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February 2012 |
Vol 2, Issue 1 |
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CONNECTing Families:
A Newsletter of Autism Families CONNECTicut |
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Greetings! | |
Although the snow has mostly stayed away this winter, it is still easy to feel stuck in the house when it's cold outside.
Our winter programs will keep you from feeling housebound! We are excited to have offered a Playing on the Spectrum in January and February. Creating age groups has helped the younger kids to feel comfortable with the program, while the older kids are developing fantastic basketball skills!
Despite the cold weather, kids are still flocking to the pool. Our Swimming on the Spectrum was well attended in January, with lots of high school volunteers to help ease kids into the pool and assist with swim instruction. AFC Sports Committee Chair Tom Porcello noted, "even three kids went off the diving board!" We look forward to partnering again with Star Hill Aquatic Center in Tolland. We also hope to see more "fishes" at Family Swim next month, at the gorgeous Avery Heights pool.
If that's not enough to beat the winter doldrums, please read below about our just-announced free March session of Songs on the Spectrum with the popular Miss Emily!
We also hope you will attend "A Sparkling Celebration" on March 31 for a night of fun on the eve of Autism Awareness Month. Your support will help us to continue offering these fun programs at a low price and ensure quality therapists and quality programs are available for your child. Hope to see you there! |
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Songs on the Spectrum: FREE sessions! | 
AFC announces a special two-week session of its popular "Songs on the Spectrum," a group music therapy program for children ages 4 to 10 with autism spectrum disorders, and their siblings.
The classes are free of charge and will take place on Saturday, March 3 and Saturday, March 10 from 10:00-10:45am at the South Windsor Community Center, 150 Nevers Road, South Windsor.
Get your child singing, making music, and having fun on the weekend!
"Songs on the Spectrum" is designed specifically for children on the spectrum, to provide a friendly and welcoming music class appropriate for their needs. Children will sing and play instruments, facilitated by the popular Emily Pellegrino from Connecticut Music Therapy Services. Children will be encouraged to enjoy music, practice social skills, and interact with each other. Parents must remain with their children during the session.
Maximum of 12 participants. Register online at www.recreation.southwindsor.org, Code #22003HH. |
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Keep up with the latest news... |
...by finding Autism Families CONNECTicut on your favorite social media site!
Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, where we report all of the latest updates on AFC programs and what's happening in the community.
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Please visit our website and share with any parents, teachers, therapists, or companies who might be interested in our mission:
You'll find upcoming programs, article links, and event recaps.
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Do you own a business or know someone who does?
Do you have an item to donate for AFC's silent auction for "A Sparkling Celebration"?
Are you interested in volunteering your time?
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A Sparkling Celebration! |
AFC's 3rd Annual Fundraiser:
Honorary Chair: Tizziana Weber
Director, Communications, Pratt & Whitney
Presenting Sponsor: Pratt & Whitney
Join us to support AFC programs on the eve of
Autism Awareness Month
Saturday, March 31
7:00-10:00pm
The Clubhouse at Gillette Ridge Residences
Catered food and wine, desserts, champagne.
Silent and live auctions will be announced periodically on our website and Facebook page.
Tickets: $40
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Family Swim | |
 A "vacation" in the middle of winter!
Families are invited to enjoy the warm, sunny pool at Avery Heights: a clean, modern facility. Relax and enjoy leisurely swimming as a family.
Saturdays: March 3, 10, 17, and 24.
3:00 - 4:00pm
Children must be toilet trained.
 Sponsored by Autism Families CONNECTicut, the West Hartford Human and Leisure Services' Special Needs Program, and the Marjorie Doty Aquatic Center at Avery Heights.
705 New Britain Ave., Hartford (Located on the Hartford/West Hartford line). To register, call Elmwood Community Center at 860-561-8160. Code: 383103A. Cost: $16 per person.
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Playing on the Spectrum: Winter 2012 |
We know it's important for you to get your child moving and having fun on the weekends, especially in the winter!  Playing on the Spectrum, AFC's signature program, is designed especially for children on the spectrum. It provides a fun, safe environment appropriate for their needs.
January's session took place at the Elmwood Community Center in West Hartford, and the February session at South Windsor Community Center is currently full! Our professional clinicians, led by Kathy Campbell, implemented a program to combine free play and structured activities. The older group of kids had a great time doing basketball drills and learning new skills.
Siblings joined in the fun, too! Our concurrent siblings program allowed the whole family to participate, offering a new arts and crafts activity each week. We look forward to seeing you again at our next session! |
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Dads' Night Out
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Join other dads for a casual night out to play pool, relax, and meet other fathers.
Tuesday, February 28
7:00pm
Damon's Tavern
310 Prospect Ave., Hartford |
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The Second Annual Family Holiday Party: a night of dancing and fun for all ages!
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The Second Annual Family Holiday Party was a blast! Over 100 community members joined us at Elmwood Community Center to celebrate a jam-packed 2011, and look ahead to upcoming programs in the new year.
Children with ASD, their siblings, and families danced to music by DJ Bernie, watched the Balloon Man create unique balloon animals and hats, and lined up eagerly for face painting. Rocky the Rockcat, Tigger, and Santa's elf stopped by to greet the kids and show their best moves on the dance floor.
West Hartford Human and Leisure Services' Special Need Program co-sponsored this fun night for families. We're already excited for next year's party! |
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Grant News | |
 Autism Families CONNECTicut was honored to receive a grant from the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. The Foundation's Grant Committee reviewed hundreds of applications throughout the U.S. and Canada, and AFC is proud and grateful to have been chosen as a recipient of funds for our 2012 programming.
Flutie Foundation funding has supported our Playing on the Spectrum gym program; our Songs on the Spectrum group music therapy sessions; Swimming on the Spectrum swim classes, and our Family Swim sessions. The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation was founded eleven years ago by Laurie and Doug Flutie in honor of their son Dougie, who has been living with autism since he was two. We appreciate the support of the Flutie Foundation! Check out their website here.
For the second year, AFC was also honored to receive a grant from the South Windsor Community Foundation Rays of Hope fund to support Songs on the Spectrum classes in South Windsor. We also received a donation from the South Windsor Junior Women's Club. Many thanks to the South Windsor community for their early and strong support of AFC!
Allied World Assurance Company in Farmington awarded a grant to AFC to create a new Spring Running Club for kids with autism. The grant will help us develop a training program to build fitness and running skills. We are excited to kick off this positive, healthy family activity in the coming months! |
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Do you have ideas for programs? Are you interested in volunteering? We would love to hear from you. Please email me at afc@autismfamiliesct.org with any ideas.
Sincerely, |
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Leah Bailey Moon
President and Co-founder
Autism Families CONNECTicut, Inc.
P.O. Box 370162
West Hartford, CT 06137 www.autismfamiliesct.org
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