Friday, September 17, 2010

SPOTmail Update!

Lesson Prep

Did you feel like you were back in school last Sunday?  You know how it goes - the regular teacher is out so the sub slides in the tape and presses the play button.  Hope you found the information on Paul insightful.

This week we will have a live presentation as I plan to be with you.  The lesson plan will consist of the following three segments: the man - the city - the letters.  I think it is most beneficial to understand the background in order to glean the richness of the recorded material.

I am creating a handout you will want to hang on to for the duration of our study of 1 & 2 Corinthians.  Final question - what ever happened to the third  Corinthian book? 

Look forward to seeing you Sunday,
Don

SPOTsnack Schedule

Sept. 19 -- Deckers (that's this Sunday)

Sept. 26 -- Stubbs

Holy Cow Root Beer Float Booth

Don't forget to sign up to help at the SPOT booth during Concord's Fall Festival celebration, Saturday, Oct. 2.  Look for the sign-up sheet in the SPOTfolder this week.  We really need your help!  The LaRowes cannot do this all by themselves.  Donations are also needed.  It takes about $100 to put this together, and we have only $5!

Prayer Request
Ryan Perry has been dealing with health issues - almost continuous gagging and choking.  At the same time, the Perry's dog had surgery and has to be watched closely on a continuous basis.  Pray not only for Ryan and Shylo's recover, but also that Zenobia can get some sleep. 
Ryan's Rappers (from Zenobia Perry)

Dear SPOT class friends,

On Saturday, October 9th at 10a.m. I will be leading a team in the annual Walk Now For Autism Speaks in St. Louis.  Our group will meet at 9:30a at the ticket booth for a picture on the Upper Muny Parking lot in  Forest Park.  Known as Ryan's Rapper’s will be walking  for the 8th year!

Last year, St. Louis again hit the million dollar mark, collecting $1,045,564 with over 20K walkers!  Our team collected $16,171 still placing our team in the top 10 with approximately 65 walkers on our team.  Ready for this?  Ryan’s Rappers has collected $108,871 over the past 7 years!!!

I'm working on an updated video from past walks, and pictures from the 2009 walk.  Our team photo from the 2009 walk is attached along with a recent picture of Ryan and Jaclyn.

Your donations are definitely making a difference.  Some of you may be receiving updates on the research that is being conducted throughout the year.  For more information on recent scientific studies and funding initiatives, visit http://www.autismspeaks.org/science/index.php
With your help, new autism genes are being discovered!  We are steps closer to finding the cause and cure that is affecting 1 out of every 110 children (or was recently reported, 1 in 70 boys).

Ryan is now 17, and a senior in high school.  He probably, however, will stay in school until he is 21 to help him continue to learn how to be more independent.  His team of teachers, aides and home tutors are exceptional again this year.  He currently is enrolled in classes with a special education teacher and mainstreamed in ceramics and a PE mentoring class where peers choose to assist students with special abilities.  Twice a week, Ryan and his classmates work at a nearby retirement facility where for 2 hours his duties may include cleaning light fixtures, tables, handrails, helping with laundry, and setting the table.

This past summer, Ryan was accepted into SWEP (Summer Work Experience Program) where he worked in the dining room at a retirement home and unpacked new merchandise at TJMaxx.  And he got paid!  He was supposed to work 20 hours/week, but we tapered the hours to what he was able to tolerate.  Something about setting the dining room table 3 times/day just did not sit well with him :)  When not at school, Ryan plays T-ball on a team with other children with special needs, takes horseback riding lessons, and continues to swim regularly.
 
We want you to know that any amount of donation means a lot to us - $5, $10, $100, $1000.  We are so thankful for all the support that you have shared with our family.  We could not do it without you.
 
1)  To register to walk:
If you wish to register to walk on our team, please click on the link below and go to "Join Our Team".  If you need assistance, please let me know.

http://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/stlouis/ryansrappers

 2)  To make a donation online:
If you wish to make a donation online (minimum $20), please click on the link below and fill in the amount you wish to donate.

http://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/stlouis/zenobia

3)  To send a check (made out to Autism Speaks - pls put Ryan's Rappers/St. Louis in the memo):
Send to:
Zenobia Perry
2312 Manor Creek Drive
Chesterfield MO  63017
Please invite all your family/friends to join us!  This day is especially enjoyable for children since all activities and lunch are free!

Sorry - but no pets except service animals are allowed since many children with autism especially have a fear of dogs.

Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness,
Zenobia, Ryan and Jaclyn Perry
  
314-276-4006 (Zenobia cell)
zgperry@earthlink.net
314-580-8617 (Jaclyn cell)
jnperry1995@hotmail.com
--
Zenobia Perry, MMT
Music Therapist & Private piano instructor
www.zenobiaperry.com


Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Belated Birthday Wishes

My apologies, but due to a calendar error (now fixed) I missed putting these up the past couple of days...



Happy Birthday Monday to Ashley Conrad and Mike Smith.  Yesterday was Jessica McKee's Birthday.  Hope you all had great days!