July 2008
Feature Story
Important News
Upcoming Events
Sports Department News
Development Department News
Law Enforcement Torch Run
Northwest Regional News
Southwest Regional News
Eastern Regional News
Board of Directors
Feature Story
The 2008 Special Olympics Connecticut Summer Games began with a bang when law enforcement officers and athletes took part in the Law Enforcement Torch Run that lead to the Summer Games Opening Ceremonies at Southern Connecticut State University. The Law Enforcement Torch Run, a 3-day statewide event leading up to the Summer Games, took place from June 4- 6. It included over 1,500 law enforcement officers and athletes covering 530 miles across 100 cities and towns in Connecticut. This was the 22nd year that Connecticut law enforcement ran with the “Flame of Hope.” Joining us for this extraordinary event was Jeanine Jersey of 96.5 TIC, Bob Maxon, meteorologist for NBC 30, and Honorary Board Member and Emmy winning actress Susan Saint James. They participated in the torch run and made the three days even more exciting by supporting our athletes.
To see a complete photo gallery of The 2008 Law Enforcement Torch Run click here:
http://web.mac.com/specialolympicsct/Special_Olympics_Connecticut/LETR/LETR.html
Opening Ceremonies took place on Friday June 6th, which symbolized the official beginning of the 2008 Special Olympics Connecticut Summer Games. This was no ordinary ceremony though; 96.5's Jeanine Jersey kicked off the evening and emcee Ryan Hanrahan of NBC 30 got the crowd going as athletes who have worked hard for
months paraded around the field at Southern Connecticut State University through a tunnel of officers offering high-fives and supportive smiles. Maybe the biggest highlight of opening ceremonies was when the Elvis impersonator performed and athletes, coaches, volunteers, and staff danced and sang along to the music. Opening ceremonies was such a hit that after hours of dancing coaches, families and athletes stayed on the field celebrating even after the show was over!
Then on Saturday the competition began as more than 2,300 athletes, 750 coaches, and 4,000 volunteers participated in aquatics, gymnastics, tennis, track & field, cycling, and soccer throughout the weekend. The athletes, coaches, and volunteers did an amazing job competing and working in the heat wave that hit that weekend.
All of the games were incredible to watch but, nothing was comparable to the look on the athlete’s faces as they received their medals. The smile and excitement on their faces made all of the hard work it took to put the games together worth it.
To see a complete photo gallery of The 2008 Summer Games click here:
http://web.mac.com/specialolympicsct/Special_Olympics_Connecticut/2008_State_Games/2008_State_Games.html
In addition to competition, athletes had the chance to partake in Healthy Athletes
and Olympic Town. At Healthy Athletes Village the athletes were able to get a full check-out with Opening Eyes, Healthy Hearing, Special Smiles, Fit Feet, FunFitness, physical therapy massages and Healthy Promotions programs available. The athletes even received prizes if they went to three of the events offered. This program was a great chance for the athletes to not only improve their health, but also learn about their bodies and have fun while doing both! In Olympic Town athletes had the chance to relax and take a break from the games and hang out with their friends. They could take part in crafts, volleyball, or just unwind and have a snow cone!
In the end the athletes of the 2008 Special Olympics Connecticut Summer Games shared moments of victory, learned the power of teamwork and portrayed the meaning of changing attitudes and changing lives.
Important News
Dream Ride
Athlete Congress
All Athletes are invited to attend the Athlete Congress being held Wednesday August 27th at 9:30am at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. This event is
hosted by Global Messengers Brian Drexler and Raymond Hadden. Athletes discuss and vote on issues they deem important to bring before the Special Olympics Connecticut Board of Directors. Lunch will be provided as well as a tour of the Capitol. Please respond to Sue Mohr at 203.230.1201 ext. 239 or susanm@soct.org, by July 21st if you would like to attend. This is the first time an Athlete Congress has been held in Hartford and we hope it will be a wonderful experience for our athletes.
Team Doherty Drives Home a Big Win
The Mike Lupica and Jeff Wilpon Golf Tournament, held on June 2nd at the Fairview Country Club, was a “hole-in-one” success that directly benefited 5, 292 children and adults with intellectual disabilities within the state of Connecticut.
At the end of the 18 holes, swinging into 1st place was “Team Doherty” consisting of Special Olympics Connecticut Board Member Brian Shactman, Paula Sheahan, Scott Lilly and Special Olympics Connecticut President Beau Doherty.
Upcoming Events
Date Event
*For a full list of 2008 Fall Sports Festival Dates to Remember, please see the Sports Department Section of this issue of the e-newsletter.
July 7 Golf Coaches Training School, Simsbury Farms Golf Course
Click here for registration form for the training school
July 11 Fall Sports Festival Intent to Participate Forms, Medical Forms,
and Release Forms due to Regional Offices
July 11 Class "A" paperwork including Protective Behaviors due to Hamden
Office
July 11 RSVP deadline for Coaches Picnic
July 25 Deadline for articles for August 2008 e-newsletter
August 2 Coaches Picnic at Shuttle Meadow Country Club, New Britain
August 9 Naugatuck Special Olympics Golf Tournament
Hunter Golf Club, Meriden
$125 per person (includes 18 holes, cart & food)
Contact: Don Sprague 860.560.5451
August 16 Softball Divisioning Tournament
August 16 Bocce Divisioning Tournament
Sept. 5-7 08 Fall Sports Festival -- Softball, Bocce, and Golf
Sept. 13-14 08 Fall Sports Festival -- Sailing
Sept. 17 08 Holiday Sports Classic Coaches Meeting at CAS/CIAC Office at 6pm
Oct. 25 Basketball Divisioning Tournament
Oct. 26 Volleyball Divisioning Tournament
Nov. 22 & 23 08 Holiday Sports Classic
For more SOCT competition and special events click here
Sports Department News
Athlete Uniforms
Just as a reminder as you start planning any orders of team uniforms that sponsors cannot be included on any uniform including shirts, jackets, pants, or hat that is worn during the competition. Sponsor logos on an equipment or luggage bag is acceptable.
Summer Games 2008
Many thanks to all of you who participated in the 2008 Summer Games.
Whether you are an athlete, coach, volunteer, committee member, family member, staff person or a spectator, thank you for being a part of this celebration. The Summer Games are the largest event that Special Olympics Connecticut hosts and one that we remember forever. This year’s heat certainly brought on challenges, but thanks to our medical volunteers everyone was kept hydrated and safe throughout the weekend. Special thanks to everyone for their patience as so many things got moved at the last minute. We look forward to seeing you all again at next year’s Summer Games on June 5, 6 & 7, 2009 for the 40th Anniversary Celebration of Special Olympics Connecticut.
Coaches Appreciation Picnic
There will be a Coaches Appreciation Picnic on Saturday, August 2, 4:00 p.m. at Shuttle Meadow Country Club in New Britain. Mark your calendars for a fun filled afternoon. Please RSVP to Jen Williams by July 11th.
New Emergency Pager Number
There is a new Emergency Pager Number, 203.230.1201 ext. 275, a direct phone call to the person on-call to allow for quicker response time. Please only use this for a real emergency – this number should not be used to find out when a shuttle bus will be arriving at a venue or whether or not events are cancelled due to weather.
Unified® Long Distance Running Team
For the past 18 years, Special Olympics Connecticut has had a Unified® Long Distance Running Team. This group of athletes and partners has competed in numerous road races in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Washington, DC and even in Oregon. This year their practices will begin the week of August 18 and they are planning on participating in the following races:
Sept. 1 New Haven 5K and 20K
Sept. 28 Bigelow Tea 5K
Oct. 11-12 SO Rhode Island 3K and 5K
Oct. 19 Bristol Mum-a-thon
Oct. 25-26 Marine Corps 10K
For more information about joining this team either as an athlete or a partner, please
contact Yvonne Grimes at grimeseven@aol.com or 203-270-7974. New members are always welcome. Three team members of this program were our marathon runners who competed in the 2007 World Summer Games in China.
2008 Special Olympics Golf National Invitational Tournament
The 2008 Special Olympics Golf National Invitational Tournament will be held at the PGA Village of Port St. Lucie, Florida from October 3 - 6. Special Olympics Connecticut has been allotted to take 2 athletes in Individual Skills, 3 Alternate Shot 9-hole teams, 2 athletes in Individual 9-Hole Play and 3 athletes in Individual 18-Hole Play. Please contact Laurie-Jean Hannon if you are interested in applying for one of these slots or if you have any questions about this tournament.
2008 Fall Sports Festival Coaches Meeting
On Thursday, June 19th, 56 coaches attended the 2008 Fall Sports Festival Coaches Meeting. If you were unable to attend the coaches meeting, please contact Sarah Dickinson by e-mail, sarahd@soct.org and the materials from the meeting will be mailed to you. The 2008 Fall Sports Festival registration forms will also be available on-line. Click here for the Fall Sports Festival Registration forms.
2008 Fall Sports Festival Dates to Remember
July 11 Intent to Participate, Medicals, & Releases due to Regional Offices
July 12 Cedar Point Yacht Club Regatta, Westport, CT
July 19 Norwalk Yacht Club Regatta, Norwalk, CT
July 20 Golf Skills Jamboree, Lyman Orchards, Middlefield
July 25 Softball Divisioning Tournament Registration including housing due to
Regional Offices
Aug. 9 Danbury Softball Invitational
Aug. 15 Registration including housing for Bocce, Sailing, & Golf due to Regional
Offices
Aug. 16 Softball Divisioning Tournament, Henry Park, Vernon
(Unified® & Traditional Teams)
Aug. 22 Roster Appeal/Scratch deadline for 2008 Fall Sports Festival
Aug. 23 Invitational Alternate Shot 9-Hole Golf Event, Race Brook Country Club
Sept. 5-7 Fall Sports Festival for Golf, Bocce, and Softball
Sept.13-14 Fall Sports Festival for Sailing at Stonington Harbor Yacht Club
Oct. 3-6 Special Olympics Golf National Invitational Tournament,
Port St. Lucie, Florida
Oct.12 New England Golf Invitational, Tunxis Plantation, Farmington
**If you are planning on attending any of the special golf outings please notify
Joe Dennin at least two weeks prior to the event.
Development Department News
2008 Summer Games:
Please help us thank our Partner Level Sponsors for not only Summer Games but for their year–round support of our program:
Adams/IGA Hometown Food Stores, Foxwoods Resort Casino, NBC30 and United Technologies Corporation
Thank you to our Summer Games Title Sponsor, United Technologies Corporation. This was UTC's 31st year supporting Special Olympics Connecticut! We thank them for the tremendous financial support as well as the volunteerism their employees provide. Over 800 employee volunteers planned, implemented and organized the Athletics Venue at the Summer Games.
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsors: Knights of Columbus, Foxwoods Resort Casino, Alstom Power, Team ESPN, Mercer, Campus Customs and Opening Ceremonies Sponsor, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
Additionally we thank our Supporting Sponsors: GEICO and GE Capital as well as
Contributing Sponsors: The Walter Camp Football Foundation and Eli’s on Whitney.
Media Sponsors: The New Haven Register, The Worx Group and 96.5 TIC-FM
A Special thank you to our Yean Round Suppliers!
Adams/IGA, Coca-Cola Company of New England, Crystal Rock Water & Coffee, Dunkin' Donuts, EDART, Guida’s Dairy, Marcus Communications, and the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch Community Service.
THESE GAMES SIMPLY COULD NOT GO ON WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF OUR SPONSORS!
“Yo babies on the Mooove 08” Promotion
Special Olympics Connecticut was the benefactor of this fun promotion held on Saturday, May 31st at the West Farms Mall in West Hartford. Close to 100 infants and toddlers participated in the first ever Stonyfield Farm Baby Crawl and Toddler Race at Center Court. Special Olympics received a $5,000 donation as a result from the good people at Stonyfield Farm. Stonyfield Farm, celebrating its 25th year, is the world’s leading organic yogurt company. It’s all natural and certified organic yogurt, smoothies, milk, cultured, frozen yogurt and ice cream are distributed nationally. The company advocates that healthy food can only come from a healthy planet.
PLEASE support those who support us! Why not pick up Stonyfield Farm products the next time you visit your local supermarket.
THANK YOU TO STONYFIELD FARM!
2nd Annual Susan Saint James Connecticut Hold'em Poker Tournament
Special Olympics Connectictut is now taking reservations for a spot in the 2nd Annual Susan Saint James Connecticut Hold’em Poker Tournament scheduled for Sunday October 5th at Foxwoods Resort Casino. Join Susan Saint James and some of her friends for a fun day of poker, great food, and a lot of laughs! Amateurs are encouraged to participate!
Entry fee of $100 includes $2,500 chips and a post event reception featuring a silent
auction, great food and open bar!
Prizes will be awarded to the Top 3 Finishers – Prizes are still being confirmed but
will include 8 days/7 nights at the ESJ Towers on Carolina Beach in sunny Puerto Rico!
Please email Bob Garguilo robertg@soct.org to secure your spot today. Bring along some friends, but reserve those spots as the event is limited to the first 120 players.
Harley Davidson Raffle Tickets Are Available!
With gas prices approaching the $5.00 mark why not take a chance at a 2008 Harley-Davidson FLSTN Softail Deluxe? Two-tone paint. White Gold Pearl/Pewter Pearl, fuel injected 96 cubic inch motor, six speed transmission.
This beauty can be yours! Only 3,500 tickets available. $20.00 secures your chance of
winning this $20,000+ Harley.
2nd Prize: 8days/7 nights at the beautiful ESJ Towers on Carolina Beach, Puerto Rico
3rd Prize: 2.4 GHz iMac Computer
4th Prize Get-away for Two – Foxwoods Resorts’ Grand Pequot Tower.
For tickets contact Lisa Markham lisam@soct.org or 203.230.1201 ext. 231 or your Regional Special Olympics Connecticut Office.
Law Enforcement Torch Run
2008 Law Enforcement Torch Run
Congratulations and thanks to all who participated in this year’s Torch Run! Over 3 days, 530 miles, law enforcement personnel and Special Olympics Connecticut athletes carried the“Flame of Hope” to Southern Connecticut State University. It was an awesome three days, culminating with an inspiring Final Leg into the stadium to light the cauldron! Thank you to all who made this such a wonderful event!
Special thanks to our Leg Coordinators:
Officer Ron Jenkins
Captain Terry Penn
Sergeant Don Crabtree
Lt. Jim Kanios
Rec Supervisory Jeff Beiler
Officer Lisa Scannell
Detective Dave Marinelli
Officer Aimee Krzykowski
Detective Sandy Brooks
Sergeant Eric Dency
Sergeant Tom Madera
Sec II Pam Neuendorf & Jeff Nielsen
And our support team:
Sergeant Luis Rosa
Captain Joe Carlone
Detective Sgt. Paul Zarnetske
Deputy Chief Tom Fowler
Greg Dillon
Sergeant Kelly Walsh
Officer Juan Colon
Officer Kelly Meeker
Derek Riddick
Largest and Longest Running Tip-A-Cop raises over $8,000.00!!
On June 3rd, at Lenny’s, the longest running Tip-A-Cop, raised over $8,000 for Special
Olympics Connecticut. Thanks to Deputy Chief Tom Fowler and the Branford Police Department for making this another great success!
Motorcycle raffle tickets for sale!
As part of the 2008 Dream Ride, the Hometown Wheels Foundation will be raffling off great prizes. All proceeds from this raffle go to Special Olympics Connecticut and the
Law Enforcement Torch Run program. Please help us to support Bozzuto’s in their efforts as they continue to support us. Tickets are $20.00 each, if everyone receiving this newsletter sold 10 tickets, we would have them all sold!
Prizes:
1st Prize 2008 Harley-Davidson FLSTN Softail Deluxe
2nd Prize Trip for 2 to Puerto Rico, includes 8 days/7nights at ESJ Towers
3rd Prize 2.4 GHz iMac Computer
4th Prize Get-away for two at Foxwoods Resort Casino. Prize includes overnight stay and dinner for two.
Motorcycle raffle tickets are available from your regional office or contact Lisa Markham at 203.230.1201 ext 231.
Planning as begun for the 2009 Conference! We have identified Chairpersons and formed planning committees which are listed below. If you have an interest in being part of a committee, please contact Lisa Markham at 203-230-1201 ext 231 or you can contact the chairperson directly. We are hoping to have are committee member selection completed by June 1st.
T-Shirt Exchange/Conference Gift
Det Sgt Paul Zarnetske, West Haven Police Department
Auction
Hope Reinhard, Special Olympics Connecticut Volunteer
Concurrent Sessions
Deputy Chief Tom Fowler, Branford Police Department
Transportation and Operations
Captain Joseph Carlone, DOC
Athletes & Volunteers
Sgt Kelly Walsh, Avon Police Department
Opening/Closing Ceremonies
Supervisory Inspector Greg Dillon, OCSA
Host Night
Lisa Markham, Special Olympics Connecticut Staff
Pre-conference event
Bob Garguilo, Special Olympics Connecticut Staff
Activities
Sgt Tom Madera
Registration
Bonnie Anderson, Special Olympics Connecticut Volunteer
Sponsorship/Vendors
Jay Case, Special Olympics Connecticut Staff
Law Enforcement Torch Run International Conference in Texas
Connecticut will be hosting our hospitality night at this year’s conference as a preview
for 2009! Macy’s, Bozzuto’s, and ESPN have come on board in support of our efforts!
Capture the moments!
We are looking for any photos you have of Law Enforcement Torch Run – at events, running with the torch, spending time with athletes etc. This is Connecticut’s opportunity to showcase our Law Enforcement and our athletes. We will by putting together videos and picture slideshows for the upcoming conference so if you have seen those great moments and have a camera, please capture it!
We are also looking for stories on our law enforcement personnel and their connections with our athletes, as family members, friends, mentors etc. If you know of these please bring them forward. Law Enforcement Torch Run does so many great things and I know we are not aware of all if it. Please contact Lisa Markham with any information and/or e-mail photos to lisam@soct.org .
Northwest Regional News
Summer Games Congratulations
Congratulations to all the athletes who participated in the games at Southern Connecticut State University and Hamden Hall Athletic Fields on June 6, 7, & 8. The great weather helped competition run smoothly. Thank you to the volunteers and sponsors who supported this great event.
Block Party
The 1st Annual Northwest Region Athlete Dance will be held on Saturday, July 19th at Veteran’s Park in Watertown from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event is being sponsored by Emerson Process Management, Special Citizens of Watertown, Watertown Park & Recreation, Lions Club of Watertown and Special Olympics Connecticut Northwest Region. The event is a way for our regional athletes to enjoy each other’s company and share friendship in a non-competitive setting.
Golf Coaches Training
We will be offering a Golf Coaches Training School session on Monday, July 7th at 5:00 p.m. at Simsbury Farms Golf Course. Registration deadline for this training school is July 1st.Registrations are being accepted through the Northwest Regional Office. Please contact Morgan Reining, 203.267.6566 ext. 703 or morganr@soct.org for more information.
13th Annual Special Olympics Connecticut
Spaghetti Dinner & Dance
Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2008,
Hosted by: Northwest Connecticut Law Enforcement
Torrington Police Department, Winsted Police Department,
Thomaston Police Department, Connecticut State Police & Elks of
Torrington
Location: Torrington Elks Lodge #372,
70 Litchfield Street, Torrington
Time: 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Cost: $7.00 per person
Children under 5 years old free
Special Olympic Connecticut Athletes Free
Law Enforcement Torch Run
Thanks to all the athletes, police departments and officers who came participated in the run this year. Each year your time, dedication and support truly amaze us!
Greater Hartford Association of Realtors (GAHR) Golf Tournament
The GHAR held their annual golf tournament on June 9th to benefit Special Olympics
Connecticut. The event was a huge success and we would like to thank all the golfers
who came out in the scorching heat to support the Board of Realtors and Special Olympics Connecticut.
Southwest Regional News
Senor Pancho’s to Hold Golf Classic
Senor Pancho’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant (262 Main Street-Rt. 25, Monroe) will host its 2nd Annual Golf Classic to benefit Special Olympics at Whitney Farms in Monroe on Tuesday, July 29th. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and a shotgun start is planned for 11 a.m. The cost per golfer is $170 and includes coffee and donuts, lunch ticket to the clubhouse, beer and soft drinks, contests and prize give-aways, and a fantastic dinner buffet and one-hour open bar at Senor Pancho’s restaurant following the tournament. To register, sponsor or find out more about the event, call 203.261.1399.
Norwalk Police to Host Bowling Event
Norwalk Police Officers will present their 1st Norwalk Community Bowling Tournament to benefit Special Olympics Connecticut on Sunday, August 3rd from 1 to 4 p.m. at AMF Rip Van Winkle Lanes, 701 Connecticut Avenue, Norwalk. To register, sponsor the event or obtain more information, contact Sergeant Paul Vinett at 203.854.3005 or email pvinett@norwalkct.org. Bowlers of all ages and abilities are welcome and may register as individuals or teams.
This event will bring Special Olympics COnnecticut athletes, children with limited financial resources,and the community together to celebrate each person’s talents and abilities, foster understanding and new friendships, and support Special Olympics’ life-changing programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The cost is $50 per person/$200 per team of four bowlers. Pre-registration by July 18th is required.
Those who would like to give area athletes and children the opportunity to bowl for the
day, may sponsor a team of Norwalk children or Special Olympics Connecticut athletes from Fairfield County. Bowling lane sponsorship opportunities are also available.
Norwalk Police to Host Tip-A-Cop
Members of the Norwalk Police Department will host a Tip-A-Cop fundraiser, waiting on tables to receive donations for Special Olympics, during lunch and dinner hours on Monday, July 14th at the Ash Creek Saloon, located at 2 Wilton Avenue, Norwalk (phone 203.847.7500). Sergeant Paul Vinett of the Norwalk Police Department is coordinating the event.
Thank you to the following for hosting recent Tip-A-Cop fundraisers:
The Wilton Police Department/Outback Steakhouse of Wilton
The Stamford Police Department/Court Square Café, Stamford
The Greenwich Police Silver Shield Association/Horseneck Tavern, Greenwich
Bender Financial Group Golf & Tennis Tournament
The Bender Financial Group will host its second Annual Golf & Tennis Tournament to support Special Olympics Connecticut on Monday, September 8th at the Greenwich Country Club, 19 Doubling Road, Greenwich. Golfers, tennis players, and reception guests are invited to register early, as space is limited. Call 203.380.9990, ext. 604 or e-mail debbieh@soct.org to register for the event and to find out about sponsorship opportunities.
The cost is $500 per golfer, which includes greens fee, forecaddie, cart, beverages on the course and a cocktail & buffet reception. Tennis is $150 per person, which includes Ladies’ Tennis Doubles or Men’s Tennis Doubles and a cocktail and buffet reception.
Guests may attend the cocktail reception and buffet only for $100 per person.
The reception will begin at 6 p.m. and feature live and silent auctions.
Advance reservations are required.
To view highlights from last year’s event, visit
www.benderfinancial-specialolympics2007.com.
The Bender Financial Group, part of the Northwestern Financial network, provides
innovative strategies and personalized solutions to help clients achieve their financial
goals. Offices are located in Westport, Shelton, Fairfield, and New York.
Sevilla Designs Offers Jewelry Fundraisers for Special Olympics
Sevilla Designs would like to offer Special Olympics a donation of 20% of the gross sales from any jewelry parties hosted by Special Olympics donors, supporters or volunteers.
Jewelry parties are fun and easy. Sevilla Designs offers very beautiful jewelry that is
hand-crafted with unique stones, beautiful pearls and distinctive glass. Its
Spring/Summer Collection includes items priced from $15 - $50. More unique items are priced from $30 - $500. Cash, checks, MasterCard or VISA are acceptable methods of
payment. Visit the website www.sevilladesigns.com, to view samples of original jewelry designs. To find out more and host a party, call the SWR office at 203.380.9990 ext. 604 or e-mail debbieh@soct.org.
Pablo Sevilla is an artist originally from Mexico and professional educator at Trumbull
High School. He annually organizes a group of student volunteers for Special Olympics Connecticut Southwest's Regional Games. Pablo enjoys spending his summers working on new designs as well as looking for different stones for his jewelry from around the world.
Eastern Regional News
Bocce Coaches Training School
The Eastern Region will be offering a Bocce Coaches training again this year. Time and date information forthcoming!
Cop-on-Top
On Thursday, July 10th through Saturday, July 12th Agent Ron Littell of the South Windsor Police Department will climb atop the roof at the Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk for the 4th Annual Cop-on-Top even to benefit Special Olympics Connecticut. Agent Littell will remain on the roof for 72 straight hours or until he has met his fundraising goal of $10,000. Come on out to support this great event. For more information, contact Jackie Turro at jackiet@soct.org or 860.887.1555.
Click here for Cop-On-Top event flier.
Board of Directors
Sunset Garden Party
What an incredible event held on May 18th at the Sunset Garden Party at the beautiful
Salt Acres Estate in Stonington, CT. A big thank you to host Juan O’Callahan and special guest Timothy Shriver. Also thanks to Chairman of the Board Roger Burns, Vice Chair Dave Cassano, Finance Chair Rick Allen, Program Chair Nancy Dennin and Board Members Gary Dornbush, Joyce Ann Gallo, Lisa Kovlakas, Nancy Scirocco and Al Sheahan for their support and attendance.
Mike Lupica/Jeff Wilpon Celebrity Golf Tournament
Yes, it’s true – as you may have noticed in "Important News" - President Beau Doherty’s team took 1st place at the Mike Lupica/Jeff Wilpon Celebrity Golf Tournament. His teammates included Paula Sheahan, Scott Lilly and Board Member Brian Shactman! Also, a big thank you to Honorary Board Members Mike Lupica and Dennis Manning for their efforts and support of this tournament. Other attendees included Board Member Jim Van Hoof and Honorary Board Member Joe Gugliotti. Board Member Tom Joyce donated an auction item of a threesome at Winged Foot.
Law Enforcement Torch Run
Thank you to Board Member Judy Bell who attended the Foxwoods Torch Run Rally on Day 1 of the Torch Run and to Honorary Board Member Susan Saint James who attended the West Hartford Torch Run Rally on Day 2 of the Torch Run.
Summer Games
What in incredible weekend! A big thank you to Board Chair Roger Burns, Vice Chair
Dave Cassano, Program Chair Nancy Dennin and Board Members Judy Bell, Bonnie Smith, Nancy Scirocco, Jim Van Hoof, Lisa Kovlakas, Joyce Ann Gallo, Al Sheahan and Chris Renstrom who supported and volunteered the 2008 Summer Games. Thanks also to Honorary Board Member, Commissioner Peter O’Meara of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), who spoke at the VIP Reception.
Board Retreat
A Board Retreat was held on June 14th at the Knights of Columbus Museum. The presenter was Laura Fredericks who discussed Major Gifts with the attendees. Thank you to Board Chair Roger Burns, Vice Chair Dave Cassano, Development Chair Chris Renstrom, Program Chair Nancy Dennin and Board Members Bonnie Smith, Judy Bell, Lewis Chimes, Diane Fountas, Joyce Ann Gallo, Pat Meiser, Nancy Scirocco and Bernie Zahren for their attendance and participation.
DATE CHANGE - Next Full Board Meeting
The next full Board Meeting has been re-scheduled for Tuesday, August 12th at 7:00 p.m. in the Special Olympics Connecticut State Office in Hamden. Please contact Kelli at 203 230.1201 ext. 276 or kellib@soct.org on if you will be in attendance or not.
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