Well, it would seem that summer is creeping ever closer. The first schools have closed their doors for the season, and the rest will follow in the coming weeks. What are your plans? While things do slow down a bit during the summer, they never stop completely, and NWDSA has a few things going on we would like to make you aware of.
• Buddy Walk Committee
At first glance, this is more about the fall than the summer, but in order to make another great Buddy Walk happen, we need your help. Meetings will take place twice a month until September, and the committee is a great chance to get more involved in the work of the NWDSA. Join us on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month for a fun evening of planning and strategizing. The first meeting will take place at the NWDSA Resourcefulness Center, 6826 NE Glisan St. Portland, OR 97213, on Tuesday, June 23rd, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM. Light dinner will be served. To join the committee, or discuss other Buddy Walk Volunteer options, please contact Kyle at (503) 238-0522.
• James Bond Casino Night Benefit at Tony Starlight’s
Join us on July 9th at Tony Starlight’s Supper Club and Lounge (3728 NE Sandy Blvd Portland, OR 97232) for a fun night of laughter and good cheer. Advisory Board member Sherry Kucera and her husband Brett are hosting this event, and proceeds from the evening will go to support the NWDSA summer social, as well as continued new parent outreach work. Hope you can make it! For more info about Tony Starlight’s, check out www.tonystarlight.com. Facebook users, visit the event page for more information.
• Summer Social
The date has been set! More information about the summer social on August 8th will be coming soon. Join us at Old McDonalds Farm http://www.oldmcdonaldsfarm.org/aboutUs/directions.htm for a Saturday full of fun. There will be music, food, animals to enjoy and activities to do. If you would like to be part of the social committee or volunteer, please contact Jamie Burch @ (503) 238-0522.
• NWDSA Resourcefulness Center Open Drop-in Opportunities
We would like to invite you to visit our office to check out our resources, meet other families, and share ideas. We will be hosting drop-in hours every Thursday afternoon from 12:30-2:30 for families of kids with Down syndrome. We will also host monthly cross-disability, inclusion themed drop-in evenings on the fourth Wednesday of every month, from 5:30-7:30 PM. Light refreshments will be served, and we hope you can join us to get to know the community, ask questions, and share stories.
• Oregon Disability MegaConference
The 2009 Oregon Disability MegaConference is taking place right here in Portland, on June 25-27, 2009 at the Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel. We wanted to make sure you all have a chance to learn more about this opportunity. Keynote speaker Norm Kunc is a wonderful speaker, and it is always great to hear his inspiring words on inclusion and a successful life. There are other great sessions planned as well, and the Registration Deadline has been extended to June 20, 2009.
Also, stipends still remain for families that live in the Metro area (Multnomah,Clackamas, Washington Counties), with kids ages birth to 18 years old.
For questions, stipend information, or special accommodations, email Angie Solisat angie.solis@arcoregon.org or call (toll free) 1-877-581-2726 or in Salem 503-581-2726.
• Parks and Rec
And last but not least, as you are planning your summer fun this year, don’t forget about the great inclusion programs available through Parks and Rec. Both Portland and Vancouver-Clark Parks and Rec programs offer inclusion specialists free of charge to ensure that all kids can participate fully in all program activities. For more information on Portland programs, visit http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/index.cfm?c=39830, and for info on the Clark County programs, visit http://www.cityofvancouver.us/parks-recreation/recreation/disabled/index.htm
Enjoy the summer weather!