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Post by LimitedRecourse on Feb 6, 2014 10:58:32 GMT -5
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Post by LimitedRecourse on Feb 6, 2014 11:13:57 GMT -5
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Post by LimitedRecourse on Feb 6, 2014 11:14:38 GMT -5
We’ve seen the stories about wheelchair users being mistreated by TSA agents or forced to crawl across the tarmac. Is this typical, or are these incidents few and far between? Are some airlines better than others for wheelchair users? And how often is equipment damaged or destroyed by airlines? Please take our short survey so that together we can explore the state of air travel for wheelchair users today — and how it can be improved. www.surveymonkey.com/s/airline-accessibilityNew Mobility Magazine a Publication of United Spinal Association 75-20 Astoria Blvd. East Elmhurst, NY 11370
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Post by LimitedRecourse on Feb 6, 2014 11:19:01 GMT -5
Subject: BIAT's & TN TBI Program's 25th Conference - CEU's have been Approved! The Brain Injury Association of TN & TN's TBI Program's 25th 2014 Brain Injury Conference. "Voices of Brain Injury" ALL CEU's have been approved! CRCC, NASW, CCMC, NCTRC CEU's and Certificate of Attendance will be available at the end of the conference. Please register today! Online registration is available: www.braininjurytn.org/ Brochure with registration form is attached. You can mail this with payment to: BIAT 955 Woodland St. Nashville, TN 37206 Thanks, Pam Bryan
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Post by LimitedRecourse on Feb 6, 2014 11:19:42 GMT -5
PEOPLE TALKING TO PEOPLE (PTP) is a grant for The Arc of Tennessee, intended to enhance community supports by surveying consumer satisfaction with current DIDD programs and providing stakeholder feedback as Tennessee establishes quality measures in its waiver programs. The PTP provides an opportunity for people with disabilities to interview other people with disabilities, to determine their satisfaction with services they are receiving. In addition to gathering information, the project provides new opportunities for people with disabilities to learn how to self advocate and to advocate for others. Interview teams are to be comprised of a person with disabilities and an individual familiar with disabilities, such as another person with disability or a family member of a person with disabilities. PTP is looking to hire a part-time, substitute interviewing partner—starting at $8/hour + mileage reimbursement—with access to reliable and insured transportation and a valid TN Driver’s License, to work with the partner—based in Nashville—to conduct interviews in the areas around Davidson, Dickson, Cheatham, Montgomery and Robertson Counties. Your recruitment assistance is greatly appreciated. Contact Frank for more info. Sincerely, Frank Meeuwis (615) 248-5878 x23 fmeeuwis@thearctn.org Frank Meeuwis MSSW The Arc Tennessee 151 Athens Way, Ste 100 Nashville, TN 37228 Phone: (615) 248-5878 x 23 Fax: (615) 248-5879 TF: 800-835-7077
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Post by LimitedRecourse on Feb 6, 2014 11:21:00 GMT -5
Yesterday, Governor Haslam presented his State of the State address to the people of Tennessee. I am proud that his remarks publically mentioned our achievement of exiting the 21 year old Arlington lawsuit successfully and ahead of schedule. In addition, the Governor delivered his recommended budget for state government to the General Assembly (you can view this document here: www.tn.gov/finance/bud/bud1415/15Publications.shtml). I wanted to give you some highlights of how this budget recommendation would affect DIDD (note that dollars are state funds only and do not include federal match funds, if available): Cost Increases • Home and Community-Based Waiver Growth – Net increase in the number of people receiving residential, day services, case management and therapies by 100 people projected to be enrolled due to their crisis status [$2,456,700] • Targeted HCBS Private Provider Rates– Rate increase equivalent to 1% of the DIDD administered HCBS program targeted to services where providers struggle to meet their costs [$2,215,300] • Clover Bottom to Middle Tennessee Homes Transition (Non-Recurring) – One-time costs for the phased opening of four-person homes located in the community while phasing out operations at the Clover Bottom Developmental Center to be completed by May 2015 [$1,713,500] • Five or More Person Homes Rate Increase – 10% rate increase for group home residential services enabling providers to meet their costs so current residents may continue to choose to live in these homes [$351,200] • Developmental Disabilities Services Planning – Costs for two state positions to review national trends in developmental disabilities services options, assess services desired, plan for a developmental disabilities service delivery system, and function as DIDD’s point of contact for developmental disabilities [$183,900] • Utility Expenses – Expenditures on this transforming campus after the Clover Bottom Developmental Center is closed [$573,100] • Community Homes Certification (Non-Recurring) – One-time costs for the first 30 days of operation prior to home certification [$158,600] • State Employee Salary Increase – 1% salary increase for all state employees [To be determined] Cost Reductions • Council on Developmental Disabilities – Reduce cost of operation for this federally required council [$24,100] • Centralization of Fiscal and Human Resources – Reduce positions from efficiencies gained by the centralization of these two areas of administration [$74,200] • Developmental Center and Public Homes – Match staffing with reduced census at Greene Valley Developmental Center and continue cost efficiency efforts at the state operated homes [$1,747,800] • Miscellaneous Central Office Positions – Reduce positions and other operational expenditures in the central office [$485,000] • Resource Centers – Reduce positions and other operational expenditures at the three resource centers located in East, Middle, and West Tennessee [$592,100] • Community Services Contracts – Reduce budgeted contracts ensuring contractors supplement state staff efficiently [$136,800] • Miscellaneous Regional Office Costs – Reduce administrative positions and operational costs in the three regional offices in East, Middle, and West Tennessee including the elimination of the Arlington Court Monitor contract [$1,306,800] • State Funded Services – Reduce the budgeted allocation by 30.78% for state wrap around services from $6,360,700 to $4,403,000. These supplementary funds facilitate residents living in the community [$1,957,700] • New Waiver Cap – Institute an individual expense cap on all people enrolling into services beginning January 1, 2015 [$79,800] I know of special interest to many of you is that those with qualifying disabilities can continue to receive aid through the family support program. This program is fully funded in the Governor’s budget. Over the next two months I will work with the General Assembly in effort to approve this fiscal year 2014-2015 budget for DIDD. I thank you for all of the support you have given me and the department to date and I appreciate our mutual work supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. ~ Debbie
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Post by LimitedRecourse on Feb 6, 2014 11:22:13 GMT -5
Inclusive Education Workshop - February 19 The Special Education Advocacy Center, The Arc, Autism Tennessee, and the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee are proud to present a series of education advocacy workshops for parents. The first workshop, Inclusive Education: How to Maximize Your Child's Time in the General Education Classroom will be held on February 19, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at The Arc Davidson County. click here to register: autismtn.org/education/education-event-registration/
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Post by LimitedRecourse on Feb 6, 2014 11:22:37 GMT -5
February is Jewish Disability Awareness Month. JFNA is proud to join the Consortium of Jewish Special Educators in recognizing and increasing the awareness of the needs, strengths, opportunities and challenges of people with disabilities in our Jewish communities throughout North America. We are asking each federation to join us in observing Jewish Disability Awareness Month. JFNA has created this website to facilitate program ideas, as well as professional contacts, to assist your community in planning activities during the month of February and throughout the entire year. This website was created and will be updated by JFNA’s Human Services and Public Policy Disability Committee, which is composed of lay and professional leaders from across the continental federation movement and provides guidance and direction on policy/advocacy issues related to physical, emotional, and developmental disabilities. www.jewishfederations.org/page.aspx?id=260153
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Post by LimitedRecourse on Feb 6, 2014 11:22:59 GMT -5
Subject: Project Brain needs 5 minutes of your time Project Brain is conducting a very brief survey to ascertain the need for training on brain injury. It consists of 10 questions and should take less than 5 minutes: www.tfaforms.com/316518Your assistance would be very much appreciated. Please forward as you see fit. They want to hear from coaches, teachers, school personnel, medical professionals and parents. thank you, Jean Jean Doster, Director Traumatic Brain Injury Program Clinical Services, 7th floor, AJT 710 James Robertson Pkwy Nashville, TN 37243 P) 615.741.1230 F) 615.532.2785 Jean.Doster@tn.gov
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Post by LimitedRecourse on Feb 6, 2014 11:23:42 GMT -5
Subject: Notice of Public Comment Good Afternoon, NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT The Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) Part C Application for Federal Funds (Fiscal Year July 1, 2014-June 30, 2015) will be posted for sixty (60) days, beginning Feb. 3, 2014 through April 3, 2014. This application will be accepting public comments for a period of thirty (30) days beginning Feb. 4, 2014 through March 7, 2014. You may find the application using the following link www.tn.gov/education/teis/. Comments may be submitted to Tabatha Siddiqi via email, fax or posted mail at: Tabatha Siddiqi State of Tennessee Department of Education Division of Special Populations Andrew Johnson Tower, 11th Floor 710 James Robertson Parkway Nashville, TN 37243 Email: Tabatha. Siddiqi@tn.gov Fax: (615) 532-4989 Sincerely, Linda Hartbarger Executive Director Tennessee Department of Education Linda.Hartbarger@tn.gov (615) 253-5032
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Post by LimitedRecourse on Feb 6, 2014 11:25:54 GMT -5
Employment Network: Participants are still needed for a February 11 capacity building session regarding Employment Network and Ticket to Work from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m at Workforce Investment Network in Memphis (480 Beale Street). The session will provide an overview of the Disability Employment Initiative grant, Ticket to Work and partnering with a workforce that has already become an Employment Network. If your agency is interested in learning more about becoming an Employment Network and Ticket to Work, please RSVP to Amy Gonzalez at Amy.Gonzalez@tn.gov by February 7. Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities: The Council on Developmental Disabilities is an independent state office created through the federal Developmental Disabilities Act. It is responsible for assessing services and implementing strategies to make disability programs and services in Tennessee more efficient and effective. Although the Council contracts with DIDD for certain administrative and human resource services, it is a separate agency from DIDD. To stay updated about new projects, programs and general disability news from the Council, sign up for a monthly update through their website here or e-mail Emma Shouse, the Council’s Director of Public Information, at Emma.Shouse@tn.gov to be added to their mailing list. The Council also publishes a magazine called Breaking Ground, which covers a variety of disability-related issues in Tennessee. If you or your agency does not currently receive Breaking Ground and would like to, please e-mail Mildred.Sparkman@tn.gov. You can also view past issues on the Council’s website here. Customized Employment Webinar: Relias Learning and Griffin-Hammis Associates will host a free webinar on Customized Employment for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities on February 6 at 12 p.m. EST. During the webinar, participants will learn: • The typical application and interviewing process. • How to use a person-centered evaluative method to identify a person’s vocational themes and how to use these themes to craft a job development strategy. • Tips to engaging small and/or artisanal businesses as opposed to big retailers. To register, click here . If you have any questions, please contact the DIDD.ISQA@tn.gov help desk. Employment Resources: The Washington Initiative for Supported Employment (WISE) has successfully assisted agencies in various states to support persons with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining employment. WISE offers two types of online training that may benefit anyone interested in enhancing their employment efforts. First, is a webinar series. Each webinar is $30 per session. However, agencies can have any number of people in one location watching it together. WISE encourages offices to purchase one seat and project the webinar on a screen for everyone to view. Click here to view the calendar of training events; WISE webinars are listed in blue. On-demand trainings are also available through the Wise Learning Center; these are currently free (for a limited time) to anyone. To register for the learning center and access a course catalog, click here. For more information on WISE and their current projects, please visit www.gowise.org/ or follow them on Facebook or Twitter @wisetraining.
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Post by LimitedRecourse on Feb 6, 2014 11:27:02 GMT -5
Helping Those Who Protect and Serve: Habilitation and Training Services (HATS) of Gallatin recently assisted two local Sumner County Businesses, CORTAC and U.S. Pest to give Hendersonville Police a special gift. Hendersonville-based U.S. Pest has donated a piece of tactical equipment essential to a police officer’s comfort underneath their body armor that is manufactured by Hendersonville-based CORTAC. The piece of equipment, called the CTAV™, is designed to go underneath an officer’s body armor. Its lightweight design and air-filled chambers make wearing body armor much more tolerable. U.S. Pest is giving a CTAV to each of the roughly 121 sworn officers on their force. The CTAV normally costs an officer $149.95. CORTAC is discounting their product by roughly 1/3 to aid U.S. Pest as part of the donation.
“We wanted to get this done as soon as we could because the temperatures are falling and these officers have had to get used to the uncomfortable reality of performing in the rigors of winter,” said Michael Letterman, CEO of CORTAC. “Without companies like U.S. Pest Protection, this would not have been possible. It is refreshing to find civic-minded organizations that still care about those individuals that protect our homes, our businesses and our families. We are also excited that Habilitation and Training Services (HATS) of Gallatin is part of our team! With the help of Betty, Dawn, Alonzo, Jason and Brian, we were able to assemble over 121 units in the space of 2 hours. The assembly is not altogether an easy process. But they made it seem simple. I am very glad HATS Executive Director, Ben Minnix, has taken such a personal role in helping to make this program a success!”
U.S. Pest and CORTAC delivered the CTAVs to the Hendersonville Police Department before Christmas. “What CORTAC has created solves a problem that has persisted for years: the discomfort in wearing body armor,” said Hendersonville Chief of Police Mickey Miller. “For U.S. Pest to step up and purchase these on our behalf gives us a huge advantage in our ability to perform our daily duties.”
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Post by LimitedRecourse on Feb 6, 2014 11:27:38 GMT -5
National Association of Qualified Developmental Disability Professionals (NAQ): The NAQ is an organization for professionals who serve people with disabilities. The purpose of this organization is to promote, protect and advance the interests of Qualified Developmental Disability Professionals (QDDPs, previously known as QMRPs). The NAQ continues to grow as a professional organization for disability professionals. The goals of this organization are: • Promote an outcome-based approach to service delivery and the provision of supports for people with disabilities. • Provide training in best and promising practices. • Disseminate relevant information, including research findings, through its newsletter and annual conference. • Engage in advocacy in the public interest. • Make public statements consistent with its purposes. Each year, the NAQ sponsors an annual conference that brings together QDDPs, case managers, program directors, executive directors and medical practitioners from across the United States. This year, the 2014 NAQ conference will be held in Nashville on August 5-8. For more information or to register, click here. www.qddp.org/
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Post by LimitedRecourse on Feb 6, 2014 11:28:47 GMT -5
Subject: ASA-ETC's 3rd Annual Education Conference in Tri Cities - March 15, 2014 Registration is now open via website and mail for ASA-ETC’s 3rd Annual Education Conference!! It features autism-specific workshops including: Effective Instruction Design, Behavior Interventions, Problem Behavior workshop, Maximizing Communication with Visual Supports, Puberty and Autism, Sensory Trouble-shooting, Daily Routines for Independence, Potty Training, Impact of Common Core Standards for those with Disabilities, and Special Needs Trusts (agenda details attached). Conference will be held from 8am – 4pm at Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church: 201 Market St., Johnson City, TN 37601. Cost is $10 for parent, teacher or student and $20 for professional, with discount! (Early bird rate is only through Feb 9th …register early!!) To register, print attached registration form and mail in with payment. Online registration via website & Paypal is: www.asaetc.org . For more information, email: info@asaetc.org or call: (865) 247-5082. Thanks for helping us spread the word; hope to see you there!! -- Brook Dickerson Executive Director, ASA-ETC 123 Center Park Drive, Suite 211 Knoxville, TN 37922 (865) 247-5082 brookd.asaetc@gmail.com www.asaetc.org
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Post by LimitedRecourse on Feb 6, 2014 11:29:33 GMT -5
The purpose of the Architecture and Animation Workshop is to increase awareness of building construction and architecture principles. It is a collaboration of VSA Tennessee and Art for Autism. Leslie Fawaz, of the East Tennessee Community Design Center, will start off the one-day workshop by teaching us some of the basics of architecture and showing us examples of buildings in Tennessee. Ten students will be using stop-motion animation, facilitated by Anne Winsauer of Art for Autism, to demonstrate some of the basic methods of architecture while depicting a “Day in the Life of a Skyscraper.” Bill Threlkeld, an architect with TVA, will conduct a hands-on activity in the afternoon.
Who: students, aged 10 – 20 (limited to first 10 to register) When: 9am to 4pm, Saturday, March 29,2014 Where: Clayton Center for the Arts, Bldg. B, Rooms 208 and 212 (Maryville College campus) Cost: $5, in advance, for registration with VSA, plus $5 for lunch at the Maryville College cafeteria (pay for lunch at the cafeteria the day of the workshop) Registration: Contact VSA Tennessee at userk7706@comcast or (615) 826-5252.
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Post by LimitedRecourse on Feb 6, 2014 11:30:07 GMT -5
The Clay Lady Studio and Artist Coop is once again hosting the Cups of Co-opportunity at their location at 1416 Lebanon Pike in Nashville. This event features working artist demonstrations, demonstrations of the kiln, great food, entertainment by VSA Tennessee Young Soloist Kristen Wright….and cups….lots of cups! The artists have created a variety of unique handmade cups that are for sale with all proceeds benefiting VSA Tennessee. Get a one of a kind piece of art for yourself or for a friend, while supporting a great organization.
Who: Free and open to the public When: Saturday, Feb. 8, 7:30-11am Where: 1416 Lebanon Pike, Nashville
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Post by LimitedRecourse on Feb 6, 2014 11:30:28 GMT -5
Pull on your boots and step into the Wild West on Friday, March 7th and the Nashville Lexus Dealership. Co-hosts Pete Weber and Terry Crisp of the Nashville Predators will greet guests as they enter a world of saloon girls, dancing, music, bandits and a lot of fun. This event benefits VSA Tennessee.
Who: Adults When: Friday, March 7 from 7pm-9pm Where: Nashville Lexus Dealership in Brentwood Cost: $25 a person
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Post by LimitedRecourse on Feb 6, 2014 11:30:47 GMT -5
Call for Artwork: Yo Soy 2014 International Call for Artwork Workshop for Children VSA Tennessee and the Hendersonville Arts Council proudly presents a fiber art workshop for young people with disabilities in which they will create art for a unique opportunity to display their artwork side-by-side in an online exhibition with young people with disabilities from around the world. A selection of artwork from the online entries will be chosen for a live exhibition at the United States Department of Education in Washington D.C.! The workshop will be led by Gallatin Artist, Kathy Plourde.
Who: Young people with disabilities ages 8-18 (limited to the first 10 to register) When: Saturday, April 12, 10am-2:30pm Where: Hendersonville Arts Council, Monthaven, 1154 West Main St, Hendersonville TN, 37075 Cost: Free, but participants must bring their own lunch Registration: Contact VSA Tennessee at userk7706@comcast.net or (615) 826-5252
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Post by LimitedRecourse on Feb 6, 2014 11:31:10 GMT -5
VSA Tennessee teaching artist, Monica Leister, recently completed an artist residency at the Tennessee School for the Blind in Nashville. She led students in creating unique clay bowls that went on public display on Wed., Jan 22 at the Clay Lady Studio and Artist Coop. At the exhibit opening, guests were asked to bring cans of soup and/or put money into their favorite bowl with all of the proceeds going to the Nashville Rescue Mission.
Lynn Bogle of the Nashville Rescue Mission attended and explained to the students how the number of homeless children continues to grow in Nashville. He also explained that on a cold night, such as the evening of the reception, the mission was expected over 1,000 individuals to crowd into its shelter. The money and soup raised by these young people with visual impairments was much needed and appreciated.
One of the young artists was so touched by what Mr. Bogle had to say that he pulled out everything he had in his pocket ($10) and placed it in his bowl. When his teacher questioned him about giving away all of his money, the young artist stated “I have everything. I have shelter, food and a family. These people have nothing. If I were out there in the cold, I would want someone to do this for me.”
The Ernie Fitzgerald Award for Artistic Sesign was presented by his widow, Trish Fitzgerald, to young artist Craig Heggie. VSA Tennessee Young Soloist Kristen Wright provided background entertainment.
Funding was provided by a grant through the VSA offices of the John F Kennedy Center for the Arts and the Tennessee Department of Education.
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Post by LimitedRecourse on Feb 6, 2014 11:31:54 GMT -5
Enter the Young Soloists Competition Today! Deadline Extended! VSA Tennessee invites musicians with a disability--ages 14 to 25--to enter the 2014 VSA International Young Soloists Competition. The competition is open to international and domestic musicians, soloists and ensembles of two to five members, and musicians of all genres.Winners receive $2,500, professional development opportunities, and the chance to perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Click here for details and to start your online application. vsatn.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f93bc693ab95371dfb6336288&id=2a3ffda626&e=1c2d17798dApplication deadline is now February 10, 2014. As part of the program, VSA Tennessee hosts a statewide competition. State entrants will perform in March 2014 at Middle Tennessee State University and earn monetary prizes. This year the participants will also attend a master class with George Dennehy, who will also perform at the evening event.
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Post by LimitedRecourse on Feb 6, 2014 11:32:20 GMT -5
Professional Development Opportunities Two unique opportunities await educators and teaching artist! You can choose a weekend event at the War Memorial Bldg in Dickson TN on Saturday Feb. 22 from 8am-5pm or a weekday event on Friday, Feb. 28 at Union University in Jackson TN from 8am-5pm. Both events are free of charge.
Registration is now open for both of these events. For more information, contact VSA Tennessee at userk7706@comcast.net or (615) 826-5252.
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Post by LimitedRecourse on Feb 6, 2014 11:32:57 GMT -5
TPAC Audio Description for the Broadway Series Audio description will be provided for the musical Ghost on Sunday, March 2, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. as the Broadway series continues at TPAC, sponsored by HCA/TriStar Health. Pre-show notes begin at 12:40 p.m.
Tickets are $15 each, now on hold in Row P of the Tier for patrons with visual impairments and their companions. To take advantage of this special offer, make your reservations by Monday, February 17. Call the TPAC Box Office at 615-782-4040 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and ask for Rick Forshee.
Your tickets and headsets will be at the accessible services table near the elevator in the Jackson lobby, convenient to the marquee entrance at the corner of 6th Avenue and Deaderick Street. Braille and large print programs are available. Running time is two hours and 30 minutes including intermission.
Please note that we are also offering these services at the same time for Sister Act on March 16 and Wicked. Tickets in Row P of the tier are $15 for Sister Act and $70 for Wicked.
Our mailing address is: VSA Tennessee 1210 Lake Rise Place, Gallatin, TN Gallatin, TN 37066
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Post by LimitedRecourse on Feb 6, 2014 11:33:29 GMT -5
KNOXVILLE -- Artistic Spectrum is a new nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting artistic and extracurricular opportunities for the Knoxville area autism community. The team is currently planning exhibits and workshops as well as meeting with local artists of all ages with autism spectrum disorders to assess their needs and give them publicity in print and online. The ultimate goal is to establish a studio to offer lessons in music, visual art, martial arts, and dance for children and adults with autism. Parents and artists are encouraged to contact them for more information. Website: artisticspectrum.org , Email: info@artisticspectrum.org, Facebook: www.facebook.com/artisticspectrumknoxville , Twitter: @artisticspectrm, Phone: (865) 816-9716
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Post by LimitedRecourse on Feb 6, 2014 11:35:43 GMT -5
The Justice Department will make funding available immediately to provide free electronic tracking devices for kids with autism who are at risk of wandering.
Feds To Fund Tracking Devices For Kids With Autism By MICHELLE DIAMENT January 30, 2014 Text Size A A The Justice Department will make funding available immediately to provide free electronic tracking devices for kids with autism who are at risk of wandering. U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said Wednesday that his department has existing grant money that can be used for the technology. Police departments nationwide can begin applying for funding immediately, Holder said. Local law enforcement would then use the money to pay for tracking devices to distribute to families who want them. Holder made the commitment while testifying before a U.S. Senate panel. The comments come days after U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said he was introducing legislation that would allocate $10 million to the Justice Department to create a grant program to provide tracking devices to families wishing to monitor their kids with autism and other developmental disabilities due to wandering concerns. The plan is modeled after an existing federal program that provides tracking devices for those with Alzheimer’s disease. During the hearing Wednesday, Holder called Schumer’s concern for kids with autism “legitimate.” “I think that given the nature of the unique issues that kids with autism issues face and given the way in which our nation has responded to adults with Alzheimer’s issues, that they ought to be treated in much the same way,” the attorney general said. Schumer first floated the idea of funding tracking devices last November in response to the disappearance of Avonte Oquendo, a 14-year-old with autism who went missing from his New York City school and was recently found dead. About half of individuals with autism are prone to wandering, research suggests. Tracking devices can be worn as a bracelet, attached to a child’s shoe or belt loop or even sewn into clothing. In the event that an individual goes missing, a caregiver can contact the monitoring company for the device to pinpoint the person’s location. Even with Holder’s commitment, Schumer said he will press forward with his legislation in order to ensure a permanent funding source is established for the program.
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Post by LimitedRecourse on Feb 6, 2014 11:36:32 GMT -5
Feds Clarify How To Apply For Autism Tracking Devices By MICHELLE DIAMENT February 6, 2014 Text Size A A A week after announcing that the federal government will pay for tracking devices for kids with autism, officials are offering more details about how families can access the technology. Police departments nationwide will be able to make the tracking devices available to children in their communities who are at risk of wandering using money available through the Justice Department’s Byrne grant program, officials at the federal agency said. Byrne is an existing program that law enforcement agencies routinely tap to pay for everything from crime prevention programs to officer training and equipment like police radios and lights for emergency vehicles. Last week, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said that his office had determined that Byrne funding could be used for tracking devices. “Byrne grant money can be made and will be made available for the purchase of these devices,” Holder told a U.S. Senate panel. The commitment came in response to a request from U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer. The New York Democrat was prompted to act after 14-year-old Avonte Oquendo, who had autism, went missing from his New York City school in October and was recently found dead. Now it’s starting to become clearer how communities can obtain the funds Holder referenced. Police should go through the same process they typically utilize to seek funding from the federal Byrne program, according to Max Dworin, a spokesman for Schumer. Law enforcement agencies can request grant money to pay for tracking devices and to provide education and training related to the issue of wandering, he said. “Police departments apply for these every year for a variety of local law enforcement projects,” Dworin said. “Now, essentially, the Department of Justice has opened up this funding for autism.” All applications must go through law enforcement agencies, so organizations and schools should work with local police to put programs in place, Dworin said. Police departments that receive money through the federal grant will be responsible for designing and administering their local program and determining how tracking devices are distributed. The Justice Department’s Bureau of Justice Assistance approved nearly $280 million in funding through the Byrne program in 2013. It’s unclear how much money could go toward tracking devices. Separately, Schumer has proposed federal legislation that would allocate $10 million in dedicated funds to pay for the technology. Schumer’s bill calls for devices to be made available to families wishing to monitor those with autism or other developmental disorders who are at risk for wandering. Justice Department spokesman Kevin Lewis did not provide clarification Wednesday about whether the new opportunity through the Byrne grant program would be limited to people with autism or if funds could be requested to be used for tracking devices for individuals with other types of developmental disabilities as well. Research indicates that about half of children with autism are prone to wandering. Electronic tracking devices can be worn as a bracelet, attached to a shoe or belt loop or even sewn into a person’s clothing. In the event that an individual goes missing, a caregiver can call the monitoring company associated with the device in order to locate the person. Many families already utilize tracking devices, but advocates say the technology can be cost prohibitive and note that a monthly fee is often involved. Under an existing plan, the Justice Department provides funds to pay for similar devices for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease who are at risk for wandering.
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Post by LimitedRecourse on Feb 6, 2014 11:37:07 GMT -5
Free Billy Goats Gruff performance on Feb. 15 at the Nashville Opera tailored for children with autism. Saturday, February 15, 2014 2:00 PM The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center TRIAD (Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders) Community Outreach Program has collaborated with the Nashville Opera to create a free performance of "Billy Goats Gruff" that is specifically tailored to children with autism spectrum disorder. This family-friendly, forty-minute production offers an operatic twist on the classic folktale. Sung in English, it features music from operas by Mozart, Donizetti, and Rossini. This contemporary retelling tackles the issue of bullying and promotes the power of kindness. Location: Noah Liff Opera Center 3622 Redmon Street Nashville, TN 37209 Register online: fs16.formsite.com/nashvilleopera/BillyGoatTriad/index.html For questions and special resources, call (615) 832-5242. Thank you, Courtney Taylor, M.Div. Associate Director of Communications and Dissemination Coordinator of Disabilities, Religion, and Spirituality Program Vanderbilt Kennedy Center
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Post by LimitedRecourse on Feb 6, 2014 11:37:47 GMT -5
Subject: 2014 Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards Seek Nominations 2014 Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards Seek Nominations The Viscardi Center has issued a “Call for Nominations” for the 2014 Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards, which honor “exemplary leaders in the disability community who have had a profound impact on shaping attitudes, raising awareness and improving the quality of life of people with disabilities.” “Despite our significant contributions, people with disabilities continue to face considerable barriers,” said John D. Kemp, president and CEO of The Viscardi Center. “Our Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards are designed to recognize the tireless efforts being made on a daily basis to better integrate people with disabilities into everyday life and allow every person to achieve to their fullest potential.” Individuals of any age, with any type of disability, are eligible. Nominations are being accepted until February 28, 2014. For more information or to submit a nomination, click on the source below. Source: www.viscardicenter.org/news-events/news/2014-hvaa-announced.html
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Post by LimitedRecourse on Feb 6, 2014 11:38:17 GMT -5
Registration is now open via website and mail for ASA-ETC’s 3rd Annual Education Conference!! It features autism-specific workshops including: Effective Instruction Design, Behavior Interventions, Problem Behavior workshop, Maximizing Communication with Visual Supports, Puberty and Autism, Sensory Trouble-shooting, Daily Routines for Independence, Potty Training, Impact of Common Core Standards for those with Disabilities, and Special Needs Trusts. Conference will be from 8am – 4pm at Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church: 201 Market St., Johnson City, TN 37601. Cost is $10 for parent, teacher or student and $20 for professional, with discount! (Early bird rate is only through Feb 9th …register early!!) To register, print form listed below and mail in with payment. Online registration via website & Paypal can be found at: www.asaetc.org . For more info email: info@asaetc.org or call: (865) 247-5082.
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Post by LimitedRecourse on Feb 6, 2014 11:38:58 GMT -5
FEB 11, 2014 -- ASA-ETC’s LEGO Club Tri Cities meets the second Tuesday of each month at Physical Therapy Services: 401 E. Main St., Johnson City, TN at 6:30pm for loads of LEGO fun! Individuals with Autism (all ages and skill levels) are welcome to attend, along with typical siblings and peer friends. Please RSVP in advance to ensure sufficient LEGOS for building. RSVP to: Libby Thieben at: ltheiben@gmail.com or (423) 341-4190. COME BUILD WITH US!!! FEB 12, 2014 – ASA-ETC will be hosting a Social Stories Workshop, facilitated by UT Pediatric Language Clinic from 10 am – 12 noon at our office in My Next Suite’s office building: 123 Center Park Drive, Knoxville, TN 37922. This FREE workshop is for parents and providers and it teaches the basic format design of a social story using the principles developed by Carol Gray. Participants will learn the purpose behind writing an individual story, understand its basic construction and learn to tailor the text to meet the needs of the individual child. In addition, participants will create an individualized story for a child they know and learn about the other resources available to help create social stories using print media and electronic media (ie; web sites, videos, IPad). Advance RSVP needed to prepare sufficient materials. RSVP by Friday, February 7th to: info@asaetc.org or call: (865) 247-5082. FEB 15, 2014 – ASA-ETC’S Friendship Club Smoky Mountains will hold a LEGO Party from 11am – 12:30pm at the King Family Library: 508 High Street, Sevierville, TN. There will be lots of LEGO fun, feel free to bring games and building sets. Please also bring a snack or drink to share. Please RSVP via Facebook at: www.facebook.com/groups/186947241363635/ or email: fcsmokymtn@asaetc.org . See you there! FEB 20, 2014 -- ASA-ETC’s LEGO Club Knoxville meets the third Thursday of each month from 6:00 – 7:30pm in the Fellowship Hall of West Park Baptist Church: 8833 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37923 for loads of LEGO fun! Individuals with Autism, ages 15 and under (all skill levels) are welcome to attend, along with typical siblings and peer friends. Please RSVP in advance to ensure sufficient LEGOS for building. RSVP details needed: name, age, and ASD / NT for each child attending to: (865) 247-5082 or info@asaetc.org . COME BUILD WITH US!!! FEB 20, 2014 -- ASA-ETC Lending Library has over 50 books and DVDs for parents and professionals in the Tri-Cities area available for monthly loan. The collection is located in Johnson City and contains books by Dr. Tony Attwood, Temple Grandin, James Ball, Jed Baker, Tara Delaney, Rebecca Moyes, Sheila Wagner, Carol Stock Kranowitz, Barbara Cooper and many others. Interested readers can access a list of the available titles and complete descriptions of books and DVDs by using these web or mobile addresses-- Web URL: connect.collectorz.com/users/skp/books/view , Mobile URL: connect.collectorz.com/m/users/skp/books/view . The materials will be available for check-out and return on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Meet with Chris, Angela and Sandra at the tables in the right front section of the Johnson City Public Library (100 W. Millard Street, Johnson City, TN) For more information , contact Chris Demas at 423-753-7992 or cdemas@gmail.com, Sandra Pierce at 423-926-3467 or Angela Presnell at 423-557-9090. FEB 22, 2014 -- ASA-ETC is partnering with UT Pediatric Language Clinic to offer a FREE Communication 101 Workshop from 10am – noon at Fountain of Life Bible Church: 118 Julie Lane, Johnson City. Workshop is for parents or providers who work with children who are nonverbal to early verbal communicators and it uses Vanderbilt Kennedy Center TRIAD curriculum. 3 types of early communicator styles will be discussed and participants will be assisted in determining goals for requesting and joint attention, deciding where to work on those goals and selecting strategies needed for each. Advance RSVP required due to limited class size and need for advance handout preparation. RSVP no later than Feb 19th to: fctricities@asaetc.org or call: (423) 557-8090. SEE YOU THERE! FEB 22, 2014 – ASA-ETC’S Friendship Club Knoxville is headed to see a Sensory Friendly showing of the LEGO Movie at Carmike Wynnsong 16 Cinema: 200 N. Peters Rd., Knoxville, TN. This special movie showing features lower sound, dim lights, room to move around and noise is okay - the theatre has been reserved just for us!!! Cost is $8.00 and includes popcorn & drink. (Special diets may bring their own.) Check in begins at 9:30am and the movie begins promptly at 10am. Advance RSVP by Feb 16th is really needed so we make sure the theatre is big enough J ! RSVP needs to include: name, email or phone info, the number of adults, and the number of children attending. RSVP to: uygifts@att.net, uygifts1965@gmail.com or (865) 335-9370. JOIN US!! MAR 7- 8, 2014 – SAVE THE DATE for ASA-ETC’s first ever fundraising Garage Sale!!! Grab a box and start collecting your unneeded new and gently used items now to donate for this event. All proceeds will fund local programs and we will need volunteers for the sale days. Location will be: 1121 Tranquila Drive, Knoxville and times will be Friday 8am – 1pm and Saturday 8am – 3pm. For more information and drop off dates, contact Jaana Alunni at: uygifts1965@gmail.com or (865) 335-9370. MAR 11, 2014 -- ASA-ETC’s LEGO Club Tri Cities meets the second Tuesday of each month at Physical Therapy Services: 401 E. Main St., Johnson City, TN at 6:30pm for loads of LEGO fun! Individuals with Autism (all ages and skill levels) are welcome to attend, along with typical siblings and peer friends. Please RSVP in advance to ensure sufficient LEGOS for building. RSVP to: Libby Thieben at: ltheiben@gmail.com or (423) 341-4190. COME BUILD WITH US!!! MAR 15, 2014 – Registration is now open via website and mail for ASA-ETC’s 3rd Annual Education Conference!! It features autism-specific workshops including: Effective Instruction Design, Behavior Interventions, Problem Behavior workshop, Maximizing Communication with Visual Supports, Puberty and Autism, Sensory Trouble-shooting, Daily Routines for Independence, Potty Training, Impact of Common Core Standards for those with Disabilities, and Special Needs Trusts. Conference will be from 8am – 4pm at Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church: 201 Market St., Johnson City, TN 37601. Cost is $10 for parent, teacher or student and $20 for professional, with discount! (Early bird rate is only through Feb 9th …register early!!) To register, print form listed below and mail in with payment. Online registration via website & Paypal can be found at: www.asaetc.org . For more info email: info@asaetc.org or call: (865) 247-5082. MAR 15, 2014 – ASA-ETC’S Friendship Club Smoky Mountains will hold a Pizza Party from 11am – 12:30pm at Mr. Gatti’s in Sevierville. More details soon at: www.asaetc.org or Facebook at: www.facebook.com/groups/186947241363635/ . MAR 27, 2014 -- ASA-ETC’s LEGO Club Knoxville meets this Thursday (date changed due to KC Schools Spring Break) from 6:00 – 7:30pm in the Fellowship Hall of West Park Baptist Church: 8833 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37923 for loads of LEGO fun! Individuals with Autism, ages 15 and under (all skill levels) are welcome to attend, along with typical siblings and peer friends. Please RSVP in advance to ensure sufficient LEGOS for building. RSVP details needed: name, age, and ASD / NT for each child attending to: (865) 247-5082 or info@asaetc.org . COME BUILD WITH US!!! MAR 29, 2014 – ASA-ETC’S Friendship Club Knoxville will be having pajama party fun at West Park Baptist Church in Knoxville. More details soon, but mark your calendar now to attend. APR 2, 2014 – ASA-ETC is hosting a TRIAD Daily Routines Workshop in Knoxville from 10 am – 12 noon at our office in My Next Suite’s office building: 123 Center Park Drive, Knoxville, TN 37922. This workshop is for parents or providers who work with young children who need help participating in everyday routines. Being able to engage in daily routines such as mealtime, bath time, bed time, etc. is important for every child. Training covers a variety of supports to help you and your child be successful. Hands on examples of how to use choice boards, token boards, sequence strips, etc. will be discussed. Videos will also be used to provide examples for discussion. NOTE: This session was developed in conjunction with TRIAD and TEIS for use in Tennessee. Although workshop is FREE, advance RSVP is required. For more information and to RSVP, email: info@asaetc.org or call: (865) 247-5082. APR 4, 2014 – ASA-ETC is helping sponsor the Chattanooga Autism Center’s Annual Autism Conference. Registration open soon! Info at: www.chattanoogaautismcenter.org/conference/ APR 8, 2014 -- ASA-ETC’s LEGO Club Tri Cities meets the second Tuesday of each month at Physical Therapy Services: 401 E. Main St., Johnson City, TN at 6:30pm for loads of LEGO fun! Individuals with Autism (all ages and skill levels) are welcome to attend, along with typical siblings and peer friends. Please RSVP in advance to ensure sufficient LEGOS for building. RSVP to: Libby Thieben at: ltheiben@gmail.com or (423) 341-4190. COME BUILD WITH US!!! APR 12, 2014 -- ASA-ETC is partnering with UT Pediatric Language Clinic to offer a FREE Challenging Behaviors Workshop from 10am – noon at Fountain of Life Bible Church: 118 Julie Lane, Johnson City. Workshop is for parents or providers who work with children who present challenging behaviors and uses Vanderbilt Kennedy Center TRIAD curriculum. Challenging behaviors keep children from fully participating in important social and learning opportunities. Workshop will use simple applied behavior analysis (ABA) principles to analyze the behaviors. Participants will gain quick tips and teaching strategies for responding to the behaviors. Advance RSVP required due to limited class size and need for advance handout preparation. RSVP no later than Apr 5th to: fctricities@asaetc.org or call: (423) 557-8090. SEE YOU THERE! APR 27, 2014 – SAVE THE DATE for ASA-ETC’s 9th Annual Coast in for Autism in Knoxville!!! More details coming soon on this great fundraiser, but mark your calendars now to join us!!
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Post by LimitedRecourse on Feb 6, 2014 11:39:39 GMT -5
ITEMS OF INTEREST & LOCAL RESOURCES KNOXVILLE -- There is still time to register for the PECS Level 1 Training: Basic in Knoxville, Tennessee on Feb 10 – 11, 2014. Attend this PECS Training and you will learn strategies to create an abundance of opportunities for communication by using the PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) protocol. Cost: $395 Professionals/ $295 Parents. Workshop Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm. This workshop offers 1.3 ASHA CEUs or 13.0 BACB CEUs at no additional cost. Please visit our website at: www.pecsusa.com for more information. Online registration is available with credit card. Or you may register via phone and credit card at 888-732-7462. Checks and purchase orders through the mail are also acceptableAlso, purchase orders may be faxed to the office at (302) 368-2516. David Battista, Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc. 13 Garfield Way, Newark, DE 19713, Toll Free: (888) 732-7462, Fax: (302) 368-2516, marketing@pecs.com, www.pecsusa.com ------------------------------------- KNOXVILLE -- Planning for Your Child’s Future: Legal Help for Families - Are you the parent or legal guardian of a disabled or seriously ill child? How can you provide for your child’s future financial needs? What will happen when your child turns 18? If you plan to make medical decisions for your child once your child turns 18, you must have a conservatorship. A conservatorship is formal legal permission for one adult to make decisions for another adult. If you do not have a conservatorship, you will not be able to make medical decisions such as obtaining care and treatment for your child once your child is an adult (age 18). For all parents and legal guardians: Who will care for your child if you die? What will happen to your child if you become seriously ill or disabled? Do you have a will? Help is Available - Student attorneys from the University of Tennessee College of Law Homer A. Jones, Jr. Wills Clinic can help with preparing conservatorships, wills, and related documents for clients who meet eligibility guidelines. The students are supervised by an experienced estate planning attorney and their services are free of charge. If you need help with a conservatorship, writing a will, or other estate planning, help is available: On site at the ETCH Rehab Center, Saturday February 8, 2014, 10:00 a.m. Cost depends on your income guidelines, call for those details and to register to: Tracy Bock at 865-690-8961 x2225 or tbock@etch.com . NOTE: If you are unable to attend the session on February 8, you may call the U.T. College of Law Legal Clinic at 865-974-2331 and ask to speak with a Wills Clinic Student. A student will arrange to meet with you at a mutually-convenient time. ------------------------------------- KNOXVILLE – Sonshine Family Ministry of First Baptist Concord, has a Family Support Group for parents, family members, caregivers and professionals who serve children, youth and adults with special needs. They meet the 4th Thursday of every month from 9:30am – 11:00 am in Room F-108. Address: 11704 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37934. For more information, call: (865) 806-8555. NOTE: they also have education workshops once a month on the 2nd Wednesday night of each month. Call (865) 806-8555 for topic, time and Meeting Room #’s. --------------------------------------- KNOXVILLE -- PALS Class is being held at Ridgedale Baptist Church in Knoxville. The purpose of the Preschoolers Achieving Language Skills class is to provide children (ages 3-5) with moderate to mild Autism, Asperger Syndrome, PDD-NOS, Sensory Processing Disorder, and Down Syndrome a preschool curriculum modified to meet the individual learner’s needs in a Christian setting. The class is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30am to 2pm. For more information, contact Kelley Jones at: kelleyjones@ridgedale.org or (865) 588-6855. ------------------------------- KNOXVILLE -- Artistic Spectrum is a new nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting artistic and extracurricular opportunities for the Knoxville area autism community. The team is currently planning exhibits and workshops as well as meeting with local artists of all ages with autism spectrum disorders to assess their needs and give them publicity in print and online. The ultimate goal is to establish a studio to offer lessons in music, visual art, martial arts, and dance for children and adults with autism. Parents and artists are encouraged to contact them for more information. Website: artisticspectrum.org , Email: info@artisticspectrum.org, Facebook: www.facebook.com/artisticspectrumknoxville , Twitter: @artisticspectrm, Phone: (865) 816-9716 ----------------------------- MARYVILLE – Parents Night out for Valentines Day at KINGDOM KARE on EAST BROADWAY (Maryville) will be hosting a Parents Night Out for Valentines on February 14th from 6:30pm-12:00am... ages 6weeks to 12yrs old, this is for anyone interested, pm me or call the center for further details and to reserve your spot at 233-3323 --------------------------------------- NASHVILLE -- Wright's Special Education Law Training - Pete Wright, a nationally known expert, will bring his gold-standard Wright's Law Training to Nashville, TN for a one-day special education law and advocacy workshop that focuses on four areas: ~ special education law, rights and responsibilities, ~ tests and measurements to measure progress & regression, ~ SMART IEPs, ~ introduction to tactics & strategies for effective advocacy. Date: Thursday, March 13, 2014, Time: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, Location: Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3900 West End Avenue, Nashville. Cost: $70 for early bird rate (cut off February 21, 2014) and $100 after February 21. Registration cost includes Wright's Law curriculum books*, continental breakfast, lunch and snacks. Registrations are non-refundable. NO walk in registrations! * All training registrants will receive a copy of each book to use during the conference and to take home (savings of $62.85 plus shipping). The textbooks for the Special Education Law and Advocacy Training Programs are as follows: ~ Wrightslaw: Special Education Law ($29.95 plus shipping), ~ Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy ($19.95 plus shipping), ~ Wrightslaw: All About IEPs ($12.95 plus shipping). To register go to redcap.vanderbilt.edu/surveys/?s=BWiUgr4sE2 --------------------------------------- NORTH CAROLINA – Camp Lakey Gap: a camp for people with autism. A program of Christmount Retreat, Camp & Conference Center. We wanted to remind you that summer camp is just around the corner. Deadline for applications is April 1st. For more information, camp dates and registration forms, got to: www.christmount.org/camplakeygap/ . For questions, contact Heather Hold, Camp Director at: camplakeygap@gmail.com
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