2011 ERC Annual Report
It's been another successful year for the Elizabeth Richardson Center. Click here to see our 2011 Annual Report.
Board Meeting
NEXT MEETING OF THE ERC BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Thursday, February 23, 2012, at 6:30 pm in the Conference Room
3917 S. Old Missouri Rd., Springdale, AR
ERC Breaks Ground on Greenhouse and Gardens
http://kuaf.com/content/elizabeth-richardson-center-breaks-ground-greenhouse-and-garden
ERC broke ground on a new greenhouse project on Tuesday, September 20, 2011, at 9:00 am. The greenhouse is being built to provide a unique opportunity for adults with disabilities to participate actively in all phases of gardening. The new greenhouse will be located directly behind the ERC Life Skills building at 1763 Ford Avenue in Springdale. It is also conveniently adjacent to the three 10-bed Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF) operated by ERC.
With shovels: Lance Eads, Vice President for Economic Development with the Springdale Chamber of Commerce; Skip Murphy, Murphy Construction; John Buck, ERC Executive Director; Katie, ERC Client;
Amy Bates, ERC Board Secretary; Jenna Johnston, ERC Board Vice President; Larry Templeton, ERC Board President; James Maginot, ERC Case Manager; and representatives from the Springdale Chamber of Commerce.
Due in large part to a grant received from the Lennox Foundation, the 1000 square foot greenhouse will have raised beds both inside and immediately outside the building along with wheelchair accessible concrete paths allowing access from Life Skills and the ICF Homes.
Participants will learn about soil preparation, nutrients necessary for growth, the planting process, nurturing healthy plants, identification of weeds, control of pests and other barriers to growth and the harvesting process. Gardening can be linked to improvements in physical, mental and social well-being, including:
-increases in muscular strength and body mechanics
-improved coordination and balance
-increased autonomy, independence and self-esteem
-increased observation skills and attention span
-providing choices and ability to use problem solving skills
-commitment to a living thing
-cooperation and team-building skills
-dealing with success and failure
The greenhouse will be complete by the beginning of 2012 and will be ready for the first planting in the spring.
ERC Aktion Club announces new officers
The Elizabeth Richardson Center’s Aktion Club recently announced their new officers. The ERC Aktion Club is sponsored by the Springdale Kiwanis and has tripled in size since it received its charter early last year. Kiwanis Lieutenant Governor for Division 19B, Dan Zelenka, was on hand to announce and congratulate each new officer.
Photo left to right: Dan Zelenka,
Jeremy Minchew, Aktion Club President, Teddy House, Aktion Club Secretary, Tera Murphy, Aktion Club Treasurer, and Tamara Trujillo, Aktion Club Vice President.
ERC Executive Director wins National Greatest Boss Award
John Buck, ERC Executive Director, has been named a winner in the nonprofit or government category of The Greatest Boss contest sponsored by iBossWell.
Buck was nominated by Lynne Keller, ERC Corporate Communications Director, in the nationwide essay competition. Buck was cited for his humility and positive leadership.
The judges panel was looking for bosses who lead with a compelling vision, make a plan and inspire their teams to transform that plan into success; support employees to achieve their best and to grow personally and professionally; teach for the future by sharing knowledge, skills and insights that ultimately shape employees' worldview or positively affect the outlook of their organization.
More than 200 leaders were considered for the award and 24 were selected for recognition. iBossWell, based in Kansas City, offers organizational development services through board assessment and development, coaching and strategic planning.
