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 To support, advocate and be a resource for people with Down syndrome
in Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania.
Down Syndrome Association of the Valley
What's UP with us... 
Volume 2 Issue 15                                                                                                                                         12/15/10
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In This Issue: 

 
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Birthday 

Happy December Birthday!    

Nathanael Robbins        

12/3/1997

Naji Edward Waller       

12/3/2009

Curtis Herman               

12/7/2004

Christian Trella              

12/8/2005

James & John Durman   

12/11/1978

Evan Daugherty             

12/17/1997

Vicky Brainard              

12/20/1981

Meradith Ketcham         

12/21/2009

Samantha McCue          

12/31/1984

 

Omitted in November

Terrance Crogan           

11/4/1988

thanks 

  

 

  

 Kathy and Jack Trella

Linda and Nick Maiorana

Jackson Milton NHS

Sam Chicarelli

Right Hand Band 

 Levon, Camanin and Scott

Richard Hyden

Norma Conti

Sue Hilliard

Sherron Jackson

Tony Lawrence

Spring Design

Courtney Rohlk

Adrian NG

Jessica Bailey

Megan Lynch

Jamie Lynee

Richard and Meghan Labot

Morgen Torbett

Ronald Wong

Susan Federspiel

 

In memory of Helen Grady in honor of Quintino DeSantis:

Beverly Finnerty
hours 

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 DSAV office hours
  
2nd & 4th Monday
10:00am - 11:30am 
 
Tuesdays & Thursdays
11:30am - 1:00pm 
  
other times by appointment
 
Our office is staffed by volunteers.  It is always best to call ahead before stopping in.  Occasionally the hours change due to scheduling conflicts.
photos 

DSAV Christmas Party 2010
Be sure to visit our website to see more photos.

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Dear Members & Friends, 
 
It is hard to believe that Christmas is just 10 days away and that 2010 is almost over.   I hope you have plans to enjoy the next few weeks with family & friends.
  
What a fabulous turn out we had for the DSAV Christmas Party.  The over 200 people seemed to thoroughly enjoy the meal, Right Hand playing wonderful Christmas songs, Santa's visit and socializing with other families.  Check out some photos, here.  Thank you to Jack & Kathy Trella for planning this great yearly event!
  
It has been another successful year for the DSAV as we saw even more people participate in Buddy Walk of the Valley 2010.  How heartwarming that so many people in eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania support those with Down syndrome and show it through their  participation in our annual fundraising/awareness event.

The DSAV was started so that families and professionals would not have to "go it alone" when it comes to obtaining information and resources regarding Down syndrome.  The resources and books at the Center for Success have helped many new families and our learning materials are being utilized in various schools throughout the Mahoning and Shenango Valleys.   As you may know, HIPAA privacy laws often make it difficult to learn of new births, so word-of-mouth referrals are crucial to providing materials to new parents.  Be sure to refer families of children with Ds of all ages to us and also remind your children's teachers and physicians that we have resources available for them.
   
We are so grateful to the businesses, foundations and organizations that financially support the DSAV.  There are truly too many to list, but you have no doubt seen the stories here in the e-news or in your local newspaper.  
  
You still have time to make a tax-deductible contribution to the DSAV in 2010.  Just mail your donation by Dec. 31st or Donate Here NOW.

Be sure to visit the DSAV website regularly for news, updates and information.  We will also regularly post on our FACEBOOK page.

As we head to the end of another year, please take time to reflect on the blessings in your life.  Enjoy this Christmas season and we look forward to seeing you in 2011!
 
~Kelly Donadio
DSAV Co-founder

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CVSDSAV is CVS Caremark recipient

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Thank you CVS Caremark Program! 

The DSAV received a fifteen hundred ($1,500) dollar CVS Caremark Community Grant.  The funds will part of the DSAV Family Grant program.  

 

The CVS Caremark Community Grant to the Down Syndrome Association of the Valley is part of CVS Caremark's commitment to its communities throughout the country.   Grants are awarded to organizations that share a common vision with CVS Caremark's All Kids Can™ program, which strives to make life easier for children with disabilities. The goal of the program is to create more inclusive environments for children with and without disabilities to build self-esteem, lasting friendships and social skills, and to help children without disabilities learn diversity and tolerance.  This common goal is shared by the DSAV vision, which is for people with Down syndrome to be active participants in a fully inclusive society.

 

"CVS Caremark is committed to helping children with disabilities learn, play and succeed in life," said Carl Sobek,  CVS District Store Manager," "Through this grant, we are proud to be able to help make an impact on the lives of children in the Mahoning and Shenango valleys."

 

 

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BestBuyBest Buy supports the DSAV year-round

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Best Buy Boardman donates $4000 to DSAV

The Down Syndrome Association of the Valley was the recipient of numerous Best Buy TagTeam Awards for the volunteer efforts of local Best Buy employees.  When Best Buy employee volunteers offer their service to nonprofit organizations, Best Buy provides TagTeam Awards to recognize their service.   Events such as Golf for a Buddy, a car show and a charity softball event were sponsored in addition to employees volunteering their time at the Buddy Walk of the Valley. 

Thank you to Jack Trella, Darren Austin, Matthew Bowen, Eugene Gordon, Julie Mccarthy and all Best Buy employees for making this possible! 

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RMHCRonald McDonald House Charities

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We are pleased to have just received news that the DSAV is one of 15 local groups selected to receive a grant from Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mahoning Valley & Western PA.

These monies will be used to fund the DSAV LAMP (Literacy, Arts & Math Program) Education Initiative. 

LAMP "shines a light" on the unique learning styles of those with Down syndrome and provides books, resources and materials for use at home,  in school or at the DSAV Center for Success to assist them in mastering the skills needed to be active participants in a fully inclusive society.

The check presentation will take place later this month.  Be sure to check out our website and facebook page for photos.

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treeChristmas Tree Display
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This year's theme is:  
Winter Celebration - Holiday Scent-sation
 
Be sure to visit the D.D. and Velma Davis Visitor Center through January 2nd to see the DSAV tree among the 45 beautiful trees decorated by various agencies throughout the Mahoning Valley. 

The display  is open
Tuesdays through Sundays 

from 10:00am - 5:00pm
until January 2nd

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 storeDSAV Merchandise
poloshirtOur new DSAV Merchandise store is now open!

Offering a variety of clothing and accessory items, this is the place to purchase DSAV logo items and show your support year-round.


 Just some of what is available:
        • polo shirts
        • fleece items
        • hats
        • golf towels
        • blankets
        • aprons
Take a look around and see what you find.
A portion of every sale helps to fund the DSAV mission and vision!  Thank you!

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Why we do what we do...
Our vision is for people with Down syndrome to be active participants in a fully inclusive society.  

Our Mission is to provide support, advocacy resources and opportunity for those with Down syndrome and their families. 

Our Core Values 
 
The DSAV fosters a climate which encourages  independence and opportunity for all individuals with Down syndrome. 

We strive to represent the needs of people with Down syndrome and their families; to improve quality of life, preserve rights and advance their interests.  We hope to enhance their status as citizens and enable them to maximum their independence and participation in the community.