Showing posts with label special needs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label special needs. Show all posts

What to Expect Before You Go to College - Eastside CHADD Jan 15

Sunday, December 29, 2019

Bree Callahan is the featured speaker for the Wednesday, January 15, 2020 meeting of Eastside CHADD (for children and adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m at the Boys and Girls Club of Bellevue, 209 100th Ave NE, Bellevue 98004, 2nd Floor

This program is for teens, parents, and school staff.
  • Do my accommodations directly transfer from high school to college?
  • Do I have to talk to staff about my disability?
  • What will be different in college for me as person with a disability?

These are just some of the common questions students and families ask of college Disability Services staff as they explore the transition to college. Join Bree Callahan from the UW to learn more about differences in college as a student with a disability, steps to help prepare for a successful transition, and ask all your questions about getting started in a new school system. 

Bree Callahan UW
Featured speaker

Bree Callahan currently serves as the ADA/Section 504 Coordinator for the University of Washington, working across all campuses and UW Medicine. A key role of the ADA/Section 504 Coordinator at the UW is to provide: leadership, coordination and oversight of strategic priorities relating to accessibility.

Prior to transitioning to this role in October 2018, Bree served as the Director of Disability Resources for Students at the UW. In this role she oversaw an office charged with facilitation of the accommodation process.

DRS works annually with 3000+ students with disabilities, 3200+ faculty/academic staff, and 15 academic colleges and professional schools. Overall Bree has seventeen years’ experience in higher education at both two-year and four year institutions within Washington State.

She has also served on two WA State Legislative Task Force’s examining barriers in place for students with disabilities transitioning and/or transferring to Washington State higher education institutions.

All are welcome to join us for this informative meeting.
Eastside CHADD Members : No fee - a membership benefit
Non-members: Suggested donation of $7 to help defray the meeting costs and chapter expenses

More information on meetings

Eastside CHADD now meets the THIRD WEDNESDAY of the month, September - June (except December)

Support and information for families and individuals living with ADHD. Please join us at our informative presentations that are held at the Boys and Girls Club of Bellevue (2nd floor)



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Eastside CHADD: "Sitting on the ADHD Fence" Wednesday

Monday, November 18, 2019

Wednesday, Nov 20, 2019 Christine Larson, MD, presents "Sitting on the ADHD Fence" at the Eastside CHADD meeting in Bellevue.

What is ADHD? Does my child, teen, or young adult have ADHD or . . . ? If so, should I treat it or not? 
Will medication provide more help than harm? 
Does ADHD affect only attention in school or does it impact other areas of a person's life? 
Can ADHD be outgrown? 
What can I do to help my child develop positive, effective life skills?

Christine H. Larson MD, FAAP, answers your questions at this informative meeting. Dr. Larson is a general pediatrician at Allegro Pediatrics in Kirkland. Specializing in ADHD, she works with children, teens, and families on the Eastside. She also provides ADHD training to other pediatricians.

Time: 6:45pm to 8:45pm at the Boys and Girls Club of Bellevue, 209 100th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004, Room-(2nd Floor)

All are welcome to join us for this informative meeting.
  • Eastside CHADD Members : No fee - a membership benefit
  • Non-members: Suggested donation of $7 to help defray the meeting costs and chapter expenses

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Differently wired: students with high abilities and special needs

Friday, November 15, 2019

On behalf of the Shoreline Hi Cap Parent Association and Shoreline Special Needs PTSA and by a generous grant from the Lake Forest Park Rotary, we would like to invite to you an upcoming movie screening which is an inspirational documentary about a school environment that embraces neurodiversity.

Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2019
Time: 7:00-9:00 pm
Location: Shoreline Conference Center, Shoreline Room (north end)
18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline 98155

Twice exceptional students (or “2e”) have “a mix of high abilities and special needs – differences such as learning disabilities, attention deficits, and behavioral difficulties” such as autism, Asperger’s, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and ADHD. 1 in 5 students are neuro-diverse or differently wired and many struggle to learn in a traditional classroom setting. This might describe your child or students that are learning alongside your student.

Following the 77-minute movie (with Spanish subtitles), there will be a moderated discussion with the audience. Translators will be available upon request. A summary of this screening and community question/comments will be presented at a future Shoreline School Board meeting.

RSVP to receive a comprehensive viewer’s guide and request translation services before the screening. This is a free event and all families are welcome but no childcare is provided.



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Illumination: Bringing to light the works of artists with disabilities

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Collage

Illumination
 
Bringing to light the works of artists with disabilities 
An exhibition from the Museum of Special Art

SEP 30 - DEC 13, 2019


30 Works by 7 Artists Featuring David Baker, Winston Chien, Teresa D’Ambrosio, Matthew James, Kate Johnston, Dylan Kuehl, and Forrest Sargent. 

Purple Creature

The Museum of Special Art - MOSA

MOSA presents artists with disabilities from across the Pacific Northwest as they unite together to bring their works out into the light in the Illumination Traveling Exhibition

Become enlightened and enjoy the radiance and beauty of these unique, one of a kind pieces featured by these artists. 

Illumination is MOSA’s 2019 touring exhibit beginning in Kenmore and traveling to Cascadia College, Shoreline Community College and Seattle Central College.

MOSA’s mission is to make art accessible to all individuals with disabilities by developing art exhibitions, art programs and educational opportunities that promote disability awareness and inclusion in our community. MOSA is a 501c3 non-profit.

Walt Disney World on a Cloudy Afternoon


ARTIST RECEPTION
Thursday, December 5, 2019, 4-6 pm
MOSA will be selling hand-made cards and gifts at the reception. Come support the work of these artists!



ARTIST PRESENTATION AND PERFORMANCE
by Dylan Kuehl (DK Arts)
Tuesday, October 15, 2019, 12:30-3pm
Shoreline Community College

Everyone who attends gets a raffle ticket for chances to win DK Arts prizes!

Fire Down the Mountain

SHORELINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE ART GALLERY, Building 1000, Lobby
Gallery Hours: Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm
16101 Greenwood Ave N,  Shoreline 98133
206-546-4101 website

*Free 30 minute Visitor Parking available at Main Entrance. All parking free after 4pm.



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Rob Oxford: Challenge Accepted

Monday, May 13, 2019

Coach Tom assisting one
of his first-year players
Photo by Rob Oxford
By Rob Oxford

The last Saturday in April just happened to be one of those days I look forward to every Spring.

The Shoreline Little League Jamboree and another afternoon calling play by play for the Little League Challenger Division.

Because of scheduling conflicts, I’m not always able to participate, but when I do, being a part of Challenger Baseball is more rewarding than I can possibly express. It literally feeds my soul.

If you’re unfamiliar with the Challenger Division of Little League Baseball, I lifted this quote directly from the League's official website: 

“The Little League Challenger Division was founded in 1989 and is Little League’s adaptive baseball program for individuals with physical or intellectual challenges.”

It would be easy to simply label these athletes as “handicapped,” but spend an afternoon observing them enjoying America's Favorite Pastime and you’ll see very quickly that they are extremely “handy-capable.”

Base hit – On the way to first Base
Photo by Rob Oxford
Some of these players have Autism, some have Down Syndrome, some wear braces and others are confined to wheelchairs, but each is supported by parents, family and friends who want only for them to experience life at its fullest.

This is my fourth or fifth year as the announcer for Challenger Baseball and I must thank Melissa Banker for first inviting me to be involved.

Melissa and I were both members of the Board of Directors for North King County, now Shoreline Little League and her son Bryan played for a team that Melissa coached.

I must fully admit that at first, I accepted her offer because I am an “announcer” by trade and we announcers love to hear our own voices, it’s a fact! 

But after experiencing my first game calling the “action” I was instantly hooked.

Watching these young men and women take center stage for an afternoon warms the heart.

There are normally four teams which compete and each game is two innings. There are no outs or runs recorded and the coaches pitch.

Bryan Banker and his "Challenger Buddy"
Spencer Haddanham-Gibler
Photo by Melissa Banker

But make no mistake, this is baseball.

Just ask Nick Hawley, who refers to himself as “The Son of Baseball” and “The Ladies Man.” 

Nick has Downs and last year had a different nickname, but the same enthusiasm coursing through his veins. 

He loves baseball and he loves to show off. 

From tapping the dirt from his cleats, to twirling the bat before he steps into the batter’s box, to “calling his shot” (pointing to the direction in which he is about to launch the cowhide), Nick is all about the game.

Then there is Evan who asked if he could help me sing the National Anthem prior to the game. 

If you don’t keep your eye on Evan, he’ll steal home… all the way from first base.

Over the years I’ve personally seen the difference competing in this sport has made in some of these athletes. The first year I saw Renae play Challenger baseball, she was a bit shy and reserved. Today she not only hit the ball hard after only a few pitches, but her mile-wide smile was a clear indication to anyone watching that she loves the game.

Challenger Buddy Chace Banker
Photo by Melissa Banker

Many if not most of these kids, and in some cases young adults, have been to a Mariner game. 

They’ve heard the crowd roar for the likes of Ichiro or King Felix and for that reason, they too enjoy hearing their name called. 

That’s where I come in. A few, like Christian, will turn to their adoring fans and yell, “Come on! Cheer for me” if after being called to the plate, the initial response from the crowd doesn’t meet his expectation. After all, this is his big moment.

For the players who have difficulty holding the bat or running the bases, Mom, Dad or oftentimes a brother or sister are there to assist. 

They are an integral part of the game and through their dedication and patience, these kids are afforded the opportunity to enjoy the experience of playing baseball.

We often get so caught up in our own problems and issues that we sometimes forget the difficulties others face. 

Watching one of these players, be they boy or girl, take swing after swing after swing and then finally make contact is phenomenal. 

Even more, it’s inspiring. They simply don't ever give up.

Each and every player on the diamond today deserves special recognition and I wish I could name them all, but instead I’ll provide you with some free advice:

Treasured baseballs autographed
by Challenger players
Photo by Rob Oxford

If you ever find yourself at the sandlot with Coach Tom’s son Brandon and you’re playing the outfield, I’d back up about 20 feet.

Finally, as a hobby I collect autographed baseballs and some of them are signed by Hall of Famers.

Today, I received four autographed baseballs that will now be considered among my most treasured.

Thank you to the coaches, parents and volunteers, who for me personally, make Challenger Baseball the best part of Little League.

And to the SLL Challenger Angels, Rays, Blue Jays and Pirates… let’s Play Ball!


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Mental Health panel Monday at Shoreline Community College

Saturday, May 4, 2019

Shoreline Community College is sponsoring multiple events recognizing May as Disability Awareness Month.

On Monday, May 6, 2019 from 12:30 - 2:00pm the Access Advisory Committee is sponsoring a panel on Mental Health which is free and open to the community. Panelists will include students, faculty, and mental health experts.

Shoreline Community College, Pagoda Union Building, Room 9202.
16101 Greenwood Ave N. Small fee for parking during the weekdays.

Contact Miranda Levy in Student Accessibility Services (SAS) 206-546-5832 with any questions or to request event accommodations. ASL interpreters will be provided.




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Students with disabilities invited to apply for Youth Leadership Forum

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Dumas Bay Centre in Federal Way is the site of the
19th annual Youth Leadership Forum


High school students with disabilities are invited to learn leadership, citizenship and personal skills at the 19th annual Youth Leadership Forum.

The Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment is accepting applications through May 30.

The Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is designed for students with disabilities who want to be or are leaders in their schools and communities. The forum will be held at the Dumas Bay Centre in Federal Way from August 4 to 9.

There is no cost to parents for their student to attend, and students do not have to be receiving services from their school districts to apply.

“The program provides students with a chance to practice their leadership skills in a safe environment,” said Julie Peddy, YLF co-chair. “Many students return the next year as counselors or guest speakers. Many also become successful, productive employees."

Eligible youth include:
  • Incoming high school juniors and seniors (as of July 1, 2019);
  • 2019 high school graduates; or
  • Students up to age 21 who are receiving transition services from their high schools.

"I was and continue to be mentored by leaders in our community, starting when I was a YLF delegate,” said Daman Wandke, CEO and founder of a business that helps organizations improve their website accessibility, increase their market base, and reduce their exposure to potential litigation. 
“As a disability advocate and entrepreneur, I know that mentorship and representation can impact the next generation of leaders in the disability community."

This year’s forum will feature a student store where students will gain experience in customer service, sales and merchandising.

Apply by May 30
  • Go to the GCDE website and select Youth Leadership Forum Application under Youth Leadership Forum, or
  • Contact Elaine Stefanowicz by email or phone at 360-902-9362.

To volunteer, apply by May 15
The YLF needs volunteer counselors, including two registered nurses. Go to the GCDE website and select Youth Leadership Forum Counselor Application under Youth Leadership Forum.

The Youth Leadership Forum is a cooperative project of the state Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment (GCDE), with support from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and individual donors.



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Free screening of Intelligent Lives Apr 30

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

The Shoreline Special Needs PTSA is hosting a free screening of the movie Intelligent Lives by award-winning filmmaker Dan Habib.

The screening is open to the public. 

There is growing support in our community and our schools for moving away from segregated education, housing and employment for people with disabilities, and toward a truly inclusive society.

This film makes an important contribution to that conversation.

Tuesday, April 30
Doors open at 6:30pm, film begins at 7:00pm
Shorewood High School Theater, 17300 Fremont Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133
Cost: Free

Discussion to follow the film.

All are invited!



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200 volunteers needed for Special Olympics Track and Field events in Shoreline May 5

Friday, April 12, 2019

Track and field events for the Special Olympics will be held in Shoreline on May 5, 2019 at the Shoreline Stadium, 18560 1st Ave NE, 98155.

200 volunteers are needed, according to volunteer coordinator Alysanne Stack. But she says there is no sports experience required! Volunteers just need to be comfortable with moving around most of the day and being on their feet.

Each person gets to pick their own activity to volunteer for. And each activity is split into shifts (7am-12:15pm, 7am-5pm, 11:45am-5pm) so a person can choose the amount of time they can commit.

This link provides more information about times/roles etc. Click on ‘Register Now’ then ‘Adult Volunteers’

If you have questions or want to sign up, you can register online or contact Alysanne by email or phone 206-231-6034.



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Shorecrest student's poem goes to state PTA Reflections contest in Special Artist category

Monday, January 14, 2019

JJ and Veronica dressed as super heroes
at school shortly after JJ wrote the poem
Jerimiah "JJ" Johnson is a student of Veronica Cook from the Shorecrest A-team - a program for students with significant Autism.

The poem he entered in the PTA Reflections contest is headed to the state competition in the Washington State PTA Reflections Finals for the 106th WSPTA Convention, which will be held April 26-28 at the SeaTac Hilton Convention Center.

JJ is Shoreline’s first entry into the WAPTA Special Artist category.

The theme for this year's Reflections contact is "Heroes Around Me."
Example of Super Keys,
the app JJ uses to type with.

JJ, a non-verbal student, typed a poem about his teacher Veronica Cook using his district iPad and the assistive technology that is provided for him to be successful in communicating.

JJ and his ribbon from the Shoreline
Reflections competition
He uses a program called Super Keys to allow him to target the letters better.

When JJ started out at Shorecrest, Veronica was told he had no communication. 

She quickly learned that this was not the case and worked with his family to advance the communication he had and to encourage him to use it as much as possible.

Now JJ is an award winning poet. 

JJ was given the theme for the title of his poem and wrote this:


Hero Around Me
by JJ Johnson

You are the hero around me

You take care of all of your students

You kind and tough

You are a super teacher

I work hard because of you

You are my hero

You are my friend


Veronica said, "JJ is an inspiration to all the staff in the A-team classroom and I hope he is an inspiration to all of you too."


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Parenting Strategies lecture Tuesday at Eastside CHADD meeting

Sunday, January 13, 2019

Tuesday, January 15th: Kristi Kwon Ph.D.: “Parenting Strategies” 7pm to 9pm.

Kristi Kwon, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, talks about the why and what of parenting strategies when ADHD, Anxiety, Executive Function, Learning Disorders are in the picture.

Teens are Welcome - All are welcome to join us for this informative meeting.

Eastside CHADD normally meets the third Tuesday of the month, September - June (except December) 

Support and information for families and individuals living with ADHD.

Eastside CHADD Members : No fee - a membership benefit
Non-members: Suggested donation of $7 to help defray the meeting costs and chapter expenses

New meeting location

Boys and Girls Club of Bellevue 209 100th Ave NE, Bellevue 98004, 2nd Floor.

Park in the Bellevue Downtown Park Western Parking Lot (across the street from Boys and Girls Club)


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City developing ADA Transition Plan and wants to hear from you

Friday, October 5, 2018

The first two slides of the presentation
Courtesy City of Shoreline


The City of Shoreline is developing its ADA Transition Plan and needs to hear from you.

The purpose of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan is to identify deficiencies in City policies, procedures, and physical assets, and to provide a path to correct those deficiencies.

The pedestrian infrastructure assets that are addressed in this Transition Plan are:
  • Curb ramps
  • Sidewalks
  • Pedestrian signals
  • Driveways
  • Pedestrian crossings
The City is holding an Online Open House for the ADA Transition Plan Project.

From now until October 12, 2018, you can learn more about the plan and provide specific information about City facilities that you believe are needed to improve accessibility.

Participate HERE

Editor's note: The link takes you to the main page. Find the words "Online Open House Slides" and click it. What you can expect to see are a lot of photos of sidewalks, streets, and curbs.

I had a lot of trouble getting the files to display consistently. If you get a blank page, look for the minus sign in a circle and click it. Try a different browser. It seems to behave differently on different browsers. One of the browsers just dumped the whole file in the Downloads folder. Or just close the browser window and try it again.



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Join state committee working to improve the lives of people with disabilities

Monday, September 17, 2018

If you’re interested in issues affecting people with disabilities and want to influence state decision makers, apply by September 30, 2018 to become a member of the Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment (GCDE).

The GCDE is currently recruiting members to fill three vacancies on the 27-member committee. The governor appoints new members to serve an initial three-year term, with an opportunity to be reappointed for a second term.

Committee members can live anywhere in Washington state and must be people with a disability, have family member(s) with a disability or work as an advocate for people with disabilities.

Members identify issues and concerns about the rights and needs of people with disabilities and make recommendations to the governor, Legislature, state agencies, business community, organized labor and other public and private organizations.

“Being a GCDE member has allowed me to contribute to statewide programs and activities that address my areas of interest: the challenges of people with disabilities, and related issues such as economic equity and social justice,” said Scott Bellman, GCDE committee member. 
“The GCDE also offers opportunities to collaborate with like-minded people to imagine new projects and get feedback on my ideas."

Committee members serve on subcommittees that work on a variety of projects, such as community outreach, the Youth Leadership Forum and an employer awards program.

Find more information and application materials on the Become a member page of the GCDE website. You also can learn about current members and committee projects.

Contact Elaine Stefanowicz at 360-902-9362 with questions.

The GCDE is administered by the Washington State Employment Security Department.



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Presentation on HANDLE for autism and sensory challanges

Thursday, September 13, 2018

On Saturday, Sept. 15, from 1:30-3pm, at the Shoreline Library, Neuro-Educational Therapist Peg Simon will present a talk about autism and sensory challenges and introduce HANDLE ® (Holistic Approach to NeuroDevelopment and Learning Efficiency.)

Learn about neuroplasticity and the ways that we process information, and what can affect this process. We'll look at anxiety, sensory issues, vulnerability, and nutrition, and how all systems work together.

Peg has worked with children and adults for the last 18 years. She discovered HANDLE while a reading tutor, and knows it is the missing piece of the puzzle! She is passionate about wanting everyone to have the chance to grow into the person they were meant to be, and the importance of the mind/body/spirit connection.

She is the author of several articles about HANDLE and its success in restoring hope and assisting others to grow into their full potential and is published in Seattle’s Child magazine, Northwest Educator, and Washington Diplomat.

The Shoreline Library is located at 345 NE 175th, Shoreline 98155.

An RSVP is requested -- email peg.simon@handle.org


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What parents need to know about ADHD

Thursday, September 20, 2018 Dr. Harlan Gephart, What parents need to know about ADHD
Eastside CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder)

We welcome Dr. Harlan Gephart who will bring us the latest need-to-know information about ADHD. Dr. Gephart, a very experienced developmental pediatrician who has evaluated, treated individuals, and provided support and education for those with ADHD in the greater Seattle area, speaks to us in our first meeting in our new space on Thursday, Sept. 20. 

Dr. Gephart is a UW School of Medicine Emeritus Clinical Professor. Dr. Gephart continues to train the next generation of pediatricians through the Reach Institute. We celebrate the publication of his new book about ADHD to be published this September.

Dr. Gephart will speak about the comprehensive nature of ADHD and its effects upon so many aspects of life. Dr. Gephart will explain how he talks about ADHD to patients of different age groups and to their parents. He will also explain how parents can talk with their children at different points in development so that they really understand what ADHD is to enlist them in their own self-care.

When parents understand ADHD, they are more able to effectively have a meaningful conversation with their kids to allow them to be good self-advocates and treatment partners with their doctors, their teachers, and their peers.

New location: Boys and Girls Club of Bellevue
209 100th Ave NEBellevue 98004Room-(2nd Floor)
Time: 6:45pm to 9pm

All are welcome to join us for this informative meeting.
Eastside CHADD Members : No fee - a membership benefit
Non-members: Suggested donation of $7 to help defray the meeting costs and chapter expenses
More information about Eastside CHADD here


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LFP Police salmon BBQ Sept 9 to benefit Special Olympics

Saturday, September 1, 2018

Stop by the PD and purchase your tickets today
Photo by Jerry Pickard

The Lake Forest Park Police Department annual Charity Salmon BBQ will be Sunday, September 9, 2018 from 10:00am to 3:00pm, at the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market.

Tickets are available for purchase in advance at the LFP Police Department (2nd floor, City Hall) and the day of the event: $15 for adults, $12 for children.

The BBQ has become a favorite of the LFP community — great food and an even greater cause. Proceeds benefit Special Olympics Washington, which is the favorite charity of the LFP Police Department.

The menu includes grilled wild Alaska salmon, potato or green salad, garlic bread, soda or water, and Open Nature® frozen fruit bars.

You can support the fundraiser by purchasing raffle tickets: 1 ticket for $5; 5 tickets for $20. Prizes include a $500 Albertsons gift card, a signed Seahawks football, a 12th man flag, UW v Utah football tickets, and more!

The Market is held on the lower level, outdoors, of Town Center, intersection Bothell and Ballinger Way NE, Lake Forest Park.


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LFP Police Captain checks out Special Olympics golf event

Thursday, July 5, 2018

Left, Capt. Paul Armbrust of LFP Police with
Level 5 gold medalist golfer Scott Rohrer
Capt. Paul Armbrust of Lake Forest Park Police spent Wednesday morning in Redmond with the Special Olympics Golfers.

He walked the final round with the father of Scott Rohrer from South Carolina, the Level 5 gold medalist.

"After they finished I met Scott and presented him with one of our departments challenge coins. 

"These guys played from the professional tees, blue for you golfers, and par was set at 71."

Washington's Peter Condon from Spokane tied for second.


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LFP Police at the Special Olympics Bowling tournament in Kenmore

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Officer Coleman of the LFP Police (center)
with athlete Perry Mclaurin from San Antonio, Texas (right)

The 2018 Special Olympics are in Seattle this year and the venues are spread from one end of the county to the other.

Meghan Antoneli from Oklahoma
with Captain Paul Armbrust
Kenmore Bowling Lanes, 7638 Bothell Way NE, Kenmore 98028 is the site for the bowling events.

Lake Forest Park Police Officer Coleman and Captain Armbrust stopped by the lanes Monday to spend some time with the athletes.

The LFP Police department has a long relationship with the Special Olympics, helping to bear the torch during the Torch Run, raising funds, and volunteering.

They say it is a pleasure to serve. 
"These athletes are beautiful and amazing people."




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Shoreline native Ashley selected as winner of Special Olympics Kids’ Cheer Sign art contest

Monday, July 2, 2018

Ashley, age 15 
Shoreline, WA 

Ashley is one of the winners of the Kaiser Permanente Kids’ Cheer Sign Art Contest. Six outstanding entries were selected as winners by a group of Team Washington athletes, their parents, and Special Olympics Washington staff members. We commend all the artists for their fun, inspirational, inclusive creations — and for their support of the athletes!
~~~~~
2018 Special Olympics USA Games official health partner, Kaiser Permanente, proudly supported the Kid’s Cheer Sign Art Contest - an event that provided space for Washington adolescent artists to share their encouragement of this year’s competing athletes.

Over 100 artists entered the contest, and six winning submissions were selected to be used as official signage during the Cheer Line for the Parade of Athletes.

Shoreline native Ashley, age 15, reigned supreme! Her winning submission caught the eyes and hearts of the contest judges, including athletes from Special Olympics Team Washington.

Ashley’s involvement in the contest was fueled by her dedicated support of this year’s athletes.

“When making this cheer sign, I thought about what would I want to hear when I would need some words of support,” she said. “The biggest inspiration in this project is probably the world because we are all equal and this Special Olympic games should be no different from the Official one we see on TV. 
"I hope this poster cannot just be a simple cheer sign but support all the amazing athletes and help them reach their goals.”


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Mountlake Terrace awarded grant to build ADA playground

Friday, June 22, 2018

First concept for ADA playground
Republished from MLTNews.com

The City of Mountlake Terrace was recently awarded a $250,000 grant from the Hazel Miller Foundation to build a universally accessible ADA playground on the southeast side of Ballinger Park.

(Ballinger Park is a 55-acre passive park on the east shore of Lake Ballinger, opened to the public in September of 2013 after the former golf course on the site closed in late 2012.)

“The new Hazel Miller Playground will be much larger and easier to access for families of all abilities,” said Recreation and Parks Director Jeff Betz. 
“Thank you to the Foundation for their generous contribution to this regional park.”

The new play area will be approximately 7,000 square feet and include ramps, transfer platforms, slides, climbing walls, interpretive historical or environmental signage, various free standing play elements, shade, education elements, ADA surfacing and borders. It will replace the small structure currently located in the park near the ballfields to the north. The city is pursuing a matching grant from the state for $250,000 to aid in design and construction costs as well. A new walking path being constructed will allow ADA access to the playground and new ADA restrooms will be built nearby.

The city will undertake a community-wide process to design the playground, create new branding for signage in the 55-acre park, and develop a theme for the playground and the park itself.

Mountlake Terrace has completed a community-driven master plan for Ballinger Park that includes an “active” side with play areas and picnic shelters, integrated with a “passive” side focused on ecosystem restoration. Total design and construction costs for the entire park are $12.5 to $15 million to be phased in over several years. This project benefits not only South Snohomish County but the entire region and requires a multi-year funding effort with many funding partners.

The city has made progress towards securing federal funding by working with the Army Corps of Engineers to complete the creek restoration components of the project. The city has also been awarded a State Recreation Conservation Office grant of $500,000 to install a new fishing pier, boat dock, boat ramp, ADA restrooms and a walking path on the east side of the park for a project total of $1.163 million slated for completion by 2021.

The Hazel Miller Foundation serves Edmonds and South Snohomish County. The Edmonds-based nonprofit was established as a trust by Hazel Miller who, with her husband Morris Miller, was committed to helping their local community. The Foundation’s mission is to support programs and projects that serve the public’s benefit, especially in the areas of education and youth services, poverty alleviation and hunger, civic and community services and amenities, the environment, diversity, culture and the arts.


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