Mall Walking Saturday 12/27/08

Cross country ski and snowshoe practice will be at the University Mall at 10 am for Dec 27, due to 100% chance of rain and chance of thundershowers. If you cannot travel, please contact Maggie at
802-524-3142 (Please do not call after 8:30 PM)
riahwind1@comcast.net

Holiday Gift idea that supports your Chittenden team!

We have purple Special Olympics Chittenden logo tee-shirts available for sale. Consider buying a tee-shirt for family members or Chittenden supporters as holiday gifts. Proceeds will support our Chittenden team!
Shirts are $15.00 each.


Contact Sharron Whittle to place an order: 876-7007
Make checks payable to Special Olympics Vermont-Chittenden

Youth L through Adult XL available now, other sizes may be ordered.

Please note, all athletes will be receiving one shirt at no charge to use as a team shirt at Special Olympics events. These are to show team spirit and do not replace our various sports uniforms. We will begin distributing the shirts to athletes at Winter Games and will continue at Spring Sports, Summer Games and Fall Sports until everyone has one. Please consider purchasing extra shirts for your athletes as back-ups!

Chittenden Delegation Fund raising plans

At our monthly program meeting on December 3rd, we reviewed the Chittenden financial outlook. We are currently in the red with a balance of -$1067.08. Our winter sports program expenses are projected to be $4500.00 so with a near term need of $6000.00 we spent time discussing fund raising activities.

Our list of 2009 fundraising activities and events include:

2009 Chittenden Delegation SOVT Calcutta to be held on Friday, March 13th at The Elks Club

Holiday "Be a Fan - Chittenden Delegation T-Shirt Sale (to be placed on blog and promoted electronically and by postcard to non-computer folks)

Dance Party (tentatively scheduled for mid-January at a location to also be determined)

Fundraising with the Torch Run (utilizing online giving to sponsor a Chittenden Law Enforcement Officer)

We will have a fund raising working meeting on Monday December 22 at 7:00 PM. Please contact Karen or me if you are interested in helping with these activities.

David Bogdan & Karen Bogdan 802-865-3840
Chittenden Program Coordinators
Special Olympics Vermont

Winter Sports Schedule

Winter sports practice begins soon:

Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoing
Saturday's beginning December 27th 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Trail tickets graciously donated by Catamount Outdoor Family Center, 592 Governor Chittenden Rd Williston VT 05495


Alpine Skiing
Sunday's beginning December 21st (skipping December 28th) 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Transportation leaving from and returning to Special Olympics Vermont Office, 368 Avenue D, Suite 30, Williston, VT 05495
Lift tickets graciously donated by Sugarbush VT

Please watch the Chittenden Coordinators Corner weblog for schedule changes and the SOVT Chittenden Delegation Calendar for details on dates, times and locations.

Coaches
Alpine: Kirk Bosworth Phone: 878-3431 email: kirkbos@msn.com
Cross Country: Maggie Trayah email: riahwind1@comcast.net
Snowshoe: Pauline Daggett

Thanks,
Dave

Special Olympics Snoeshoe Special Offers

Special Olympics has arranged special pricing for Snowshoes from both Tubbs and Redfeather. Maggie Trayah is coordinating purchases for the Chittenden Delegation. If anyone would like to order snowshoes please email Maggie and she will send the price list to you. Alternatively, you may join our Special Olympics Vermont Chittenden Delegation Google Group and see the price list for Tubbs and Redfeather online.

Maggie wants to order them the first weekend in December. The order should all go in at the same time so she would need your order and money in by December 3rd. It takes 2-3 weeks for them to deliver them. This offer applies to everyone not just the athletes.

Maggie's email is riahwind1@comcast.net

Thanks
Maggie
Coach for Snowshoe and X-Country Skiing

Chittenden Delegation Meeting - Wednesday 11/5/08

This is an important meeting for all interested in seeing the Special Olympics Chittenden Program get back on track.

When:
Wednesday evening, November 5th, 2008 at 7:00 PM

Where:
Comfort Inn & Suites University Inn
5 Dorset Street
South Burlington, VT, 05403

As most know, we have had to cancel team bowling this year due to insufficient funds. We plan on reviewing our financial position at the meeting and discussing our plans and priorities to get the program back into a healthy state.

It is important to the future of the Chittenden Delegation that you attend!

I have created a new Google Group, "SOVT Chittenden Delegation" which allows member discussion and file sharing. I have posted two financial reports on the new Google Group for those interested to review prior to the meeting. Please consider joining the group and reviewing the financial reports.
Thanks,

David Bogdan
Chittenden Program Coordinator

Special Olympics Global Youth Congress, February 6 - 13 2009

Please follow the links below for information regarding the Special Olympics Global Youth Congress that will be held in conjunction with the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho from February 6 to 13, 2009.

This is an excellent opportunity for athletes and partners between the ages of 12 and 18 to represent Vermont at a Global Congress.

Please read all the information provided and be aware that the deadline for applications is September 30, 2008.

Global Youth Summit Overview: http://www.specialolympics.org/Special+Olympics+Public+Website/English/Compete/World_Games/2009_World_Winter_Games/Global_Youth_Summit.htm

Global Youth Summit Information & Forms: http://www.specialolympics.org/Special+Olympics+Public+Website/English/Compete/World_Games/2009_World_Winter_Games/General+Information.htm

If you have any questions please call or e-mail Donna Diaz at Special Olympics Vermont.

Remember the deadline is September 30, 2008.

Vermont Family Network presents....

Chittenden Families Together Meeting

Wednesday, September 24th

5:30-6:30 pm Speaker: Kara Artus

Vermont Technical College Rm. 214

Williston Campus, Blair Park, enter entrance with flagpole. Address: 201 Lawrence Place, Williston

Kara Artus, ED of Transition II, will discuss employment options, training, coaching, for youth and adults who have developmental disabilities.

Parents/family members of youth and adults who have developmental disabilities, are invited to meet monthly to share and learn and support each other. We talk with people who have information about housing and employment options, community and social inclusion opportunities, and any other group interests.

Facilitated by Vermont Family Network, sponsored by a VTDDC grant

Call Jan Hancock for information: 876-5315 ext. 215 or email: jan.hancock@vtfn.org

Jan Hancock
Family Support Consultant
Developmental Disabilities Outreach Specialist
Vermont Family Network
jan.hancock@vtfn.org
802-876-5315 ext. 215

New England Patriots vs New York Jets ticket raffle

Joe Pelis has generously donated two New England Patriots tickets to the Chittenden Special Olympics program. We are raffling off these tickets as a fund raiser for our program expenses.

The Raffle will be held on October 27, 2008
2 Tickets: Game 6 Patriots vs. Jets
Section: 128 Row: 28 Seats: 7 & 8
Thursday November 13, 2008 8:15 p.m.
Gillette Stadium, Foxborough MA
Winners need not be present to win.
1 for $5 or 5 for $20

We will be asking athletes, parents and caregivers to help with selling tickets. If you are interested in purchasing tickets, please contact Dave or Karen Bogdan at 865-3840.

Vermont Lake Monsters Tickets

LAKE MONSTER TICKETS

Special Olympics athletes can receive FREE tickets (including a hot dog and soda) to the September 5th Lake Monsters Game at Centennial Field. The Game starts at 7:05pm and athletes must wear their Special Olympics uniforms or clothing. Don't miss out on a fun night at the ball park. Contact Karen Bedard (kbedard@vtso.org) for details and to sign up.

2008 Fall Soccer Competition update

The 2008 Fall Soccer Competition will be held on Saturday October 4th at Norwich University. We will have a bus depart from the Special Olympics Vermont office at 368 Avenue D, Williston at 8:00 AM and return about 6:00 PM.

Contact
Greg Broe (802) 524-2747 gregorybroe@comcast.net
Mark Robertson 872-7686
Dave Clements (802) 425-3126 dcclements@aol.com

Direct appeal for donations towards Athlete clothing

Did you know that each Special Olympics Delegation is responsible for fund raising to pay for athlete clothing, practice facilities, equipment, travel and approximately, 15% of the cost of state competitions? The Chittenden Delegation expenses were about $18,000.00 in 2007 and we spent nothing on athlete clothing!

Sharron Whittle is coordinating a direct appeal for donations to Chittenden Delegation specifically for clothing. The first purchase will be for Chittenden Delegation tee shirts to be worn to games and competitions to show team spirit and are separate from the competition uniforms. Each athlete will receive one tee shirt. Donations beyond the cost of tee shirts will be used towards new winter sports jackets, spring sports jackets and swim suites.

Families who wish to purchase additional tee shirts may coordinate this with Sharron:

Sharron Whittle
phone: 876-7007
email: sharonwhittle@comcast.net

Checks should be made out to "Special Olympics Vermont", with "Chittenden Delegation" included in the note field and mailed to Sharron:

Sharron Whittle
18 Maple Rd
Williston, VT 05495

Special Olympics Vermont Chittenden Delegation Program Offering and Tentative Dates

2009 Team Bowling Tournament on January 25

• Team Bowling team practice begins on November 2, 2008

2009 Winter Games on March 20 - 22

• Alpine Skiing team practice tentatively begins January 4, 2009
• Cross Country Skiing team practice tentatively begins January 3, 2009
• Snowshoeing team practice tentatively begins January 3, 2009

2009 Spring Sports Competition on TBD

• Basketball team practice tentatively begins in February
  

2009 Summer Games on TBD

• Swimming team practice tentatively begins in March
  
• Softball team practice tentatively begins in March
  
• Track and Field team practice tentatively begins in March
  
• Bocce team practice tentatively begins in March
  

2009 Fall Sports Competition on TBD

• Individual Bowling practice tentatively begins in August
  
• Soccer team practice tentatively begins August
  

2010 Team Bowling Tournament on TBD

• Team Bowling tentatively begins in November
  

2008 Individual Bowling Competition update

The Fall Sports Individual Bowling competition will be at Twin City Lanes on Sunday October 5th. This year, there will be three sessions and we will be bowling in the third session from 2:15 PM to 5:15 PM. We will have a bus departing from Champlain Lanes at 12:45 PM and return around 6:15 PM.

Karen Bogdan 865-3840 kraze1@comcast.net
Andrew Patch 363-7268

2008 Individual Bowling time change - Now at 11:30 AM

Individual bowling practice is at Champlain Lanes, Shelburne Rd, Shelburne, VT. Please note that we have another permanent time change starting this Sunday, August 10th. From now on, practice will begin at 11:30 AM. The Fall Sports Individual Bowling competition will be at Twin City Lanes on Sunday October 5th.

Also, for those interested, 2008 Team Bowling with partners will begin shortly after the Individual bowling competition.

Coaches:Publish Post
Karen Bogdan 865-3840 kraze1@comcast.net
Andrew Patch 363-7268

Chittenden Delegation Fund raising opportunity from SOVT

The offer below is from SOVT. I'd like to encourage everyone associated with the Chittenden Delegation to volunteer for this fundraiser. In addition to signing up with Robyn, please let Karen or me know you are volunteering! Thanks, Dave

Is your local program looking for an easy way to raise some money?

WHAT?

The Special Olympics Vermont Law Enforcement Torch Run Committee has teamed-up with the Lake Champlain Maritime Festival to host its first ever Dunk Tank Fundraiser on August 15-17. Local law enforcement officers, politicians, and Vermont celebrities have volunteered to go “in the tank” for Special Olympics Vermont. Festival attendees will have a chance to pay $5 to toss 3 softballs in hopes of dunking one.

HOW CAN MY PROGRAM DIRECTLY BENEFIT?

Sign-up for a minimum of 1 hour to man the Dunk Tank and your local program will keep half the profit made. Manning the booth does not mean sitting in the dunk tank, we’ve covered that part. You would simply ask athletes, coaches, parents, ect. to help with money collecting, handing out Special Olympics brochures and selling t-shirts.

WHEN & WHERE?

The Dunk Tank Fundraiser will be at the Waterfront Park in Burlington (same location as the Burlington Plunge)

Friday, August 15^th from Noon – 6:30pm

Saturday, August 16^th from 11:00am – 8:00pm

Sunday, August 17^th from Noon – 4:30pm

NEED MORE INFORMATION OR WANT TO SIGN-UP FOR A TIME SLOT?

E-mail Robyn Comstock at rcomstock@vtso.org or call 1-800-639-1603 ext 105

2008 Individual Bowling time change - 1:00 PM

Individual bowling practice started Sunday July 27th at 12:00 PM at Champlain Lanes, Shelburne Rd, Shelburne, VT. Please note that we have a permanent time change starting this Sunday, August 3rd. From now on, practice will begin at 1:00 PM. If you missed the first practice, it is not to late to start! The Fall Sports Individual Bowling competition will be at Twin City Lanes on Sunday October 5th.

Also, for those interested, 2008 Team Bowling with partners will begin shortly after the Individual bowling competition.

Coaches:
Karen Bogdan 865-3840 kraze1@comcast.net
Andrew Patch 363-7268

2008 Fall Sports practice starts soon!

Individual bowling practice starts Sunday July 27th at 12:00 PM and continues Sunday August 3rd at 1:00 PM at Champlain Lanes, Shelburne Rd, Shelburne, VT. The Fall Sports Individual Bowling competition will be at Twin City Lanes on Sunday October 5th.

Coaches:
Karen Bogdan 865-3840 kraze1@comcast.net
Andrew Patch 363-7268

Soccer practice begins Thursday August 7th from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at the Maple Street Park soccer field in Essex Junction. We hope to field both Unified and Traditional teams at the Fall Sports competition on Saturday October 4th at Norwich University.

Coaches
Greg Broe (802) 524-2747 gregorybroe@comcast.net
Mark Robertson 872-7686
Dave Clememts (802) 425-3126 dcclements@aol.com

Summer Games Information

An Overview of the Summer game schedule is available on the previous weblog post. Registration for those staying overnight is from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Friday evening. Athletes, coaches and credentialed support people may have dinner at 6:00 PM. Opening ceremonies are at 7:30 PM.

Athletes, coaches and support people staying overnight will all be in either Austin Hall or Tupper Hall.

More details are available on the Special Olympics Vermont webpage and in the Coaches Handbook.

Track and Field - Greg has asked that those staying overnight arrive at 5:00 PM to register and get your rooms. If you are not staying overnight, please arrive by 9:00 AM Saturday for the competition.

Bocce - Peter has asked that those staying overnight arrive between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM to register and get your rooms. If you are not staying overnight, please arrive by 9:00 AM Saturday for the competition.

Swimming - Adrian has asked that those staying overnight arrive at 4:00 PM to register and get your rooms. If you are not staying overnight, please arrive by 8:30 AM Saturday for the competition.

Softball - Laura has asked that you arrive by 9:00 AM Saturday for the competition.

2008 Summer Games schedule of events

Schedule of Events

May 28^th - May 30th Law Enforcement Torch Run

May 30th - Friday

4:00 – 6:00pm Program Registration - UVM – Marsh Austin Tupper Main desk

6:00 – 6:45pm Dinner - Harris Millis Commons dinning

7:30 – 8:30pm Opening Ceremony - Turf field

8:30pm Coaches Meeting – Big tent

May 31st – Saturday

7:00 – 8:00am Breakfast – Harris Millis Commons Dinning

10:00 – 4:00pm Olympic Town

Healthy Athlete

Merchandise Sales

9:00- 9:15 Coaches Meeting- at venues

9:15 – 12:00 Competition – Athletics, Bocce and Softball

9:15 – 1:30 Competition - Aquatics

12:00 – 1:00 Lunch – Olympic Town – Big tent

1:30 Lunch – Olympic Town - Aquatics

1:00 – 4:30pm Competition Resumes

5:00pm Entertainment-Olympic Town- Big tent

5:30 – 6:30 pm Dinner – Olympic Town – Big tent

7:00 – 9:00 pm Dance – Olympic Town – Big tent

June 1st – Sunday

7:00 – 8:00 am Breakfast – Harris Millis Commons dinning

8:45 – 9:00 am Coaches/Officials Meeting

9:00 – 12:00 pm Competition

10:00 – 2:30 pm Olympic Town – Merchandise sales

12:00 – 1:00pm Lunch – Olympic Town – Big tent

Closing Remarks

1:00 – 2:30pm Competition Resumes

Softball practice location change effective Saturday May 10th, 2008

Softball practice will be at a new location this Saturday May 10th, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM. Practices will be held on the Woods field at Schifilitti Fields in Burlington. The George Woods field is the first field of the three fields. These fields are groomed and in excellent shape!

Directions to the field:

Coming from downtown Burlington: go north on North Ave, past the Burlington High School and Ethan Allen Park. Turn right onto Gosse Ct (Shell station on the corner) and take it to the end.

Coming from Colchester: turn right onto Plattsburg Ave and then left onto North Ave. Turn left onto Gosse Ct (shell station on the corner) and take it to the end.

Contacts:
Coach:
Laura Martin 802-734-1281 Laura.Martin@systemsandsoftware.net

Coordinators:
Karen Bogdan 802-865-3840 kraze1@comcast.net
David Bogdan 802-865-3840 dbogdan@ieee.org

Softball canceled today, Saturday May 3rd and rescheduled for Monday April 5th

Softball practice is canceled today due to rain and is reschedule for Monday May 5th from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at the same ball field in Pearl St Park, Essex Junction.

Thanks, Dave

Track and Field Practice cancelled today, Tuesday April 29, 2008

Due to poor weather and track conditions, today's practice is canceled. Our next practice is Thursday May 1st at 6:00 to 7:30 PM.

Dave

2008 Spring Sports Competition at UVM

The 2008 Spring Sports Competition will be held April 26th and 27th at the UVM Pactrick Gym and Field House. Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM will be the Unified Basketball Team competition and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 2:45 PM will be the Basketball Skills competition and Traditional Basketball Team competition.

Mothers Day Plant and Flower sale fund raiser

Andrea Robertson is organizing the Mothers Day Plant and Flower Sale fund raiser. Karen and I will be handing out fundraising forms at the beginning of each of the summer sports practices. This is a simple and fun way to raise funds for our Chittenden program. If everyone can take a few orders for themselves, family, friends and neighbors, we can easily raise several hundred dollars.

Orders with payments must be to Andrea by April 27. Flower and plant should be picked up at Andrea's house on Saturday May 10th in time to deliver for Mothers Day May 11th.

Contact
Andrea Robertson 999-3801 trainmanar@verizon.net

2008 Track and Field Update

Track and Field begins on Tuesday April 29th and will be held every Tuesday and Thursday through May 29th, 6:00 PM till 7:30 PM at the Hunt Middle School track in Burlington.

Hunt Middle School is just off of North Ave in Burlington on Goss Ct. If you are coming from down town heading north on North Ave, turn right onto Goss Ct which is the second right after Ethan Allen shopping center. If you are heading south on North Ave from Colchester, turn left onto Goss Ct. There is a Shell gas station on the corner of Goss Ct and North Ave. The Hunt Middle School driveway entrance is the first left on Goss Ct.

Contacts

Coach:
Greg Broe 802-524-2747 gregorybroe@comcast.net
Assistant coaches:
Dave Clements dclements@aol.com
Martti Matheson martti@nhiweb.com

Coordinators:
Karen Bogdan 865-3840 kraze1@comcast.net
David Bogdan 865-3840 dbogdan@ieee.org

ANNUAL POT LUCK & AWARDS NIGHT CELEBRATION

The pot luck and awards night, held Wednesday April 2nd, was wonderful time to celebrate the success of our athletes and the Chittenden program. Thank you to everyone who brought food, stories, pictures and smiles to share!

Ian Kutt, brother of Jeffrey Kutt, presented the Jeff Kutt Award to Scott Johnston recognizing Scott as an athlete who emanates Jeff's spirit of giving, helping and sharing happiness. Congratulations Scott!

Karen Bogdan, Maggie Trayah, Tammy Willey, Greg Broe and I then presented our athletes with Certificates of Achievement in recognition of their participation in the Special Olympics Vermont Chittenden program.

Judy Laird then presented an amazing variety of door prizes to all athletes.

I want to give special thanks to Claire Shockey for organizing the evening, to Helen Tarte for assisting Claire with the evening preparation and clean up and to Judy Laird for pulling together the door prizes. The evening was a big success through their efforts! THANKS!

I hope everyone went home with a warm glow inside!

Dave

2008 Softball practice

Softball practice begins Saturday April 19th, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM. All practices will be held at the Pearl Street Park in Essex.

Directions to the field:

Coming from Winooski: go towards 5 corners, pass Susie Wilson Road, at the following light on Pearl Street take a left. Go straight into the parking lot.

Coming from Five corners: go straight on Pearl Street, past Big Lots, Essex Fair Grounds on the right, right before the next traffic light (about 100 ft) there is a right hand turn. The parking lot will be on your right hand side.

Contacts:
Coach:
Laura Martin 802-734-1281 Laura.Martin@systemsandsoftware.net

Coordinators:
Karen Bogdan 865-3840 kraze1@comcast.net
David Bogdan 865-3840 dbogdan@ieee.org

2008 Bocce Practice

Weather permitting, Bocce practice will begin Wednesday April 16th, 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM at UVM.
Contacts

Coach:
John Koerner 425-2429

Coordinators:
Karen Bogdan 865-3840 kraze1@comcast.net
David Bogdan 865-3840 dbogdan@ieee.org

6th Annual Norwich Invitational Basketball Tournament , Saturday April 5th 2008

Our basketball team will be traveling to the 6th Annual Norwich University Basketball Invitational on Saturday, April 5th. A bus will be provided for travel. Please meet at the Special Olympics of Vermont office at 7:15 AM. The bus will leave at 7:30 AM.

Details about the day's events may be read on the Special Olympics Vermont webpage!

Depending on actual completion we will be back to Williston around 5:15 PM.

2008 Winter Games press release

Special Olympics Vermont has a new press release: 261 ATHLETES COMPETED IN SPECIAL OLYMPICS VERMONT WINTER GAMES 2008 and the statistics and results are posted too! The Chittenden Delegation was well represented with 24 athletes competing in alpine skiing, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. We had a great time competing at Suicide Six and enjoyed the Woodstock Inn, the meals and the Mardi Gras dance. Read more at the above links! Dave

2008 Chittenden Delegation Swim practice

The University of Vermont has reserved the Athletic Pool for Chittenden Delegation Special Olympics Swim Practice on the following dates and times:

April 5, 2008 12:45pm to 1:45pm
April 12, 2008 12:45pm to 1:45pm
April 19, 2008 10:00am to 11:30am
April 26, 2008 10:00am to 11:30am
May 3, 2008 10:00am to 11:30am
May 10, 2008 10:00am to 11:30am
May 17, 2008 10:00am to 11:30am
May 24, 2008 10:00am to 11:30am

Contacts:
Coach:
Carol Koerner 425-2429 carolkoerner@gmail.com
Coordinators:
Karen Bogdan 865-3840 kraze1@comcast.net
David Bogdan 865-3840 dbogdan@ieee.org
Andrew Patch 363-7268 grnmntmcgyver@yahoo.com

Mall Walking today, March 8th, 2008

Rain and ice in Williston so the cross country skiing and snowshoeing teams will walk the University Mall today!

2008 Winter Games March 14th - 16th

Athletes and parents,

On 14, 15, and 16 of March, the Chittenden Delegation will be staying at the Woodstock Inn and competing at the nearby Suicide Six ski area. I hope this message will give you the information you need, but if you have questions, please call Maggie at 524-3142 or Karen at 865-3840.

Parents and guests

You are all welcome to come to the games to cheer the athletes on; the ski area is in South Pomfret, six miles north of Woodstock. The competition begins at 9:00 both Saturday and Sunday morning. On Saturday the last race ends at 3:15, on Sunday at 11:45. If you want to make overnight plans, you should call the Woodstock Inn at 800.448.7900 and ask for “Friends and Families of Special Olympics” rates.

Team travel

The Chittenden delegation will travel by bus leaving from the VTSO office in Williston and returning to the same place. You should be at the Special Olympics office by 2:45 PM on Friday. We will return at 4:00 PM on Sunday.

Clothing

The athletes need to have clothing appropriate to being outdoors for two hours on Friday evening at the opening ceremony, for skiing on Saturday and Sunday, and for the dance on Saturday night.

BRING YOUR RED SPECIAL OLYMPICS JACKET.

Packing

On Saturday morning before breakfast, we need to be ready to board a bus at 7:00 to go to the ski area. Athletes must have everything that they will need until 4:00 pm when we will return by bus to the Woodstock Inn. On Sunday we will need to clear everything from our our rooms before breakfast and board a bus at 7:00 to go to the ski area. We will not be returning to Woodstock; we will leave Sunday afternoon directly from the ski area. In order to make these moves without fail, athletes will have to pack very carefully. They should bring one bag for ski equipment and one other bag for clothing. They should bring only those items that they really need.

Meals

Breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday and dinner on Saturday evening will be provided as part of the program. We are making our own arrangements for dinner on Friday. We will provide pizza; the athletes should each bring the soft drinks they want.

ANNUAL POT LUCK & AWARDS NIGHT April 2, 2008 6:00 PM

Athletes, Families, Coaches, Volunteers, Friends welcomed

6:00 PM Wednesday April 2nd, 2008

Our Lady of Grace Parish Hall

784 Main St., Colchester Village

Call Claire Shockey to sign up 878-2346

Awards, Prizes, Good Food & Fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Jeff Kutt Award

Each year an athlete is awarded the Jeff Kutt award by the Chittenden Area Special Olympics. In April 2008 we will again recognize an athlete who emanates Jeff's spirit of giving, helping and sharing happiness. If you would like to nominate an athlete for this award, simply write down why you think this athlete should receive this award and give it to any coach or Claire Shockey. All nominations will be considered and the award presented at the annual awards dinner on April 2, 2008 at Our Lady of Grace Parish Hall in Colchester Village.

Chittenden Delegation 2007 Financial report

I'd like to give a simple financial report for the year 2007 Chittenden Delegation. As you may know, each delegation is responsible for paying it's own way for program expenses which include practice facilities, transportation, a portion of the Summer Games expenses and a portion of the Winter Games expenses and other miscellaneous expenses. Special Olympics Vermont pays for all of the Spring and Fall Sports competitions and a majority of the Summer and Winter Games competitions. Even so, our program expenses are considerable. Here is a summary of our program finances for 2007:

Beginning balance	$8,092.28
Income Foundations	$625.00
Income Individuals	$910.00
Income Corporate	$600.00
Income Fund Raising	$15,382.11
Expense Fund raising	-$7,186.99
Expense Program	-$16,641.82
Ending balance	$1,780.58

Thanks, Dave

2008 Penguin Plunge news!

Special Olympics Vermont has published a new Special Connections newsletter with pictures and results from the Penguin Plunge and pictures from NBC Today Show Meridith Vieira's plunge! Check it out!

Special Olympics Chittenden Delegation on TV!

A while back WCAX's Tim Kavanagh of LNS with Tim Kavanagh invited the our basketball athletes to a Vermont Frost Heaves game to participate in the Northfield Savings Bank half time baskets for charity. Tim and sixteen Chittenden basketball athletes shot baskets at half time and NSB will be donating $25 per shot or $425 to our delegation! Thanks Tim and NSB!

Watch LNS with Tim Kavanagh this Saturday, March 1st at 11:30 PM on WCAX to see clips of the Frost Heaves game, half time and see Northfield Savings Bank give a $425 check to our athletes!

March 2, 2008 Alpine Ski practice

Folks,

I want to remind you that the alpine team is going to practice at Suicide six ski area in South Pomfret next Sunday.

It's just a few miles from Woodstock and will be the site of the Winter Games march 14-16. We will ski there next Sunday so the athletes will have some familiarity with the trails they will race on.

We will leave from VTSO in Williston at 8:00 am and return at 5:30 pm.

The following Sunday we will be back to the regular 9:00 to 4:00 schedule for our last practice at Sugarbush.

Later this week, I plan to get the details of our travel plans to Woodstock to you.

Dave for Kirk

2008 Chittenden Delegation Basketball Practice

When:
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 - 7:30, February 26th through April 24th

Where:
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
73 Essex Way
Essex Junction, VT

Contacts:
Coach: Greg Broe 865-3914 gregorybroe@comcast.net
Manager: Tammy Willey 899-2559 twwilley@comcast.net
Coordinators:
Karen Bogdan 865-3840 kraze1@comcast.net
David Bogdan 865-3840 dbogdan@ieee.org
Andrew Patch 363-7268 grnmntmcgyver@yahoo.com

Come to the Plunge with "Today"

Wednesday, February 20

1:00 P.M. at the Burlington Waterfront

You are invited to spread the word and come watch the Penguin Plunge with NBC’s “Today” Show anchor Meredith Vieira

who will raise money and awareness for Special Olympics Vermont.

This will be aired on the Today Show on Thursday, Feb. 21st

Burlington Waterfront Park, 1 Lake Street

It's not too late to volunteer for the Vermont Teddy Bear Fund raiser

Claire has a full contingent of volunteers to work at Vermont Teddy Bear from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM on Tuesday February 12th. Vermont Teddy Bear has requested additional volunteers for Monday February 11th and Wednesday February 13th so it is not too late to chip in and volunteer to support the Chittenden Delegation of Special Olympics by working at Vermont Teddy Bear. Please contact Andrew Patch at 363-7268 if you are interested in volunteering for either of these days.

Thanks to those who have already volunteered to work on Tuesday with Claire and thanks in advance to those who will help out on Monday or Wednesday!

Dave

The 13th Annual Burlington Penguin Plunge was fantastic!

Our Chittenden Chatterers plunging team grew to five with the addition of Andrew! We were flock 18 and were in the frigid waters by 11:30. It was a beautiful day and great to be together with many others in support of Special Olympics! The Chittenden Cross Country Ski team and Snowshoeing team handed out towels as we return from the frosty waters. Thanks to everyone who plunged, pledged and volunteered to support Special Olympics Vermont and the Penguin Plunge!

Dave

The 13th Annual Burlington Penguin Plunge is this Saturday, February 9th, 2008

That's right, and our Chittenden Chatterers plunging team has a new member, Kevin! The four of us, Karen, Kevin, Karen and Dave, will be plunging Saturday along with many others in support of Special Olympics! The Chittenden Cross Country Ski team and Snowshoeing team will be there to support the plungers by handing out towels as we return from the frosty waters. Please consider visiting the Burlington Water front Saturday to support the Penguin Plunge and enjoy the excitement!

Thanks, Dave

Mall Walking today, February 2, 2008

To much ice nad not enough snow in Williston so the cross country skiing and snowshoeing teams will walk the University Mall today!

Vermont Teddy Bear Fund raiser

Valentine's Day is approaching and our very own Claire Shockey is organizing a Vermont Teddy Bear fund raiser. She is looking for twenty volunteers to work at Vermont Teddy Bear, dressing bears for the Valentine gift season. Our Chittenden program will receive $10.00 per volunteer hour which amounts to $1000.00 for the event. I've heard it is a very fun way to raise money! Claire is looking to fill one of three options, the first option with 20 volunteers will go:

Option 1: Monday February 11th, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Option 2: Tuesday February 12th, 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Option 3: Wednesday February 13th, 1:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Please contact Claire at 878-2346 if you are interested in volunteering.

Thanks in advance for your support of this event and the Chittenden delegation of Special Olympics Vermont!

Dave

Upper Valley Games Saturday January 19, 2008

The Chittenden Alpine, Cross Country and Snowshoeing teams will be traveling to the Upper Valley Winter Games Saturday at the Dartmouth Skiway. The bus will arrive at the Special Olympics Vermont office in Williston at 5:30 AM and depart by 5:45 AM. Don't forget your ski equipment and pack a lunch. We plan on being back to the Special Olympics office by 5:00 - 5:30 PM.

Mall Walking today, January 12, 2008

No snow in Williston so the cross country skiing and snowshoeing teams will walk the University Mall today!

13th Annual Burlington Penguin Plunge February 9th, 2008

The Penguin Plunge is a very exciting and popular fund raising event for Special Olympics Vermont. We have formed the Chittenden Chatterers plunging team to support Special Olympics Vermont. Each plunger pays a $25.00 registration fee and then must raise an additional $150.00 to qualify for plunging. Each plunger may designate the registration fee ($25) go to a specific delegation. You can guess which delegation our team will designate!

For those crazy about Special Olympics and just crazy in general, it is not too late to join the Chittenden Chatters! This is my first time plunging into the frigid February waters of Lake Champlain but I'm looking forward to it. Please join in the excitement!

If you are more reserved, please consider pledging to someone on our team. You may pledge online by clicking on anyone listed on the team! Also, if you know anyone plunging individually or on another plunging team, please ask them to designate their registration fee to Chittenden. Many plungers do not realize this option is available!

Thanks, Dave

Special Olympics Vermont Chittenden Delegation Program Offering and Tentative Dates

2008 Team Bowling Tournament on January 13

• Team Bowling team practice began on November 3, 2007

2008 Winter Games on March 14 - 16

• Alpine Skiing team practice began December 30, 2007
• Cross Country Skiing team practice began December 29, 2007
• Snowshoeing team practice began December 29, 2007

2008 Spring Sports Competition on April 12 - 13

• Basketball team practice begins February 26

2008 Summer Games on May 30 – June 1

• Swimming team practice beginning on April 5th
  
• Softball team practice tentatively beginning on April 19
• Track and Field team practice tentatively beginning on March 29
• Bocce team practice beginning on April 16th
  

2008 Fall Sports Competition on October 4 - 5

• Individual Bowling practice tentatively beginning on August 9
• Soccer team practice tentatively beginning on August 9

2009 Team Bowling Tournament

• Team Bowling tentatively beginning on November 2, 2008
  

Welcome

Hello all! This is a blog by David Bogdan, one of the Special Olympics Vermont Chittenden delegation coordinators. I hope to use this blog for getting news and information out about our program. I want to make this blog and the SOVT Chittenden Calendar our real time communication channels.

Please feel free to post comments on the usability of this blog and the information that is shared. Also feel free to post comments with questions about Special Olympics or our Chittenden program.

Thanks, Dave