Please help us meet our goals and
expand our services to people on the autism spectrum
Our summer Autism Camp / Retreat has expanded from 12 to 160 participants
Our Art Program has expanded from 5 to 68 participants
Our Peer Support Group has expanded from 6 to over 20 participants
Our newsletter now reaches over 1100 homes
Our website hosts over 700 visitors each month
In your own life, you know how important the supports your friendships provide are. How much they define you, strengthen you. KindTree – Autism Rocks makes that happen for people on the spectrum through our camp, support groups, art program and our upcoming training groups. We can do more of it, do it all year long, with your help. We need your help. Please make a donation to support our programs today. Choose from the options at right. Thank you.
How about a special item from our Cafe Press shop??
Whether you are a Trailblazer fan or not...
Sarah Mensah Receives Honor from the Urban League of Portland
Sarah Mensah is an 18-year veteran of the Trail Blazers. In her current role as Chief Operating Officer, Mensah oversees all day-to-day management of the team’s business, revenue and brand management operations, including ticket sales and service, corporate sales and service, suite sales and service, marketing, communications, community relations, broadcasting, game operations and digital communications.
Mensah, one of the highest ranking women in professional sports, is credited for her success in contributing to the revitalization of the Trail Blazers brand and financial viability.
Under her leadership, the team has launched many successful, widely recognized ventures such as the “Rise with Us” campaign, “Rip City United” fan loyalty program and the team’s Make It Better commitment to the community. As a result, in part from her efforts and leadership, the team has experienced consecutive years of rapid revenue growth and fan affinity.
Additionally, the Trail Blazers have won several awards for top sales and service awards from the National Basketball Association. Recently, Mensah was designated by the Sports Business Journal as one of their Women in Sports Business Game Changers, as well as being recognized by the Portland Business Journal with an Orchid Award given to outstanding women in business.
With a tremendous passion for equal opportunities for all people, Mensah is a dedicated advocate for underrepresented communities and individuals with an emphasis on children. She is a champion for providing world-class educational opportunities for all children of all abilities.
Her work in education includes being a member of the Portland Schools Foundation board of directors where she has served as chair and helped to create the Cradle to Career Partnership initiative which she was recently been named Co-Chair.
The mother of an autistic child, Mensah is a tireless advocate for local and statewide efforts supporting autism research and awareness. She currently sits on the board of directors for the Northwest Autism Foundation and has given countless hours to planning and contributing to fundraising efforts in support of local autism organizations.
Mensah contributes to the work of the Advisory Board to the Sports Media Marketing Summit & Awards. Her dedication to board service includes the Portland Children’s Museum, the Urban League of Portland and the Oregon Sports Authority.
Mensah was appointed by the labor commissioner to serve on the Oregon Commission on Civil Rights and served in 2010 as the official chair of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women luncheon. Additionally, she co-founded the first Portland chapter of the National Association of Black Sports Professionals.
Mensah is a native Oregonian. She grew up in Beaverton and attended the University of Oregon where she earned two degrees – one in journalism and one in telecommunications.
Prior to joining the Trail Blazers as a Corporate Sales Manager, she began her career in television production at KGW-TV and went on to work in radio sales for Portland stations KINK and KUFO.
Mensah resides in Portland with her 12-year-old son, Davis.
Wow.
Ten Myths about Autism - Debunked Posted on Sunday, February 24 @ 10:54:31 EST on Autismm - Wrong Planet www.wrongplanet.net
There are a lot of misconceptions about Autism floating around. Consequently, many people with Autism remain undiagnosed, countless autistics are misunderstood, and millions of dollars are donated to nonprofits who don't speak for those with Autism.
This is a troubling time for people with Autism (and I speak as one of those Autistics) because the media focuses a considerably large percentage of their Autism coverage on stories told by those who do not even have the condition. I've put together a list of only ten misconceptions that have been born out of the lack of an autistic voice in the media.
10. Autism is an epidemic.
Organizations like Autism Speaks and Cure Autism Now are quick to label Autism an epidemic, despite the fact that scientists have found the opposite to be true. For instance, Dr. Roy Grinker, an anthropologist at GWU, whose research was ironically funded by Autism Speaks (needless to say, they're not too happy), recently published Unstrange Minds, a book that debunks the idea of an "Autism Epidemic." And he's not the only scientist who has problems with the those who label it an epidemic.
9. Most Autistics are "low functioning."
Due to the negative connotations autism gets from the term "low functioning," the bigger nonprofits like to focus on low functioning autistics because people are more likely to donate to help severely affected people (these same organizations use the statistic of 1 in 150 but they imply that 1 in 150 people are low functioning). However, the most recent studies show that a little less than half of Autistics are low functioning. A lot of autism experts point out that Asperger's is underdiagnosed, which indicates there's an even lower percentage of people who would qualify as "low functioning."
8. Autism can be treated by ________ (insert unapproved treatment here).
This is one of the most troubling fallacies because it's usually spread around by people who try to take advantage of uneducated parents who will do anything to help their kids. Many of these self proclaimed experts cheat families out of small fortunes and conduct dangerous and highly illegal "treatments" on autistic children with absolutely no improvement in their condition. Throughout history, snake oil opportunists have popped up when scientists couldn't find a real cure, and this time its no different.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday November 25-27
10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
No shipping costs and an EVEN BETTER price:
Just $1.00 each card
T-shirts only $12.00
This is a great weekend to connect to your Holiday Spirit, wandering through the aisles among the crafters, artisans, local growers, great musicians, savory food and body healers.
These scholarships can help pay for art supplies, classes or promotion expenses. Applications are due by December 23, 2011. Winners will be announced in January, 2012.
Past recipients include Steven Peeler, Leah DeMonia, Dorothy Bucher, Kim Miller and more.
SALT: If you over-salt something (which is very easy to do), a pinch of brown sugar takes the edge off. Be careful that you use pinch(es) in solving the situation. Another tip is to carefully place a paper towel on top of what you are cooking. The towel will draw some of the salt out of it.
INGREDIENTS: Especially for the seasonings, organize your cooking area, so that you place the seasonings you have used are in an area, so that you KNOW you have used them. The best ways to solve the situation of forgetting what you have already used are one of two things. Either pre-measure all your seasonings and have them in containers for their addition to your cooking masterpiece OR put them away immediately after you have used them. This is what I do since my spices are kept immediately above my cooking area.
TERMS
Be Merry: This is what you are when you have finished cooking and are serving your meal.
Drink: The question of what to serve to drink with your meal is as simple or as difficult as you wish to make it. Milk is an excellent accompaniment to all meals. Water is the best one there is. To dress it up for company, a slice of lemon is nice. I like to serve mine with clear glasses, the lemon slice on the bottom. Ice on top of it and then the water. You may place it on the lip of the glass or ontop of the water. Wherever it is, it is a nice touch. Good enough for company, but something you may wish to do for yourself. Lemons are relatively inexpensive. You can capitalize on their nutritional value by squeezing the juice into your water. You may also slice them very thin and use half slices. Or, slice them thicker and cut the slice into quarters.
Eat: This is what you do when you finally sit down to your meal to enjoy your own good cooking.
Fold: If a recipe calls for you to “fold” an ingredient in, this usually means that the ingredient you are including is fragile. For instance, when you add cooked peas to a recipe, you must FOLD them in. If not, your recipe could end up with “green streaks.”
Sauté: This is a learned behavior. Most sauté is performed over medium-high heat. The absolute thing to remember is that you NEVER walk away from a sauté. This, because the oil or butter you use requires your absolute attention. Butter burns very quickly, so the process requires your 100% attention. If the phone rings, let it ring. If you must leave it, remove it from the heat. If ANY pan with oil or butter melting in it begins to smoke, remove it immediately from the heat. ALWAYS when frying or sautéing something, have your canister of baking soda nearby. God forbid it bursts into flame, but if it does, baking soda will smother the flame. NEVER throw water on a kitchen fire. If the fire catches on wallpaper or anywhere OUTSIDE the pan, get OUT of there and call the fire department. You may use a fire extinguisher to put out a kitchen fire—baking soda is less expensive and easier to clean up.
Simmer: This refers to a staple of good cooking. When the recipe calls for you to simmer something, reduce the heat to low and return frequently to stir and ensure that your precious cargo is not burning to the bottom of the pan.
Stir: You first learned to stir possibly before you could talk. Mudpies! Remember? I remember mudpies that my cousin and I made. Instead of water, we used gasoline. My dad was angry, but moreso, he was relieved that we had not chosen to make a flaming dessert. When a recipe calls for you to stir something, that is exactly what it means.
Whip: You may try to do this without a mixer and it depends on what you expect of the finished product whether you will do this by hand or with a mixer. For instance, if you are whipping cream, you will likely need a mixer. If you are whipping eggs for an omelet, you may do it by hand. This encompasses a deep bowl and probably a fork or a whisk.
This myth is popular among the same snake oil opportunists I just mentioned. Because mercury is a real poison that exists in everything from vaccines to thermometers, it's easy to convince parents that it causes problems. While high doses of mercury are very dangerous, mercury doesn't cause autism at any dose. In addition, the amount of mercury in vaccines is not high enough to have any measurable effect. Studies have consistently shown that there is no link between autism and vaccines. This myth of a correlation is especially troubling when real outbreaks have been caused by parents' fear to vaccinate their children.
6. Nonverbal autistics are severely mentally impaired.
Becase they have trouble communicating with the rest of the world, you may think they're somehow less intelligent. The opposite is true. Low functioning autistics have impaired communications skills but they are just as smart as your average joe and many are even smarter.
5. Autistics can't be geniuses.
Actually,there are many historical geniuses who are thought to have had autism (Albert Einstein and Thomas Jefferson, for example). However, I think it's foolish to use them as evidence when I can merely point to currently living people like Nobel Prize winning economist Vernon Smith and actor Dan Ackroyd who have made public statements about being diagnosed with Autism.
4. We have a pretty good understanding of autism.
Scientists don't know very much about the brain, much less Autism. Every day, researchers are learning new things about Autism. Regardless, we still have a lot more research to do before we can begin to understand this puzzle.
3. Autistics want to be cured.
Most autistics, in fact, do not want to be cured because they've already accepted autism as part of their personality, identity, and lifestyle. You may not understand why anyone would want to be diagnosed with a psychiatric condition, but even homosexuality was listed in the DSM as being a disorder at one point in time.
2. People with Autism are alike.
While you may be quick to use autism to refer to someone's identity, autistics differ from each other just as much as those without the condition differ from each other.
When my friend Dan and I started Wrong Planet, we were surprised by just how different the members were from one another. We naively thought they'd be exactly like us. Needless to say, Wrong Planet members and autistics come in all shapes, sizes, professions, religions, political affiliations, and nationalities.
1. Autistics are represented by nonprofits like Autism Speaks and Cure Autism Now; donating to these causes helps people with Autism.
Actually, most autistics feel that these nonprofits are doing a disservice to those living with Autism by running campaigns that dehumanize people with the condition and painting an inaccurate picture of what Autism is like.
For example, Autism Speaks, the largest Autism organization in terms of financial capital, has no autistic employees and no board members with the condition. They disallow autistic individuals from speaking at their conferences with the rationale that "it wouldn't be appropriate."
While a lot of the research they fund may be conducted by good scientists who are unaware of the organization's political slant, Autism Speaks' end-game is establishing prenatal screening. Any good that comes from this research is consequently undermined by the negative messages they send.
There are autistic-run organizations such as Wrong Planet and the Autistic Self Advocacy Network trying to give Autistics more voice in the media. ASAN, for example, recently succeeded in a media campaign criticizing the New York University Child Study Center. The center apologized for and rescinded an advertisement campaign (the Ransom Notes Campaign) that painted Autism and Asperger's Syndrome in an unrealistically negative light.
- Saturday, October 1st, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
A successful stand-up comic, formerly of Eugene, has taken his struggles coping with his daughter's autism and turned them into a powerful one-man show, offered by KindTree - Autism Rocks on October 1, 2011, 7:30 pm at the Wildish Theater in Springfield, Oregon. VIP cocktail party begins at 6:00pm.
Mike Guido hopes that by sharing his story, he'll help other parents, and particularly dads, cope with the challenges and the joys of parenting a special needs child.
His daughter Maria, 19, has severe autism and will always live at home. She needs help with dressing, bathing and has communication challenges.
"If you'd have told me 16 or 17 years ago that I'd get through it and be OK and be grateful for it all, I would have said, 'I'm not that kind of guy,' " Guido said. "But when you have no choice, you just do it and that's what happened to me.
"I'm trying to get across to people that we're all capable of so much more than we realize."
This show is perfect for educators, students, providers, parents, and people who just like to laugh!
Standard Ticket - $14 pre-event, $18 at the door. Door opens at 7:00pm Group Tickets (6) - $75 VIP Tickets - $25 pre-event, $30 at the door (starts at 6:00pm) VIP Group Tickets (6) - $135 Special Price for persons with autism - $10
It’s just crazy at my house. A guy stole my identity … he gave it back. Apparently he didn’t want to be me.
2. Upon being given the news that Maria definitely had autism:
All I could do was picture Maria’s sweet little face in my mind and think about how much I loved her. I just wanted to find her and pick her up and hold her tight and tell her “Everything’s going to be all right, sweetheart. Daddy’s going to make it all better.” But I didn’t know that it was going to be all right. As a matter of fact, at that moment, I didn’t see how anything could ever be all right again.
3. On the experience of watching her slip away from us:
That was the beginning as we helplessly watched as our precious daughter slipped further and further away from us and deeper and deeper into her mysterious and silent world where we couldn’t go; and all I knew about autism was from the movie, “Rain Man” with Dustin Hoffman as the autistic savant. I’m thinking, “What, I take her to Vegas?” Can I teach her to say “Hit me?” “Momma needs a new pair of shoes!” “Let it ride?” Maybe there’s an upside to all this.
4. On the advice I received from other men.
A well meaning manly friend said, “Hey man, you need to get out of that house. You need to play golf.” No, playing golf would involve a whole day, or with my skill level, a several day commitment and I couldn’t be away from Laurine and the kids that long. Besides, I find golf to be exasperating. I played this morning. I didn’t finish. I have to go back. A nice shot to me is where I hit the ball and it lands on ……. grass; and I’m thrilled to death if I just get to hit that same ball one more time. So golf is definitely not something I’m going to do for me.
We all had a great time at the Retreat this year. With a record number of guests and over 50 volunteers, we made beautiful art, music, freindship and community.
Tommy Spaghetti played accordian, Glen Jones played Karaoke, Tim played guitar at the campfires, and TR and Randy rocked the chapel stage.
"Frankie and Dean" did a command performance on Sunday, Omo led hymns and Ben turned a bunch of us into animal for a time.
Shangri-La did the mopping and Donald Burton was our totally awesome chef.
Thomas gave boat rides, Dyan led the arts & crafts, Tiffany kept the pinata safe, and Kyle and Josh stayed in a tent near Kyle's Dad.
Kenny won the raffle for a free camp admission in 2012, and all the volunteers won our hearts.
THANK YOU!!
Pictures to come soon!
Seeya next year...
We hope you'll join Ben for this wonderful healing opportunity:
Unleash the Beast - An Introductory Movement Workshopwith Ben Luskin
By popular demand, I have decided to postpone the weekend intensive and offer a shorter introduction to the art of Unleashing the Beast. During the three hours, we will sample the four animals' different styles and explore how they can help us to accomplish our personal goals.
At the Trauma Healing Project - 2222 Coburg Rd., Eugene, OR
Cost: $15, some scholarships are available
To register or for more information, contact Ben Luskin by email at launchmentor@gmail.com
Camp volunteers wanted - still time to sign up...
Volunteering at KindTree - Autism Rocks' Camp / Retreat is a great way to give back to the community. Interact with people on the autism spectrum, camp in a great outdoor setting, work about 12 hours over the weekend and then relax, network with other volunteers and families, help create the special experience of family that makes this camp so special.
Here is some volunteer feedback from last year:
"Thanks so, so much for organizing such an amazing event. Everyone I talked to said this was their favorite year. The energy was beautiful there and Sam and I are for sure committed every year to come that we can! The arts and crafts were really fun!"
"I came here just for a short lifeguard gig, and found this camp an amazing place to be and work with wonderful kind people. I would love to come back next year."
Contact nel@efn.org to sign up. Volunteer Orientation meeting scheduled for 2pm, Sunday August 7. Call for directions. 541 521 7291.
Come celebrate McKenzie River Gathering Foundation's 35th anniversary and help us welcome our new Executive Director Sharon Gary-Smith while enjoying an afternoon of fun in the sun! Plan to come? RSVP to let us know.
This is a great chance to meet like-minded, progressive people. In addition to fabulous social justice groups from all across Oregon, you'll get to experience:
Savory and sweet pies of all kinds by Café Soriah's Ib Hamide
Timeless reggae music by Randy Ross and the People's Choice
After attending the Autism Training attendees will be able to:
· Identify the diagnostic criteria of autism, what may cause autism, and the major contributors to the field of studying autism.
· Properly and effectively communicate with people with autism, being conscious of both verbal and non-verbal elements you are giving and receiving.
· Understand sensory processes, hyper and hypo sensitivities, self stimulatory behavior and how to create an environment that works with and for a person.
· Learn the rules for giving cues.
· Identify the messages of structure, types of structure and how to create “yes factors” that create environments that generate success.
· Understand the core concepts of behavior modification and how we use those tools to move into a more humanistic approach of positive behavioral supports.
· Use positive behavioral supports to attempt to deeply understand the person in order to enhance their quality of life.
· Create an individualized positive behavioral supports model.
· Learn how to effectively use Dr. Stanley Greenspan’s “Floortime” to harness emotional connection through play, encourage self-initiation, and move from sensory-motor activity to symbolic thought.
A Southern California comedian, formerly of Eugene, has taken his struggles coping with his daughter's autism and turned them into a one-man show, offered by KindTree - Autism Rocks on October 1, 2011, 7pm at the Wildish Theater in Springfield, Oregon.
Mike Guido hopes that by sharing his story, he'll help other parents, and particularly dads, cope with the challenges and the joys of parenting a special needs child.
His daughter Maria, 19, has severe autism and will always live at home. She needs help with dressing, bathing and has communication challenges.
"If you'd have told me 16 or 17 years ago that I'd get through it and be OK and be grateful for it all, I would have said, 'I'm not that kind of guy,' " Guido said. "But when you have no choice, you just do it and that's what happened to me.
"I'm trying to get across to people that we're all capable of so much more than we realize."
Standard Ticket - $14 pre-event, $18 at the door.
Group Tickets (6) - $75
VIP Tickets - $25 pre-event, $30 at the door
VIP Group Tickets (6) - $135
Special Price for persons with autism - $10
- Friday, August 5th, from 3 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Aug. 6th
Come visit KindTree - Autism Rocks' booth filled with art cards, new T-shirts and new original art by people with autism.
KindTree Camp - Retreat
Register Today!
NEW THIS YEAR!
-
Early arrival - check in on Thursday
- Saturday day only for reluctant campers.
Autism Rocks Art Display at Village Health in the Woodfield Station shopping area at Willamette and 28th.
Art by People with autism in a healing environment:
Village Health currently offers:
chiropractic care,
acupuncture,
massage therapy,
neuro modulation technique,
family and couples counseling,
nutritional counseling,
physician care,
reiki,
and addictions counseling.
Another KindTree - Autism Rocks Event
Art by People with Autism
Visit KindTree.org Today
order some Summer Note Cards.
July 1, 2011 eFLASH
Camp volunteers wanted
Volunteering at KindTree - Autism Rocks' Camp / Retreat is a great way to give back to the community. Interact with people on the autism spectrum, camp in a great outdoor setting, work about 12 hours over the weekend and then relax, network with other volunteers and families, help create the special experience of family that makes this camp so special.
Here is some volunteer feedback from last year:
"Thanks so, so much for organizing such an amazing event. Everyone I talked to said this was their favorite year. The energy was beautiful there and Sam and I are for sure committed every year to come that we can! The arts and crafts were really fun!"
"I came here just for a short lifeguard gig, and found this camp an amazing place to be and work with wonderful kind people. I would love to come back next year."
Casting Call for TV Show
Each episode will focus on a health related issue and feature an inspirational young person who gives back to their community.
COMMITTEE VACANCY NOTICE
The Lane County Board of Commissioners is seeking applications from citizens interested in serving on the Lane County Mental Health Advisory/Local Alcohol and Drug Planning Committee.
Sensory Friendly Film showings at the Bijou Art Cinema.
Iron Giant, a classic adventure film in a calmer environment: lights on, sound down, noise and movement are OK, gluten free snacks available. Just like your living room, but with a bigger screen!
A joint ASO-LCC and KindTree - Autism Rocks project.
The Iron Giant is a 1999 animated science fiction film produced by Warner Bros. Animation, based on the 1968 novel The Iron Man by Ted Hughes. Brad Bird directed the film, which stars a voice cast of Jennifer Aniston, Harry Connick, Jr., Vin Diesel, Eli Marienthal, Christopher McDonald and John Mahoney. The film tells the story of a lonely boy named Hogarth raised by his widowed mother, discovering a giant iron man who fell from space. Hogarth, with the help of a beatnik named Dean, has to stop the U.S. military and a federal agent from finding and destroying the Giant. The Iron Giant takes place during the height of the Cold War (1957).
Adaptive Recreation has rented Amazon pool for a summer celebration on Friday, July 1, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Families and friends of individuals with disabilities are invited to share an evening of fun and food. The cost is $8 per person. Register on RecEnroll.
For information on agency discounts, contact Hilyard Center, 541-682-5311
- Opening Reception Saturday, July 9th, from noon to 4 p.m.
Autism Rocks Art Display at Village Health in the Woodfield Station shopping area at Willamette and 28th.
Art by People with autism in a healing environment:
Village Health currently offers:
chiropractic care,
acupuncture,
massage therapy,
neuro modulation technique,
family and couples counseling,
nutritional counseling,
physician care,
reiki,
and addictions counseling.
Refreshments and gentle music.
Another KindTree - Autism Rocks Event
KindTree Camp - Retreat
Register Today!
NEW THIS YEAR!
-
Early arrival - check in on Thursday
- Saturday day only for reluctant campers.
"Happy May 17th Birthday: This is a year of expansion, learning and using your experience and knowledge to get ahead. Changes can be made that will help you emotionally, financially and contractually. Your intuition will guide you in money matters. Your ability to take on more will impress someone who will help you reach your goals." So intones Eugenia Last, the nay-saying and bubble popping astrologer for the Register-Guard.
Let’s pick this horoscope apart a little like we analyzed poetry in high school. "Impress" has never been a favorite word with me. "Contractual" is not a relationship I want with another human. "Learning" here connotes humility, maybe even a measure of humiliation, rather than satisfying mastery and accomplishment. "Change" is not a felicitous word for a person on the autism spectrum. Come to think of it, the only respectable word in the entire paragraph is "intuition". Read more here...
In response to feedback we received last year, we’ve decided to try a few new things this year. If they work, we’ll keep them going.
1. Early Arrival: This option will allow a limited number of guests (first come - first served) to check-in at 3PM on Thursday for an additional $25 each - person with autism (PWA) or caregiver. We will have something easy for dinner, and activities will be limited and will be mostly about relaxing before the busy weekend. It’ll be a quieter time.
2. Saturday Day - Only: This option is for people who just can’t deal with camping overnight. You can do a hotel and come over for the day, or we may possibly have a bus that could bring some folks from Eugene just for the day. You’ll arrive before lunch and leave after dinner by 7PM This will be limited to first come also. Sign up early!
We hope these options will enhance the Camp experience for some, and make it possible for others to join us who couldn’t before. Let’s see how it works!
Recently, one of our KindTree - Autism Rocks supporters shared some thoughts with us. She suggested we take a new look at an often used quote from Founder Steve Brown, "Together we can make all our dreams a reality." "Are you doing all you can to 'work together' with other autism related and community groups to further your mission?" she asked. I know we can do more, but here is what we are working on today.
The "Oregon Gour-Made Event" fundraiser is designed to support both the local food movement and the Autism Community. Healthy and locally produced food is a great economic strength of both Oregon and Lane County. And the tolerance for diversity that the Autism Community helps create is a great social strength that is so Eugene. We are all really looking forward to being together as a community with our neighbors and friends, where we will honor Springfield Creamery with our "Thanks to You" award for more than a decade of support for our Retreat.
Many thanks to the vendors, sponsors, volunteers, the graphic artist, the film-maker, and all the folks who are working on creating this new event. Please join us, June 9 at 6PM.
Last month KindTree and the Autism Society of Oregon - Lane County Chapter in partnership with the Bijou Art Cinemas brought a wonderful new film to Eugene. "Wretches and Jabberers" played to a nearly sold-out house - in part because Lane County designated it as "Diversity Training". This is another example of working together to raise awareness and understanding. Another 'Sensory Friendly Film', "Iron Giant", is scheduled for July.
If you ever find yourself wondering what's new in the autism world, you might consider checking our web site, www.kindtree.org. We have Breaking News and Upcoming Events sections that are updated frequently (and welcome your input) with news from the Developmental Disabilities Coalition, the ASO, other local organizations and regional news outlets. We are working with all of these groups to bring interesting and helpful information to all of you.
Members of KindTree's Board are actively engaged in supporting low-cost supported housing for people on the spectrum, better training for law enforcement, more accessible services for people with developmental disabilities, self-advocacy, personal successes and more.
And we are working with you - responding to your feedback by expanding the length of our Camp / Retreat, plus making a Saturday - Day Only option available. Our Art Program saw new artists came forward for our Autism Artism show, and new images and artists are contacting us regularly. Our web site has just added new images by Larry Hurst, Rhonda Rauch and new artist Kimberly Gerry Tucker. These people are so talented, and they are sharing it with all of us. So cool.
All of these activities align with our core mission "to serve and celebrate people on the autism spectrum." So we will continue to reach out to our neighbors and colleagues, to civic organizations, and to the autism related groups in our community. We hope to do more with art classes, support groups, and reaching out to the growing ranks of young people transitioning to adulthood. There is a need to fill, and together, with your help, we can "make all our dreams a reality."
Thursday, June 9, “Oregon Gour-Made Event” fundraiser at Lane Events Center - Wheeler Pavilion.
YOU ARE INVITED
$30 per person,
$50 per couple
Kids 12 & under FREE
Special Discount for BI-MART members
This elegant social affair and benefit will showcase food and beverage products made right here in Oregon. 30-40 vendors from across the State will provide "tastings" of their unique products. Come and enjoy this community gathering of food, beverages and an opportunity to walk away with one of our special edition product packages from our participating vendors in the silent auction...
Sensory Friendly Film showings at the Bijou Art Cinema.
Iron Giant, a classic adventure film in a calmer environment: lights on, sound down, noise and movement are OK, gluten free snacks available. Just like your living room, but with a bigger screen!
A joint ASO-LCC and KindTree - Autism Rocks project.
This elegant social affair and benefit will be showcasing up to 40 “Oregon Only” food and beverage merchants that will be providing a taste of their unique Oregon flavor!
Come and enjoy this community gathering of food, beverages and an opportunity to walk away with one of our special edition product packages from our participating vendors in the silent auction...
Tickets on Sale now!
$30 per person/$50 per couple...
Your support will help families that have children and adults on the Autism Spectrum continue to receive crucial programs and services throughout our community.
The "Oregon Gour Made Event", June 9th at the Lane Events Center-Wheeler Pavilion... brought to you by KMTR TV, VanGuard Media, Top Fox Design, Bourland Printing and more...
Make your reservation today!
To pay by check or credit card
Call 541-342-7231 or Email rgd@kindtree.org
• 2096 ½ Arthur St., Eugene, OR 97405 •
Another KindTree - Autism Rocks event.
Happy Mother's Day
My Mom is passed away, but I am still following my old tradition of getting the Mother's Day message out at the last minute - or even late. Sorry, Mom. I love you.
Mom's of kids with special needs deserve a lot of credit just for making it through the day. Check out these great stories on our website about moms we know: Dyan Campbell and Riley and Nif Lindsay and her son.
KindTree – Autism Rocks, with the Autism Society of Oregon – Lane County Chapter, is presenting a new film by Gerardine Wurzburg, “Wretches and Jabberers”, one night only, May 12, 2011, in the Bijou Art Cinemas. Below is a link to a poster of the event in black & white (color available on request).
This film is a major opportunity for our community to see a new, up-to-date film exploring the challenges and strengths of people on the autism spectrum. In particular, this film focuses on two adults rather than children, providing a unique perspective as well as a window into our future – the future where 1 in 150 adults is on the autism spectrum as all the kids diagnosed in the last decade grow up. Plus it’s a fun and quirky international adventure, and will be shown in a sensory freindly environment.
Please consider posting this in your calendar, sharing it on facebook, and highlighting it in your website, newsletter, news section, etc. Thank you!
In "Wretches & Jabberers", two men with autism embark on a global quest to change attitudes about disability and intelligence. Determined to put a new face on autism, Tracy Thresher, 42, and Larry Bissonnette, 52, travel to Sri Lanka, Japan and Finland. At each stop, they dissect public attitudes about autism and issue a hopeful challenge to reconsider competency and the future.
Growing up, Thresher and Bissonnette were presumed “retarded” and excluded from normal schooling. With limited speech, they both faced lives of social isolation in mental institutions or adult disability centers. When they learned as adults to communicate by typing, their lives changed dramatically. Their world tour message is that the same possibility exists for others like themselves.
Between moving and transformative encounters with young men and women with autism, parents and students, Thresher and Bissonnette take time to explore local sights and culture; dipping and dodging through Sri Lankan traffic in motorized tuk-tuks, discussing the purpose of life with a Buddhist monk and finally relaxing in a traditional Finnish sauna. Along the way, they reunite with old friends, expand the isolated world of a talented young painter and make new allies in their cause.
From beginning to end, Thresher and Bissonnette inspire parents and young men and women with autism with a poignant narrative of personal struggle that always rings with intelligence, humor, hope and courage.
Showing till May 22 at the Pizza Reserch Institute
KindTree - Autism Rocks is proud to present original artistic creations by people with autism. Since 1999 KindTree has promoted the efforts of over 65 artists, helping to raise awareness and earn money for the artists. KindTree displays art in galleries, offices, and retail and entertainment venues throughout the state.
Disabilities at Work Newsletter
a source of information regarding the issues surrounding employment of qualified people with disabilities
My name is Anne and I'm a german Au Pair for a boy with autism!
My year is going to end in august/ beginning of september and I'm looking for a new family I can live with!
My current hostfamily is great but I want to experience something new! I have a lot of experience in working with children with autism! I already worked with autistic Kids in Germany for 2 1/2 years and on my year here in the USA I got the chance to get involved in different therapies like ABA, speech, OT and PT!
I dont really know how to get in contact to families with children with autism that are looking for an au pair with experience! Thats why I'm hopeing you can help me or give me an advice where to post my request!
A music benefit for KindTree - Autism Rocks featuring Mood Area 52, and Clown Dancer, with our favorite, T R Kelly was a lot of fun. The compelling sound of guitar and cello and bass, and sometimes accordian went deep into you, and the singing was honest and passionate. Way to go. What a treat for us.
Clown Dancer was a lot of fun, covering some great tunes and doing their own with excitement, fun and power. I love to hear the blues, too.
THanks to both bands for giving us a great show, and to all the folks who came out and helped raise over $500 for KindTree - Autism Rocks that night.
This Saturday!
Sensory Friendly Films: Because last weekend's showing of "Pee-wee's Big Adventure" was enjoyed so much, we're gonna try another film. Scheduled for Feb. 19 at noon is "The Never Ending Story", a classic live action kid's adventure movie.
Come and bring your friends - it's like watching a movie in your living room, except the screen is way bigger and you don't have to make the snacks yourself!
Sponsored by KindTree and the ASO-LCC
Bijou Art Cinemas, 492 E 13th Ave, Eugene
Sat, Feb 19, 12 noon, $5.00 Gluten free snacks available
"Autism Artism 2011"
Our Gala Opening is scheduled for April 2, 2-4pm, at the Pizza Research Institue on Blair. We have entries from 26 artists this year, and they are all awesome - including poetry, video, and 2 dimensional art. New images have just been posted online - some very awesome stuff. Here is a small sample:
Please put the date on your calendar today! Come join us and Special Guest Mayor Kitty Piercy at 2pm, April 2 for "Autism Artism 2011".
Another KindTree - Autism Rocks Event
Sponsored by
Lane Arts Council
GreyWolf Projects
Autism Film Festival
Tentatively scheduled for April 16, KindTree - Artism Rocks is looking for four hours of entertaining and informative videos and movies by or about people on the autism spectrum. We need your ideas! If you have a film, locally made, major release, or independent, please send us a message. mary-minn@kindtree.org
Another KindTree - Autism Rocks Event
Art Classes
KindTree - Autism Rocks is planning art classes in varied mediums for all you atists out there. We have no schedule yet, but plans are coming together. Keep in touch at www.kindtree.org
Last May, I finally broke my habit of self-injuring, a feat born of decades of introspection and many failed attempts to abort these episodes. In futile attempts to scale it down and eventually triumph over it, I went through many phases of self-injury.
Recently, we chose to brainstorm and share our coping skills. The skills we possess as individuals to draw upon when situations or events get difficult, stressful, pressured or confusing. By Nel Applegate
In response to feedback we received last year, we’ve decided to try a few new things this year. If they work, we’ll keep them going.
1. Early Arrival: This option will allow a limited number of guests (first come - first served) to check-in at 3PM on Thursday for an additional $25 each - person with autism (PWA) or caregiver. We will have something easy for dinner, and activities will be limited and will be mostly about relaxing before the busy weekend. It’ll be a quieter time.
2. Saturday Day - Only: This option is for people who just can’t deal with camping overnight. You can do a hotel and come over for the day, or we may possibly have a bus that could bring some folks from Eugene just for the day. You’ll arrive before lunch and leave after dinner by 7PM This will be limited to first come also. Sign up early!
We hope these options will enhance the Camp experience for some, and make it possible for others to join us who couldn’t before. Let’s see how it works!
Autistic Workers can help firms grow
Temple Grandin wants more autistic people in your workplace. If they don't become part of the workforce, your company will lose out.
This March KindTree - Autism Rocks is coordinating an Art Display in the lobby of the Lane County Courthouse to celebrate March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Artists working through Full Access, the Hilyard Center programs, Mentor Oregon, Bridgeway House and the Arc of Lane County, as well as KindTree, will be available for all to see and gain greater appreciation of the contribution differently abled people make to our community. Special thanks to Karuna Neustad for spearheading the County Commissioners' Proclamation, which appears in the display, and to all the talented artists who are participating.
About one half of the display - those works provided through KindTree - will remain in place for April, Autism Awareness Month, and will be joined by a fresh group of more beautifully framed pieces. We have a great stock of framed work, all of which can be seen at www.kindtree.org.
Our Mayor, Kitty Piercy, will be reading a Eugene Proclamation for Autism Awareness Month at our "Autism Artism 2011" Gala Opening party April 2nd. See the calendar for details about this great party. In addition, the City has given us space in the Atrium to display more art by people on the spectrum. Look for a really great piece by Stephen Peeler there along with others. Our Art Program provides a great opportunity for artists young or old, experienced or just beginning, to share their expressions with the world, both through our exhibitions and openings and on the web. All of these folks are finding their voice through their art.
This issue marks your first opportunity to register for KindTree - Autism Rocks Autism Camp / Retreat 2011. We have a few exciting new options for guests this year. Read more and register online. Come join us again, or for the first time.
This year the Autism Society of Oregon is doubling their contribution to our Retreat Scholarship Fund to $1000. Thank You! Please consider your own generous gift so families can attend who would otherwise not be able to afford it. Just fill out YOUR NAME on the registration form and choose an amount on the "scholarship donation" line. An average family of 3 with their own tent would pay only $175 for the whole weekend. How much can you help with?
Speaking of fundraising, please RSVP for our Art Benefit and Social at OPUS7 Thursday, April 28th. This will be a very special event! See page 7. And on June 9 we will inaugurate a new community event to help support our goals - "Oregon Gour-Made" Only. Awesome!
This March Janice Medvin, an autism consultant, will be leaving our board. Thank you, Janice, for all your input and efforts. You made us a better non-profit.
One other board member will no longer be with us after March - KindTree founder Michelle Jones. As many of you know, Michelle moved to Hawaii last Spring, and is now engaged to be married to her sweetheart. From 1997 to 2009, Michelle guided our Retreat and set the standard for loving acceptance that extended to everyone - a standard we at KindTree pledge to hold ourselves to for as long as we serve the Autism Community. Thank you, Michelle. Thank you from all of us.
KindTree - Autism Rocks is proud to present original artistic creations by people with autism. Since 1999 KindTree has promoted the efforts of over 65 artists, helping to raise awareness and earn money for the artists. KindTree displays art in galleries, offices, and retail and entertainment venues throughout the state.
Show on display from March 23 to May 22, 2011 at Pizza Research Intitute, 530 Blair in Eugene.
April Autism Awareness Month City Art Display - Monday, April 4th, from 9:22 a.m. to 9:23 a.m. on Apr. 29th
KindTree - Autism Rocks recognises Autism Awareness Month with a Mayor's Proclamation (which will be presented at the "Autism Artism 2011" Gala Opening April 2, 2-4pm, at the PRI at 530n Blair - details here) and art display on the second floor of the Atrium building downtown. Information about KindTree and autism will be displayed, along with many beautiful original art expressions by people on the autism spectrum.
Please stop by and take a look when you are downtown at the bus station or library. Help support artists with autism today.
Come join us for four hours of both rare and popular films featuring characters with autism, or were produced by a person with autism, or inform the viewer about the gifts people with autism bring to the world.
Two of the films presented will be entries in our "Autism Artism 2011" show. "Biography of a Dead Tree" by Joseph Taylor, and a "Beetlejuice" remake by Riley Campbell. These are too fun!
Features:
The Horse Boy
A family takes some very unusual steps to help their son in this 2009 documentary.
Autism - the Musical!
Follows five autistic children as they work together to create and perform a live musical production.
SAVE-THE-DATE! Thursday, June 9, “Oregon Gour-Made Event” fundraiser at Lane Events Center - Wheeler Pavilion.
This elegant social affair and benefit will showcase food and beverage products made right here in Oregon - 50 vendors from across the State, will provide "tastings" of their unique products. Come and enjoy this community gathering of food, beverages and an opportunity to walk away with one of our special edition product packages from our participating vendors in the silent auction...
Stay tuned for details...mark your calendars today!
You can lead a person to
data, but you can't make them think.
Reaching Out - Reaching In
Autism Community News, Vol 13 #3, October
2010
In
this Issue:
It's
NEW!!
But over time, our website began to loose functionality
(just like me..?) and got cluttered and old-fashioned.
Tim
Mueller wins ANCA award
KindTree - Autism Rocks Sec/treas Tim Mueller will
be honored with the first Inaugural International
Naturally Autistic People Award for Mentorship in
Vancouver BC on October 30, 2010.
Mary-Minn's
Stim Page, October 2010
"Those of us who were so fortunate as to learn to
talk and such were seen as "cured", our autism somehow
expunged. Having been "cured", I was deeply embarrassed
by my persistent difficulties with arithmetic, my
social and physical clumsiness, my inability to
overcome these challenges, as other kids seemed
able to."
Camp
/ Retreat 2010 Feedback
"Silly i just love sitting back and watching
them doing the human car wash its too funny and
silly."
Survey
Opportunity
Are you the parent or legal guardian of a child
on the Autism spectrum? If so, would you consider
helping researchers answer some important questions
about your experiences by filling out an online
survey?
Autism's
First Child
Donald was the first child ever diagnosed with autism.
Identified in the annals of autism as "Case
1 … Donald T," he is the initial subject described
in a 1943 medical article that announced the discovery
of a condition unlike "anything reported so
far,"
Back
to School 101
Tips for General Education Teachers About Students
with Asperger's SyndromeTips for teachers who
have Asperger's Syndrome students included in
class.
T-Shirts
and More
Do your Holiday shopping now while we have a lot
in stock.
Through
October 10 Scarecrow Display at Johnson Brothers
Greenhouse - 10am-5pm daily, north of Coburg
on Coburg Road.
Check out 13 scarecrow displays by 13 local non-profits.
Then vote for KindTree - Autism Rocks!
So if you are looking
for fall plants, or pumpkins, or outdoor decorative
touches, drive on up there and check out our scary display.
After your panic and fright subsides, don’t forget
to vote often...
Best over-all gets $1000.
And we definitely are the scariest. Thanks to Crissy
Straw for helping create the display.
Upcoming Events
7th
Annual Mask Making Party, 2010 - Sunday,
October 17th, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Make your own mask, sing your own song, wear
your own costume!
October 17, 3-6pm. KindTree Mask Making Party
with "Mr Sinatra" Frankie Sharp on stage, plus
Karaoke and The Cloud City Garrison of Star Wars
troopers. Family Fun!
$5 each, $20 family.
Cozmic Pizza, 8th and Charnelton, Eugene. 541
521 7208
Karaoke at 3:15 and 5pm,
Star Wars Troopers at 4pm,
"Frankie" at 4:30pm
This is a great
weekend to connect to your Holiday Spirit, wandering
through the aisles among the crafters, artisans,
local growers, great musicians, savory food and
body healers.
Visit
KindTree - Autism Rocks in the Holiday Hall, the
southernmost side of the main building, across
the hall from the large room. We will be in a
non-profit space offered by the
Holiday Market with our Notecards, T-shirts,
a special 2011 calendar from Springfield artist
Rachel Lee, and a few special framed original
works by artists with autism.
Everything has
special pricing, too, with our $3.00 Notecards on sale
for only $1.00 each.
So come on
by Thanksgiving Weekend and pick some up. As many as
you want. Thanks for supporting these terrific artists
with autism.
A music benefit for KindTree - Autism Rocks featuring Mood Area 52, one of Eugene's most interesting and fun bands, incorporating Golden Age Tango material, lounge, electronica, Eastern European influences, Brechtian cabaret tunes, folk, and original compositions about love, loss, genetic mutations, daring women in petticoats, and the ill-hatched crimes of ambitious charlatans. Whew!
And Clown Dancer, with our favorite, T R Kelly. Clown Dancer is centered on the songwriting and vocalist team of Anya Lecuyer (Le-kwee-ay) and Brian Hodgson. Interweaving harmony vocals with saturated, tube driven guitar. The Tricksters of Tone perform energetic, danceable, original and classic rock compositions. Joined by rhythm section TR Kelley on bass and Randy Hamme (RH+) on electric drums, Clown Dancer creates a power-driven full-body rock & roll funksplosion of groove!
Have even more fun for even less! Arrive wearing a Clown Nose and get $1.00 off the admission. WOW. Autism Rocks!! So put this event on your calendar, and visit these bands on the web and on FaceBook.
Seeya there - helping to support success for people with autism.
Sensory Friendly Films: Because last weekend's showing of "Pee-wee's Big Adventure" was enjoyed so much, we're gonna try it again. Scheduled for Feb. 19 at noon is "The Never Ending Story", a classic live action kid's adventure movie.
Here's a picture from last weekend.
Come and bring your friends - it's like watching a movie in your living room, except the screen is way bigger and you don't have to make the snacks yourself!
Sponsored by KindTree and the ASO-LCC
Autism Film Festival
Tentatively scheduled for April 16, KindTree - Artism Rocks is looking for four hours of entertaining and informative videos and movies by or about people on the autism spectrum. We need your ideas! If you have a film, locally made, major release, or independent, please send us a message. mary-minn@kindtree.org
Another KindTree - Autism Rocks Event
Art Classes
KindTree - Autism Rocks is planning art classes in varied mediums for all you atists out there. We have no schedule yet, but plans are coming together. Keep in touch at www.kindtree.org
"Autism Artism 2011"
Our Gala Opening is scheduled for April 2, 2-4pm, at the Pizza Research Institue on Blair. We have entries from 17 artists this year, and they are all awesome - including poetry, video, and 2 dimensional art. We'll be posting images soon, after the jurying process. Please put the date on your calendar today!
Another KindTree - Autism Rocks Event
Autism Community News, January 14, 2011
In this Issue:
Notes on a wet winter morning.
A few days ago I sent out an e-mail to you asking for reviews of KindTree - Autism Rocks. Many of you went online and did it. Awesome! Go check them out here, or write your own.
This last weekend KindTree's Board of Directors took serious time to finalize our plans for 2011. We will soon go over them with our Advisory Board, as well. But I can tell you now that we are primed for growth. Visit www.kindtree.org often to get the up-to-date news, and check out the fun events we have coming up in just a few weeks, including a family freindly showing of Pee Wee's Big Adventure and a benefit concert with Mood Area 52 and Clown Dancer (with T R Kelly).
Autism Artism 2011 is coming up, too. Artists, get your entries ready and send them on. The world is waiting for you.
Some of the improvements we're planning concern our unique Autism Camp / Retreat. This summer we plan on responding to the feedback we received and offer early registration to a limited number of campers, as well as a day only option for those who find staying overnight too much for them. More news on these in March, when registration for 2011 will open.
If you are a member of Facebook, take a moment to visit KindTree's page here. We are featuring some new artwork and there is a chance for you to have a conversation. Check it out.
Boredom Enthusiasts Discover the Joys of Understimulation
By GAUTAM NAIK / The Wall Street Journal
LONDON—"Brace yourself for five piping-hot minutes of inertia," said William Barrett. Then he began reciting the names of every single one of 415 colors listed in a paint catalog: damson dream, dauphin, dayroom yellow, dead salmon…and on and on and on.
Mr. Barrett's talk was titled, "LikeListening to Paint Dry," and to judge from the droopy faces in the audience, it was a hit. He was speaking, after all, at a conference of boredom enthusiasts called Boring 2010, held here Dec. 11.
Rhodri Marsden speaks on 'The Draw In Test Match Cricket.'
For seven hours on that Saturday, 20 speakers held forth on a range of seemingly dreary diversions, from "The Intangible Beauty of Car Park Roofs" and "Personal Reflections on the EnglishBreakfast," to "The Draw in Test Match Cricket" and "My Relationship With Bus Routes." Meanwhile, some of the 200 audience members—each of whom had paid £15 (about $24) for a ticket—tried not to nod off.
Not many did, surprisingly. "It is quintessentially English to look at something dull as ditchwater and find it interesting," said Hamish Thompson, who runs a public-relations firm and was in the audience.
Boring 2010 is the handiwork of James Ward, 29 years old, who works for a DVD distribution and production company. In his other life, as the envoy of ennui, Mr. Ward edits a blog called "I Like Boring Things." He is also co-founder of the Stationery Club, whose 45 members meet occasionally to discuss pens, paper clips and Post-it Notes.
For another of his projects, Mr. Ward over the past 18 months has visited 160 London convenience stores and made careful notes about a popular chocolate bar called Twirl, including the product's availability, price and storage conditions. He publishes the details online.
Boredom has become a serious subject for scientific inquiry. For example, a 25-year study of British civil servants published earlier this year found that some people really can be bored to death: People who complain about "high levels" of boredom in their lives are at double the risk of dying from a stroke or heart disease, the study concluded.
"Autism Artism 2011" is now accepting submissions. All forms of visual art and poetry are accepted. A jury of art experts will choose the best for display at the Pizza Research Institue in April 2011. Submission deadline is January 30. Please don't be late. Go here to learn more.
ASO Call to Artists
Every year the Autism Society of Oregon picks someone with ASD who has an interest in art to be the t-shirt artist for the annual walk. Design your entry today. We're waiting... Go here to learn more...
All Kids Can CREATE art contest
Hello Educator! All of us at Creative Activities/VSA Washington wish you happy new year! I would like to inform you of a wonderful opportunity for your students and classrooms. The All Kids Can CREATE art contest is currently underway. Students from ages 5 to 15 are encouraged to submit visual art work for a chance to participate in this annual exhibit. Go here to learn more...
Check out 15 beautiful framed paintings or prints
displayed in the window at the vacant La Folette Gallery storefront
in Eugene. As long as the property is for lease, we can leave these
pieces there for all the passers by to enjoy. KindTree - Autism Rocks
info is there, too, along with Mary-Minn's November 2010 Stim Page.
With the help of the ASO Lane County Chapter and KindTree - Autism Rocks, The Bijou Art Cinema, 492 East 13th Avenue in Eugene, will present a special showing of the classic comedy "Pee Wee's Big Adventure" January 29 at 2:00. Regular admission price of $5.00 will be in force, but everything else will be a little different.
Gluten-free snacks are available. House lights will stay on. Volume levels will be reduced. And people can wander around, make noise, fidget - whatever.
It's the Autism Community's chance to enjoy a fun and crazy movie with all your family and friends stress free. So join KindTree and ASO-LCC for an adventure with Pee Wee. Too fun.
Benefit Concert - Sunday, February 6th, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sam Bonds Garage
A music benefit for KindTree - Autism Rocks featuring Mood Area 52, one of Eugene's most interesting and fun bands, and Clown Dancer featuring T R Kelly, performing energetic, danceable, original and classic rock compositions. !Whew! $5 - $20 sliding scale. Get an additional discount if you wear a clown nose! Help fill our coffers so we can better serve the Autism Community - and maybe have a beer! Rock on!
KindTree – Autism Rocks is getting serious about expanding our services.
Feedback forms from our Retreat tell us people want more time at Camp.
Local artists of all ages are looking for ways to improve their skills and market their creations.
Everyone longs for the sense of Community experienced at our Retreat to last all year long.
To make these dreams reality, we need your help. Many of you received a Fundraising Appeal Card in the mail, with a return address envelope. Please, take a moment to find where you left it and send in a donation – with a credit card or a check. If you can’t find it, you can still make a donation via our website or by sending a check to the address below. The need is growing with no end in sight. Here’s what your donation could support:
$25 - art supplies for two artists with autism in our coming classes.
$50 - a frame for one of the original art pieces to be displayed at “Autism Artism 2011” in April.
$110 - a scholarship to our Camp for one person.
$175 - a sponsorship for a family of three.
$250 -one page of our newsletter going out to over 1000 recipients nationwide.
$1000 - one complete issue of the newsletter.
Of course, any amount is welcome, and you can direct your donation online to our Art Program, the Camp, or any other choice. YOU are in control.
KindTree – Autism Rocks is the only autism oriented non-profit participating in the Oregon Cultural Trust.This program allows you to first donate to KindTree, and then make an equal donation online to the Oregon Cultural Trust that will later be REFUNDED as an Oregon income tax credit! It’s easy and you can double your impact on the arts in Oregon. Follow the link…
The kids and their parents at Camp, the artists from 5 to 55 years old, the support group regulars, our newsletter readers, all will be so grateful for your generous support. Our vision: “To serve and celebrate people on the autism spectrum through art, recreation and community.” And with your help, we will. Thank you.
ASO Call to Artists
Every year the Autism Society of Oregon picks someone on with ASD who has an interest in art to be the t-shirt artist for the annual walk.
Artists' Grants Announced
KindTree - Autism Rocks is able to make grants to artists with autism to assist them in the creation of their art. Recipients this year are Stephen Peeler, Leah Demonia and Rhonda Rauch.
Read more here...
Teens Win For Creating Software for Autism
Two Oregon teens took home the nation’s top high school science prize for developing technology that could help children with autism identify emotion in human speech.
Police respond with a pledge to do better.
I am writing to you in response to the incident involving a developmentally disabled adult who was Tased a few weeks ago while in another’s home without permission.
Winter Music Therapy Groups at West Hills
A supportive environment to work on individualized goals such as improved social skills, increased expressive language, and improved motor planning.
T-Shirts and More
Do your shopping now while we have a lot in stock. Do you have yours?
New at www.kindtree.org:
Photo Album Page - go here to see photos of KindTree's "Thanks to You" award winners.
"Autism Artism 2011" is now accepting submissions. All forms of visual art and poetry are accepted. A jury of art experts will choose the best for display at the Pizza Research Institue in April 2011. Submission deadline is January 30. Please don't be late. Go here to learn more.
Check out 15 beautiful framed paintings or prints
displayed in the window at the vacant La Folette Gallery storefront
in Eugene. As long as the property is for lease, we can leave these
pieces there for all the passers by to enjoy. KindTree - Autism Rocks
info is there, too, along with Mary-Minn's latest Stim Page.
Come see what we got!
Upcoming Events
Sensory Friendly Santa - Saturday, December 18th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Join Sunshine and her family for a special time with Santa. While he is available for all their custoimers from noon to five, Santa is there just for kids on the spectrum from 10-noon. Call 541 954 5584 for an appointment.
There will also be music, local crafts, handblown ornaments, hot cocoa, baked goodies, and face painting. So if you need a Christmas Tree, and want to have more fun than you ever thought possible shopping for one, head on down to Friendly and 28th in Eugene Saturday.
With the help of the ASO Lane County Chapetr and KindTree - Autism Rocks, The Bijou Art Cinema in Eugene will present a special showing of the classic comedy "Pee Wee's Big Adventure" January 29 at about 2:00 (exact time TBA). Regular admission prices will be in force (I'm not sure what they are) But everything else will be a little different.
Gluten-free snack are available. House lights will stay on. Volume levels will be reduced. And people can wander around, make noise, fidget - whatever.
It's the Autism Community's chance to enjoy a fun and crazy movie with all your family and friends. So put the date on your calendar and visit kindtree.org for updates. Too fun.
.
Autism Rocks T-shirts
What are you waiting for?
eFLASH!
Autism Community News, November
2010
In this Issue:
November
2010 Artist Scholarship Alert KindTree - Autism Rocks again received
a grant from Lane Arts Council for our Studio to the Gallery
program for 2011 (thank you!). These funds will allow
us to again offer ART GRANTS to a few artists. The application
is here – the deadline is December 1st, 2010
Recipients will receive a scholarship
for an art class or tutor, or assistance in purchasing
materials, and will be required to submit a form listing
all money spent after purchase of materials or services,
with receipts attached.
Grant recipients will be expected
to produce at least one submission. Read
more here...
KindTree
- Autism Rocks wins Scariest Display
Competition was fierce, with great entries from the VFW,
NextStep Recycling, the ARC, and more. We didn't win the
best overall, but that's OK. As Crissy says, "We'll
get them next year!" Read
more here
Autism Commission Returns
With New Ideas
A commission created a year and a half ago to evaluate
Oregon’s approach to autism has returned with hundreds
of ideas on how to improve services for affected families.
The 13-member Oregon Commission on Autism Spectrum
Disorders summarized its research in a 53-page draft
report.
It tackles everything from educating kids with autism,
to health insurance issues.
In fact, the commission recommends that Oregon lawmakers
take up the controversial issue of mandating health
insurance coverage for autism services. Read
more here
Art
on Sale, and New Artists on www.kindtree.org
Two new artists have joined our Guild and offer their
unique vision and technique for all to enjoy. Eric Wahl,
who had one piece (that sold!) in Autism Artism 2010,
and Danielle Stanzak, who works with finger paints, are
both hoping you will check out their images available
as notecards and prints.
We've put most of our Thanksgiving notecards on
sale through November at half price. Charming
farmhouses, harvest themes, arriving visitors on trains,
lots of heartwarming images to share with family and friends.
That’s what makes his retirement after 30 years
at Mt. Hood Community College such an achievement.
“They said I was ungovernable,” says Sanders
between deliveries in the campus mailroom. His mother
disagreed. She successfully lobbied the Legislature
to ensure that her son, and other children with disabilities,
were guaranteed access to quality education.
And that mother with the “ungovernable”
son? She went on to become the first woman governor
of Oregon. Read
more here
A
Circle of Support
Circle of Friends - the Path to Inclusion is a social
club with a goal.
The San Benito High School club pairs general education
students with those who have a developmental disorder
that makes social interaction a struggle, such as those
with an autism spectrum disorder. The students enjoy
lunch together, exchange phone numbers and set up activities
outside of school. Read
more here
North
Park Vaudeville & Candy Shoppe?
The actors in their “Stars” program include
those with cognitive disabilities, Down syndrome, autism
and other mental challenges, from teenagers to adults.
Read
more here
T-Shirts and More
Do your Holiday shopping now while we have a lot in stock.
New at www.kindtree.org:
Photo Album Page - go here
to see photo albums from past art show, camps and other
events.
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS
Join us at the cards sales table at the Holiday Market on
Thanksgiving weekend. We need volunteers to fill 3 hour
shifts Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 9:30, ending
at 6pm, with three 3-hour shifts a day. Sign yourself and
a friend up at VolunteerSpot. It's pretty easy and convenient
and you can help KindTree sell those beautiful cards (on
sale at $1.00 each!), our T-shirts and more. Someone will
be there to help you get started. It's a fun spot to be.
Click
here to sign up.
WE NEED YOU!
Check out 15 beautiful framed paintings or prints
displayed in the window at the vacant La Folette Gallery storefront
in Eugene. As long as the property is for lease, we can leave these
pieces there for all the passers by to enjoy. KindTree - Autism Rocks
info is there, too, along with Mary-Minn's latest Stim Page.
Come see what we got!
Upcoming Events
7th
Annual Mask Making Party, 2010 - Sunday,
October 17th, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Make your own mask, sing your own song, wear your own
costume!
This event is over, but folks still have their memories.
Go HERE
to see the slide show of photos and see Star Wars Troopers
showing off an Autism Rocks T-shirt!
This is a great weekend to connect to your Holiday
Spirit, wandering through the aisles among the crafters,
artisans, local growers, great musicians, savory food
and body healers.
Visit KindTree - Autism Rocks in the Holiday Hall,
the southernmost side of the main building, across the
hall from the large room. We will be in a non-profit
space offered by the
Holiday Market with our Notecards, T-shirts, a special
2011 calendar from Springfield artist Rachel Lee, and
a few special framed original works by artists with
autism.
Everything has special pricing, too, with our $3.00
Notecards on sale for only $1.00 each.
So come on by Thanksgiving Weekend and pick some up.
As many as you want. Thanks for supporting these terrific
artists with autism.
Autism Rocks T-shirts
What are you waiting for?
You can lead a person to
data, but you can't make them think.
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A music benefit for KindTree - Autism Rocks featuring Mood Area 52, and Clown Dancer, with our favorite, T R Kelly was a lot of fun. The compelling sound of guitar and cello and bass, and sometimes accordian went deep into you, and the singing was honest and passionate. Way to go. What a treat for us.
One other board member will no longer be with us after March - KindTree founder Michelle Jones. As many of you know, Michelle moved to Hawaii last Spring, and is now engaged to be married to her sweetheart. From 1997 to 2009, Michelle guided our Retreat and set the standard for loving acceptance that extended to everyone - a standard we at KindTree pledge to hold ourselves to for as long as we serve the Autism Community. Thank you, Michelle. Thank you from all of us.
Through
October 10 Scarecrow Display at Johnson Brothers
Greenhouse - 10am-5pm daily, north of Coburg
on Coburg Road. 
