Summer camp is FREE for children with special needs??....

Caleb and Isaac were able to attend their first summer day camp program last summer at Camp Friendship.  They attended two camps actually.  One was for children with a variety of "different abilities" and the other one was for children with Autism.  They enjoyed both camps very much and we look forward to making this a regular part of their summer.

Its amazing that these camps are free.. My daughter went to Girl Scout camp a few summers in a row and the cost continued to go up and up until we discontinued sending her.  Boy Scout camp has a fee involved as well.. Why is Camp Friendship FREE??  Because The Arc of Jefferson and Clearfield Counties puts on an annual Run or Walk for Someone Special.  2012 will be their 33rd year.  Camp Friendship is funded 100% from this event.  We used to walk the Buddy Walk in Pittsburgh, we loved meeting other families and seeing all the beautiful faces, but two years in a row we raised $1000 or more and we really never saw the benefits of our efforts..

The 33rd Annual Run or Walk for Someone Special proudly is as able to say that ALL money raised stays right here to benefit the children and adults with disabilities right here in our own community. I am really big on that!!   Our family will walk the 2 mile fun run/walk in honor of Caleb and Isaac.

Which is why I am blogging my plea today.. Please help us to raise AT LEAST how much it costs The Arc to offer my twins two weeks of summer camp in the summertime.  The average cost is $150 per week, times 2 week long camps, times 2 children.  We need to raise $600 just to fund my boys.. Won't you please sponsor us now and help us keep summer camps free for kids with special needs, how can you resist these adorable faces??

Please click here to donate securely online to our team Hanzely Clan: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/stacy-hanzely/33rd-annual-run-or-walk-for-someone-special

If you are uncomfortable donating online please email me at pookeymom@msn.com and I will provide you with my mailing address.

Thank you for your consideration!!!!

31 for 21: PEACE

One thing that I find to be a blessing, is the fact that there is sooooo much information out there.  One can easily become overwhelmed with information regarding Down syndrome, early intervention services, medical conditions associated with this condition, Educational Rights and Regulations of your State and at the Federal level, different support groups that have formed, blogs, awareness ideas and more!!! 

Seriously???? What did a parent do before the internet???

My favorite way to get information is LIVE, of course.  One thing that I always tell people is that I totally inherited my daddy's skill for talking to anyone about anything.  I love networking with other parents especially.  I currently have the pleasure of attending a PEACE training presented by The Peal Center.  PEACE stands for Project for Parents Engaged in Advocating for Change in Education.  I cannot even begin to process all the information we have been given, but I can tell you I have already used several ideas personally and I know that I am now more informed and prepared to answer questions coming into me as the Executive Director of my local Arc organization.  The presenters Ceil and Melissa totally make this workshop work.  They have energy that is contagious and for those of us just learning, like myself, they are someone who will make a difference in my future and the future of others just by sharing the information that they are.

I am thankful to God for allowing me the ability to learn, the desire to put my knowledge to work and the passion to keep it going in the right direction.  Without Him I would not be..

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;  in all your ways acknowledge him, 

and he will make your paths straight.

 

And these beautiful five children are my purpose...

 

 

Stepped out of my comfort zone today....and it was GOOD!

Today I was doing my final preparations for my ACL reconstruction surgery on Wednesday morning.  I was sitting at the hospital in the lab waiting for my bloodwork this afternoon.  There was a gentleman sitting next to us with a cute little 7 year old red head boy and a baby in a car seat he was rocking.  For the first few minutes the hood was up and I could not see the baby.  Then the dad pushed back the covering and I saw this beautiful little baby.. and I thought he had Down Syndrome.. I sat there and TRIED not to stare... but I couldn't help it.. The baby was looking at me with the most beautiful almond eyes and I was certain the baby had Down Syndrome. 

Have you ever been in the position that you "think" that a child has Down Syndrome, but your half afraid to ask?? That was me... So I was sitting there contemplating, Do I say something to this man..or do I not??  Then they called my name to go back to the room for my bloodwork.  When all of that was done I couldn't stop myself.  I reached into my purse and grabbed my business card for The Arc of Jefferson County and I headed over to this man. 

I introduced myself as a parent who was in his shoes 5 years ago and remembering how I didn't feel like there were many people in this area in my shoes.  I asked him if he was local and he was.  I was here to tell him we have a nice family support group that meets each month less than 15 miles from where he lives and I invited him to come.  I was very nervous and chocking on my words not knowing how this man would take my boldness...  He extended his hand to shake mine and THANKED ME VERY MUCH for approaching him... Whew!!! My husband was with me and he also shook his hand and told him that we would welcome getting to know them.

For my first time, I was happy with the outcome.  I was TOTALLY happy to have this lil pumpkin smile at me.  Oh how it feels like it was just yesterday that Caleb and Isaac were this little.  I hope I get to see this little guy some more..

Punxsutawney Spirits Coverage of the 32nd Run/Walk for Someone Special

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32nd annual Run/Walk for Someone Special breaks records

April 10, 2011

By

Megan Reiter

mreiter@punxsutawneyspirit.com

Over 400 participants in the 32nd annual Run/Walk for Someone Special take off Sunday in Sykesville. The event raised nearly $46,000 this year. (Photo by Megan Reiter/The Punxsutawney Spirit)

SYKESVILLE — The weather may have mimicked more winter than spring this past week, but the sky opened up and poured forth warmth instead of rain Sunday afternoon for the 32nd annual Run/Walk for Someone Special.
The event broke records in both attendance and fund-raising, bringing out 412 participants and raising over $45,000 for ARC of Jefferson County and Camp Friendship, according to event organizer Frank Hetrick.
"We shattered the record," Hetrick said.
He should know. Hetrick did not run in the race, but he — like all of the rest of the volunteers — worked just as hard as any athlete who went home with a trophy.
Hetrick has participated in 31 of the 32 years the Run/Walk has celebrated. He credits the concerned community-minded citizens of Jefferson County and DuBois for making the event a success, even in trying economic times.
"The economy, as bad as it is, their pockets may be empty, but their hearts are full," Hetrick said. "They come out and support us."
Counting back to see how many years he has participated in the Run/Walk, George Zambory of Punxsutawney was shocked to realize he has given the event 20 years of support. Now, his children, their spouses and his grandchildren participate in the event.
It's the children, with their beaming faces and welcoming personalities, who attend the beneficial programs offered by ARC and Camp Friendship which keep Zambory returning to the pavement year after year.
"They're so happy. They live for this," he said. "This is like Christmas, New Year's and Thanksgiving all wrapped up in one for these kids. It's so heart-warming."
Event co-organizer Erin Cameron describes the Run/Walk as ARC's "No. 1 major fund-raiser.” Donations from the Run/Walk help maintain two different summer camps, autistic camp and an adult recreation and socialization group.
"If it wasn't for this, there wouldn't be camp," Cameron said, adding that all money generated by the Run/Walk stays local and benefits residents of Jefferson County and DuBois.
ARC is obviously important to DuBois residents Keri and Bill Cuba, who gathered 50 family members and friends to join the group Will's Walkers.
"It's amazing," Keri Cuba said. 'Bill and I both have said that we're so blessed. Will's brought all this (joy) to our lives. It makes you appreciate everything."
The family of four, which includes Will, two-and-half, and Emma, six, raised $2,000 just among themselves.
"We want the programs to be there," Keri Cuba said. "Even though Will's young, we know that the funds go to programs for kids with a lot of special needs. And it raises awareness."
Josh Golembiowski, 13, the son of Pastor Chris and Cheryl Golembiowski, of Punxsutawney, started raising money for the Run/Walk in February. He collected $4,688 this year, bringing his fund-raising total to over $21,000 the past five years.
"He's amazing," Cheryl Golembiowski said.
In addition to sending letters to family members, the Golembiowskis place donation cans around town, and Josh also stakes out a collection spot at County Market.
"It's a little bit hard to say no to Josh," his mother said.
Punxsutawney Phil and members of the Groundhog Club Inner Circle also couldn't say no to attending the event — Phil made his first appearance at the Run/Walk Sunday.
"He's liking it. He had a good time over," said Inner Circle member A.J. Dereume, aka The Rainmaker, who was on hand with his top hat.
Phil made it to the Town Hall, despite the Philmobile breaking down three times on the way from Punxsutawney, according to Dereume.
"We coasted in," he said.
Whether runners and walkers coasted through the finish line or not, it made no difference.
Though trophies are awarded, the event, which includes adults and children of all ages and even some canine participants, is more about support than competition. And every year, that support just seems to grow stronger.
"The last three years, we've broken our own record," Hetrick said. "It's just really taken off. It's been unbelievable."

Run/Walk for Someone Special sets records

Run/Walk for Someone Special sets records

Monday, April 11, 2011

OFF AND RUNNING - More than 350 runners and walkers start the Run or Walk for Someone Special Sunday on Main Street in Sykesville. Approximately $45,970 was collected with 412 runners participating. Last year 314 runners were in the event. Coordinators said this was the largest money total and highest number of participants in the Run/Walk history. Results on Page A 2. (Photo by Tom Bukousky)

SYKESVILLE - The weather was almost perfect for the 32nd Annual Run/Walk for Someone Special held unday at the Town Hall in Sykesville.
The event collected the largest money total ever, $45,970, according to Frank Hetrick, one of the event's coordinators.
Proceeds benefit Camp Friendship which, according to previously published stories, is operated by the Jefferson County Association for Retarded Citizens. It operates three camps for children with special needs: the camp for those from Punxsutawney area in June, the Brockway/Brookville camp in July and the latest addition and the camp for children with autism, in August. All three are known as "Camp Friendship," which has been in existence since 1966 and is located on Oven Road off Route 322 in Reynoldsville.
This year's event set a record for participants at 412, Hetrick said, breaking last year's record of 314.
Forty-one participated in the 5-mile event, 25 males and 16 females and 371 participated in the 2-mile event, 158 males and 213 females.
In the 5-mile race, A.J. Meterko, 17, Punxsutawney, placed first with a time of 29.56. In the 2-mile race, Peter Foradora, 11, DuBois, placed first with a time of 12:36.
Erica Wolfgang, 30, Reynoldsville, was the first woman to finish the 5-mile and Nichole Rishel, 28, Punxsutawney, was the first woman to finish the two-mile race.
Top money collectors for elementary schools:
Punxsutawney

• Sts. Cosmas and Damian, first place, $1,654.
• Punxsutawney Middle School, second place, $130.

DuBois

• Luthersburg Elementary, first place, $783.75
• DuBois High Life Skills, second place, $314.
• Wasson Elementary, third place, $305.

The total for the Brookville Area School District was $355.
The top money collectors for groups were: Wills Walkers, first place, Punxsutawney, $4,164; Team Came So Far, second place, Scranton, $1,826.66; and Erin Cameron Day Care, third place, Punxsutawney, $902,30.
The top five in individual money collectors are:

• Josh Golembioski, Punxsutawney, $4,688.
• Mike Tattersall, Brookville, $1,826.66.
• Linda Lyons, Reynoldsville, $1,381.
• Jennifer Roberts, Punxsutawney, $1,275.
• Ken Smith, Reynoldsville, $1,180.

Complete race results are available at: www.runhigh.com.

2 more days till our walk

We would love to see a good turnout on Sunday April 10th at the 32nd Annual Run or Walk for Someone Special event coming up. This is going to be Caleb and Isaac's first year of summer camp and this event totally funds 3 camps that The Arc of Jefferson County hosts each summer. We are hoping to break last years record of participants, we have great weather coming, we have lots of new people learning about The Arc, and we have lots of past participants that are excited and ready to go for another run/walk. If you are unable to partipate, please consider donating to this great cause.. Unlike so many other charity walks, our money stays right here and benefits our local special needs population. Caleb and Isaac's siblings are all doing the 2 mile fun run/walk. Click here to goto Camille's Fundraising page.  

If you are unable to come and unable to donate, we certainly would appreciate your thoughts and prayers for a safe event and good weather.

For all of you who have already donated we appreciate your support.. and we will be sure to share some of the smiles you helped create with your donation :)

Great News for The Arc

I had the priviledge of meeting Lauren Potter back in November at The Arc's National Convention.  I even got my photo with her:

Today on The Arc of United States blog, they announced that Lauren has agreed to be our spokesperson for The Arc in May on their upcoming reveal of The Arc FINDS study.  What a cool selection on the part of The Arc for a spokes person.  If you do not know who Lauren Potter is, she is one of the cheerleader stars on the hit tv show GLEE.  She plays such a cute role.  I honestly never watched the show before convention, but now I try to catch it each week.

You can read The Arc's Blog entry>>HERE<<:

Can't wait for May 10th to hear the results of the study.  What an exciting year for The Arc with their new brand look and the growth they are experiencing,  I am so glad to be a small part of this in our little ole neck of the woods :)

The Arc of Jefferson County and Camp Friendship

Its time again for the Annual Run/Walk for Someone Special event to occur for the 32nd year in a row.  Last year was a record year with 365 participants and $40,000 raised.  ALL money raised at this event stays local and helps The Arc of Jefferson County puts on 2 summer camps for children with special needs (a total of 3 weeks of fun) and a camp for children with Autism (1 week long).  We are a very rural area and to be able to fund something like this ourselves with NO GRANTS or loans is really an exciting thing for us.  On average it costs us $100 per camper per week to do all we do.  We provide a nutritional snack and meal each day for campers, counselors, teachers and Directors.  We provide transportation to and from camp each day.  We have a very qualified teaching staff and need to pay them for their time with us.  We have been blessed to have many people in the community donate their time or provide their service at a low cost at the camps to provide fun for the kids.  4-H has brought in some horses, local fire department has brought in their trucks and gear for the kids to dress up in, karate demonstrations, service dogs, dental hygienists showing proper dental care, and much more!

Here is me finishing my 2 mile fun/run last year in 19 minutes 43 seconds!!  (The one in the yellow shirt with sunglasses that looks like she's about to die...lol):

Here are my handsome twins who have brought me to know and love The Arc and Camp Friendship:

As with any non-profit, funding is harder to come by these days.  People are not giving their money like they used to.  Please consider donating what you can.  Every Dollar does add up and EVERY Dollar is appreciated.  This year my boys will be going to camp.  Part of my passion as Executive Director of this great organization is to keep services going and growing....and to continue bringing new services to this area, not only for my boys, but for the many children and adults that deserve to have something to look forward to each year, and to make memories that last a lifetime.

31 for 21: Trying to make a difference

When my boys were both born with Down Syndrome it kind of gave me a kick in the butt to share my story with everyone and to really learn what it means to advocate for my kids.  Because of this I actually bumped into an opportunity a year and a half ago to become the Executive Director of The Arc of Jefferson County.  I was looking to start a support group for parents who had children with Down Syndrome.  I called someone from The Arc and she said "Now why would you want to limit it to just Down Syndrome, as parents of children with special needs we all go through alot of the same things."  That really struck me.  I gave it a thought for a day or two and I couldn't come up with any arguments as to why I would want to limit myself for a support group.  We truly do attend more doctors visits, get our children involved with Early Intervention, introduce them to the world of therapies, stress over things we wouldn't if we had healthy children, worry about the future, learn more acronyms than we would have EVER cared to have known in a lifetime in about two years time, and most of all... we seek out those that have been there-done that and hope they can offer encouragement and support.

I accepted the position of Executive Director and have not looked back.  I am training to be a parent advocate.  To learn the Right and Regulations of parents within the school districts.  I am wrapping my brain around the many many support services there are out there and trying to make note of anything that I think I need to know to offer to someone else.  I am learning more and more about The Arc and their role as being a leading advocacy group in the United States.  I am loving the fact that just by stepping into this position by accident I have a facility already established that I can bring trainings into, hold picnics and playgroups, and help this organization grow.  I don't know just how yet, but the possibilities are there, I'm excited about them, and with God's hand it in I pray that people WILL someday know who The Arc is and what they do.  I'm still learning myself, but I am happy to be a part of them.

I have just recently also joined forces with The Mentor Parent Program, Inc.  I am totally excited about learning about them too.  Things are going well.  I do need to take a breath and make sure that I am not letting my 5 kids childhood slip away from me because I am being to busy with other things.  One mindset, is that I am doing this to improve the lives of our boys.. And the other is being fearful that I won't matter as much in the lives of others like I do in my childrens eyes..  Its a struggle right now, but one that I keep plugging away at until I figure out a schedule that will work for everyone.

I am totally EXCITED that Tom and I are heading to Orlando, Florida to Walt Disney Resort a week  from tomorrow to attend one day of The Arc's National Convention so that we can both learn together more about The Arc and grow together in knowledge.

And to think................if I did not have children with Down Syndrome, I would not be a part of these two amazing organizations now would I??

Run/Walk for Someone Special.. I have TWO someone specials :)

Tomorrow, April 11th, is the 31st Annual Run/Walk for Someone Special event in Sykesville, PA.. The event is the biggest fundraiser for The Arc of Jefferson County and Camp Friendship.. The Arc normally uses the money raised to put on TWO camps for children with Special Needs who live in the Jefferson County and DuBois areas.  However, this year.. The grant that they normally got to put on an Autism Camp in the month of August was not received this year so the Run/Walk Event needs to raise enough funds to put on THREE camps this year.  It can be done.. God has been so good to us here at The Arc of Jefferson County.

I will be running the 2 mile fun run, while the rest of my family walks the 2 miles.. We are raising funds and hoping maybe someone reading this might help.

Our fund raising page is http://www.firstgiving.com/thearcofjeffersoncounty.  Any donation amount is welcomed and appreciated.  If you have any questions about the event or The Arc of Jefferson County you can visit our website at www.jcarc.org.

I have been the Executive Director of this organization for 13 months now and its been an amazing journey and I look forward to seeing where the rest of this year takes us all.

31st Annual Run/Walk for Someone Special

When I was a little girl in elementary school I remember getting all excited to walk a walk in Sykesville with my family. We usually raised a little bit of money and had a fun family time together walking for a good cause. Then I moved onto middle school, high school, college, and then life. I honestly can say I didn't realize that the walk was still going strong each and every year. I had the privilege of becoming the Executive Director of The Arc of Jefferson County last year and had a hand in the end of planning for last years Run/Walk.

This year I have a new fire to again make this the biggest and best event yet. Last year we were so excited to have had over 300 participants show up. The Run/Walk for Someone Special is our biggest fund raiser and all monies raised stay completely local. The donations go towards funding a summer camp program we host called Camp Friendship, an autism camp that just started 2 years ago, a sign language workshop we began last year, a lending library available to our members, a parent support group that meets monthly, and the Saturday Adult recreation program we put on. There are so many people who benefit from the funds raised at this event. I have set up a FirstGiving page and would ask you to consider making a contribution towards my little guys future here at The Arc of Jefferson County.

Please visit my firstgiving page HERE or if you would like to read up on more about our organization you can visit http://www.jcarc.org

Where did November go????

Really! I can't believe how busy that month ended up for me and doing what you may ask?? I don't know....

I have been training to run my first 5k, which I DID on Thanksgiving morning... thank you thank you very much :)

The twins and I have been going through a bit of a transition with getting a new TSS worker in the house and replacing our favorite TSS ever Colleen. She had to move onto bigger and better positions within her company and I wish her Good Luck in all that she does. I am struggling a bit getting used to someone else coming in and working with the boys when we had the Best there was.. and now this new girl doesn't even SING??? What??? She's young and I think it embarrasses her to sign in front of other people. One piece of advice for anyone who comes in contact with my boys. They are so motivated by music and signing that if you even just sung the ABC's or the Wheels on the Bus or Five Little Monkies Jumping on the Bed, you would INSTANTLY be the boys favorite person in the whole wide world..LOL

I went and got the boys sized for an adaptive stroller last month. They are getting so big and I cannot handle them out in the community alone by myself so for safety we went ahead with ordering them a "wheelchair" stroller to use. The weight goes upto 110 pounds each so its something we can use for a long long time to come.

I observed the twin at preschool one day last month and it brought tears to my eyes seeing how far they've come and just how involved they are in the classroom. They were signing songs and the boys were making the gestures before the words even came out. They anticipated what was coming next for like four songs. I was so tickled!!!

Another thing that happened last month was that we got word that BOTH boys were approved for a wish from Make-A-Wish. We don't know what they are going to do yet, but we're excited for them.

Tristin got to go deer hunting for the first time Monday, she did not get anything but is still hopeful to go out this weekend and give it another try.

Camille has been getting a better attitude about things lately. A couple times this month she cranked up her MP3 player and helped around the house so much I almost felt like paying her a housekeeper fee!! When she wants to do something she sure does a great job at it.

Elijah has become the Wii master all the sudden. He gets on that system everyday. I think its a boy thing? LOL but he can't even read all the words in some of the games that give hints or advice and he still masters the game. Oh and another great point to make about him, I went out for a jog one day and he asked if he could come. I didn't think it would hurt to try and see what he had in him, he jogged a mile with me and his pace was faster than mine!! I was so proud of him and I think he may be my training buddy come spring :)

Tom and I have kept busy with everyday life. But the most noteable thing for November was that we both got to attend the Arc's National Convention in Pittsburgh November 12 - 14. This was so beneficial for us both, being that we both just got involved with the organization this year. I am the Executive Director and he is the Vice President of our branch. I am excited and hopeful that we will be able to use some of the knowledge gained at the convention to bring more services to our area. As a matter of fact, I met with a grant writer today to see about getting a grant for integrated sports in the area and field trips for the families of our parent support group. Let's hope :O)