vol. 23 no. 3November 2010

Trip to Seward A Summer Highlight for Ten Residents of The Arc’s Homes•Althoughwithoutyourgiftsalackoffundsoftenlimitstheiropportunities,AlaskanswhoexperiencedisabilitiesenjoywildernessandwildlifelikemostAlaskans

•Recreationandsocialactivities,oftenoverlookedbyMedicaid,arekeytohappinessandwellness

As government grants dwindle and the cost of providing services increases, The Arc relies increasingly on the generosity of community members to continue our work.

Ten residents of The Arc’s homes have a great answer to the perennial fall question “What did you do this summer?”

In July, they took a day trip to Seward and Resurrection Bay. The day began with a looming threat of rain. However, by afternoon the group was enjoying a rare visit from the sun.

Their journey began on the Alas-ka Railroad in Anchorage. Once in Seward, they boarded a Kenai Fjords tour boat for an afternoon on Resur-rection Bay, including a meal at Fox Island. Along the way, they had the opportunity to enjoy Alaska’s wild-life and beautiful scenery.

“It is wonderful to see the faces of the people we serve when they are having a good time,” said Tricia Skitt, Case Manager. “During this trip, it was smiles all day.” Tricia organized the trip.

The Arc’s Recreation Center is the social and educational hub for people who experience disabilities in Anchorage. The Rec Center offers ac-tivities five days a week, year round.

Research and experience tells us that social interactions are vital to good health.

A recent study found that rats live 40% longer and recover from illness more quickly when housed in communal groups versus alone. Re-searchers are now comparing lonely

and social humans and finding lone-ly people recover more slowly from illness, do not sleep as well, and have higher blood pressure. Early conclu-sions show being social helps people live longer, healthier lives.

Over the past three decades, Alaskans who experience develop-mental disabilities have moved from isolated institutions into community residences in neighborhoods.

The Arc manages several dozen homes serving 75 residents who are benefiting from full inclusion and integration into mainstream society.

Since its founding in 1957, The Arc of Anchorage has understood the value of social activities to the lives of the people we serve. It be-gan with Friday night dances and continues today with trips and various community events around Anchorage, as well as dozens of classes and activities every week at the Rec Center.

You bridge the gap for the peo-ple we serve. Your support allows The Arc go beyond basic needs to help people truly enjoy life. Next issue, join us for a night on the town made possible by generous donors. Three women are preparing for and excited about an upcoming evening of pampering, fine dining, and a live performance. We will capture the whole experience on film and share it with you.

Elizabeth Davis and Neil Hickok take a break from watching for wildlife and enjoying the scenery. Both are lifelong Alaskans. This was their first trip to Resurrection Bay.

Tony Fitzhugh (Direct Support Professional)welcomes ten residents of The Arc’s homes aboard the Kenai Fjords tour boat for a trip to Fox Island for sightseeing and a picnic.

Can You Help?• Do you work in the tourist or

entertainment industry?• Do you have free passes or gift

cards for the theater, museums, restaurants, or other activities?

Your personal or business donation will help people with disabilities enjoy the activities that make Alaska so special for all of us.

Call 777-0340 today!

As government grants dwindle and the cost of providing services increases, The Arc relies increasingly on the generosity of community members to continue our work.

With Your Help . . .

“Five Homes in Five Years” Campaign Celebrates Three Milestones•Yourhelpisstilleagerlysoughttopayforhomeconstructionandthatfinallot•“Itwasagreatdream,butit’sevenbetterasthehomesbecomereality!”saysDebeMahoney,chairofTheArc’sHousingCommittee

•Twohomesbuilt,twolotssecured

Supporters of The Arc’s “Five Homes in Five Years” capital campaign gathered in late August to celebrate three milestones.

A beautiful summer day was the perfect backdrop for the ceremonial groundbreaking for The Arc’s crisis housing center and Aldona House, the second of our Five Homes. The celebration continued at Old Harbor House, the first of our five homes, where the residents greeted guests, served refreshments, and made sure

everyone had fun making s’mores at the backyard fire pit.

Since then, construction at Aldona House has been finished. Residents moved in just as the first snow of the year was beginning to fall.

“We’re excited and humbled by the outpouring of support for these homes,” said Gwen Lee, Executive Director of The Arc. “People in this community really understand what it means for a person who experiences a disability to have a place to call home – and they’re eager to help make it possible. We are so grateful.”

Dreamweavers Society members Carrie and Melvin Grice like the looks of the addition to Old Harbor House. Carrie is The Arc’s Director of Human Resources.

Executive Director Gwen Lee presents Sen. Bettye Davis and Sen. Johnny Ellis with certificates of appreciation for their help in securing funding for the crisis housing center.

Melissa Knight (Case Manager) and Laronsia Reynolds (Director of Behavioral Health Services) demonstrate proper technique for s’mores at the open house for the addition to Old Harbor House.

Grace Ancheta, Representative Sharon Cissna, and Executive Director Gwen Lee gather at the firepit at Old Harbor House, waiting their turn to roast marshmallows.

Residents began moving into Aldona House, made possible by your support, in November.

The Arc of Anchorage Board of Directors

Rod Shipley, PresidentDave Falsey, Vice PresidentMeredith Parham, Secretary

Sharons Purkis, TreasurerBryan Arnold * Van Brollini

Dan Freitas * Michael HutchingsMario Lanza * Debe Mahoney

Stan Reitman

Executive DirectorGwendolyn Lee

Foundation of The Arc of Anchorage

Board of Trustees

Charlie Coe, ChairJoe Van Treeck, SecretaryDennis Bookey, Treasurer

Gwendolyn LeeMary Jane Michael

Rod ShipleyLieza Wilcox

As government grants dwindle and the cost of providing services increases, The Arc relies increasingly on the generosity of community members to continue our work.

Alyeska Family MedicineCarole & Charles AndersonJeff & BJ Anderson AnonymousSally ArcherSteve Bloom & Andrea LaneVan Brollini & Jackie LannonGeorge & Janet BorderieuxMargie & Allen Brown+ **

Charles & Carolyn CoeAndrea Conter *Carol ComeauMarina & Marc CottiniJerry & Shirley DewhurstRaquel Edelen*Dave & Margie Falsey**Rachel Faralan-Mingo & Jack Mingo

Dreamweavers have pledged $1,000, $5,000 or $10,000 a year for five years. These multi-year pledges form a stable financial foundation for The Arc that allows us to meet the needs of the people we serve and plan for the future. Five new Dreamweavers joined the society at the October 20, 2010 Dreamweavers Affair.

Mike & Bethany Felix+ **

Feldman, Orlansky & SandersCarrie & Melvin GriceGuardian Security SystemsRené HaagCheryl HagelundEileen HallMarietta Hall & John Clark **Larry & Judy HelgesonInlet Petroleum Co.Dave & Elena KesterMyoung Sung KimMatt & Seva Kissinger *Amy & Larry KroppJack LairdLangston Family FoundationDan & Cathy Lebsack

The Dreamweavers Society

The Dreamweavers Affair, held on October 20, was something new for The Arc. After six years of successful fundraising lunches, we invited 150 guests to an evening event.

“It was exciting to be part of this,” said Table Captain Matt Larkin. “The Arc does amazing work in our community. My family is always happy to help The Arc serve families who need a helping hand.”

F i v e g u e s t s j o i n e d t h e Dreamweavers Society with pledges of $1,000 a year for the next five years, bringing the total number of Dreamweavers to 63 (see adjoining box for their names). Many others also made generous gifts, resulting in a total of $42,000 in gifts and pledges.

“Alaskans are so generous,” said Dave Falsey, vice chair of the board of directors. “When the lives of people who experience disabilities are at stake, this community always responds positively.”

With Friends Like You . . .

First-Ever “Dreamweavers Affair” Raises Awareness and Much Needed Funds•FivenewDreamweaversSocietymemberspledge$1,000ayearforfiveyears,join58existingmembers•$42,000helpsbridgegapbetweengovernmentfundingandthehelppeoplereallyneed•Fundsstillneededforhomeconstructionandlandpurchase•P.S.WillyoupleasethinkaboutbecomingaDreamweaver,too?

The Archestra gets ready to perform “Stand by Me” for 150 guests at the Dreamweavers Affair. From L to R: Debra Wozniak (Direct Support Professional and choir director), Debra Burt, Andre Hogg, and Ernie Bush.

Thanks to Our Day of Caring Volunteers!

Gabrielle LeDoux *Gwen Lee+ **Margaret LoweDebe Mahoney+ **Ron & Marilyn MartinsonThomas & Judith McGrathCharles & Mary Jane Michael **Nancy OlzackDanny ParishSteve & Verla PercyDarrell Peterson*Steve & Linda Quigley**Randy Reed*Stan Reitman+ **Christine Sasse Rod & Patricia ShipleySusan & Alex Slivka+ **

Mark & Shirley SparrowJennifer & Kai Starck *Tim StuartJohn & Gerianne Thorsness*Lisa WallisAgnes Walsh+ **

Robert & Patrice Walsh+

LuAnn & Dale Webb+

Lieza & Walter Wilcox **Ann WingQuest & Wendell LaneDan & Sherry WrightArwel & Katie Yabut*

+ Founding members.* New members.** Members who extended or increased their

pledges this year.

Mona and Betty from Doyon Drilling, Inc. rake leaves at one of The Arc’s homes.

Kelly, Nancy, Enola, Rita, and Melanie from CH2M Hill and the Zonta Club of Anchorage paint a garage at another of The Arc’s homes.

The Arc of Anchorage is a proud member of Alaska Community Share.

The Arctic Resource Center is supported in part by a grant from the Municipality of Anchorage, Division of Parks and Recreation.

The Arc of Anchorage is affiliated with The Arc of the United States.

Thank you!As government grants dwindle and the cost of providing services increases, The Arc of Anchorage relies increasingly on the generosity of community members to continue our work. We are grateful to the following individuals and businesses who have made recent gifts.Alaska Community ShareGeysa AldebotAlyeska Family Medicine*Anchorage Gateway RotaryAnchorage Hillside RotaryCarole & Charlie Anderson*Jeff & BJ Anderson* Marilyn AndersonAnonymous*+

Anonymous (13)Sally Archer*Eric AshBig O’s AutomotiveAmanda BlockSteve Bloom & Andrea Lane*Van Brollini & Jackie Lannon*Margie & Allen Brown*Emily Cadle+

Charlene CarterAllen ClendanielWes & Barb ClubbGina Co+

Charles & Carolyn Coe*John CollinsCombined Federal CampaignCarol Comeau*Andrea Conter*Marina & Marc Cottini*Nancy CrockettJerry & Shirley Dewhurst*Mildred Dismukes+

Sheli DodsonDynamic PropertiesRaquel Edelen*Sen. Johnny EllisDave & Margie Falsey*Mark FalseyRachel Faralan-Mingo & Jack Mingo* Mike & Bethany Felix*Feldman, Orlansky & Sanders*Skye FrisonCarrie & Melvin Grice* +

Guardian Security Systems*René Haag*Mark & Sandy HabermannCheryl Hagelund*Eileen Hall*Marietta Hall & John Clark*Michelle HallJack & Dottie HansmeierDebbie HarperLarry & Judy Helgeson*Yolanda Hill

House Surgeons of AlaskaJames & Janet HuettlInlet Petroleum Co.*Laura KaczorowskiHeather KarwowskiJane KatkusDonna KenisonDave & Elena Kester*Myoung Sung Kim*Matt & Seva Kissinger*Amy & Larry Kropp*Michael KrupaBetsy KruthJack Laird*Deborah LambJo LamsonLori Landstrom & Terri RudeLangston Family Foundation*Amber LarkinMatt & Elena LarkinDan & Cathy Lebsack*Cathy LeeGabrielle LeDoux*Gwen Lee* +

Amanda & Bryant LofgrenJohn & Stephanie LongAlan LorimerMargaret Lowe*Karen MacClainDebe Mahoney*Andrew Marchant+

Ron & Marilyn Martinson*Duane Mayes & Macrina FazioThomas & Judith McGrath*Charles & Mary Jane Michael*Sandra & Joe MillhouseJennifer Minnich+

Nancy Olzack*Catherine PalmateerDanny Parish* +

Steve & Verla Percy*Darrell Peterson*Lou Ann Poage Steve & Linda Quigley*Barbara Rath+

Deedee RaymondRandy Reed*Stan Reitman*Mike & Jenni RemillardDavid “Rod” RodriguezGrace RussoMillie Ryan

Safeway Foundation Christine Sasse*Patti Saunders+ Kathleen SchultzJohn SedorRod & Patricia Shipley*Susan & Alex Slivka*Mark & Shirley Sparrow*Jennifer & Kai Starck*John & Vicki StreetDiana StrzokTim Stuart*Maria SuavilloChristie TabisolaJohn & Gerianne ThorsnessTotem Ocean Trailer ExpressAleesha Towns-Bain & Cameron BainLisa Wallis*Agnes Walsh*Richard WalshRobert & Patrice Walsh*LuAnn & Dale Webb*Jed WengertSandra WicksAnn WingQuest & Wendell Lane*+

Dan & Sherry Wright*Arwel & Katie Yabut*Saengphet YabutConnie Yoshimura

* Dreamweaver Society members + Dream Team members (staff who contribute .......through payroll deduction)

This January, you can continue to make a difference for people served by The Arc by donating a portion of your PFD.

It’s as easy as pick, click, give.