Down Syndrome Parents Group of Western New York - DSPG of WNY

Step Up for Down Syndrome
2016-10-01 11:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Our 9th annual awareness walk will be held Saturday, October 1st from 11am-2pm at Coca-Cola field. We will walk one mile around Harbor Center as we celebrate National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. We are excited to have music from Strictly Hip again this year as well as a photo booth, games and activities for children and entertainment from various local groups. Advance registration is open until September 12th and includes a FREE t-shirt for $7. Walk-ins are welcome the day of the event for $10. Also check out our Facebook page or contact Gretchen White at 465-0128 or gretchen.w@dspgwny.org for more information.
Click Here to REGISTER for Step Up for Down Syndrome 2016
Interested in volunteering? We require a strong volunteer base of adults (over the age of 18) to manage the walking route and all of our walkers and would love to have you on board.
Click Here to VOLUNTEER for Step Up for Down Syndrome 2016
If you require any additional information please feel free to contact Maureen Hunley-Barnes at mhunleybarnes@yahoo.com.
We look forward to seeing all of our walkers and volunteers on October 1st!

DSPG Fantasy Island Picnic
2016-08-07 11:30 - 15:30 | Martin’s Fantasy Island, 2400 Grand Island Blvd., Grand Island, NY, 14072-3198, United States
Join us for a day of family fun at Martin’s Fantasy Island on Saturday, August 7. Tickets include all day admission to the park and lunch. Park opens at 11:30am. Lunch will be served from 1-3:00pm and includes hot dogs, hamburgers, potato and macaroni salad and ice cream treats. Unlimited soft drinks will be served from 12:30-3:30pm.
Due to your continued generosity throughout the year, the DSPG will again be offering discounted tickets to our group’s immediate family members and grandparents for $15. The cost to families who have season passes is only $8 per person for lunch. We ask that extended family members and friends pay $23.40 per ticket. This is still a discounted price for our group through Fantasy Island.
Mail checks made out to DSPG to Bonnie Zon, 222 Culpepper Road, Williamsville, NY 14221, by Friday, July 29th, to allow time for tickets to be mailed back. No tickets will be sold at the park. Contact Bonnie at bonzon1102@aol.com or 632-0137 with questions.

DSPG Day at the Ball Park
2016-07-10 13:05 - 16:00 | Coca Cola Field, 275 Washington St., Buffalo, NY, 14203, United States
Join us for a family outing to the Buffalo Bison’s game on Sunday, July 10 at 1:05 p.m. where the Bisons will take on the Durham Bulls. Tickets are for immediate family only. All tickets will be in the shade unless you request sunshine.
Please email Janet Poreda at janpo788@aol.com for tickets by July 3. Tickets will be mailed to you so please include your mailing address.

iCan Bike Camp -Buffalo • June 27 - July 1, 2016
2016-06-27 - 2016-07-01 | Buffalo Niagara Court Center, 425 Meyer Rd, West Seneca, NY, 14224, United States
Learning to ride a two-wheeler is a rite of passage for nearly everyone—but many people with disabilities never realize this achievement. iCan Shine Bike Camp is changing that!
The camp, hosted by Developmental Disability Alliance of WNY, will be held June 27-July 1, 2016 at Buffalo Niagara Court Center (BNCC), 425 Meyer Road, West Seneca, NY for 75 minutes per day. The cost is $150 before June 1,
The cost is $150 before June 1, 2016 or $175 after June 1.
For information or questions about for this bike camp please e-mail Sarajane at wnylttw@yahoo.com or call 716-817-7204.

Requirements for Participation (Rider must meet all of below criteria):
 Minimum of 8 years of age
 Able to sidestep to both sides
 Have a disability
 Able to attend camp all 5 days
 Able to walk without assistive device
 Maximum weight 220 lbs.
 Willing and able to wear a properly fitted bike helmet
 Minimum inseam of 20” (measure from floor while rider is wearing sneakers)

Please apply early as the camp fills quickly. Visit website below for registration forms.
http://icanshine.org/buffalo-ny/

Comforting Hugs Foundation Providing Free Showing of The Peanuts Movie
2016-05-15 11:00 - 13:00 | East Aurora Theater, 673 Main St, East Aurora, 14052, United States
Thanks to the generosity of the Comforting Hugs Foundation, a private, free showing of The Peanuts Movie will take place Sunday May 15th at 11am at the East Aurora Theater, 673 Main St, East Aurora 14052.
Each child will receive a complementary drink, popcorn and candy treat. Adults can also receive a complementary drink and popcorn.
If you are interested please reply to dspg@dspgwny.org to let us know how many will be attending.

COMFORTING HUGS FOUNDATION was created to provide comfort and support to children (and their families) living with cancer, long-term illness or a disability. We visit them in the hospital or home and bring a care bag, hand sewn pillowcase, toys, snacks and much more.
Recently we started providing an evening out where the entire family can enjoy themselves and possibly forget for a few hours (if possible) their every day battle.

In Celebration of Down Syndrome
2016-05-07 14:00 - 16:00 | Museum of Disability History, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14226, United States
“In Celebration of Down Syndrome,” an addition to the Museum of disABILITY History, recognizes individuals who have Down syndrome in a fascinating new exhibit. The exhibit explores medical history, myths and facts, as well as success stories and popular culture.
Keynote Speaker
Meet and Greet, Book Autograph Session
David Wright is a professor of history and chairperson of the History and Classical Studies Department at McGill University, in Montreal, Canada. He is an economic and social historian by training, and author and co-editor of eight books, including, Downs: The History of a Disability.

DSPG Meeting April 13 - Transitions from EI/CPSE/CSE
2016-04-13 18:30 - 21:00 | M102, Medaille College Medaille College, 18 Agassiz Circle, Buffalo, NY, 14214, United States
Join us Wednesday, April 13 at 7pm in room M102 at Medaille College where Vicki Rubin from ECDC will speak on the transition process from Early Intervention to school age.
** At 6:30pm, prior to our meeting, we invite you to bring any gently used materials your child has grown out of, (books, DVDs, halloween costumes, etc.), to share with another family. Please do not leave any unclaimed items behind.

Spaghetti Dinner and Basket Auction
2016-03-06 16:00 - 18:30 | The Columbus Hall, 2735 Union Road, Cheektowaga, NY, 14227, United States
We are SOLD OUT for Spaghetti Dinner Tickets! You are no longer able to order tickets online or email/phone for tickets. Tickets will not be sold at the door. We are at capacity for the venue, so, therefore, we are not able to make any accommodations. Thanks for your interest and hopefully we will see you next year!

UB Bulls Basketball Game
2016-02-20 15:30 - 17:30 | UB Alumni Arena, 175 Webster Road , Amherst, NY, 14226, United States
Bring your family to watch the UB Bulls take on Bowling Green courtesy of the DSPG on Saturday, February 20 from 3:30 – 5:30pm at Alumni Arena. Activities for kids and concessions will be available.
For tickets contact Janet Poreda at janpo788@aol.com by Monday, February 15. Immediate family only please.

DSPG Valentines Dance
2016-02-06 17:30 - 21:00
The Valentines dance will be Saturday, February 6, 2016 from 5:30 to 9:00 pm, at Magruders, located at 4995 Broadway in Depew. Please RSVP by Monday, February 1, so that we can ensure adequate food and seating. The DSPG will provide pizza, salad and drinks. Families with the last names A-M are to bring dessert, and families N-Z will bring an appetizer.
Since the dances are so well attended we are requiring an RSVP in advance in order to prepare the space and ensure that we are within capacity limits of the venue. Please RSVP to Lynette at ljph@roadrunner.com

DSPG Meeting - Transitions from EI/CPSE/CSE
2016-01-13 19:00 - 21:00
Join us Wednesday, January 13 at 7pm in room M102 at Medaille College where Vicki Rubin from ECDC will speak on the transition process from Early Intervention to school age.
** At 6:30pm, prior to our meeting, we invite you to bring any gently used materials your child has grown out of, (books, DVDs, halloween costumes, etc.), to share with another
family. Please do not leave any unclaimed items behind. Hope to see you there!

DSPG Holiday Party
2015-12-05 11:00 - 14:00 | Sacred Heart Academy, 3860 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14226, United States
Celebrate the holidays with DSPG family and friends at our annual Holiday Party on Saturday, December 5, from 11am-2pm. Students at the Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart, 3860 Main Street, will continue their long tradition of hosting. There will be music, games for the younger kids and Buffalo Animal Adventures will be there with a great show. If you are interested in your children receiving a gift from Santa, please bring them wrapped and labeled. The Sacred Heart students will organize Santa’s visit. Families attending are requested to bring an item of food. Last names beginning with A-M, please bring a side dish and last names beginning with N-Z, please bring a dessert. DSPG will provide pizza and beverages. Please RSVP to Barb (bb.wakefield1@verizon.net) by November 27 to let her know what you are bringing.

High School Diploma Options - November 4th, 2015
2015-11-04 19:00 - 21:00
Join us on Wednesday, November 4th at 7 pm, in M302 at Medaille College where we will have a presentation on high school diploma options. The new CDOS credential will be discussed as well as other traditional diploma options.

DSPG Fall Dance
2015-10-24 17:30 - 21:00
Join us at the Fall dance, Saturday October 24, 2015 from 5:30 to 9:00 at MaGruders and take a spin on the dance floor! MaGruders is located at 4995 Broadway in Depew. Please RSVP by Monday, October 19, so that we can ensure adequate food and seating. The DSPG will provide pizza, salad and drinks. Families with the last names A-M are to bring an appetizers, and families N-Z will bring a dessert. Since the dances are becoming well attended we are requiring an RSVP in advance so that we can prepare the space and ensure that we are within capacity limits of the venue. Please RSVP to Lynette at ljph@roadrunner.com.

DSPG Halloween Party
2015-10-24 11:00 - 13:00 | St. Mary’s High School, 142 Lavarack Avenue, Lancaster, NY, 14086, United States
For our younger trick-or-treaters….ages 10 and under…come join us at St. Mary’s High School in Lancaster from 11:00-1:00PM in the cafeteria. We’ll celebrate an early Halloween parading around in our costumes. Lots of great activities are planned. Families are asked to bring a snack/treat for the party. Lunch will not be served. For more information contact either Amy Monson at 677-0604 or amonson23@gmail.com or Michelle Giambra at 517-7961 or michgiambra@gmail.com

Step Up for Down Syndrome
2015-09-26 11:00 - 14:00
Join us Saturday, September 26th from 11am-2pm at Coca-Cola field. We will walk one mile to the Naval Park and back as we celebrate National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. This year we are excited to have music from Strictly Hip added to our entertainment list as well as games and activities for children. Check our Facebook page or contact Gretchen White at 465-0128 or our contact form here for more information or click below to register on line!
On line registration ($7) will close at 5pm today, Friday, September 25. Registration the day of the walk will be $10. Hope to see you there!
Click here to register now!

Please note, pets and bicycles are not allowed at Coca Cola Field.

DSPG Kickoff and Elections Meeting
2015-09-16 19:00 - 21:00 | M102, Medaille College Medaille College, 18 Agassiz Circle, Buffalo, NY, 14214, United States
Join us for our annual kick off meeting, Wednesday, September 16, 2015 at 7pm at Medaille College, room M102. We have a lot of great information to share! Daniel Kuberka from Special Olympics will be speaking about opportunities for children 8 years and older and answering any questions you may have. We will be voting on our 5 open board positions (treasurer, secretary and three member at large positions) and hear from 211 of WNY about how they can help parents find services and programs such as family supports, health services, recreation & respite. We hope to see you there!
Please email dspg@dspgwny.org for more information on open board positions.

NYSCOPBA Golf Tournament to benefit DSPG of WNY
2015-09-16 | Chestnut Hill Country Club, 1330 Broadway, Darien Center, NY, 14040, United States
The 6th Annual Wende New York State Correction Officers & Police Benevolent Association Charity Golf Tournament will be held Wednesday Sept 16th, 2015 at Chestnut Hill Country Club 1330 Broadway Darien Center, N.Y. 14040. All proceeds benefit the Down Syndrome Parents Group of WNY. $100 per player includes: Unlimited Range, 18 holes, Cart, Lunch at Turn, Open Bar before Dinner, Prizes, 50/50, Raffles, Dinner.
If you enjoy golfing and would like to support the DSPG contact Mike Gaca at (716) 861-6228. Volunteers are also needed during the event.
For more information check out their Facebook page: 6th Annual Wende NYSCOPBA Golf Tournament

Martin's Fantasy Island Picnic - August 2
2015-08-02 | Martin’s Fantasy Island, 2400 Grand Island Blvd., Grand Island, NY, 14072-3198, United States
Join us once again for a day of family fun at Martin’s Fantasy Island. We are renting a pavilion for our families to meet and eat under on Sunday, August 2nd. Tickets include all day admission to the park and lunch. The park opens at 11:30am. Lunch will be served from 1 – 3:00pm and includes hot dogs, hamburgers, potato and macaroni salad, and ice cream treats. Unlimited soft drinks will be served from 12:30-3:30pm.
Last year the DSPG donated nearly $1,000.00 to make this event fun and affordable. Due to your continued generosity throughout the year, the DSPG will again absorb a portion of each ticket sold to keep the cost down for our families. Tickets will be sold to our group’s immediate family members and Grandparents for $15.00. The cost to families who already have season passes to Fantasy Island is only $8 per person for lunch. We ask that extended family members and friends pay $23.40 per ticket. This is still a discounted price for our group through Martin’s Fantasy Island.
Checks made out to DSPG can be mailed to Bonnie Zon, 222 Culpepper Road, Williamsville, NY 14221, by Friday, July 24th, to allow time for tickets to be mailed back. No tickets will be sold at the park.
Any questions, please contact Bonnie at bonzon1102@aol.com or 632-0137.
Let’s hope the for warm and sunny weather so we can enjoy the opportunity to explore the amusement and water park together!

Buffalo Bison's Game - July 12
2015-07-12 13:05 - 16:00
Join us Sunday, July 12 at 1:05pm to watch the Bisons take on Scranton Wilkes Barr.
Email Janet (janpo788@aol.com) by July 5 for tickets.
Tickets for immediate family only. Additional tickets can be purchased at a discounted price.

Kelly's Hollywood Private Screening and Meet & Greet with Director Brian Donovan
2015-04-25 19:00 - 22:00
The Down Syndrome Parents Group of WNY is pleased to announce a private screening of Kelly’s Hollywood.
Saturday, April 25th at 7:00PM at Magruder’s Restaurant & Pub, 4995 Broadway, Depew, NY
Kelly’s Hollywood is an inspirational documentary about a young woman who has Down syndrome and her brother’s quest to fulfill her dream of becoming a Hollywood diva. Will her wish become a reality? Rated PG-13 (contains some adults themes and strong language)
Buffalo Native Brian Donovan will be on hand to introduce the film and for a short question and answer.
A light snack will be provided by the DSPG. A cash bar is available.
RSVP is required by April 20th. Space is limited. To register online https://secure.jotformpro.com/form/50754264230954
For more information please contact: TRACEY FLICK at leo8408@gmail.com or (716) 228-5002

Open Forum of Health Discussion - March 25th
2015-03-25 19:00 - 21:00 | M102, Medaille College Medaille College, 18 Agassiz Circle, Buffalo, NY, 14214, United States
Join us at 7:00pm in room M102 at Medaille College where we will discuss health issues that affect our loved ones. We have invited families that have visited the Down Syndrome Clinic at MassGeneral to share their experience. Dr. Brian Skotko is the Co-Director of the clinic and spoke about it at the conference last May. We will also have Joseph Mangio on hand for a brief discussion of the DDAWNY Family Committee. Bring your questions and be ready to share your knowledge.

World Down Syndrome Day 2015
2015-03-21 | Everywhere!
How are you celebrating March 21st?

We have a few ways that we are celebrating. Check out the details below to join us in celebrating and creating awareness for Down Syndrome. We have provided links for you. Simply click on each of the images in each of the articles. These links will direct you to the original site for more information. You can also download our press release below.
World Down Syndrome Day release

We want to get people talking!
We can do this if we all wear socks…BUT NOT JUST ANY SOCKS…brightly coloured socks, long socks, printed socks, 1 sock…maybe even 3 socks for 3 chromosomes. If you don’t normally wear socks then wear them. The choice is yours, but we ask you to join us in wearing something which people will ask you about so that you can tell them all about WDSD. It is easy to do, so whether you are at home, nursery, school, university, work, play, travel, holiday or anywhere, join in! On 21 March, wear LOTS OF SOCKS and invite all your friends, family and colleagues to do the same.

The Sickest Socks!
Looking for a custom pair of sick socks to spread awareness on World Down Syndrome Day….check out The Sickest Socks website. The company committed to donating $15 from the sale of each pair of socks to benefit Down Syndrome. They have also recently created clothing items that can compliment those sick socks. Make sure you post your creation to our Facebook page. We want to see how you are participating in the Lots of Socks campaign and creating awareness this World Down Syndrome Day!

In honor of World Down Syndrome Day, the National Down Syndrome Congress and six other national Down syndrome organizations are promoting “Random Acts of Kindness” in the United States. In collaboration with Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action, Global Down Syndrome Foundation, International Down Syndrome Coalition, International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association, Lumind Foundation, National Down Syndrome Society, we have created a toolkit for WDSD 2015 that you can use to share information about Down syndrome with your community, celebrate people with Down syndrome, and spread a little love and kindness in the name of Down syndrome!

DSPG Spaghetti Dinner
2015-03-08 16:00 - 18:30 | The Columbus Hall, 2735 Union Road, Cheektowaga, NY, 14227, United States
The Spaghetti Dinner & Basket Raffle will be held Sunday, March 8 at The Columbus Hall, 2735 Union Road Cheektowaga, from 4pm – 6:30pm. We are looking for a few volunteers for the event, and will also be accepting basket donations along with donations of baked goods for the dessert table.
Dinner tickets – $7, Kids 2 years & under are FREE (NO tickets will be sold at the door the day of the dinner)
GLUTEN FREE DINNERS WILL BE AVAILABLE BY ADVANCE RESERVATION ONLY! So please specify when ordering.
To purchase tickets, volunteer or donate please call or email Tracey (228-5002, leo8408@gmail.com) or Barb (983-2140, bb.wakefield1@verizon.net).
Cannot wait to see you at the dinner! It’s always a grrrrrreat time.

DSPG Valentine's Dance
2015-02-07 17:30 - 21:00
Dance on over Saturday, February 7th to Magruders’s at 5:30-9PM and take a spin on the dance floor. Magruder’s is located at 4995 Broadway in Depew. Please RSVP by Monday, February 2nd so that we can ensure adequate food and seating. The DSPG will provide pizza, salad and drinks. Families with the last names A-M are to bring an appetizers, and families N-Z will bring a dessert.
Since the dances are becoming well attended we are requiring an RSVP in advance so that we can prepare the space and ensure that we are within capacity limits of the venue.
Please RSVP to Lynette at ljph@roadrunner.com or 873-0018.

Event Test
2015-02-04 08:00 - 17:00 | Coca Cola Field, 275 Washington St., Buffalo, NY, 14203, United States

DSPG Holiday Party
2014-12-06 11:00 - 14:00 | Sacred Heart Academy, 3860 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14226, United States
Celebrate the holidays with DSPG family and friends at our annual Holiday Party on Saturday, December 6, from 11am-2pm at the Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart, 3860 Main Street.
Hosted by the wonderful students from Sacred Heart, there will be games for the younger kids and Kevin McCarthy will be performing live from 12-1pm. If you are interested in your children receiving a gift from Santa, please bring them wrapped and labeled. The Sacred Heart students will organize Santa’s visit.
DSPG will provide pizza and beverages. Families attending are requested to bring an item of food. Last names beginning with A-M, please bring a dessert and last names beginning with N-Z, please bring a side dish.
RSVP to Gretchen (dspgwny@gmail.com or 465-0128) or Maureen (mhunleybarnes@yahoo.com or 472-1637) by November 30 to let them know how many and what you are bringing.

Challenging Behaviors Meeting
2014-11-12 19:00 - 21:00
Parenting is a full time job with many daily challenges. As parents we teach our children what is the right thing to do and what they should not do. The purpose of this workshop is to help parents recognize the early signs of conflict and implement strategies that can manage the conflict in a proactive way and prevent the conflict from turning into a full blown storm Come out to hear Jennifer Toomey from Summit Educational Resources discuss strategies for challenging behaviors. Meeting is at Medialle College at 7:00 PM. For more information please contact Amy Monson at 677-0604 or email at amonson23@gmail.com

DSPG Fall Dance
2014-11-08 17:30 - 21:00
Dance the evening away on Saturday, November 8th from 5:30-9pm at MaGruders Restaurant, 4995 Broadway in Depew. Hank will provide dancing music and DSPG will provide pizza, salad and drinks. Please bring a dish or dessert to pass. If you have questions call Lynette 873-0018. RSVP by November 1. Come ready to dance….no costumes please.

DSPG Halloween Party
2014-10-26 13:00 - 16:00 | St. Mary’s High School, 142 Lavarack Avenue, Lancaster, NY, United States
For our younger trick-or-treaters….ages 10 and under…come join us at St. Mary’s High School in Lancaster from 1PM-4PM. We’ll celebrate an early Halloween parading around in our costumes. Lots of great activities are planned. Families are asked to bring a snack/treat for the party. Lunch will not be served. If you no longer have little ones but want to join in the fun, consider participating in our trick or treating stations or activities. For more information contact either Amy Monson at 677-0604 or amonson23@gmail.com or Michelle Giambra at 517-7961 or at michgiambra@gmail.com
