How's Business Spokane Features The Arc of Spokane Thrift Store
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Congratulations "Rico"!
The Arc of Spokane congratulates Randy "Rico" Murray who retired Monday after 23 years on the job.  Rico initially worked at Hewlett Packard and more recently at Avista Utilities' Investment Recovery department, which recycles metals no longer needed for company operations.  Rico was the department's main forklift operator and also sorted wire.  Investment Recovery employs 12 people through The Arc of Spokane and last year contributed more than $1.5 million to the Avista's bottom line.  Rico and his coworkers demonstrate how people with developmental disabilities can be an integral part of any workforce.  When asked what he planned to do with all of his spare time, Rico remarked, "celebrate!"  Congratulations, Rico!           

Epilepsy 101 and Seizure Response - *Webinar*
Wednesday, December 11
6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. PST online via GoToMeeting.com.  This webinar will offer basic epilepsy information and seizure response education followed by a time of questions and answers.  It will be led by Jessica Veach, H.O.P.E. Program Manager.  Please RSVP by December 5th to Rose Cain at rcain@epilepsynw.org or (206) 261-6893.  For questions contact Jessica Veach at jveach@epilepsynw.org or (206) 915-1909.

*** CANCELLED *** Spokane Fathers Network
Thursday, December 12
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave, Spokane.  For fathers of children with developmental disabilities or special needs.  Contact Brian Holloway for more information at (509) 328-6326 or bholloway@arc-spokane.org.

Annual Parent 2 Parent Family Holiday Party
Friday, December 13
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Arc of Spokane's Community Center, 320 E. 2nd Ave, lower level, Spokane.  This event is open to everyone. Bring your family and friends and enjoy some holiday fun.  There will be games, door prizes, dessert, and more. RSVP is appreciated.  For questions or to RSVP please contact Rosslyn Bethmann (509) 328-6326.

Adults with Asperger's Discussion Group
Saturday, December 14
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at East Side Library, 524 S. Stone.  This is not therapy, this is a peer run opportunity to meet other adults on the spectrum who are advocating for themselves.  Participants need to be able to listen politely to others.  For more information contact Andy at (509) 214-2969 or eaglescout965@gmail.com.

Penny's Palette Holiday Art Show & Sale
Saturday, December 14
12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Contempo Spokane Mobine, Home Park Clubhouse, 1205 E. Lyons Ave, Spokane.  Penny's last big event of the year. She will have notecards, calendars, planners, notebooks, canvas originals... everything you need to make this holiday season awesome for everyone on your list.

Teen/Young Adults with Asperger's Social Group "Game Day"
Sunday, December 15
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Service Station Coffee House, 9317 N. Nevada, Spokane.  Bring a board or card game to share. Food and drinks are available for purchase.  For more information visit www.autismsocietyofwa.org/asw-spokane.

Parents for Life
Wednesday, December 18
11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (New time!) at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave, Spokane.  For parents who have a child with a developmental disability who is age 18 or older.  Sponsored by The Arc of Spokane's Parent to Parent program.  Contact Roz Bethmann at (509) 328-6326 or rbethmann@arc-spokane.org for more information. 

Developing a Career Path for Individuals with Significant Disabilities - *Webinar*
Wednesday, December 18
Trainers: Tara Asai and Debra McLean.  Join Tara and Debra as they explore the importance of person centered planning and how it can be used to strategize a career path for individuals with significant disabilities.  This webinar is sponsored by W.i.S.e.  For more information visit www.gowise.org.

Adults with Asperger's Discussion Group
Saturday, December 28
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at East Side Library, 524 S. Stone.  This is not therapy, this is a peer run opportunity to meet other adults on the spectrum who are advocating for themselves.  Participants need to be able to listen politely to others.  For more information contact Andy at (509) 214-2969 or eaglescout965@gmail.com.

Parent to Parent Support Group
Thursday, January, 2
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave, Spokane. Open to any parent or guardian who has a child with special needs.  Sponsored by The Arc of Spokane's Parent to Parent program.  For more information, contact Rosslyn Bethmann at (509) 328-6326.

First Friday Movies for Youth (16-21)
Friday, January 3
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave, Spokane.  A fun way for teens to learn about healthy relationships and make new friends.  Snack provided. Sponsored by The Partnership 4 Safety, a program of The Arc of Spokane.  For more information or to sign up your teen, contact Theresa Fears at (509) 789-8329 or tfears@arc-Spokane.org.

Dealing with Change and Transitions - **Webinar**
Wednesday, January 8
Sponsored by W.i.S.e. this webinar will focus on helping participants understand how change occurs for individuals and organizations, identify attitudes and skills needed to manage change in a positive way and develop strategies for dealing with change in our personal and professional lives.  Trainer: Jason Swain from Jason Swain & Assoc, LLC.  For more information visit www.gowise.org.

Life After High School: It's Not Just a Job
Wednesday, January 8
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave, Spokane.  Learn about the benefits of employment, skill building at home, transition programs, and employment agencies.  Contact Darci Ladwig at (509) 328-6326 for more information. 

First Time Homebuyers Class
Monday, January 13 & Tuesday, January 14
6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave, Spokane.  First time homebuyers can learn how to make the process of buying a home less stressful. A two year certificate will be given to at attendees.  Contact Theresa Griffith at (509) 328-6326 for more information.

Parents for Life
Wednesday, January 15
11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave, Spokane.  For parents who have a child with a developmental disability who is age 18 or older. Contact Roz Bethmann at (509) 328-6326 for more information.

Life After High School: Let the Good Times Roll, Avoiding Isolation
Wednesday, January 15
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave, Spokane.  Find out various activities/groups within the community for your young adult.  Contact Darci Ladwig at (509) 328-5326 for more information.

Job Development - Rural & Smaller Communities - **Webinar**
Wednesday, January 22
Sponsored by W.i.S.e. Trainer: Ellen Condon, Rural Institute on Disabilities.  For more information visit www.gowise.org.

Life After High School: It's a Wrap
Wednesday, January 22
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave, Spokane.  Learn ways to find your voice in social and civic matters that concern you and your family.  Contact Darci Ladwig at (509) 328-5326 for more information. 

Wings for Autism
Saturday, January 25
11:20 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at SeaTac-Tacoma International Airport.  Wings for Autism, one of The Arc's newest national initiatives, is an airport "rehearsal" specially designed for individuals with autism spectrum disorders, their families, and aviation professionals.  It is designed to alleviate some of the stress that families who have a child with autism spectrum disorders experience when traveling by air.  For more information call (206) 364-6337 or email info@arcofkingcounty.org.

Increasing Competence in Working with People with Developmental Disabilities: Autism Spectrum Disorders
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Mukogawa Fort Wright Institute, Commons, 4000 W Randolph Rd, Spokane.  This is part two in a three part series that focuses on mental health disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and challenging behaviors.  Sessions are stand alone or you can take all three.  Buffet dinner included.  Clock hours are available and/or 3 DDA-approved CE credit hours available per session.  Go to www.surveymonkey.com/s/2kjb5kt to register or call Denise Magee at (509) 477-2725.

Increasing Competence in Working with People with Developmental Disabilities: Anatomy of a Meltdown & Treatment Strategies
Thursday, April 24, 2014
4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Mukogawa Fort Wright Institute, Commons, 4000 W Randolph Rd, Spokane.  This is part three in a three part series that focuses on mental health disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and challenging behaviors.  Sessions are stand alone or you can take all three.  Buffet dinner included.  Clock hours are available and/or 3 DDA-approved CE credit hours available per session.  Go to www.surveymonkey.com/s/2kjb5kt to register or call Denise Magee at (509) 477-2725.