October 2008
Feature Story
Important News
Upcoming Events
Sports Department News
Development Department News
Northwest Regional News
Southwest Regional News
Eastern Regional News
Board of Directors
Feature Story
2008 Fall Sports Festival… a great success!
What a great September for Special Olympics Connecticut and all of our athletes!
Two weekends were spent with wonderful competition in softball, golf, and sailing.
Unfortunately, due to inclement weather, the bocce tournament was cancelled, but we are looking forward to seeing all the bocce athletes come back again next year. Congratulations to all the athletes, coaches and volunteers who participated in the Fall Sports Festival. We look forward to seeing you all again very soon!
The zoomerang survey for the 2008 Fall Sports Festival is now available through this issue of the e-newsletter. The link can also be found in the Sports Department News section of this issue of the Special Olympics Connecticut e-newsletter. Thank you for your feedback.
http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/survey.zgi?p=WEB228ASK4BFT6
Croquet Tournament
Thank you and congratulations to all who participated in the croquet tournament which was held on September 13, 2008 during the first day of competition at the Fall Sports Festival Sailing Regatta. Twelve Stonington Village residents joined a group of 12 Special Olympics Connecticut Athletes from the Mystic/Ledyard Local Program to particpate in an exciting game of Croquet on the Green at Stonington Commons. Thank you to Mystic/Ledyard Local Coordinator, Terry Davidson, who spent many days training his team for this new event.
Two 6-team divisions, The Wadawanuck Wicket Whackers and The Stonington Cannons, competed for the gold! The tournament was sponsored by the Wolman Family of Waterford, CT. In addition to the two croquet sets that were purchased with this generous donation, we were also able to provide a refreshing spread of iced tea, lemonade, and desserts for all to enjoy. Thank you to Robyn & Len Wolman who made the day possible with their generous
donation.
Be on the look out for more croquet tournaments…this one was too fun to not do it again!
Click here for The Wadawanuck Wicket Whackers' team photo.
Click here for The Stonington Cannons' team photo
Click here to see Cory Davidson advising Senator Maynard on his next shot
Important News
Class “A” Volunteer Re-screening
It has been 3 years since Special Olympics Connecticut, Inc. (SOCT) had developed a plan to run a check which included a national criminal background check and a sex offenders’ background check on all Class “A” Volunteers. Therefore, we must begin the process of re-screening all persons that were screened in 2005 and 2006. In an attempt to offset the onslaught of expirations that are to occur in 2009, we are asking that anyone who is expiring between now and June 2009 please complete the Class “A” Volunteer application, including Social Security Number and date of birth and return it to Katie Femiak as soon as possible. If you are under the age of 18, you must provide 3 letters of reference along with the application. The reference letters cannot be filled out by a family member. If you are an existing Class “A” Volunteer whose address has not changed since you were last screened you do not need to have a Coach, Local Coordinator, or Staff Person sign the bottom of the Class “A” Form.
In addition, if you currently transport athletes or drive other vehicles for SOCT you must provide your driver’s license number. The volunteer screening process requires that SOCT conduct a Motor Vehicle check. All information provided will be kept strictly confidential.
Thank you for understanding that the safety and well being of our athletes is number one to our organization and for assisting us as we work together to make the re-screening process as effortless as possible for both our Local Programs and SOCT. http://www.soct.org/local/AVOLAPPRev091907.doc
Thank you for your cooperation and please contact Katie Femiak at kathrynf@soct.org or 203.230.1201 ext. 224 if you have any questions.
Interested in Becoming a Certified Coach?
Please see the article on Becoming a Special Olympics Certified Coach at the end of the Sports Department News section of this issue of the Special Olympics Connecticut e-newsletter. Please contact Sarah Dickinson by phone, 203.230.1201 ext. 272, or by e-mail, sarahd@soct.org , if you have questions regarding the certification status of any of your coaches.
2009 Hall of Fame
2009 Hall Of Fame – “Special Olympics Connecticut Celebrates 40 Years”
Mark your calendars – The 2009 Hall of Fame is being held on Thursday, March 19th at the Aqua Turf Country Club in Plantsville and we will be celebrating 40 years of “Changing Attitudes. Changing Lives.” You won’t want to miss this spectacular event where athletes, volunteers, and sponsors are recognized for their many years of dedication!
2009 Hall of Fame Nominations – Do you know a deserving athlete, coach, volunteer or family that should be recognized for all they do for Special Olympics Connecticut? Nominations for Hall of Fame Awards, Unsung Hero Awards or Spirit of Life Awards can be made by completing the nomination forms and returning to Kelli no later than December 12th by either mailing to the Special Olympics Connecticut State Office or by e-mail at kellib@soct.org.
Click here for the nomination forms for the 2009 Hall of Fame.
Get Ready to Celebrate….
40 Years of Changing Attitudes & Changing Lives!
Special Olympics Connecticut: forty and fabulous! In 2009, our organization will celebrate 40 years of competition, friendship and fun and we are looking for some fantastic facts from you. Can you remember back to the first Winter Games? What about when Special OlympicsConnecticut's headquarters was located in Stratford? Remember back in the early 70's when Summer Games had the first overnight?
If you have a great photo, story or memory from years past or if you just want to let us
know how happy you are to be part of an organization that is almost 4 decades old please contact Laura Gremelsbacker: 203.230.1201 ext. 240 or LauraG@soct.org.
Planned Giving
An athlete's future can begin today… Create a legacy of acceptance & inclusion. Please consider Special Olympics in your will or estate plan. For more information about Special Olympics Planned Giving opportunities click here.
Local Coordiantors - We Need Your Help!
The Internal Revenue Service requires charities such as Special Olympics Connecticut, Inc. (SOCT) to provide participants in fundraising events a written statement that details how much of their entry fee is tax deductible. This requirement must be followed by SOCT at the state, regional and local levels. This requirement will apply to fundraisers such as golf tournaments and the Karting Challenge where the participants are receiving goods and services in return for their (donation) entry fee. This does not apply to events such as Penguin Plunges or Bowl-A-Thons where the participants are soliciting pledges in support of their efforts to raise funds for SOCT.
The IRS requires each donor/participant to receive a written statement that includes the following information:
1) The donor’s name, address, amount of the donation and the date the donation was
received
2) The value of goods and services received by the donor in return for the donation
(i.e. – the value of the greens fees, cart rental, meals, refreshments, tees, balls, etc.
at a golf tournament). It doesn’t matter if any of the above items were donated in-kind
to SOCT their value still needs to be determined and reported to the donor.
3) The tax deductible portion of the donation (The amount of the donation from #1)
above less the value of goods and services received by the donor in #2) above)
4) The non-profit organization’s Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
SOCT’s FEIN is 23-7099756
Please confirm to Mike Mason in the Hamden Office that this reporting requirement has been met for your specific fundraising event by providing copies of the acknowledgement letters that you sent out to your donors.
A template for the acknowledgement letter is available from Lynne Bibber, SOCT Bookkeeper, at lynneb@soct.org or at 203.230.1201, ext. 271. If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Mike Mason at 203.230.1201, ext. 227 or at michaelm@soct.org .
Upcoming Events
Date Event
Oct. 3-6 Special Olympics Golf National Inviational Tournament, Port St. Luice, FL
Oct. 11 Basketball Coaches Training School, Newington
Click here for the training School Registration form
Oct. 11-12 SO Rhode Island 3K and 5K -- Unified® Long Distance Running Team
Oct. 12 New England Golf Invitational, Tunxis Plantation, Farmington
Oct. 19 Bristol Mum-a-thon -- Unified® Long Distance Running Team
Oct. 25 Basketball Divisioning Tournament
Oct. 25-26 Marine Corps 10K -- Unified® Long Distance Running Team
Oct. 26 Volleyball Divisioning Tournament
Nov. 22-23 08 Holiday Sports Classic
For more SOCT competition and special events click here
For Holiday Sports Classic Registration Dates to Remember click here
Sports Department News
National Games 2010
The USA National Games will take place in July of 2010. Team CT has not yet been given our quota but we hope to bring athletes in Athletics, Aquatics, Unified® Bocce, Bowling, Golf, Tennis, Gymnastics, Powerlifting, Cycling, Unified® Softball, Unified® Soccer, Unified® Volleyball and Unified® Basketball. Watch the e-newsletter for more information especially since some of these athletes and partners will be chosen from the 2008 Fall Sports Festival and the 2008 Holiday Sports Classic. Tryouts will be conducted for team sports in 2009. The 2010 USA National Games will be held in Lincoln, Nebraska. We will be looking for certified coaches in each one of these sports. Applications will be available in next month’s e-newsletter. Please contact Laurie-Jean for more information.
2008 Fall Sports Festival
In an effort to provide the best possible programming for our athletes and volunteers we would like to ask you to please take a few minutes and complete this Zoomerang survey about your experiences at the 2008 Fall Sports Festival. We ask that you provide positive comments and recommendations so that we have some real concrete ideas in improving our games. We also ask that you please do not make this a personal attack on any one volunteer, staff or committee member. We have found the Zoomerang to be extremely beneficial for future planning as all comments are reviewed with the Games Management Committees. Should you need any additional information please contact Laurie-Jean Hannon, Vice President of Games & Sports Development at laurie-jean@soct.org. Thank you for your assistance in this process.
http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/survey.zgi?p=WEB228ASK4BFT6
2008 Holiday Sports Classic
The 2008 Holiday Sports Classic will take place on the weekend of November 22 & 23. All venues are the same as last year with Traditional and Unified® Bowling taking place at the AMF Bowling Lanes in Milford and East Haven, Unified® Basketball at Quinnipiac University, Unified® Volleyball and Traditional and Unified® Powerlifting at the New Haven Athletic Center and Hillhouse High School.
Holiday Sports Classic Coaches Meeting highlights from September 17
o Registrations for Unified® Volleyball and Unified® Basketball are due on Oct.
7th; including housing
o Registrations for Bowling and Powerlifting are due on Oct. 14; including
housing
o All partners, coaches and chaperones must have their paperwork in by the
registration date for their sport in order to participate. This includes the Class "A"
Volunteer form, Unified® Partner form, and Protective Behaviors. No one, including
athletes, should be training without the proper and up-to-date paperwork on file
o Please no flash photography at either bowling alley; teams are asked to please not
arrive too early for either session
o If a team has a preference as to what bowling alley they wish to compete in, please
let Laurie-Jean know; all results will be true scores – handicap scoring will not
be added
o Traditional Bowling will be on Saturday and Unified® Bowling will be on Sunday
o Volleyball skills will take place on Saturday only
o There will be a small Activity Center set up at Basketball upstairs
o Powerlifting Opening Ceremonies will be combined with the Volleyball Opening
Ceremonies
o All athletes except powerlifters must attend a qualifying competition in order to
advance to the state games. Please check the dates of these events.
o All rules may be found on www.specialolympics.org
o NO JEANS are allowed for any of the competitors; volunteers are also asked to
please remember to not wear jeans
o Coaches Handbooks will be mailed to all programs the week of Oct. 27; schedules
will be mailed separately
o There should be someone from each program (i.e. Local Coordinator, Head Coach)
who knows exactly what medications each athlete is taking at the present time;
please remember to review your records and always have your medicals with you.
o Three hotels will be used for all of the teams with breakfast being available at
each one;please let Sarah Dickinson know if you have a preference as to where you
are staying
o A survey will be sent to all Local Coordinators to determine transportation needs
o For more detailed information about the meeting or anything related to the Holiday
Sports Classic please contact Laurie-Jean
2008 Holiday Sports Classic Coaches Meeting
65 Coaches attended the 2008 Holiday Sports Classic Coaches Meeting on Wednesday, September 17th at the CAS/CIAC Office in Cheshire. Registration forms for the 2008 Holiday Sports Classic are available now available on our website at the following link: http://www.soct.org/local/forms.shtml .
Click here for the 2008 Holiday Sports Classic Dates to Remember list.
Click here for the Driving Directions for the 2008 Holiday Sports Classic.
2008 Holiday Sports Classic Family Housing
Family Housing is available for the 2008 Holiday Sports Classic at the
Clarion Hotel & Suites, 2260 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT. The cost is $109 plus tax
Reservations need to be made by October 22.
Snowboarding Coaches
We are looking for coaches in the sport of snowboarding. There are a few athletes who are interested in learning this sport (some already know how to snowboard) but they need a coach. If you are interested, please contact Laurie-Jean at 203.230.1201 ext. 235 or laurie-jean@soct.org.
National Invitational Golf Tournament
Best wishes go out to Team CT this month as they travel off to Port St. Lucie, Florida to the PGA Village to compete in Individual Skills, Alternate Shot 9 Hole Play, Individual 9 Hole Play and Individual 18 Hole Play. Representing Special Olympics Connecticut this year from Special Olympics Colchester are Melanie Hopkins, Catie Moreno and Coaches Clif Backes and Amy Hopkins; from Special Olympics West Hartford are Michael King, Ken Richter, Nicole DeMasi and Ken Endres; from Special Olympics Trumbull are David Dennin, Michael Hedrick, Brian Kopcso and Kevin Kopcso and Coach Nancy Dennin; from Special Olympics Groton is Wesley Williams and from Special Olympics Mid-State is Scott Fraprie.
New England Invitational Golf Tournament
Special Olympics Connecticut will once again host the New England Invitational Golf
Tournament at Tunxis Plantation in Farmington. The event will be held on Sunday, October 12th with teams participating from each of the New England states. Teams will participate in 18 Hole Alternate Shot Play or Individual 18 Hole Play. Connecticut teams wishing to participate should contact Joe Dennin.
National Unified® Bowling Tournament
This 2009 National Unified® Bowling Tournament will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada from February 18-20. Teams are responsible for all costs including travel, meals, lodging and registration. Any teams interested in attending should contact Laurie-Jean. Registration materials will be available in the next few months.
New Sports Ideas
As we head into the football season, have you ever thought about Flag Football as a Special Olympics event? Many states are already offering this very popular sport. In fact, it will even be offered at the 2010 USA National Games. Please contact Laurie-Jean if this is something your program might consider looking into.
Chat with Special Olympics Coaches
SOI’s Dave Lenox has launched the group “Special Olympics Coaches”. It has 50+ members so far. They will need to be members of Facebook, but that is very easy to do and FREE! This is a FREE way to accomplish the social networking that SOI was trying to foster via the redesigned SOI website, and it is available right now!
Dave has started a few Discussion Threads to get people talking, so there is already
something there when you go to it. This is a way to get coaches supporting each other and giving SOI a better sense of the “pulse” of the Movement where it REALLY matters … where the athletes meet the coaches.
The following is the link to the group page:
http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=26437483852
Athlete Congress
Athletes and Global Messengers Raymond Hadden and Brian Drexler hosted the Athlete Congressheld at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford on August 27th. The attendees made these suggestions to Special Olympics Connecticut: adding duckpin bowling, billiards, flag football, and beach volleyball as new sports. They suggested having more board games available at Olympic Town, as well as an American Idol contest, and karaoke. They also shared their thoughts regarding the selection process for World and National Games.
Thank you to the following Athletes who attended:
Grace Cusack New Milford
Angie D’Amico Cheshire
Mary Beth Delaney Hamden
Jamaine Johnson Windsor
Dan Kupisz Niantic
Jamie Louchen Torrington
Michael Lovetro Waterbury
Meghan McCormick Shelton
Tim Mohr Middletown
Ryan Paggioli South Windsor
Roger Tomkiel Niantic
William Wallace New Milford
Click here for a photo of the athletes who attended the Athlete Congress.
Mount Southington Ski Area's Ski and Snowboard Swap
Attention all skiers, Mt. Southington will be holding a Ski and Snowboard Swap on October 18th from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and on October 19th from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Drop off your used equipment to sell at the Swap on October 15th from 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Becoming a Special Olympics Connecticut Certified Coach
Just as a reminder, in order to become a Special Olympics Certified Coach the following requirements must be met:
•Be a current Class “A” Volunteer (this includes Protective Behaviors).
The Class “A” Volunteer Applications and reference letters (for minors) are available on
the Special Olympics Connecticut website.
Here is the direct link for the Class “A” Volunteer Application http://www.soct.org/local/AVOLAPPRev091907.doc . Here is the direct link for the Minor Reference Letter http://www.soct.org/calendar/minorreferenceletter.doc
•Protective Behaviors is also available on-line.
Here is the direct link to the Protective Behaviors Training and Quiz. www.specialolympics.org/protectivebehaviors
•Register and attend a Special Olympics Connecticut coaches training school for a specific sport
•Complete a General Orientation Session. The General Orientation Session, once completed, does not expire. The General Orientation Session is available on-line on the Special Olympics Connecticut website.
Here is the direct link to the General Orientation Session and quiz:
http://www.soct.org/local/coaches.shtml . Once the quiz is completed
e-mail notification will be sent to Sarah Dickinson in the Hamden Office
•Complete a 10-hour (minimum) practicum working with Special Olympics athletes in that sport following a coaches training.
•Complete, sign, and return an Application for Sports Training Certification form to the Hamden office. Please include the sport you are applying for on the application. The applicant’s Class “A” status must be current and the signed and returned form must be complete in order for a credential to be processed and printed. Each Certified Coach Credential lists the sport(s) that the coach is certified in as well as the expiration date (month/year) of that certification. The application must be signed by both the applicant and the applicant’s Local Coordinator. The application is available on the Special Olympics Connecticut website.
Here is the direct link for a copy of the application:
http://www.soct.org/calendar/coachescertificationapplication.doc
•Certification is good for 4 years from the date of the training school
Please contact Sarah Dickinson, 203.230.1201 ext. 272 or sarahd@soct.org , if you have questions regarding the certification status of any of your coaches.
Development Department News
Special Olympics Connecticut Welcomes New Corporate Sponsor
We are pleased to welcome Sun Life Financial - Employee Benefits Group to our family of corporate sponsors. Sun Life Financial employees will join us for Winter Games as sponsor of Figure Skating at the International Skating Center of Connecticut in Simsbury. We look forward to meeting many of the great folks at Sun Life Financial EBG later this year at their offices in Windsor.
EBG, Employee Benefits Group, is a division of Sun Life Financial. With offices in
Greenfield, and Wellesley, MA; Portsmouth, NH; Windsor, CT and 34 sales offices
nationwide, EBG offers benefits to employers of all sizes across the country. Here's a
link to EBG's section on the www.sunlife-usa.com website and a link to our overview
brochure explaining more about EBG's products:
http://www.sunlife-usa.com/group/index.cfm
http://forms.sunlife-usa.com/onlineordering/get_file.cfm?form_id=12693
Special Olympics Connecticut Collecting Cell Phones & Accessories
Please look for the cell phone recycling boxes at your local Special Olympics Connecticut offices as well as at upcoming games and competitions.
Special Olympics Connecticut has partnered with TWIGTEK, where donated phones are recycled in the most environmentally friendly manner possible. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Connecticut.
Please consider dropping your old phones off when upgrading…
Auction Items Needed for 2009
Special Olympics Connecticut (SOCT) and our Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) program will be hosting the world in 2009 as the Law Enforcement Torch Run International Conference comes to Connecticut. More than 1,000 law enforcement officers from around the world will descend upon the MGM Grand at Foxwoods November 11-15.
In an effort to offset our costs in hosting this once in a lifetime event, SOCT/LETR will
present a Live/Silent Auction for Conference Attendees. This is a huge opportunity to
raise significant money. In 2007, Special Olympics Oklahoma raised $50,000 from this event.
Auction Items are needed! If you have a timeshare, vacation home, artwork, sports memorabilia, or similar items that would generate interest and you would like to donate to this event, please contact Lisa Markham at SOCT Hamden Office by phone at 203.230.1201 ext. 231 or by e-mail at lisam@soct.org .
Susan Saint James Poker Tournament - October 5th
It is not too late to register and play in this week’s 2nd Annual Susan Saint James
Connecticut Hold’em Poker Tournament.
All you need is $100 and you can join Susan and friends of Special Olympics Connecticut in the WPT Poker Room at Foxwoods Resort Casino. Registration begins at 12 Noon on Sunday, October 5th. Play begins at 1:00pm with a post-event reception at 4:30pm.
The Final Two Tables will be integrated into the reception so you can watch as the
tournament wraps-up (that is providing you don’t make it to the final table).
Open bar and great food as only Foxwoods can provide! Reception is open only to the players.
Prizes:
1st
8 days/7 nights at the ESJ Towers in Puerto Rico
2nd
2 tickets courtesy of NBC Sports to a NFL Sunday Night Football Game of your choice
3rd
Overnight stay with dinner for two at Foxwoods Resort Casino
Last year the event raised $14,000. The event is held in conjunction with the NU/Foxwoods Golf Event October 6th. The Golf event is sold-out.
The tournament is sponsored by Foxwoods Resort Casino and Northeast Utilities.
If interested in playing Poker on October 5th please send an e-mail to robertg@soct.org to reserve your spot today!
GE Commercial Finance Golf Tournament (Danbury)
1st Time Event a Tremendous Success for Special Olympics Connecticut
On Tuesday, September 2nd GE Commercial Finance (Norwalk) held a golf tournament at Ridgewood Country Club in Danbury. The tournament is exclusively for employees of GE and their vendors.
The day after Labor Day event featured a sold-out field of 128 golfers, on course contests,donated product from Rockstar Energy Drink, and two of Special Olympics Connecticut best golfers, Joel Kelleher & Jamie Louchen! Joel was amazing as he demonstrated his driving skills on the 18th hole by continually hitting the ball down the middle 290 yards from the tee! Jamie was equally impressive on the 10th hole with his putting skills being put to thetest. At the awards dinner, Special Olympics Connecticut athletes, Jessica Soran and Jason Keeler assisted with the presentation of awards to the committee members.
Paul Vitti and Nicole Nienstadt of GE CFS headed the committee of GE volunteers who presented a fun day of golf, great food, raffles and prizes! The event is expected to raise more than $110,000.00. The proceeds will be directed to the 2009 Northwest Regional Games, which are moving to Danbury after many successful years in Bristol; the Danbury SOCT/CAS Program; the 2009 LETR International Conference; and general operating for Special Olympics Connecticut.
Thanks to Special Olympics Connecticut Staff Jay Case, Sharon Pelkey, Morgan Reinig, Steve DeWitte, and Bob Garguilo for assisting on course, Board Members, John Buturla and Brian Shactman and the Danbury Local Program staff.
Northwest Regional News
Northwest Local Coordinator Meeting
The next Northwest Region Local Coordinator meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 8th. Please, join us at the Northwest Regional Office at 6:00pm for food, festivities and fun! Please RSVP to the Northwest Region Office ASAP!
2008 Northwest Bowling Qualifiers
The 2008 Northwest Region Bowling Qualifiers will take place on:
Saturday, November 1st at the newly remodeled Spare Time in Bristol
Sunday, November 2nd at Lore’s Lanes in New Milford
Danbury Savings Bank is a sponsor of the New Milford Tournament.
Anyone interested in volunteering or sponsoring a lane at the upcoming bowling qualifier November 1 & 2, please call Sharon at 203.267.6566 ext. 708 for more information.
Cop-on-Top
The Avon Police Department will be holding a Cop-On-Top, October 17th – 19th in Avon. Look for more information to come via e-mail.
The Ultimate Driving Experience
Please join us for the Ultimate Driving Experience on Thursday, November 13th at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville. Get taught by the pros at Skip Barber Racing School, advanced car controls, slide & skid recovery, accident avoidance maneuvers, vehicle dynamics and braking techniques. Then you use what you’ve learned to compete in, Instructor Hot Laps, Team Relays and Karting Shoot Outs. The program includes: Professional Instruction by the Skip Barber Racing Team, use of Skip Barber Mazda Racing Series Cars and Karts, lunch and refreshments. THIS EVENT IS LIMITED TO 100 PARTICIPANTS. Thanks to the generosity of Skip Barber Racing the entry fee is $400 per person. Retail Value is $999.
This makes a great holiday gift for a member of your family or one of your friends.
Consider it a great way to team build with co-workers. Please call Sharon at 203.267.6566 ext. 708 to register or for more details.
Annual Pasta Supper & Dance
The Torrington, Winchester and Thomaston Police Departments held their Annual Pasta Supper and Dance on Tuesday, September 16th. The dance was a huge success, bringing in over $2,000.The event was attended by many area athletes and supporters. Congratulations to all the departments on their success and thanks for their continued support. Additional thanks to the Elks of Torrington and DJ Patti.
Southwest Regional News
Southwest Local Coordinator Meeting
The next Southwest Local Coordinator meeting will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 22nd at 6:30 p.m.at OCE (Imagistics) in Milford.
Bender Financial Group Golf & Tennis Tournament
Thank you to The Bender Financial Group for hosting the 2nd Annual Golf & Tennis Tournament supporting Special Olympics Connecticut on Monday, September 8th at the Greenwich Country Club. More than 110 golfers and tennis players participated on what was a lovely warm, sunny day. Golfers included two Special Olympics Connecticut athletes who are preparing to go to Port St. Lucie, Florida October 3-6 to play in the Special Olympics National Invitational Golf Tournament!
Thank you to the event sponsors: The Bender Financial Group, Title Sponsor; The Fairfield Financial Group, Gold Sponsor; and Bronze Sponsors Dr. Paul J. Donoghue, Ronald and Susan Dubin, Steve Ehrens, Fairfield County Bank and John Hancock.
Special Olympics Connecticut Sponsors FREE Financial Planning Workshop to Empower Special Needs Families
Special Olympics Connecticut will host a comprehensive workshop entitled, “What Every Parent Should Know About Special Needs Trusts and Estate Planning” on Thursday, October 23rd from 7:00 pm – 8:45 pm, at the Greenwich Library, 101 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT.
Participants of this workshop will learn about:
• The Education Series about Special Olympics Connecticut
• Envisioning a plan of action for the future life of your child
• Making informed decisions to reach your goals
• Navigating the legal maze of estate planning and ramifications
• Evaluating financial options for funding a Special Needs Trust
• Taking advantage of tax tips for parents with special needs children and receive a
copy of the 2008 Tax Guide
The speakers include Attorney Greta E. Solomon, Principal and Chair of Cohen & Wolf, P.C.’s Trusts & Estates, and Tax Groups and Stephen A. Ehrens, CPA, financial representative for Northwestern Mutual Financial Network. This workshop is free and open to the public. Reservations are suggested. For more information and to make a reservation, contact Marie Domack, Southwest Region, at 203.380.9990 ext. 602 or
e-mail her at maried@soct.org.
Fairfield County Sports Car Club Season of Events, Charitable Giving Continues
The Fairfield County Sports Car Club has joined forces with members of the Bridgeport
Police to contribute $6,310 to Special Olympics Connecticut to date. Registration fees
collected at the club’s monthly/bi-monthly Autocross events are donated to the Special Olympics Connecticut regularly, to support the Bridgeport Police’s fundraising efforts for the organization and to positively impact the lives of local Special Olympics Connecticut athletes.
The club is also committed to donating registration fees collected during the remainder of events this season to Special Olympics Connecticut. An autocross is a precision driving event in which a course consisting of a variety of turns is marked by traffic cones. Drivers negotiate the course as quickly as possible without disturbing a cone.
Upcoming Fairfield County Sports Car Club events, which are open to members and non-members alike, will be held at the Site of the former Stratford Army Engine Plant in Stratford--550 S. Main Street, Stratford--on the following dates:
- Sunday, October 12th
- And on Sunday, October 26th at a location to be determined.
On event days, the lot opens at 8 a.m. Registration takes place from 8 to 9 a.m. A guided Rookie course-walk follows a safety meeting, followed by the First Car Off at or around 10 a.m. The pre-registration fee for club members is $30; for non-members, $40; Day-of-event registration is $35 for members and $40 for non-members. For more information about the club, contact Keith Scala at 203.520.9006.
2008 Southwest Region Bowling Qualifier
The 2008 Southwest Bowling Qualifier will take place on November 2nd at AMF Circle Lanes in East Haven, CT. Thank you to OCE for being the title sponsor again this year.
Bowling registration is due in FULL by October 14th. This includes all athlete updated medicals, all Class “A” forms, all Protective Behaviors completed, etc. Nothing will be accepted after October 14th.
Opening Ceremonies for the morning will take place at 8:30AM. At 8:45AM, bowlers will have 15 minutes of warm-ups. Beginning PROMPTLY at 9:00AM, Unified® Competition will commence.It is imperative your teams and all your bowlers are at the alley no later than 8:15AM so we may get them settled on their lanes to make sure we start on time.
Opening Ceremonies for the afternoon will take place at 12:30PM. At 12:45PM, bowlers will have 10 minutes of warm-ups. Beginning PROMPTLY at 1:00PM, Traditional Competition will commence. It is imperative your teams and all your bowlers are at the alley no later than 12:15PM so we may get them settled on their lanes to make sure we start on time.
Lunch will not be provided for bowlers, as it is a half-day event, and outside food will
not be allowed into the alley, so please make necessary arrangements. The snack bar at the alley will be open for business.
We will once again be giving out ribbons this year as it is a qualifying event and we thank you once again for your support with that.
If an athlete or partner is unable to attend the qualifier, but is still planning on coming
to the state level of competition, an Absence of Qualifier form must be filled out and
received in the Hamden office absolutely no later than Wednesday, November 5th.
I want to thank you all for a wonderful bowling event last year. Not only was the majority of the registration in on time and accurate, but the day ran as smoothly as it possibly could and it was because of the cooperation and patience from all of you. Let’s go for this again and run a successful event and finish in record time again!
Looking for athletes interested in Figure Skating
The Shelton Local Program will be adding figure skating to their program this year for
Winter Games. They are looking for athletes to join their team. Athletes must have some experience on the ice. Practices will most likely be in Shelton or Bridgeport. Please contact Karen Forlenzo at 203.922.9236 if you have an athlete who is interested.
East Haven Penguin Plunge – December 6
Time to take the plunge on Saturday, December 6th at the East Haven Town Beach! Registration for this event is underway and individuals and teams can sign up online by
going to the Special Olympics website, www.soct.org. Choose “Penguin Plunge” on the left side of the home page and then click on East Haven and proceed.
On December 6th, check-in will begin at Noon and the plunge is set for 2 p.m. Bronze
sponsors of the event include: Webster Bank and Fidelity Investments. WPLR, the radio sponsor for this event, will be there to provide music and announcements.
On September 18th, a first-ever East Haven Penguin Plunge Kick-off Pancake Breakfast was held to share information with the community about the Plunge and invite everyone to get involved! The breakfast was sponsored by USI Connecticut (formerly Webster Insurance) and held at the East Haven Fire Department (Foxon Station 3) and hosted by East Haven Mayor April Capone Almon (who will be plunging for a second year in a row and is challenging other mayors to join her!), members of the East Haven Fire Department and Special Olympics Connecticut. Special guests and speakers included Mayor Capone Almon, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, and Athlete Carrie Rosabianca. Thank you to these guests who inspired all in attendance with their words of encouragement and inspiration! Thank you also to the firefighters who served up delicious pancakes, sausage and hot coffee for all to enjoy!
Eastern Regional News
Bowl-A-Thon with the Hartford Wolf*Pack – Date Set!!!
The 9th Annual Bowl-A-Thon with the Hartford Wolf*Pack will take place Sunday, November 9th at AMF Silver Lanes in East Hartford. Don’t miss the opportunity to bowl alongside Hartford Wolf*Pack players and raise funds for Special Olympics Connecticut. Local Programs participating in the Bowl-A-Thon will receive 50% of all funds their team raises. Space is limited, so reserve your spot now! Click here for event brochure and registration form. Submit completed registration forms to the Eastern Region office. Please contact Jackie Turro, by e-mail at jackiet@soct.org, or by calling 860.887.1555 for more information including sponsorship opportunities.
Chowderfest at Mystic Seaport
Fall is here and that means the Eastern Region will be at the 2008 Chowderfest at Mystic Seaport October 11, 12 and 13. Eastern Region staff and volunteers will be selling Creamy New England Clam Chowder, hot dogs, and cookies in the food tent on the Seaport Green from 10:30 am - 3:30pm. Live entertainment, children’s activities, and special tours are scheduled throughout the weekend. For more information please contact the Eastern Region office in Norwich. Click here for event flier.
Law Enforcement Torch Run Events and Thank Yous
October 9th staff at Bergin CI will be hosting at Tip-A-Cop at Chuck’s Margarita Grill
located at 1498 Stafford Rd in Mansfield, CT from 4:00pm to 9:00pm.
October 23rd Middletown Police Department will be hosting a Tip-A-Cop at Tuscany Grill located at 120 College St in Middletown, CT from 11:30am – 2:30pm and 5:00pm – 9:00pm.
Please contact the Eastern Region office for more information.
Thank you to Corrigan-Radgowski Correctional Center for their running the Motorcycle Ride & Shot Gun Run on Saturday, September 13th.
Dodgeball Tournament
UCONN students will be hosting a Dodgeball Tournament this fall to benefit Special Olympics Connecticut Eastern Region. Be on the lookout for more information and contact Jackie Turro, jackiet@soct.org, or 860.887.1555 for information about participation and sponsorship opportunities.
Eastern Region Local Coordinators Meeting Dates
The fall Eastern Region Local Coordinator dates have been set. For all meetings, food will be served at 6:15 pm with meeting to follow from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm.
October 7: BKM Office, East Hartford
October 8: SOCT Eastern Region Office, Norwich
November 11: BKM Office, East Hartford
November 12: SOCT Eastern Region Office, Norwich
RSVPs will be sent out approximately one week before each meeting.
Basketball Coaches Training School
The Eastern Region is offering Unified® Basketball coaches training on October 11th from 10:00am to 12:00pm at the Mortensen Community Center in Newington. Please click here for the training school registration form.
2008 Eastern Region Bowling Qualifiers
The Eastern Region bowling qualifiers are right around the corner! Click here for
sponsorship information.
Sunday, October 26
Holiday Bowl
Groton, CT
Saturday, November 1
Friendly Bowl
Brooklyn, CT
Sunday, November 2
AMF Silver Lanes
East Hartford
Sponsored by Insurity
Board of Directors
Dream Ride
What an incredible event. A huge thank you to Honorary Board Member Michael Bozzuto for hosting the largest motorcycle/car ride in Connecticut that benefits our organization. This event wouldn’t have been possible without the assistance of Chrissa Caramia of Bozzuto’s who spent tireless hours of her time to make sure everything ran smoothly.
GE Golf Tournament
Thank you to Board Members Brian Shactman and John Buturla as well as Sgt. Bob Cizauskas from Waterbury PAL for participating in the GE Golf Tournament on September 2nd at Ridgewood Country Club in Danbury. This is the first time this tournament was held and it was a tremendous success thanks to Paul Vitti, Sr. Vice President Bank Loans at GE Commercial Finance.
Bender Golf Tournament
A big thank you to Board Chairman Roger Burns, Board Members Nancy Dennin & Patrick Healy for participating in the Bender Golf Tournament on September 8th at the Greenwich Country Club. Also a thank you to Honorary Board Member Karl Krapek for his participation.
Fall Sports Festival
Thank you to former Board Member Bob Brown for emceeing the Golf held at Sleeping Giant Golf Course and to Board Member Nancy Dennin for serving on the Golf Committee. We would also like to acknowledge Lisa Kovlakas for offering to emcee the Bocce on Saturday, which unfortunately had to be canceled due to weather conditions.
Sailing Regatta
Thanks to Honorary Board Member Bruce Kirchner and Board Member Judy Bell for their participation in the Opening Ceremonies parade. This was the 2nd annual event held at the Stonington Harbor Yacht Club. Saturday was ideal weather for sailing, but Sunday was challenging; but our athletes persevered and had great competition.
Next Full Board Meeting
The next full Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28th at 7:00 pm 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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