Violin Concert

On Tuesday the Center enjoyed a violin concert by Michelle Turner and her grandmother Laura Hawkins. Michelle is a friend of Laura Hedgecock, one of our staff. These lovely ladies were gracious enough to come and share their talents with us. The staff and students alike were blessed by Michelle and Laura's selections of carols and seasonal music.

Thank you so much for coming. The pictures below tell the story:

Center Christmas Party

Well, the Center has been enjoying the Christmas season for a couple of weeks now. However, today was the day they were all looking forward to. Karen Tucker of Karen Tucker Catering provided cake, cookies, chips, sandwiches, and punch for all of us. She is so thoughtful that she even made a yummy sugar free cake for the diabetics that we have attending the Center. Karen's group also provided gifts for each student that Santa passed out to everyone's delight.

Maddie Allen, 11 year old daughter of Josh and Mo Allen, played Christmas Carols for us during the party. She also blessed our hearts with her sweet voice during a solo performance. Even Santa was impressed with this young lady's talents and told her so when he gave her a gift.

Our students were so glad to see Santa that they nearly knocked him over when he came in ringing his bells and shouting, "HO, HO, HO!" It's a good thing Santa is a big fella. He called each student by name and checked his list for those that were good or bad. Not that a Smith Center student could possibly be on his bad list, surely not.

I know all the staff and students thoroughly enjoyed this special event and our Christmas celebrations here at the Smith Center. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Pictures:

Residential Christmas Party

On Tuesday night, December 21st, the Residential Program was treated to supper and a couple dressed in red. Sgt. Jeremy Edwards of the Army National Guard at Fort Taylor Hardin in Montgomery, along with others in his office provided two generous gifts for each of the residents in our group home program. Santa and Mrs. Santa dropped by, even though this is their busiest time of year, to spend some time with our folks. Several of our resident's parents were able to attend the party as well. We want to thank all those who went out of their way to brighten the hearts of our residents. You truly blessed us with your thoughtfulness.

Check out the fun:

Paper, Paper, and More Paper

Thank you International Paper, Selma for your donation of 40 cases of paper. Karen Tucker did the leg work for the donation in behalf of the Center. Thanks to Karen as well. We use about 4 cases of paper about every 5 weeks, so this will last us several months.

Look at all the paper:

From IP Paper Donation

Dancing with the Nicholson's

Josh Shearon, a Center participant, introduced his grandparents who had come to provide music for Christmas dancing. Ruby and Wayne Nicholson of Montgomery have come several times to entertain at the Center. Back in the spring they brought a "Square" of dancers for our Smith Center community days. These square dancers are a part of the Prattville Promenaders and Wayne is their caller. However, today Wayne and Ruby performed solo. After their solo exhibition dance Wayne invited the center individuals to dance while he played several favorite Christmas songs.

Our folks thoroughly enjoyed themselves as they danced by themselves and as couples. Some sat and clapped while others were dancing to the cheerful, happy music. Smiles were abundant as they shared this time with the Nicholson's. To wrap it all up Mr. Nicholson had them get in a circle and they danced the "Hokey Pokey." What if the Hokey Pokey was what it's all about? Just asking..... A beautiful instrumental of Amazing Grace was played as the hour ended and the Center individuals thanked Ruby and Wayne for coming. Wayne encouraged everyone to be good, have a Merry Christmas, and be sure to leave cookies for Santa.

Pictures below:

Civitan Christmas Lunch

The Prattville Civitans provided lunch today for the Smith Center participants and staff. The festive table decorations done by staff and civitans added just the right touch to a wonderful lunch of sandwiches, chicken nuggets, fresh fruit and vegetables, chips and dip, ham and cheese, a refreshing punch, and delicious desserts. The Civitans graciously served the students and were so kind and helpful as they fixed plates for everyone. Staff were also on hand to give out plates and punch.

Members of the Prattville Community Chorus entertained us with beautiful renditions of favorite Christmas carols. Some of our individuals joined in on the songs they knew...and even some they didn't, but that was part of the fun.

The Civitans' Santa gave presents to all the students and staff present with a "Ho, Ho, Ho and Merry Christmas to all." A check for $1,000 topped off the event.

Civitans we love you, thank you for blessing our Center in this special way. May you all be blessed as you blessed us today and have blessed us over the years.

Pictures below:

Spiritual Luncheon

Pastor Kent Crockett and Worship Leader Lewies Van der Mere led the staff and participants of the Smith Center in a spiritual luncheon on Thursday, December 16th as part of the Christmas Festivities at the Center. Pastor Crockett challenged us to remember what was important about the Christmas season and Lewies played the keyboard and led the students in singing a few songs. Everyone enjoyed the event and we thank these two men for sharing their day with us. Take a look at the pictures:

Computers for the Smith Center

What a blessing! The Couples IV Sunday School Class from Camellia Baptist Church has donated 8 computers for our classrooms. Lester Compton delivered them to the Center today and had his picture made with several of our folks. The Sunday School Class gave money to purchase new hard drives for the donated computers. Each computer came with a flat screen monitor, keyboard, and a mouse. Please look at the slideshow below.

Computers open the doors of learning in the lives of students with disabilities. Individuals who have difficulty reading, writing, spelling, and penmanship all benefit from the use of a computer. With the computer technology available today, students with disabilities can successfully learn academics in a way tailored to their needs.

Some Christmas Activities at the Smith Center

The Smith Center is decked with Christmas wreaths, trees, and door decorations. First United Methodist gave several beautiful poinsettias, some for the residential homes and the Center. It has been really cold and windy outside, but the Center is full of warmth and cheer. Individuals are excited about the season and the various activities here at the Center.

On December the 6th one of our parents, Linda Cooper, came with a few friends and helped our folks make ornaments. Trees, wreaths, icicles, and candy canes now adorn the tree in our dining hall. We thank these ladies for being so generous with their time and talents. Our individuals were so proud of their handiwork. They will take these ornaments home with them on 23rd to put on their trees at home.

On Tuesday, the 14th, the 2nd graders from Prattville Christian Academy came and sang several Christmas songs for all of us. What a joy to have these precious children come and share their Christmas spirit with us. They also brought Christmas cards that they had made to share with the Center. There are some very talented artists in this group. We so appreciate them coming to sing for us. They were so well behaved and their smiles and energy were contagious.

As I was typing this post a mother and son from Boy Scout Troop 25 brought in a big box of mixed fruit. Some kind person had purchased the box and gave instructions for it to be given to a charitable group. Yeah, fruit will be given out tomorrow to all who want it.

The 15th and 16th will be busy as our classes go shopping for gifts to exchange with each other. Also, on the 16th Pastor Crockett from The Church of Living Water will speak at a spiritual luncheon here. On the 17th the Civitans will bring goodies for individuals and staff. The Prattville Service League has provided goody bags for each participant and these will be given out soon.

Pictures about some of these activities below. Check the blog again on the 23rd for more activities.

Below are pictures of the December Birthday party and ornament making:




Below are pictures of some individuals and of PCA 2nd grade singers:

Thanksgiving Feast at the Smith Center

Turkey, dressing, and gravy, green beans, sweet potato casserole, rolls, cranberry sauce, and almost any kind of pie or cake you can think of...that's what we had for lunch today. Yum! Karen Tucker Catering once again blessed our hearts and tummies with her wonderful gift of food and service to the Smith Center. This event is one of our biggest highlights of the year.

The Senior Youth Group from St. Joseph's Catholic Church was on hand as well to help fix plates and serve the individuals who attend the Center. Our staff had the dining room and lobby area decorated with fall colors and turkeys adding to the festive feel of the day. Most of us ate too much and our work may have suffered a bit during the afternoon, but don't tell anyone!

Check out the slideshow for all the festivities:

Selflessness of 8 year old benefits the Smith Center

The Smith Center was blessed and humbled by the actions of 8 year old Ford Carter. Ford’s birthday invitations included a wish list published by the Smith Center. He told those invited that if they wanted to give him a present, please choose something off the wish list for the Center. His mother, Colbi and Aunt Ann Shackleford brought Ford and all his gifts to the Center today. Staff and center participants were very surprised by Ford’s gifts, but are truly thankful that this young man cares about people with disabilities. His family has done a wonderful job teaching compassion to this youngster. Autaugaville Methodist Church also sent donations with Ford, as well as a monetary donation in Ford’s name by Anna Belle and Rufus Pearson. The Smith Center is very appreciative and thankful to all who have contributed in our “Wish List” effort. Ford is the son of Dr. Lee and Colbi Carter of Autaugaville.

From Donations by Ford Carter

Things we need!

10--Desk top computers with minimum of: XP operating system, 512 MB or greater RAM, 20 gi hard drive, Pentium 4 chip.

Basic GPS
Used passenger van in good condition
Used car in good condition
Tempra paint in different colors
Canvas/sketch paper
Water Color paper
Pens, black, blue, and red
Pencils
Construction Paper/all colors
10W 30 & 5W 20 Castrol Oil for buses
Copy/printer paper
Dish detergent
Weed Eater
Paper rolls--all colors
Craft paper
Borders for bulletin boards
Water Color Crayons
Board Games--any kind
5 x 7 index cards
Twin plastic mattress covers
Dry erase boards
Paint brushes
Paint bowls
Glitter
Dough cutters
Modeling Clay
Beads
Pipe Cleaners
Buttons
Play money-coins & bills
Clorox wipes
Keenex
Hand Sanitizer
Paper Towels
Toilet Paper
Plastic Spoons
Plastic Forks
Baby wipes
Band-Aids
4 x 4 Gauze
Medical Tape
8-tab page dividers
White 2" binders
White 1" binders
3 oz disposable cups (bathroom cups)
Yellow Highlighters
Gallon Freezer Bags (Zip kind)
Laundry Detergent

Eagle Scout Project

On Saturday, October 30th, Joseph Black made wonderful improvements here at the Smith Center. Joseph choose the Center as his Eagle Scout Project. He and his army of assistants painted the dining area, a classroom, washed windows, built wheel-chair accessible picnic tables, trimmed bushes, planted flowers in the front area of the Center, and pressure washed sidewalks.

Our individuals and staff were so pleased to come in and see all the changes on Monday morning. Thank you so much Joseph and all your helpers. You have truly blessed the Center with your hard work.

Check out the slideshow on activity on the 30th:

BOO!

The Smith Center individuals have had lots of fun decorating classrooms for Halloween, especially the doors. Some of them get really excited about dressing up in costumes, but others prefer just to enjoy looking at the ones that do choose to go all out for the day.

Some of the classrooms decided to ban together for a Halloween lunch and the Center smells really good with all the food aromas filling the air. Later on in the afternoon it will be Piñata time...careful instructors don't get in the way of all the candy falling!!

Check out below for pictures:

Wish/Need List

If you will take a look at the wish page, you will see some much needed items for the Smith Center. The economy has affected the Smith Center just like it has many other agencies and schools in our area. The items listed will be used by our instructional staff to provide more effective training. Some items are just basic needs like hand wipes, toilet tissue, kleenex, and paper towels. Many of our instructors have been purchasing supplies for their classrooms, but we would like to give others the opportunity to help out with these expenses. All donations are tax deductible.

If you know of a corporate office, military unit, church or church group, civic group or any other agencies or individuals that would like to be involved in this effort, please give them a copy of the list. Let us know if we can go and pick up items. We can be reached at the Center at 334-365-4054, Monday - Friday, 7:00 am - 3:30 pm. Thanks so much for your help!! Our participants deserve the best we can do!

Belk Charity Sale

The Belk Charity Sale is a private, four-hour sale dedicated to supporting local non-profit organizations. Participating charities will have the opportunity to raise money for their organization while private sale customers receive 20% - 70% off Belk purchases storewide, including special savings on rarely discounted brands.

The Belk Charity Sale will be held on Saturday, November 6, 2010, from 6 - 10 a.m. in every Belk store. Participating charities sell $5 tickets to this event. The organizations keep 100% of the proceeds from every ticket sold. By purchasing a ticket, customers can support a worthy cause and enjoy storewide discounts during the private sale.

Tickets can be sold by organization staff or volunteers and are to be treated as cash and sold uniformly for $5 each. Tickets cannot be given away, discounted, or reproduced.

For information on how to get your tickets to sell for the Smith Center or to purchase for yourself, please call 334-365-4055, Monday - Friday, 7:00 am - 3:30 pm. SEE YOU AT BELK ON NOVEMBER 6TH!

Staff Appreciation Dinner September 2, 2010

The staff were treated to a delicious dinner by the Board of Directors on Thursday night, September 2, 2010. Several board members and community business donated door prizes for the staff. The staff were thrilled to hear Laura Pate call their name when they won a prize. Many board members donated items or services for door prizes, as well as several area business. We encourage all of our readers to patronize the businesses that donated door prizes: Adams Drugs/Prattville, Foster Drugs, Chick-Fil-A, Fanci Free, and Blessings. The staff applauds the selfless interest of the AWE/Arc Board of Directors in our staff and those we serve.

National Special Olympics

 

Tim Carlisle, Sam Palomaria, Carl Ray McKeithen

Smith Center Community Day April 10, 2010

Saturday, April 10, the Smith Center campus was active with yard sale vendors, the Prattville Fire Department, the Prattville K-9 Unit, Life South Blood Drive Bus, Prattville Promenaders, Autauga Co. Humane Society, Capoeira demonstration, the Balloon Man, the Civitans, the Wake Church, Wellspring Community Church, and the Wellspring Praise Team. International Paper donated biscuits and sausage patties that were prepared by the Smith Center staff for us to sell. Several ladies from Camellia Baptist Church donated delicious cookies and other goodies to sell along with the sausage biscuits.

Also, we had several businesses in the Autauga/Elmore area that donated items for our raffle and silent auction. Those businesses included American Lube Fast, Uncle Mick's Cajun Market & Cafe, Sneaky Pete's Hot Dogs, Chick-fil-a, Short Cuts, Bruster's Ice Cream, the Marriott at Capitol Hill, Firehouse Subs, Heidi's Hair Studio, Factory Connection, and Indulgence Salon & Spa. We thank them and encourage you to patronize these businesses and thank them as well. Boy Scout Troop 25 from Prattville 1st United Methodist Church opened the day with their Honor Guard raising the flags. The Smith Singers sang the National Anthem and Amazing Grace completing the opening ceremonies. Everyone seemed to have a good time and the Center has decided to make "Smith Center Community Day" an annual event.

Need A New Roof or Roof Repaired?

Roofer, Will Cobb, has graciously offered to help the Smith Center with fund raising. If you call him to look at your roof, he will donate $25 to the Smith Center. If you hire him to do some roofing work for you, he will donate $50 to the Smith Center. You can reach Mr. Cobb on his cell phone--328-5668.