To expand the experiences of special needs individuals in our community by advocating for and publicizing Special Needs News and Activities.
In the News
Suarez Photo
Suarez Photo
Cheshire Special Olympics Golf 2009 Season in Full Swing!
Click Photo for Larger View
The 2009 Season of Cheshire Special Olympics Golf began on July 6, 2009 with 37 athletes, partners, volunteers, returning Coach, Peter Webster and Assistant Coach, Doug Wipfler. Practices are held every Monday at Sleeping Giant Golf Course in Hamden, CT. The Season will end with the State-wide "Fall Festival" Tournament on September 13, 2009 at Sleeping Giant. For More information about Local Special Olympics programs go to:
Team Manager needed for 2010 season; Please contact current Team Manager, Vickie Canale if interested at SOGolfCheshire@aol.com or Cheshire Local Coordinator, Linda Ruggiero
Program helps the jobless and people with autism
GUILFORD - Cliff Carter lost his job of 16 years last fall when Pinchbeck's Rose Farm, the last rose farm in Connecticut, went out of business. Owner Tom Pinchbeck shut down the family's 80-year-old enterprise because he could no longer compete with operations overseas.
The John J Nerden RTC Camp endined their 2009 camping season on Friday, August 14. Please visit their website to view the entire summer in pictures! Check back often for "Winter Camp" Activities www.CampNerden.com
Cheshire Challengers play Exhibition Game at Eastern Regional's in Bristol
West Hartford Day Camp Teaches Kids With Disabilities How To Ride Two Wheelers
WEST HARTFORD — - His parents needed bribes of ice cream — usually vanilla — to lure a reluctant Kyle Zachs Monday to a day camp where children with disabilities learn how to ride two-wheeled bicycles. Read More
Havin' a ball for Autism tournament a slam-dunk in its second go-round
MERIDEN - Over 400 people came out Saturday afternoon to attend the second annual 'Ballin for Autism' 3-on-3 basketball tournament at the YMCA Mountain Mist Outdoor Center.The charity tournament, directed by Meriden's Kevin Frederick, donates all proceeds towards Autism Speaks, the largest private provider of autism research and resources in CT.
2009 Park and Recreation Adaptive Canoeing Program ends August 18, 2009 -
Click photo for larger view.
The Park and Recreation Adaptive Program offered a special chance for the participants to learn the basics of canoeing under the direct supervision of Instructor, Bob James, two lifeguards plus additional staff on shore. The program was held at Mixville Park, Cheshire, CT.
Participants went from learning on land, to shallow water and then out on the pond.
For More Information about Cheshire's Adaptive programs, please contact Barbara Costello, Adaptive Program Coordinator at the Park and Rec Department 272-2743 or e-mail her at
The Suarez and Cassella Families held a Bake Sale on Friday August 14, 2009 at Cheshire Stop and Shop to Support The John J Nerden RTC Camp. Their baked goods raised $225.00 for Camp Nerden. For More Information about Camp Nerden, please visit their web-site atwww.CampNerden.org
Dream Ride 2009 Drives in $165,000
Dream Ride 2009, held on, Sunday, August 23, 2009 with a final destination of the Farmington Club. The goal of the event was to raise money for Special Olympics Connecticut’s programs. By days end, Michael Bozzuto, President and CEO of Bozzuto’s & the Hometown Foundation, presented a $165,000 check to Special Olympics Connecticut’s President, Beau Doherty. This brings the 9-year total to approximately $965,000 for Special Olympics Connecticut’s programs. Read More
Praise for Camp Nerden
Editor: Camp Nerden — wow! What a great summer my daughter had attending this camp for the first time. I had no idea this camp existed for as long as it has. It’s very difficult to find a camp that supports children and adults with special needs, so I’m very glad I stumbled upon it.
Admission is $13.00 per person (normally $29.00 pp)
Book your day passes for this event by going to tickets.cocokeywaterresort.com (no www….) and the password is Autism Speaks (with the space). Scroll to the bottom and you will see the Autism Speaks special rate to purchase tickets there.
Special Rate Overnight Package
Saturday night - $129 for a family of 4 and includes 4 water park passes for both Saturday and Sunday. This is at least $30 off regular pricing. You must use code ATS when booking this overnight package. You can book by going to www.holidayinn.com/waterburyct or by calling 203-706-1000. Add someone to your room for $19 per person and that included water park passes for both days too.
The Congresman will also be taking donations for a "Diaper Bank" at the forum. Diapers are collected and provided to needy recipients through welfare and/or WIC. Baby, child and adult diapers needed.
The Cheshire Youth & Social Services annual "Adopt-A-Family" program for the coming holiday season.
The "Adopt-A-Family" program is available to any Cheshire resident having financial
difficulties. Any resident interested in donating food items or gifts for the holidays contact Kristen Schechter at 271-6690. More Information
Sacred Heart's Public Safety Department to host JAIL N' BAIL EVENT TO BENEFIT SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Sacred Heart University’s Department of Public Safety is teaming up with members of the Fairfield and Bridgeport Police Departments, as well as other local law enforcement agencies
The Connecticut Tigers is an independent winter guard for students with special needs. For the past five years, this ensemble has entertained audiences throughout Connecticut at local venues, Musical Arts Conference (MAC) Championships, and WGI Regionals.
On Saturday, February 6, 2010, the Connecticut Tigers Winter Guard returned for the third year to the Winter Guard International Trumbull Regional. After only a few weeks of rehearsal, the Tigers put on a great show to a wonderful audience!
I just found your 2010 production video from the Trumbull regional. I must tell you what an inspiration it is to see people with special needs performing in an arena that I have grown to love. I've been marching for almost 10 years, and spinning for almost 5 years, reaching the levels of WGI and DCI finals before. Nothing, however, has drawn the emotional response that your amazing performance did. It's especially inspirational for me - my youngest brother, Jamie, has had Downs' Syndrome since he was born 11 years ago. The work you do is truly amazing, and I would love to do whatever I could to both support your efforts and to spread the word about the good you're doing!
Thank you so much for inspiring me throughout the season, and I look forward to your future productions.
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Vote for Best Buddies!
Best Buddies is in the running to receive a $250,000 Pepsi Refresh Project grant! Go to www.bestbuddies.org/refresh and vote every day for the month of March – Best Buddies Month! Once you vote, add the link to your facebook page and invite friends, family, and Best Buddies supporters to vote as well!
The project that gets the most votes will receive the grant; it’s as simple as that! So vote once a day, EVERY DAY throughout March, and we will win $250,000 to support our Leadership Conference where 1,100 student leaders with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities are trained to run a Best Buddies chapter at their school!
Parents develop Sunday School class for autistic son
For the moment, there is only one Sunday school pupil in Room 120 at State Street Baptist Church, a 19-year-old man who loves puzzles and songs and has painstakingly memorized the books of the Bible. Read More
Autism Society of Connecticut (ASCONN)
2010 GRANT APPLICATION
Attention parents and others who serve persons with autism in Connecticut, the Board of Directors of the Autism Society of Connecticut (ASCONN) is accepting applications for grants up to $1,000.00 per grant for parents, family members, persons with autism, or anyone working with persons on the autism spectrum.
Funds must be used to purchase items or services that directly relate to the safety and security of persons with autism or their families within Connecticut. More Information
Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day is on September 25th
Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day (EKS Day) is an annual celebration of her life and a global call for people to commit actions of inclusion, acceptance and unity for and with individuals with intellectual disabilities. Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day has been created to inspire new fans to experience her legacy and embrace the movement she founded in her backyard. What started as an inclusive sports camp in the early 1960s has blossomed into a worldwide movement transforming lives in over 170 countries. Read More
Congratulations to Team Connecticut for their success at the 2010 Special Olympics National Games in Lincoln, Nebraska
Team CT took 29 Gold Medals * 15 Silver Medals * 20 Bronze medals * 7 Fourth Place Ribbons!
Members of the Cheshire Challenger Little League played on exhibition game to kick off the Little League Eastern Regionals on August 17, 2009 in Bristol, CT.
Excepts of the Challengers game will be shown on ESPN during the Little League World Series
Cheshire Special Olympics 2009 Golf Team Ends Season at the Fall Sports Festival - click photo for larger image
Cheshire Special Olympics Golf ended their 2009 season on Sunday, September 13 at the Fall Sports Festival. The tournament is held at Sleeping Giant Golf Course annually, which lunch provided by Aunt Chilada'sMore Photos
It's For Them The Bells Toll
Deb Kelleher is a single mother of four sons, three of whom are adopted.
The boys came to her with special needs, and Kelleher is the first to say that shepherding such children to adulthood is not for everyone. Read More
Bells Of Hope To Ring For Child Adoption
Every Sunday, church bells across the state ring after a morning service and are heard all over the community. On Nov. 1, church bells will ring out for a different reason.
Cheshire resident Deborah Kelleher is trying to raise awareness of child adoption in the state of Connecticut and, to do so, has decided to sponsor the first Bells of Hope. On the first Sunday of November, which is National Adoption Month, church bells will ring 25 times — once for each child that needs to be adopted. Read More
'Little Buddy' GPS device keeps tabs on your kid
Best Buy is selling a transmitting device that lets parents keep track of their children. Parents can place the device in a child's backpack or lunch box, for example. Read More
Best Buddies Make a Difference in October
Cheshire Best Buddies and Cheshire Park and Recreation Adaptive Programs Teamed up for a few fun events such as Game Night, Bowling and a Halloween Party
approximately 25,000 kids age out of foster care every year?
Many will become homeless or eventually end up in prison. Recent landmark federal legislation extends foster care to youths past age 18 and CT is one of the states offering its youth in foster care this option. Consider... becoming a foster parent of a teen and offer your wisdom, support and guidance to a young person in need. http://www.fosteradoptivemission.org/
A school supports special athletes
There are many ways to be a Staples High School athlete. There are varsity teams, plus junior varsity and freshman. There are club sports, and intramurals.
And there is an active, enthusiastic club known as Students Supporting Special Athletes (SSSA) Read More
Cheshire High School - Students "team up" to help other students with disabilities
Kyle Nelson was just 15 when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. He was a sophomore at Cheshire High School and on the football team. He knew nothing about MS and didn't really care to those first days after his diagnosis.
However, since his diagnosis Nelson, 18, has by default become an expert, sharing with other youths diagnosed with the disease the things he's learned. Read More
Volunteers make it all happen at Special Olympics
NEW HAVEN — While the focus of the Special Olympics is on the athletes, volunteers help make it all possible. And they get as much joy out of the experience as the competitors.
“It’s personally rewarding; it’s a reality check of what’s really important,” said Kevin Salisbury, who volunteered with the Air Force National Guard. “Just seeing the smiles on the faces of the competitors and all the people involved, and the joy that sports and competition bring to people.” Read More
Autistic teens help TV production
CHESHIRE - On Saturday morning at the Cox Communications TV studio, three young adults sat behind professional cameras ready to tape a public access show. In the control room, two other teenagers were adjusting sound levels, lighting and setting up graphics for the television segment. Read More
New Adaptive Services Camp Getting Off To A Good Start
July 13, 2010 by Josh Morgan
It's the summer, the kids are off from school, and parents are looking for activities to keep them busy.
Most parents find local activities for their children to do during the day to try and fill their summer up with sports, camps, and day-trips. That is nothing out of the ordinary for many families but, often, families with a special needs child can feel left out from such activities.
Special Olympics Connecticut 40th Anniversary Video Wins 2 Telly Awards
Congratulations Special Olympics Connecticut for taking home two Telly Awards Special Olympics Connecticut received awards in both Charitable/Non-profit and Fund Raising categories for the Special Olympics Connecticut 40th Anniversary video.
The Telly Awards honor outstanding commercials and non-broadcast videos. The video was judged by the Silver Telly Council which is comprised of top industry professionals and past winners. “Special Olympics Connecticut 40th Anniversary” was selected out of 13,000 entries from the finest ad agencies, production companies, TV stations, cable companies, interactive agencies and corporations in the world!
This video recognized the growth, obstacles, miracles and effort that has so drastically changed attitudes and changed lives for the intellectually disabled community over the past 40 years. Multiple Special Olympics athletes and Global Messengers spoke in the video. All shared their thanks and experiences with the Special Olympics organization and its sponsors for granting their community opportunities that did exist 40 years ago.
The producer, photographer and editor Ray Wolters of KWB Media for worked hard to make this video award winning!
Congratulations to all who were involved, especially the brave voices that were heard and honored the most among 13,000 entries. To watch the award-winning video click here.
Roses for Autism: Cultivating Roses & Job Opportunities
Shattered by a weak economy, rising energy costs and a continuous avalanche of inexpensive, imported roses from South America, Pinchbeck Rose Growers of Guilford, Conn., was forced to close its doors in 2008. For Tom Pinchbeck, the third-generation owner of the farm, it marked the end of an era.
Pinchbeck was the last standing wholesale grower of cut roses in New England, operating the largest greenhouse under one roof—150,000 square feet—in the United States. Read More
Dream Ride 2010
Despite the rain, the 10th anniversary of Dream Ride was a huge success. On August 22nd, hundreds of participants, riding motorcycles and driving classic cars, braved the elements to support Special Olympics Connecticut. Once again, participants proved that Dream Ride is truly a wonderful experience and that supporters of this cause are loyal.
Special Olympics athletes were on hand throughout the event including a group of representatives, from each of the 8 participating states, that delivered the athlete oath at the Opening Ceremony. The “Dream Riders”, a group of nearly 100 Special Olympics athletes and their fellow teammates and friends, had a huge impact on the day and the participants.
Everyone must adjust to new environments at various points of their lives. Adjustments may involve adapting to a new school, a new teacher, or other things that are different than what we are used to. Transitions can be particularly challenging for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD),
Boy with heart ailment ready for dream visit to Orlando
NEW MILFORD -- Eight-year-old Connor Dawson runs around his living room chasing a Winnie the Pooh balloon while his older sister, Emily, plays with her smaller star balloon, remnants of a party to celebrate their family's seven-day vacation to Orlando, Fla.
Connor, a boy born with Down syndrome, has a chronic heart ailment that required open-heart surgery when he was only 3 months old. Read More
Down syndrome football player scores TD in Washington game
Ike Ditzenberger is like a lot of other 17-year-old American football players. He dreams of playing college football. He attends daily practices. Most of the time he toils away in offensive drills. Then, on rare occasions, Ditzenberger runs into the limelight with aplomb. The description could fitthousands of American teenagers, except for one crucial detail: Ike Ditzenberger has Down Syndrome Read More
Scot Haney's 5:55:55 Tribute for former Cheshire Challenger Little League and Challenger Bowling President, Rick Held
Hot Time in Bridgeport as DCI returns to Connecticut - DCW On-Line: Bridgeport CT Review
Steamy temps and even hotter music came to town as the Boston Crusaders hosted “Bridgeport Drums” at historic John F. Kennedy Stadium. It was the first time in almost a decade that the junior circuit had visited the 'Port and the sweaty throng showed their appreciation as they were treated to a heapin' helpin' of music and motion. Fresh off a tornado a few days before, Beepo recorded record temps that clung to the Central High turf well into the evening.
The CT Tigers Honor Guard presented the colors in a touching moment; these differently abled kids stood proud to kick off the proceedings.
Parents of Boy With Autism Map Out His Future as an Adult
Tyler Bell starts his day just like anyone else: He brushes his teeth, takes a shower and makes breakfast. But because of his severe autism, the 17-year-old Bell needs help doing these simple tasks. Read More
Autism Rocks!
Family Style Concert Held to Benefit Pinchbeck Rose Work Project.
Julie Hipp never planned to be the mother of a child with autism. She and her family weren't prepared to experience the loneliness, exhaustion, and misunderstanding that goes hand in hand with having a child with autism.
"We were very isolated," said Hipp. "People just don't want to be with you."
Cheshire Challengers Thank Kiwanis for Years of Support
Members of the Cheshire Challenger Little League attended the Cheshire Kiwanis meeting on September 14, 2010 to thank the club for the years of support to the Challenger program.
Challengers, is a division of Little League that offers children ages 4-21 with physical and/or developmental disabilities the opportunity to play in an organized baseball league.
On Friday, October 8, 2010, students, teachers and family members gathered at Wilby High School to honor one of their classmates, Dennis Collins.
Dennis, who celebrated his 20th birthday on August 14, 2010 with a Mylar balloon party, was born premature at 25 weeks and suffers from a seizure disorder ,cerebral palsy, scoliosis, Ehlers Danlos syndrome, Leukemia and Dandy Walker syndrome. Read More
2011 Special Olympics USA Scarf Project
What is the Scarf Project?
Handmade scarves donated as a result of the 2011 Special Olympics USA Scarf Project will be a symbol of unity, support, compassion and empowerment, as the Special Olympics athletes, coaches, families, volunteers and supporters wear them with pride in knowing they have become part of the Special Olympics family. Read More
Getting Through a School Has Never Been So Difficult by Adam Garner, 2014
Cheshire High School is a large building, and trying to get around in a wheelchair makes it seem even larger. Anyone you ask in a wheelchair or on crutches would agree that the high school is not an overly handicap-friendly building.
One of the main reasons for this problem is that many doors in the building do not have automatic door openers. The lack of this single button can create significant barriers for people with physical disabilities. These obstacles are created because a person in a wheelchair cannot push the chair and open the door at the same time. Read More
PHOTOS OF THE GREATER MIDDLETOWN SPECIAL OLYMPICS BASKETBALL TEAM ARE ON A NEW PHOTOGRAPHY BLOG
To see the extraordinary athletes on the Greater Middletown Special Olympics Basketball Team-The Thunderstorm-in action at the Special Olympics Connecticut "March Madness" Basketball Tournament on Saturday, March 19, 2011 at Holy Cross High School in Waterbury please click on the link below
Quinnipiac’s men’s basketball team saw an entirely new cheering squad at Saturday’s game against Mount St. Mary’s. Members of Best Buddies, a subgroup of Community Action Program, enjoyed showing blue and gold spirit while accompanying their “Buddies” to the basketball game. Read More
Puzzling Pieces Bake Sale for Autism
GMSO Athlete Ryan Breedlove of Meriden(In White with the ball) looks for a teammate to throw the ball to during a game with the "Ability Beyond Disability" Team from Bethel, CT at the Special Olympics Connecticut "March Madness" Basketball Tournament on Saturday, March, 19, 2011 hosted by Holy Cross High School in Waterbury.
Take Another Step Edible Arrangements Random Acts of Happiness Contest to support Camp Nerden
Puzzling Pieces SECOND CHANCE Bake Sale held on Saturday, 4/30/2011 Raised over 500.00 for the Walk for Autism held May 1st at Choate
Five Years In, CHS Best Buddies Program Thriving
April 17, 2011 by John Rook
At first glance, Cheshire High School students Jack Amato and Bobby Anthony look like regular teenage friends.
Listen to them interact, talk about parties and movies, and laugh to themselves at certain inside jokes, and nothing seems unique. Read More.
GMSO ATHLETES WIN MEDALS AT THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS CT-EASTERN REGIONAL GAMES ON SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2011
TakeAnotherStep.com has entered a contest on behalf of Camp Nerden. ~Edible Arrangements: Random Acts of Happiness~ The Story, "A Step In The Right Direction", submitted by Marilyn D. is not a story about Camp, it is a story about Take Another Step, but Take Another Step chooses to donate the winnings to The John J Nerden Camp.
The Grand Prize is 10,000.00 for an individual's entry and $20,000.00 for an organizations' entry. Winners are Judged By the Amount of Votes but also by the story itself.
Please vote and pass along to your friends and family:
Another good reason to vote: "With each vote on a submission, Edible Arrangements will donate $1 to Big Brothers Big Sisters (up to $20,000).
Thanks for your vote!
Twenty Athletes with the Greater Middletown Special Olympics competed at the Special Olympics Connecticut-Eastern Regional Games hosted by the University of Hartford & Hartford Public High School in Hartford on Saturday, May 7, 2011. They were among 700 athletes from the Special Olympics Connecticut-Eastern Region who competed that day in track & field & swimming events. The Head Track & Field Coach is Heather Ann Lodini of Cromwell with Terry Shepard of Middletown as the Assistant Coach. The Athletes won Gold Medals for 1st Place, Silver Medals for 2nd Place, Bronze Medals for 3rd Place & Ribbons for 4th & 5th Places. Read More
John J. Nerden Camp gets upgrades thanks to help from Spectra volunteers (video)
MIDDLEFIELD — Spectra Energy, a natural gas distribution and pipeline company with a local branch in Cromwell, donated their time Thursday for repairs and additions to The John J. Nerden Regional Training Center Camp for Special Needs on Powder Hill Road.
“It is part of a project called ‘Helping Hands in Action,’ said Spectra Energy spokeswoman Christi Dunn. “Spectra really encourages volunteerism all of the time.”
