With the conference behind us and the new year fast approaching we need to focus on promoting our 2001 “Sharing Our Joy” Calendar.   Not long after the new year these products will become dated, so it is in the best interest of the organization to push the sales of these as much as possible between now and then.  If you need to check out calendars for sale contact myself, Kim Wofford, or Lynette Lambert. 

As our organization expands, we have a need to formalize more of the organizational structure.   Fiscal accountability and further direction are primary objectives.  I feel strongly that more involvement across the organization is essential.  I am recommending the establishment of a Board of Directors.   The establishment of a Board of Directors is consistent to the By Laws of the organization.  The Board of Directors would be responsible for establishing certain executive policies and procedures to be performed by the organization that is consistent with the mission and services we are providing. 

If you are interested or know of a strong leader that would be a good candidate for this board, please let me know.   We will continue to utilize the offices of President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasure for the conducting of day to day operations of the organization as well as other volunteer committee members. We continue to make a difference in the lives of new parents of babies with Down syndrome as well as a source for continuing support for our maturing families.   Please consider how you might contribute expanding the mission and services of DSAT. 

As we move into the Holiday season my most sincere wish is for joy and peace to be with our extended families.  This has been a wonderful year for DSAT and we have a lot to look forward to in 2001.

Second Chances?                       Top of Page
If I had my child to raise over again, I’d finger-paint more and point my finger less.
I’d take my eyes off my watch,  and watch with my eyes.
I’d take more hikes and fly more kites, I’d stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I’d do more hugging and less tugging. I’d be firm less often, and affirm much more...
If I had my child to raise over again, I’d teach less about the love of power,
and more about the power of love.

Puppies                                     Top of Page
A store owner was tacking a sign above his door that read 'Puppies for Sale.' These signs had a weird way of attracting children. And sure enough, a little boy appeared at the sign. "How much are you gonna sell those puppies for?" he asked. The store owner replied "Anywhere from $30-$50." The little boy reached into his pocket and pulled out some change. "I have $2.37, can I have a look at them?"
The store owner smiled and whistled and out of the kennel came Lady, who ran down the aisle of his store followed by five teeny, tiny balls of fur.   One puppy was lagging considerably behind. Immediately the little boy singled out the lagging, limping puppy and said "What's wrong with that little dog?" The store owner explained that when the puppy was born, the vet had said that the puppy had no hip socket and would limp for the rest of its life. The little boy got really excited and said "That's the puppy I wanna buy!"

The store owner replied "No, you don't wanna buy that little dog. If you really want him, I'll give him to you." The little boy got quite upset. He looked straight into the store owner's eyes, pointing his finger and said, "I don't want you to give him to me. That little dog is worth every bit as much as the other dogs and I'll pay the full price. In fact, I'll give you $2.37 now and 50 cents every month until I have him paid for." The store owner countered, "You really don't want to buy this puppy. He is never gonna be able to run, jump and play like other puppies!" To this the little boy reached down and rolled up his pant leg to reveal a badly twisted, crippled left leg supported by a big metal brace. He looked up at the store owner and said softly, "Well, I don't run so well myself, and the little puppy will need someone who understands."
 
 

Respite Care                       Top of Page
Erin Beach, Respite Coordinator for TARC would like to hold a informational meeting about a DS respite co-op at 6:30PM Nov 16 (right before our meeting) at the Special Olympics Building. She will offer booklets on how the co-op works as well as answer any questions. This is a great opportunity to exchange child care with no exchange of money. Any questions should be directed to Erin at 582-8272.

September Recap                   Top of Page
Linda Barron From the Bit by Bit Therapeutic Horseback Program was our guest speaker in September.  She told us all about this wonderful program.  There is currently a waiting list and a Dr.’s permission is required.  The kids love this unique way of improving motor skills as well as language.  Bit by Bit is always looking for volunteers.

2001 Calendar Update                 Top of Page
Don’t miss your chance!  Now is the time to purchase and check out calendars.  Our sales have exceeded last year’s pace.  Of course, our goal is to sell out! And it looks like we are well on our way.  The calendar sales will help DSAT continue our current programs as well as start new programs in 2001. The calendars make great gifts for family, friends, teachers, therapists, doctors, etc.  Please consider helping DSAT get a positive message out in the community.  Calendars will be available at the November meeting, at the annual Christmas party and from Tracey Wilson, Lynette Lambert and Kim Wofford.

New Parent Packets                            Top of Page
Our very personalized new parent packets are done thanks to a lot of hard work on Karen Baker’s part.  We debuted them at the conference.  A portion of last year’s calendar money was used to create these beautiful notebooks.  They will be available to all new families from this point on.  There will be sample copies on display at future DSAT events.  This is one of the important areas where our revenues will continue to be spent.
 

FOR SALE                             Top of Page
DSAT now has many items for sale.  Items will be available at all meetings and parties or by contacting any officer.
 

White polo shirts with DSAT logo $20
White canvas hats with DSAT logo $10
“Far Different Places” 
 (inspirational music)  CD $10
  Tape $6
  Songbook $6
Video tape of all calendar 
 pictures set to music  $10
and of course CALENDARS! $12

Big Oops!                        Top of Page
 Fabricut was left off the sponsor recognition portion of the 2001 calendar.  Fabricut and Ron Graham have been strong supporters of DSAT.  We regret this error.

Conference Recap                      Top of Page
The Year 200 Sharing Our Joy State wide conference was a success.  Part of our calendar money was designated to help offset the cost of a conference. With over 200 participants and an impressive line up of speakers, it was a great opportunity for families to meet each other and gather information about many areas important to children with Down syndrome.  The conference was a big event for DSAT and would not have been possible without the hard work of a lot of people.    Please take a minute and review the list of acknowledgments included in this newsletter.

In conjunction with the conference, we held our first ever health screening.  We had developmental pediatricians, dentists, an optometrist, audiologists, an occupational therapist, a physical therapist and speech pathologists.  28 children with DS ranging in age from 6 months to 16 years were seen in 6 hours.  The professionals and participants had quite positive feedback.  This was a productive first step in our long-term goal to have a DS clinic in Tulsa.  There was strong interest from both the families of children with Down syndrome as well as all of the professionals that donated their time and knowledge.

We Need Your Help!                            Top of Page
Sell Calendars

A company to sponsor copies of the newsletter
250 copies/6 times a year

We are looking for ideas for speakers for 2001 meetings.
If there is a topic or a speaker you are interested in hearing,
please call Tracey Wilson at 288-7719.

We would love to have your stories for the newsletter;
a cute story, school or sport successes,
dates of interesting meetings, or conferences.
If you find it entertaining or interesting, someone else will too.
So call Kim Wofford at 622-6906 or email her at:  woffordnate@webzone.net
and help us personalize your newsletter.

Come and be a part of this exciting time at DSAT!

Thank You!                            Top of Page      
 
A special thank you to the following contributors. We couldn’t do it without you:

Dues Paid
Carey & Dana Robinson
Cris Fyler

Caregivers for                      
September meeting
Laura Herd Hailey Herd
Hannah Edgmon  Sara Robberson
  
Public Awareness     Top of Page      
All members who have sold calendars
Lori Blankenship
Laura Smith - Skiatook Newspaper
Shannon Pinney - Skiatook Newspaper
Jaque Canady - Skiatook Newspaper & Sertoma Club
Jayne Smith - Muskogee Newspaper
Lynette Lambert - Muskogee Newspaper
Rebbecca Reifsteck - Muskogee Newspaper
Kim Woodruff - Muskogee Newspaper
Tracey Wilson - Channel 8
Janice Bevel - Channel 6 & 8
Lisa Walkingstick - Muskogee & Fort Gibson Newspapers 
Donnetta Mayo - Fort Gibson Newspaper
 

“In life, it doesn’t  matter who you are, 
but whether someone appreciates you for  what you are.”
 

Upcoming Events                        Top of Page
November Meeting 
Young Adult & Parent Panel
November 16th
Panelists:
 Chuck Baldridge Joseph Cervantes
 Kyle Graham  Jennifer Vedda
 

Christmas Party
December 9th
2PM - 5PM
Junior League Headquarters
3633 S Yale
36th & Yale - Next to The Little Lighthouse

Christmas Party        Top of Page
The date is set for Saturday, December 9th, 2000 from 2:00PM to 5:00PM. All ages are welcome! We will be at our NEW location:  Junior League Headquarters at 36th and Yale.

A BIG thank you to The Junior League, who is again sponsoring our DSAT Christmas Party.  Anyone who has attended the last two years knows what a wonderful celebration they provide for us.  Kimberly Myers is coordinating the party with Junior League and would be happy to have donations for stocking stuffers.  If you know of a company who would be willing to donate items, coupons, or money please contact Kimberly at 266-3214.

Secretary:
Marilyn LaPointe (918)  371-2279

Treasurer:
Theresa McFall  (918) 272-4406 

Newsletter: 
Kendra Pennington    (918) 889-2954   Kendra's E-mail
Kim Wofford

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

Development Coordinator 
Erin Beach 

Web Master
 E-mail Tracey Wilson