Basketball starts January 13th --

The Bears Special Olympics team will start its Basketball season on Wednesday, January 13th (nobody is superstitious are they?). Please call Rick Mons (651-334-6825) by JANUARY 10th if you wish to participate.

We’ll have half-court teams and new players will have their option of either playing on a team or competing in Individual Skills. Depending upon the number of players who participate, I think we’ll have at least three and possibly four half-court teams. Participation fees will be $15.00 per athlete. If you have difficulty in paying this fee, please talk to Rick Mons who will arrange for a scholarship.

One change that we’re making is the site of practices. Due to scheduling conflicts, we will be practicing at Golfview Elementary School (see map and directions below). However, practices will continue to be held from 6PM to 7PM every Wednesday – See schedule below. Please plan on arriving 5-10 minutes before practice begins so that we can have the full benefit of the hour of court time. Practices will end promptly at 7:00 so please also arrange to have your rides at the school by then.

The Area competition is Saturday, March 20 and will be held at Hastings High School (same location as in past years). You must compete in the Area competition in order to compete in the State competition.

The State competition is tentatively scheduled for April 10^th and 11^th – however a location has not yet been announced. We’ll provide more details for both Area and State competitions later on.

2010 BASKETBALL PRACTICE & COMPETITION SCHEDULE
January 13		March 3
January 20		March 17
January 27		AREA MEET SATURDAY 3/20
February 3		March 24
February 10		NO PRACTICE MARCH 31
February 17		April 7
February 24		STATE MEET APRIL 10 & 11 PLACE TBD

Practices: Golfview Elementary School • 2449 Orchard Lane • White Bear Lake

Map & Directions:

From I-694: Exit to White Bear Avenue. Go North to Orchard Lane. Turn East on Orchard to School.

From Hwy 61 or I-35E: Turn East (or if I-35E, Exit) on County Road E. Follow County Road E(becomes Minn. Highway 244) to McKnight. South to Orchard. East to School.

Powers & Weller to National Games next July

Congratulations to Amy Weller and Dan Powers, who have been selected to be part of the Minnesota delegation to the next Special Olympics USA National Games. Amy was chosen for Minnesota's track and field team and Dan for the bowling team.

The event will be held in Lincoln, Nebraska, (on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus and surrounding area) from July 18-23, 2010. An expected 3,000 athletes from all over the country will compete in thirteen sports.

While other countries have offered national games in the past, this is only the second time that athletes from the United States have been invited to compete nationally. Ames, Iowa, was the site of the first games in 2006.

Minnesota will be sending close to 100 athletes in various sports to Lincoln -- each state is given a quota determining how many athletes may be selected for each sport. . Selections in some sports remain to be made and it's expected that the State staff will finalize team selection for all sports by the beginning of November.

Good luck, Amy and Dan, and to all of the athletes who will compete in the Special Olympics 2010 USA National Games. (You can find more information on the games and follow progress toward the July, 2010, event at http://www.2010specialolympics.org)

(submitted by Cathy & Carol Petterman)

Welcome to Faith Barnier, new member of the Bears

The Bears added a new teammate recently. Faith Barnier joined the team and is participating in the Bowling competition. She's not sure yet whether she'll play basketball but is planning on competing in the Track & Field competitions next Spring. Faith, her dad and her twin sisters helped out at the fundraiser last Saturday.

Faith is in 9th grade at Irondale High School. She has eight brothers and sisters -- six still at home in Arden Hills. Her mom and dad, Sue and Dave, plus those family members who were able to attend the Davanni's fundraiser are shown at right.

Hawaiian H2O

Lots of Bears (and family members) turned out for the annual White Bear Lions "Run Around the Lake" event. This is a fund-raiser since the Lions make a contribution to every group that hosts a water stop. We hosted the water/Gatorade stop at mile 2 (or mile 12 for the "twice-around-ers") and this year's theme was "Hawaiian H2O" The water stop had Hawaiian music playing, a backdrop featuring an ocean view (see photo above), tiki torches, leis, and more.

Thanks to everyone who helped out! Thanks especially to Karen Clapper for pulling this together and to the Clappers and Hallgrens for the decorating touches.

By the way, the runners vote for "Best Water Stop" -- and the winner gets an additional "bonus" contribution. We won't know if we won or not for a couple of weeks but there was a lot of very positive comments from runners who came by after their run. While most runners just go once around the lake, many who are in training for marathons -- especially the Twin Cities Marathon -- use this race as a "tune-up" and run twice around White Bear Lake.

Golf - Results from State

The golf state competition was held at Oak Marsh. Sean Sieleni was the sole representative from the Bears in the Individual Skills competition and placed second in his division.

Unified 9-hole participants were

• Noah & Don Lamusga (2nd place in their division);
• Alec & Rick Mons (2nd place in their division);
• Tricia & Joe Paul (4th place in their division)

Here's the morning competitors showing off their awards (from left to right: Teams Lamusga, Sieleni, Paul and Mons)

___________________

In the afternoon, Sean and John Sieleni and Doug Dufresne and Barb Mons teed off for the 3-hole Unified Partner event. Sean and John placed first in their division and Doug and Barb tied for fourth in the same division.

We should note that a heroic shot from the sand trap by Sean saved the day and secured Team Sieleni's first-place position!

The golf team also wants to thank Island Lake Golf Course for the use of their facilities for practices. We've been able to practice there for the past several years and they've been both kind and understanding as we've tested their patience with shots zooming to the left, right and (upon occasion) straight ahead.

Bocce - Results from State Competition

The Bears participated in singles matches at the SOMN Fall Games in Maple Grove on August 22nd. We finished with 4 first place, 3 second place and 2 fourth place awards. Well done, one and all!

The season wound up with a celebration picnic hosted by the B-Dale Club in Roseville. Not only did these folks donate space for us to practice, they volunteered to treat the team and supporters to a barbeque. Wow!! We are overwhelmed by their generosity. A big, big thanks to them and also to the Half Time Rec, which also donated practice space for our use.

And a huge thank you goes out, too, to the wonderful parents and group home staff who so willingly pitched in at bocce practices and competitions. You all were a tremendous help to the coaches and athletes. You helped make it a total team effort and a fun season, too. We cannot thank you all enough.

From the Bocce coaches,

Cathy Peterman, Carol Peterman, Joanne Heller

Sad news

As many may know, Jeff Proulx was on several of our Special Olympics teams in the past few years. I first met Jeff when he played on our golf teams and really enjoyed having him participate.

Last year, he had to scale back his involvement and this year was unable to participate.

Saturday, I received this e-mail from Stephanie Boe. (Jeff lived with Stephanie and her family in a foster home setting.)

I wanted you to know that Jeff Proulx passed away today, he had been

suffering with complications of Alzheimer's for about the past six

weeks. Recently he had been suffering with seizures which were non-

specific and thought to be caused by the alzheimer's. Jeff has been

in hospice for the past week and was kept very comfortable, his

family has been with him around the clock.

Although Stephanie thought an obituary with more details would be published today, I've not seen any more details. I'll add them to this announcement once more is known.

Edit: Jeff's obituary was just posted on the Pioneer Press's site -- click here for the link and more details.

2ND FUNDRAISER - 9/16 Davanni's Night

Circle your calendar for Wednesday, September 16 when the Bears Special Olympics team will have a fund-raiser at the Davanni's in Arden Hills. (The same location as the fund-raiser held last spring)

When you present the coupon above, the Bears receive 20% of your order placed between 4PM to 8PM (deliveries excluded; dine-in or pick-up orders only). Please -- you must use the coupon above and hand it to the cashier when you order in person or pick-up your called-in order (to be safe, if you're calling ahead, please tell the person who takes your order you're participating in this fund-raiser for the Bears and then take the coupon with you)

You can either print this page and cut out the coupon or right click on the image above and "Save image" for printing later on.

Please mention this to friends, relatives, Davanni lovers, etc. and hand out coupons to anyone who you think might participate! ANYONE who presents the coupon during this time period (4-8PM) and date (September 16) will have 20% of their order donated to the Bears! (Please don't distribute the coupon to strangers who are entering the restaurant on the night of the fund-raiser. Understandably, Davanni's frowns on that kind of thing.) You can certainly meet friends and family at the restaurant and give them the coupons at that time.

Thanks to Cindy Vannelli for organizing this fund-raiser. Last Spring the Bears raised over $400 and we're hoping to top that amount on September 16. All funds raised help meet the costs for our teams that participate in basketball, bocce ball, bowling, golf and track & field as well as help underwrite the cost for new uniforms, etc.

If you have any questions, please contact Cindy (651-483-6089; CaVannelli1@mmm.com) or Karen Clapper (65-484-8020; K.Clapper@comcast.net)

FALL SPORT -- Bowling Starts 9/13!

Bowling is right around the corner -- 1st practice is Sunday, September 13!!

The bowling coaches will again be Linda & Kurt Hallgren and Linda & Don Lamusga.

Please call coaches Linda or Kurt Hallgren at (651) 639-0834 if you would like to participate in bowling or have any questions. And, please be at the first practices so the coaches can get scores for registration.

• All practices will be held at Flaherty’s Arden Bowl -- the same location as last year (1273 W. County Rd E, Arden Hills).

• All practices are every Sunday -- except 10/18 -- from 9:30am – 11am .

• The last practice will be Sunday, November 8 and includes a Pizza Party!

• The cost for bowling is $40.00 (if paying by check, please make out to Linda Hallgren). This will pay for ALL practices as well as a pizza party on November 8th.

Our Area 12 Bowling meet will be on Sunday, October 11, at Matties Lanes (formerly called Wells Lanes) in South St. Paul. The Fall Bowling Classic (State Meet) will be the weekend of November 13 – 15. We will be trying to get the Sunday afternoon shifts for our bowling times again this year. More information on the Area 12 and State competitions to follow.

Important Dates

DATE WHAT TIME
Sunday, Sept 13 Practice 9:30am – 11am
Sunday, Sept 20 Practice 9:30am – 11am
Sunday, Sept 27 Practice 9:30am – 11am
Sunday, Oct 4 Practice 9:30am – 11am

Sunday, Oct 11 Area 12 Meet Time To be Announced

Sunday, Oct 25 Practice 9:30am – 11am
Sunday, Nov 1 Practice 9:30am – 11am
Sunday, Nov 8 Practice + Pizza 9:30am – 11am

Nov 13 – 15 State Meet Time To be Announced

FUND RAISER -- SEPTEMBER 12

Saturday, September 12, 2009

the annual Bears Water Run.

THIS EVENT HELPS DEFRAY

THE COSTS FOR OUR TEAMS!

IT'S AN EASY AND FUN WAY

TO HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR THE BEARS!

We will be in charge of a water stop again this year. Be at the Lions Park (4420 Lake Ave S. WBL) at 7:30 a.m. (The park is located just east of Kowalski’s.)

We are planning an Hawaiian Theme, so wear your most colorful Hawaiian shirt (with layers underneath because it can be cool early in the morning). Bring any “decorations” that will help us win the BEST WATER STOP………….. be enthusiastic and cheer on the runners.

BECAUSE THIS IS THE DAY BEFORE BOWLING STARTS, WE NEED YOU TO LET US KNOW THAT YOU CAN HELP. Please contact Karen Clapper at (651) 484-8020 or at k.clapper@comcast.net

State Fall Games -- Golf

The state office has released event schedules for the Golf Events
in the Fall Games.

All events are held on Sunday, August 23 at Oak Marsh Golf Course
526 Inwood Avenue North
Oakdale, MN 55128
(651) 730-8886)

Individual Skills
8:00: Sean Sieleni (start at Pitch Shot; suggest you be at the clubhouse and ready to go by 7:50)

9-hole Alternate Shot.
You must check in 20 minutes before tee-time. All teams will start at the 10th hole. Pace of play is intended to be no more than 2 hours 45 minutes.

9:10: Alec & Rick Mons
9:30: Noah & Don Lamusga
9:50: Tricia & Joe Paul

Lunch will be served in the clubhouse from 11:00 to 1:30


3-hole Alternate Shot
Both teams will start at the 10th hole and are in the same division. Check in about 20 minutes before tee-off time.
2:30: Sean & John Sieleni; Doug Dufresne & Barb Mons

Awards - awards for various events and their divisions are to be distributed throughout the day.

Other notes:
• although it doesn't make sense to me, athletes are supposed to tee off on odd-numbered holes and partners on even-numbered holes. I'm requesting clarification from the state on this so stay tuned.
• 9-stroke maximum per hole; if one member of a team swings and misses, the other member should then hit the next ball; 3-hole teams may want to relax this if the other teams in your division agrees -- the idea is to have fun and let the athletes compete so I generally suggest 3-hole teams use the "3-swings & you're out" but all teams have to agree and the pace of play has to be adequate
• 90-second maximum to search for a lost ball;
• Coaching is not allowed by spectators or coaches during the round (again, I'd relax this a bit for the 3-hole teams); and,
• There are a very limited number of pull carts available at Oak Marsh Golf Club and should only be used by those playing in the 3-hole and 9-hole competition who do not have their own pull carts.

Bocce Update

From Carol and Cathy Peterman:

The Bears bocce team participated in the Area 12 golf/bocce event held in Hastings on July 27th. Brad Colvard, Jennie Heller, Jesse Linde, Jim McGarry, Josh Seeman, Shane Sinclair, Andrew Vannelli, Angela Watson, and Amy Weller each competed in the singles event. Good job, one and all!

Next up was the SOMN Regional softball/bocce meet held in Elk River on August 1st, which was attended by Brad, Jennie, Jim, Josh, and Angela, along with Sara Dube. It was a very windy, cool day, but the team held up nicely and had good results.

We have several more Wednesday night practices (August 5th, August 12th, and August 19th at the B-Dale Club) before the State Fall Games.

Special thanks to the B-Dale Club and the Half Time Rec for donating space for our practices. We appreciate it.

2009 Golf Update

The golf team's remaining practices are Wednesdays, 8/5/2009 and 8/19/2009 at 6:15 (to 7:30) at Island Lake Golf Course. (Please note that these are the corrected dates; the earlier post had incorrect dates)

Congratulations to Sean Sieleni and Doug Dufresne! Both qualified for the nine-hole unified event next year with Individual Skills scores over 40 points in total and at least 10 points in at least one of the six events.

Sean and Doug participated in the 3-hole unified event this year and had a great time. Sean played with his dad (John) and Doug paired with Barb Mons in the alternate-shot event.

Finally, we had three other unified teams in the nine-hole alternate shot competition:

• Noah Lamusga (with partner/dad, Don);
• Alec Mons(with partner/dad, Rick); and,
• Tricia Paul (with partner/dad Joe).

The State competition will be Sunday, August 23 at Oak Marsh Golf Course. We'll post more info, map, etc as received from the state.