The Arc board meeting minutes

The Board of Directors of The Arc of Jefferson and Nearby Counties met in regular session May 26, at the First United Methodist Church in Fairfield, with updates on camping, silent auction, raffle, and upcoming County Fair primary on the agenda. President Mary Coffin conducted the meeting, with Jill Boileau subbing as secretary in the absence of Ruth Eubanks.

A thank you was read from John Harper. Silent auction item and monetary donations for camp were reported by Darlene Vorhies; the complete list will be published in a block ad in The Fairfield Ledger following the Greater Jefferson County Fair. Vorhies noted that Mary Coffin, Karen Riggle and Linda Hinshaw are assisting with acquiring items.

Other donations were received from Jefferson County Health Center?s pop can collection project, Eagles Auxiliary Past Presidents, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, Noel Howard dba Electronic Systems Design, Alliant Energy Foundation, Wal-Mart Foundation, and First National Bank Jeans Friday. Raffle sales thus far are around $600.

President Coffin appointed Lorraine Hill, Karen Riggle and Brian Simmons to the nominating committee. Election of officers and directors for the coming official year will be held during the local annual meeting of The Arc on June 16, at 5:30 p.m. at the Fairfield Public Library meeting room. Rod Hotek will be in charge of refreshments. Also appointed were Jill Boileau, Mary Coffin, Mary Sue Hoaglin, Janet Kreber and Melissa McAvan to oversee disbursements for camperships.

Vorhies announced that the Jefferson-Van Buren Mental Health Coalition, of which The Arc is one of the members, will be hosting their annual picnic for individuals with disabilities and their families at the Jefferson County Park shelter near the pond on Thursday, June 2, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Weather allowing, members of Serve Outdoors from Van Buren County will help those in attendance with fishing. Hot dogs and hamburgers from the grill will be provided, as will drinks and plates, cups and utensils. Those attending are each asked to bring something to share. Also, the date for the Coalition?s Halloween Party at the Roberts building near Keosauqua has been set for October 13.

Sheila Clements submitted by email that she has met with FPAC staff and indicates their are numerous pictures there taken this spring of local student campers at Camp Courageous of Iowa at Monticello that will be put into a 30-minute video for viewing on the station. Vorhies shared an article and picture from The Wayland Reporter of a WACO student who had attended Camp Courageous; assistance was given by The Arc for one student at WACO.

Also submitted by email from Clements was a picture of the bikes loaded on a trailer and headed for State Special Olympics at Ames. Two of the bikes were purchased by a recent grant from Prairie Meadows Casino, having been applied for by Clements. Some Arc Board members were absent due to attendance at the State Special Olympics Games.

Mary Sue Hoaglin and Janet Kreber announced Mike Wasson of Libertyville as winner of a $500 scholarship from The Arc. The Arc received parental permission to send a card and check to one Fairfield graduate who has special needs.

Persons wishing further information about The Arc or this meeting may contact Mary Coffin at 641-919-7442 or Darlene Vorhies at 641-472-4449.