Greetings!

The long, hot summer is coming to a close. It's still in the 80s, but the leaves are beginning to fall and daylight is getting shorter. Sadly, the resurgence of COVID-19 continues and hopes are high that a new season will bring a turnaround.

That said, we are still looking forward to some planned events to benefit individuals we serve and their families.

At this writing, we are on for our annual Halloween Party & Costume Contest on October 20. Last year's virtual party was fun, but there's nothing like being back at the Pinehurst Fair Barn! Co-sponsored by Pinehurst Parks and Recreation Department, this year promises another thrilling evening with good food, music and prizes. Please watch our website, your email and The Arc's Facebook and Instagram pages for registration information coming soon.

Also, The Arc of Moore County, The Arc of North Carolina and Ft. Bragg's Exceptional Family Member Program are partnering with Delta Airlines and the Fayetteville Regional Airport (FAY) to co-host Wings for All®  on Saturday, November 6. The Wings program is a chance for people with autism or other intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families to rehearse the airport experience and board an airplane, many for the first time.

The Arc of the United States founded Wings for All in 2014 with the goal to alleviate the stress of air travel, and to educate airport and airline personnel and TSA on ways to improve the experience for passengers of all ages with autism spectrum disorders and IDD. Registration for this free, but limited-seating event will open soon, so watch for more information.

Here's to a fun and healthy fall for all!

~ Wendy Carter

Some may describe him as extraordinary, others may say exceptional, but his respite recipients and families just call him a friend. Scott Boucher (pronounced Boushay) is a high school science teacher, part-time respite worker for The Arc of Moore County and North Carolina, and also manages to find time to work part-time at Walmart! Wait, there's more... he is also the Hoke County Special Olympics area coordinator, coaches sports with Special Olympics, and officiates Bocce. There seems to be no end to what this man does!

Scott doesn't sit still for very long and expects the same of his respite recipients as well. A big sports fan, Scott takes his charges out and about as often as possible. If they're not catching a game in the area, they are going out to eat, taking in a movie, playing laser tag, or riding go-carts. Part of his job requires him to work on life skills with individuals, so he integrates this into his love for activity.

Scott's heart of gold is evident in how he approaches respite care. "I'm not worried about what someone can't do, let's give it a try and see if (he) likes it." Scott is all about giving people with disabilities a chance to do everything they want to do and more. He says if they try it and don't like it they can adjust, but they might as well give it a try.

It's a win-win situation for Scott and Josh, his current respite recipient, because they both love baseball and don't want to miss those games where swag is given away. In the photo above, Josh, Scott, Bunker, the Fayetteville Woodpeckers mascot, and Matthew are enjoying a Woodpeckers game. Scott has known Josh since he was young, and when he found out that respite was needed, Scott dove right in to help.

According to Josh's mother, Scott is an "awesome gift" to their family. One day she jokingly asked Scott if he wanted to be Josh's respite worker and the rest is history. They've been working together since the end of last school year with lots of plans moving forward. Josh's mom explains that Scott is so good at his job that Josh doesn't even know they're working on skills. He just thinks they're out having fun at a baseball game, but in actuality they're working on social skills. It's a great match and she just wishes every child could have someone like Scott to work with. She said she is one" thankful mama!"

Making a match between respite worker and respite recipient is what Paige Norbury does. She's The Arc's Respite Program Coordinator. If you'd like to apply to become a worker, please click the link below. The program is always looking for amazing people like Scott!

Please contact us via email at: arcmoorepr@embarqmail.com

First In Families has a new Resource Consultant! The Arc welcomes Christy Adams, a Moore County native, to the family. Christy worked previously as an ABA Therapist with children with autism. She has a degree in Psychology and hopes to complete her Masters degree at some point in the near future. She is an avid reader and beach lover, so she fits right in with the staff at The Arc! Christy says she is passionate about mental heath and feels it is important for those who need support to get it in order to maintain their well being.

On a hot summer night in June at the Arboretum in Pinehurst, folks finally came together, played games, had good food and got to see friends again! This was the sentiment of many friends, family members and/or respite workers who decided that a Summer Fling was so necessary after a long pandemic and year of separation and face coverings.

In lieu of a prom this year (since dancing inside was still not approved by the state Covid mandates), The Arc of Moore County partnered with The Village of Pinehurst Parks and Recreation to bring this fun summer outing together. Participants enjoyed fun lawn games, dinner catered by Jordan's BBQ, and a DJ playing beach music for the crowd. A roaring BINGO game finished out the night. Bubblz Polar Ices - Italian Ice truck was on hand to provide dessert!

Stay informed about our upcoming events by visiting our events page often:

www.thearcofmoore.org/events

There was cause for a party back in June when we celebrated 22 years of service with Donna Roth. She has been working for The Arc of Moore County keeping our administrative offices clean and tidy for all that time. Donna is an absolute joy to be around, but those of you who know her already know that! She always has a story to tell and a smile to share.

Donna lives just around the corner from our offices and in addition to her hours at The Arc, she also attends Sandhills Community College.

Her favorite part of working is getting to see her friends 3 days each week. If you see Donna, congratulate her on her steadfast service!

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