President’s Message
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Whether or not you’re reading this depends on if the end of the world
came on
January 1, 2000. 1999 was an exciting year for DSAT.
Be sure and check out the recap of 1999 later in the newsletter and look
for year 2000 upcoming events.
I want to say thanks to all that have supported our organization over
the past year.
Without the help of so many volunteers our organization would not be
where it is today.
It has been an honor and privilege to be associated with so many
good people.
Please take time to notice the opportunity once again to contribute
to the organizations
general operating fund. Each year we encourage those that can to make
the suggested
$20.00 donation that goes towards the organizations general operating
fund to ensure
that our basic services are being met.
While our profits from the Year 2000 Calendar sales were significant,
we would like to
see these funds used as seed money for expanded service opportunities
and additional
outreach programs. Our basic services include the cost of producing
this regular
newsletter, providing new parent packets for families of children born
with by Down
syndrome and associated expenses.
Our organization has recognized other contributions throughout the year
by individuals
that have given generously of their time and money. May your
harvest bring you the bounty for which you have sewn.
Those of you that have experienced the support, encouragement, information
and joy of
sharing understand the value of maintaining our services for future
families and friends
entering our community.
The value of our social experiences can not be under estimated when
measuring our happiness. The relationships formed and bonds created
through active participation in the community, church, schools and service
organizations like DSAT are some of the highest returns we can make with
our investments.
Having a child, friend or relative with Down syndrome certainly puts
us in a special situation. I hope your New Year brings all that can become
from special situations.
From my family, Shelley, Sarah, Ellen and myself
Happy New Year, and we look forward to seeing you at our various meetings
and events scheduled throughout the year.
January meeting!
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Our January meeting will be held on January 20, 2000 at 7 PM at the
Special Olympics Building.
Our guest speaker will be Dr. Sawyer, an Ear Nose and Throat Doctor.
He will be speaking on issues that affect people with DS and will be taking
questions. What could be better than an ENT in January!
MOMS ONLY
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We are having our second mom’s night out. This is a time for
us to connect with each other and have some fun so mark your NEW 2000 calendars(DSAT
I hope!) for January 14, 2000from 7-9PM at Kim Wofford’s house. There
will be food and Bunko. Please call Kim (622-6906)by Thursday
the 13th if you plan to attend. Don’t miss it!!
Sibling discussion
November Meeting
Recap
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Our November meeting was about sibling issues. Sherilyn Walton
from the Tulsa ARC
was our speaker. She distributed extensive packets and gave us
insight into many areas
siblings of kids with special needs face. We discussed having
a sibling shop or separate
conference for siblings at our proposed conference in October
2000.
Sherilyn is an excellent resource, as is the Tulsa ARC(582-8272)
The Tulsa Arc sponsors a transition group for parents of highschoolers
and beyond.
It will meet on January 22,2000 at the Tulsa ARC. Call
582-8272 for more info.
Christmas Party
Recap
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On December 4th we had our annual Christmas celebration at Whiteside
Community Center.
Kimberly Myers amd Idalia Hernadez went above and beyond anything DSAT
has ever
seen before! In addition to visiting with Mr. and Mrs. Santa,
the kids( young and old) got great stocking gifts, a dance contest was
held for the 13 & older crowd and door prizes
were awarded to kids and to parents. We estimate attendance at
120+. What a party!
Christmas
Party Sponsors
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The Christmas party would not have been possible without the wonderful
sponsorship of
the following organizations and individuals:
Junior League of Tulsa-donated money and time. Many members volunteered
to set up,
take down and clean up. Thanks so much!!!
Green Country Transmission
5150 S. 94th E. Ave.
LaMargarita Mexican Restaurant
13210 S. Memorial Dr.
ICS Coachworks
Acapulco Dist.
11332-Bldg B. East 19th St.
Arizona Restaurant
600 Aspen St(BA)
Arizona Mexican Restaurant
6605 S. Lewis Ave.
El Chico Restaurant
Drug Warehouse
State Bank
502 S. Main Mall
Fun & Games
5790 E. 31st
Fun House
6808 S. Memorial
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Blockbuster Video
3376 E. 51st
Sonic Drive In
4534 E. 51st St
Movies 8
6808 S. Memorial
Silver Cinema
5970 E. 31st St
Marie Callendars
3837 E. 51st ST
McDonalds
7010 S. Zurich St.
Kmart #4473
10131 E. 21st ST
Best Buy
Adam’s Mark Hotel
Tulsa Drillers
Pepsi
Reasor’s
Union High School Students |
Let’s show our thanks by patronizing these businesses and spreading
the word about their
generosity!
Special note: We feel strongly that everyone who supports DSAT
with their money
of time be recognized so from now on each newsletter will devote space
to list all contributions.
Calendar 2000
Update
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Calendar sales have continued to be brisk and have far exceeded our
expectations.
We still have a few left so let us know if you need more .
Top calendar sales are as follows( in alphabetical order):
Janice Bevel 59
Sherry Bradshaw 81
Jill King 71
Lynette Lambert 177
Theresa McFall 87
Kimberly Myers 122
Rebecca Reifsteck 96
Mary Jane Scott 74
Jayne Smith 74
Tracey Wilson 90
Kim Wofford 194
Les Peterson
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By far the most frequent comment about the calendar is the superb quality
of the photography.
Les Petersen, our beloved photographer has been generous at every turn
with everyone involvedwith DSAT. Every decision he has made on this
project has been with us at the forefront of his mind. In fact he
has already agreed to capture more exquiste scenes for the 2001 calendar.
Les has recently been diagnosed with cancer. We know his strong
faith in God will carry him through this tough time. Now it is our
turn to send heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Les and his family.
2001 Calendar
Profiles
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All of the year 2001 calendar profiles are in. We had a great
response. We received 35
profiles with an age range from 9 months to 31 years. Notifications
will be made soon about photo shoots, etc.
Tenative 2000 Topics
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Wills and Estate Planning
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Potty training
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Spring Fling-Dance for Youth
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Genetics/Endocrinology
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Sexual Issues in young adults
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Home Schooling
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Easter Party
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Transition Issues
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Horseback Therapy
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Balloon Fest
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Conference
Private school/special needs children
We still have openings so if there is a topic you are interested in
that isn’t listed...Let your
voice be heard!
New New Parent Packets
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At the National Convention we found a very impressive new parent packet.
It contains much of the helpful information our current packet includes
but in addition it has color photos and letters from parents, grandparents,
etc., written with a new parent in mind. Daughn and Karen Baker
have graciously agreed to take on this new project but we need your help.
We would like you to submit your letters. For more details come
to the January meeting or call Karen Baker at 343-2988.
Childrens Medical
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The Vocational Training Center at CMC( now affiliated with Goodwill
Ind.) did all of the
shrink wrapping of our calendar?
They now help us with our newsletter every other month. They copy
and assemble it to
get it ready to mail. Thanks a lot Greg Crawford and the VTC
group!
1999-Year in Review
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This year was a tremendous year for DSAT. We celebrated our twentieth
year in existence and accomplished many of our goals.
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Active membership more than doubled
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Created beautiful calendar that raised money to help secure our future
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Featured on both channel 8 and 6 morning shows to promoteDS Awareness Month(OCTOBER)
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Newspaper coverage in the Tulsa World, Community World,Cushing paper, and
Skiatook paper
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BBQ and Balloon Fest
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100 new parent packets to new families either at hospital visits or through
the mail.
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Had a booth, passed out information about DSAT and sold calendars at:
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Gatesway Balloon Festival
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National Down Syndrome Congress Convention
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Broken Arrow Craft Fair
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OKC Buddy Walk
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Benefit day at Border’s Bookstore
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250 newsletters/postcards each month
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Monthly meetings with various speakers
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Easter party and Christmas Celebration
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Improved Web page and unique identifier
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Spoke to various civic groups and schools about Down syndrome
DSAT Support
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It’s time to show your support for the Down Syndrome Association of
Tulsa.
We accomplished so many things in 1999 and we want to continue to increase
the
positive portrayal of Down syndrome in the community. We also
want to be able to
help more families. Our organization offers support and resources
to all of NE Oklahoma.
You can help DSAT in 3 ways:
1) Paying annual membership dues. Dues are $20 a year.
You can add an additional amount in honor or memory of someone or stipulate
where you would like the additional amount spent. (If $20 isn’t
affordable please
send in a smaller amount to help us defray the cost of newsletter postage)
2) Sign up for a volunteer position or one-time help. We need
help in many areas.
The more people we can get involved the less work it is for everyone.
Involved people
make a difference!
3) Participate! Come to one of our meetings, fill out the suggestion
form below, or
contact an officer. We want everyone to feel like a part of the
Down Syndrome Association of Tulsa. Help us help you.
Please return this to: DSAT, PO Box 54877 , Tulsa,OK 74155
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Name_________________________ Dues
____________($20)
Address_______________________ Add amt ____________
City,St,Zip______________________
Phone#________________________
Child’s name and birthdate(ifapplicable)
_______________________________
Suggestions, comments, ____________________________________________________________
Volunteer positions-please check any box you might be interested in.
This is not a committment. Even a small amount of time can make a
big difference.
_____Worker bee, will help where needed, please list areas of interes
_____________________________________________________________
_____Conference Committee-Help with ideas for OCT 2000 conference
_____Library/Public Awareness/Education Committee-help us get current
info in libraries,help with PR of all events, help arrange speakers for
schools
_____Sunshine Committee-send out thank you notes, notes of acknowledgment,
get word out when member is in hospital or ill.
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