70 Years of Serving People with Developmental Disabilities and Their Families

ArcMorris marked 70 years of serving people with disabilities and their families with a big gala, honoring community members, organizations that make a difference, public officials and Direct Support Professionals. It was a night of celebration and a look into what the next 70 years will bring!

More than 325 people attended the May 17 event at the Birchwood Manor,

111 N. Jefferson Road, Whippany, N.J. Local businesses supported the event and the funds raised will go towards supporting programs and initiatives of ArcMorris.

“Over the last seven decades we have had so many families and community members sacrifice so much,” Salvador Moran, CEO and executive director of ArcMorris, told the gathering. “Today, people with disabilities and their families enjoy better services because of the work done for them by many dedicated community members and families who fought for their rights and access to services.”

Moran recalled that in the 1940s and 1950s, there were few options for a person with disabilities and their families. Either the person was sent to an institution, or a family member became a caretaker without much support or resources. Families banded together to start advocacy groups like ArcMorris, as well as other Arc chapters across the country, eventually becoming crucial service providers.

ArcMorris was established in 1953, and since then has served thousands of people with disabilities and their families through various programs like day habilitation, recreation and community-based homes. continued on page 24

By Patti Diamond

Chill Out and Get Patriotic: Homemade Ice Pops to Beat the Summer Heat Independence Day is just around the corner. Celebrating the Fourth of July brings a sense of patriotism and community as people gather to enjoy parades, fireworks and barbecues. The summer heat adds an extra sizzle to the festivities, making it the perfect time to cool down by indulging in ice pops.

Before you dash to the grocery store, why don’t we make popsicles at home? Here’s a refreshing treat bursting with red, white and blue colors and fresh fruity flavors that bring relief on hot summer days.

Store bought pops are often full of sugar, artificial flavoring and dyes. How else can you get those neon colors not found in nature? While it’s fun for the kiddies to stick out their electric blue tongues, we can make healthy, delicious and nutritious pops they will love.

Do-it-yourself popsicles are so easy, you can literally put any flavorful fluid you wish in a popsicle mold, freeze it and make people happy. The molds can be found online, in practically any grocery store, even at dollar stores. Or you can opt for a nostalgic throwback and use craft sticks in little paper cups like back in the day. Remember ripping the paper off those chunky juicy ice pops?

Making popsicles at home can be as healthy and virtuous or as indulgent and decadent as you wish. They don’t have to be complicated; you can simply freeze fruit juice, soda or instant pudding, and the kids will love them. Make them with yogurt, fresh fruit, and roll them in granola, and they’re a breakfast treat. Make them with coffee or your favorite cocktail ingredients, and they’re an adult treat. And the best part, you can have an infinity of flavors, and they’re still totally cheap!

The recipe I’m sharing today is meant to truly help you beat the summer’s