HOIDSA Newsletter

We wish to inform the HOIDSA community of recent changes to our board. Earlier this year,

Trisha Romero resigned from the HOIDSA board due to a career opportunity that required her to

relocate to Texas. In addition, after many years of dedicated service, Laurie Mattheessen will be

stepping down from the board at the end of this year.

We thank Laurie Mattheessen and Trisha Romero for their dedicated service to HOIDSA.

With Laurie Mattheessen’s upcoming departure and Trisha Romero’s resignation, we currently

have two open board positions. We are seeking new board members who are committed to

advocating for our children and who are willing to help organize and lead events. Board

members help guide HOIDSA’s mission by participating in monthly online meetings, planning

events, and supporting our community.

If board membership is not possible, we are also looking for volunteers to support HOIDSA

events. Volunteers assist with event setup, outreach, and activities that benefit our families.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a board member or a volunteer, or if you

would like to get involved, please contact us at board@hoidsa.org.

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Thanks,

Mike King

HOIDSA President

Hello HOIDSA Families and friends. The previous year has gone way too fast and it is Pumpkin time in the Pumpkin capital of the World. For those that do not know this, Morton is home to the Nestle plant which produces the great Libby's canned Pumpkin and each year Morton celebrates Pumpkin fest. Each year this pumpkin fest is attended by many of our HOIDSA members, but this picture captured my attention to show the happiness and joy of getting into the swing of Pumpkin fest.

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(Taken from their website) Blue Ridge Community Farm is a 245 acre working farm for adults and children with special needs located approximately 4 miles northwest of Chillicothe, Illinois.

They offer educational field trips for special education and life skills classes. There is no charge for a school to come and visit the farm. They are home to ten alpacas, four donkeys, chickens, a horse and two golden retrievers. Field trips typically include interacting with our farm animals, music, crafts, hay rack rides (dependent upon the size of the group) and learning opportunities revolving around crops grown on the farm, animal care and general farm knowledge.

They also offer social events for adults with special needs all at no charge to those that attend. Some of their events include an annual square dance, cookouts and campfire sing-a-longs.

They do not take any government funding and intend to always be a completely self sustaining working farm.

How to Celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month

To celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month, individuals can engage in various activities such as:

• Educating oneself about Down syndrome through books, documentaries, or seminars.

• Sharing information about the condition on social media platforms.

• Volunteering at local events or organizations supporting individuals with Down syndrome.

• Attending events organized to celebrate the month, such as walks or runs.

• Wearing blue and yellow, the official colors of Down syndrome awareness, to show support.

• Participating in local awareness walks or organizing one in the community.

• Using social media to post pictures and share messages about Down syndrome awareness.

• Supporting organizations that work with individuals with Down syndrome through donations or volunteering.
  These activities not only raise awareness but also promote acceptance and inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome in society.

We’re excited to share that Penn Station is once again supporting our Down syndrome

community! In recognition of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, Deals for Down Syndrome

coupon books will be sold throughout October at the Penn Station located at the Metro Center in

Peoria. 100% of the proceeds benefit HOIDSA!!!

Each $5 coupon book is packed with over $20 in savings, making it a great deal for Penn

Station customers while supporting a great cause. Be sure to hang on to your booklet and use

the coupons during future visits to enjoy exclusive discounts throughout the month and beyond!

Make plans to visit the Metro Center Penn Station in Peoria throughout the month

Email: info@hoidsa.org
Website: https://hoidsa.org/
Location: 325 E. Queenwood Road, Morton, IL
Phone: 3093633125