Third annual TRC Expo educates, entertains

Monopoly. "American Idol." Hula hoop contests. 1980s music trivia. These were just a few of the entertaining activities available at the third annual TRC Expo.

The event, originally established as a day for TRC staff to learn what goes on throughout the agency, was expanded to two days this year. Wednesday, May 21, was geared to staff, while Thursday was open to TRC consumers, family members and the general public.

Again this year, the TRC Expo was held in the Physical Education Complex at Jamestown Community College. Whereas warm temperatures made last year's Expo somewhat stuffy, cool weather kept the gymnasium from overheating this year.

Upon arrival on the first day, attendees registered at the front door and were given tickets that could be put toward the door prize and grand prize drawings. Those attending the second day also were given a ticket for the door prizes, which consisted of umbrellas, ball caps, coffee cups, and travel mugs emblazoned with TRC's logo.

When people entered the gym, dozens of interactive displays called to them. One of the most popular was a Monopoly game created by the Residential Division. Participants rolled a pair of oversized dice and moved around the board, answering questions pertaining to TRC's residences.

Also a big hit was "American Idol." Ronelle Penhollow, Service Coordinator, brought her father's karaoke machine to the Expo. Employees and consumers of all singing ability took their turns with the microphone, singing solo, duets or as a trio. After singing, the amateur entertainers had to have their performances critiqued by three judges a la "American Idol."

Besides the drawings for door prizes and grand prizes, most displays held their own drawings. There also was an auction to benefit The Arc of the Gulf Coast in Gulfport, Mississippi. For that fund-raiser, members of TRC's Executive Management Team and Board of Directors donated goods or services, and staff bought tickets to bid on the prizes, Chinese auction style. The event raised $1,149 for the Gulf Coast Arc, which still is struggling to recover from Hurricane Katrina.

More than 500 people attended the TRC Expo on each day. TRC consumers really enjoyed themselves, with several who came during the morning making a return visit in the afternoon.

As stated earlier, the main purpose behind the Expo is to provide information about the variety of services TRC offers to people with disabilities and the general community. Some people were surprised to learn that TRC's health, health-related, dental, and mental health services are available to everyone.

Allied Industries, TRC's manufacturing and employment division, displayed some of the dozens of items Allied workers produce for the U.S. military. One couple was amazed at the Allied display, saying their son talks about his job sewing straps at the Jamestown Work Center, but they were unaware of the extent of Allied's operations.

Everyone who attended the TRC Expo came away with a greater appreciation for all that TRC does. And people enjoyed themselves as they wandered among the displays.

“It was awesome!” was the response from one staff member who never before had attended the Expo. “Everyone was so kind and friendly and very well done as far as info sharing and hospitality. I look forward to next year.”

We send a hearty "Thanks" to everyone who attended the Expo.

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Didn’t have a chance to attend the TRC Expo, but still would like to know more about The Resource Center? Call us at (716) 483-2344. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have. We also can schedule a tour for yourself or your organization. And if you’d like to have one of our employees speak to your school, church, business, or civic organization, we can arrange a speaker.