We hope all our L.E.A.R.N. families and friends are enjoying their summer and we wish everyone who is returning to school the very best of luck this year.

We have several items listed below, which include some upcoming L.E.A.R.N. activities.  We hope you can join us at one or more of these events.

L.E.A.R.N. GOLF:  Two golfers, Christopher Lacy and Eric Davis competed at the East Tennessee Regional held at Harrison Bay Golf Course in Chattanooga on August 15^th.  Christopher teamed up with his mom, Tricia, in Level II competition while Eric Davis competed in Level I.  Eric scored enough points to move up to Level II play.  The next Tournament is the Middle Tennessee Open held at Champions Run on August 23^rd.  We have three teams registered to play in Level II and two players registered in Level I.  

L.E.A.R.N./MTSU FLAG FOOTBALL CLINIC:  Athletes from several counties in Middle Tennessee attended a Flag Football Clinic, hosted by LEARN and MTSU, on Thursday, July 15^th.  The purpose of the clinic was to give athletes with special needs a chance to learn several skills used in the game of flag football.  Though the weather was hot that evening that didn’t dampen the athletes enthusiasm, which was easily seen by the smiles on their faces as they watched MTSU Head Football Coach, Rick Stockstill, and many of his staff and players walk onto our field at Sports Com.  After a brief introduction, the MTSU staff and players led the athletes in some warm-up exercises and then the athletes were divided into small groups and each athlete was taught a variety of basic football skills by the MTSU players.  At the end of the skills training, athletes were given the opportunity to play a scrimmage game.  MTSU staff and players coached the athletes and also served as referees during the game.  It was a thrill to see how well the MTSU players interacted with the athletes and by the end of the clinic it was hard to tell who had more fun the athletes or the MTSU players!  During the closing ceremony, athletes were presented with a flag football medal and Coach Stockstill received a framed certificate.  We want to thank Coach Stockstill, his staff and players for helping LEARN host the clinic, Bart Fite, Sports Com Facility Superintendent, and all the athletes and their families for making the clinic a huge success.

NEW NEWS

L.E.A.R.N. END-OF-SUMMER BASH:  It's sad to say, but summer is ending.  So let's have a swim party and cookout to say goodbye to summer!  Our End-Of-Summer Bash will be on Saturday, August 28th from 12-5pm at the home of Barb and Ben Porschakin, 4163 Faithway Dr. in Murfreesboro.  We will provide burgers, hot dogs, buns, condiments and paper goods.  We are asking everyone to bring a side dish and drink to share.  Please email Linda Miller at dlkktak@att.net to let her know what you will be bringing and how many will be coming so we know how many burgers, dogs, etc. to buy.

Bring your swim gear, towels, yard games, and lawn chairs and join us for a great time together as we say goodbye to summer!

L.E.A.R.N. FLAG FOOTBALL:  Our flag football program began on July 10^th and athletes and their coaches have been practicing in some very hot weather this season.  Several athletes who participated in last year’s program have returned and we are thrilled to see many new athletes, also.  Each Saturday morning athletes meet on our practice field at Sports Com and are taught basic skills, the fundamentals and rules of the game, and plays for positions on both offense and defense.  The athletes are all working hard and the coaches are very excited with the progress that the athletes have made so far.  Starting this week, a Thursday evening practice was added to the schedule as athletes prepare for upcoming scrimmage games with other Area Special Olympics flag football teams and also for the Special Olympics State Tournament.  The tournament is scheduled for Saturday, September 25^th and will be held at Lighthouse Christian School in Antioch.

Athletes and their families/guardians/caregivers, coaches, our sponsor, and volunteers will be honored at an end-of-the-season celebration, which will be held on Saturday, October 2^nd.

L.E.A.R.N. YARD SALE FUNDRAISER:  LEARN will be having a yard sale on Friday, September 10th from 7-2pm and Saturday, September 11th from 7-12pm.  The yard sale will be at the home of Andy and Jennifer Smith, 3966 Fieldcrest Dr. Murfreesboro.  

To make this a successful fundraiser, we need your help in several ways:

1) We need donations.  We are asking for items that are of good condition and quality that you would be willing to buy yourself.  If not sold, everything will be given to Goodwill unless you pick up your items by 12:00 on the 11th.

We have designated drop off dates at the Smith's home:  Thursday, August 26th, September 2nd and September 9th.  We would ask that you have all donations delivered by September 2nd to allow them to be priced at the pricing party, but if you absolutely cannot get them delivered by that date, you can drop them off on the 9th.  Please call Jennifer 397-5667 or Andy 397-4040 to let them know you are coming by.

2) We need help in working the yard sale.

We will be having a "pricing party" on Tuesday, September 7th at 7:00pm.  Those that come to help with the pricing will get to participate in the pre-sale that evening.

We are asking volunteers to sign up for two hour shifts (or more if you like) to work the yard sale. 

Here are the times. Please email Sonya at sonya.craig@learntn.org to sign up for a shift.

Friday   6:30am -   8:30am       _______________     ________________

              8:30am - 10:30am      _______________     ________________

            10:30am - 12:30pm      Sonya Craig                 ________________

            12:30pm -   2:30pm      Tricia Lacy                    ________________

Saturday  6:30am -   8:30am     _______________     ________________

                  8:30am - 10:30am     _______________     ________________

                10:30am - 12:30pm    _______________      ________________

*Note: Flag football practice or scrimmage game will be from 2:00-4:00pm on Saturday, September 11th to allow families to help with this fundraiser.

3) We are asking for donations of individually packaged baked goods and drinks to sell at the yard sale.  Please bring baked goods the morning of the yard sale.

4) To make this a successful fundraiser we ask that everyone spread the word!  Tell everyone you know...send out emails to your friends and co-workers. 

Please keep in mind that all funds go directly to fund LEARN programs and activities as EVERYONE is a volunteer with LEARN.  This helps us keep activities inexpensive...or free.

PARENT WORKSHOP - Teaching Life Skills:  Mr. Jay Whitlow, High School Autism Specialist for Williamson County Schools, will be conducting a FREE parent workshop on Teaching Life Skills to Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.  He will discuss practical ways to teach critical everyday life skills.  This workshop will take place on Thursday, September 30th from 6:30 - 8:30pm in the Arts and Crafts Room at First Baptist Church.

To make it easier for parents to attend this valuable workshop we will also have a movie night for the children (adult children as well) of the parents who attend.

This workshop will be open to the public so feel free to invite others.  We do ask that everyone register so we may know how many to expect and can arrange for the appropriate number of chaperones for the children.  To register please contact Sonya at sonya.craig@learntn.org or 653-3840. 

SAVE THE DATE:  Everyone mark your calendars and save the date.  Our annual L.E.A.R.N. Fall Fling is scheduled for Saturday, October 30th from 3-8pm at the home of Carla Maye.  More info to come!

OTHER NEWS

FREE ADULT TRANSITION WORKSHOP:  Transitioning to Adult Services, Conservatorships, Special Needs Trusts, & Financial Planning for Your Child’s Future

WHERE?  Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Room 241, 21^st & Edgehill, Nashville, TN 37203

WHEN?   August 31, 2010 @ 6:30pm

Sponsored by Family Voices of Tennessee, a project of the Tennessee Disability Coalition, Capital Financial Group, LLC and James E. Maurer and Associates.

Planning for your youth’s future is important for families of special needs children and youth.  Because families are so busy just looking after the day-to-day needs of their children, transition needs and financial planning are often overlooked.  The financial planners at Capital Financial Group understand the challenges facing families of children with special needs and, therefore, want to offer this workshop on beginning the financial planning process.

In this special joint session, Family Voices of Tennessee will offer information, tips and tools regarding the transition from pediatric to adult services, Capital Financial Group, LLC will cover topics of financial planning, and James E. Maurer & Associates will provide information on special needs trusts and conservatorships.  Their free advice will prove to be essential as you begin to make these significant decisions.

This special event is FREE to the entire community!

Please register with Family Voices of Tennessee (615-515-8628) or julie_s@tndisability.org

FAMILIES UNITED NETWORK:  The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center is pleased to announce a new program that offers peer support to people supporting adults with disabilities.

The Families United Network (FUN) is a volunteer-based free telephone support network designed to offer peer support and information to parents, siblings, or other caregivers who are providing support for adults with disabilities. 

How does FUN work?

Callers are matched with trained peer partners who have experience in the areas in which the caller has concerns.  Information and support is provided over the telephone.

Who are the peer partners?

Peer partners are:

·         Current Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Community Advisory Council members (in Nashville and Memphis areas)

·         Parents, siblings, or other family members

·         Parents who have been the beneficiary of peer support and who have completed training

For more information, contact Carol Rabideau (615) 936-5122, carol.rabideau@vanderbilt.edu

THE ARC FINDS SURVEY:  This survey—The Arc FINDS (Family and Individual Needs for Disability Supports) —will enable those in the field to better understand what services are available, what gaps exist and what new supports are needed.  This survey will be available until September 1. 

There is no cost to participate and all responses will be confidential; it will take respondents about 30 minutes to complete the survey.  The survey may found at:   http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TheArcFinds2010

Questions are being asked in areas of advocacy, education, transition, employment, housing, community participation, civic engagement/voting, transportation, caregiving, and demographics.  It is written to allow for both the perspective of individuals with I/DD, as well as their parents/caregivers.  It also assumes for the differences in service and supports required at different stages of life. 

This information will be shared initially at The Arc’s National Convention (November 3 - 6, 2010 in Orlando, Florida), as well as publicly on The Arc’s website. 

If you have any questions, please contact Laura Hart, Director, Media Relations, at 202.534.3712 or at hart@thearc.org

The TN Statewide Needs Survey continues and can be accessed here:

Click to take the survey: http://tinyurl.com/ofnbov

Participant Criteria

Adults with or without disabilities

Parents of children with disabilities

Adults who work with persons with disabilities

People who care about the welfare of people with disabilities

Thank you,

Sonya Craig, Dave Davis, Tricia Lacy

www.learntn.org

We hope everyone is having a great week and en€oying their summer. 

L.E.A.R.N. STARS GOLF TEAM:  On €une 10, Christopher Lacy and Eric Davis participated in the Nashville Classic Golf Tournament. This is an annual fund raiser for the State Special Olympics.  They were teamed with local golf pros and played a 9 hole alternate stroke style of play.  Eric and his partner shot a 57 and Christopher and his partner shot a 53.  Next on the golf teams agenda is the West Tennessee Regional being held at the Forrest Hills Golf Course in Drummonds Tennessee.  Amanda Amsler and Eric Davis will be playing in Skills Level I competition and Christopher Lacy and Tricia Lacy will be competing in partner 9 hole play level II.

POWER LIFTING and EXERCISE SESSIONS:  Our Power Lifting Team is going to continue practicing two days a week(TBA), this is optional.  We would also like to open this up for anyone who is interested in using the facility to get in shape, lose weight or for a light workout.  The gym is equipped with two indoor racquetball courts (bring your own rackets and balls), weight machine, treadmill, stationary bikes and other equipment.  Dave Salmonson will be working with our power lifters.  We are open for anyone to volunteer to lead workout sessions. Contact Dave Davis at dave.davis@learntn.org if you are interested.

MOM'S FUZZY SLIPPERS NIGHT:  We are planning a special "Ladies Night Only" €ust for the moms and grandmoms of children with special needs on Saturday, €une 26th from 7-11pm at the home of Barb Porschakin.  Our desire is to share, have some laughs and fun and connect on a deeper level.  The only prerequisite for attending is that you must be the mother or grandmother of a child with special needs.
Bring your favorite drink (leaded or unleaded) and a finger food to share.  No fashion statements tonight ladies!! Dress in comfy sweats or €ammies and most importantly...wear your fuzzy slippers!!
***NOTE:  To get an idea of how many we can expect and so we can provide you with directions to Barb's home, please email Sonya at sonya.craig@learntn.org if you are planning to attend.  Hope to see you there! 

€ULY 4TH TAILGATING AND FIREWORKS PARTY:  Bring your lawn chairs, games and a cooler with drinks and snacks and let's have a tailgating party!  We will meet on €uly 4th at 6:30pm at the far end of the MTSU parking lot on Rutherford Blvd (across from Greek Row.)  We'll hang out, play games and watch the fireworks together.  We hope you'll €oin us for this fun time!

L.E.A.R.N. STARS FLAG FOOTBALL:  This year our flag football season will kick off in €uly.  We would like to invite all athletes who would like to participate in this year’s flag football program and their parents/guardians/caregivers to our Flag Football Orientation Meeting.  The meeting will be on Saturday, €uly 10^th in the gym at First Baptist Church (FBC) from 10:00am – 12:00pm.  At this meeting we will demonstrate the sport, discuss some of the basic rules and regulations, what equipment we will be using, uniforms, our practice and game schedule for the season, and answer any questions you may have. 

Last year, on our field at Sports Com, our STARS teams participated in weekly training practices in preparation for scrimmage games they played with other area Special Olympics teams.  Our STARS team also €oined other teams throughout the state and played three games at the Special Olympics State Flag Football Tournament.  We had a great year and we are looking forward to the start of our new season.  

At this meeting we will have registration forms available for you to complete and we will also give athletes a chance to practice some in-door drills.  Also any one who is interested in volunteering as a coach or assistant coach, please plan to attend the meeting.  We will have a form for you to complete and give you a Flag Football Rules handout.  We hope to see you there!  If you have any questions, please contact Tricia at tricia.lacy@learntn.org

CRAFT CLASSES:  We will be having three craft classes on Thursday, €uly 15, 22 and 29 from 6:30pm - 8:00pm in our classroom at FBC.  Carla, Tricia and Sonya will each lead the participants in creating a different craft pro€ect each night.  The class is open to children and adults with special needs ages 10 and up.  We are asking for a $5 donation to help cover the cost of materials for the three classes.  This can be paid the first night of class.  Because of space, we must limit the class size to 10 participants.  If your child would like to participate, please email Sonya at sonya.craig@learntn.org to sign up. 

PUPPETING CLASS:  We will be having a puppeting class on five consecutive Thursdays from August 5th through September 2nd from 6:30pm - 8:00pm in our classroom at FBC.

Sharon Hay, First Baptist Church’s Minister to Children and Preschoolers and the director of the Puppets of Praise puppet team, along with the Puppets of Praise puppeteers will be leading a puppet class for LEARN!  We will learn the basic skills of puppetry, make our own puppet, and learn a couple of puppet skits and songs to perform on September 2^nd.  Some of the skills we will learn include arm exercises and puppet aerobics, synchronizing the puppet’s mouth with the words, giving our puppet a personality and a voice and using gestures with the puppet.  These skills can help us in our everyday lives by strengthening our arms; give us practice in working together and taking another’s perspective; and giving us a chance to be creative and have fun!  We will limit our class size to 10 participants ages 10 and up.  If you would like to sign up for this exciting new class, please email Sonya at sonya.craig@learntn.org

BEST BUDDIES COMES TO MURFREESBORO:  Exciting News: MTSU will begin a Best Buddies Chapter in the fall of 2010 and will form a partnership with L.E.A.R.N.!

The Best Buddies College program provides one-to-one friendships and social opportunities between college students and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  The Buddy pairs will maintain weekly contact via phone, email, letter, etc., and make two in-person visits per month (going out to eat, seeing a movie, shopping, playing video games, attending sporting events, etc.)  There will also be social opportunities to have fun as a group such as picnics, dances and parties.

Best Buddies Mission is to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Best Buddies was born when founder Anthony Kennedy Shriver recognized that people with Intellectual and developmental disabilities lacked opportunities to socialize with their non-disabled peers.  Believing that friendship is key to building the self-esteem and essential to a happy and productive life, Anthony incorporated Best Buddies as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in 1989.  Today, Best Buddies offers six programs: Best Buddies Middle Schools, Best Buddies High Schools, Best Buddies Colleges, Best Buddies Citizens, e-Buddies_® and Best Buddies €obs. For more information, you may visit www.bestbuddiestennessee.org

If you are interested in your child (aged 18 or over) beginning a friendship with a Best Buddy, or you would like more information, email Sonya at sonya.craig@learntn.org

Thank you,

Sonya Craig, Dave Davis, Tricia Lacy

We hope this finds everyone doing well in light of the devastation that €any in €iddle Tennessee found the€selves in during the last few weeks.  Even a€id all the devastation, we are proud to be Tennesseans and see neighbor helping neighbor in their ti€e of need.  If your fa€ily suffered any loss or da€age and you need assistance, please be sure to let so€eone in our group know so that we €ay lend a hand where we are able.

Please read carefully, lots of i€portant info below.

We are wishing everyone a great start to their su€€er!

LEARN €AY ACTIVITY:  Because of Su€€er Special Oly€pics, high school graduations and open houses going on this €onth, we will not have a €ay activity.  Congratulations to all our LEARN graduates: Casey €artin and Keith Ivey fro€ Black€an High School, Christopher Lacy fro€ Daniel 1 Acade€y, and Tyler Goy€an fro€ Riverdale High School!  Also graduating this year is LEARN Volunteer, Dylan Craig fro€ Gateway Christian Schools.

BOWL FOR THE GOLD:  For the second year our LEARN group participated in the Special Oly€pic fundraiser, Bowl For The Gold.  Our group raised $345 and had a great ti€e.  Cheree Finchu€ and Vinnie Agosta won a special gift for getting "gold pin" strikes.  Thanks to all the bowlers for your participation!   

LEARN SU€€ER SPORTS PROGRA€:  Our su€€er sports progra€ had athletes participating in bocce ball, golf, powerlifting, and track and field.  We also had €any unified partners participating in bocce ball and in golf.  We want to congratulate all the athletes who ca€e out for the practices.  €any athletes were trying a sport for the first ti€e and we want to thank the coaches for helping the€ and all the athletes and unified partners learn the basic funda€entals of each sport.  We are very proud of all of you.  Athletes and Unified Partners who participated this year were:  Vinnie Agosta, Vincent Agosta, A€anda A€sler, Kari Atkinson, Phil Brown, Terrell Brown, Andrew Carr, Lonny Carr, Chase Currier, Eric Davis, Cheree Finchu€, Elise Harren, Ki€berly Harren, Daniel Harrison, Joseph Harrison, Arthur Howard, Patti Jacobs, Christopher Lacy, Tricia Lacy, Josh Lathrop, Steven €agner, Casey €artin, Cody €artin, Jacob €artin, Janice €artin, Alex €aye, €att €cDonald, Linda €iller, Cory Nel€s, Susannah O’Brien, Evan Osborne, Barry Parks, Seth Parks, Aaron Phillips, Ben Porschakin, and €ichael Porschakin.  Coaches:  Dave Davis – Golf, Lisa €artin – Track and Field, Barb Porschakin – Bocce ball, Dave Sal€onson – Powerlifting, and Diane Sal€onson – Bocce ball.

This year we have several athletes that will be participating in the Special Oly€pics State Su€€er Ga€es.  Opening Cere€onies is this Friday evening, €ay 21^st with co€petition beginning on Saturday €orning, €ay 22^nd.  We want to wish all the athletes good luck and hope they have a great and fun ti€e at the ga€es.  Athletes who will be co€peting this year are:  Bocce ball – Traditional:  Phil Brown, Cheree Finchu€, Arthur Howard, and Steven €agner.  Bocce ball – Unified:  Vinnie and Vincent Agosta and Ben and €ichael Porschakin, Powerlifting:  Alex €aye,  Track and Field:  Terrell Brown, Daniel Harrison, Joseph Harrison, and Casey  €artin.

On €onday, €ay 10^th, several LEARN golfers participated in the Special Oly€pics €iddle TN Golf Regional in Colu€bia.  Golfers that participated in the Skills event were:  A€anda A€sler, Eric Davis, Linda €iller, Ivy S€ith, and Jennifer S€ith.  We want to congratulate Linda €iller and Jennifer S€ith for passing the skills level.  Christopher and Tricia Lacy participated in 9-hole Alternate Shot Partner play.  Despite the rain that fell during €ost of the event everyone had a good ti€e and is looking forward to the next event.

Su€€er Sports Progra€ - End-of-Season Celebration:  Athletes, Unified Partners and Coaches will be honored at our end-of the season celebration on Saturday, €ay 29^th at Barfield Park - Pavilion 6.  We will have €ore infor€ation for the fa€ilies regarding this event in the next few days.

LEARN ANNUAL CA€PING WEEKEND:  Our 3^rd Annual Ca€ping weekend is scheduled for Friday, June 4^th – Sunday, June 6^th.  We will be ca€ping at Seven Points Ca€pground located on Percy Priest Lake, close to the Her€itage.  As of today’s date, all ca€psites have been reserved.  If you were not able to reserve a ca€psite, you can still co€e out on Saturday, June 5^th and join the ca€pers for ga€es, activities, and relaxation.  Visitors need to check in at the €ain gate and let the€ know you are visiting one of the ca€pers.  You will be charged a $3.00 fee per vehicle and need to leave the ca€pground by 10:00p€.  Bring your picnic basket and co€e join the fun!

INDEPENDENT DAY CLASS:  LEARN will be hosting an "Independent Day" class on Thursday, June 10th and Thursday, June 17th fro€ 6:30-8:00p€ and Friday, June 25th fro€ 10a€-2p€.  Jo Ver€ul€ will be leading this class and helping our children to be a little €ore independent and learn to ride €urfreesboro's Public Transportation, the Rover!

The first class will consist of learning what you need when you leave ho€e, understanding personal safety issues as well as how and who to ask for help.  The students will plan where they want to go on an outing and how they will get there.

The second class we will be joined by €rs. Nellie Patton, Assistant Transportation Director here in €urfreesboro.  She will be co€ing with a Rover bus so our kids can have hands on lessons on how to ride.

The final class will be on a Friday €orning because our students will be going on an excursion!  Jo and Sonya will supervise on the bus and parents will €eet their kids at their chosen location to have lunch.

This class will be different fro€ our other classes in two ways: first, it involves a "field trip" that the students the€selves will plan.  Second it involves personal cost.  Each student will be responsible for covering the cost of their bus fare ($1 each way), lunch and any shopping they €ay do while out on their independent day.  We will have applications available for fa€ilies to fill out that will allow their children with disabilities to ride Rover for half price on future trips.

We are li€iting this class to 8 participants ages 13 and over.  If you would like to sign up for this class or you have questions, e€ail Sonya at sonya.craig@learntn.org as soon as possible.

GARDENING CLASS:  Our gardening class is underway and our veggies and herbs have been planted!  It's not too late to join us as we will be working on the garden all su€€er.  We will be weeding, harvesting and then selling the yu€€y organic vegetables and herbs.  For €ore infor€ation e€ail Dave at dave.davis@learntn.org

BEST BUDDIES CO€ES TO €URFREESBORO:  Exciting News: €TSU will begin a Best Buddies Chapter in the fall of 2010 and will for€ a partnership with L.E.A.R.N.!

The Best Buddies College progra€ provides one-to-one friendships and social opportunities between college students and adults with intellectual and develop€ental disabilities.  The Buddy pairs will €aintain weekly contact via phone, e€ail, letter, etc., and €ake two in-person visits per €onth (going out to eat, seeing a €ovie, shopping, playing video ga€es, attending sporting events, etc.)  There will also be social opportunities to have fun as a group such as picnics, dances and parties.

Best Buddies €ission is to establish a global volunteer €ove€ent that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated e€ploy€ent and leadership develop€ent for people with intellectual and develop€ental disabilities.

Best Buddies was born when founder Anthony Kennedy Shriver recognized that people with Intellectual and develop€ental disabilities lacked opportunities to socialize with their non-disabled peers.  Believing that friendship is key to building the self-estee€ and essential to a happy and productive life, Anthony incorporated Best Buddies as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in 1989.  Today, Best Buddies offers six progra€s: Best Buddies €iddle Schools, Best Buddies High Schools, Best Buddies Colleges, Best Buddies Citizens, e-Buddies_® and Best Buddies Jobs.

For €ore infor€ation, you €ay visit www.bestbuddiestennessee.org

If you are interested in your child (age 18 or over) beginning a friendship with a Best Buddy, or you would like €ore infor€ation, e€ail Sonya at sonya.craig@learntn.org 

SAVE THE DATE:  €o€s, €ark your calendars and save the date!  We are having a Fuzzy Slippers €o€'s Night on Saturday, June 26th fro€ 7-11p€ at the ho€e of Barb Porschakin.  We are planning a special evening of getting to know each other, sharing, lots of laughs and just plain fun.  The only prerequisite for attending is that you €ust be the €other or grand€other of a child with special needs.  €ore info to co€e! 

Thank you,

Sonya Craig, Dave Davis, Tricia Lacy

We hope everyone is having a great week. 

All the athletes who participated in our 2010 Basketball program will be honored at our March Madness celebration this Saturday, March 20^th.  We will also pay tribute to the coaches and volunteers.  The athletes who participated in our program were:

Vinnie Agosta, Amanda Amsler, Quintin Ashford, Clint Blalock, Lance Bogard, Terrell Brown, Andrew Carr, Lonny Carr, Zack Craig, Eric Davis, Austin Duck, Edward Ehrenberg, Dusty Finch, Cheree Finchum, Tyler Goyman, Jamyson Hale, Elise Harren, Daniel Harrison, Joseph Harrison, Bradley Hickerson, Arthur Howard, Tanner King, Christopher Lacy, Steven Magner, Ryan Marshall, Casey Martin, Richard Mason, Alex Maye, Matthew McDonald, Rudy Moreno, Cory Nelms, Ben Porschakin, Marvin Robinson, Michael Scales, and Shyquwan Wimberly.   Coaches:  Kurt Craig, Dave Davis, Ben Duck, Steve Marshall, Carla Maye, Dave Salmonson, and Diane Salmonson.  Assistant Coaches:  Dylan Craig, Josh Lathrop, Adam Latondress, Chelsey Latondress, and Taylor Unklesbay.

Once again we have had a tremendously successful basketball season.  A huge thanks goes to all of our volunteers and coaches who made it possible for our kids.  You are the reason we continue to succeed. 

L.E.A.R.N. FAMILY PICTORIAL DIRECTORY:  We are creating a LEARN family pictorial directory to help our families get to know each other better.  To receive a copy, your family must participate in the directory.  If you are interested in participating, email Sonya at sonya.craig@learntn.org and she will email you a list of questions you can fill out and email back.  You only have to answer the questions you would like to and everyone agrees that this directory will only be used for personal contact, and not for soliciting of any kind.  You also have the option of having a snapshot taken of your family or submitting a photo by email to include in the directory.  We are setting a March 27th deadline to get all information submitted.

CERAMICS CLASS:  We will have a ceramics class on Thursday, April 1st from 6:30pm - 8:00pm at FBC. Elaine Finchum (Cheree's grandmother) will be hosting and teaching this class.  She will have Easter items available to paint.  This class will be offered for children and adults with special needs ages 8 and up and will be free of charge.  We must limit the class to 10 participants and one parent/guardian for each participant.  If you wish to sign your child up for this class, please email Sonya at sonya.craig@learntn.org  ASAP.

L.E.A.R.N. SUMMER SPORTS PROGRAM:  We will be having our Summer Sports Parent Meeting on Saturday, April 3rd from 10:00am-12:00noon at the FBC gym.  All athletes, parents or guardians who are interested in learning more about our summer sports program, don't miss this informational meeting and opportunity to sign up.  We will discuss Bocce ball, Golf, Track and Field sports and Weightlifting. If you have any questions, email Tricia at tricia.lacy@learntn.org   

GARDENING CLASS:  Our summer gardening class will begin Thursday, April 22nd (Earth Day) from 6:30pm - 8:00pm at our classroom at First Baptist Church.  Linda Miller and Dave Davis will be leading this class.  We will decide which vegetables, fruits and herbs we will grow, and talk about growing times and conditions.  We will briefly discuss the business side of this class and how we will sell what we grow.  Weather permitting we will meet again on Saturday, April 24th or May 1st at Dave Davis' home and plant our first vegetables. Then every so often, as determined by need and weather, we will meet to weed, plant more items and eventually harvest and sell.

There is no limit on class participants for this class.  Anyone 8 years old and up may participate.  However, as always, we do require that a parent or guardian be present with the class participant.  If your child is interested in participating, please email Sonya at sonya.craig@learntn.org to sign up.

FABULOUS 50's SOCK HOP:  Mark your calendars for April 17th!  L.E.A.R.N. will be having an old fashioned Fabulous 50's Sock Hop for all high school students and adults with special needs and their parents.  Think poodle skirts, leather jackets, vinyl records, Fats Domino and Blueberry Hill...and you are well on your way.  Everyone is welcome to dress in 50's attire as we dance the night away to the oldies.  The dance will be held from 7-10pm at the First Baptist Church gym.  We ask that this special event be limited to teens and adults only, no children.  The cost will be $3 per person and no charge for parents or guardians.

For those ladies who would like an inexpensive poodle skirt for 9.99, here is a link:  http://www.shindigz.com/party/Fifties-Poodle-Skirt.cfm

L.E.A.R.N. ANNUAL CAMPING WEEKEND:  LEARN families are invited to attend our 3^rd Annual Camping weekend scheduled for Friday, June 4^th - Sunday June 6^th at Seven Points Campground located on beautiful J. Percy Priest Lake, seven miles east of Nashville and close to the Hermitage.  As of today’s date, there is only one site, campsite 3, still available for this weekend.  If you are not able to reserve a campsite, you can still come out on Saturday, June 5^th , and join the campers for games, activities, and relaxation.  Visitors need to check in at the main gate and let them know you are visiting one of the campers.  You will be charged a $3.00 fee per vehicle and must leave the campground by 10:00pm.  Bring your picnic basket and come join in the fun!

PARENT STRESS INTERVENTION PROJECT:  Parents of children with disabilities who feel stressed can get support from the Parent Stress Intervention Project.  This new research study being conducted at Vanderbilt University will investigate two different approaches to lowering stress in parents of children with disabilities.  The Parent Stress Intervention Project will work with 400 parents, dads included, in 2 years who will be randomly assigned to either Adapted Mindfulness Practice or to a Positive Parent Support Model for 6 weekly sessions and 3 booster sessions.  Some groups will meet on the Vanderbilt campus or at Vanderbilt Health One Hundred Oaks, or at other community locations.  Parents of children with disabilities, including adult children, who would like more information or are interested in participating in the study, may contact Roxanne Carreon at (615) 875-5080, Roxanne.Carreon@vanderbilt.edu  

***We were told (per Jo Ver Mulm) that if they get 30 families from Rutherford County to sign up, they would have a group here so we wouldn't have to drive to One hundred Oaks. This program would cost $800 if a family was to try to access it individually, and it is being offered to us for free.

TENNESSEE DISABILITY MEGACONFERENCE:  The Eighth Annual Tennessee Disability MegaConference will be held on Thursday and Friday - June 3-4, 2010.

Some of the highlights include:

- World-Class Speakers

- Interactive Workshops

- Educational Sessions

- Exhibits of Disability Products and Services

- Awards Banquet and Dance

For more information visit http://www.tndisabilitymegaconference.org/

Thank you,

Sonya Craig, Dave Davis, Tricia Lacy

www.learntn.org

We hope this newsletter finds everyone well and looking forward to warmer days.  There is quite a bit of information in this newsletter, please read carefully.

FAMILY GAME NIGHT:  We will be having a family game night this Saturday, February 20th from 7:00-9:30 in the FBC gym.  Bring your favorite board or card game, a snack and 2 liter or gallon drink to share...and of course the family.  It's a great opportunity to get to know knew faces and connect with old ones!  We hope to see everyone there for a fun time!  

FAMILY BOWLING SUNDAYS  **Notice of time change**:  Our family bowling Sundays are going strong.  We have had a big group turn out and we are having a great time...even those who are just watching the bowling action! It's definitely not too late to join us.  Come out and join the fun on Sundays from 5:30-7:30pm at Lanes, Trains and Automobiles at 450 Butler Drive in Murfreesboro.  We are sorry for the time change.  The bowling alley required it as they are helping Smyrna Bowling Center with their leagues and tournaments until their repairs are complete.  The cost is $5 per bowler for as many games as you can bowl in 2 hours and that cost includes shoes. Family bowling Sundays will continue every Sunday through March 28th. 

L.E.A.R.N. BASKETBALL:  Our basketball program is going phenomenally well.  We have 35 athletes this year!  It's great to see old friends and make many new ones this year!  If you haven't seen our teams play, come out and watch.

For our basketball families, our March Madness Celebration will be held on Saturday, March 20th from 5-8pm at the First Baptist Church gym.  We will have food and lots of fun.  Each basketball player will receive an award.  We will be having pulled pork sandwiches (thank you Barb) and are asking each family to bring a side dish and/or dessert.  We ask that you please sign up here  http://www.learntn.org/Fling09/Summer09list.asp so we can be sure we have enough food and paper goods.

L.E.A.R.N. FAMILY PICTORIAL DIRECTORY:  We are in the beginning stages of creating a LEARN family pictorial directory to help our families get to know each other better.  To receive a copy, your family must participate in the directory.  If you are interested in participating, email Sonya at sonya.craig@learntn.org and she will email you a list of questions you can fill out and email back.  You only have to answer the questions you would like to and everyone agrees that this directory will only be used for personal contact, and not for soliciting of any kind.  You  also have the option of having a snapshot taken of your family or submitting a photo by email to include in the directory.  We are setting a March 27th deadline to get all information submitted. 

L.E.A.R.N. SUMMER GAMES PROGRAM:  We will be having our Summer Games Parent Meeting on Saturday, April 3rd from 10-12 at the FBC gym.  All athletes, parents or guardians who are interested in learning more about our summer sports program, don't miss this meeting and opportunity to sign up.  We will discuss Bocce ball, Golf, Track and Field sports and Weightlifting.  

SAVE THE DATE:  Mark your calendars for April 17th!  L.E.A.R.N. will be having an old fashioned 50's Sock Hop for all high school students and adults with special needs and their parents. Think poodle skirts, leather jackets, vinyl records, Fats Domino and Blueberry Hill...and you are well on your way.  Everyone is welcome to dress in 50's attire as we dance the night away to the oldies.  The dance will be held from 7-10pm and we ask that this special event be limited to teens and adults only, no children.  The cost will be $3 per person and no charge for parents/guardians.

 L.E.A.R.N. ANNUAL CAMPING WEEKEND:  LEARN families are invited to attend our 3^rd Annual Camping weekend scheduled for Friday, June 4^th - Sunday June 6^th at Seven Points Campground located on beautiful J. Percy Priest Lake, seven miles east of Nashville and close to the Hermitage.  LEARN has asked families to reserve sites 52 – 60, and as of today there are still three sites left, site 54, 59, and 60.  There are also other sites available, which are shown in blue on the Seven Points Camping website, that you may also reserve in the event the three above sites get taken.  To make your reservation, please visit the Activities page on our website and click on the Annual Camping Trip link.  You will also find additional information about the camping weekend on that page.  Come join us for some family fun as we enjoy the great outdoors and each other’s company. 

PARENT STRESS INTERVENTION PROJECT:  Parents of children with disabilities who feel stressed can get support from the Parent Stress Intervention Project.  This new research study being conducted at Vanderbilt University will investigate two different approaches to lowering stress in parents of children with disabilities.  The Parent Stress Intervention Project will work with 400 parents, dads included, in 2 years who will be randomly assigned to either Adapted Mindfulness Practice or to a Positive Parent Support Model for 6 weekly sessions and 3 booster sessions.  Some groups will meet on the Vanderbilt campus or at Vanderbilt Health One Hundred Oaks, or at other community locations.  Parents of children with disabilities, including adult children, who would like more information or are interested in participating in the study may contact Roxanne Carreon at (615) 875-5080, Roxanne.Carreon@vanderbilt.edu  

PARTNERS IN POLICYMAKING LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE:  Partners in Policymaking is a free leadership and advocacy training program for adults with disabilities, and family members of persons with disabilities.  It is funded by the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities, and has been training Tennesseans since 1993.

What do Partners learn?  Over the course of seven, once-a-month weekend sessions (from 12 pm on Friday through 3 pm on Saturday), Partners will attend workshops conducted by national and local experts, on:

The History of the Disability Experience

People First Language

Best Practices in Inclusive Education

Building Inclusive Communities

Self-Determination, Self-Direction and Person-Centered Practices

Living in the Community

The State and Federal Legislative Processes

Customized Employment

Conducting Effective Meetings

Assistive Technology

Working with the Media

and much more.

Partners will also tour the Capitol, meet with a TN Legislator, and participate in a Mock Testimony designed to enhance their public policy advocacy skills.  In February, all of the Partners grads since 1993 are invited to attend an annual reunion conference, with keynote speakers, general sessions, breakout sessions on a variety of topics and a Friday night dance.

Weekend sessions take place September through November, and January through April, each year.

Where does Partners take place?  Partners sessions take place at a hotel in Middle Tennessee. All participants are required to spend the night, and attend all seven sessions.  There is no cost for hotel rooms, meals during the program times or the trainings.  Mileage to and from each session will be reimbursed approximately two weeks after each session.

What is the deadline to apply for the 2010-11 Partners season?  All applications must be postmarked by April 30, 2010.  Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

How do I apply or get more information?  Please contact program director Ned Andrew Solomon at 615.532.6556, or by e-mail at ned.solomon@tn.gov for an application or if you have any question about the program including eligibility.

Thank you,

Sonya Craig, Dave Davis, Tricia Lacy

www.learntn.org