The Point/Arc in Covington is nearing its 50th anniversary.
To celebrate, Point/Arc will be hosting a block party on Friday, Aug. 5 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Covington traffic will be detoured from Washington to Pike Streets, and Madison Avenue and Pike Street.
“We’re expecting a tremendous day, as well as a large turnout from the community,” said Judi Gerding, founder and current president of Point/Arc.
Gerding said she’s pleased with the support from the City of Covington and other local merchants who have donated prizes and gifts for the block party.
Jon Jon, an afternoon radio personality at iHeart Media’s KISS 107, is broadcasting live from 2 to 6 p.m. the day of the event. Local D.J. Brody Flynn is providing music and entertainment. Patrons will have the chance to win raffle prizes, play games and shoot beer pong. Tours of the Point/Arc facility will also be made available.
Grilled metts, brats and burgers, as well as Gold Star Chili, will be served. Ice cream will be provided at Point Perk coffeeshop – one of the four enterprises that Point/Arc operates.
“We’re opening our doors to the public,” said Brandon Releford, executive director of the Zembrodt Education Center, part of the Point/Arc. “We want the public to see what we do with our students on a daily basis. We’ll have a day-long tape to view in our classrooms to show the success we’ve had, as well as the work we offer and accomplish.”
Gerding founded Point/Arc in 1972 with other parent groups who wanted to foster better lives for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Gerding’s son, Steve, was diagnosed with Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome, a rare genetic disease.
“Our history of filling in the gaps, by creating integrated programs, gives individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to become contributing and inclusive members of our community and provides the self-esteem and pride we all seek,” Gerding said.
