Hey ya’ll!! I’ve got a great set of foam climbing blocks for anyone who wants them…first call first serve. The set I have is the “3 piece builder set”

http://www.baplaysets.com/shopping/itemdetailcategory.asp?itemID=CF710-109&itemTable=ChildrensFactory

It was great for Riley when he was trying to learn to crawl up stairs, walk up stairs, etc.

I also have a weighted vest. We never used the weights, just the pressure.

Riley has out grown these things and more and wants his friends at DSGO to benefit from them as he did.

If you want them call me 417-732-4424, 417-300-3686 or email me at mindy @onestringer.com

I’ll bring them to you if you want.

I’ve got a bunch of other stuff too, so if you are looking for anything let me know…

Our second annual Family Picnic will be held on Saturday, May 3rd at 11:30am at Phelps Grove Park in Springfield. Great food, fun prizes, and a live band! There will be amazing raffle prizes too. The picnic will mainly be held under the pavillion but in case of severe weather, the location will be change to the ARC of the Ozarks which is located on Pythian, next to DCO (Developmental Center of the Ozarks).

Stop by the Walmart in Branson West on Saturday, April 5th and help support DSGO! There will be lots of great homemade treats for sale. Come early, before they’re all gone!

Save the date! Our annual Family Picnic will be held at Phelps Grove Park on Saturday, May 3rd, from 11:30am - 2:30pm. We will have lots of food and a live bluegrass band! Plus, we have AMAZING raffle prizes! Come join the fun!

We were inspired by the new hit tv show, “Oprah’s Big Give”, which airs on Sunday nights at 7pm on KSPR Springfield 33. It is a great show where contestants compete to help change lives around the country. They hold fund raisers and reach out to everyday Americans to make their lives better.

So, we are having a Big Give viewing party on the night of the final episode (Sunday, April 20th, 6:30pm, at Logan’s Roadhouse in Springfield). Please join us for dinner and fun! Invite your friends, family, co-workers, therapists, teachers, etc! We are asking each family to donate $10. The cost of dinner is on your own, but the fun is free! Help support DSGO!

We are currently talking to some area businesses about getting corporate donations as well and we hope to have some media coverage. You might be on TV! Plus, we have registered this event online at oprah.com and they are picking some parties to feature on the Oprah show. Wouldn’t that be great???

Mark your calendars and email Elena to RSVP (Please let me know how many are coming, so that we can save you a good viewing spot!).

Come and join the BIG GIVE!!!

(p.s. if you’d like to help out or RSVP for this event, please contact me by April 15th: elena@thaemlitz.com)

It came up at the March board meeting that there is some interest in Targeted Nutritional Intervention, Nutriven-D and Dr. Leichtman. My son Joseph, now 8, has used Nutrivene-D and has seen Dr. Leichtman. I have also heard him speak about the metabolic differences in individuals with DS. I can answer some of your questions or refer you to sources where you can get more information.

FREE NIGHT a respite night for parents with Special Needs Children March 8th from 4-7:30 PM See attached poster for more information.

Free Night Brochure

Children between the ages of 10 to 17 years may, if they qualify, have the rare opportunity to participate in this pivotal study that will be conducted by Dr. Ralph Richter and his research team. Dr. Richter, a practicing neurologist in Tulsa, is well known nationwide for his vast expertise in the field of Alzheimer’s disease.

The study is scheduled to start enrollment this month. Information can be obtained at Tulsa Clinical Research, phone numbers 877-798-7425 or 918-743-2349.
Ralph W. Richter, M.D., Primary Investigator
Tulsa Clinical Research, LLC – Information

Does anyone have any ideas on how to motivate your child for toliet training? I know there are a few of us that are in the process - beginning, middle, or end? Can anyone share their story to help keep us motivated? Thanks.

Congressman Sessions of Texas and Congressman Langevin of Rhode Island have introduced bill H CON RES 247 which states the importance of a Down Syndrome Awareness Postage Stamp. Such a stamp will need to be approved by the Citizens Stamp Advisory Council, but a bill stating its importance will go a long way toward seeing it actually created! The process of creating, approving and implementing a new stamp can take as long as three years, so the passage of this bill will speed the process along. As parents and friends of people with Down syndrome, you know the importance of Down syndrome awareness!

The following link will help you locate your congressman.
http://www.house.gov/writerep

The following letter may be copy and pasted into the message field. We encourage you to modify the text and add additional information which you feel is relevant.

Dear Congressman,

I am writing to let you know that I support Congressman Sessions’ and Congressman Langevin’s Bill HCONRES247 which directs the USPS to create a Down Syndrome Awareness Postage Stamp. I am asking you as my representative to PLEASE sign on as a cosponsor to HCONRES247. This bill will be a step in bringing about positive awareness of individuals with Down syndrome.

Sincerely,