Fashion Show 2009

Arc Adult Day Program Instructor Julie Larsen and her team have been working with their developmentally disabled clients picking out fun outfits from the Chico ARC Store, learning how to walk the ‘catwalk’, choosing music and most importantly fostering teamwork.

“The clients are very excited about the show,” says Larsen, “They are having a great time picking out clothes and music. We value activities like this because it’s a fun way to reinforce a client’s positive self esteem.”

See all of the 2009 Fashion Show pix on our Facebook Page!

The clients will spend the morning before the fashion show having their hair and makeup done at the Beauty College. “For many of our clients going to a salon is a special treat and an educational experience as well,“ says Larsen.

This event is free and open to the public….and a lot of fun, too!

Once a year, the Chico News & Review asks their readers to recognize their favorite people, places and things. Those that amass the most acclaim get “Best of Chico” honors (and Oroville and the Ridge).

We’re asking all our wonderful customers to click here and VOTE For The ARC Store under the “thrift store” category.

Everyone knows to try the ARC Store first when looking for a bargain however few know that the ARC Store offers a lot more to the community then a place to save money.

The ARC Store also offers paid work experience to over 100 ARC Adult Day Program clients in both Chico and Oroville. So, you’ll find a wide variety of merchandise at the best prices….clothes, furniture, books, clothes, collectibles…plus a work program helping to improve the lives of special needs adults in our community.

You don’t have to make a pick in every category but the CN&R asks to please vote in at least 10. Voting ends Sept. 9th at 11:59 p.m. Thank you )

ARC client catches ball!

On Sunday, August 29th the Outlaws will go up against the St George Road Runners.

Bring the whole family out for an exciting end of summer game and support an important local cause at the same time.

Tickets are only $7 for the 3rd base section or $11 for behind home plate.

You can get your tickets at either ARC Store. In Chico @ 2020 Park Avenue and in Oroville @ 2745 Oro Dam Blvd.

The ARC will receive 50% of all ticket sells…if you buy them at the ARC Store. Funds raised by this event will stay local and benefit the ARC’s Family Support Programs! Since 1953, the ARC of Butte County has been providing high quality services for special needs children and adults with developmental disabilities. Now in 2010, The ARC serves approx 900 disabled individuals and their families in Butte & Glenn Counties. Questions? Please, call 343.3666 or 532.1272

Secondhand shopping for used goods no longer means dust and must.

CNBC’s Carmen Wong Ulrich

Follow the money. To score the best goods at low prices, go where the money is—or was. This may seem obvious, but it’s the biggest secret to getting top-notch goods at bargain-basement prices: The more expensive parts of town will have better items for sale.

Choose wisely. Thrift shops are great for gowns, formalwear, baby clothes, and shoes. Since such items are usually worn by their original owners for only short periods of time, they’re likely to be in relatively good condition. Be careful of things like children’s toys, which may be broken or otherwise unsafe. Household furniture and dining sets are great finds. They may not match, but so what? The eclectic style is très chic these days! A word of caution: Pass on that $30 armchair if it will cost you $700 to reupholster it.

Befriend the staff. To score the best deals, introduce yourself to the store’s employees. Show up often. Ask questions and sign up for e-mail alerts to get the scoop on new shipments.

Know when to negotiate. Vintage and thrift shops are used to haggling with customers. But when you’re shopping at a charity store, pay the sticker price. The extra money is going to a good cause.

Get the most from eBay. I’ve bought everything from vintage necklaces to a Nintendo Wii on eBay. Choose sellers with ratings of at least 98%, and pay with a credit (not debit) card so you have purchase protection. If you’re looking for electronics, search for “NWT” (new with tags) or “NIB” (new in box). For home furnishings or clothes, search “EUC” for “ excellent used condition,” or “MNT” for “mint.” As with all online shopping sites, remember to factor in the cost of shipping.

- Originally posted on Parade Magazine

30% Off everything in the Parking Lot plus FREE HOT DOGS from the ARCoffee cafe! Find a great bargain and enjoy great hot dogs on us. You’ll find a wide variety of gently used items. Clothes, books, furniture, toys, kitchenware and a whole lot more.

Everyone knows to try the ARC Store first when looking for a bargain however few know that the ARC Store offers a lot more to the community then a place to save money. The ARC Store also offers paid work experience to approx 110 ARC Adult Day Program developmentally disabled clients in both Chico and Oroville.

“The ARC Store and the ARCoffee cafe offer our clients the chance to learn valuable skills, “says Nelson Corwin, ADP Coordinator, “Work experience, social skills, math plus it builds their self esteem.”

Funds raised by this event benefit the ARC’s Family Support Programs. Since 1953, the ARC of Butte County has provided high quality services for special needs children and adults with developmental disabilities. Now in 2010, The ARC serves approx 900 disabled individuals and their families in Butte & Glenn Counties.

My goodness! It’s hot!

We all know that we have at least two more months of 90+degree or even *gasp* triple digit temperatures! So drink lots and lots of water…and iced coffee, too )

Just pop into the ARCoffee cafe (inside the Oroville ARC Store @ 2745 Oro Dam Blvd) grab an iced coffee and then enjoy the air conditioning and FREE WiFi on us.

Worried if coffee is good or bad for you? Well relax, sip your iced coffee and read about these Health Benefits I found in an article “Coffee: The New Health Food?” on WebMD…

– Harvard researchers calculate that downing one to three cups of caffeinated coffee daily can reduce Diabetes Risk by single digits. But having six cups or more each day slashed men’s risk by 54% and women’s by 30% over java avoiders.

– At least six studies indicate that people who drink coffee on a regular basis are up to 80% less likely to develop Parkinson’s.

– At least two cups daily can translate to a 25% reduced risk of colon cancer.

– An 80% drop in liver cirrhosis risk, and nearly half the risk of gallstones.

Good news, huh? So, cheer up, come on into the ARCoffee cafe! Try an iced coffee, enjoy the air conditioning and feel free to jump on the FREE WiFi. We’re open Monday through Friday 8am-2pm. If iced coffee is not your thing then try one of our yummy fruit smoothies! You know it’s going to be a long hot summer.

We receive donations from the community seven days a week. Gently used clothes, books, furniture, dishes, cars… you name it we’ve accepted it.

Sometimes we even receive antiques and collectibles. When something really unique comes in we often place it on our “Trading Company” Ebay Store.

This allows The ARC of Butte County a chance to raise more money for our Family Support Programs and to raise awareness about our services for developmentally disabled children and adults.

Don’t have a chance to come by the ARC Store?? Why not check out our eBay store sometime? You’re bound to find something really cool.

Unique? Quirky? Either way it has matching shoes!

You need a couch for the “play room” but don’t want to shell out $750…off to the thrift stores!

You need a pair of platform shoes for “70’s Night”…off to the thrift stores!

You need something new to read and the library is closed (again)…off to the thrift stores!

You like the green philosophy of re-use, recycle, reduce…off to the thrift stores!

I need a hug

You’re bored out of your mind and could use a big smile to cheer you up…off to the thrift stores!

Oh yeah, the daily “Manager Specials” at the ARC Store should cheer you up, too. Happy Shopping!

A special Oroville Chamber gathering was held in the Oroville ARC Store this morning in celebration of our 2nd anniversary. You can see more photos on the ARC’s Facebook Page!

Michael McGinnis, ARC Executive Director, thanks everyone for coming.

In honor of our 2nd Anniversary, everything in the Oroville ARC Store will be 20% off, May 17th-23rd (excluding consignment items, sorry).

You’re all invited to the PARKING LOT SALE on Saturday, May 22nd @ 2745 Oro Dam Blvd… there will be great deals and FREE Hot dogs, too! See you there!