Annual ARC Halloween Dance Attracts More than 100

by Jonathan Weaver

Superheroes, witches and “The Cat in the Hat” were just some of the many Halloween costumes during ARC of Armstrong’s annual Halloween party last Friday.

Held at St. Mary’s Parish Hall, more than 125 individuals and their caregivers from agencies such as Evergreen Homes, LifeSteps and the Progressive Workshop danced to the beats of DJ Jim Cochran

Rec Club Director Lisa Calarie, of Rural Valley, has volunteered since graduating from Kittanning Senior High in 1974 and used to lead a youth PARC.

Calarie credited with Director Cindy Bracken and fellow volunteer Carol Sell.

“I couldn’t do it without Cindy and Carol because they really pitch in and help me a lot,” Calarie said. “They just don’t take the credit.”

Sell, of Ford City, began volunteering in the organization 40 years ago. She became involved when her mentally-challenged son was in kindergarten.

“He bypassed everything – they said he’d never walk, he’d never talk, he’d never dress himself, he’d never feed himself. (Now,) he does all of that,” Sell said.

The trio was also aided Friday night by four Armstrong Junior/Senior High LEO Club members – Jocelyn Dias, Kaylee Hough, Ryan Arbuckle and Carly Cornman. Students sold cans of pop and helped distribute snacks (cheese curls and cupcakes), as well as hang up/tear down decorations.

“We get volunteers every year – like at Camp Sunshine, we couldn’t do it without these guys,” Bracken said. “I send flyers to every high school and they send kids out – it’s so great to have them.”

Dias, Hough and Arbuckle – all sophomores – are also involved in the high school Student Council.

Dances used to be held at the Knights of Columbus on Oak Avenue – who now pays rent for each event at St. Mary’s Parish Hall.

Another dance is scheduled next month before a December formal at the Kittanning Elks.

ARC (Advocacy and Resources for Citizens with intellectual disabilities) volunteers have also arranged bowling games, movie viewings and shopping trips.

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