You’ve been asking for it and now it’s here; Stepping Stones School Gear.  We’re offering many ways to look fashionable and support the school at the same time.  To view the PDF Catalog and Order Form just click on this link: Stepping Stones Apparel Catalog.  Just choose the items you want, fill out the order form and return it with a check made out to the Candle Lighters.  If you have a child in the school you can send the order form and check in the child’s backpack.  If you are an alumnus, parent of a graduate or just a friend of the school please mail the order form to:

All orders must be received by Friday, March 2nd, 2012.  Happy Shopping!

We only have two wrap session before our Tricky Tray on Friday, February 3rd.  We will be wrapping this Saturday, January 28th from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM and on Tuesday, January 31st from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM at Stepping Stones School, 19 Harrison Avenue, Roseland, NJ.

If you want to donate to the Tricky Tray it’s not too late.  We are accepting donations until Tuesday, January 31st.  If you are unsure of what to buy or don’t have time to shop, you can send an item from our Amazon Wish List.  Follow this link and have something send directly to us.

Tricky Tray 2012

Tricky Tray is only a month and a half away and we can use lots of help to insure great success.

• Attend the next Candle Lighters meeting and first wrap night which will take place on January 12th at 6:30 p.m. at Stepping Stones School, 19 Harrison Ave., in Roseland, NJ
• Solicit donations from family, friends, and businesses.  For all the information go here.
• Post information about donations on your facebook page with a link to our information.
• Create a table of 10 guests and make your reservation here.

Wednesday, June 22

The Arc Main Offices

7:30 p.m.

(and the Top Ten Reasons Why You Should)

10)  I don’t know anyone. (We want to get to know you!  Please come!  This is a great way to find a community of friends)

 9)  I don’t want to get roped into too much work. (We promise not to do this!  You can do as little or as much as you want—or nothing at all!  Just come and offer your opinions!)

 8)  I wouldn’t have anything to say.  (Then just come and listen.  You’d be surprised, though, at how much of an opinion you will have!)

7)  I don’t know where the ARC offices are.  (123 Naylon Ave, Livingston, NJ, 07039 and for directions visit:  www.mapquest.com)

6)  These meetings last too long.  (We will keep it to a tight agenda, and you can also get up and leave whenever you want.)

5)  There are never any good snacks there.  (The ARC offices have a tasty vending machine!  Plus, someone ALWAYS brings something good to eat!)

4)  You don’t really need me.  Other people will show up.  (On the contrary. We are such a small school that we need all the help we can get, and all the ideas we can find).

3)  I’m tired and I’ve been dealing with kids all day.  (No kids will be at THIS meeting!)

2)  I’m not a “meeting” kind of person.   (Today is the first day of the rest of your life!)

1)  The “Dancing with the Stars” Result Show is on!  (TIVO IT!!!)

Our next Candle Lighter meeting will be on Wednesday, April 20, at 7:30 p.m. at the ARC offices.   We really need you there!  We really, really hope you can make it.  

Dr. White Flatley is co-founder of Research Down Syndrome with funds research into improving cognitive functioning in individuals with Down syndrome.  She is also a former Board Chair of Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation (DSRTF).  Her son is a graduate of Stepping Stones.  Dr. White Flatley will be discussing the latest in research.

Please let us know if you will be attending.  Stepping Stones parents can put a note in your child’s communications book.  All others can submit the form below.

• Thank You! – Our treasurer reported that because of your generosity The Candle Lighters were able to write a check to The Arc of Essex County for $35,000.  This money will be used for the underfunded programs at the Arc like Stepping Stones Early Intervention and Camp Hope.

Livingston, NJ, March 3, 2011 – The Arc of Essex County has unveiled a dynamic new logo as part of a nationwide campaign to heighten public awareness of the work done by The Arc to provide opportunities and supports for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

The logo design, which incorporates the phrase, “Achieve With Us,” reflects the determination of The Arc to support and embrace people with I/DD and their families across their lifetimes and across diagnoses, among them Down syndrome, autism, and cerebral palsy.

“Our new brand identity represents a new day for The Arc of Essex County and the mission of The Arc.  The new logo is bringing the efforts of a strong and energetic organization front and center and is a bright reminder that we provide opportunity: opportunity for hope, opportunity for growth and opportunity for change,” said Bruce Bird, Ph.D., The Arc of Essex County president.

The color combination of orange and yellow is a standout among nonprofit organizations and its vibrancy will be closely associated with The Arc, just as pink is associated with awareness of breast cancer.

The Arc is the nation’s largest and leading organization for people with I/DD and their families. It has been an effective agent of change, forcefully advocating for legislation to improve the lives of people with I/DD in health care, education, employment, housing and other areas of life.

The Arc of Essex County, which was established in 1948, is a service provider as well as an advocate, and has the distinction of being one of the oldest of more than 700 Arc chapters in the United States. There are 20 chapters of The Arc in New Jersey, and The Arc of New Jersey is extremely active at the state level.

“We are proud and excited to introduce our new look to the community. The Arc of Essex County is a very important part of literally thousands of children and adults, and it’s because of the supports and services of The Arc that they are able to achieve individual goals and determine their life’s path,” said Linda Lucas, executive director of The Arc of Essex County. “The new logo eloquently expresses our deep, ongoing commitment to build on our 63-year legacy of making a meaningful difference every day.”

If you are not registered with Box Tops for Education you can find instructions here.