One way we can do this is by sponsoring a conference that provides information and support for our community. Additionally transitional and social activities are of utmost importance in involving the disabled for further advancement. Our Spring Fling and Easter Party promises to be as special as last years Christmas. I want to encourage everyone to plan for this upcoming event.

I want to thank those of you that visited our last meeting for the first time and encourage your continued involvement. Your participation only makes our organization stronger and promises a brighter future for our children. Suggestions and comments are accepted openly and only make for a more fruitful organization.

My thanks go out to those that have already committed to our programs and committees. But there is plenty of opportunities for those that desire to get involved. Our “Sharing Our Joy” calendar was an absolute success and we see no reason why we should not continue with this tradition. Lynette Lambert is coordinating the 2001 calendar and will appreciate any assistance you may want to give. You can contact her by calling (918) -682-6634. Thanks Lynette for all that you do!

In closing I would like to tell a story about a man that was walking down the beach early one morning: 

As he walked he noticed someone down the beach bending over, picking something up, and then throwing it out into the water. As he drew closer he saw that it was a young boy picking up starfish that had been washed up on the beach and, one at a time, throwing them back into the water.

He approached the boy and asked, “Son, what are you doing?” The boy replied, “I’m throwing starfish back into the ocean. They’re stranded on the beach. If they don’t get back in the water, they’ll die when the sun gets too hot.”

“But son,” the man said gently, “there are hundreds of starfish here on the beach. The few you toss back into the ocean won’t make any difference.”
The boy paused for a minute then picked up another starfish and threw it into the ocean. “Bet I made a difference to that one!”

When the “people” side of your job seems overwhelming, remember the little boy on the beach. 

Concentrate on picking up one starfish at a time.

OUR NEXT MEETING     Top of Page
March 16th at 7:00PM
at the Special Olympics Building
Our speaker will be Dr. Jerry Smith, a pediatric dentist. He will be discussing the many concerns specific to Down Syndrome.

January Recap       Top of Page
At our January meeting, Dr. Sawyer discussed the many problems people with DS may face in relation to their ears, nose, and throat. He stayed and answered numerous questions from our members. Thank you to Dr. Sawyer for spending his evening with us.

February Recap      Top of Page
 In February our meeting was an unusual one. We spent the evening discussing our many dreams for the upcoming year and beyond. Our calendar money has opened up many doors for us to explore. We are planning many exciting events. Stay tuned!

2001 Calendar Update    Top of Page
We have had a preliminary meeting with our fabulous photog, Les Petersen about planning of the 2001 calendar shots. The profiles were of great help to us. Several families have called to ask whether decisions have been made regarding subjects for the calendar. Some shots have been set but many are up in the air. Right now, we are unsure of when (or if) production will begin. Les will be undergoing some serious treatments for his cancer. We will let everyone know as soon as we know anything concrete.

We Need Your Help!
2000 Calendar Sales      Top of Page
 Our year 2000 calendar was more successful than we ever imagined. How successful? Well, that is where we need your help. In order to close our books we are PLEADING with all members who have outstanding calendars to drop them off at Kim Wofford’s house or call an officer and arrangements will be made to pick them up. This needs to happen ASAP. Don’t make us list you in the tardy section of the next newsletter. Thanks for your help in this matter.

2000 Member Dues      Top of Page
 It’s not too late to pay your yearly dues. Dues are 20.00 and can be mailed to DSAT, P.O. Box 54877, Tulsa, OK 74155. Dues help us to defray the cost of printing and mailing out the newsletters and postcards as well as provide for new parent packets and social events.

New Parent Packets    Top of Page
 We are also in the process of updating our parent packets. We found a prototype of one that we just love. It had personal letters/profiles from parents, friends, grandparents, as well as photos of the children. We are seeking profiles so help us help those new folks out there and call Karen Baker to get more details on how your child can be an inspiration to those parents who have just been given the news that their baby has DS.

Spring Fling Donations     Top of Page
 In April we will be having a big social event. It will be our annual Easter egg hunt and this year we are combining it with a Spring Fling Dance for the 13 and over crowd. The dance will be open to any young adult (13 and over) with disabilities. The Easter egg hunt is open to all children and there will be a hospitality room for parents, etc. to visit with one another. The combined events will be taking place on April 15th from 2-5pm. The location to be announced. (Watch the web site and your mail for information.
 We would love donations specifically for this big day so below are some of our needs. (If you can assist us in acquiring any of these things, please call Kimberly Myers 266-3214) Remember all donations are tax deductible!!
 Plastic Easter Eggs (300) Easter decorations Plastic plates, cups, napkins, tablecloths
 Candy to fill eggs Snack and finger foods Volunteers for set up  Volunteers for clean up
 Cans of soda/juice Bunny Suit Designated Monies  Door prizes

Mom’s Night Out
March 24th               Top of Page
 In January we had a great showing of 14 moms at Kim Wofford’s house for a fun night of Bunko, conversation and food. Our next Mom’s night out is scheduled for Friday, March 24th at Gina Nelson’s house. Please call Gina (343-3000) and RSVP by Wednesday, March 22nd.

Spring Fling
April 15th           Top of Page
 Easter egg hunt and Spring Fling Dance!
Allen Ranch 
19800 S. Memorial Bixby, OK 
Join us from 2 PM to 5 PM.

The Easter egg hunt is open to all children and the dance to any 13 and over young adult with disabilities.  Watch for the postcard and up to the minute postings on the web.

Newsletter Note        Top of Page
 As you have probably noticed by now, the printed version of the newsletter is being revamped and getting a new look. Thanks to the efforts of Kendra Pennington we will soon be able to have a consistent look. Sections will be placed in the same area of the newsletter each time so you will be easily able to find the information that you are looking for more quickly. As always, we welcome your input so give us some feedback on what you like or don’t like about the new format.

Also, if you have any information to be included in the newsletter, please contact Kim Wofford 622-6906 and share this with her. Our next publication will be in early May.
 
 
 

Secretary:
Vacant

Treasurer:
Theresa McFall  (18) 272-4406 

Newsletter: 
Kendra Pennington 

Calendar Coordinator
Lynette Lambert
(918) -682-6634 

Scholoarship/Library Committee
Marilyn Lapointe  (918) 371-2279
Jill King 

Party Planner
Kimberly Myers   (918) 266-3214 

New Parent Packets
Karen and Daughn Baker (918) 343-2988

Adolescent Event Coord.
Idalia Hernandez  (918) 742-3455

Web Master
 E-mail Tracey Wilson