Almost Fall

We began the week with a very warm day at the garden, but ended it with some almost fall-like weather that lets us know autumn is on the way.  We also dealt with Covid affecting our program, as Alexis and then Lisa tested positive, and had to be away from us again!  As always, we continued to have fun and productive days, and we are ever grateful to Carol and Nan who never missed a beat, along with the extra help from Lise and Sue!  

Last Thursday, September 7 

Before we get into this week's adventures, we need to make note of a significant event that happened on September 7, since we did not have a blog update last week.  Our beloved friend, Sweet T, aka, Devin, said "Goodbye" to us as he and his family are returning to Arizona.  Some of you will remember that Devin's family moved to Arizona in 2019, but they came back last year and we were so happy to welcome Sweet T back to our group.  Life brings changes, though, and Devin's family really missed their extended family (including 3 beautiful grandchildren) back home, so it's back to Arizona for them!  👋👋

We truly wish Sweet T and his family all the best.  Everyone will miss him, especially his best buddy, Drew.  It was a joy having Devin in our program and he'll always have a special place in our 💙💚💛💜!!

Tuesday

The first thing on our schedule today was a chance to share our program with others.  Tracy and JCC Parks & Rec were hosting the state's annual conference for parks and recreation professionals, and she brought a group to AFCC to see us in action.  We set up stations to show them the varied activities we do each day, and we also told them about our many partnerships (museums, therapy dogs, master gardeners, artist Jeff, Laughter Laura, etc.) and vocational opportunities.

Since we were celebrating National Ants on a Long Day, Adia and Laura were in the kitchen prepping our snack for later!  We told the visitors that cooking is one of our favorite activities.

Tracy also told us that she and her coworkers won an award for "Best New Event" and that was for the Disability Trick or Treat event that was held at AFCC last October.  We had helped her set up and decorate for it, so she felt we deserved the award, too!!  👏👏  Congratulations, Tracy, and all of us!

After chatting with us, Tracy and her group returned to the foyer where she invited us to join them for a slide show she had created that featured A LOT of pictures from our blog posts.  She synced them to the song "Best Day of My Life," and it was so cool!  We really enjoyed being in the spotlight!

Our next activity was kicking off the fall session with the master gardeners!  We were a smaller group today, only 12, but we filled the tables and had a nice time catching up with our MG friends.

Our lesson today was about plant propagation.  Barb reminded us that we know about growing plants from seeds, transplanting small plants that are already growing, or growing plants from cuttings.  Today, we learned that some plants can be rooted in water, and then planted.

MG Angela had rooted several spider plants in water so we transferred them to tea tins that another MG had donated!  Karen had put holes in the bottoms of the tea tins, so when we water our spider plants the soil will drain.  She also provided us with clear plant pot saucers so the water won't drain all over the place!  

Adia and Patrick showed their potted spider plants, along with the care tags we placed in the soil.  The MGs told us that spider plants are pretty resilient, and they should grow well in the unique tea tin pots!

The Herb of the Day was bay leaf.  Most of us were not familiar with bay leaves so it was interesting to hear how they are used to season things like soups and stews, and to learn that after cooking with them, the bay leaves should be removed and not eaten because they become bitter.  Karen gave us fresh bay leaves to dry at the center.  In the coming weeks, when the weather cools more, we will make a soup or stew with the dried bay leaves!

Sadly, the pumpkin plants seem to have fallen to the hot and dry weather, even though MGs watered them regularly.  There are some small pumpkins on the vines, so maybe they will hang in there!

MG photographer Rich snapped this picture of Joanne and Laura.  We think it really captures the bond between them and us!

Here's the beautiful journal page that MG Carolyn and MG Rich collaborate on after each session.  Carolyn adds the perfect words to describe what we do, and Rich's photographs bring it to life!  👏👏 

It was warm and a little bit muggy, but our gang is always ready for lunch after working with the MGs, so they didn't mind!  We found shade behind the Interpretive Center and it was pretty nice.

After our leisurely lunch, we stopped to pick up the t-shirt order and then returned to the center where we ended the day with dancing, since we didn't get to do it this morning.  We hope everyone's t-shirt orders were correct, and we look forward to wearing them more regularly now that everyone has some!!

Wednesday

We welcomed Liz's mom, Lise, to pinch-hit for Lisa today!  She looked on proudly as Liz told us about the postcard she brought for our "Travel Album."  They visited friends in New York last week, but first made a stop by the TWA Hotel at LaGuardia Airport, where Liz likes to observe planes taking off and landing!

This is Liz at the hotel's rooftop pool.  How cool is it to swim and watch planes?!  Liz had a blast, but said the sun had made the pool feel like a hot tub!

It was the second Wednesday of the month, so we volunteered at GCOC this morning.  They only needed one shift from us today, so Carol took an eager group.  They enjoyed working with Peggy and Joel to bag nonperishable food items.

They also bagged rolls of toilet paper!  Great teamwork!!

Nan and Lise remained at the center where their group prepped our lunch for the day.  Patrick browned sausage for the breakfast casserole.

Michelle, Erik, and Laura got our bananas and grapes ready!  Others gathered paper products and wrapped silverware with colorful homemade napkin rings.

While we waited for our casserole to bake, we celebrated National Positive Thinking Day.  It's important to focus on things that are going well!

There is almost always something to be happy and grateful for!  

We were happy and grateful for this tasty lunch today!  

The Arc is grateful for our help with the monthly mailing.  Be sure to check your calendar and sign up for some fun October happenings like an event with The Mariners' Museum, Halloween Bingo, and of course...

The 14th Annual Williamsburg Landing 5k Run/Walk for The Arc!  Only a few of our AoA members have registered, but we're hoping others will join us for the largest FUNdraiser of the year.  If you aren't going to be in town on October 7, you can register to participate virtually!  Click the pic below for a link to the sign up page.  Thank you, as always, for your support of the AoA and The Arc of Greater Williamsburg.  We really appreciate you!
 

Thursday

We spent a pleasant day in Yorktown enjoying the cooler temps, lower humidity, and breeze off the river!  Mike had to postpone our lesson at the Watermen's Museum due to a family emergency, but we loaded up the vans and headed to Yorktown anyway.  It's one of our favorite places to spend the day, especially when the weather is gorgeous!

We went for a couple of walks and admired a gorgeous blue sky!

There were a number of sailboats on the York River today.  And even though the bridge didn't need to swing open for them, we always like to see it when we're in town.  We have never taken a trip across the George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge, and that is something we need to add to our bucket list!  It is the largest double-swing span bridge in the United States, and the second largest in the world!  Anyone got a suggestion for something fun to do in Gloucester?!

We played corn hole in the shade of the picnic area.  Can you spot the bean bag that was just tossed by Adia and is about to score 2 points for her team?!

Erik had his eye on the hole when he threw this orange bag!

Now that school is back in session, we have a pretty good chance of snagging the covered picnic area when we come to Yorktown.  We really enjoy eating here!

We have been a small group all week, due to some friends being out for illness or traveling.  Here are 9 out of the 12 we had today, plus Ms. Sue!

We received an unexpected surprise when the vans pulled into Wendy's and we were treated to Frosties!  Tis the season for trying the new Pumpkin Spice flavored Frosty, and many of our guys gave it a 👍!  Yum! 

We want to give Ms. Sue 👍👍 and a huge THANK YOU for treating us today, and for stepping in for Lisa, who is home with Alexis as they spend the week with Covid!  We are so grateful for our wonderful substitutes, and don't know where we would be without them!

Meanwhile, down in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Sam is spending the week at his family's beach house and his Uncle Jay and Aunt Debbie are visiting from Arizona.  We got this picture of Sam and his dad, Tim, on a jet ski, with Uncle Jay and Aunt Debbie in the background.  Coach Teri reports that Sam is having a blast!  We miss you, Sam, but so glad you're enjoying family time!!

Friday

There was a lot going on today, and we handled it with only 11 of us in attendance!  First, we had a very productive morning at Eaton.

Liz, Nan, and Adia unpacked lightbulbs while Michelle and Erik counted and bagged screws.  

There was more counting to be done by Tessa, Laura, Xavier, and Annmarie.  These may seem like small tasks, but to Eaton, they are huge!

Here's another shoutout to Ms. Sue, who stepped in for Lisa again today.  We thank you very much, Sue, and hope you enjoyed spending two busy days with us.  We noticed y'all had the garage door up at Eaton on this gorgeous weather day!

It was a three-man job to empty these big boxes of product into smaller tubs.  Devin, Patrick, and Kevin were on it!

Rosemary was filling in for Ethan, who went to Heritage Humane Society with several other Eaton employees to participate in Day of Caring.  She stopped by to check on us and couldn't believe Devin is so dedicated to getting the job done that he would climb into the bottom of the box!

We also sent a small crew (after Eaton) to Tidal Wave Car Wash on Mooretown Road to be Arc Ambassadors for a fundraiser that was benefiting the Arc!

Ms. Sue took Devin, Liz, and Patrick, and they met Kellie from the Arc office.  Soon they were all cheering for the Arc and convincing lots of folks to stop in for a car wash!

We were VERY proud when our crew asked if they could help with the washing process!

Liz was bringing the elbow grease!

Devin paid attention to details!

They were awarded for their efforts with 🍕🍕🍕!  No complaints there!  Thank you, Devin, Patrick, and Liz for the double-duty work day today!  You are rocking it as Arc Ambassadors and we are so happy that we have you!!  Thanks also to the generous folks at Tidal Wave Car Wash for supporting The Arc of Greater Williamsburg!

Speaking of "thank yous,"  Michelle and Adia (on behalf of us all) would like to send a big one to Liz's dad, Arc board member, and our friend, Greg Kline for this container on wheels that we can store bird food in so we won't have to lug (and spill) it all over the place when filling the feeders! 👌🐦

Those who were left at AFCC finished the week with a relaxing yoga session!  We enjoyed "Cinderella Yoga" with Jaime...hey, the 5 girls out-voted the 3 guys!  But they were good sports!

We all hope next week will be what we used to consider a "normal" week, and Lisa and Lexi are well and no one else gets sick, and all of our travelers return home safely!  Our plans for next week include a very special birthday on Tuesday 🎉🥳, and a special luncheon on Wednesday 🐕🐶!

Tuesday:  We are celebrating Tessa's first birthday as an AoA member today!  We'll play her favorite music, jump on the computers for games, and solve puzzles...all favorite activities of hers.  Her mom, Michelle, is going to deliver cupcakes from Smallcakes Bakery, including a GF one for Xavier.  Thank you so much, Michelle!  We love cupcakes from Smallcakes!  Lunch on your own.  JRES Cafeteria is available and is serving Beef Soft Taco, Taco Salad, or Pizza.  After lunch we will visit with Christina at The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, so please wear Arc shirts!

Wednesday:  Today we celebrate the 1 year anniversary of our partnership with the therapy dogs and their amazing handlers.  We'll welcome them for a luncheon of Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad and Strawberry Jell-O Pretzel Salad.  We're exited to treat them to one of our fun lunch parties!  

Thursday:  We'll enjoy a movie day this morning, and work on fall crafts after lunch.  We'll also celebrate Chai Day with a tea drink, since that was very popular last year!  Lunch on your own.  JRES Cafeteria is available and is offering Domino's Pizza, Deli Sub, or Chef Salad.

Friday:  We're headed to Pet Supplies Plus to work this morning, so please wear PSP shirts.  The crew that remains at the center will prepare lunch and our menu is Grilled Cheese and Soup, choice of Tomato or Chicken Noodle.  We'll also have a lesson on the Autumnal Equinox, and end the week with yoga, so dress to stretch with your PSP shirts.

REMINDER:  Wednesday, September 20 at 6:30

Please join us at the Williamsburg Moose Lodge on Richmond Rd (behind Carolina Furniture near the intersection with Airport Road) for the presentation of the proceeds from the Women of the Moose's 8th Annual Golf Tournament that was held last month.  

Moose Patti and lots of our WOTM friends will be looking for us!!!  It only takes about 20 minutes and it's always a fun experience and a great chance to express our gratitude for the WOTM's dedication to this annual fundraiser.

ALSO...as mentioned earlier in the blog...the Williamsburg Landing 5k for The Arc is fast approaching on Saturday, October 7.  Please help us with a big showing from the Arc of Abilities!  Most of us who have registered are planning to participate in the 1 mile fun walk, so it's not even too hard!

  Here's the registration link:

Arc 5k Registration

Hope to see you there!

🏃🏃🏃

Lisa, Carol, Nan, and the AoA Gang