News through January 2010

Netta Puskar, President of the CBCW with Joyce, Casey and Olivia.
Council of Beach Christian Women
Give to Acton Up with Downs

The Council of Beach Christian Women who's mission is "Connecting Hearts in Service" asked us to partner with them June 29th at Pier Park for music performances, fun, and fellowship  in the Food Court area across from the Grand Movie Theater ... Acton Up With Downs  spoke publicly about Down Syndrome Awareness, our Summer Program, and our need for matching funds to grow our program.

Acton Up With Downs was just a small portion of the big picture that night, and appreciated being included. The Council of Beach Christian Women raised well over $300 for our program that evening. Netta Puskar, President of the CBCW graciously presented us a check. Thank you so very much to the these beautiful women and their generous efforts.
Summer Program is Success
SARA’S CORNER
 From time to time Sara S, a young adult member of Acton Up with Downs, will write an article for the newsletter and her articles will appear on the Web site too. She will tell you that she was born with IT (Down Syndrome) and that she has a lot of life support. She also says, “everybody needs to know about my kind.” She likes to write stories and participates in a class that introduces students to writing for newsletters. Sometimes Sara writes on her own and sometimes she dictates to a teacher or her mom.
 
Acton Up with Downs’ Summer Program  

by Sara S.
Seven AUWDI students and young adults went to the summer program site at Chautauqua Learn and Serve Charter School. They came two days a week, from June 22 to July 30th, to add onto summer school. The students included Olivia, Billy, Chloe, Jade, Rachel, Kirsten and Sara. Sara said, “I made a sun glass butterfly. I helped the little kids put the puzzles and toys away. I liked art and helping the teachers.”
The teachers were Donka D, Evelyn C and Janie J. Donka said, “what a wonderful experience. All the children were eager to learn! Special thanks to Mona and Jamal, Chautauqua staff, for all the extra help.”

Sara wants people to know that the summer school budget was cut back because of money and job troubles for Bay District Schools. She says “the summer program helped kids stay out of the house and see friends more, since summer school was so short.” The teachers will add that students practiced learning skills while they had fun.


From the Summer Program Director/ Teacher

by Donka Dubuque
What started out as a summer tutoring job became a fulfilling adventure full of unique personalities and heartwarming scenarios. The summer program consisted of tutoring activities to expand skills learned throughout the school year. The children worked on language art skills, math, money, time, and an array of essential skills for the upcoming school year, all infused with large doses of social skills.
The children were truly exceptional; they continued learning skills while embracing social skills. I believe the children were not the only ones who benefited from the summer program, there were many winners. The parents were able to interact with one another, the students from Chautauqua Learn & Serve were able to help out, and the teachers of the summer program were given the very special gift of being welcomed into the lives of these children.
 
Building Relationships: Chautauqua Learn & Serve Charter School Director
Cynthia McCauley commented, "It was a true joy to have the positive energy of the Down Syndrome group at Chautauqua this summer. There is no reason we can't have a parallel existence and conserve resource. Chautauqua has seen that with our relationship with Bay High School. I had hoped to have more time to do things together and visit--but, both groups were like spinning tops-doing what needed to be done every minute of the day. We smiled as we passed each other knowing we all were learning a great deal.”
Mark your calendars - Save this date
Mark your calendars today for our 4th annual Acton Up with Downs Panama City Beach Buddy Walk™. The Walk features a ½ mile walking course, many fun activities, a picnic and live entertainment into the afternoon.
The Buddy Walk™ brings together our community with the goal of raising awareness and inclusion for those with Down syndrome. We look forward to sharing this special day with you and your family
 
Pre-register or Donate On-line
www.ActonUpWithDowns.com
Sat., Sept. 19th   •   10am to 1pm  •  RSVP by Sept. 15th   •  Noel 960-1944
Acton UP with Downs will be hosting their Quarterly Family Support Party. Come ready to swim and sun at  Frank Brown Park Aquatics Center.   Pizza &  drinks for lunch.
Chautauqua Learn & Serve Charter School and The Easy Access Program 
 

by Sara S.
Easy Access, graciously funded by The New Freedom Grant, is a ridership program, that serves senior citizens and individuals with disabilities.  It is designed to help them overcome personal challenges and apprehensions about using the Bay Town Trolley System. As of now, Chautauqua has 12 trolley trainers, students and/or staff, to assist in route planning and the implementation of trips, which includes helping members to get to local businesses and/or appointments.

Since starting this program in October of 2008, ridership has increased to more than 300 members, and the numbers continue to rise.
Call 785-5056 and ask for Easy Access staff to give you information on enrollment and special trolley fare, and arrange for personal or group training for trolley use.