With a new “Tasty Treats” cooking class series, a revamped “Matinee and Mingle” movie club, and a variety of fun activities and outings, it was a busy spring season for participants in The Arc of Essex County’s Adult Recreation Program.
The May Madness party for Group Respite on May 5 featured games that encouraged creativity, independent thinking, learning, and role playing. The participants played bingo and other board games to win prizes, and also enjoyed a festive taco bar in honor of Cinco de Mayo. The party was a great way to celebrate the spring season and have fun with friends.
On May 19, the “Matinee and Mingle” group watched the movie IT at the theater and then discussed the film together at Barnes and Noble. Those participating in the new “Tasty Treats” cooking classes have enjoyed a series of lessons on Wednesdays, including making salads, personal pizzas, parfait desserts, pigs in a blanket, and tacos, while also learning about table etiquette and how to create a menu. The bowling group continued to meet regularly, showing off their skills and cheering each other on at Bowlero Belleville on Saturdays.
The Community Inclusion Group took their annual trip to Point Pleasant—a crowd favorite—on June 2. They explored the boardwalk together: going on rides, playing arcade games, eating iconic boardwalk food, and taking in the beautiful ocean views. The trip was a wonderful opportunity to spend the day outside and enjoy the pre-summer vibes.
The After-Work program has been enjoying spring walks through the park, and also took part in a “Paint & Sip” session where they created their own beautiful works of art. Hotel Respite and Saturday Respite participants had a blast at the Kiwanis Karnival in Livingston, where they rode the rides and played games during the Kiwanis Club’s Arc Day on May 18. (Read more about the Kiwanis Karnival here.)
The Adult Recreation program is always looking for new ways to enrich the lives of its participants and provide them with enjoyable and meaningful experiences. 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 dking@arcessex.org for more information.