Chittenden Alpine Ski and Snowboard practice canceled, 12/22/2013

All, we are canceling Alpine Ski and Snowboard practice tomorrow too!  All Chittenden practices are canceled for this weekend.  Be safe!  Dave

Chittenden Team Bowling practice canceled 12/22/2013

All, we are canceling Team Bowling practice for Sunday, 12/22/2013 due to the ice storm that is approaching.  See everyone next weekend!  Dave

Chittenden Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe practice canceled 12/21/2013

All, due to the winter storm watch our Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe practice is canceled for Saturday, 12/21/2013.  I will be out of town this weekend without access to my email distribution list so please watch our blog (http://sovtchittenden.blogspot.com/) for any updates regarding Alpine Ski, Snowboard or Team Bowling changes. Thanks, Dave

Chittenden Team Bowling Canceled 12/15/2013

All, Chittenden Team Bowling is canceled for Sunday December 15th due to the winter storm warning and in anticipation of bad roads.  We will see everyone next Sunday the 23rd!  Thanks, Dave

Chittenden Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe practice at University Mall, Saturday 12/14/2013

All, do to the wind chill forecast for Saturday, we will have our first practice indoors at the University Mall.  We meet at the Applebee's end of the mall.  Wear walking shoes or sneakers.  See everyone at 9:00 AM!

Support Special Olympics Vermont - 2014 Penguin Plunge

It's that freezin' time of year again. Crazy folks will jump into the frigid waters of Lake Champlain for the 2014 Burlington  Penguin Plunge  fundraiser!  Please consider either joining our plunging team, the  Chittenden Chatterers  or pledging for one of our members.  When joining our team or any other team, please indicate on the registration form that you would like your registration fee to go to the Chittenden Program!

2013/2014 Winter Sports

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING

Saturday's beginning December 14th at 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. We meet at The Whittle House, 18 Maple Rd, Williston, VT, 05495, and walk the Williston Bike Path for our first practice. Weather permitting, future practice will again be held at Catamount Outdoor Family Center. Our trail tickets are graciously donated by the Catamount Outdoor Family Center. We will be handing out towels at the Penguin Plunge Saturday February 8th.  

December 14th - Meet at the Whittle House, 18 Maple Rd, Williston, VT, 05495
December 21st - February 1st - Catamount Outdoor Family Center
February 8th - Penguin Plunge
February 15th - March 1st - Catamount Outdoor Family Center
March 7th - March 9th - Winter Games, Suicide Six, Woodstock VT, 05091

ALPINE SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING

The first practice will be a hike up Mount Philo on Sunday December 1st departing from Special Olympics Vermont at 9:00 AM and returning by 12:00 PM. The first mountain practice will begin on Sunday, Sunday December 22nd. All mountain practices will be at Sugarbush. There may be an alternative practice on Presidents Day weekend, February 17th, and there will be no practice on Martin Luther King weekend, January 20th.
Transportation leaving from and returning to the Special Olympics Vermont office back parking lot, 16 Gregory Drive, Suite 2, South Burlington, VT 05403,  departing at 9:00 AM and returning at 4:00 PM. 
Lift tickets graciously donated by Sugarbush VT

December 1st - Hike Mount Philo
December 22nd - Sugarbush
December 29th - NO PRACTICE
January 5th - January 12th - Sugarbush
January 19th - Tentative Sugarbush (Martin Luther King weekend)
February 16th - NO PRACTICE (Presidents Day weekend)
February 23rd - March 2nd - Sugarbush
March 7th - March 9th - Winter Games, Suicide Six, Woodstock VT, 05091

WINTER GAMES

Weekend of March 7th - March 9th - Winter Games, Suicide Six, Woodstock VT, 05091

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:
Susan Grab, Phone: 802-373-2634 email: susangrab@aol.com
Jess Moulton, Phone: 802-999-6252 email: themoultonmonkeys@yahoo.com
Roland Luxenburg, Phone: 802-238-0071 email: roland@luxenberg.us

Snowboard: 
Sarah Hollemans, email: smhollemans@gmail.com

Cross Country: 
Karen and Dave Bogdan, Phone: 865-3840 email: kraze1@comcast.net or dbogdan@ieee.org
Katie De Carolis, Phone: 802-862-9916 email: decarolisk@gmail.com


Snowshoe: 
Maggie Trayah, Phone: 524-3142 email: riahwind1@comcast.net

Knights of Columbus Christmas Party

What:   A Christmas Party! The South Burlington Knights of Columbus are holding a Christmas Party for our special friends.  We hope you can join us for food, drink, music, dancing and a special appearance by Santa.

When: December 15th from 1:00pm-3:30PM

Where: The Knights of Columbus Hall at 17 Berard Drive, South Burlington, VT

RSVP to:   Frank Myers 862-4580 or Bill Cannon 865-4774

Special Olympics Vermont 2012 Annual Report

Special Olympics Vermont is part of a global movement that works year round to foster inclusion and acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities by using the power of sport to showcase their gifts and abilities.  Our 2012 Annual Report includes financial information, photos and our key accomplishments. Our work requires the time, financial support and expertise of thousands of individuals and organizations to fulfill our mission.  On behalf of the athletes of Special Olympics Vermont, thank you for your commitment to changing lives. You can view the complete 2012 Special Olympics Vermont Annual Report by clicking on the image below. STAY CONNECTED

Chittenden Soccer practice canceled tonight, 10/22/13

Due to wet fields and raining weather, coach Bob has canceled soccer practice. See everyone on Thursday!   

2013 Team Bowling Practice

Team Bowling

Chittenden's team bowling practice will begin on Sunday November 24th, 2013 starting at 10:00 AM at Champlain Lanes, 2630 Shelburne Road, Shelburne.  Ther will be no bowling the weekend off Thanksgiving, Sunday December 1st       

The team bowling tournament will be held on Sunday January 26, 2014.

Coaches: Karen & Dave Bogdan - 865-3840
Karen Cutler
Gary DeCarolis
Stephanie Hardesty

We will be forming 4 person all athlete teams (no partners again this year).  

Please contact Dave or  Karen Bogdan at 865-3840 or kraze1@comcast.net if you want to bowl and are not on a team or if you are on a team and cannot bowl! Remember, this is a team sport and your team will be at a disadvantage at the competition if anyone is absent. Therefore, everyone must commit to competing on Sunday January 26th.


NOTE: All athletes MUST have a current medical on file PRIOR to the start of practice or you will not be allowed to start practice!  If you are not sure your medical is current, please contact Karen Bogdan at 865-3840.

Halloween Party

Halloween Party

We're having a party. You’re in for a scare

It’s a Halloween bash. So dress up if you dare!

You are invited to a costume party!

October 27th 3-6pm

554 Lavigne hill rd, Hinesburg

RVSP 989-6146

Sara
$10 admission

There will be games, food and snacks. Prizes for best costumes.

Sara Barboza

Green Mountain Vineyards

(802) 989-6146

Adaptive Soccer Clinic - Saturday October 19th - St. Michael's College

I hope that this message finds you well.  The EDD Memorial Fund is offering a free adaptive soccer clinic led by the St. Michael's Women's Soccer team.  The clinic is open to children and young adults with any type of disability and focuses on skill development in a non-competitive setting.  Volunteers will work one-on-one with participants on basic skills.  (This is the same clinic we have offered in late summer for the last few years, but due to schedule constraints, we were unable to offer it in August this year.  Rest assured, the St. Mike's women are prepped and excited to work with your children again.)  

What: Adaptive Soccer Clinic

When: Sat. Oct. 19th at 10am

Where: St. Michael's College, Colchester, VT (Weather permitting, we will be on the soccer field.  If the weather is poor, we will move inside the field house).

Who: open to children and young adults with disabilities

Please let Gretchen know if you would like to register your child for this clinic.  You can reach Gretcen at -802-399-4366 or events@eddfund.org.  And please help me spread the word about this program.  If you know anyone who might be interested, please pass this message on.  Thank you!

Sincerely,

Gretchen

Gretchen Owens

Director, EDD Memorial Fund

Creating adaptive sports opportunities

for young people with disabilities

www.eddfund.org

Chittenden Soccer practice cancelled Tuesday September 10th

In anticipation of thunderstorms rolling through Chittenden county this evening, coach Bob has cancelled soccer practice. See everyone on Thursday!   

VSA 2013 Top Soccer

Top Soccer 2013

VERMONT SOCCER ASSOCIATION INVITES ANY SCHOOL-AGED STUDENT WITH DISABILITIES (AGES 4-21) TO JOIN A SOCCER PROGRAM DESIGNED TO ENCOURAGE THEIR PARTICIPATION AND ENJOYMENT OF THIS GREAT SPORT.

TOP SOCCER IS A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED PROGRAM THAT MATCHES DISABLED ATHLETES WITH INDIVIDUAL TEEN MENTORS TO EXPERIENCE THE GAME OF SOCCER IN A NEW WAY.

THIS IS A 6 WEEK PROGRAM, HELD ON SUNDAY AFTERNOONS FROM 1:00-2:30 AT THE TREE FARM IN ESSEX JUNCTION BEGINNING SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 8^TH AND ENDING SUNDAY OCTOBER 13^TH.

IN CASE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER TOP SOCCER WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE ESSEX HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM. YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED BY EMAIL BY NOON ON SUNDAY.

REGISTRATION CAN BE HANDLED IN ONE OF TWO WAYS:

RECOMMENDED WAY TO REGISTER:

GO TO VERMONT SOCCER ASSOCIATION WEBSITE, CLICK ON PROGRAMS, CLICK ON TOP SOCCER, FILL OUT REGISTRATION INFORMATION. YOU WILL RECEIVE AN EMAIL CONFIRMATION OF YOUR REGISTRATION IMMEDIATELY.

YOU MAY ALSO PRINT THE APPLICATION FORM,
FILL IT OUT COMPLETELY, SEND IT WITH A CHECK FOR $25.00 (Scholarships are available) MADE OUT TO:

VERMONT SOCCER ASSOCIATION

MEG MUNSON, EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR

VERMONT SOCCER ASSOCIATION

WILLISTON, VT

2013 Chittenden Calcutta

You are invited to an evening of fun to support a great cause!!

The 2013 Special Olympics Chittenden Calcutta

Saturday, October 26th
Elks Lodge
925 North Ave, Burlington

Cash Bar at 6:30pm
Dinner at 7pm 
Program to begin at 7pm

Tickets $100 for two dinners and one game ball

$2000 Grand Prize

Prizes throughout the evening

Choice of:

Petite Filet (beef)

Baked Salmon

Maple Cheddar Chicken

Also featuring:

100th ball raffle

50/50 raffle

Silent auction featuring donated items from our community partners.

Contact:

Nicole Yandow

802-355-5019
nicole.yandow@hotmail.com

or 

Dave Bogdan

802-598-9571

dbogdan@ieee.org

Dream Ride 2013 Weekend recap

Let's get started!

Meet Jake

Special Olympics Vermont is proud to introduce all of our friends to Jake, an inspirational alpine skier, golfer, champion and friend. Follow Jake on his  journey in the new short documentary, Meet Jake. Thank you for your support of the Special Olympics movement. Friends like you make projects like Meet Jake possible. STAY CONNECTED

2013 Soccer practice

Dear Athletes, Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers:

On behalf of the entire volunteer coaching staff which includes Maggie Trayah, Giles Willey, Lori Uerz and Thomas Moore, let me welcome you to the Chittenden Delegation’s 2013 Soccer Program.

We are happy to announce that this year’s program officially begins on Tuesday, September 3rd at 6:00 pm at our practice field located at Camp Johnson in Colchester; within sight-line of the main gate. A special thank you to Lt. Col. Lloyd Goodrow (retired) for, again, securing this wonderful field for our use; which will be cut and marked in time for our first practice.

Also, a very special thank you to Vermont Systems for their ongoing support.

Practices will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00 – 7:30 pm right up to the Special Olympics Vermont Statewide Tournament at Norwich University on Saturday, October 26th.

You can expect that our coaches will be working with each athlete to have fun, to teach the game, to build a sense of teamwork and most importantly promote good sportsmanship in practice and in competition.

You can expect that our coaches will treat all athletes, parents, guardians, and caregivers with respect and ask you to provide that same level of respect to our coaches and to other athletes.

We ask you to comply with the Special Olympics of Vermont’s Spectator Guidelines which is attached. In addition, we ask you to review with your athlete the Special Olympics of Vermont Athlete Code of Conduct form then sign and return it to me as soon as possible.

Like last year, we will be organizing athletes into three groups to maximize their skill development while maintaining our focus on safety for all athletes.

As coaches, we have an expectation that athletes will arrive on time for practice and will be are picked up on time at the conclusion of practice --- as our volunteer coaches have commitments as well. We  will also make an extra effort to end practice on time.

As coaches, we have an expectation that each athlete will arrive wearing a team purple practice t-shirt, black shorts, soccer cleats, shin guards, with a water bottle, and a soccer ball --- ready to play.

Per the requirements of Special Olympics Vermont, please understand the need we have for up-to-date medical forms and information on each athlete. Please submit any and all required form as quickly as possible.

If you have an issue of concern, please call me at 802.899.5506 so we can resolve it as soon as possible.

Dedicated to keeping it fun, safe, and respectful,

Head Coach Bob Uerz

PS.
With regard to inclement weather, please go to the Chittenden Delegation website/blog located at http://sovchittenden.blogspot.com to learn if practice is canceled. Once practice has been canceled for the day, it will not be changed even if the weather improves later in the day!

PPS.
In order to keep expenses down, we will again be car pooling to the Statewide Tournament at Norwich University. So please consider helping us in this regard, if possible.

2013 Individual Bowling practice schedule - update!

Chittenden's individual bowling practice will be on Wednesday evenings at Champlain Lanes, 2630 Shelburne Road, Shelburne beginning in August, then switch to Sunday mornings in September:

6:00 PM Wednesday's: 8/14/13, 8/21/13 and 8/28/13
Switching to:
10:00 AM Sunday's: 9/1/13 - through 9/29/13  9/8/13 through 10/6/13
We will not practice on Labor Day weekend, Septemeber 1st.  We understand some may be away and will have to make up practice.  

The bowling tournament will be held on Sunday, October 6th 13th at our home turf of Champlain Lanes!

Pre-register please!
Please contact Karen or Dave Bogdan by phone (865-3840) or email (dbogdan@ieee.org) to sign up. We plan on having lane assignments for the first practice.  August is a busy month for many of us with camps and vacation so please contact Karen or Dave if you want to bowl but have conflicts in August.  We will work something out.  Our competition registration is due September 13 so we need at least 5 weeks of practice by then for averages!

Coaches:
Karen and Dave Bogdan - 865-3840
Karen Cutler
Gary DeCarolis
Stephanie Hardesty

2014 National Games - Team Vermont!

Announcing the 2014 National Games – Team Vermont…

Congratulations to the following SOVT Athletes and Partners who will represent Vermont at the 2014 National Games in Princeton, NJ!

Aquatics

Kate Bove, Chittenden

Christopher Mitchell, Rutland

Susannah Venbjerg, Chittenden

Lelia Volmer, Central Vermont

Athletics

Hannah Ames, Chittenden

Harrison Boutcher, Chittenden

David Garvey, Castleton

Madeline Honigman, Chittenden

Mary Kidder, Lamoille

Corey Macdonald-Powden, bellcate

Aaron Thresher, Caledonia

Bocce

John (Matt) Harvey and Curtis Powers, Caledonia

Anna Davis and Kayla Richard, Spaulding High School

Shane Morris and Joel Marshall, U-32 Middle/High School

Bowling

Tricia Blanchard, Jeanette Mangieri, Donna Montag and Shawn Owen, Rutland

Cindy Williamson and Elizabeth Williamson, Upper Valley

Basketball – BFA St Albans Unified Team

Patrick Burke-Willett

Samuel Costes                 

Jessica Hilt                          

Dylan Johnson                  

Machaela Maille              

Eric Mercy                          

Marina Perron                  

Vincent Pigeon                

Issac Ryea                          

Bonnie Young   

Coaches will be selected by September 4.  If you are interested in coaching, please contact me for an application.  Applications are due by August 15.  If you have questions about Team Vermont or the selection process please let me know.

Thanks,

Michelle Gate

Director of Programs

Special Olympics Vermont

802-863-5222 X108

mgates@vtso.org

Think College Vermont

Think College Vermont is currently accepting applications for the fall semester.

Think College Vermont @ UVM/CDCI is a small, innovative, inclusive, academic, social, and vocational program for students with intellectual disabilities seeking a college experience. Participants earn a 12-credit Certificate of Professional Studies for non-matriculated students designed to include:

Academic Enrichment: Enroll in UVM classes with peer mentor support

Socialization: Meet new people and participate in social & recreational activities

Independent Living & Self-Advocacy Skills: Improve daily living skills & increase independence and confidence

Work Experience & Career Skills: Explore careers, develop employability skills, & establish a career path

For more information contact Kiersten Hallquist at 656-1126 and check out the website at Think College @ UVM.

Please feel free to pass this message along to anyone who may be interested.

Thanks,

Michelle Gates

Special Olympics Vermont

2013 Summer Games events

The 2013 Special Olympics Vermont Summer Games will be held Friday June 7th through Sunday June 9th at the University of Vermont.  Below is the schedule.  More details may be found in the 2013 Summer Games Handbook found here: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BxSy5xg4DLg2eUVnUXlXdDVDU2c/edit?usp=sharing

NEW! Special Olympics Vermont has published a 2013 Summer Games Family Handbook found here: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BxSy5xg4DLg2NnF3WndVdXdxLTQ/edit?usp=sharing

I have added the divisioning reports here: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0BxSy5xg4DLg2aXNJWVlaMy1JM0U&usp=sharing You may see what times each athlete and teams compete.  Athletes, parents and caregivers, please remember that schedules for large events such as this are often in flux so please plan on staying at the games until your last event for the day is finished.

For those staying overnight at the dorms, please remember that you need to bring bed linen for a twin bed, bath towels, toiletry and clothes.

Smokers, please note the new Special Olympis smoking policy in the above Handbook.

2013 SUMMER GAMES SCHEDULE
Friday, June 7
4:00 – 6:00pm	Delegation Check-In;
	Wing Davis Wilks main desk
	Please send only ONE representative to check in your delegation and
	to pick-up all keys and credentials
5:00 – 6:30pm	Friday Night Dinner – Harris Millis Commons
6:30 – 6:45pm	Line-up for the Parade of Athletes – on path between Virtue Field and the Track
6:45 – 7:00pm	Parade of Athletes
7:00 – 8:00pm	Opening Ceremonies –Track
08:30 PM	Coaches Meeting – Tent directly behind bleachers
Saturday, June 8
7:00 – 8:00am	Breakfast – Harris Millis Commons
08:15 AM	Umpires & Softball Volunteers Meeting – Williston Rec Fields
08:30 AM	Softball Coaches Meeting – Williston Rec Fields
08:30 AM	Bocce Volunteers Meeting – Field 5 (next to Virtue Field)
08:50 AM	Track Volunteers Meeting – Outdoor Track
09:00 AM	Coaches Meetings at each respective venue:
	Athletics – Track
	Aquatics – Pool
	Bocce – Field 5 (next to Virtue Field)
9:00 – 3:00pm	Healthy Athletes
10:00 – 3:00pm	Olympic Town
9:00 – 4:00pm	Merchandise in Merchandise Tent
9:00 – 4:00pm	Competition
5:30 – 6:45p	Dinner - Indoor Tennis Courts
7:00 – 9:00p	Victory Dance "You Are the Stars" - Patrick Gymnasium
Sunday, June 9
7:00 – 8:00am	Breakfast – Harris Millis Commons
7:30 – 8:30am	UVM Housing Check-Out – Wing Davis Wilks main desk
8:45 – 9:00am	Coaches meetings at each venue:
	Athletics – Track
	Aquatics – Pool
	Bocce – Field 5 (next to Virtue field)
9:00am – 2:00pm	Merchandise Sales
8:45 – 1:00pm	Competition