The Arc is a proud United Way partner agency and as such, I want to invite you all to attend United Way of Moore County's campaign kickoff event on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Armory Park off Morganton Road in Southern Pines.

As you can see from the flyer, the kickoff is being held in conjunction with Southern Pines Parks and Recreation's "Woofstock" event, which features many dog-related activities. One highlight will be a Pooch Pageant Costume Contest, of which I am honored to be a judge!

United Way has been extremely supportive to The Arc over the years. We are one of the 13 local agencies addressing education, health and financial independency matters that depend on United Way support. When you give to United Way, all the partner agencies benefit and our community is greatly enriched.

Come usher in fall with United Way's campaign kickoff this Saturday. I hope to see you there!

~ Wendy Carter

You may recognize the face of Chris Powierski (top left), his dad Vince and his unified golf partner and brother Vincent, but what you may not know is that Chris and Vincent just competed in the Special Olympics USA games in Florida and took 3rd place, the bronze medal! It's not easy achieving such an honor ... it takes practice, practice and more practice.

Chris and his family moved to the area in 2013 and are happy to call Pinehurst #1 their home course. This family has had the golf bug for many years: Chris has been a Special Olympics athlete for about 30 years, his brother Vincent an avid golfer, and dad a coach for NC Special Olympics athletes. Vince (dad) has been coaching and preparing golfers not only for the USA games, but also International and World games. He's got many tricks up his sleeve to help golfers perform at their very best - and a heart of gold!

This achievement of the brothers is a really big deal which is why they're celebrating in the photo above. In order to qualify to compete at the USA games, Chris and Vincent had to win a gold medal at the State games, which they did not once, but twice! This brother duo has been achieving great things and playing golf together for about 6 years. They shot their lowest round ever while at the USA games, an 83, certainly something to celebrate.

According to Chris, he loves playing golf with his brother because he's "really funny." They compete together at Level 3 with Special Olympics which is 18 holes of golf with alternate shots, setting the athlete up for the most success. Vincent shared that "golf teaches us a lot about life; some days are great and sometimes there are struggles." You can find Chris, Vince and Vincent out on the practice range 3 times a week working on chips, putts, drives, and the ever-dreaded shot from the sand trap. Prior to traveling to Florida for the USA games, they also did some fitness training with Par4 Success in Morrisville, which all agreed was awesome! Par4 Success donated their services to the athletes and coaches.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Special Olympics athlete, volunteer or coach, please contact Donna Page who is the Special Olympics Moore County Coordinator, at moore@sonc.net. Fall sports starting up include golf (8/12), tennis (TBD) and bocce (9/11).

Apply to become a Respite Worker HERE

Kelis Parker, a very social teenager, and her mom DJ are working together to create a fun social outing each month for pre-teens and teens with exceptional needs in the Moore County area. This "happening group" gets together the 3rd Saturday of each month with an RSVP requested so that they can plan with the venue. So far they've gone bowling and to the splashpad in Pinehurst (pictured) and on September 17th at 11:00 they're planning a trip to the Aloha Safari Zoo in Cameron. Sound like fun to you and your teenager? Simply get in touch with DJ via cell 910-709-0368 or email brngrl4life@gmail.com to ask questions or let her know you're interested! They are hoping to grow this group into an active social group of teens/pre-teens with exceptional needs who don't have many social outlets outside of school. Events are typically 2 hours long. Follow their Facebook page to stay in the loop; Kelis' Circle of Friends.

October 26th, 5:30-8:00 at the Fair Barn.

and in the office.

12/26/22-1/2/23 Office Closed 

We appreciate your support!

We invite you to join those who have already made the commitment to

Wendy Carter, Executive Director - arcmoorewr@embarqmail.com

Nicholle Cummings, Office Manager - arcmooreom@embarqmail.com

Christy Adams, FiF Resource Consultant - arcmoorefif@embarqmail.com

Paige Norbury, Respite Coordinator - arcmoorepn@embarqmail.com

Laura Thomson, PR/Development Director - arcmoorepr@embarqmail.com