spring 2011 9
 Club Hero/Recreation

T
he Club Hero membership is growing every week! With the
approach of spring we have seen a membership spike, due to
our diverse and exciting activities. Over the past six months
Club Hero has held a monthly Coffee House event with live music,
several trips to Rutgers and Villanova Football games, Princeton Uni-
versity & TCNJ Basketball games, and monthly Club Hero Dances.
The club has taken recent trips to The Franklin Institute and Liberty
Science Center and is planning three upcoming trips to the Mutter
Museum, Princeton Art Museum and the Atlantic City Aquarium.
We have partnered with The Arc Hunterdon to create an opportu-
nity for consumers to engage in Square Dancing! We have had eight
successful square dancing trips to Arc Hunterdon. Going forward,
while we continue to seek our own Square Dance caller, we will con-
tinue this relationship with Arc Hunterdon and have dates scheduled
through May 2011.
Our Club Hero Special Olympic seasonal sports teams continue
to flourish. Currently, we are registering teams for Summer Games
2011 held annually on the campus of The College of New Jersey.
This is the largest Special Olympic event of the year with people par-
ticipating from all over the state. Over 2,500 athletes will attend this
event, plus their families and fans, for a weekend featuring competi-
tions in aquatics, bocce, gymnastics, weight lifting, softball, tennis
and track and field events. Club Hero will have teams representing
Arc Mercer in Softball, Tennis, Bocce and Power lifting.

Club Hero visits the Atlantic City Boardwalk. Club members enjoy the March dance.

Arc Trans: Connecting Consumers to their Community

A
rc Trans has recently developed two cost-share transportation ties in one day.
routes connecting the individuals we serve to recreational op- The new routes have been very successful, and we look forward
portunities in the community. Arc Mercer has always offered to expanding in the future! To sign up for transportation to these
numerous and diverse recreational opportunities but we recently events please contact our Transportation Deparment at (609) 406-
identified a gap in services related to transportation. 0181 Ext. 127.
Local existing para-transit services, such as Access Link, only pro-
vide transportation during day time hours and may require riders
to provide a one hour window for pick-up. But this causes an in-
nate problem. Most people participate in recreational activities in the
evening hours, after we have completed work or school. The same
is true for those we support. This thought process initiated our new
transportation routes.
The project began by establishing evening transportation to Arc
Mercer dances held once a month on Friday evenings. By provid-
ing this type of transportation we are able to give our consumers
the opportunity to socialize with their friends while providing their
families with peace of mind. We expanded our services by offering a
recreation transporation route every Saturday to connect individuals
to bowling and bocce ball events. This route is unique because after
consumers are connected to the scheduled bowling event they have
the opportunity to attend bocce ball as well, offering two opportuni- Katherine Lavish boards an Arc Trans bus
10 Spring 2011
 Club Hero Calendar
Club Here Recreation
May 2011
May 2011
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Bingo Night! Just For fun: Tennis
Fee: $3 Bowling @ Lessons Movie Night! Saturday Bowling
6:30pm-8:00pm 9:45am-12:30pm
6:30pm- Colonial Lanes Fee: $5
6:15pm-
Fee $5
8:00pm 5:30pm – ______________ 8:00pm
*Light _______________
8:00pm Fee: $5
snacks *Light snacks will be Special Olympic Gym
served
Fee: $5 available 1:00pm -2:00pm

8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Trip! Just For fun: Tennis The May-O! Saturday Bowling
The Atlantic City Bowling @ Colonial Lessons Dinner DANCE 9:45am-12:30pm
Aquarium Lanes 6:30pm-8:00pm 6:30pm- 9:00pm Fee $5
Atlantic City, NJ 5:30pm – 8:00pm Fee: $5 Fee: $10 members *Last Saturday Bowling
Fee: $30 members Fee: $5 ______________ $15 non-members for the month!*
$35 non-members _______________
8:30a.m. – 2:00pm
Special Olympic Gym
1:00pm -2:00pm
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Arts & Just For fun: Tennis
Lessons
Crafts Bowling @ 6:30pm-8:00pm The Arc Mercer
6:30pm- Colonial Lanes Fee: $5 Walk-a-thon!
______________
8:00pm 5:30pm – _________________
Free Event 8:00pm Special Olympic Gym
Fee: $5 1:00pm -2:00pm

22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Coffee Just For fun: Tennis
House w/ Bowling @ Lessons Special Olympic Gym
LIVE Colonial Lanes 6:30pm- 1:00pm -2:00pm
MUSIC 5:30pm – 8:00pm
8:00pm Fee: $5
6:30pm-
Fee: $5
8:00pm
Fee: $5.00
29 30 31
Reminder: Jake Jones
Holiday! The Arc Mercer
Recreation Mgr
180 Ewingville Rd.
Club Hero 2011 Ewing, NJ 08638 609-643-4867
No agency membership 609-406-0181 jjones@arcmercer.org
programs renewals are Fax:406-9258

scheduled due now!

today

Join Club Hero Today!

Club Hero is a social club for individuals with disabilities ages 21 and up. Members participate in dances, dinner parties, music & cooking
lessons, art projects, and more! The club also takes day trips to community based activities such as concerts, plays and sporting events.

To view our monthly event calendar visit www.arcmercer.org. You do not have to be a member to participate in these events. However, Club
Hero members are entitled discounted event prices. To learn more, contact Jake Jones at 609-643-4867.
Spring 2011 11
 Non-Profit
US Postage
PAID
Trenton, NJ
Permit No. 1435

The Arc Mercer, Inc.

180 Ewingville Road
Ewing, NJ 08638

Chik-Fil-A Restaurant to
PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE
Host Proceeds Benefit
Night for Arc Mercer
On Friday, May 6, 2011, Chik-Fil-A in the Hamilton Mar-
ketplace will be hosting a proceeds benefit for the Arc Mercer
Walk-a-Thon. During the lunch hour of 12PM-1PM and

Benefit Event
dinner hours of 5:30pm-7:30pm up to 20% of sales gener-
ated by Arc Mercer will be donated in support of our 2011
Walk-a-Thon.
Come out and celebrate with food, friends and fun,
To support Arc Mercer just visit Chik-Fil-A during the fund- all for a great cause!

FRIDAY, MAY 6th

raising hours and mention you are there for Arc Mercer! You
may also bring the pictured flyer. Remember, mentioning Arc
Mercer is the only way we receive the proceeds! There is no
additional cost to you, the customer, so we encourage to you
12 to 1pm and 5:30 to 7:30pm
spread the word, bring some friends and join us on May 6th! Chick-fil-A will donate 15 to 20% of all sales generated by
ARC MERCER during this date and times.
See you there!

Chik-Fil-A is located at 555 Marketplace Blvd. within the SO BRING YOUR FAMILY, Only at
Hamilton Marketplace on Route 130. BRING YOUR FRIENDS and
BE SURE TO TELL THE CASHIER
WHEN YOU ARE PLACING
YOUR ORDER THAT YOU
ARE SUPPORTING THE HAMILTON MARKETPLACE
555 Marketplace Blvd, Hamilton NJ 08691
ARC MERCER WALK-A-THON 609-581-7601