NNNNEEWWEEWW SSSS AANNAANN DDDD NNNNOOTTEESSOOTTEESSa publication of the

DDoowwnn SSyynnddrroommee AAiimm HHiigghh DDoowwnn SSyynnddrroommee AAiimm HHiigghh RReessoouurrccee CCeenntteerr,, IInncc..RReessoouurrccee CCeenntteerr,, IInncc..Providing parent-to-parent and professional services and support to individuals with Down syndrome and their families and educating the broader community about Down syndrome.

FFrroomm tthhee EExxeeccuuttiivvee DDiirreeccttoorrFFrroomm tthhee EExxeeccuuttiivvee DDiirreeccttoorr““““HHaappppyy NNeeww YYeeaarr!!HHaappppyy NNeeww YYeeaarr!!””””

Happy New Year! This first newsletter of 2011 comes following a bit of a hiatus, but that does not mean that thingshave not been happening at the DSHARC. As a matter of fact, we have been busier than ever and are very excited aswe look forward to the second half of the year.

The Board of Directors and Staff of the DSAHRC began 2011 with the very importanttask of holding an all-day Strategic Planning session on January 7th. On one of the fewdays during the winter that did not feature yet another snowstorm, the group met to identifyour priorities, focus on our core values, and discuss how we can best meet the needs ofthe membership within those identified priorities. We are now in the final stages of comingup with a Strategic Plan for the next one to three years. As we focus in on how to meetyour needs, we would like to remind you once again of the value of your input and participation in the DSAHRC. It cannot be said enough: The DSAHRC is YOUR organization! Please consider ways toget involved in the work (and play) ofthe DSAHRC – it will be time that isrewarding to you and to the community!

Another “behind the scenes” changethat is in the works is the website. Wewere extremely fortunate to haveDorothe Okkerse working on theredesign of our website. Dorothe isfrom Holland and recently completed an internship at Hound Dog Graphics inSaratoga, the company that hosts ourwebsite. Dorothe arrived in January and left in mid-June. During her five monthshere, she worked on revamping our website and the proposed changes have all ofus very excited! The launch date is just weeks away, so be sure to checkwww.dsahrc.org to see the many ways that you can benefit from this phenomenal change!

Yet another big happening in January was the launch of the DSAHRC WeeklyUpdate, which is an electronic update that arrives in email boxes each Friday afternoon. This bulletin contains the most important information families and professionalsin our community need to know about “right now”. It is a quick read (usually onlythree or four items of interest) and provides the links you need to either find outmore about a topic, or to register for an event. We believe that this new feature will provide our membership with the up-to-date information that they need in a timelyfashion. If you have not been receiving the Weekly Update, and wish to add

your email address to the database, please contact info@dsahrc.org and ask to

be added. Or, you can visit www.dsahrc.org and click on Sign Up for Enewsletter.

Now that spring is here, we hope to see you at one of our upcoming events, not the least of which will be the 15th Anniversary Capital Region Buddy Walk on Sunday, October 2nd. In the meantime, give us a call or stop in tothe office and let us know what we can do for you!

– Diane E. Lang

VVOOLLUUMMEE 2299,, NNUUMMBBEERR 11 VVOOLLUUMMEE 2299,, NNUUMMBBEERR 11 ���� WWIINNTTEERR 22001100--22001111WWIINNTTEERR 22001100--22001111

From top: RoseHargrave presents atthe StrategicPlanning session;Dorothe Okkerseworks on blueprintsfor DSAHRC website;the new DSAHRCWeekly Update

TTRRAANNSSIITTIIOONNSSTTRRAANNSSIITTIIOONNSS-- ffrroomm tthhee ddeesskk ooff tthhee EEddiittoorr -- ffrroomm tthhee ddeesskk ooff tthhee EEddiittoorr

is published four times a year byDown Syndrome Aim High Resource Center, Inc.

1 Marcus Blvd., Suite 105, Albany, NY 12205Phone: (518) 438-1113

Website: www.dsahrc.org

Editor: Carol Rowell, (518) 438-1113, editor@dsahrc.org

Staff: Diane E. Lang, Lori Draper, Debbie Baldwin,

Namita Modasra, Harm Velvis

Statement of Policy and DisclaimerThis newsletter reports items of interest relating to Down syndrome and will provide a forum for others. The Down Syndrome Aim High Resource Center (DSAHRC) does not promote or recommend any therapy, treatment, educational setting, etc. We will not espouse any particular political or religious view. Individuals or organizations referred to do not necessarily endorse this publication or its editors. We wish to bring together thoseinterested in Down syndrome and attempt to create an optimistic outlook and attitude.

In material submitted for publication, the editor reserves the right to make corrections as appropriate and in accord with established editorial practice.

Printing of ArticlesWe welcome articles from parents, individuals with Down syndrome, professionals, and other interested parties. Please send material for consideration to the mailing address (at left).Contents may be reproduced if credit is given to the author and News and Notes; kindly sendus a copy. Please note that for material which News and Notes reprinted with specific permission, you must contact the original source.

NNNNEEWWEEWW SSSS AANNAANN DDDD NNNNOOTTEESSOOTTEESS

The two girls stretch out next to each other on the living room floor, their attention focused on the older one’s newcomputer. They’re listening to music, not necessarily agreeing on selections, mind you, but overall the sisters are

enjoying each other’s company. It’s a sight I relish, and one that I know will come to anend far too soon. The 17 year old, a soon-to-be senior, will be heading off to college inanother year, while the elder of the two, the reason we belong to the DSAHRC, is graduating from high school in a few days and will continue to live at home. Ours is afamily in transition.

Traditionally, the Annual Report that appears in the first issue of the newslettereach year is built around the theme of transition, and this issue of News and Notes isno exception. As in previous years, it looks back at DSAHRC activities that took placein the year before, and at the same time talks up events and programs to come, particularly the Conference and Buddy Walk. This “story of 2010 and anticipation of2011” is arriving in your mailboxes a bit later than usual, but the next newsletter, thesecond of four to be published this year, should follow shortly.

The publication of this News and Notes and the one to follow represent a personaltransition for me as I will soon be leaving my position as newsletter editor. With all the changes taking place at homeright now I’m finding I really need to lighten my load of responsibilities so that I can concentrate on family concerns.Just as important, however, is the fact that a new person will be coming in to bring new ideas, a fresh approach, perhaps some cooler fonts, and different ways to tell the DSAHRC story. After eleven years of “doing” the newsletter,change will be good for us all!

Before my firstborn came along I was at a crossroads career-wise, notquite sure what I wanted to do with my life. Let me tell you, there’s nothinglike having a baby to give you some direction, especially when that little onecomes with something extra! That extra chromosome has brought a lot intomy life, including the wonderful opportunities to meet, work, and becomefriends with so many amazing parents and their children who have Down syndrome. Many of you have shared your stories through the newsletter, andI am honored that you trusted me with your words and pictures.

I will still work on various publications for the DSAHRC and will continueto be active in this organization and our community, of which I’m grateful to bea member. Please continue to support News and Notes by offering yourwords and photos – there are still many great stories to be told! Thank you.

- Carol Rowell

Happy New Year!..............Front Cover

Upcoming Events............................... 3

President’s Message...........................4

Locks of Love......................................4

The Education Corner..........................5

2010 Annual Review.........................6-7

Buddy Walk Contest.......................8-10

Thanks...............................Back Cover

IINNSSIIDDEE TTHHIISS IISSSSUUEEIINNSSIIDDEE TTHHIISS IISSSSUUEE

Carol and Maggie Rowell

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DSAHRC BOARD MEETING – Monday, July 11 – 6:30 pm – Open to everyone!

DEADLINE FOR BUDDY WALK CONTEST ENTRIES – July 15 – Design a reusable bag in celebration of the 15th

Anniversary Buddy Walk! See pages 8, 9 and 10 for details.

INCLUSION SYMPOSIUM – July 27 – What it Takes: Strategiesfor Creating and Maintaining Inclusive Schools at the College ofSt. Rose. See page 5 for more details.

SPECTRUM TRAINING SYSTEMS WORKSHOPS – July 27 and 28

– Two hour-long lunchtime sessions at the Holiday Inn, Albany. Rick

Lavoie will present It's So Much Work to Be Your Friend: Helpingthe Child with Learning Disabilities Find Social Success. Dr.

Paula Kluth will present The Inclusive Classroom. Visitwww.SpectrumTrainingSystemsInc.com for details and to register.

DSAHRC BOARD MEETING – Monday, August 1 – 6:30 pm –

Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend!

39th NATIONAL DOWN SYNDROME CONGRESS CONVENTION –

August 5-7 – This year everyone’s gathering in San Antonio, Texas.Visit www.ndsccenter.org for more information.

TURNING POINT PARADE – Sunday, August 7 – Join friends in theSchuylerville parade and a potluck and swim afterward. ContactJoni Rhodes at 695-4627 or at pcjoni@localnet.com for details.

SSaavvee tthhee DDaattee......SSaavvee tthhee DDaattee......The Parent Network’s 2011 Annual Conference will take place onFriday, September 23rd in Latham. Visit www.pncrny.org for details.

The 15th Anniversary Capital Region Buddy Walk takes place onSunday, October 2, in Schenectady’s Central Park.

See page 8 for more information.

UUPPCCOOMMIINNGG EEVVEENNTTSSUUPPCCOOMMIINNGG EEVVEENNTTSS--LLooccaallllyy aanndd NNaattiioonnaallllyy--LLooccaallllyy aanndd NNaattiioonnaallllyy

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PPPPllaayy GGrroouupp GGaatthheerriinnggss aanndd SSuuppppoorrtt GGrroouupp MMeeeettiinnggssllaayy GGrroouupp GGaatthheerriinnggss aanndd SSuuppppoorrtt GGrroouupp MMeeeettiinnggssSocial groups are a great source of fun and support. Got a gang that gets together regularly? Want to start one?

Let the DSAHRC know and we’ll be glad to promote your ideas!Triple Play – For parents of babies, toddlers and preschoolers with Down syndrome. Meets in various locationsthroughout the Capital Region. Contact person: Kirin Buckley at kirinqilin@gmail.com.

Tri’d and True Friends – Meets on the third Sunday of the month in the Saratoga/Wilton area. No age limit to participants – everyone’s welcome! Contact person: Joni Rhodes at (518) 695-4627 or at pcjoni@localnet.com.

Loving Up the Downs (LUDS) – Parent-driven support network in the Oneonta area, currently serving Otsego,

Chenango, and Delaware counties. Contact person: Lisa Depperman at (607) 433-6260.

Unless otherwise stated, all activities take place at the DSAHRC office, 1 Marcus Blvd., Suite 105, (just off Wolf Roadnear the Holiday Inn). Look for listings of play groups and support meetings below!!

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bbee hheelldd

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ffoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn

Please contact Carol Rowell at the DSAHRC at (518) 438-1113 or at editor@dsahrc.org for information on submitting items. Thank you!

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LLoottss ooff LLoocckkss -- aanndd LLoovvee -- iinn tthhiiss CCoommmmuunniittyy!!LLoottss ooff LLoocckkss -- aanndd LLoovvee -- iinn tthhiiss CCoommmmuunniittyy!!TThhiiss ppaasstt yyeeaarr ssaaww ffoouurr yyoouunngg llaaddiieess,, aallll mmeemmbbeerrss ooff tthhee DDSSAAHHRRCC,, mmaakkee ddoonnaattiioonnss ooff tthheeiirr lloonngg,, lloovveellyy

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AA MMeessssaaggee FFrroomm tthhee PPrreessiiddeenntt,, HHaarrmm VVeellvviissAA MMeessssaaggee FFrroomm tthhee PPrreessiiddeenntt,, HHaarrmm VVeellvviisswwiillll rreettuurrnn iinn aa ffuuttuurree iissssuuee ooff NNeewwss aanndd NNootteess..

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PPAAGGEE 44 NNEEWWSS AANNDD NNOOTTEESS WWIINNTTEERR 22001100--22001111

Olivia Affinito, age 5, had her hair

cut by her Aunt Karen Farrar. Olivia hasbeen growing her hair for the past fiveyears and she got it cut right before thefirst day of Kindergarten. She was veryexcited and doesn’t miss having her mother put her hair in a ponytail. Olivia’shair was donated to Locks of Love.

Michelle Joy was the DSAHRC

Aiming High 2010 December calendarmodel. She decided to have her long

beautiful hair donated to Locks of Lovealong with a healing prayer for the

person who would receive this gift fromher. We were so proud of her as she

beamed with smiles at each cutting awayof her long tresses. I couldn’t help but

remember 17 years of starting out eachday with the washing, combing and

styling of her hair. Also the complimentsshe would always receive on how long

and beautiful her hair was. I guessMichelle decided it was time for her to

truly become like all teenagers and manage her own style. She was so proud to hold up 1 1/2 feet ofhair and say it was to go to Locks of Love. I took that one last inhale of air in to finally release the little girl and embrace

the new young lady standing before me. I silently thanked God for the strength.

- Jane Klock, Michelle’s mom

Kateri and Haley Reedy, ages six and sixteen,

respectively, have donated a combined total 64” oftheir hair to Locks of Love! This past fall Kateri hadher long brown tresses cut for the second time, whilebig sister Haley made her fourth donation. The tradition started years ago when Haley met another girl with Down syndrome who was living with alopecia,an auto-immune disorder that causes hair follicles toshut down. Haley wanted to share her hair, and the rest is history!

TThhee EEdduuccaattiioonn CCoorrnneerr wwiitthhTThhee EEdduuccaattiioonn CCoorrnneerr wwiitthh NNaammiittaa MMooddaassrraa,, NNaammiittaa MMooddaassrraa,, DDSSAAHHRRCC EEdduuccaattiioonn CCoooorrddiinnaattoorrDDSSAAHHRRCC EEdduuccaattiioonn CCoooorrddiinnaattoorr

WWIINNTTEERR 22001100--22001111 NNEEWWSS AANNDD NNOOTTEESS PPAAGGEE 55

The Institute for Innovative Transition’s Summer Institute 2011

IInn PPuurrssuuiitt ooff CCoommppeettiittiivvee EEmmppllooyymmeenntt:: IInn PPuurrssuuiitt ooff CCoommppeettiittiivvee EEmmppllooyymmeenntt:: PPrroojjeecctt SSEEAARRCCHH PPrroojjeecctt SSEEAARRCCHH aannddaanndd TThhiinnkk CCoolllleeggee NNYY!!TThhiinnkk CCoolllleeggee NNYY!!Thursday, July 21, 2011 • RIT Inn and Conference Center, 5256 West Henrietta Rd., W. Henrietta, NY, 14586

This conference is open to college administrators and faculty, school staff, adult agency staff,

parents and young adults.

For details, visit website: www.nytransition.org or contact (585) 275-7739 or transition@urmc.rochester.edu

Below is the listing of Special Education Acronyms continued from the last issue of News and Notes.

LRE - Least Restrictive EnvironmentMTP - Model Transition Program NCLB - No Child Left BehindNYSAA - New York State Alternative AssessmentOASAS - Office of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse ServicesOMH - Office of Mental HealthOPWDD - Office for People with Developmental DisabilitiesOT - Occupational TherapyPAAT - Protection & Advocacy for Assistive Technology PL - Public LawPLEP - Present Levels of Educational PerformancePLOP - Present Levels of Performance

PT - Physical TherapyRA - Regional Associate RTC - Regional TRAID CenterSED - State Education DepartmentSES - Student Exit Summary SLP - Speech Language PathologistSPAM - Social, Physical, Academic & Management NeedsSPP - State Performance Plan TRAID - Technology Related Assistance for Individuals

with DisabilitiesUDL - Universal Design for Learning

SSppeecciiaall EEdduuccaattiioonn AAccrroonnyymmssSSppeecciiaall EEdduuccaattiioonn AAccrroonnyymmss

Source: NYS COMMISSION ON QUALITY OF CARE AND ADVOCACY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Division of Advocacy and Outreach

What it Takes:Strategies for Creating and Maintaining Inclusive Schools

Wednesday, July 27, 2011 � 8:30 am - 4:00 pm � The College of St. Rose

A Full Day Symposium Offered By: The Task Force on Quality Inclusive Schooling,Down Syndrome Aim High Resource Center, and the Albany Autism Society

This one day workshop, featuring Dr. Julie Causton-Theoharris, Assistant Professor in the Inclusive and

Special Education Program in the Department of Teaching and Leadership at Syracuse University, will give

parents and professionals a hands-on opportunity to learn more about how to develop or maintain schools

that give ALL learners access to a rich, inclusive educational experience.

Don’t miss these great workshops!Administrative Support and Inclusive Schooling � Engaging Curriculum: Using the Layered Curriculum to Engage AllLearners � The NYS IEP: Maximizing its Potential � Classroom Supports: Differentiation and Adaptation Made Easy

For additional information please visit the DSARHC website: www.dsahrc.org

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JULY 11, 2011

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DSAHRC Seminars - 24 seminars held: Introduction to Early Intervention (2 sessions) � Transitionfrom Early Intervention to CPSE (2 sessions) � Sign Language (5 sessions) � Getting Started on the

Right Foot: Working with Your Team � Special Care Planning � IEP: How Does Your Child’s IEPMeasure Up? � Boardmaker Tutorial for Reading Tutors � IEP Goals � Special Education Services �

CSE Meetings � Guardianship � Boardmaker (4 sessions) � Understanding Your Child’s Needs &Evaluations � Medicaid Service Coordination (2 sessions) � Professional Presentations (other than

DSAHRC Seminars) - 8 presentations held: Wildwood Programs: Disability Awareness � DSAHV:LRE and Inclusion � CSR Graduate Students: Down Syndrome and Inclusion � Ravena Coeymans

Selkirk Middle School: Disability Awareness � New Visions: Down Syndrome Awareness (along withone Self-Advocate) � CSR Graduate Students: The Parent Perspective � CSR Graduate Students:

Down Syndrome Awareness (along with two Self- Advocates) � Professional assistance and support toCairo Durham CSD � News and Notes Newsletter: Published 6 issues in 2010 � Readership of 1000

in hard copy, 295 Families on E-list and 220 Professionals onE-list �Current issues and back issues are available on website �DSAHRC

Requests for Written

Materials: 49 ParentPackets (45 English and 4

Spanish) � 37 InformationPackets � 13 Medical

Records Books � 4,675Newsletters � 27 Books forNew Parents (“Babies with

DS”, “Roadmap to

Holland”) �

Community43%

Education43%

Information10%

Medical3%

Psychiatric1%

Categories of Family Requests

in 2010

SSSSOOMMEEOOMMEE HHHHIIGGHHLLIIGGHHTTSSIIGGHHLLIIGGHHTTSS OOFFOOFF TTHHEETTHHEE PPPPAASSTTAASSTT YYYYEEAARREEAARRFrom left to right: Self-Advocate Tori Bauer rocks out at

one of the always popular DSAHRC dances offered in 2010.Family Requests for Education increased by 10% from the

year before, keeping the new Education Coordinator,Namita Modasra, busy. Awareness about Down syndrome,

as well as financial support, was raised at the first DSAHRC Gala, which took place at the Canfield Casino inSaratoga and featured dinner, dancing and gaming. An

arts and crafts program for children and adults with Down syndrome was created thanks to the efforts of high

school student Olivia Bobarakis (in pink sweatshirt) who applied for and won a Pepsi Refresh grant.

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ssuuppppoorrtt ttoo iinnddiivviidduuaallss wwiitthh DDoowwnn ssyynnddrroommee aanndd tthheeiirr ffaammiilliieessssuuppppoorrtt ttoo iinnddiivviidduuaallss wwiitthh DDoowwnn ssyynnddrroommee aanndd tthheeiirr ffaammiilliieessaanndd ttoo eedduuccaattee tthhee bbrrooaaddeerr ccoommmmuunniittyy aabboouutt DDoowwnn ssyynnddrroommee..aanndd ttoo eedduuccaattee tthhee bbrrooaaddeerr ccoommmmuunniittyy aabboouutt DDoowwnn ssyynnddrroommee..

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DSAHRC Lending Library: 98 books/other materials loaned to families and professionals � Aim HighScholarship: 2010 Aim High Scholarship awarded for $2,000 to one individual pursuing a degree in a

field which will have a positive influence on the lives of individuals who have Down syndrome � Other

Support Programs: Tri’d and True Playgroup meets monthly throughout the year � Triple Play Playgroup(for parents of preschoolers) meets monthly throughout the year � Direct Impact: $5425 reimbursed tofamilies for Conference Scholarships, Personal Development and Swim Programs � 3 Sunshine Basketssent to families of children who were sick or hospitalized � Website: 10,203 Unique Visitors in 2010 �17,329 Visits in 2010 � Events: 18th Annual Beyond Our Wildest Dreams Conference (220 in attendance)� 3rd Annual Family Dance (200 in attendance) � 14th Annual Buddy Walk (Over 1,000 attended) - second year as fundraising event � Inaugural Gala (150 attended) � 8th Annual Tearing Up the Turf forTimothy and his Friends with Down Syndrome Golf Tournament � 5th Annual Family Picnic (formerlyknown as Mazzacco Family Picnic) � College of St. Rose Classes for Self-Advocates � 5th Annual BikeCamp at Union College � Reading Tutorial Program � Tri-City ValleyCats Family Night � Publicity and

Awareness: Farm Family Jeans for Charity Day � Service Project on Down syndrome awareness at St.Pius School � Channel 10 News story on Gianna’s soccer team/possible cuts to Early Intervention �Education Table at Transition Fair at Colonie Central School District � 14th Annual Buddy Walk �Inaugural Gala � Kevin Carmody Bar Mitzvah Project to raise awareness about Down syndrome �Community Foundation Scholarship Reception for Aim High Scholarship winner � Schuylerville TurningPoint Parade � Aim High Scholarship awarded through the Community Foundation for the Capital Region� 5th Annual Aiming High Calendar � DSAHRC Awareness jewelry designed and created by PotteryPlace, with 20% of proceeds going to DSAHRC � Down Syndrome Awareness jewelry designed by GloriaChurch, with partial proceeds going to the DSAHRC � Times Union Social Scene-one page coverage ofGala � Press Releases: Buddy Walk � Gala � Grants and Fundraising: Farm Family Jeans for CharityDay � Service Project at St. Pius School � GRANT: Standish Family Fund - Self-Advocates Project($3400) � GRANT: Pepsi Refresh - Arts & Crafts � GRANT: TJX Foundation - Bike Camp � 14th AnnualBuddy Walk � Inaugural Gala & Casino Night � 8th Annual Tearing Up the Turf for Timothy GolfTournament � Kevin Carmody Bar Mitzvah Project � 5th Annual Family Picnic � Raffle � SLG: RoyMcDonald ($5000) � Sibling Activities: Sibling Conference presented by Dr. Brian Skotko

Calling all artists!The DSAHRC is holding a contest for children in grades K-8

and Self-Advocates of all ages who enjoy drawing. In celebration of the

15th Anniversary Capital Region Buddy Walk, we need your help designing a reusable bag!

The theme the Buddy Walk Committee has chosen this year is: community. We’d like you todraw us a picture of what community means to you. Maybe it’s a picture of you at a Self-Advocate

dance. Maybe it’s a drawing of your neighbors cleaning up the neighborhood after the winter.Perhaps it’s a group of friends forming a Buddy Walk team to raise awareness about Down syndrome.

Whatever you decide, we want it to be bright, bold, and full of color. Use markers, crayons, or colored pencils. All designs should be submitted on the official design form available here in

the newsletter, or at www.DSAHRC.org. Designs need to be submitted to the DSAHRC byJuly 15th. One winner from each category will be announced in September. Only one entry per

person, please. All entries become property of the DSAHRC. Good luck!

For more information about the Buddy Walk or the Design a Bag Contest please contact:

Down Syndrome Aim High Resource Center1 Marcus Blvd. Suite 105 Albany NY 12205

518-438-1113 www.DSAHRC.org

Lisa Connally, Buddy Walk Chair, lconnally@dsahrc.org

All entries become property of the DSAHRC

Find theCapitalRegionBuddy

Walk on

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Start getting your team ready now for the

15th Anniversary

Capital Region Buddy WalkSunday, October 2, 2011

Central Park in Schenectadywww.CapitalRegionBuddyWalk.org

Self-Advocate’s Name Age

Parent/Guardian

Phone (w/area code) E-mail

Reusable Bag Contest Regulations: One entry per person. Entries must be received at the DSAHRC by July 15, 2011. Design must be submitted onour standard form (available at www.DSAHRC.org). Use markers, crayons, or colored pencils. Bold colors are recommended. Design should speak tothe theme of community. Submissions will not be returned and may be posted on the DSAHRC website or at the Buddy Walk for public viewing. Oneoverall winner will be chosen. The winner will receive a $100 Target Gift Card. The winning design will be featured on a reusable bag and will be displayed on all DSAHRC Reusable Bags in 2011-2012. All entries become the property of the DSAHRC. Official DSAHRC Entry Form.

Design a Reusable Bag for Down Syndrome Awareness!Official Self-Advocates Entry Form

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Child’s Name Age

Parent/Guardian

Phone (w/area code) E-mail

Reusable Bag Contest Regulations: One entry per child. Entries must be received at the DSAHRC by July 15, 2011. Design must be submitted onour standard form (available at www.DSAHRC.org). Use markers, crayons, or colored pencils. Bold colors are recommended. Design should speak tothe theme of community. Submissions will not be returned and may be posted on the DSAHRC website or at the Buddy Walk for public viewing. Oneoverall winner will be chosen. The winner will receive a $100 Target Gift Card. The winning design will be featured on a reusable bag and will be displayed on all DSAHRC Reusable Bags in 2011-2012. All entries become the property of the DSAHRC. Official DSAHRC Entry Form.

Design a Reusable Bag for Down Syndrome Awareness!Official Student Entry Form

OOUUTTRREEAACCHH PPRROOGGRRAAMMSSDo you know someone with Down syndrome who is sick or hospitalized and could use some cheer? The Sunshine Committee provides baskets

of goodies to help during difficult times. Would you like information about Direct Impact Grants? Need to talk to a New Parent Contact? Have a question only a grandparent can answer? Then please contact the DSAHRC at (518) 438-1113 or at info@dsahrc.org to learn more

about these and the many other programs we offer to assist families.

DDSSAAHHRRCC OOFFFFIICCEE IINNFFOOWe’re open Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:00, but sometimes our work takes us

out of the office – kindly call before coming! Other hours available by appointment – please come see us!

1 Marcus Boulevard, Suite 105, Albany, NY 12205 Phone: (518) 438-1113; Fax: (518) 438-2716

Website: www.dsahrc.org

Executive Director: Diane E. Lang, dlang@dsahrc.orgAdministrative Assistant: Debbie Baldwin, dbaldwin@dsahrc.org

Director of Marketing and Events: Julie Koenig, jkoenig@dsahrc.orgEducation Coordinator: Namita Modasra, nmodasra@dsahrc.org

Publications: Carol Rowell, editor@dsahrc.orgPresident of the Board of Directors: Harm Velvis, hvelvis@dsahrc.org

The DSAHRC office space is available for meetings, social events, etc.and is conveniently located off Wolf Road, near the Holiday Inn.

BBee aa PPaarrtt ooff tthhee DDSSAAHHRRCCBBee aa PPaarrtt ooff tthhee DDSSAAHHRRCC -- UUssee tthhiiss ffoorrmm ttoo jjooiinn oorr ttoo rreenneeww yyoouurr mmeemmbbeerrsshhiipp ttooddaayy!!

NAME: PHONE:

STREET: APT #:

CITY: STATE: ZIP:

CHILD’S NAME: BIRTH DATE: MALE FEMALEE-MAIL ADDRESS:CATEGORY (circle one): Parent Grandparent Family Friend Self-Advocate

Professional Affiliation

Would you like a DSAHRC staff member to contact you?In what format would you like to receive News & Notes? Electronic Paper Both Versions

ANNUAL DUES: Family – $25.00, Self-Advocate – $10.00, Professional - $75.00I am proud to enclose an additional tax-deductible donation of $

Amount Enclosed: $

I have enclosed a check made payable to DSAHRC

Please charge my credit card (circle one) Visa MC AMEX DISCCard # Exp. Date Sec #

Please mail to: DSAHRC, 1 Marcus Blvd., Suite 105, Albany, NY 12205 TThhaannkk yyoouu!!TThhaannkk yyoouu!!

Please contact me about volunteering with the following committees:

Administrative/MembershipBuddy WalkConferenceEducationEventsFundraisingGalaPublications/PRSelf-AdvocatesOther

BBOOAARRDD OOFF DDIIRREECCTTOORRSSPresident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Harm VelvisVice-President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gayle FarmanSecretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mary GraceTreasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Joyce SankowskiLisa Connally Virginia MacPheeDouglas R. Miller Patrick MorganDouglas Rogers Brittany Van EveraKimberely Strauchon Verner, Esq. Dave YuleCurrently all Officers and Board members, with two exceptions, either have a family member with Down syndrome or they themselves have Down syndrome. Theages of our children range from infancy through adulthood.Our Board members have had various life experiences. Notwo of us have chosen the same path or made the samedecisions. Our diverse experiences help us as we plan programs and activities for the DSAHRC community.Board meetings are held at 6:30 pm on the first Monday ofeach month at the DSAHRC office, 1 Marcus Blvd., Suite105, in Albany. Everyone is welcome to attend – please callahead to make sure the meeting is taking place as scheduled.

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Non-Profit Org.

US POSTAGEPAID

Permit No. 759

Albany, NY

MOVING?Don’t miss an issue of News and Notesdue to an address change! The Post Office does not forward the newsletter and it charges the DSAHRC for each undeliverable newsletter, so please call, write, or e-mail us to update your information– thanks!

Or Current Resident

1 Marcus Blvd., Suite 105Albany, NY12205

In Memory of Jennifer ParisLinda & James Sarnowicz

In Memory of Harold SwartzDavid Bressler

In Honor of Kathleen GraceGeorge & Beverly Menneto

Grant Pepsi Refresh Project-Olivia BobarakisGlobalGiving Foundation

In Honor of James LaramieTwin Rivers Council Boy Scouts of America Fort Orange District

In Honor of Emmie Lautenschlager's 2nd birthdayDanielle Baldwin Cheryl Garrison Peter Lanoie

In the Name of Terry Seery to honor of Anna RomeoCatherine Griffin

In Recognition of Claire Connally's Service ProjectSt. Pius X School

A sincere thank you to the following individuals, families, and organizations for theirgenerous donations. All gifts are greatly appreciated!

Harold & Eileen ConnorScarlett Duncan & Jost Eckhardt

Sally EspeyJill & Mark Evanchuk

Gayle & Peter Farman

Robert & Joanne FitzgeraldJanet Gargiulo, M.D.

Peter & Renee HallockIron Workers Local Union No. 12

Lisa & Eugene Jackey

Kokwai Yap & Tricia CassidyAnne Kuppinger & Dan Liebert

Douglas & Paula MillerWilliam & Maria Pecak

Harvey & Happy Scherer

Sheila Seery & Vincent RomeoElinor Squires

Brian & Carolyn TemperineHarm & Marietta Velvis

Mariah Velvis

On behalf of Vicki CharbonneauAssociation Development Group, Inc.Telecommunications Equipment

AnonymousDress Down Day

Catholic Central High SchoolFarm Family Jeans Day

Farm Family Casualty InsuranceTully Rinckey Jeans Day

Tully Rinckey PLLC

Braden’s Bunch DonationLisa Volland

General ElectricDebra Kern

The GE FoundationJ. Crowder Brian Mayes

Holiday MatchStewarts Foundation

Robert Carma Sarah & Daniel Collins

Vincent & Shirley DeSantis

Carriebelle Humphrey Loretta Landry

Moreau Sunshine

Paula & Patrick McCullough Mens Auxiliary VFW Post 2475

Kristin Regan

Matthew & Laura Rozell South Glens Falls Faculty

Association

Mr. & Mrs. Michael CarmodyMr. & Mrs. William Cornelius

Rabbi Matthew CutlerMr. & Mrs. Allan Hargrave

MDKC Associates, LLCDanielle Scolaro

Donna Wildove/Albany CrossFit

In Memory of Cherie MessierCatholic Charities Disability Services

Barbara Levitz Parent To Parent of NYS Edward & Karen Solomon

NYS Dept. of Labor

In Memory Pippina D'ErricoJesse & Carol Lake

Edna Nicosia & Mary Dickey Mary Ellen Stensel & Joanne Lionarons

Joseph Tolfa D & J Wheaton

General Donations

In Memory of Tom Collins

Kevin Carmody’s Bar Mitzvah Project

TTHHAANNKK TTHHAANNKK YYOOUU!!YYOOUU!!