By JAMEY HELGESON, Arc of Mower County

Membership is the key to a strong and effective Arc.

There is strength in numbers — strength that can improve the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in so many ways. How do we improve the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities?

• Arc provides information and referral services.

• Arc develops opportunities and services locally, so people can become contributing members of their community.

• Arc promotes a system of support and self-sufficiency.

• Arc advocates for basic civil rights.

• Arc works with legislators and others to improve public policies.

• Arc works to increase public awareness.

Where do

you fit in?

• Arc has accomplished a lot in the last 59 years — but our work is not done.

• We need you — your financial support in becoming a member and, if you wish your participation as well.

• Our vision is a world where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have equal opportunities to choose their own paths.

• We’d like you to help make that vision a reality. Please Help Us. Give us a call at 507-433-8994 or visit our website at www.arcmowercounty.org for more details.

A Taste of Mower County — A fundraiser for Arc Mower County

Come join Arc for a fun filled evening on March 19 at the Grand Ball Room located at the Holiday Inn. Come meet the chefs that are entering the contest for a traveling trophy. We will have a silent auction, wine tasting, open bar and door prizes. Entertainment will be by cedar River Strings Chefs are asked to make their favorite dish and bring to serve bite size samples to the audience who will vote for their favorite and the cook with the most votes will win the travelling trophy. Please come out to the Holiday Inn on March 19 from 5 – 7:30 p.m. in the evening and for a great time. If you would like to participate in our fundraiser by entering as a chef, donating a door prize or becoming a sponsor please call 433-8994 ext. 103 and we will get you all set up.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday: Movie and munchies, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Special Olympics bowling, 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Thursday: Creative arts, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Friday: St. Patrick’s Dance, 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Saturday: Movie matinee, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

March 28: PACER Workshop – Six Skills for Effective Parent Advocacy, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Learn six important skills you can use to become a more effective advocate for your child with a disability.

April 16: Prom — Theme: Light Up The Night at St. Edwards Corcoran Center

April 30: Rock and Bowl-A-Thon at Echo Lanes, 2 – 4 p.m.

May 20-21: Minnesota Self Advocacy Conference

June 11: Minnesota Twins game

June 17: Rochester Honkers Baseball Game in the Outback Steakhouse Suite