The Helping Hand
3000 N. Central Street, Knoxville, Tennessee 37917
Phone: (865) 546-9431
Fax: (865) 546-7960
Website: www.sunshinekcarc.com
2014 Worker of the Year Ralph Taylor!!!
The Jo C. Anderton, Jr. Employee of the Year award is given each year to an
employee who, works hard every day and does the very best job they can do.
This year’s award went to Ralph Taylor and was presented to him at our annual
Christmas party. Ralph gives 100% to every job he does, will try any new job that comes
in, and always has a good attitude. In short, he is a great employee!
His name will be added to the Employee of the Year plaque in the break room at
Sunshine Industries. Congratulations Ralph!
A United Way
Community
Partner
Winter 2015
Volume 3, Issue 4
Inside this issue:
Worker of the
Year
1
Thank You
Donors!
2
Early
Intervention
Update
Leisure Services
Update
3
Workers of the
Week
Annual Report
4,5
3,4
6,7
Excerpts
Judy Wohlwend, Executive Director, presents the award to Ralph who is dressed as Elvis after singing “Blue
Christmas” for the Christmas Party! We don’t think his Christmas was “blue” after winning Employee of the Year!
Christmas Party
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Thanks for Donations!
Deepest thanks to all of you who made donations to the Arc Knox County during recent months! We truly appreciate
your support!
Christmas Fund Donations
1/1/2014
10/17/2014
11/12/2014
11/19/2014
12/1/2014
12/1/2014
12/5/2014
12/5/2014
12/5/2014
12/9/2014
12/10/2014
12/10/2014
12/11/2014
12/11/2014
12/18/2014
12/19/2014
Denny and Christine Dukes
Jim and Janie Porter
Scott and Sue Gibson
Hazel Brimi in honor of Mary Kay Brimi
Judy Wohlwend in memory of Eddie Asbury
Bessie Hansard
Cusick Clow
Laura Morton
Kathy Cheek-Hutson
Jerry and Christy Galyon
Ben Barbee
Powell United Methodist Church Pathfinders for Client Christmas Party in memory of Jody Herd
William and Ann Pope in memory of Cathy Pope
Emerald Ave United Methodist Women
Edward and Linda Copeland
Donna Jordan
Memorial Donations
9/19/2014
9/19/2014
9/26/2014
10/7/2014
10/8/2014
10/8/2014
10/21/2014
11/6/2014
12/11/2014
12/21/2014
Mary Blankenship in memory of Mark Blankenship
Lesia Wallace, Tammy, Jerry, Steve, and Darlene McPeek in memory of Mark Blankenship
D. Stanley and Bettye Barnes in memory of Mark Blankenship
Eddie and Carolyn Hall in memory of Mark Blankenship
James and Susan Connors in memory of Mark Blankenship
John Blankenship in memory of Mark Blankenship
Herman and Cathy Love in memory of Mark Blankenship
Johanna Wohlwend in memory of Joe Wohlwend
Susan Carpenter and Audra Inman in memory of Vieve Bowmaster
Chlotia Bordes in memory of Henry Hansard and Pat Potter
General Donations
10/17/2014
12/8/2014
12/8/2014
12/22/2014
12/23/2014
12/25/2014
12/29/2014
12/29/2014
12/31/2014
Jim and Janie Porter – client vacation donation
Nelwyn Inman
Mr. and Mrs. John Stone for Leisure Services – Citrus Fundraiser Donation
Diane Lillibridge in honor of Dr. Sandra McGuire
Mr. Carl Reitz for Leisure Services – Citrus Fundraiser Donation
Patricia Roberts in honor of Gabe White from his aunt
Rosemarie Hammond
Jordan Spradling
Rebecca Taylor in honor of her father, Mike Taylor
Fundraiser donations from South College Physician Assistant Class of 2015
The P.A. Class of 2015 chose the Arc Knox County as their charity recipient in 2014 and spent many hours and much
hard work over the course of the year on several fundraising activities: a concert at Barley’s in the Old City in June; a
silent auction at the Farragut Rush in August; a golf tournament at Dead Horse Lake in September; and the design and
production of Arc travel mugs in October. They presented us with a check from the proceeds of all those events in
December for $3,500! It was a wonderful Christmas present and we are very appreciative of all the time and effort
these students spent on these events. Thanks to the Edmund J. Wise Student Society which sponsors a community
service project for the P.A. class at South College each year. It not only benefits the agency chosen as the recipient
but also instills a sense of community service and “giving back” to students who will be the leaders in our community
in the future.
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Condolences
Our condolences to the family of Steve Taylor, former employee of Sunshine Industries, who
passed away on 10/20/14. Steve worked here for over 25 years, from 1975 to 2000. He had many
friends among his co-workers and he will be missed.
Community News
Sonshine Ministry with First Baptist Concord hosts
Family Support Group – Assisting parents, family members, caregivers, and professionals who serve children, youth,
and adults who have special needs – meets the second Wednesday each month from 6-7:30 pm in Room F-106.
ASK A DOCTOR…
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
6 – 7:30pm
Presenter: Dr. Larry Rodgers, MD. Ask your questions about medical issues that affect people of all ages who have
disabilities. Call (865) 806-8555 for more information.
Program Updates
Early Intervention
Sunshine Early Intervention was featured in a public awareness campaign for United Way this year. One of our
families opened their home for videos, pictures, and interviews. Early Intervention Specialist Alisa Weeks
participated also, providing information about Early Intervention and the importance of beginning as early as possible
with educational services for infants and toddlers. The Early Intervention student, Finley, has severe to profound
bilateral hearing loss and has worn hearing aids since he was seven months old. Hearing aids did not prove to be
beneficial and after considerable contemplation, his parents decided to have cochlear implant surgery after Finley
turned one year old. One month later his cochlear implant was activated and his parents are eagerly waiting to see if
he will be responsive to sound. Alisa has been working with the baby since he was five months old and has taught the
parents strategies they can use during their daily routines to help Finley develop language and auditory skills as well as
sharing information about Deaf culture and the Deaf community. The TV and radio commercials aired in December
and can be found on YouTube by following https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjJeA-iXMoU&feature=youtu.be.
Sunshine Industries
The last few months have been somewhat slow for the subcontract area. Some of the jobs we have performed include
sorting and inspecting hangers, collating information packets, restringing laundry bags, greasing metal handles,
packaging puddle guppies, gluing fish sticks and assembling cardboard partitions. The metal shop has been busy
producing metal bookcases, credenzas, office stands and mast sections for the government and reeling machines for a
private company. We have started a new E-cycling project where we will be disassembling computers, printers, cell
phones, etc. We are now accepting all your old unwanted computer equipment and cell phones. We also have begun a
Christmas Light Recycling Initiative with collection barrels at all the Pilot stores in Knox County, Three Rivers
Market, Scripts Network and the Food City in Powell. The collection barrels will be at these locations until the end of
January. Recycling the Christmas lights will provide work for our clients as we will be removing all the bulbs from the
wire harness and recycling all parts. Our E-cycle program was featured on WBIR and WVLT News segments and can
be accessed here: http://on.wbir.com/1BfS0eU and http://www.local8now.com/news/headlines/E-Cycle-Christmaslights-286242781.html#.VKvk9AZ8KJ4.mailto. We are also featured on the City of Knoxville’s website
http://www.cityofknoxville.org/solidwaste/christmas.asp. Remember to drop off your lights today!
Leisure Services
5th Annual Citrus Fundraiser
The Arc Knox County conducted its 5th Annual Florida Citrus Fundraiser in November and raised $3,200 in support of
the Leisure Services program. This fundraiser has become a much anticipated event each year and has generated close
to $25,000 since its inception. This revenue source is extremely important for the continued existence of the program
since there are no local, state, or federal monies for such a program. In addition to this fundraiser, revenues are
generated from United Way contributions, donations, and user fees but together they have never covered the entire
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expense of operating the program. The Arc Knox County has for 27 years provided additional monetary support to
make possible the excellent programs offered by Leisure Services. Many thanks to everyone who sold fruit and we
look forward to your continued support in the future.
Special Olympics of Greater Knoxville Basketball Tournament
Sunshine Leisure Services recently sent two teams to the Special Olympics of Greater Knoxville’s Basketball
Tournament which was held at Hardin Valley Academy on November 21st. The B Division team took on a talented
South Doyle High School team and fell behind by as many as 14 points early but then mounted one of the most
impressive comebacks in Sunshine basketball history and got within two points. Unfortunately, that was as close as
they could get and in the end had to settle for the bronze medal but the composure, skill and teamwork they displayed
during the game was evident to everyone in attendance. In the C Division a second Sunshine team took on the Oak
Ridge High School Wildcats in the gold medal round and came out victorious. Thanks to everyone for a job welldone. Next up, volleyball will start toward the end of January.
Frisbee Golf and Flag Football Big Hits with Participants
Leisure Services continues to partner with the City of Knoxville’s Park and Recreation to explore and develop new
and innovative programs. This past fall clients participated in another Frisbee Golf league and for the first time, flag
football. These six-week long activities were led by Daniel Alexander with the city’s park and recreation program.
We anticipate this could be the beginning of something big and look forward to growing both programs to include
more people. We are also looking at other ways Sunshine Leisure Services can combine efforts with Parks and
Recreation to better serve the special needs population. In addition to all the above mentioned activities, additional
programming highlights from the fall have included two outings to Dollywood, The Miracle Worker at Clarence
Brown Theater, a visit to English Mountain Trout Farm, WWE Smackdown, a walk into the Haunted Forest off
Clinton Highway, Circle G Ranch, and the Ballinger Farm Corn Maze/Pumpkin Pick/Weenie Roast.
Residential Program
Residents at Beta Homes have been having a great time during the holidays this year. Central United Methodist
Church and Bearden United Methodist Church threw wonderful Christmas parties for them. Their volunteers hosted
dinner and purchased very nice gifts for our clients. One of our clients was even taken to be fitted for a dress suit
which he received for Christmas and was very excited.
July 18, 2014
Chad Angelini
Anthony Coppock
Arick Smith
Becky Thompson
July 25, 2014
Brenda Barbee
Mike Bolinger
Billy Ishee
Ricky Slimp
August 1, 2014
Raymond Barks
Martha Crutchfield
Michleen Jones
Joey McMahan
August 8, 2014
Janet Gaylon
Jeff Lee
Angie Taylor
Becky Tolliver
Gabe White
August 15, 2014
Greg Payne
Ricky Byrd
Adrian Satterwhite
Doyal Berkley
August 22, 2014
David Rigby
Jack Butterfield
Kevin Wells
Tammy Carroll
August 29, 2014
Nick Dalby
David Koenig
Vickie Owen
Mark Tester
Cintas
Cumberland Co. Mirrors
Elavon
Puddle Guppy
Elavon
Cintas
PCA Partitions
Furniture
PCA
Cumberland Co. MH
Cintas
Radio Systems
Radio Systems
Jack Handles
Cintas
Elavon
Cumberland Companies
Jack Handles
A.B.
Radio Systems
Cintas
Cintas
PCA
Cumberland Co. Mirrors
Albea
American Books
Albea
Mirrors
Alcoa Recycle Project
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September 5, 2014
Adrian Satterwhite
Tony Hemphill
Brandon Miller
Jonathan Morton
September 12, 2014
Ricky Byrd
Amy Davis
Jay Bryce
Preston Jordan
Cody Nicholas
September 19, 2014
Jerry Degnan
Terri Owenby
Dwight Mckeehan
Annie Graham
September 26, 2014
Warren Chesney
Charlotte Laws
Mary Kay Brimi
Matt Stone
October 3, 2014
Ralph Taylor
Mary Kay Brimi
Brian Borden
Dennis Murphy
October 10, 2014
Rodney Anderson
Kimica Hopkins
Caleb Lee
Web Sowell
October 17, 2014
Chris Sanders
Anthony Coppock
Michael Cortese
Ronald Forrester
October 24, 2014
Tracey Stauffer
Starling Stephenson
Jordan Galyon
Sarah Quarles
October 31, 2014
Cindy Clemons
Matt Goldnetz
Alina Mezic
Robert Harb
November 7, 2014
Billy Ishee
Scott Knowles
Robert Rogers
Jamie Prescod
November 14, 2014
Richard Metcalf
Mark Campbell
Matt Kiser
Brenda Barbee
November 21, 2014
David Hansard
Johnny Smith
Greg Ridley
Bill Trevena
December 5, 2014
Ricky Slimp
Martha Crutchfield
Steven Hurst
Chad Angelini
December 12, 2014
Ralph Taylor
December 19, 2014
Mike Bolinger
Janet Gaylon
Jessie Butcher
Jeff Lee
December 31, 2014
David Koenig
Greg Payne
David Rigby
Jackie Shasteen
American Books
Cumberland Co. Mirrors
Albea
Cintas
Radio Systems
Cintas
PCA
Cumberland Co. Mirrors
Radio Systems
Elavon
Cumberland Co. Mirrors
PCA
Albea
Alsco
Albea
Elavon
Radio Systems
Mast Section
Elavon
Radio Systems
Tea
Mast Section
Housekeeping
Elavon
Albea
Congratulations
to all the
workers of the
week!
R.S. Kitty Litter
R.S. Flik
PCA
Alsco
Cintas
Elavon
P. Guppy
Albea
Cumberland Co.
Elavon
Albea
PCA
Cintas
Elavon
Mast Section
Tea MH
Tea MH
Radio Systems Flik
Cintas
Elavon
Cumberland Co. Mirrors
Puddle Guppy
Elavon
Cintas
Cumberland Co. Mirrors
Elavon
Recycle
Cintas
WORKER OF THE YEAR
Elavon
Dakota
Cintas
Furniture
Puddle Guppy
Fuel Cradle
Cintas
Collating
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Excerpts from the Executive Director’s Semi-Annual
Report to the KCARC Board of Directors
January 1, 2014 – June 30, 2014
Residential Services
Independent Living Program
The ILP continues to have 14 residents in the program. One resident lives at Hiawassee, six at Scheel, one at
Westview Towers, and the remaining clients live in the Norwood/Inskip area. J.S. moved to Black Oak Drive after
selling his home due to his desire to become L.B.’s housemate. One client receives med waiver semi-independent
funding, while the remaining clients pay privately for this program.
ILP’s staff consists of one full-time staff member.
Beta Homes
Beta II:
This home has ten residents. Beta II’s staffing consists of two full-time and five part-time Direct Support Staff.
During this report period one resident moved out of the residence and another moved in a couple of weeks later.
The Knights of Columbus came to the group home in May and planted some flowers with our residents.
Additionally, Central United Methodist Church invited our residents to a farewell party for Pastor Bruce Galyon in
June.
Beta III:
Currently this home has nine residents who reside there. We also have one opening, due to a resident moving to
another agency who could better meet his needs in a smaller setting. Beta III’s staffing consist of three full-time and
four part-time Direct Support Staff.
Additionally, we have three PRN Direct Support Staff, who are all cross-trained to work at both homes.
Retirement:
Eight clients participate in the Retirement Program. Staffing consists of one full-time and one part-time Direct
Support Staff.
The Retirement participants enjoy art and craft projects daily, exercise and lunch at the Senior Center on Tuesdays and
Thursdays, having lunch with their friends at Sunshine Industries on Wednesdays (food sale), and free days on
Mondays and Fridays. They also enjoy the following:
Fountain City Duck Pond
Victor Ashe Park
Therapy Dog Visit
Swimming at the Community Center
Restaurant Outings
When participants are not in the community, they enjoy activities that practice memory skills and fine motor skills.
Leisure Services
For the period from January 1 – June 30, 2014, 3,311 individuals (including duplications) have participated in
8,158.50 hours of Leisure Services programming. For the twelve-month period from July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2014,
6,601 individuals participated for a total of 17,539.75 programming hours. Highlights from this most recent six-month
period included a fishing rodeo with Farragut Parks and Recreation, the Clarence Brown Theater’s production of
“Spamelot”, a group hike to the top of Clingman’s Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains, bluegrass and BBQ at Cove
Lake State Park and two new attractions in Pigeon Forge; the Great Smoky Mountain Ferris Wheel and Smoky
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Mountain Alpine Slide. Additionally, larger events like the annual Special Olympics Unified Bowling League at UT
were well-received. Participants were also offered a chance to purchase Dollywood season tickets with the promise of
three scheduled excursions during 2014. The first excursion took place in April. A complete list of activities offered
to clients during this six-month period can be found below.
During the last six months, Leisure Services was fortunate to have Courtney Carter as an intern from the Department
of Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport Studies at the University of Tennessee. Courtney did an excellent job during
540 hours with the department.
Additional Programming Highlights – January – June 2014
Sporting Events
UT Lady Vols Basketball – 1X
UT Lady Vols Softball – 2X
UT Vols Basketball – 2X
UT Vols Baseball – 1X
Knoxville Ice Bears Hockey – 2X
Knoxville Smokies Baseball – 1X
Miscellaneous
Japanese Steakhouse
Winterfest Trolly Ride Pigeon Forge
Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge
Science and Energy Museum Oak Ridge
Pigeon Forge Ferris Wheel and Dinner
Joyful Noise Drums – Practice 7X and Performance at S.O. Track &
Field
Plays/Concerts/Performances
Sunset Music Series at the Smokey Mountain Heritage Center in Townsend – 1X
“Spamelot” at the Clarence Brown Theater
“Saddle Up” Festival concert in Pigeon Forge
Cove Lake State Park Bluegrass and BBQ
“Willie Wonka” at the Knoxville Children’s Theater
Country Tonight Theater – 2X
Outdoor Outings
Pontoon Boating on Norris Lake – 1X
Two Miler Walking Group – 7X
Inskip Pool – 2X
Kentucky Splash Water Park – 1X
“Dip” at fountains at World’s Fair Park
Fishing Rodeo w/ Farragut Parks and Recreation
Smoky Mountain Alpine Slide in Pigeon Forge
Dollywood Outing
Clingman’s Dome hike – 1X
Special Olympics – Local and State Tournaments/Competitions
• Tennessee Summer Games – 16 athletes in bocce ball, tennis, and track and field
• Unified Bowling League at UT – (six weeks) 26 athletes and 14 partners
• Special Olympics of Greater Knoxville Adult Track and Field Meet – 55 athletes
• Special Olympics of Greater Knoxville Volleyball Tournament – 2 traditional teams for a total of 18
athletes
• Volleyball Practice – 6X
• Special Olympics of Greater Knoxville Tennis Tournament – 12 athletes
• Tennis Practice – 6X
Lunch Outings
Applebee’s – 6X
Food Sales at Sunshine – 23X
Movie Outings – 5X
Bowling Outings – 24X
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The Arc Knox County Membership
If your membership to the Arc has expired or will be expiring soon, you may use this form to renew your
membership. Please fill out the form and drop it in the mail with your membership dues. Your support is greatly
appreciated! Thank you!
Enclosed: _____________________ $10.00 (regular) _____________________ $25.00 (contributing)
Name: _____________________________________ Phone: ________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________________________
City
State
Zip
Please mail to: The Arc Knox County, 3000 N. Central Street, Knoxville, TN, 37917.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Your membership shows your support of The Arc Knox County and its programs, and also greatly helps to defray the
cost of publishing and mailing The Helping Hand. If you have received this newsletter by mistake or no longer
wish to have a paper copy, please help us save the environment by calling us at 865-546-9431 ext. 219 or
emailing us at [email protected]. The Helping Hand Newsletter can always be found on our website
at www.sunshinekcarc.com!
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