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THE ORDER, BRANCHES AND CIRCLES SUPPORT NEW PROJECTS
Since adopting autism and literacy as new projects last summer, The International Order and many of its Branches and Circles have addressed these challenges in various ways.
On April 9 and 10,
2008, the Order is co-sponsoring an "International Summit on Autism"
at Chautauqua, along with TRC Foundation and The Resource Center. Donations
from individuals, Circles and Branches have resulted in the Order covering
the rental cost of the Lenna Center on the Institution grounds. Workshops
on April 9 will be led by professionals in the field. On April 10, the
featured speaker will be William Stillman, an author, speaker, and founder
of an advocacy coalition, who has Asperger's Syndrome. He will speak on
the topic, "Demystifying Autism from the Inside Out." Several
Order members will be present to assist as needed and to staff an information
booth. This is the Order's first experience in partnering with other organizations
on a major project.
(click here for more information
on this event, including registration)
The Lend-A-Hand Circle of Medina, Ohio has chosen to focus on literacy as a project. Members worked with the Medina City School's Intervention Coordinator to identify classes of at-risk students in the Extended Day Kindergarten Program.
The teachers immediately invited these volunteers, who call themselves the "Lend-A- Hand Readers," to read to both morning and afternoon classes. Following the reading sessions, the books, carrying the Order's book plate, are given to the classes. The Circle has set aside $200 for the purchase of books through the end of this school year. The next step will be to read to older elementary classes to create autism awareness. These informative books will be donated to the school library where they can be checked out by students and teachers. Members of Lend-A -Hand Circle are making a positive impact on the young members of their community by addressing the challenges of illiteracy with enthusiasm and determination.
The Sheltering Arms Circle of Virginia Branch recently sponsored a community education program on autism. The guest speaker, Ania Young, a board certified behavior analyst and Program Coordinator for the Faison School for Autism in Richmond, spoke on the topic, "Autism: Characteristics, Lifespan, Treatment and Supports." A special guest at the program was author Sheila Talley, who has written two novels based on her personal experiences in raising an autistic son. Mrs. Talley donated proceeds from the sale of her books that evening to the Circle, and In His Steps Circle donated the proceeds from their sale of tickets on an antique afghan. The Sheltering Arms Circle, in turn, presented those donations and one of its own to the Faison School to be given to a family that was struggling with the challenges of a child with autism and the added expenses of the holiday season.
Author Sheila Talley,
left, and guest speaker Ania Young, at the Sheltering Arms Circle's community
education program.
Awards were presented by the International Membership Extension Committee at Central Council, 2007, for accomplishments during the past year.
Best
Organized Membership Campaign Award - Missouri Branch, Karen Heskett,
President
Most Successful Individual Phone-A-Thon Campaign Award - Phoebe
McLelland, Ontario Branch
Best Team Participation Phone-A-Thon Campaign Award - Betty Thompson,
Team Leader
Largest Number of New Members Award - Virginia Branch, Nan Pointer,
President
Greatest Increase in Branch Membership Award - Mississippi Branch,
Tillie Maddox, President
Greatest Increase in Circle Membership Award - Ware River Circle,
Virginia Branch
Largest Number of Junior Members Award - Ohio Branch, Betty Crowder,
President
Largest Number of Junior Circles Award - Texas Branch, Barbara
Boulware, President
Largest Number of New Junior Members Award - Wisconsin Branch,
Terry Lukashewich, President
New Circles With Largest Membership Awards - Happy Hearts, Florida,
and Friendship '06 Circle, Illinois
The
following Branches were recognized for increasing their membership:
Indiana Branch - Beverly Duffer, President
Tennessee Branch - Terry Pearson, President
South Carolina Branch - Joyce Morris, President
Louisiana Branch - Suzie Hennessey, President
Chautauqua
Scholarship
Program
Information
on the Program and how to apply.
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