March was a month full of fun and excitement for the participants in The Arc of Essex County’s Community Inclusion, Recreation, and Respite programs. They enjoyed a variety of activities that celebrated the arrival of spring, the luck of the Irish, and the joy of friendship.

On March 10 a Community Inclusion group visited the Mount Airy Casino, playing on game machines and enjoying a buffet lunch together. The trip is always a crowd favorite and this year’s was no different. Community Inclusion participants also enjoyed a visit to the movies and several bowling trips during the month.

Group Respite had a fun day together during the St. Patrick’s Day celebration on March 17. Partygoers showed their spirit by wearing green and festive clothing, and engaged in fun crafts and activities, filling pots with gold coins, making shamrock wreaths, and dancing to Irish music.

The Spring Brunch on March 24 was another cheerful occasion, where participants welcomed the new season by coloring eggs and completing a spring craft together. They also enjoyed a tasty brunch with their friends and staff, celebrating the new spring season together.

If your loved one with intellectual or developmental disabilities is interested in educational programming, community experiences, seasonally themed events, or weekend group respite programs, you can learn more about all of these activities at The Arc’s Recreation Services page, and view the Spring-Summer Recreation Catalog. Activities include crafting at Studio Arc, trips to Point Pleasant Boardwalk and to Lake Hopatcong, seasonal parties, and more. Contact Assistant Director of Adult Services Dacia King-Sarkodie at (973) 535-1181 ext. 1272 or [email protected] for more information.