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Smartoneinc.net

January 2008
SMART Holiday Party 2007 was a huge success, and all of us enjoyed the talented performances, tasty food, lively music, great dancing, and wonderful CD gifts.

Many thanks to all who helped Class for
out at the SMART Holiday Parents of
Party 2007. Thanks to Bill Stinebaugh and Eggleston Services for the use of the facilities at Sarah Bonwell Children
Hudgins. Special thanks to Class starts Jan 9th 2008
Virginia Silva for coordinating this event, and to her family Healthy Families for raising the funds to provide the food. 100 Old Hampton Lane We are extremely grateful to Jeremy Martorano and (close to Air & Space Museum) Karma Productions, and to record companies Columbia Records, Atlantic Records, Epic Records, Sponsored by CHKD Curb Records and Music Plant, for their generous Space is limited so call donation of the CDs. Their generosity has made this Healthy Families Partnership @ 727-1300 to register ASAP holiday season a little brighter for these special needs adults and children. More Holiday Fun!
The SMART Outlaws and the
Funshine Chorus performed at the West Hampton Community Center's Family Night Fall 2007. Following the SMART performances, the Innertainment Performance Group performed a skit titled "A Good Thing About Christmas." Breakfast with Santa CAN YOU HELP US identify these photos from Breakfast with Santa? Due to printer
problems, we were not able to hand out all the photos, and we need to know how to contact the
parents of these children and their families. Please send an em or
call Vickie at 875-9168 with your name, contact information, and two-digit photo number.
Information Night I just wanted to take the time and thank everyone who Financial Planning and
participated in any way in the young children's Breakfast with Santa event. Legal Guardianship
Special thanks to: -- Pastor Chris Farrow and friends from St. Paul's Presenter: Walter Zaremba, Zaremba Lutheran Church for hosting, decorating and all Center for Estate Planning and Elder Law the many tasks you performed. -- Virginia Silva for toy donations and helping out. Thursday, January 10, 2008 -- All food donations, Food Lion and especially Betiee from Healthy Families Partnership for the Midtown Community Center -- Thank you Anne Marie and Rick for taking pictures; printing them out; the balloons and the 570 McLawhorne Drive, many other duties you both contributed to. -- Holly for donating the talking bear that a family is -- Zia and her daughters for serving the food and To register for this program or get further being Santa helpers. information please contact: -- Of course Vickie, for getting and bringing everything together, Ruthann Newton, Coordinator, PERC, . and, last but not least, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. Sponsored by: Parent Educator Resource Thanks you all so very much for making this a Center, NNPS (PERC); Smart-One, Inc. and successful and joyous event. Newport News Parks & Recreation - Therapeutic Recreation Program. A note from Adam Brakman, creator of SMART comic "Fur and Feathers": Here is the comic strip "Sticks" by my brother, David (age 11). He is doing a guest strip this month and "Fur and Feath-ers" is hibernating for the next Social Club Outing
Lights in the Park
By Special Reporter Chris Martorano By Special Reporter Chris Martorano We went to IMAX and the museum. It was We went to see the lights at Newport really good. We walked around. We saw News Park and they were beautiful. They different planets and airplanes. We were all different colors.
weighed ourselves to see how much we This was the first time they had weighed on the moon. We went on a rocket Christopher Newport there and they that took us to the moon. Then we ate in had Newport News anniversary lights on their café because we had to wait until 5:30 top. I liked it 'cause it was nice to see all to see the movie. We saw, "I Am the colors. Afterwards we went for hot Legend". Then we went home.
chocolate. We had an enjoyable time.
I don't know why more people don't join us on our outings or the Social Club. I've done some really fun things with the Social Club. It would be great to have more people to share the fun with. Coming in
Happy New Year!! Mr. Blue Sky
Movie Breaks Down Societal Barriers
Explores Romantic Relationships and Challenges
Filmgoers to
Examine Their Own Views and Preconceptions
l
"Grease" performed by Smart Acting From Kids Together, Inc. December 2007
will give two performances in January, one in Hampton and one in Newport An unconventional love triangle between three childhood buddies; two girls, one born with Down syndrome, and News. Please come and support our one boy, who all grow up fighting who they are inside, drama club. They've worked hard to how they are perceived by society as a whole, and who give us an evening of great family fun. they ultimately strive to become as individuals through Watch your email for your invitation! the obstacles that are inherently present. Mr. Blue Sky is a ground-breaking film that explores the Staying Healthy
romantic relationship of a woman born with Down Handwashing is a syndrome and a "normal" male, as perceived by today's society. Mr. Blue Sky attempts to break down society's simple thing and it's the barriers, much like "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner?" best way to prevent did in the 1960's, as it aims to "change lives" through infection and illness. "changing minds." Handwashing can prevent infection and illness from spreading from family member to family member Mr. Blue Sky is a heart-grabbing story that will ultimately change the way society views all people as "individuals" and, sometimes, throughout a community. In the first and foremost. home, the basic rule is to wash hands before preparing food, before eating, after changing The title is derived from a little girl's hope and love diapers, after coughing, sneezing, or blowing one's through the sun (Mr. Blue Sky.) nose into a tissue, and after using the bathroom. Brandon Martin had his day made when he got to ride in a fire truck in the Hampton Christmas parade on December 8. The fire truck "Engine 90" is from the Willow Oaks Station which is right around the corner from his house, and they have coincidently gotten to know Brandon quite well. Here are some images of Brandon and the truck. FREE E-Course
Come make friends
and have FUN !!!
Partners in Education, a self-study course designed to help parents of
children with developmental disabilities navigate the special education
Asperger's Social Club
system and help their children make the most of their potential. (for ages 16 years and older)
Schools are places where children learn new information and skills. But they also are places where children are exposed to a multitude of life lessons.lessons like respecting each other as individuals, personal responsibility and the importance of contributing to the community. This course has been developed to give you the practical skills you need to create an inclusive, quality education for your child. After completing this course, you will: • Understand the history of education of children with developmental • Know and understand the key laws governing special education and how they protect your child's rights; • Understand your role in your child's educational experience; • Recognize the elements of an individualized education program Friday Afternoon and Saturday
and the role parents play in its creation and implementation; • Know how to advocate for your child to ensure a positive, quality -- Movies, Putt-Putt Golf,
educational experience; Bowling, Living Museum, Video
• Understand your rights to due process if you feel your child's Games, Apple Picking, Langley
educational rights have been violated. Speedway, State Fair . and more!!
Ready to begin? TAKE THE COURSE For more information, contact:
Kathy Tucker at 833-5867
and you're on your way to meaningful education for your children. or Email:
** Other courses are available on different topics. JANUARY 2008 ACTIVITIES
Wednesday, Jan 2-7pm
!!!!!!! NO SWIMMING TONIGHT !!!!!!!
Saturday, Jan 5-1pm
Bowling at Century Lanes
Monday, Jan 7 -7pm
P-140 Soc – Hop with DJ and refreshments
Wednesday, Jan 9-7pm
Swimming – YMCA 1322 LaSalle Ave, Hpt.
Saturday, Jan 12 -1pm
Bowling at Century Lanes
Monday, Jan 14-7
Monday, Jan
P-140 Soc – Hop with DJ and
P-140 Soc
refreshments at the Arc of the Peninsula
refreshments at the Arc of the
Workshop at 2520
Peninsula
Workshop at 2520 58
Street, Hampton, VA
Street, Hampton,
23661. Du
ring the S
23661. Du
ock Hop there will be
ring the S
a Membership Meetin
a Membership Meet g of the Arc which the parents
will want t
g of the Arc which the parents
will want t
Wednesday, Jan 16-1pm
Swimming – YMCA 1322 LaSalle Ave, Hpt.
Saturday, Jan 19-1 pm
Bowling at Century Lanes
Monday, Jan 21-7pm P-140 Sock Hop and
Election
Officers
Wednesday, Jan 23-7pm
Swimming- YMCA 1322 LaSalle Ave, Hpt.
Saturday, Jan 26-1 pm
Bowling at Century Lanes
Monday, Jan 28-7 pm 40th Annual P-140 Re-charter Party

and Installation of New Officers
Wednesday, Jan 30-7pm
Swimming- YMCA 1322 LaSalle Ave, Hpt.
For Questions: Contact Bill Stinebaugh
at (757) 868-5132
Free Audio Books
If you want young children to become readers, it is important to instill a love of listening to good stories. If you're too busy, you may just want to take advantage of thes. Young learners will take delight in the Robert Munsch series or some of the great classics like Robin Hood, Tom Thumb, Captain Bill, Bugs Bunny, Cinderella, Woody Wood Pecker, Bozo and many more. Support reading even more by purchasing the books and leting your children read along to improve reading skills. UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation to Offer Medical Assistance Grants to Families Nationwide
Foundation Offers Grants to Help Parents and Caretakers Pay for Children's Medical Needs and
Equipment Not Fully Covered by Insurance
Minneapolis (Jan. 24, 2007) - The UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation (UHCCF) is now offering support to meet the needs of children nationwide with assistance grants for medical services not fully covered by health insurance Parents and caretakers across the country will be eligible to apply for grants of up to $5,000 for health care services that will help improve their children's health and quality of life. Examples of the types of medical services covered by UHCCF grants include: speech therapy, physical therapy and psychotherapy sessions; medical equipment such as wheelchairs, braces, hearing aids and eyeglasses; and orthodontia and dental treatments. The UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation has already helped more than 375 families and provided nearly $1 million in financial assistance," said UHCCF president Matt Peterson. "We are excited about the expansion of the program, and look forward to the opportunity to help many more children access health care services that will enhance their health and quality of life To be eligible for UHCCF grants, children must be 16 years of age or younger. Families must meet economic guidelines, reside in the United States and be covered by a commercial health insurance plan. "Receiving a grant from the UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation changed our lives," said Karen Lucas, whose son Quinn required extensive therapy as a result of spina bifida, a congenital condition. "With the grant, we were able to take advantage of a special program that provides the right therapies and support needed for Quinn's specific medical needs. That program has opened up a whole new world for him, and the grant from the UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation has eased the financial burden on our family." The UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation is a public charity with its own board of directors, operating independently from UnitedHealthcare. While UHCCF continues to be supported principally by UnitedHealth Group and its employees, individual and corporate donations to help provide assistance are deeply appreciated. Donors can designate funds to be used in the region where they reside; otherwise unspecified donations are divided equally among the regions About UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation: The UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that strives to enhance either the clinical condition or quality of life of children who have health care needs not fully covered by commercial insurance. The Foundation provides grants of up to $5,000 for costs associated with medical services and equipment. Foundation funding is provided by contributions from employees of UnitedHealth Group plus individuals and corporations. To donate or learn more, please . FREE for a Family of 4
During the month of January, Newport News residents and current city employees can visit eight attractions with a complimentary Ambassador Pass, allowing free admission for two adults and two children at two Newport News attractions each week, as follows: January 3 - 9
January 17 - 23
Pick up your passes from 9 am - 5 pm James A. Fields House Endview Plantation at the following locations: Virginia Living Museum Virginia War Museum City Hall
2400 Washington Ave., 10th Floor Communication and Community Relations January 10 - 16
January 24 - 30
The Mariner's Museum Lee Hall Mansion Newport News Visitor Center
13560 Jefferson Ave. Peninsula SPCA & Petting Zoo Peninsula Fine Arts Center (Entrance to Newport News Park) Day Care Providers
The following letter, reprinted with permission, is in response to an email requesting suggestions from all who will enroll children with
Kids Are People Too Inc.
As you know, I'm trying to be more active in the Smart Owner is Rachel Lough. Two locations, one on
-One's program. My child, Eric, is a 10 year old autistic Denbigh Blvd (890-4882) and one on
boy. I have finally realized the important factor to Warwick Blvd (888-0966).
have my child socially active in many events. As mentioned recently by Dr. Aiello (developmental Kids & Company
pediatrician), these children have constant structural In Poquoson, on Wythe Creek Road (868-
routines (i.e, school) that can be very upsetting to KIDS/5437).
them. As a parent, it's our responsibility to give them Downtown Hampton Child Development Center
"fun" things to do in order to balance out their lives. I (AKA the Richard Bagley Ch Dev. Center)
have now realized that the Smart-Ones programs are a located next to Thomas Nelson Community
great opportunity. College on
Eric is currently enrolled in the weekly swimming Battle Road in Hampton (Used to be a
lessons at the Yorktown YMCA. He has been able to cooperative center between the ARC and
tolerate other people teaching/working with him and is TNCC) They have
making progress. He is also enrolled in the Arts and a state of the art center with an infirmary/nursing
Crafts program that began last month, the one and station, etc.
only class (so far) was VERY Successful. Also, note Phone: 825-6200.
that my daughter has also attended the CHKD sibling class this month and again was a huge The Children's Corner
success. Sometimes it's not always about the disabled Located on Warwick Blvd. Phone: 898-7505
child -- everyone forgets about how it affects the **** You can go to this link to get a listing of all
siblings. This class was a social bonding class for the kinds of child care in Virginia.
girls (and one boy). Rachel has made new friends and Just register, log in, and input the data to focus
realizes she is not alone. I have taken several the search:
brochures to disburse throughout the "Challenger Baseball" parents. Now that the baseball season is over, it's a great opportunity for the siblings to continue to see one another, and it's without their disability sibling there. Model with Asperger's in the Top
I will continue to get Eric actively involve (as time Five for America's Next Top Model permits). Please continue to provide updated emails.
Thanks for giving our "family" the opportunity!!! Melanie Gonsalves Although now eliminated, Heather Kuzmich who LEWIS & COMPANY, PC has Asperger's syndrome, was among the final five competitors on "America's Next Top Model." From Heather: Genetic Test Recommended for Patients
with Asian Ancestry Taking Carbamazepine
"I wanted to prove that I could do this. Since I've been here, I learned so much. I learned to be more confident, I learned Manufacturers of drugs containing the active to not always be so self-conscious." ingredient carbamazepine have agreed to add to labeling a recommendation that patients with Asian Asperger's Syndrome is neurologically based and ancestry, before starting therapy with the drugs, get a genetic blood test that can identify a significantly affects the ability to have appropriate social rela- increased risk of developing a rare, but serious, skin tionships. The symptoms can range from mild to reaction. Carbamazepine is used to treat epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and neuropathic pain. It is sold under the brand names Carbatrol, Equetro and To learn more about Asperger's Syndrom, visit Tegretol. All SMART Programs and Activities will start back the second week of January. Please call the Parent-In-Charge or the Instructor to find out the actual start back date. If you don't have their number, call Vickie at (757) 875-9168. From the disabled ACTION committee (DAC): The National Institutes of Health (NIH) urges people with diabetes and who have sickle cell trait to have a reliable hemoglobin A1C test. For further information, visit:

Source: http://www.smartoneinc.net/newsletter/SMART_One_Newsletter_January08.pdf