November 2008
Feature Story
Important News
Upcoming Events
Sports Department News
Devlopment Department News
Northwest Regional News
Southwest Regional News
Eastern Regional News
Board of Directors
Feature Story
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 Olympics Connecticut'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.
Important News
2008 Holiday Sports Classic
The 2008 Holiday Sports Classic, Special Olympics Connecticut’s final statewide competition of the year, will be held on November 22-23rd!
Over 2,040 Special Olympics Connecticut athletes and partners, 600 coaches, and over 800 volunteers will be participating in this year’s event.
Holiday Sports Classic Events and Venues include:
Volleyball at the New Haven Athletic Center and Hillhouse High School, New Haven
Powerlifting at Hillhouse High School, New Haven
Basketball at Quinnipiac University
Bowling at AMF Milford Lanes, Milford and AMF Circle Lanes, East Haven
Opening ceremonies and the lighting of the Olympic flame will take place on Saturday
morning, November 22nd, at each venue.
All events are free and open to the public, so come down to cheer on all of the amazing athletes during this exciting weekend of sports competition!
For more information and directions to each venue, please visit www.soct.org.
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!
Nominations – Do you know a deserving athlete, coach, volunteer or family who 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 and returning nomination forms 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 2009 Hall of Fame Nomination forms.
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 who 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.
Local Coordinators - 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
November 1 Northwest Region Bowling Qualifiers, Bristol
November 1 Eastern Region Bowling Qualifier, Brooklyn, CT
November 2 Northwest Region Bowling Qualifier, New Milford
November 2 Eastern Region Bowling Qualifier, East Hartford
November 2 Southwest Region Bowling Qualifier, East Haven
November 7 Holiday Sports Classic - Scratch Deadline
November 22-23 2008 Holiday Sports Classic
December 7 2009 Winter Games Coaches Meeting at North Haven Middle School
December 12 Hall of Fame Nominations due to Kelli in Hamden Office
Click here for Hall of Fame Nomination forms
2009
Feb. 28 - March 1 2009 Special Olympics Connecticut Winter Games
March 19 Hall of Fame, Aqua Turf Country Club, Plantsville
For more SOCT competition and special events click here
For Holiday Sports Classic Registration Dates to Remember click here
Sports Department News
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.
2008 Holiday Sports Classic Coaches Handbooks
Coaches Handbooks for the 2008 Holiday Sports Classic were mailed to coaches and Local Coordinators on October 28th & 29th. If you have not received your copy of the handbook, please contact Sarah Dickinson by e-mail at sarahd@soct.org .
2010 National Games
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, Powerlifting, Unified® Softball, and Unified® Volleyball. 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. Click here for a National Games Coaches Application. Please contact Laurie-Jean for more information.
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.
New Sports Ideas
We are starting to get some interest in Flag Football. Watch for future e-newsletters for more information.
Congratulations!
Please join us in congratulating Barry Baiardi a long time volunteer of Special Olympics Connecticut for receiving an “Honorary Layman’s Award” from the Connecticut Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. This award is given to a citizen of the State of Connecticut who has given meritorious service to the cause of health, physical education, athletics, recreation or dance. Barry has been a volunteer with Special Olympics Connecticut for over 20 years and is instrumental as a committee member in state tournaments as well as on the Regional level. He is also the Games Director for the Southwest Regional Games.
Devlopment Department News
Police Department’s come together to raise funds despite the cold
Sgt. Kelly Walsh (Avon Police Department), Sgt. Don Crabtree (Wethersfield Police
Department) and Det. Nikki Mordasiewicz (Hartford Police Department) ascended to the top of the shops at the Marketplace in Avon in support of Special Olympics Connecticut. The officers spent three, long, cold days and nights on the roof from Oct. 17th – 19th; raising over $3,000 for Special Olympics Connecticut athletes. This event, the Cop-on-Top, is a fundraising effort for law enforcement. During a pre-determined weekend, officers are perched on rooftops of local businesses and stores for a certain amount of time to raise money for Special Olympics Connecticut. Before the officer takes his or her position, they set a financial goal, and if the goal is met before time is up, he or she can come down. During the Cop-on-Top, the department running the fundraiser urges customers to donate to Special Olympics Connecticut.
Northwest Regional News
Penguin Plunge 2009
We are gearing up for the Plunge Season and all materials will be mailed to
"Penguins", from previous years, in the next few weeks. We have several colleges signed up and will be working to get more people involved this year. Please spread the word…..We are Freezin’ for a Reason!!
Ultimate Driving Experience
This event has been cancelled. Please watch for more information about the 2009 Karting Challenge; the date will be announced shortly after the New Year.
Cop-on-Top
Avon, Hartford and Wethersfield Police officers braved the cold on October 17th – October 19th when they were lifted a-top the Marketplace in Avon. The officers camped out on top of the roof for the entire weekend to raise awareness and much needed funds for Special Olympics Connecticut. The officers raised over $3,000. Congratulations to Kelly, Niki, and Don who spent the weekend on the roof and to those who helped out on the ground!
Two photos from the event can be seen in the Development Department News section of this issue of the Special Olympics Connecticut e-newsletter.
Tip-A-Cop
Thank you to the Police Departments of Danbury, Torrington, and Naugatuck for the
successful Tip-A-Cops which they hosted last month. Please join Garner Corrections for a Tip-A-Cop at Maggie McFly’s in Southbury on Friday, November 7th from
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm.
Thanks to our Volunteers and Congratulations to Bowlers
Thanks to all the volunteers who came out and supported the Northwest Regional Bowling Qualifier on November 1st at Spare Time in Bristol and November 2nd at Lore’s Lanes in New Milford. The weekend included great competition and a many volunteers.
Looking for Volunteer Help!
Ability Beyond Disability, a local program based in Danbury, CT, is in search of a
seasonal volunteer to help in preparation for state events. If you are interested in
helping out with Ability Beyond Disability, please contact the Northwest Regional Office.
Night of Thanks
The Northwest Region will be hosting their Night of Thanks on December 9th at the
Thomaston Opera House from 6:00pm-8:00pm. If you would like to nominate an outstanding coach or volunteer for this night please contact the Northwest Regional Office by November 14th.
Regional Games move to Danbury formally announced
Mayor Mark Boughton of Danbury held a Press Conference on October 22nd to proudly announce to the local media and dignitaries that the 2009 Northwest Regional Games will be held on May 9th at Danbury High School. The Mayor was accompanied by our own Beau Doherty and Global Messenger Raymond Hadden. We are very appreciative that so many members from our Local programs, Regional Games Committee, and our Board of Directors were able to attend this exciting event. Additional thanks to our sponsors in attendance; General Electric, Kings Street Church, Housatonic Sports, and Northwest Connecticut Visitors and Convention Bureau.
Since the press conference, a number of calls have been received related to volunteer
opportunities. The first organizing committee meeting for these games was held on
Wednesday, October 29th and was a great start to a successful event! If anyone is
interested in joining our committee and/or taking a prominent role in the games please
contact Morgan Reinig at 7-877-464-0006 x703 or MorganR@soct.org .
Southwest Regional News
Looking for athletes interested in Figure Skating
The Shelton Local Program will be adding figure skating to their program this year for
the 2009 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.
First Penguin Plunge of Season at East Haven Town Beach
The 2008 East Haven Penguin Plunge is set for Saturday, December 6th. On-site check-in begins at Noon and the plunge will take place at 2 p.m. The event is open to individuals of all ages (over 8) and groups of all sizes, representing families, businesses, schools, athletic teams, and organizations. Participants can register online now at http://www.soct.org/plunges/ or request a registration packet by mail by calling 203.380.9990 ext. 604 or e-mailing debbieh@soct.org. Early registration allows participants to earn incentive prizes, along with a bowtie (signifying amount raised) and commemorative t-shirt.
Awards will go to the top fundraising individual, team, and school as well as the
participant with the best costume. Bronze sponsors of the event include Webster Bank and Fidelity Investments. WPLR, the radio sponsor for this event, will be there providing music and announcements.
East Haven Mayor April Capone Almon, East Haven firefighters and Special Olympics
Connecticut recently hosted a pancake breakfast to kick off this year’s Plunge. The Mayor and Connecticut State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, both experienced “Penguins” themselves who plan to participate again this year, were present. Both offered words of inspiration and encouragement and invited attendees at the breakfast to get involved to make this a meaningful and fun community event. The kick-off breakfast was sponsored by USI Connecticut (formerly Webster Insurance).
Milford Tip-A-Cop Being Planned for December 4th
Members of the Milford Police Department will host a Tip-A-Cop fundraiser at Buffalo
Wild Wings Grill & Bar, located in the Westfield (Milford) Mall – 1201 Boston Post Road, on Thursday, December 4th from 5 - 9 p.m.
Save the Dates!
Saturday, February 28
Milford Yacht Club Police and Firefighter Chili Festival
Sunday, March 22
Special Olympics Connecticut Day with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers
Eastern Regional News
Eastern Region Local Coordinators Meeting Dates
November 11: BKM Office, East Hartford
November 12: SOCT Eastern Region Office, Norwich
For both meetings, food will be served at 6:15 pm with meeting to follow from
6:30 – 7:30 pm. RSVPs will be sent out approximately one week before each meeting.
Bowl-A-Thon with the Hartford Wolf*Pack
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. Please submit completed registration forms to the Eastern Region office. Contact Jackie Turro by e-mail at jackiet@soct.org or by call calling 860.887.1555 for more information including sponsorship opportunities.
Thank You!
The Eastern Region would like to express our gratitude to Mystic Seaport, United States Coast Guard Academy, Country IGA of Oakdale CT, Bozzuto’s, UCONN Office of Community Outreach and local programs of Norwich, Mystic, Griswold, Groton, and Seaside Saybrook for their support of Chowderfest 2008. Thanks to everyone’s efforts the event raised over $7,000 for the Eastern Region!
Many thanks go out to the staff of Bergin CI and Chuck’s Margarita Grill (Storrs, CT) and Middletown Police Department and Tuscany Grill (Middletown, CT) for their October Tip-A-Cop events. Good food, good times, and lots of laughs shared by all!
Thank you to Lesley Morgan and Karen Gallicchio for their help at the Basketball Coaches Training School in Newington.
Board of Directors
Special Olympics Connecticut Fishing Tournament
A big thank you to Honorary Board Members Mark Madoff, Dickon Pownall-Gray, Mike and Taylor Lupica/McKelvy family for their support at the Special Olympics Connecticut Fishing Tournament held on October 4th in Wilton, CT. Thank you also to Mike Law and the Mianus Chapter of Trout Unlimited for their support and expertise in the fishing arena. The weather was perfect for fishing and everyone had a great time.
Congratulations to the following winners:
Shawn Thomson on the Norwalk Public Schools team who won the Mark Madoff Award for the largest fish coming in at 12 ½ inches
John Morris on the SARAH team who won the Chas McKelvy Award for the most fish caught with a total of 8 fish
Larry Terwilleger (Brian House) on the Marrakech team who won the smallest fish award
Greg Beurline on the Greenwich team who won the ugliest fish award
Austin Angelastro on the Stratford team who caught the first fish of the day award
New England Development Meeting
Thank you to Chairman Roger Burns for attending the New England Development Meeting in New Hampshire and representing the Special Olympics Connecticut Board of Directors.
2008 Northwest Regional Games
Thank you to Board Member Bonnie Smith for attending the Press Conference on October 22nd announcing that the 2008 Northwest Regional Games are moving to Danbury.
View Past Newsletters
