arc mercer 2011 fall newsletter

Fall Edition 2011

On Friday, November 18, 2011, The Arc Mercer will hold its Annual Fall Gala at the Historic Masonic Temple located at 100 Barrack Street in Trenton, NJ. Each year, hundreds of people from the local community attend our Fall Gala, which serves as a way to celebrate our achievements over the past year and recognize those outstanding individuals who helped us along the way.

OUR 2011 AWARD RECIPIENTS ARE:

The Community Hero AwardsHonorable Chris ChristieGovernor of New Jersey

Accepted by Jennifer Velez, Commissioner, NJ Dept. of Human Services

& Honorable Brian M. HughesMercer County Executive

The Community Partner AwardPSEG Direct Install Program

Alfredo Matos, Bill Walsh & Frank J. Lucchesi

Arc Mercer Employee of the YearDiana Parker

Arc Mercer Consumer of the YearCelesta Baier

Learn more about the award winners in the following pages of this newsletter! The event features a cocktail reception, silent auction,

What’s Inside…J&J Volunteer Team Brings Beauty ..Page 3

Award Recipients ........................Page 4-6

Two Distinguished Awards ............Page 7

Art Show .......................................Page 8

Music Program and the

FunkTASKtiks Rock ...................Page 9

Healthcare Center .......................0

Arc WavesNewsletter

The Podesta Family Celebrates with Joe Piscopo at the 2010 Arc Mercer Fall Gala

Fall GalaAN ELEGANT AUTUMN EVENING OF DINNER, DANCING AND CELEBRATION

Friday • November 18, 2011 6:00 pm-11:00 pm

THE HISTORIC MASONIC TEMPLE100 BARRACK STREET • TRENTON, NJ

COCKTAIL RECEPTION • 6:00 pm-7:30 pmCASH BAR

SILENT AUCTION • 6:00 pm-8:30 pmDINNER & AWARDS • 7:30 pm-9:00 pmPROCEEDS TO BENEFIT PEOPLE WITHDEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

HONORABLE CHRIS CHRISTIE GOVERNOR OF NEW JERSEY

ACCEPTED BY JENNIFER VELEZ, COMMISSIONOR

HONORABLE BRIAN M. HUGHESMERCER COUNTY EXECUTIVE

The Community Hero Awards

PSEG DIRECT INSTALL PROGRAMALFREDO MATOS, BILL WALSH, FRANK LUCCHESI

The Community PartnerAward

DIANA PARKER

Employee of the Year

Consumer of the Year

Join Us IN HONORING OUR AWARD RECIPIENTS:

CELESTA BAIER

ANNUAL

Arc Mercer Fall Gala Friday, November 18, 2011

dinner, awards presentation and DJ. The Fall Gala begins at 6pm and complimentary valet parking is provided to all attendees.

Individual tickets start at $95.00, but attendees have the option to up-grade their ticket to include recognition in the Gala Program or to spon-sor an Arc consumer to attend the event. Discounted ticket prices are available when purchasing tables. One hundred percent of proceeds raised through the Fall Gala and Silent Auction benefit children and adults with developmental disabilities in Mercer County. To attend the Fall Gala you must RSVP to Kelly Jiras at (609) 406-0181 Ext. 146 or [email protected]. We look forward to celebrating with you!

2 Fall 2011

Letter from the Board PresidentThis month the Arc Mercer will be accepting two very special

awards. Early in the month we will be honored to receive the 2011 Humanitarian Award by the Mercer County Chamber of the American Conference on Diversity. This award is in recog-nition of our commitment to embracing and promoting diver-sity, inclusion, respect and understanding. It’s a privilege to be acknowledged for something so very important.

On November 15th we are excited to announce the Arc Mer-cer will receive the Communicators Award by The Arc of New Jersey in recognition of The Arc Angel. It is an honor to be recognized by your colleagues and partners in the field and we look forward to the event!

Recently Arc Mercer welcomed two new board members, Maria Fischer and Nantanee Koppstein. I know all Arc Mercer employees, friends and family members join me in wel-coming them to our team. On November 18th Arc Mercer hosts our largest fundraiser of the year, our Annual Fall Gala. The event is held at the Historic Trenton Masonic Temple and features an award ceremony, silent auction, cocktail reception, dinner and dancing. I hope you will support the Arc Mercer by attending this great event!

Letter from the Executive DirectorFall of 2011 is a time for both reflection upon the year’s suc-

cesses and anticipation of upcoming Arc Mercer events. This year Arc Mercer was awarded a New Freedoms Grant in the amount of $146,000. This Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding is geared towards enhancing the transportation options for individuals faced with mobility challenges, includ-ing seniors, low income individuals, and people with disabili-ties. The grant award is a tremendously valuable opportunity for Arc Mercer to be at the forefront of improvements and change to our existing transportation system for those we serve. We are looking forward to partnering with other service pro-

viders, and their ridership, along the way.On October 6th Arc Mercer and the Mercer County Coalition for Coordinated Trans-

portation held an extremely successful Transportation Stakeholders Event to kick start our grant project. It allowed us to introduce the grant to our community and invite their par-ticipation in the process. The event was attended by over 100 people, and Mercer County

Executive Brian M. Hughes de-livered our opening remarks. It was an inspiring event, and we are excited to move forward.

This November Arc Mercer will host our Annual Fall Gala on Friday, November 18th at the Historic Trenton Masonic Tem-ple. This event is an opportunity to come together to celebrate our achievements, and the very spe-cial people who helped us along the way. It helps us raise funds for the programs of Arc Mercer and those we serve. I hope you will join us in attending the event. We look forward to celebrating with you!

KSB Telesound Presents Arc Mercer with Annual Sponsorship Check

Geoff Morris

Steven CookExecutive Director

Jennifer GodoskiAssociate Executive Director of Operations

Donna RachelsAssociate Executive Directorof Administrative Services

Luke RattanAdministrator of Residential

MaryAnn RaimondiDirector of Human Resources

Joe GleasonDirector of Day Programs/Recreation/Respite

Kelly JirasDirector of Program Development

& Communications

Will CapellDirector of Finance

Christopher EnglishPersonnel Manager

Dawn CarmosinoExecutive Assistant

Gloria PanebiancoVolunteer Editor

For more inforamation,please contact:The Arc Mercer

180 Ewingville Rd.Ewing, NJ 08638

Phone: 609-406-0181Fax: 609-406-9258www.arcmercer.org

Our Mission

The Arc Mercer is committed tosecuring, for all people withdevelopmental disabilities,the opportunity to chooseand realize their goals.

Steve Cook

3Fall 2011

W e would like to thank the Johnson & Johnson volunteers that came out on Sept. 15th to help beautify our Parkway Group Home. The group did a great job cleaning the outside of the

home, raking leaves, and planting mums. A special thanks to Lisa Heisler and Robert Cassella for organizing the group of

volunteers from the J & J Finance Dept and for donating 30 mums which were planted along the sides of the house. They also helped out inside the home with a mural painting project. We truly appreciate your generosity and ongoing support!

If you are a company or individual interested in volunteering with Arc Mercer, please contact our volunteer coordinate Ana Arzayus at (609) 406-0181 Ext. 133 or [email protected]. We would love to welcome you to the Arc Mercer family!

Johnson & Johnson Volunteer Team Brings Beauty to Arc Mercer

J&J Volunteers Get Ready for their Volunteer Day with Arc Mercer

J&J Volunteers Donated Mums to Arc Mercer for PlantingVolunteers Planted Beautiful Mums

Volunteer Group from Williams Gas Pipe Line Lends a Hand

A group of 14 volunteers from the Williams Gas Pipe Line-Transco company came out and leant their services to Arc Mercer’s Greenwood and Cedar Lane Group Homes on Oct. 7th. They donated several mums and pumpkins, which they personally decorated. These were used to beautify the outside of the Group Homes at Greenwood and Cedar Lane. Volunteers also assisted with the Fall clean-up of both

properties. Arc Mercer extends our thanks to Williams Gas Pipe Line-Transco! You did a great job!

The Volunteers at the Greenwood Group Home

Volunteers from Williams Gas Pipe Line Donated Pumpkins & Mums to Arc Mercer Residential Properties

4 Fall 2011

Announcing the Arc Mercer 2011 Award Recipients…

Arc Mercer To Honor Governor Christie with 2011 Community Hero Award

Governor’s Historic Move to Meet Set Aside Program Goals Leads to Hundreds of Job Opportunities for People with Disabilities

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Geoff MorrisPresident

Cathy Tramontana1st Vice President

Rick Koreyva2nd Vice President

Sharon Lamont Treasurer

Nick TummilloRecording and Corresponding Secretary

Sam ColavitaParliamentarian

DelegatesAnthony Genovese

Jeff HewitsonBert H. Steinmann

Dan AntonellisImmediate Past President

Members-at-LargeWayne DeAngeloSteven J. Doerler

Maria FischerJerry Isaacs

Patricia Jordan-GranvilleNantane Koppstein

Joseph Latoof Sonny PanebiancoMike Pratico, Jr.Roger Schwarz

Michael SilvestrovRick Steele

Janice Van DeusenJudy Zoffinger

Before com-ing to The Arc Mercer

Nicholas Pettit had been unemployed for over two years. He had struggled to find the right job training, the right career path to match his skills, and an available job op-portunity. In today’s

economy this story seems familiar, but Nicholas faces additional challenges. He is a person with a disability, and the unemployment rate among people with disabilities is nearly double that of workers without a disability at 16.1%.

But, in July of 2011 something changed for Nicholas. He connected with Arc Mercer, and through skills and interest assessments he was put on a vocational training track focused on janitorial work. The first step was to rebuild his confidence, and believe again that he could become employed and succeed at a job. Next, Nicholas became proficient at the variety of skills needed for a janitorial position through training at the Arc Mercer Occupational Train-ing Center (OTC). With every successful day, and new skill learned, Nicholas began to build his self confidence and vocational skills. In September, Nicholas had the opportunity to participate in the Janitorial Enclaves at Arc Mercer, leaving the OTC during the day to have the opportunity for on the job janitorial training.

And finally, this October something wonder-ful happened. A job opportunity became avail-able through a very unique source.

Under state law, New Jersey is required to set aside work for people with disabilities. Gover-nor Christie has demonstrated a further com-mitment to this concept by supporting the Ex-ecutive Order to increase the mandate to 3%.

Governor Chris Christie

Unfortunately, state government has always found it difficult to meet these mandates.CNA Services, ACCSES New Jersey’s marketing division for the state set-aside program

for people with disabilities, is responsible for managing the set aside program’s activities. The program has grown from some 900 jobs to more than 4,000 jobs in recent years, generating an economic impact in 2010 of nearly $9 million in taxes paid and reduced entitlements. The workers with disabilities who held the jobs earned just over $4 million in paychecks last year, at an average wage of about $8.30 an hour.

Through ACCSES NJ, the Arc Mercer Occupational Training Program has been awarded janitorial contracts at the New Jersey Departments of Transportation, Community Affairs, and Environmental Protection. In April of 2011 they also took on Riverview Plaza. The

Arc Mercer Occupational Training program has gone from cleaning 700,000 square feet daily, to cleaning 2.5 million square feet with a work-force of people with disabilities.

Governor Christie’s decision to dramatically increase the set aside of the New Jersey State janitorial contracts, as well as other key items such as documment management, call centers, and toner cartridges, has sur-passed all previous efforts. For example, the number of square feet cleaned under the set aside program has increased from some 4 mil-lion s.f. to nearly 9 million s.f. a day. As a result, janitorial services have already put approximate ly 350 individuals with disabilities to work through-out New Jersey, a number which is expected to rise. And one of those individuals is Nicholas Pettit.

At the Arc Mercer alone, 130 people with developmental disabilities were provided access to integrated employment, earning a paycheck, and contributing to the community in which they reside. Through hard work, skill build-ing, and new found self confidence Nicholas now works Monday through Friday as part of a janitorial crew cleaning state offices in Tren-ton, NJ. According to Nicholas, he feels an in-creased sense of independence and confidence since he has been working regularly. He enjoys the relationships he has made with his co-workers and supervisors and enjoys the work that he does.

“These mandates are very important for raising the awareness of the need for state government to support employment for people with disabili-ties,” said Geoff Morris, President of Arc Mer-cer’s Board of Directors. Governor Christie put his money where his mouth is and significantly increased set aside projects with his actions.”

Because of his actions, the Arc Mercer has selected Governor Christie to receive a 2011 Community Hero Award at our annual Fall Gala on November 18, 2011. Arc Mercer is joined by ACCSES NJ, who represents all non-profit agencies involved with state set-aside programs, in congratulating the Governor on

Nicholas Pettit of Arc Mercer

5Fall 2011

The Arc Mercer hosts our Annual Fall Gala to celebrate our community partners who truly embody our mission of ad-vancing lives through opportunity. This year Mercer County

Executive Brian M. Hughes has been selected to receive an Arc Mer-cer Community Hero Award.

Mr. Hughes has been selected to receive this award in recognition of his support of the Mercer County Coordinated Transportation Coalition and the New Freedoms projects. The Coalition’s support of Arc Mercer in the New Freedoms grant application process has lead to Arc Mercer’s and Greater Mercer TMA’s combined procure-ment of $615,960 in grant funding to establish better coordinated transportation for people with disabilities in Mercer County, as well as seniors and low income individuals.

The coalition, especially Marty DeNero of TRADE and Dr. Matthew Lawson of the Mercer County Planning Division, provided Arc Mercer with their full support of the proposed grant funded projects, and leant their expertise throughout the process. In 2010 Arc Mercer was awarded $146,000 in New Freedoms funding for a Mobility Manage-ment Program. In 2012 Arc Mercer is slated to receive $233.000 in New Freedoms funding for a shared fleet maintenance facility which dually functions as a vocational training program for individuals with disabilities. These projects will provide a voice to people with disabilities, and disability service providers, in identifying barriers to transportation and it gives them a stake in the planning process moving forward

As Mercer County Executive, Mr. Hughes has been a continuous champion of improved trans-portation services for people with disabilities and all Mercer County ridership. Mercer County’s leadership in these initiatives truly speaks to his belief in empowerment of people with disabilities.


Arc Mercer to Honor Brian M Hughes, County Executive, with Community

Hero AwardIn Recognition of Supporting The Mercer County Coalition

for Coordinated Transportation

Thank You to allof our

2011 Annual &Fall Gala Sponsors!

Allen Associates – Fall Gala SponsorAllentown Auto Body – Annual Silver Sponsor

AW Martin Construction – Annual Diamond Sponsor

Bauer Electric – Annual Silver SponsorBell Environmental – Annual Silver Sponsor

Bollinger Insurance – Annual Diamond SponsorC&M – Annual Diamond Sponsor

Carnevale Disposal Company – Annual Silver Sponsor

Colavita Coins – Fall Gala SponsorCommercial Cleaning Corp. –

Annual Diamond SponsorCorporate Health – Annual Silver Sponsor

Doerler Landscapes Inc. – Annual Gold SponsorElite Air – Annual Silver Sponsor

Ewing Knights of Columbus – Fall Gala SponsorFirst Choice Bank – Annual Silver SponsorHeritage Business – Annual Gold Sponsor

Kings Pharmacy – Fall Gala SponsorKlatzkin & Co. – Annual Silver Sponsor

KSB Telesound – Annual Diamond SponsorNexus Solar – Fall Gala Sponsor

Parkside LukOil – Fall Gala SponsorPhiladelphia Insurance – Annual Silver Sponsor

Plumbers and Pipefitters – Fall Gala SponsorRafferty Construction – Annual Gold Sponsor

Roma Bank – Annual Gold SponsorRoyal Printing – Fall Gala Sponsor

Szaferman, Lakind, Blumstein & Blader, P.C. Attorneys at Law – Fall Gala Sponsor

Victory Asset Management – Annual Gold Sponsor

Western Pest Services – Annual Silver

this recognition. “The Governor has moved the State’s commitment to meeting state set aside goals forward quite substantially,” said Nils Richardson, President of ACCSES NJ. This move alone increased state set-aside ratios from an annual rate of less than 1% to nearly 2%.”

“The most impressive thing about the Governor’s actions was his move, with no fanfare, to significantly grow jobs for people with disabilities while substantially reducing costs to state tax-payers,” said Steven Cook, Executive Director of Arc Mercer. “It is a win-win for those we serve and the State of New Jersey.”

On November 18th Nicholas Pettit won’t just be celebrating the Fall Gala, or the award, but his new job and his new found self confidence and independence.

Brian Hughes

Announcing the Arc Mercer 2011 Award Recipients…Arc Mercer to Honor PSEG Direct Install Program for

Nonprofits with Community Partner Award

The PSEG Direct Install Program for Nonprofits has been se-lected to receive the 2011 Arc Mercer Community Partner Award. PSEG has been selected to receive this award in rec-

ognition of their commitment to assisting nonprofit organizations, such as Arc Mercer, reduce energy costs and access affordable, en-ergy savings solutions through the “Direct Install Program for Non-Profits.”

PSE&G’s Direct Install Program provided Arc Mercer with a free, on-site “energy audit” of our electrical equipment at the Arc Mer-cer Occupational Training Center, a vocational training facility for people with developmental disabilities. Based on the audit, recom-mendations were made to update our energy efficiencies. Because the

6 Fall 2011

Diana has been with Arc Mercer for over six years. In her position as Receptionist for 180 Ewingville Rd, she is the glue that holds us all together. She is the first smiling face that greets you when you walk in the door and the last when you leave. She always has a pleasant

“Good Morning” to welcome you to the Arc Mercer. Diana has grown tremendously in her position; she not only receives our guests but has a full plate of administrative duties and responsibilities to perform each and every day.

She helps coordinate work orders for the Maintenance Department, assists Food Service with bas-ket orders, schedules appointments, directs and escorts visitors to their final destination and while doing that, finds time and energy to assist and help staff any way that she can. She can always be depended upon and relied on to “get the job done”. Congratulations Diana Parker! We are privileged to have you as part of the Arc Mercer Team!


Arc Mercer 2011 Employee of the Year Diana Parker

Diana Parker, Arc Mercer 2011 Employee of the Year


Arc Mercer 2011 Consumer of the Year Celesta Baier

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, Arc Mercer was able 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, among additional energy efficient upgrades. With these changes alone, the Arc Mercer will experience a savings of $25,000 per year. We were so inspired by our energy savings, and knowledge gained through the

process, we felt it was the perfect time to replace our 25 year old roof and increase our energy savings even further.

While the energy and cost savings are extremely important, there are other rewards to this project as well. The new lighting, equipment and roofing has improved the overall climate of the facility, making it a more desirable and comfortable place to work for those who attend the Occupational Training Center. The facility has evolved from a build-ing the Arc Mercer considered selling, due to age and facility costs, to a cost saving program we will use as a model for energy efficiency.

Celesta Baier is an outgoing, friendly, social, and considerate young woman. She is consistently supportive of her housemates and pleasant with anyone who enters Alice’s Group Home. She is helpful around the house, complet-

ing chores and assisting the staff with household duties. On July 15, 2011, a small fire broke out in the Alice’s house kitchen while dinner

was being prepared. Celesta was present during the emergency and kept a level head all throughout the situation. Instead of reaching for the fire extinguisher located di-rectly next to the fire, which could have caused a serious injury, Celesta grabbed the fire extinguisher that was in another room and aided staff in responding to the small fire while 911 was called.

Besides her other strong qualities, Celesta deserves to be recognized as the Con-sumer of the Year because of her “superhero” actions during this crisis. Congratula-tions Celesta!

Celesta Baier (center in blue) Celebrates Receiving Consumer of the Quarter withSteve Cook, Executive Director, her husband Scott Baier, and Krista Akerman,

Arc Mercer Behavioral Manager

7Fall 2011

Maria Fischer, a new Arc Mercer Board Member and Asso-ciate at the firm of Hinkle, Fingles and Prior, presented to Arc family members at our quarterly meeting. She pro-

vided attendees with a quick survey of eligibility requirements for government programs and stressed the importance of ensuring their family member is on the state’s priority waiting list.

Also highlighted at this quarter’s meeting was the Arc Mercer Healthcare Center. Our Healthcare Center Director, Anne Brady, provided family members with information on eligibility for the healthcare center, how to access our services, and overview of services provided.

The one year old Arc Mercer Family Support program was devel-oped to respond to the needs of families, guardians and caregivers for increased communication with their loved ones caregivers, both in residential as well as in all the day and evening programming.

Family Support aims to bring everyone together to enrich every aspect of a consumer’s life. The Family Support Program makes sure that every method of communication including e-mail, visits, phone calls and letters are valued and responded to within 24 hours.

To learn more about the Arc Mercer Family Support Program con-tact Mary Ellen Marino at (609) 406-0181 Ext. 144 or [email protected].

This November Arc Mercer will be the recipient of two distinguished awards. On November 4, 2011 the

American Conference on Diversity, Mercer County Chap-ter, will present Arc Mercer with the 2011 Humanitarian Award. Later in the month, on November 15th, the Arc Mercer will be presented with the 2011 Communicators Award by The Arc of New Jersey.

The work of the American Conference on Diversity is among the most important activities we can participate in to create a positive, inclusive society. It is the unfinished business of living in a highly diverse state; educating and empowering our next generation of leaders; enhancing NJ workplaces and helping to create more inclusive communities. Arc Mercer is being honored for our commitment to embracing and promoting diversity, inclu-sion, respect and understanding in the Mercer County area. We are privileged to join additional recipients: Connie Mercer, CEO of Homefront, Dr. Patricia C. Donahue, President of Mercer County Community College, and F. Kevin Tylus, Regional President of PNC Bank – Downtown Trenton Branch.

The Arc of New Jersey is honoring Arc Mercer with the Com-municators Award for our employee newsletter, The Arc Angel. This communication tool is recognized as an effective and innovative tool to keep our employees informed about their agency. Each month

our employees look forward to receiving the newsletter that is attached to their paycheck. The Arc Angel is published for employees by the Human Resources Department. Upcoming events are highlighted as well as regular features which include our Employee of the Month and our Consumer of the Quarter. Employees enjoy reading about each other and they get to know where other employees work and what they do. We are so hon-ored to be receiving this award, and look forward to celebrating with The Arc of New Jersey and all other award recipients!

Arc Mercer to Receive Two Distinguished Awards This November

Healthcare Center Director, Anne Brady, Presents to Attendess of the Quarterly Family Support Meeting

Family Quarterly Meeting Features Legal Information onGovernment Programs & Arc Mercer Healthcare Center

8 Fall 2011

A lot of new and exciting things have been happening in Arc Mercer’s newly adapted Art Program! After the well re-ceived debut Art Show at the Ewing Municipal building

on August 3, 2011, attended by over 100 guests, Arc’s Art Program procured multiple follow up shows. On August 6, the artists par-ticipated in a group exhibit hosted by the Progressive Center for Inde- pendent Living at Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, NJ. Arc Mercer artists also displayed their works as part of an ongoing show at the Mercer County Chamber of Commerce. In September, the artists participated in SeptemberFest, held in Hamilton Township’s Veterans Park, with a live art demonstration that was held through-out the day.

Looking forward, the artists are preparing for more shows this fall season when they will have work on display at Artworks in Trenton,

Arc Mercer Artists Host Successful Debut Art Show, Procure More Events

Attendees of the August 6th Art Show View Works

NJ this November! Artworks is known as Trenton’s downtown visual arts center and promotes artistic diversity by fostering creativity, learn-ing, and appreciation of the arts. Their classes, exhibitions, and events make art an accessible experience for all. With this mission, their goal is to provide opportunities for building and developing community through the arts. The Arc Mercer artists are very excited to display works in their gallery!

The Artworks show will be on display on display from November 1st to the 30th. Artworks is located at 19 Everett Alley in Trenton, NJ. Their gallery hours are Tuesday from 12pm to 8pm, Thursday from 4pm to 8pm, and Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

Big things lie ahead for the artists here at the Arc Mercer, be sure not to miss them.

Arc Mercer Artist John Ottobre Paints Artwork in Arc Art Studio

Arc Artists Karen Koreyva and Wayne Sallie Present Ew-ing Mayor Bert Steinmann with Artwork. Also pictured, Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes (far right), Day Programs Director Joe Gleason (Center), and Art Program Coordinator Eric Zimmermann (far left).

9Fall 2011

The Arc Mercer’s Music Program partnered with the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen’s band, ‘FunkTASKtiks’, for two interactive performances at Hamilton’s Annual Septemberfest. The music performance was part of a “Village” at Septemberfest

initiated by the Hamilton Special Needs Commission featuring the community’s premier disability service providers

Arc Mercer’s participation at the event included an informational tent for volunteer sign-ups, a live art demo finished art pieces, and live musical performances by combining our own talent with that of the ‘FunkTASKtiks’.

It was a great day out doing what we do best, making a difference to those in the com-munity and raising awareness for the services we provide. The Arc Mercer looks forward to many more fun-filled music and art experiences with TASK!”

Arc Mercer Music Program and the FunkTASKtiksRock Hamilton SeptemberFest

Linda Panebianco Sings with Arc Mercer Musi-cians and FunkTASKtics at SeptemberFest

Wayne Sallie on the Drums

The Mercer County Coalition for Coordinated Transporta-tion held a stakeholder meeting on Thursday October 6th, 2011, that was attended by nearly one hundred community

members, each with an interest in the county’s developing mobility system. Human service organizations, advocacy groups, transit lead-ers, and transportation system users gathered at Project Freedom in Hamilton to hear about the county’s coordination accomplishments and also to help craft an action plan moving forward. Because of the event’s success, the coalition will have a number of new key partici-pants moving forward, as well as a degree of critical momentum to push its agenda forward.

Kicking off the proceedings was County Executive Brian Hughes, who was recognized for his consistent support of the coalition’s ef-forts. Hughes delivered a sobering reminder of the difficulties faced in lieu of current economic conditions but was truly encouraging in his discussion of the way innovative collaboration and resource utilization can create successful synergies and effective outcome-driven programs.

Another highlight of the meeting was keynote speaker James McLary, United We Ride Ambassador to Region II. McLary, aided by years of experience and his easy Midwestern cadence, deftly unrolled the saga of mobility management before mentioning several nationwide projects garnering attention as successful coordination stories.

Following his address, participants joined small groups to outline their experiences with the transportation system and underscore its shortcomings. The groups then worked to offer solutions on how those shortcomings might best be addressed. Needless to say, the co-

alition will have some great insight moving forward.

The coalition has numerous ini-tiatives on the horizon, including the continued effort to glean in-formation about the transportation system and its users, the develop-ment of a series of targeted mobil-ity projects, and the commence-ment of a more concerted outreach operation throughout the Mercer County community. Without ad-equate information, stakeholders and consumers will never quite be able to utilize the transportation system or benefit from the coali-tion’s endeavors to the optimal ex-tent. However, with events like the one that took place this past Thursday and the tremendous showing of support from the various communities involved, it is assured that the county’s commitment to improving mobility for each and every one of its residents will not waver any time soon.

To learn more about this project, or to get involved, contact Steve Monchak, Director of Transportation for The Arc Mercer at (609) 406-0181 X127.

James McLary, United We Ride Ambassador, Delivers Keynote Pre-sentation at October 6th Transpor-tation Stakeholder Event

The Arc Mercer, Greater Mercer TMA, & Mercer CountyCoalition for Coordinated Transportation Host Stakeholder Event

10 Fall 2011

Our Healthcare Center isUp & Running

About The Arc Mercer Healthcare CenterHealthcare Center History

The Arc Mercer has long identified quality, comprehensive medical and mental health services for people with developmen-tal disabilities as an urgent and priority need. In November of 2010 Arc Mercer was awarded a grant to establish a medical fa-cility which provides accessible healthcare of the highest quality in a coordinated approach. The grant also provided us with the technology to remain a state of the art facility.

The community showed tremen-dous support for our center, and the generosity of our benefactors has al-lowed us to fill a vital need for peo-ple with developmental disabilities in Mercer County.

The Arc Mercer Healthcare Cen-ter officially opened its doors to the Mercer County community on June 8, 2011. We have a unique comprehensive approach to care, combining both primary and men-tal healthcare. At the Arc Mercer Healthcare Center we serve people with disabilities throughout the arc of their lives, in the community in which they reside.

Our Philosophy of Care Coordinated Medical & Mental Healthcare Services

The Arc Mercer Healthcare Center has been developed for peo-ple with developmental disabilities in need of specialized care for primary healthcare and mental health services. This includes acces-sible facilities for people with physical disabilities.

Medical Care

Our exceptional medical doctors and staff collaborate to assure quality care. The Arc Mercer Health-care Center physicians bring a com-bined 30 years experience providing care to people with developmental disabilities.

Mental HealthOur Mental Healthcare Center

prides itself on providing integrated care of the highest quality in an in-clusive environment. Every patient is an individual, and they, their support network, and family, are treated with utmost respect and dignity.

Healthcare ServicesOffered

But Not Limited to:

• PhysicalAssessment• VisionScreening• BloodWork&Routine Blood Analysis

• UrineAnalysis

• EKGs

• GYNExams

• PapSmears

• MedicationPrescriptions

• IndividualTherapy

• GroupTherapy

Our ProfessionalMedical Staff

Doctor Catherine Schiano Family Physician Doctor Michelle Tomlinson Family Physician A combined 30 years experience Providing care to people withdevelopmental disabilities. Mary Ellen Byrne, APN-CAdvance Practice Nurse,Family Medicine Aaron Spector, APN-P Advance Practice Nurse, Psychiatry Monica Quaste, LPC Licensed Mental Health Counselor The Arc Mercer Healthcare Center also features Registered Nurses, a Receptionist and an Administrative Staff.

How To Access ServicesAre you an individual with a developmental disabil-ity looking for primary medical and mental health-care services? Contact the Arc Mercer! We are now accepting new patients! Before the Arc Mercer Healthcare Center can sched-ule an appointment with a new patient he/she must be enrolled in a Medicaid HMO. We Currently Accept:•UnitedHealthcareCommunityPlan•AmerigroupHMO•HorizonNJ

To schedule a visit please contact our Healthcare Center :Anne Brady, [email protected](609) 989-9211 ext. 127

Celebrating the opening of the Arc Mercer Health Center for People with Developmental Disabilities in Trenton on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 are from left, Arc Board President Geoff Morris, Executive Director Steven Cook, benefactors Lenora Panaro, Mary Lou Kramli and Michael Saile, Health Center Director Anne Brady and consumer Karen Koreyva.

11Fall 2011

Club Hero

November 2011

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

2 Just For fun: Bowling @ Hamilton Lanes 6:00pm – 8:00pm Fee: $5

3 Tennis Lessons 6:30pm-8:00pm Fee: $5

4

5 Special Olympic Gym 1:00pm -2:00pm ______________________ Saturday Bowling

6

7 Sign up for Private Music & Art lessons!

8


10 Tennis Lessons 6:30pm-8:00pm Fee: $5

11 The Safety Dinner/Dance 6:30pm-8:00pm Fee:$10 members $15 non-members


13

14 Sign up for Private Music & Art lessons!

15


17 Arts & Crafts 6:30pm-8:00pm Free Event light snacks served

18 Movie Night 6:15pm-8:00pm Fee: $5.00 *Light snacks will be served


20 Trip! Liberty Science Center IMAX Theater Jersey City, NJ 9:30am-2:30pm Fee: $25 members $30 non-members

21 Coffee House w/ LIVE MUSIC 6:30pm-8:00pm Fee: $5.00 __________ Sign up for Private Music & Art lessons!

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24 Holiday! No agency programs Scheduled Today

25 Holiday! No agency programs Scheduled Today

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28 BINGO 6:30pm-8:00pm ________ Sign up for Private Music & Art lessons!

29 30 Just For fun: Bowling @ Hamilton Lanes 6:00pm – 8:00pm Fee: $5

On Friday, October 14th Club Hero hosted our Annual Hal-loween Dance from 6:30pm-9pm. The dance was attended by over 100 attendees, all in costume! DJ John DiMassi provided

the entertainment, and attendees enjoyed dinner provided by Touch of Taste – including Halloween themed cupcakes! Prizes were awarded for the most outstanding costumes. To learn more about Club Hero, and how to get involved in our recreation events, contact Jake Jones at (609) 406-0181 Ext. 167.

Bruce Jackson & Doug Van Deusen Enjoy the Halloween Dance

Club Hero Hosts Annual Halloween Dancefor over 100 Party Goers!

Non-ProfitUS Postage

PAIDTrenton, NJ

Permit No. 1435

The Arc Mercer, Inc.180 Ewingville RoadEwing, NJ 08638

Having an Office Party?

Need to send a Holiday Gift?

Touch of Taste Catering Offers:

Gift Baskets

Party Trays

Dessert Trays

Full Service Catering

Touch of Taste provides delicious catering for all of your event needs, from business meetings to special occasions. We are an excellent resource for corporate gifts! By cater-ing your event through Touch of Taste, or purchasing a personalized gift basket, you not only receive high qual-ity product at a competitive rate, you are supporting the vocational training of people with developmental disabili-ties at Arc Mercer.

Contact Mike Levandowski at(609) 406-0181 Ext. 145

PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINSTIDENTITY THEFT!

SHRED YOUR OLD PERSONALDOCUMENTS TODAY WITH ShArc!

ShArc is a National Association for Information Destruction, Inc. (NAID) certified document destruction business operated by the Arc Mercer Occupational Training Center. The NAID Certification Pro-gram establishes standards for a secure destruction process including such areas as operational security, employee hiring and screening, the destruction process, responsible disposal and insurance.

ShArc Shredding Services are Available for $5 per cubic foot (ap-proximately 1 milk crate) or $0.25 per pound!

Documents for shredding can be dropped off at our Occupational Training Center, or secure pickup is available for a small fee.

Call 609-393-2483 x109 to Arrange Services