Friday, June 13, 2014
Lauren Calabrese & Her Recent Engagement
*Petals News: Lauren Calabrese & Her Recent Engagement*
Lauren revealed a spectacular engagement ring, this week at Petals class. "I want a Fall wedding, in between the holidays, so we ended up picking November 7, 2015 as our date," Lauren said after being asked when the wedding would be. "It will be somewhere in NC, but we're really not sure at this point." "Will you want Petals flowers at your wedding?" I laughed. "Ha - I'm not sure, yet; it depends on where the wedding takes place. Probably, but I'm not sure at this point."
"You two are high school sweethearts, you mentioned?" "Yeah, we've known each other since we were 17." "And will you keep working with Petals, and The Arc, after you get married? What are your plans?" She responded that she will discontinue employment with The Arc of Orange, but will continue volunteering and subbing on an indefinite basis; "my fiance has offered to support me while I'm getting my Masters degree."
Lauren is pursuing a Masters degree in English and Creative Writing. She hopes to be an author. When asked what she likes to write about, she retorted, "short stories; anything with a cliff-hanger. Some non-fiction, and writing from my own personal experiences."
Originally from Watertown, New York, Lauren received her Bachelors degree in Albany, and then worked in the mental health field in New York before moving down to North Carolina. After working for RSI for a while, she began working for The Arc on a part-time basis, which eventually evolved into a full-time position.
When asked why she has continued working for The Arc (for years), Lauren said, "because I enjoy the participants. I learn from them, and they make me laugh. I learn something new from them every day." Lauren began working for The Arc in January, 2010.
"I've only been coming to the Petals class for the past year, but I've noticed that it has expanded; each week, participants progress and evolve in learning to communicate with each other and as a team."
Congratulations on your recent engagement, Lauren - and thank you for all of your hard work!
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Interviewing our staff: Cedric!
William & Cedric
STAFF INTERVIEW: CEDRIC!
"Cedric, what’s your fondest memory from Petals class?"
"Being able to hone in on my creativity, all while being with my friends. [Ashley {another Arc staff member}also says, “getting on people’s nerves - at least, he’s always socializing,” as she laughs. "Don't put that in the interview!" Too late!
"William (on left)."
"Decorating bottles; gluing marbles, stones, and gems onto the bottles; getting to exercise his creativity
"And what is your favorite part of Petals class?"
"Probably decorating bottles, as well," as he smiles. I barge in, "yeah, you hid your twining talents from us as long as possible, until we realized how good you are at it." He laughs, "yeah, I tried. You found me out."
"Yep. I'm moving to Fort Myers, Florida."
"I'm going to take steps towards becoming an electrician; the company that's hired me is going to pay for the training and certification."
"I have been able to find within myself a propensity for compassion and patience that I never knew I had. It's been fun to work with everyone."
He laughs, looks around, and chirps, "more male volunteers. I'm outnumbered."
"Well, have a wonderful time in Florida, man; we're goin' to miss you!"
In his "oh so Cedric" way, he laughs and says, "Yeah. I'm gonna miss y'all, too."
*BEST OF LUCK ON YOUR JOURNEY, CEDRIC!*
The Petals class appreciates all of your hard work and willingness & will miss you terribly!
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
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