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PANDEMIC
UPDATES
Virtual Adventures
Our ACTIVITIES 4 U link and our COMMUNITY RESOURCES link are two places to find important information. You can always access them here on our PANDEMIC UPDATES PAGE
and on the HOME PAGE of our website. We add information regularly and welcome your ideas.
Monday, June 8, 2020
A Message from Kathleen Stauffer,
CEO of The Arc Eastern Connecticut
Hello Everyone:
It’s June! I hope you’re all able to venture out and enjoy the fresh air and warm breezes. Be sure to visit the Governor’s “What’s Open Outdoors” website to get the latest information on parks and waterfront areas and any restrictions, and please remember to social distance. Eastern Connecticut has not yet reached its projected peak for COVID infections.
This week we began a “planned visitation initiative” in Danielson and Norwich, where families will be able to visit with relatives living at our supported residences–loved ones they have not seen in person since pandemic restrictions were established. While strict distancing and PPE guidelines will still be enforced, we are excited about this option for residents and families.
Thanks again to our great team! You continue to amaze me in your dedication, hard work, and courage.
Sincerely,
Aaron’s Safety Message
Aaron was featured in our fall 2019 newsletter after he had finally realized his dream of becoming a Global Messenger for Special Olympics. He’s also a fan of public speaking, and he recorded this message for all his friends and fellow community members.
The Arc
Through My Eyes
Cheryl Pedro interviewed James Hymon, Lead Supervisor at the In-Home Supports program, for our Spring newsletter, which due to the pandemic was not mailed. But that doesn’t mean we can’t reprint it here for your enjoyment!
Cheryl: How long have you worked at The Arc?
James: 6 years. I just got promoted. I’m very excited about that.
Cheryl: What do you do here?
James: I oversee all the administration for our department, including the billing, and I assist with programs like our cooking program.
Cheryl:What’s that?
James: Twice a week we have groups of 3 participants who have to plan a meal, then do all the shopping and preparation to cook for up to 30 people.
Cheryl: Wow, that’s a lot of work! What’s your favorite part of working here?
James: Oh, all you guys, and all the people and friends I get to see every day here.
Cheryl: Do you have any pets?
James: I have a cat, a fish tank, and a rabbit named Mumble.
Cheryl: What a great name! What are your future career goals?
James:I love working here and I’d like to keep moving up the ladder. I’d like to stay with IHS but if there’s an opening elsewhere at The Arc I’d happily join another program, too.
Cheryl:Are you going to go to the Murder Mystery fundraiser?
James: Oh, you bet! I went last year—our team won absolutely last place at the Murder Mystery dinner—it was great!
[Editor’s note: the date of the Murder Mystery Fundraiser has changed and is tentative pending pandemic restrictions and guidelines. Be sure to check our website often for updates!]
by Cheryl Pedro
PS – Keep those family photos coming! (email to akaiser@thearcect.org)
I love your personal messages too!
(my email: kstauffer@thearcect.org)
From Our Family to Yours
The Arc: The Ongoing Violence Against Black and Brown Communities in Our Country is Unacceptable
June 2, 2020/in Advocacy, Criminal Justice, News, Press Releases, Public Policy/by Pam Katz
The Arc released the following statement on the need for swift and substantial action in our society and from our nation’s leaders to dismantle racism, end discrimination, and to honor, protect, and enforce the civil and human rights of all people.
“The ongoing violence and police brutality against Black and Brown people in our country is unacceptable. We stand in solidarity with every person and community that is appalled by the homicide of George Floyd, and so many others before him. We stand in solidarity too with those who are taking action against the systemic racism that underlies this behavior. Racist attitudes and behavior should have no place in America.
“Tragically, the historical and everyday reality is that the lives and humanity of people of color, and members of other marginalized communities, are too often not valued and respected. The Arc renews its own commitment to social justice and the dismantling of the systems of oppression and discrimination that further this violence and neglect.
“We all must step up and speak out, including our nation’s leaders, to uphold the rights of communities of color to be free from over policing, police brutality, misconduct, harassment, and racism. To be silent is to be complicit,” said Peter Berns, CEO, The Arc.
We realize that during the pandemic it’s been hard, if not impossible, to schedule time away from work for vacation or just a few days’ R&R.
Mindful of that, we’re extending your Personal Time Off (PTO) accrual carryover date to June 30, 2021.
This means you won’t lose PTO days before the end of this fiscal year (June 30, 2020) if you’ve accrued them.
Your vacation days can also be carried over until June 30, 2021 without penalty. However, if by that date you have more than the normal year-end limit (which is 1 ½ times your allotted vacation days), you will lose any vacation days in excess of that limit.
We are also offering a one-time PTO/VACATION EARNED TIME BUY-BACK PROGRAM.
If you’d prefer to receive a cash equivalent to your accrued hours, you may request to have us buy out up to one week of Vacation, Personal, or Incentive time (this option does not include sick time). For part-time employees, one week is equivalent to your average weekly hours worked.
If you’re interested in receiving a payment in exchange for eligible accrued time, you must alert your supervisor via EMAIL by 3:00 pm on Friday, June 12, 2020. This is a one-time request. Your redeemed hours will be paid in the check you receive on June 18, 2020.
We hope that these extensions and options help you make the most of your personal and vacation time without having to worry about losing any accrued time this year.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at (860) 889-4435 x 117.
Elizabeth Korineck
Chief Talent Officer
T: 860-889-4435 x117
F: 888-467-1869 (eFax)
This Week's Recipe
Do Not Fear the Attack
of the Summer Zucchini
It’s almost zucchini time, and those tasty but overly-plentiful squash
seem to overwhelm even the largest families. Here’s a quick and easy
recipe to add to that what-new-thing-can-I-do-with-zucchini folder.
Ravioli with Sautéed Zucchini
Ingredients
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1 pound cheese ravioli (fresh or frozen)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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3 small zucchini, sliced into thin half-moons
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Kosher salt and pepper
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2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
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½ cup grated Parmesan (2 ounces)
Directions
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Cook the ravioli according to package directions. Drain and return the ravioli to the pot.
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Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add the zucchini, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper, and cook until just tender, 4 to 5 minutes.
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Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
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Add the zucchini mixture and ¼ cup of the Parmesan to the ravioli and toss gently to combine.
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Top with the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan.
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Serves 4.
