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November 2009
 Feature Story
Important News
Upcoming Events
Sports Department News
Development Department News
Northwest Regional News
Southwest Regional News
Eastern Regional News
Advancement
Board of Directors
Feature Story
The 2009 Law Enforcement Torch Run International Conference
It’s Finally Here! More than two years in the making! Countless hours of planning! The excitement is growing as we move closer to the start of the 2009 Law Enforcement Torch Run International Conference. Our first guests arrive on Saturday, November 7th for what is sure to be the new standard for future conferences!
With more than 1,000 men and women from law enforcement, corrections, and Special Olympics Programs worldwide attending, this conference will inspire, motivate, and educate law enforcement personnel from each of the 50 states, Canada, and an additional 15 countries around the world. The theme of A Global Movement for Special Olympics will be a constant reminder of the magnitude of Special Olympics’ largest grass-roots fundraising and public awareness vehicle. More than 34 million dollars was raised worldwide in 2008 by law enforcement. The International Chiefs of Police Association has made Special Olympics their “charity of choice”.
Calling all Special Olympics Connecticut athletes! Athletes are still needed for this once in a lifetime opportunity! Click here for more information to join the team at the conference.
ESPN’s Kenny Mayne with Special Olympics Connecticut athletes, Choy Hin, Carrie Rosabianco, and Edward Billue in Studio A in Bristol following the filming of one of the many video presentations that will be seen during the conference.
The conference will feature case studies of successful fundraising events, sessions on best practices in fundraising, as well as how their efforts benefit the athletes of Special Olympics. The conference will also celebrate the achievements of the Law Enforcement Torch Run Departments around the world.
Thank you to Presenting Sponsors:
Bozzuto’s/IGA,
GE,
The Knights of Columbus
Foxwoods Resort Casino.
Thank you also to the following organizations which have provided significant funding/support: Macy*s, Whelen, UTC Power, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Coca-Cola, and ESPN.
For more information on the conference or Connecticut’s Law Enforcement Torch Run Program, please click here.
Important News
40 and Fantastic!
Special Olympics Connecticut continues to celebrate another great year of changing attitudes and changing lives. It has been quite a year for Special Olympics Connecticut. We are very proud of the last 40 years. It is great to look back and to see how far we have come. Our first competition in 1969 included 800 athletes and now we have over 6,000! This year our athletes competed in over 50 competitions and raised funds at over 75 fundraising events. This month Special Olympics Connecticut is honored to host the 2009 Law Enforcement Torch Run International Conference.
We know our athletes and Law Enforcement Torch Run volunteers will show the world how wonderful our program is and truly shine at this amazing event.
Athletes are still needed to come to this once in a lifetime event! If you are interested, please contact Sue Mohr by phone at 203.230.1201 ext. 239 or by e-mail at susanm@soct.org .
40th Anniversary Trivia
Last month's trivia contest question was, "Name one of the two Connecticut athletes who performed at the Closing Ceremony at the International Winter Games held in Park City, Utah in 1985." The answer was Chrissie Fox and Michael O'Driscoll in pair's figure skating! Congratulations to Gary Rauchle of Coventry, who is our October winner.
November Trivia Question
As we close in on the end of our 40th anniversary we are going to really test you with trivia! This question may seem like it comes from outer space (that is a hint), but we know someone will get it.
A Summer Games program book once included a letter from the consultant to the President on Physical Fitness and Sports. That letter stated:
The President has asked me to convey his greetings to the contestants and guests of the 19-- Connecticut State Games of the Special Olympics. We believe the enthusiastic response of the young participants to this competition is an indication of their untapped potential, and we congratulate you for giving them this opportunity. Our best wishes to all of you for a most enjoyable and successful meet.
So here we go…Some Googling may be required!
Name the Physical Fitness Consultant who wrote the letter. (another hint…Tom Hanks played him in a movie)
Bonus Box (not needed to win, but if answered correctly more prizes in the winning goodie bag!) The program book that included this letter was from what year?
The first person to respond via e-mail with the correct answer will win a prize. If you think you have the winning answer, please e-mail Laura Gremelsbacker at LauraG@soct.org by November 23rd. Good luck!
Attention: Local Coordinators
Dear Local Coordinators:
It is getting close to the end of the year and I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate what you do for the athletes of Special Olympics Connecticut. I can’t imagine where they would be without your time and dedication. 2009 was a great year considering the economic times and it is partially thanks to YOU! Thank you for being a leader, mentor, coach or a cheerleader for our athletes. You are forever changing attitudes and changing lives!
With that said, I wanted to also let you know that Local Accreditations will be due on January 20, 2010. Following are links to the Local Accreditation Application, Knights of Columbus Grant Application, and the Susan Saint James Grant Application.
Click here for the Local Accreditation Application.
Click here for the Knights of Columbus Grant Application.
Click here for the Susan Saint James Grant Application.
The Local Coordinator Survey will be sent in a separate e-mail via Zoomerang. Please remember that you are only eligible for accreditation and grant money if you complete the Application, Local Coordinator Survey and the grant forms by the deadline of January 20, 2010.
If you have any questions on these forms, please contact your Regional Director.
Thanks again and have a very happy holiday season!
Sincerely,
Beau Doherty
President
Eagle Scout Project
Do you have any Special Olympics Connecticut medals that are just laying around your home?
How about supporting Special Olympics Connecticut and giving those medals back?
I am working on my Eagle Scout and my project is to collect and recycle any medals that athletes are willing to donate back to Special Olympics.
My name is Matthew Glad and I thank you for giving back to Special Olympics Connecticut.
Call me and I will come and pick them up or give them to your coach or call me so we can make other arrangements.
Phone: 860-683-2783
E-mail: mglad86@comcast.net
2010 Hall Of Fame
Mark your calendars – The 2010 Hall of Fame is being held on Thursday, March 11th at the Aqua Turf Country Club in Plantsville. Don’t 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 that should be recognized for all they do for Special Olympics Connecticut? Click here for Nomination forms for Hall of Fame Awards, Unsung Hero Awards, or Spirit of Life Awards. Please return completed nomination forms to Kelli, by e-mail at kellib@soct.org or by mail to Special Olympics Connecticut, 2666 State Street, Suite 1, Hamden, CT 06517. Nomination forms are due back to Kelli no later than December 11th. Thank you.
Upcoming Events
November 1
Eastern Region Bowling Qualifier, East Hartford
November 1
Southwest Region Bowling Qualifier, Circle Lanes, East Haven
November 11-15
Law Enforcement Torch Run International Conference
November 21 & 22
Holiday Sports Classic
December 6
2010 Winter Games Coaches Meeting at CAS/CIAC Office, Cheshire (10 a.m.)
December 11
Hall of Fame Nominations Due
Click here for Hall of Fame Nomination Forms
2010
January 20, 2010
Local Accreditation Applications Due
Click here for the Local Accreditiation Application
February 27-28
2010 Winter Games
March 11
2010 Hall of Fame
Click here for a the "Dates and Deadlines" list for the 2009 Holiday Sports Classic.
For more Special Olympics Connecticut competition and special events click here.
Sports Department News
Holiday Sports Classic Coaches Handbooks
The 2009 Holiday Sports Classic Coaches Handbooks are now available on our website, www.soct.org , by clicking on the "Forms" tab on the upper right hand corner of the website or by clicking on the Holiday Sports Classic logo on the left hand side of the main page of the website.
Here are the direct links to the handbook:
http://www.soct.org/local/forms.shtml
or
http://www.soct.org/worxcms_published/competition_page288.shtml
Holiday Sports Classic
The 2009 Holiday Sports Classic will be held on November 21st & 22nd. Unified® Basketball, Unified® Volleyball, Unified® and Traditional Bowling and Powerlifting will all be offered throughout the weekend.
The Unified® Basketball and the Unified® Volleyball Divisioning Tournaments took place on October 24th and 25th at the New Haven Athletic Center. Teams are now gearing up for a full weekend of competition to be held at Quinnipiac University (Unified® Basketball) and the New Haven Athletic Center (Unified® Volleyball).
All bowling qualifiers were held in October and early November. More than 1,600 bowlers will come together and compete at the state games during the 2009 Holiday Sports Classic at either the Milford AMF Lanes or Circle Lanes in East Haven.
Please be sure to complete the Zoomerang survey about the 2009 Holiday Sports Classic which will appear in the December e-newsletter. This is an invaluable tool to help us with future planning of all of our games. We appreciate any and all feedback
and strive to improve our games at all times by taking all commendations and recommendations into consideration.
Flag Football
On Sunday, October 11th, Flag Football was introduced to Special Olympics Connecticut by members of the North Haven Youth Football League. Twelve young players came out with their coaches to provide a learning clinic for our athletes and coaches. From that session our first Unified® Flag Football team from Special Olympics Connecticut’s Team North Haven was formed. This team went on to participate in the 2009 Flag Football Tournament hosted by Special Olympics Massachusetts. Twelve athletes and partners traveled to the Dana Farber Field House at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts on Sunday, November 1st for a day filled with skills competition and team play. The plan now is to incorporate this event into our schedule sometime in the fall of 2010 between the Fall Sports Festival and the Holiday Sports Classic. Watch for future details or contact Laurie-Jean for further information.
New England Golf Tournament
The 12th Annual Special Olympics New England Golf Tournament took place on October 10th at Raceway Golf Club in Thompson, CT. Unified® pairs from each New England state competed in 18 hole alternate shot play. Special Olympics Connecticut is very thankful to the Connecticut PGA for providing this opportunity to all of these athletes and partners.
Curling
A Curling clinic will take place in Bridgeport on Saturday afternoon, November 7th. Please contact Laurie-Jean if you are interested in learning more about this sport.
Congratulations to Officer Nicholas Sachetti and Officer Brian Hannon
Officer Sachetti and Officer Hannon have both recently graduated from the Connecticut Police Academy after successfully completing a 22 week training program. Nick is a member of the West Hartford Police Department and Brian is a member of the North Branford Police Department. Both Nick and Brian have been involved with Special Olympics Connecticut since they were young children. Nick has volunteered with his dad, Ron, and his aunt, Diana Mahoney, at the Cross Country and Snowshoe venue of the Winter Games. Brian is Laurie-Jean Hannon’s son and has been involved with most of our events but especially at the dances as he has been the DJ for Winter Games, Summer Games, and the Fall Sports Festival for many years. It was a very proud moment for both families when these young men took their oath as police officers at the graduation ceremony. We wish them well and know that they will now get to be involved with Special Olympics Connecticut through their departments with the Law Enforcement Torch Run where they can start a new chapter of volunteerism with our organization.
2010 Winter Games and 2010 Winter Games Coaches Meeting
To: Special Olympics Connecticut Coaches and Local Coordinators
Re: 2010 Winter Games Coaches Meeting
The 2010 Winter Games Coaches Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, December 6, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the CAS/CIAC Office in Cheshire. Driving directions to the CAS/CIAC Office are listed below.
Please remind your Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Speed Skating, Snowshoeing, and Floor Hockey coaches of this meeting. It is strongly suggested that at least one coach from each team attend this meeting.
At this meeting, we will be reviewing sports rules for Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Speed Skating, Snowshoeing, and Floor Hockey as well as discussing details of the 2010 Special Olympics Connecticut Winter Games. Mark your calendars for the 2010 Winter Games, February 27th and 28th.
Please call Sarah Dickinson at 203.230.1201 ext 272 if you have any questions.
Driving Directions to:
CAS/CIAC Office, 30 Realty Drive, Cheshire, CT 06410
Please note that directions are informational only. We make no warranties on the accuracy of their content, road conditions, or route availablity or expeditiousness.
From Danbury and Points West
Take I-84 East to Exit 27 (Route I-691)
Take Exit 3 (Route 10) off Route I-691
At end of ramp, turn right onto Route 10 South. After approximately 1 ½ miles turn left onto Realty Drive (opposite T-Bowl Lanes – dark green building) at blinking light.
From Hartford and Points East
Take I-84 West to Exit 27 (Route I-691)
Take Exit 3 (Route 10) off Route I-691
At the end of ramp, turn right onto Route 10 South. After approximately 1 ½ miles, turn left onto Realty Drive (opposite T-Bowl Lanes) at blinking light.
From I-91 North or South
Take I-691 in Meriden west to Exit 3 (Route 10)
At the end of the ramp, turn left onto Route 10 South. After approximately 1 ½ miles, turn left onto Realty Drive (opposite T-Bowl Lanes) at blinking light.
Alpine Coaches Training Schools
We are planning Alpine Coaches Training Schools at Mohawk Mountain on Saturday, December 19, 2009 and Saturday, January 9, 2010. These can be one-day refresher courses or if there is enough interest in coming both days we can set up to certify Level 2 of Level 3 coaches. Please contact Sarah Dickinson, by phone at 203.230.1201 ext. 272 or by e-mail at sarahd@soct.org, if you and/or your coaches are interested in attending. There will be a registration fee to cover the cost of the lift tickets.
Eagle Scout Project
Do you have any Special Olympics Connecticut medals that are just laying around your home?
How about supporting Special Olympics Connecticut and giving those medals back?
I am working on my Eagle Scout and my project is to collect and recycle any medals that athletes are willing to donate back to Special Olympics.
My name is Matthew Glad and I thank you for giving back to Special Olympics Connecticut.
Call me and I will come and pick them up or give them to your coach or call me so we can make other arrangements.
Phone: 860-683-2783
E-mail: mglad86@comcast.net
Ballroom Dancing
We are beginning to secure dance studios for this program. Please let Laurie-Jean know if you are interested. This is a Unified® program so we need to hear from partners as well.
Development Department News
Special Olympics Connecticut is Collecting Cell Phones and Accessories
Please look for our self addressed postage paid envelopes at your local Special Olympics Connecticut office as well as at upcoming games and special events.
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 sending your old phones in after upgrading. Thank you!
2009 Holiday Sports Classic
Many thanks to our sponsors of the upcoming 2009 Holiday Sports Classic:
Pitney Bowes
Title Sponsor of the Games and Bowling
Elks
Presenting Sponsor and Volleyball
IBM
Basketball
Dominion
Comcast
LaPlace & Eagan, LLC
Northwest Regional News
Attention: Local Coordinators
Dear Local Coordinators:
It is getting close to the end of the year and I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate what you do for the athletes of Special Olympics Connecticut. I can’t imagine where they would be without your time and dedication. 2009 was a great year considering the economic times and it is partially thanks to YOU! Thank you for being a leader, mentor, coach or a cheerleader for our athletes. You are forever changing attitudes and changing lives!
With that said, I wanted to also let you know that Local Accreditations will be due on January 20, 2010. Following are links to the Local Accreditation Application, Knights of Columbus Grant Application, and the Susan Saint James Grant Application.
Click here for the Local Accreditation Application.
Click here for the Knights of Columbus Grant Application.
Click here for the Susan Saint James Grant Application.
The Local Coordinator Survey will be sent in a separate e-mail via Zoomerang. Please remember that you are only eligible for accreditation and grant money if you complete the Application, Local Coordinator Survey and the grant forms by the deadline of January 20, 2010.
If you have any questions on these forms, please contact your Regional Director.
Thanks again and have a very happy holiday season!
Sincerely,
Beau Doherty
President
2010 Winter Games and 2010 Winter Games Coaches Meeting
To: Special Olympics Connecticut Coaches and Local Coordinators
Re: 2010 Winter Games Coaches Meeting
The 2010 Winter Games Coaches Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, December 6, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the CAS/CIAC Office in Cheshire. Driving directions to the CAS/CIAC Office are listed below.
Please remind your Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Speed Skating, Snowshoeing, and Floor Hockey coaches of this meeting. It is strongly suggested that at least one coach from each team attend this meeting.
At this meeting, we will be reviewing sports rules for Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Speed Skating, Snowshoeing, and Floor Hockey as well as discussing details of the 2010 Special Olympics Connecticut Winter Games. Mark your calendars for the 2010 Winter Games, February 27th and 28th.
Please call Sarah Dickinson at 203.230.1201 ext 272 if you have any questions.
Driving Directions to:
CAS/CIAC Office, 30 Realty Drive, Cheshire, CT 06410
Please note that directions are informational only. We make no warranties on the accuracy of their content, road conditions, or route availablity or expeditiousness.
From Danbury and Points West
Take I-84 East to Exit 27 (Route I-691)
Take Exit 3 (Route 10) off Route I-691
At end of ramp, turn right onto Route 10 South. After approximately 1 ½ miles turn left onto Realty Drive (opposite T-Bowl Lanes – dark green building) at blinking light.
From Hartford and Points East
Take I-84 West to Exit 27 (Route I-691)
Take Exit 3 (Route 10) off Route I-691
At the end of ramp, turn right onto Route 10 South. After approximately 1 ½ miles, turn left onto Realty Drive (opposite T-Bowl Lanes) at blinking light.
From I-91 North or South
Take I-691 in Meriden west to Exit 3 (Route 10)
At the end of the ramp, turn left onto Route 10 South. After approximately 1 ½ miles, turn left onto Realty Drive (opposite T-Bowl Lanes) at blinking light.
Eagle Scout Project
Do you have any Special Olympics Connecticut medals that are just laying around your home?
How about supporting Special Olympics Connecticut and giving those medals back?
I am working on my Eagle Scout and my project is to collect and recycle any medals that athletes are willing to donate back to Special Olympics.
My name is Matthew Glad and I thank you for giving back to Special Olympics Connecticut.
Call me and I will come and pick them up or give them to your coach or call me so we can make other arrangements.
Phone: 860-683-2783
E-mail: mglad86@comcast.net
2010 Hall Of Fame
Mark your calendars – The 2010 Hall of Fame is being held on Thursday, March 11th at the Aqua Turf Country Club in Plantsville. Don’t 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 that should be recognized for all they do for Special Olympics Connecticut? Click here for Nomination forms for Hall of Fame Awards, Unsung Hero Awards, or Spirit of Life Awards. Please return completed nomination forms to Kelli, by e-mail at kellib@soct.org or by mail to Special Olympics Connecticut, 2666 State Street, Suite 1, Hamden, CT 06517. Nomination forms are due back to Kelli no later than December 11th. Thank you.
Northwest Region - Upcoming Law Enforcement Torch Run Events
Friday, October 30th
Tip-A-Cop
99 Restaurant, Torrington
5 – 9 p.m.
Sponsored by Torrington Police Department
Friday, October 30th
Halloween Dance for Woodland High School students from 7 – 11 p.m. at the high school. The event is sponsored by Officer Anthony Cipriano and the Beacon Falls Resident Troopers Office.
Sunday, November 8th
1st Annual Tarrywile 5K Race & Fun Run, Tarrywile Park, Southern Boulevard, Danbury, CT. The Kid’s Fun Run for 6 – 11 year olds begins at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K Race Challenging Cross Country Course begins at 9:00 a.m. Cost for the Kid’s Fun Run is $5.00. Registration fee for the 5K Race is $25.00. A T-shirt will be given to the first 150 Pre-registered runners. Medals will be awarded to all Fun Run participants. Awards will be given to the top two male and female runners in each division for the 5K. For more information please call 203.791.1324 or 203.994.2732 or e-mail at pappy539@msn.com. The events are sponsored by the Danbury Police Department.
Wednesday, November 11th – Saturday, November 14th
Law Enforcement Torch Run International Conference is coming to Foxwoods and the MGM Grand Hotel. All officers who are attending will receive a packet outlining the week’s events. Any officers who are not attending are invited to join us at the Hall
of Fame Dinner on Saturday night. This is an event not to be missed. If you are interested in attending the dinner, please call Sharon at 860.484.9283. Cost for the dinner is $85 per person.
Tuesday, November 24th
Dodgeball Tournament
Woodland High School, Beacon Falls
Sponsored by Beacon Falls Resident Trooper’s Office
More details to come.
Additional Law Enforcement Torch Run events
Any departments planning events for November and December should please call Sharon at 203.267.6566 ext. 708 or at 860.484.9283. There are a few key dates coming up that are available for maximizing fundraising efforts. The day after Thanksgiving and the day after Christmas are still open if any department is interested in hosting a Tip-A-Cop. Please contact Sharon as soon as possible to secure theses dates for your departments.
Congratulations and thank you to Detective Ethan Mable and his officers who participated in the Tip-A-Cop held on October 15th at Chuck’s Steakhouse in Danbury. The officers managed to not spill too many drinks and provided superior service to the customers. To date, more than $1,300 was raised. Thank you to Chuck’s Steakhouse for their continued support and for all the customers who came out to support our cause.
The Barnes Group is the proud sponsor of the 2009 Northwest Regional Bowling Qualifier in Bristol. Thank you to Mr. Tom Barnes and everyone at The Barnes Group for their continued support and dedication to Special Olympics Connecticut and our athletic events.
Bowl for the Gold!
Please join us for this FUNdraising event to support Special Olympics Connecticut athletes who live in your community and compete year round.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Noon - 2:00 p.m.
Brunswick Recreation Center
1300 South Main Street, Plantsville, CT 06479
For more information, please call Rob Gerowe at 203.267.6566.
2009 Northwest Bowling Qualifiers
The Northwest Region Bowling Qualifiers were held on October 24th and 25th in Bristol and New Milford. Congratulations to all the athletes and coaches! Special thank you to our sponsors the Barnes Group and Savings Bank of Danbury!
Volunteer Coach Needed for Ski Team
The LARC Local Program is looking for a skiing coach, if interested please call Robin Pedone at 860-489-2140 or e-mail her at rpedone@litchfieldarc.org .
Southwest Regional News
Attention: Local Coordinators
Dear Local Coordinators:
It is getting close to the end of the year and I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate what you do for the athletes of Special Olympics Connecticut. I can’t imagine where they would be without your time and dedication. 2009 was a great year considering the economic times and it is partially thanks to YOU! Thank you for being a leader, mentor, coach or a cheerleader for our athletes. You are forever changing attitudes and changing lives!
With that said, I wanted to also let you know that Local Accreditations will be due on January 20, 2010. Following are links to the Local Accreditation Application, Knights of Columbus Grant Application, and the Susan Saint James Grant Application.
Click here for the Local Accreditation Application.
Click here for the Knights of Columbus Grant Application.
Click here for the Susan Saint James Grant Application.
The Local Coordinator Survey will be sent in a separate e-mail via Zoomerang. Please remember that you are only eligible for accreditation and grant money if you complete the Application, Local Coordinator Survey and the grant forms by the deadline of January 20, 2010.
If you have any questions on these forms, please contact your Regional Director.
Thanks again and have a very happy holiday season!
Sincerely,
Beau Doherty
President
2010 Winter Games and 2010 Winter Games Coaches Meeting
To: Special Olympics Connecticut Coaches and Local Coordinators
Re: 2010 Winter Games Coaches Meeting
The 2010 Winter Games Coaches Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, December 6, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the CAS/CIAC Office in Cheshire. Driving directions to the CAS/CIAC Office are listed below.
Please remind your Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Speed Skating, Snowshoeing, and Floor Hockey coaches of this meeting. It is strongly suggested that at least one coach from each team attend this meeting.
At this meeting, we will be reviewing sports rules for Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Speed Skating, Snowshoeing, and Floor Hockey as well as discussing details of the 2010 Special Olympics Connecticut Winter Games. Mark your calendars for the 2010 Winter Games, February 27th and 28th.
Please call Sarah Dickinson at 203.230.1201 ext 272 if you have any questions.
Driving Directions to:
CAS/CIAC Office, 30 Realty Drive, Cheshire, CT 06410
Please note that directions are informational only. We make no warranties on the accuracy of their content, road conditions, or route availablity or expeditiousness.
From Danbury and Points West
Take I-84 East to Exit 27 (Route I-691)
Take Exit 3 (Route 10) off Route I-691
At end of ramp, turn right onto Route 10 South. After approximately 1 ½ miles turn left onto Realty Drive (opposite T-Bowl Lanes – dark green building) at blinking light.
From Hartford and Points East
Take I-84 West to Exit 27 (Route I-691)
Take Exit 3 (Route 10) off Route I-691
At the end of ramp, turn right onto Route 10 South. After approximately 1 ½ miles, turn left onto Realty Drive (opposite T-Bowl Lanes) at blinking light.
From I-91 North or South
Take I-691 in Meriden west to Exit 3 (Route 10)
At the end of the ramp, turn left onto Route 10 South. After approximately 1 ½ miles, turn left onto Realty Drive (opposite T-Bowl Lanes) at blinking light.
Southwest Region Law Enforcement Torch Run News and Events
Recent Tip-A-Cop Events
Thanks to Sgt. Pete Howard and officers with the Monroe Police Department who held a Tip-A-Cop Fundraiser at Roberto’s Restaurant on Saturday, October 24th.
Thank you to Pam Neuendorf and officers from Bridgeport Correctional Center who volunteered their time to hold a Tip-A-Cop event at Ash Creek Saloon of Bridgeport on Monday, October 26th.
The Milford Police Department will present a Tip-A-Cop at The Buffalo Wild Wings Restaurant located at the Milford Westfield Shopping Center in November. A highlight of the event will be a hot-wing eating contest with the Foran High School football team vs. the Law High School football team! Details to follow!
Norwalk Police’s 2nd Annual Community Bowling Tournament
Lt. Paul Vinett, Officer Ed Schwartz, and additional officers from the Norwalk Police Department presented and participated in the 2nd Annual Norwalk Community Bowling event. The event took place on Sunday, October 4th from 1 to 4 p.m. at AMF Rip Van Winkle Lanes. The athletes, officers and friends from Norwalk and surrounding towns bowled, enjoyed pizza and soda and made new friends! All participating Special Olympics Connecticut athletes who took part were presented with a unique, engraved bowling medal by the officers. Interns, Kate Reardon and Jackie Hirschbeck, did a great job assisting with registration and getting the teams in place!
A highlight of the event included a visit from Storm, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers’ mascot, who posed for photos with the bowlers and provided plenty of handshakes and high-fives.
Accompanied by their advisor, Cheryl Sciarretta, an awesome team of students from Brien McMahon High School’s ROTC Program, bowled in the tournament. Not only did the group make a donation to participate, they donated a dollar for every strike bowled that day. This donation was made possible through the generosity of the ROTC group and parent advisor Cheryl Sciarretta through her business, Cheryl’s Barber Chair, located in Norwalk.
Thank you to Miguel and George and the terrific team at Rip Van Winkle Lanes for their kindness, generosity, and extraordinary support! Thank you also to the Bulkley Foundation which provided a very generous grant to help make this event possible. Thank you also goes out to Norwalk volunteer Local Coordinator, Mark Kurimai, for all his efforts and assistance!
Sacred Heart University Department of Public Safety Holds 1st Jail ‘n Bail
On November 5th Sacred Heart University’s Department of Public Safety Officers teamed up with members of the Bridgeport Police Department, the Fairfield Police Department and the university’s students, teachers, and administrators to organize
their first on campus Jail ‘n Bail fundraiser to benefit Special Olympics Connecticut.
During the Jail ‘n Bail, individuals on campus filled out a warrant on a person they want to be “arrested.” Public safety officers, with assistance from local police, made the “arrest”. A panel of judges composed of faculty and administrators reviewed the
warrant and set bail based on charges which included: poor dress, messy hair, missing class, sleeping in too late, poor attitude, etc. Once bail was set, the detainee was placed in an on campus “jail cell”. In order to be released, the detainees had to raise bail by calling friends and family asking them for donations to Special Olympics Connecticut.
Also helping out with this event were members of the Fairfield Police Department and Public Safety Officers from Fairfield University and Southern Connecticut State University, who hold similar events on their campuses. Fairfield University’s Department of Public Safety is planning to hold their 3rd Annual Jail ‘n Bail on April 21, 2010!
Southwest Region Penguin Plunges
East Haven Penguin Plunge
Special Olympics Connecticut will present its annual East Haven Penguin Plunge on Saturday, December 5, 2009 at East Haven Town Beach. Check-in will begin at Noon and the plunge will take place at 2 p.m. Participants can either register and set up their own personal webpage at www.soct.org/plunges or may request a registration packet by calling Debbie Horne at 203.380.9990 ext. 604 or e-mailing Debbie at debbieh@soct.org. Check out the event on FACEBOOK too!
Athletic teams, civic organizations, families, students and teams representing local businesses are invited to take the plunge and dash into Long Island Sound in the company of friends for a good cause. In addition to the excitement and fun of the plunge, there will be great food, including clam chowder donated by the Sandpiper Restaurant, and music to enjoy provided by WPLR. Spectators are welcome!
Early registration allows participants to raise understanding and awareness about Special Olympics Connecticut, and earn incentive prizes, including a bowtie which signifies the amount raised, and a commemorative t-shirt. Participants are asked to
raise a minimum of $50.00 in order to plunge. Awards will be given to the top fundraising individual, team, and school, as well as to the participant with the best costume.
Fidelity Investments is a sponsor of the event. USI Connecticut and Paniccia Construction Corp. are also offering their support.
Westport Penguin Plunge
The 2010 Westport Penguin Plunge will be held on Saturday, March 6, 2010 at Compo Beach. On-line registration is now available by clicking on the following link, www.soct.org/plunges . To find out about sponsorship opportunities, please call the
Special Olympics Connecticut Southwest Regional Office at, 203.380.9990. Day of registration and check-in will begin at 12:30 p.m. and participants will plunge at 2:30 p.m. Friends from 95.9 The Fox will provide music and announcements!
Eagle Scout Project
Do you have any Special Olympics Connecticut medals that are just laying around your home?
How about supporting Special Olympics Connecticut and giving those medals back?
I am working on my Eagle Scout and my project is to collect and recycle any medals that athletes are willing to donate back to Special Olympics.
My name is Matthew Glad and I thank you for giving back to Special Olympics Connecticut.
Call me and I will come and pick them up or give them to your coach or call me so we can make other arrangements.
Phone: 860-683-2783
E-mail: mglad86@comcast.net
2010 Hall Of Fame
Mark your calendars – The 2010 Hall of Fame is being held on Thursday, March 11th at the Aqua Turf Country Club in Plantsville. Don’t 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 that should be recognized for all they do for Special Olympics Connecticut? Click here for Nomination forms for Hall of Fame Awards, Unsung Hero Awards, or Spirit of Life Awards. Please return completed nomination forms to Kelli, by e-mail at kellib@soct.org or by mail to Special Olympics Connecticut, 2666 State Street, Suite 1, Hamden, CT 06517. Nomination forms are due back to Kelli no later than December 11th. Thank you.
Eastern Regional News
Attention: Local Coordinators
Dear Local Coordinators:
It is getting close to the end of the year and I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate what you do for the athletes of Special Olympics Connecticut. I can’t imagine where they would be without your time and dedication. 2009 was a great year considering the economic times and it is partially thanks to YOU! Thank you for being a leader, mentor, coach or a cheerleader for our athletes. You are forever changing attitudes and changing lives!
With that said, I wanted to also let you know that Local Accreditations will be due on January 20, 2010. Following are links to the Local Accreditation Application, Knights of Columbus Grant Application, and the Susan Saint James Grant Application.
Click here for the Local Accreditation Application.
Click here for the Knights of Columbus Grant Application.
Click here for the Susan Saint James Grant Application.
The Local Coordinator Survey will be sent in a separate e-mail via Zoomerang. Please remember that you are only eligible for accreditation and grant money if you complete the Application, Local Coordinator Survey and the grant forms by the deadline of January 20, 2010.
If you have any questions on these forms, please contact your Regional Director.
Thanks again and have a very happy holiday season!
Sincerely,
Beau Doherty
President
Welcome New Eastern Region Local Coordinators!
Four Local Programs in the Eastern Region have new Local Coordinators. Please welcome Tara Bellefleur, Local Coordinator for Gengras Center; Joanne Morrissey and Tim McKay, Local Coordinators for Special Olympics West Hartford; Greg McMahon, Local Coordinator for ARC of New London County; and Cava Castagnaro, Local Coordinator for Special Olympics Griswold.
2010 Winter Games and 2010 Winter Games Coaches Meeting
To: Special Olympics Connecticut Coaches and Local Coordinators
Re: 2010 Winter Games Coaches Meeting
The 2010 Winter Games Coaches Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, December 6, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the CAS/CIAC Office in Cheshire. Driving directions to the CAS/CIAC Office are listed below.
Please remind your Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Speed Skating, Snowshoeing, and Floor Hockey coaches of this meeting. It is strongly suggested that at least one coach from each team attend this meeting.
At this meeting, we will be reviewing sports rules for Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Speed Skating, Snowshoeing, and Floor Hockey as well as discussing details of the 2010 Special Olympics Connecticut Winter Games. Mark your calendars for the 2010 Winter Games, February 27th and 28th.
Please call Sarah Dickinson at 203.230.1201 ext 272 if you have any questions.
Driving Directions to:
CAS/CIAC Office, 30 Realty Drive, Cheshire, CT 06410
Please note that directions are informational only. We make no warranties on the accuracy of their content, road conditions, or route availablity or expeditiousness.
From Danbury and Points West
Take I-84 East to Exit 27 (Route I-691)
Take Exit 3 (Route 10) off Route I-691
At end of ramp, turn right onto Route 10 South. After approximately 1 ½ miles turn left onto Realty Drive (opposite T-Bowl Lanes – dark green building) at blinking light.
From Hartford and Points East
Take I-84 West to Exit 27 (Route I-691)
Take Exit 3 (Route 10) off Route I-691
At the end of ramp, turn right onto Route 10 South. After approximately 1 ½ miles, turn left onto Realty Drive (opposite T-Bowl Lanes) at blinking light.
From I-91 North or South
Take I-691 in Meriden west to Exit 3 (Route 10)
At the end of the ramp, turn left onto Route 10 South. After approximately 1 ½ miles, turn left onto Realty Drive (opposite T-Bowl Lanes) at blinking light.
Bowl-A-Thon
It’s not too late to sign your team up for Bowl-A-Thon! The Wolf*Pack Bowl-a-Thon features the entire Wolf*Pack player roster. The Wolf*Pack players will be bowling with teams of four bowlers, who have collected pledges to benefit Special Olympics
Connecticut Eastern Region. A minimum pledge level of $200 is required for a team to enter. The top fund-raising teams will win prizes which include the use of luxury suites at Wolf*Pack home games.
A registration and pledge form to enter the Bowl-a-Thon is available on-line at www.soct.org, under the Special Events section.You can also register on-line at http://soct.convio.net/bowlathon to utilize the online fundraising tool. There will be two
sessions of bowling, the first starting at 11:00 a.m. and the second at 2:00 p.m. AMF Silver Lanes is located at 748 Silver Lane, East Hartford, CT.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available for the Bowl-a-Thon, including on-site promotion, banner signage and website exposure.
For further information, please contact Anne Valihura in the Wolf*Pack office at 860.543.4729 or Jackie Turro of Special Olympics Connecticut at 860.887.1555 ext. 502.
Click here for fundraising tips.
Penguin Plunge
It’s that time of year again! It’s never too early to start fundraising for the Penguin Plunge! Get your friends, family, and co-workers involved and jump into the icy Connecticut waters to raise money for Special Olympics Connecticut. Local programs, don’t forget, your program gets to keep 50% of all money raised by your participating team! Below are dates for the upcoming Eastern Region Penguin Plunges and some interesting information about each plunge. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Please e-mail Jackie at jackiet@soct.org with any questions.
February 20, 2010
Crystal Lake, Middletown
Hosted by Polish Falcons Nest #519, the Middletown plunge is celebrating its 10 year anniversary and has raised more than $250,000 to support local athletes.
February 28, 2010
Ocean Beach Park, New London
Don’t forget about our competition among area bars and restaurants for the annual “Penguin on the Rocks” Awards. Zack’s Bar & Grill of Stonington took home top honors in 2008 and 2009. Will Zack’s Bar & Grill be dethroned or will they defend their
crown as top fundraiser?
March 6, 2010
Crystal Lake, Ellington
Back for round 3, the Ellington Plunge is set to be another huge success with strong support from local public service departments and Special Olympics Connecticut teams. Special Olympics Windsor Locks will have more than 50 penguins taking the plunge on their behalf! Special Olympics Connecticut athletes, partners, and school groups are just a few examples of the brave groups to take the plunge.
Special Olympics Wethersfield Fundraisers
Click here for a Catch the Spirit. Be a FAN! fundraiser flier.
Click here for a 20th Annual Santa Pancake Breakfast flier.
2009 Mystic Seaport Chowderfest
Thank you to the volunteers and athletes from the 4 local Eastern Regional Local Programs who came out and supported Mystic Seaport’s 2009 Chowderfest. The local programs that participated included: Mystic, Groton, Norwich, and Seaside Saybrook. They were joined by volunteers from the U.S. Coast Guard, Navy Sub-base, and the UCONN Office of Community Outreach. The chowder was excellent and $4,200 was raised for Special Olympics Connecticut.
Dodging for Dollars
On October 24th, UCONN Students, UCONN staff, and members of the Law Enforcement Torch Run participated in “Dodging for Dollars: Take 2” at E.O. Smith High School. Student organizations, Greek life, and Law Enforcement Torch Run departments all participated in the event which benefited Special Olympics Connecticut.
Special thanks to Matt’s Outback Paintball, Bean Snowboards, Dan’s Awards, Willimantic Brewing Co & Main Street Café, The Sports Bar, and E.O. Smith High School for their generous support of the event. We would also like to thank Brittni
Paliotta, Laura Harris, Jill Hardy, Julia Leonard, Erin Lalime, Hannah Drake, Eddie Boynton, Katelyn Donovan, Olafemi Hunter and Gina DeVivo-Brassaw, from the UCONN Office of Community Outreach, for their incredible dedication to making this event a success.
Preliminary results indicate the event raised more than $2,000!
Photo: Co-Rec Division
Photo: Co-Rec Division: 1st Place Winners
Co-Rec Division Best Team: Purple People Leaders
Dodging for Dollars: Take 2 organizing Committee
Men’s Division
Co-Rec Division
Eagle Scout Project
Do you have any Special Olympics Connecticut medals that are just laying around your home?
How about supporting Special Olympics Connecticut and giving those medals back?
I am working on my Eagle Scout and my project is to collect and recycle any medals that athletes are willing to donate back to Special Olympics.
My name is Matthew Glad and I thank you for giving back to Special Olympics Connecticut.
Call me and I will come and pick them up or give them to your coach or call me so we can make other arrangements.
Phone: 860-683-2783
E-mail: mglad86@comcast.net
2010 Hall Of Fame
Mark your calendars – The 2010 Hall of Fame is being held on Thursday, March 11th at the Aqua Turf Country Club in Plantsville. Don’t 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 that should be recognized for all they do for Special Olympics Connecticut? Click here for Nomination forms for Hall of Fame Awards, Unsung Hero Awards, or Spirit of Life Awards. Please return completed nomination forms to Kelli, by e-mail at kellib@soct.org or by mail to Special Olympics Connecticut, 2666 State Street, Suite 1, Hamden, CT 06517. Nomination forms are due back to Kelli no later than December 11th. Thank you.
Advancement
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.
Board of Directors
Law Enforcement Torch Run International Conference
ESPN hosted a video shoot for the upcoming Law Enforcement Torch Run International Conference at MGM Grand/Foxwoods Resort Casino. Thank you to Board Member Lisa Kovlakas for her assistance in procuring ESPN Studios and Kenny Mayne. The video, which features three Special Olympics Connecticut athletes and ESPN’s Kenny Mayne, will help bring awareness to the more than 1,000 attendees expected at the event.
Next Full Board Meeting
The last full Board Meeting of 2009 was held in October. The 2010 schedule will be sent out before the end of the year so that you can mark your calendars early. Thank you for the all the time and dedication you have given to Special Olympics Connecticut in 2009!
View Past Newsletters
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