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Carly May

We would like to pass on information about the 6^th Annual Carly May Classic Memorial Golf Tournament to you!

From Maria Harris:

It’s not too late to join us at the Sixth Annual Carly May Classic Memorial Golf Tournament on May 18^th, 2013 at Heritage Links Golf Club in Lakeville! This year is even more special as the 18^th of May marks six years since Carly passed away. So come help us celebrate her life and living legacy as we have some great fun raising money for the Carly May Foundation!! Join us for an 18-hole scramble with prizes, dinner, silent auction and raffle! Or just come enjoy an Italian dinner and bid on some great auction items!

Thank you for helping make a positive impact in the lives of children with Down Syndrome and/or a chronic illness. Last year we raised our largest amount yet, over $23,000! Nearing $100,000 in five years! Carly’s living memorial is continuing to make such a difference! Check us out on facebook, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Carly-May-Foundation/376137224766?fref=ts, or visit www.carlymayfoundation.org.

Continue reading »]]> The brochure for the 3rd Annual Adult Matters conference are in the mail, but we wanted to give you a head start!

Returning this year are Drs. Brian Chicoine and Dennis McGuire. They are bringing their years of experience and expertise on working with adults with Down syndrome and will be discussing health and well being.

Our breakout sessions include topics on: Social skills with Sharon Mulé with the Institute on Community Integration(ICI) at the University of Minnesota; Post secondary education options with Sean Roy of PACER and Jean Ness with ICI; Funding options when you don’t have a waiver with Rebecca Covington, Executive Director of Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities and Gene Martinez of ARC Greater Twin Cities.

This year we are also introducing a new format: The Open Table discussions.

What’s Open Table Topics all about?

In an effort to continue to serve the needs of our members with adult children, the Association recently sent out a survey asking parents to rank their concerns about specific topics.

In some of these cases due to cuts in county, state and federal government services, we have come to understand that solving some of these problems may require thinking out of the box. And, who better to do that than parents?

Our Open Table Topics will cover: Employment, residential options, recreation/social activities, community involvement, aging and, of course, we will have tables for general discussions.

All tables will have a facilitator who will be taking general notes of problems and concerns and some of the solutions, if any, that other parents may have arrived at. This information will be shared with the Association board and staff as we continue to develop programs and services that serve the needs of all our members. And, who knows, you might find a solution to a problem you are facing from another parent at the table.

You may go to any table. If you find the discussion at any one table is not what you thought it would be, you can feel free to get up and move around.

We hope that you will be able to join us at the 3rd Annual Adult Matters Conference on April 27th!

Download a conference brochure to learn more and to register or visit our secure online site to register online.

Continue reading »]]> We are now taking submissions for the 2014 “Opening Hearts – Changing Minds” calendar!

Download the submission form and submit it with a high quality jpg or a physical photo by May 15th, 2013 to be considered for the calendar.

Update: We have added an online form to the calendar page to make it easier for you to submit your photos. Please visit www.dsamn.org/support-us/merchandise/opening-hearts-changing-minds-calendar to submit your photo!

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Twin Cities iCan Shine Bike Camp

July 22 – 26, 2013

Hamline University, St. Paul

We are excited to announce the return of the iCan Shine Bike Camp (formerly Lose the Training Wheels) to the Twin Cities! The bike camp will run the week of July 22nd at the Walker Field House at Hamline University, with the parent orientation on July 21.

Biking is more than just an opportunity to exercise. It is a social activity to be enjoyed with one’s peers and in a real sense, the first real taste of independence.

Is your son or daughter 8, 18, 28, 38 (or older? We don’t have an age limit!) and interested in learning to ride a bike? Then this program might be for you! The requirements are all spelled out in the information to be found on the iCan Shine Page of the website.

Space is limited to 40 participants….you must apply now if you are interested; we are anticipating a wait list. Don’t delay…head on over to the iCan Shine page to register today.

For more information, give us a call at 651-603-0720 or email mary@dsamn.org.

Continue reading »]]> We have lots of updates and schedule changes to share!

The Roseville Area Group lives on as the North Metro Parent Group. The group will be meeting on the 4th Monday of each month from 6:00-7:30 at the NorthEast United Methodist Church, Minneapolis, MN 55418. Please contact the facilitators if you have any questions: Missy Smith, aaron.missysmith@yahoo.com and Michelle Guse, mmguse@yahoo.com.

The Elk River group meets on the 1st Wednesday of the month, please check out the NW S.P.A.R.K website for more information about the meetings and locations.

The Gene Pool Group out of Eau Claire still lives on, but if you are interested in a more active group, check out the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin – Chippewa Valley Group. There will be a parents night out at Sammy’s Pizza in Eau Claire on January 26th at 7pm. Informational flyer (pdf)

If you are looking for more networking opportunities in Western Wisconsin, please check out this informational brochure (pdf)i from the Special Parents Network.

More updates to come!