Staff Go The Extra Mile!

Rain and cold weather didn't damper the spirits of service coordinator's Marla Krause and Lindsey O'Brien at the Glass City Marathon on April 25.  They ran with over 5,000 others and helped raise $10,000 for "Give Autism the Boot."

Krause and O'Brien ran in the 1/2 marathon portion of the race.  I have to say, it's something to be able to smile after such a long race!  Awesome job Marla and Lindsey!

Spread the Word

Admittedly, my technological skills are lacking and I truly have no idea how this whole blog thing works! But I also don't know why a fax works or how big planes (little ones too) get off of the ground and stay in the air. But I no longer question why or how. I just use them.

And so it begins. Another way to communicate about the great things happening at Wood Lane! Spread the word by any means available to you! Tell people that we are here. Just don't ask me how to find the blog because I happened to find the electronic invitation again. My promise? To learn how to use a blog and to share our story - often!

In the meantime, call Liz. Send her to find me...I may not be able to get out of here on my own. ~ Melanie

In the News-

Our rock climbing program made the news in the Blade!  Here's a link to the article.  http://www.toledoblade.com/article/20100428/NEWS16/4280323/-1/NEWS16

You can also link the story from our web site at http://www.woodlane.us/.  Additional photos taken by us are in our photo gallery on our site.

A personal visit to witness a significant feat!

I have to say that I am humbled once again at the abilities of our athletes.  To see the skill and determination brings chills.  It's evident that our athletes enjoy this challenge.  Kudos to Melissa, Stephen, and Chris!

More photos are on our web site at www.woodlane.us.  Click on "photo gallery" to see!  For more information on this program, contact Special Olympics Coordinator Mary Sehmann.

Friday's Stroll in the Park

Students and staff were able to enjoy some sun at the Simpson Park Garden in Bowling Green today.  The park has artwork, statues, plants/flowers, waterfalls. . . all created by BG residents of all ages.  We're going to check to see how we can be involved. There were many pieces of art created by students through BG Schools.

Special Olympics Athletes Rock!

Wow!

Athletes are participating in a trial five-week adapted rock climbing course. According to Mary Sehmann who sent this cell phone photo, the athletes are having a great time and great success with this new challenge!

Special Needs Estate Planning is Necessary-Seminar Scheduled for Families

It is a very sensitive topic but one that all families face. Planning for the future for your loved one with a disability is difficult but necessary.

On Wednesday, May 5, the Wood Lane Foundation will be hosting a Special Needs Estate Planning Seminar at Wood Lane Industries. Our speaker is Nic Thakur. He is a special needs estate planning attorney. Mr. Thakur will address the need for futures planning, trusts that are available that will help protect family assets and future government benefits.

We will meet at Wood Lane Industries from 6 pm - 7:30 pm. Light refreshments will be served. There is no charge for the seminar. Please let me know if you can attend by calling me at 419 352-5115 or lsheets@woodlane.us. We hope you can attend! Liz Sheets

Volunteers. . . Thank you!

We are so thankful for the over 1,200 volunteers who have provided an extensive array of time and energy to our program and individuals we serve. All of our Board members for the Wood County Board of DD are volunteers and give us the needed vision to provide nothing but the best for children, youth, and adults we serve. In addition, volunteers can be seen everywhere in our program - school, industries, community involvement, recreation, Special Olympics . . .there just are too many positions to describe.

To our volunteers. . . Thank you - we couldn't do it without YOU!

Exercise Your Right to Vote!

The Ohio Secretary of State's office has posted an "Ohio Issues Report" for the May primary. Links below will direct you to those reports that include local and state issues for the May 4 primary.

We do not endorse any candidate or issue. This information is being provided to give you a complete picture of issues and ballot language.

If you have questions or need clarification on issues or candidates, contact the Board of Elections at http://www.co.wood.oh.us/BOE/ or by phone (419.354.9120 if in Wood County.) Other BOE office contacts are also on the Secretary of State's web site.

Listing of ballot issues and offices up for election:

http://www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/elections/voterInformation/whatsontheballot.aspx

Local issues summary:

http://www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/elections/electResultsMain/2010results/20100504issuessummary.aspx

Information for voters with disabilities (audio included on the site.)

http://www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/elections/voterInformation/voterswithdisabilities.aspx

Wood Lane Team Ready to Speak Up and Speak Out!

We're excited about the opportunity to share our story through the Wood Lane Speaker's Bureau.  Individuals who receive services, family members, volunteers, and staff are available to speak to your group or on specific topics/projects.  Check out our web site at www.woodlane.us to see the spectrum of services we offer.

We welcome your invitation to speak to your group!