October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month
Buddy Walk Registration is open!

You can register online  here and collect donations until November 15, 2017, this date will be the cutoff for top fundraising totals. Each family who raises a minimum of $100 prior to Buddy Walk will receive 4 Buddy Walk shirts. Every individual with Ds will receive a t-shirt at no cost.

Thank you for fundraising!

Like the Buddy Walk Knoxville Facebook Page for updates!
Facebook
Some information you might find helpful for Buddy Walk this year...

Buddy Walk will be Sunday, October 22 from 1-4 pm at World's Fair Park

DSAG Dollars- This is the fundraising incentive program in place this year. DSAG Dollars can be redeemed for merchandise at Marketplace. DSAG Dollars are awarded $10 for each $250 raised. The top 3 fundraisers for Buddy Walk 2017 will be announced in the December DSAG newsletter and presented on stage at Buddy Walk 2018. Remember, you have until November 15, 2017 to continue fundraising.

Immediately following the walk at 2 pm, the  medal ceremony will take place on stage. Each of our friends with Down syndrome will receive a medal and a goody bag and get their moment on stage to be recognized.

Plan on having lunch at Buddy Walk- there will be  food trucks this year!

Marketplace has some awesome new DSAG items this year! 3.21 baseball T's, long sleeve Comfort Colors shirts, and Buddy Walk picture frames. There will also be Ds decals, Buddy Walk umbrellas, lunch boxes, frisbees and cups. Buddy Walk t-shirts that have not been given out at registration will be on sale at Marketplace after 2 pm for $12 each.

Silent Auction items available to bid on are Disney tickets, signed sports memorabilia, date night baskets, automotive items, tickets to area attractions and more! Be sure to get by early before these great items are gone.  Silent Auction will close at 3 pm.

If you are new to the DSAG family over the last year - thru birth of a baby, expecting a baby, adoption or moving to East Tennessee - be sure and stop by the  New Family Tent.  ****If anyone would like to help with greeting new families for a thirty minute block of time, please send an email to info@dsagtn.org ****

There will be more details in the following weeks. If this is your family's first Buddy Walk, I hope this has answered most of your questions. If you have other questions feel free to email me at angie.holbert@dsagtn.org

Thank you for helping make DSAG programs and events possible!
Thank you to our sponsors!
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Littles and Lattes
will not meet in October due to Knox County Fall Break
DSAG is excited to offer a program for our preschool age group. Littles and Lattes is designed to be a playgroup type setting for children with Ds (ages birth to 6 years) and their parents. Feel free to bring your own latte or enjoy the provided coffee. Thank you to First Baptist Concord's Helping Hands Ministry for providing the space for us to meet.

Next Littles and Lattes will meet November 8.
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D.A.D.S. will meet tonight October 2
*New location*
Chick-fil-A Fountain City
5100 N Broadway St
Knoxville, TN 37918
6-7:15 pm

Dads, grandads, or anyone who is a father figure in the life of an individual with Ds are invited to be part of the group. 
DADS
Knox Extra Cool Moms
Mom's Night Out
Tuesday, October 10 at 7PM
Panera Bread
205 North Peters Road
Knoxville, TN 37923

Knox Extra Cool Moms Facebook page was created for Knoxville area moms of individuals with Ds to share information and social events. If you would like more information, look for them on Facebook.
The page is not managed by DSAG.
Upcoming Calendar of Events:
  Tentative Event Dates for 2017-18:

October 2- DADS meeting
October- Littles and Lattes will not meet
October 10- Knox Extra Cool Mom's Night Out
October 22- Buddy Walk 2017
October 27-29-Camp Oginali
November 6- DADS meeting
November 8- Littles and Lattes
December 9- Ripley's Aquarium
March 18- 3.21 Race
April 8- DSAG Dollywood Day
NDSC Conference
Our DSAG board president and vice-president attended the 2017 NDSC Conference. They are excited to share some of the information with our DSAG members in the future.

Each year, thousands of people from across the globe attend the NDSC Annual Convention. For most, it’s to hear the latest information from world-renowned experts. For others, it’s a great vacation. However, for nearly all, there’s the one-of-a-kind NDSC “giant family reunion” feeling that permeates the convention weekend.

Do you shop at Kroger?

Kroger Community Rewards is for you. Thank you to those of you who have linked your Kroger card to benefit DSAG. We received a donation of $157.43, for you simply signing up  here and using your Kroger card when you shop. 
The organization number for DSAG is 10330.
Project SEARCH

Project SEARCH is a program originally created through Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, in which people with disabilities can learn relevant, marketable skills while immersed in a 9-month internship program and become employed in an integrated setting.
Click here to learn more
Camp Oginali

University of Tennessee Therapeutic Recreation Department's annual weekend camp for individuals with Down Syndrome is held each fall. Come join us as we have a fun-filled weekend full of outdoor learning and adventure. Campers will play games, make crafts, dance, and more. Camp Oginali will be held October 27-29, 2017.

Click here for more information

Employment and Community First CHOICES

Employment and Community First CHOICES is a new program for people of all ages who have an intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD). This includes people who have significant disabilities.

Click here to learn more
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DSAG Membership Dues

Thank you to those who have already paid your 2017-2018 dues. DSAG membership dues are $25 per year per family and payable as of September 1, 2017.  Families are required to pay this fee in order to participate in Dollywood, Zoo or any social event offered, apply for recreational scholarships, take advantage of educational programs, etc. Thank you for supporting DSAG families and programs. Checks can be made payable to DSAG and mailed to PO Box 53575, Knoxville, TN 37950 or paid by card by clicking the link below.