May 2, 2008
This is the weekly e-mail newsletter from the Lucas County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.
New study says autism linked to coal power plants
The Ombudsman is someone you can turn to if you find yourself experiencing problems
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1. Volunteers sought for levy campaign
The first organizational meeting for a levy campaign committee will be May 6 at 7:00 p.m. at the Board's Administration Building, 1154 Larc Lane. Please feel free to attend and invite other individuals you know who would be interested in helping plan a successful campaign.
There are many tasks that must be addressed, including the formation of subcommittees to coordinate, among other things:
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2. Superintendent Trunk's next forum is May 13
Superintendent John Trunk's next monthly forum will be Tuesday, May 13, 9:30 a.m., at the Board's Administration Building, 1154 Larc Lane. John will update us on the status of the levy campaign ─ the financial need; Commissioners’ Citizens Review Committee; Timelines; Preliminary strategy; and the Campaign Committee organizational chart. These open forums follow a friendly conversational format and are designed to update families, providers and advocates of issues being addressed by the Board of MR/DD.
The Superintendent's forum will be followed by a meeting of the Lott Parent Group at 11:30 a.m. in the Great Room at Larc Lane Center, 1155 Larc Lane. Lunch provided. This is the last meeting until September 9th.
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3. Registrations are now being accepted for the summer Ready to Work Academy
The Ready to Work Academy, a project of the Arc of Lucas County with funding from the Lucas County Board of MR/DD, will provide young adults and graduating seniors with information and tools to help them get a job, such as interview skills and the understanding of employee responsibilities. There will be two sessions ─ July 7-17 and August 4-15. See the attached flyer.
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4. New study says autism linked to coal power plants
A new autism study reveals an unexpected link. The study, conducted by the University of Texas, says the same coal power plants that provide some of our electricity are also emitting dangerous environmental mercury. The researchers say the closer a child is to the power plant, the greater the risk of autism. A spokesperson for the study says a child living just ten miles from a power plant is at a two-percent higher risk of developing autism than a child living 20 miles away. The researchers came to their conclusions after looking at the Environmental Protection Agency's data on environmental emissions of mercury from coal power plants and autism prevalence in the community.
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5. The Ombudsman is someone you can turn to if you find yourself experiencing problems
An Ombudsman investigates, mediates and tries to resolve issues. And did you know there is just such a program within the Lucas County Board of MR/DD? Consumers and their families who are dissatisfied with services being received from the Board of MR/DD can seek the assistance of the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman does not take sides, but works to find resolution. The Ombudsman service is voluntary and free. Individuals are urged to take their concerns first to their Service and Support Specialists or Early Intervention Specialists. But, an individual may contact the Ombudsman at any time. To contact the Ombudsman call 419-385-5771.
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6. Civitan is again planning an inclusive activity with the Village Players
Following on the heels of a very successful inclusive evening with the Village Players last year, Maumee Valley Civitan is again "buying out the house" for another entertaining event. Civitan will be giving 100 tickets to the mr/dd community for the performance on Sunday afternoon, May 18, of "Don't Dress for Dinner," a play described as "a recipe for hilarious confusion with more twists than a corkscrew!" The performance will be at the Village Players Theater on Upton Avenue. To make this a truly inclusive community event, Civitan will sell the remaining seats for $18 each. Everyone attending is invited to a reception preceding the show. To purchase tickets send an e-mail to maumeevalleycivitan@gmail.com or call Mary Pat Riker at 419-380-4049. To see photos from last year's event, visit maumeevalleycivitan.org Sponsors for this event include NBC24, Kroger, TRIAD and Maumee Valley Civitan.
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7. Upcoming Events
Barbara Holdcroft, whose 27-year-old daughter Katie participates in Special Olympics, has written a book I’m Katie’s Mom to offer advice and encouragement to anyone — family, professional, or friend — who assists people with disabilities. The book sells for $10.95 retail, but some were purchased at a discount and will be sold for $10.00 with all proceeds benefiting Lucas County Special Olympics at special book signings:
The Scholastic Book Fair at the Educare Center, 1932 Birchwood in Toledo, is May 14. Hours are 9:00 to 7:00. ALL BOOKS ARE BUY 1 GET 1 FREE!
The time for all future People First meetings will be 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. effective with the May 15 meeting.
The Special Olympics Area IV track meet on May 10 has been renamed to honor Jennifer Adams. Until her death in 2006, Jennifer coordinated recreation activities for the Board for 25 years. She also served as the Special Olympics Regional Director. Volunteers are needed for the Area IV Special Olympics meet on May 10 at the University of Toledo. Athletes from Erie, Fulton, Henry, Lucas, Ottawa, Paulding, Sandusky, Williams, and Wood counties will be competing in preparation for the State Summer Games in June 2008. Please contact Linda Baranek at (419) 381-5254, or email lbaranek@lucasmrdd.com by April 15 if you plan on attending.
The annual Arc of Lucas County Awards Banquet will be May 22. See the attached flyer.
The next Rec Jam is May 29 from 7:00 to 9:00 at Centennial Terrace. (Last week we had the wrong date!) A Rec Jam is a dance where you can expect a lot of fun! Registration is not necessary. Just show up and pay $3.00 at the door. No charge for caregivers. DJ and refreshments provided. In order to serve large groups, we ask that if you require 1:1 supervision for dietary, medical or behavior support that your caregiver accompanies you. If you cannot provide a caregiver, please contact us at 419-534-4980 and we will work with you to develop a plan to safely meet your needs. If you will be coming to the Rec Jam without an adult family member or your homemaker/personal care staff, please remember to carry an identification card and emergency contact names and phone numbers.
The National Apostolate for Inclusion Ministry 2008 Conference will be September 4-6 at the Sawmill Creek Resort in Huron. for more information log onto http://www.toledodiocese-spl.org/NAlM%20Conference%20Brochure.pdf
May 27-29 are the dates for the International Conference on Self-Determination at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center. The Conference is designed to be a combination of a few very short presentations but mostly panel discussions and roundtables organized by topic with a diversity of moderators and cross-disability panel members. For more information log onto http://www.communitydrive.org/uploads/ICSD_Broch.pdf .
The Arc of Ohio "Current Issues Symposium" will be Friday, June 13 at the Worthington Holiday Inn, 7007 N. High St., Worthington, OH 43085. Register by going online to www.thearcofohio.org or by calling 1-800-875-2723.
The Special Olympics State Softball Tournament will be held at the Oregon Recreation Center September 6.
September 18-19 are the dates for the 27th annual conference of the Brain Injury Association of Ohio. It will be in Columbus at the University Plaza Hotel. For registration forms go to www.biaoh.org
The annual Sibling Conference will be November 7-8 in Columbus. For more information visit the website.
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Please forward this newsletter to others interested in activities, events and issues concerning individuals in our community with mr/dd. To subscribe, send your e-mail address to comments@lucasmrdd.com
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