The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence (www.thearcjslc.org), recently held their Annual Meeting to elect the officers for the Board of Directors, as well as honor staff members, volunteers, and individuals supported by the agency. The 2020-2021 elected officers for The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence Board of Directors are as follows: Jackie Sauter, President; Jennifer VanReenen; and Joanne Rhode Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer.

The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence (www.thearcjslc.org), has positions available for staff to work on Federal contracts at Fort Drum. The agency is currently hiring for roles such as: Occupational Trainer, Food Service Workers, and Janitors to work at the 10th Mountain Division. All interested candidates may apply at www.thearcjslc.org/employment.

The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence’s (www.thearcjslc.org), announced that their Bright Beginnings Early Learning Center received confirmation that a student tested positive for COVID-19. The program’s management team is working in collaboration with Jefferson County Public Health, which is currently performing the contact tracing process pursuant to their protocols.

The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence’s (www.thearcjslc.org), Board of Directors and management team recognized staff members celebrating a milestone for longevity in service during the 2020 virtual annual meeting.

In honor of October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month, The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence (www.thearcjslc.org), announced that Jerry Sharlow of Massena was awarded the distinction of “William B. Joslin Outstanding Performer,” from the New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc. (NYSID.)

The Foundation of St. Lawrence NYSARC (www.thearcjslc.org), is holding a virtual walk to promote awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorders in place of the standard in-person, annual event in an effort to keep everyone safe during the pandemic. Walkers may participate in their own community now until the Facebook Ceremony set for 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2020. The event will feature WWNY-TV’s Jeff Cole and may be accessed at www.facebook.com/thearcjslc.

Out of concern for the safety and well-being of our friends, families and staff, Sunset on the Shore will be canceled this year. Please join us next year Saturday, May 15, 2021.

The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence’s (www.thearcjslc.org), announced that Dodge Pond Summer Camp for children is cancelled for the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This measure is being taken out of an abundance of caution to ensure the health and safety of people with disabilities during these challenging times.

I thought I would provide an update on what the organization is doing during this period of uncertainty related to COVID-19. Based on an Executive Order from Governor Cuomo, our preschool and day service programs are closed until at least the end of April. We continue to provide supports to families in St. Lawrence County with our Respite and Supplemental Day Habilitation services. If families in Jefferson County are in need of any supports, please contact our Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professionals at 315-836-1333 and for St. Lawrence, if additional support is required; please call 315-379-9531. If you have any questions or concerns after business hours or on the weekends, you may call our Administrator on Duty at 315-778-4878.

In an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), The Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) has directed all providers to temporarily suspend operations of site-based day programs beginning March 17, at 5:00 p.m. At The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence, these closures include our Day Habilitation sites and Prevocational programs. Additionally, in Jefferson County we have closed our preschool program until April 20, 2020; when we will reevaluate and follow the guidance of the State Education Department.