The Arc of Mower County will be celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2012.

Many, many changes have taken place in the last 60 years. From the first year, when parents gathered together at the Mower County courthouse to talk about ways for their children with disabilities to live a better life, to today, when we as an organization and the many families that we serve, are still fighting the fight so that children and adults with developmental disabilities can live, learn, work and play, when and where they want.

In the early years many parents were told that there is nothing out there for their children with disabilities, no special education; no jobs; no health care, and the list goes on. Institutions became the norm. But some very special parents decided that that was not enough for their children with disabilities.

They started a movement. A movement that thousands have joined across the United States, a movement that has been proven over and over again.

That movement has become Arc chapters all across the U.S. That movement is families, individuals with disabilities, mentors, and friends. A movement that will continue the fight for the rights of these individuals.

Join us. Become a member. Attend a meeting. Volunteer.

Join us this year as we celebrate our many accomplishments. Watch the VISIONS newsletter and this article for up-coming events celebrating 60 years.

Your support makes the difference

The 17th Annual Rose Sale will be held Feb. 21 to March 27. The pick-up/delivery date is April 3. (Tuesday before Easter).

Let someone know that you care and support the work of The Arc of Mower County by supporting our 17th Annual Rose Sale.

Order forms are available on our website at www.arcmowercounty.org or you may use the insert in the February 2012 and March 2012 editions of VISIONS. You can also email your orders to roses@arcmowercounty.org and mail your payment to The Arc.

The second Annual Taste of Mower County will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 24, at the Holiday Inn Grand Ballroom in Austin.

Enjoy unlimited tastings of signature offerings from Mower County’s finest chefs. Tickets are available now and cost $25 for individuals or $40 for couples. There are sponsorship opportunities available with great benefits.

 Upcoming Events

•Monday: Health and Wellness Exercise Class, from 4 to 5 p.m.

•Tuesday: Cooking for Comfort, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

•Wednesday: Mower County Special Olympics Bowling, from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

•Thursday: Newsletter assembly, from 2 to 4 and Bingo from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

•Friday: Sweetheart Dance, from 6 to 8 p.m.

•Saturday: Community Connections: Dinner and Austin Bruins, from 5 to 10 p.m.