the Summer for Sharing your Love

Take a minute to look at the "Upcoming Events" section of this website. I do my best to include autism related events throughout Oregon, but this issue lost of the space is filled up just with KindTree events. We are getting pretty busy, it seems.

All the events we produce are staffed and planned by volunteers. The Autism Family Camp / Retreat, for example, works over 60 volunteers about 12 hours each every August, with additional time spent planning, preparing and supervising. This wonderful event connects individuals and families living with autism, building friendships and community like nothing else does. And the vast majority of the work is done by volunteers. Even some of the guests help out - with some of them graduating from paying guests to full load volunteers. Awesome. All of us depend on them, and they depend on us to make their efforts worthwhile and fun. Read some of their feedback. Then join us. It is truly a gift we can all share in.

Zamir Wassermiller shared his talent, and made a video about the Camp / Retreat for his Senior Project that you can see online. Wow. Thanks!

Our STiLE Program has received State Certification, and we continue to prepare for a Fall offering of a few groups working on social skills and more. Please stay tuned for this exciting opening. In the meantime, former Board member Maggie Pecora is warming up folks in the Cottage Grove area with gardening skills at her Full Spectrum Farm. There is so much to do!

Speaking of Board members, Johanna Magner, long time KindTree Board member, has resigned from the Board, but will continue to be a key volunteer. THANK YOU, Johanna!

I want to thank all the folks who worked on or donated to "the PROM" and the "Somewhere Over the Spectrum" variety show. Despite some setbacks, both were great successes, raising much needed funds and bringing the joy and talent of people on the spectrum into the mainstream community. Special mention goes to Melissa Farley who produced the variety show as part of a college project. She also did much with our Social Media, posting on Facebook and developing participation in our BLOG. Here you can learn more about our donors, participate in the online activities, and view slide shows from these events.

Autistic talent has another showcase option in Eugene. Every 2nd and 4th Friday, Reality Kitchen at 245 Van Buren puts on a karaoke night. Ryan Crain - aka Deano - is often the host. This event is not limited to folks on the spectrum but is very welcoming, and proprietor Jimmy Evangelista is a Retreat volunteer.

This past month I spent a lot of time visiting family in Ohio and Wisconsin. I am so fortunate to have people who care for me despite my failings, who will put up with me and, through their love, encourage me to do my best. While such traveling visits can be exhausting, I am also recharged, ready to go forth and do my thing with confidence.

That’s the feeling we create here at KindTree. We are family, we love you, you can do anything you set out to do.

Thanks for listening, Tim Mueller