Activities for Retarded Children & Adults (ARC) Handbell Choir
Dixie Henrikson, original co-founder of ARC and the Bell Choir's Director, passed away in April 2006, just a few months after the Choir’s L.A. Holiday Celebration performance. Dixie Henrikson drew inspiration from a handbell choir in her home state of Missouri and envisioned this for her ARC "Kids." A local businessman offered to buy the first set of expensive handbells with the promise the Choir would entertain at his business holiday party - a short 6 months away! The promise was kept and the Choir was well on the way to what has become just one of ARC's successful programs. Dixie created a program that facilitates approximately 120 clients with weekly activities and respite for families.
This developmentally disabled group has learned one of lifes important lessons - how to work together. They have learned to make beautiful music together; load the ARC vans with their many pieces of equipment, set up this equipment and then break it down again after the performance. Usually this takes them about 20 minutes for each step. They have a great sense of accomplishment and their audiences are enlightened to talents that can be brought out in people with disabilities.
Since 1985, the Choir has performed throughout the community in churches, schools, businesses and for holiday and special events in hotels. They have received recognitionsfor community service and working with the developmentally disabled from the City of Los Angeles, various service groups like the Rotary and Knights of Columbus and theAngel of the Year Award.
The current Acting Executive Director and Choir's Director is Jane Sarture. Jane came on board in 1991as a day program counselor for the ARC developmentally disabled clients and carries on the program begun by Dixie.
