SPORTS, REC & ARTS NEWSLETTER
November 2010
Volume 5, Issue 11
Quick Sheet
For the quick schedule of CIL events, click here.
To find out what is going on at the Ann Arbor CIL check out our Facebook pages!
Be sure to click the “like” button at the top of the page to get updates delivered to your personal facebook page.
General Ann Arbor CIL Page – www.facebook.com/AnnArborCIL
Sports and Rec Page – http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=157013096190&ref=ts
Cooking Class
Join us at the Ann Arbor CIL for cooking classes with Dr. Lauren Ungar.
3941 Research Park Drive, Ann Arbor 48108
Cost is $3.00 per person ($5.00 per couple)
Space in limited. RSVP Required.
Contact Lauren Ungar for more information: 734-272-2526 or laurenungar@yahoo.com
- Tuesday November 9th from 10-11:30am, will be making Squash Soup.
- Tuesday November 23rd from 10-11:30am, will be making Thanksgiving side dishes
- Tuesday December 7th from 10-11:30am, will be making Cheese Danish
- Tuesday December 21st from 10-11:30am, will be making Christmas Cookies
Bowling
Join the Ann Arbor CIL for Bowling Thursday November 4, 11, 18, December 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. Bowling is from 12:45-2:30pm. Meet us at Colonial Lanes, 1950 S. Industrial Hwy, in
Ann Arbor. Only $7 for the day; this includes three games of bowling and shoes. Transportation is NOT provided, please meet us at the bowling alley. RSVP is required for this event! Please respond to Mary Stack at 734-971-0277 x22 or mstack@aacil.org by the Tuesday before the event. All Ages welcome, however if under 18 or needing one on one assistance we require a family member or staff member to stay at the event.
Theatre Reborn Workshop Series
Diversability Theatre is happy to announce the Theatre Reborn (COMMA) will be meeting every Saturday (except holiday weekends) from 1-3pm at the Ann Arbor CIL. The Ann Arbor CIL is located at 3941 Research Park Drive, Ann Arbor MI 48108
For more information please contact Chris at chris@aacil.org,
or call Robin at (734) 971-0277 x46.
Wii Game Night
Come get your game on! Friday, November 19 from 5:30-7:30pm
For youth 14-26 years old, Please RSVP to Anna Dusbiber Gossage at 734-971-0277×17 or anna@aacil.org
At the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living
3941 Research Park Drive
Ann Arbor MI 48108
CIL Fitness Center
The Center for Independent Living now has a fitness area available for use. With a wheelchair accessible circuit training machine, free weights, Nustep, treadmill and stationary bike, a wheelchair accessible scale and much more. Come check it out!
Everyone must complete an orientation with Mary Stack.
The fitness center is available by appointment
Available hours include: day, evening and weekends.
Open:
Tuesdays – 9-4pm, 4-8pm – by appointment only
Wednesdays – 9-4pm
Thursdays – 9-4pm, 4-8pm – by appointment only
Fridays – 9-4pm
Sundays – 11-3pm – by appointment only
Please contact Mary Stack to arrange times to use fitness center.
Talent Exchange Potluck
The Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living Talent Exchange holds a monthly potluck for its members and those interested in becoming a part of the Talent Exchange. The Potluck is held on the first Tuesday of each month at 6pm at the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living. For more information about the potluck or the Talent Exchange please contact Melissa Sartori at 734-971-0277×27 or msartori@aacil.org
Touching the Spirit – Art Exhibition
Join us for the Art Exhibition on Monday December 6 through Friday December 10.
At the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living
3941 Research Park Drive, Ann Arbor MI 48108
Please contact Carolyn Grawi at cgrawi@aacil.org
Digital Photography Classes
Interested in digital photography? Whether you are looking to start a new skill, wanting to meet others interested in photography, or looking for some new inspiration, the Ann Arbor CIL’s Free Photography classes have something for everyone!
The class is free, but space is limited so pre-registration is required! If you are interested in attending or have questions please contact Melissa Sartori at 734-971-0277×27 or melissa@aacil.org
Classes are:
Monday 11/1, 1-3pm
Thursday 11/4, 6-8pm
Monday 11/8, 1-3pm
Thursday 11/11, 6-8pm
Monday 11/15, 1-3pm
Thursday 11/18, 6-8pm
Monday 11/22, 1-3pm
Thursday 12/2, 6-8pm
Coffee and Conversation Hour
Please join the Traumatic Brain Injury Association
On the 1st and 3rd Friday of every month 1-2pm at the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living
3941 Research Park Drive, In the Gathering Place/Kitchen.
Learn about new programs/Get connected with out people and have coffee on us.
Contact Jim Briggs for more information 734-668-6404 or jimbriggs1_2000@comcast.net
Ann Arbor CIL Book Club
Please join us for the Ann Arbor CIL Book Club on Thursday December 16 from 1-3pm. The book club will meet at the Ann Arbor CIL at 3941 Research Park Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108.
We will be review the book, Sarah’s Key by Tatiana Rosnay. Copies are available at the Ann Arbor Library and at the Washtenaw Library for the Blind.
Please contact Melissa Sartori if you have any questions about the book club or need more information 734-971-0277×27 or melissa@aacil.org
Friday Art Group Free to All at CIL Each Week
Please join us every week as we exercise our creativity in our Friday Art Group. Art sessions begin at 1 pm and generally end at 3 pm. Participants choose which project to do each week. Past projects have included trinket boxes, mosaics, decorating ceramic plates before firing, and jewelry. Bring your creativity, music to share and, if you like, a snack. Projects generally take between two and four weeks to complete. The program is FREE, but please call if you plan on coming so we will have more supplies on hand. The art comes to life at the Ann Arbor CIL, 3941 Research Park Drive, Ann Arbor. All Ages welcome please bring friends or family. For more information, contact Sue Probert at sprobert@aacil.org or 734-971-0277×34 or Melissa Sartori at Melissa@aacil.org
SportsAbility
Weekly drop in sports program for kids with disabilities
Saturdays, November 6, 13, 20
Location: 1545 East Lincoln, Royal Oak, MI 48067
For more information, contact Sandy Dorey at 248.858.7596/doreys@oakgov.com
Wheelchair Rugby Demo/Clinic
Interested in trying out Quad Rugby or seeing what its all about. Come to the Meri Lou Murray Recreation center on Thursday November 11 from 7:30-9:30pm.
This event is free but the recreation center charges a daily fee if you don’t have a membership. Adults $6 and Adults with a disability $4.
Any questions or for more information contact Mary Stack 734-971-0277×22 or Mary@aacil.org
Strength Training at Meri Lou Murray Rec Center
The Meri Lou Murray Washtenaw County Recreation Center has recently purchased a Magnum ADA Advantage Trainer, featuring the latest design in wheelchair accessible strength training. This equipment, typically found only in rehabilitation facilities, is an example of our continuing commitment to providing fitness opportunities for people with disabilities. Various exercise options offered with this equipment include: vertical chest press, lat row, lat pull down, bicep curl, pectoral deck and adjustable pulley. If you use a wheelchair and are interested in a great strength training workout, we definitely have what you need!
Whether you are new to the facility or just need a refresher, a Weight Room Orientation will give you some basic tools to better maneuver and operate our equipment. The cost is $12 and registration is required. Please see our Front Desk Staff for more information.
The 6,000 square foot swimming pool is 25 yards long and can host up to 4 lap lanes. The pool measures 3′6″ in the shallow end, and 6′2″ in the deep end. The pool accomodates several user groups, including scheduled time for open swim, water aerobics, lap swimming, instructional swim classes, and Family Fun Night. The pool is barrier-free and easily accessible for wheelchairs.
The daily fee (with no membership) $6 for adults or $4 for Seniors/Youth/Disabled.
Annual pass $200 for Adults or $150 for Seniors/Youth/Disabled
Boy Scouts for special needs
Come Join Pack #5714 for special needs boy scouts. Learn new skills, be part of a select group of scouts where activities are adapted just for you. We play games, work on crafts and learn life skills through the cub scout program. Scouts will be able to earn badges while having fun! Program sponsored by Plymouth Rock Lodge #47. For more information contact Deborah Marlow, Cub Master at 734-783-2968 or e-mail dmarlow@cityofwestland.com
Wheelchair Tennis
This wheelchair tennis program is for beginners to advanced wheelchair tennis players. If you want to just try it out or get serious about tennis. The Midland Tennis Center can help you get there! Don’t worry if you do not have a tennis chair Michigan Sports Unlimited & the Midland Tennis Center have the equipment you need! You can contact Nick Long @ 989-714-1313 or nick@fusionmedical.com or contact Jeff Coupie @ 989-771-5530 or coup@misportsunlimited.com to make sure that tennis is running that night or if you have any questions. Tuesdays 11/2, 11/16, 11/23, 11/30 from 7:30-9:30pm
Michigan Junior Thunderbirds Wheelchair Basketball
Are you interested in playing wheelchair basketball? Anyone, 18 or younger, or attending high school, with a physical challenge is welcome to join.
Wednesdays, November 3, 10, 17, 24
Practices are at: 22200 Beech Road, Southfield MI 48034
Weekly practice of skill development for wheelchair basketball and other Paralympic sports.
Call Claudia for more information. 248-796-4673 or cbrewer@cityofsouthfield.com
More Wheelchair Basketball around the State
Jr. Wheelchair Basketball
Wheelchair Basketball Jr. Pacers (Grand Rapids) 2010-11
Practice Wednesdays from 7:00PM to 9:00PM From September to March
Practices held at the Wolverine Family YMCA located at 6555 Jupiter Ave, on the corner of Post Drive and Jupiter Avenue near US-131.
The Jr. Pacers Wheelchair Basketball team is open to any physically disabled youngster who is school age – Kindergarten to High School Senior. The individual does not need to be a permanent wheelchair user to participate. For more information concerning Jr. Pacers basketball please call 616-242-0352.
Sterling Heights Challengers Jr. Wheelchair Basketball
Anyone 18 or younger with a physical disability can be on our team. Physical disability is many other things besides a traditional spinal cord injury and paralysis. We have heard comments that people thought you had to be in a wheelchair full-time to play wheelchair basketball. Not true! Come see our team and find out about playing with us if you have any level of disability!
Our team is divided into Prep and Junior Varsity. Prep is for boys 12 and under or girls 13 and under. Junior Varsity is for players 18 and younger.
Practice starts in September and continues thru May.
For more information call Coach Diane Winterstein at 586-446-2708, or email her at
SLED HOCKEY
What is Sled Hockey? Sled hockey, or sledge hockey as it is known in Canada and Europe, is a sit down version of ice hockey. Sled hockey is designed for individuals who have a disability that prohibits them from playing stand up hockey. However many teams have able bodied players who practice and fill out roster spots.
Each player uses a sled, which is usually made of aluminum. The other components of the sled are: the bucket, two skate blades under the frame, a skag in the front to keep the front from hitting the ice, and straps to keep the player secure in the sled. Players wear all of the same equipment as anyone you see playing on television. Most players even elect to wear hockey boots with the blades taken out for protection. The biggest difference in equipment between stand up and sled hockey are the hockey sticks. Sled players use two sticks, a right and a left, with metal picks on ends. The picks allow the players to propel themselves. The sticks may be as long as 100cm or roughly 3 feet. The sticks can be made from wood, aluminum, or composite. Most players elect to use a wood blade with a carbon fiber shaft. However carbon fiber blades are starting to become more prevalent. The Sled Dogs prefer to use Warrior shafts.
The Michigan Sled Dogs practice in Fraser at the Great Lakes Sports City Ice Arena
Male/Female ages 8 and up
BLAZE SPORTS POWER SOCCER PROGRAM
Power wheelchair users are invited to participate in a power soccer team. Power soccer is the first competitive team sport designed specifically for power wheelchair users. Participants include persons with quadriplegia, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, head trauma, stroke and other disabilities. The United States, Canada, Japan and Denmark are currently fielding teams. Power soccer is a team sport played by individuals with various disabilities. Male and female participants, younger or veteran, are often on the same team as well as opposing sides. The game is usually played in a gymnasium on a regulation basketball court. Two teams of four power chair users attack, defend, and maneuver an oversized soccer ball into the designated goal for scores. The game is similar to the nonstop action seen in a typical indoor soccer game. Ages 7 and up.
For more information call Jerry Frick, National Program Coordinator at 770-654-0715 or Westland Therapeutic Recreation Program at 734-722-7620 or e-mail Margaret Martin at mmartin@cityofwestland.com
WHEELCHAIR FLOOR HOCKEY (WCHL)
Visit us online at http://www.thewchl.com
The Wheelchair Hockey League (WCHL) of Michigan was created for the enjoyment of participating in hockey. The purpose of this league is to provide an appropriate means for persons in wheelchairs to have the opportunity to play in a competitive floor hockey league and have the chance to engage in the camaraderie and excitement of the sport.
Our league includes players in electric and manual wheelchairs. The WCHL currently has 40 players, divided into four teams.
Players range in age from 10 to 60+, and have a variety of disabilities that include Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida and Spinal Cord Injury. Our games are played 4 on 4, with goalies. Our season is 12 Weeks in length, culminating with two playoff rounds of “best of three games” to decide our Wheeler’s Cup Championship! Our seasons are played over the course of 10 months (September through June). We are currently in our 12th season of competitive hockey. Our games are played Saturdays at SALVATION ARMY OF WARREN
24140 Mound Road, Warren, MI 48091-5322.
The Wheelchair Hockey League is currently looking for volunteer referees. If you are interested please contact chris@thewchl.com
Schedule
October 30 from 1-4pm
November 6 from 1-4pm
November 13 from 1-4pm
November 20 from 1-4pm
December 4 from 1-4pm
FOR MORE INFORMATION contact Mary Stack
WESTLAND THERAEUTIC RECREATION PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES
For more information about the program, please contact Margaret Martin, Therapeutic Program Supervisor. 734-722-7620 or mmartin@cityofwestland.com or Debi Marlow dmarlow@cityofwestland.com
SWIMMING AT THE DYER ORTHOPEDIC POOL
Recreational swimming at the heated Dyer pool provides therapeutic benefits as well as socialization. The temperature of the water is 90 degrees. The locker room and the pool are fully accessible. Those requiring one-on-one assistance or supervision in the pool or locker room must bring an aide or family member. All ages are welcome! Register at the door.
Dyer Orthopedic Pool, Marquette Road between Wayne and Newburgh
Tuesdays, Jan. 6 – June 30, 2010 (Pool closed on February 16, April 6, as well as school holidays, midwinter break, Easter break)
6:30-8 PM – Locker rooms open at 6:20 and close at 8:20.
Price for One Night:
$2.00 Wayne County residents/$3.00 non-resident
Aides and family attend for same fee as member, up to 3 people per member.
Therapeutic Cheerleading with Cheer America
Students with special needs will love learning cheer leading routines. This drop in class is great fun and teaches children to do cheer routines safely. The clas will have several opportunities to perform their skills in local parades and competitions. Wear comfortable clothing and sthletic shoes. Children will be provide pom poms, and can earn a uniform if they attend at least 4 classes before the first parade. Ages, 6-20 years.
Wednesdays 6:15-7pm, from January 6-July 21, 2010
Bailey Recreation Center (36651 Ford Road, Westland)
Price: $4 per class for Wayne County resident
$5 per class for nonresident
Preregistration without payment is strongly encouraged. Drop in program – please pay for each class each week.
For more information about the program, please contact Margaret Martin, Therapeutic Program Supervisor. 734-722-7620 or mmartin@cityofwestland.com or Debi Marlow dmarlow@cityofwestland.com
NEW! General Support Group Meeting
Are you someone who likes to chat and receive support from others? Do you have a disability but don’t want that to be the sole focus of your conversation? If you said yes to both of these questions then you might be interested in participating in a weekly General Support Meeting. A group of individuals and a few facilitators will be meeting on Mondays starting October 4, 2010 November 29. 2010 with facilitators to do just that. Talk, vent, support on various topics with one are of commonality – experiencing life with disability. If you are interested in attending please email Carolyn Grawi at Carolyn@aacil.org. At the Ann Arbor CIL we believe strongly in helping people to help themselves to transform their lives. We look forward to participants collaboratively supporting each other to make that transformations both individually and as a group.
Amputee Support Group
Please come to learn, share your concerns, experiences and knowledge.
Where: UM Orthotics and Prosthetics Center
Suite 400, 2850 S. Industrial Hwy. Ann Arbor, MI
When: First Tuesday of Each Month from 5:30-7:30pm
For information contact Shauna Mote (734)975-7449 or shaunamo@med.umich.edu
National Federation of the Blind Washtenaw County Chapter
We invite you to attend the Washtenaw County Chapter Meeting of the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan. We meet every second Saturday of the month, from 12 P.M. to 3 P.M. We meet at:
Pizza Pino
221 West Liberty Street,
Ann Arbor MI, 48104
Learn how our state affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind is changing what it means to be blind in Michigan. Learn that it is respectable to be blind. Hear about our State and National Conventions. Network and learn from other blind people about skills of blindness. Braille menus are available. The proprietor will not charge us for the room, as long as everyone order something. If you have questions contact Terri Wilcox, Secretary, National Federation of the Blind of Michigan at: trising@sbcglobal.net
RIM reinstates amputee support group
The Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM) is reinstating the amputee support group. People with an amputation and their families are all welcome to attend the monthly meeting, occurring on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 1-2pm. The meetings will be held on the 7th floor of RIM in room 735. The first meeting being held will determine topics and speakers for future meetings, including therapists and healthcare providers, professionals in the field of prosthesis, and athletes. This service is being provided: to give people an opportunity to meet others going through some of life’s challenges and offer support to one another; to increase awareness of recreational opportunities for people with an amputation; and to offer up to date information on caring for and living with an amputation, including the newest technology. For questions regarding the monthly support group please contact Benjamin Ringelberg, CTRS, by phone or email at: (313) 993-0941 or BRINGELB@DMC.ORG
Support Group for Women with PTSD
Women with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to experiencing violence are welcome to this new support group on Mondays from 5:30 pm to 7 pm beginning April 19 at the Ann Arbor CIL, 3941 Research Park Drive, Ann Arbor. This peer support group will give participants the space to discuss what is happening in their lives. Women who have experienced sexual assault, domestic violence or child abuse, women with other disabilities and LBT women are especially welcome. There is no charge for the group. For more information contact (734) 971-0277.
We are always looking for new ideas here at the AACIL, so feel free to share yours! If there is sport or recreation activity you are really interested in participating, please let us know. Secondly, if you know of an event or program not listed here, and would like to notify others, please contact (734) 971-0277 or mstack@aacil.org
Thank you again for your continued support and interest in recreation at the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living! Please feel free to forward this newsletter to friends and family, or let us know if they want to be added to the mailing list. By the same token, if you would like to be removed from the E-Newsletter mailing list, please contact mstack@aacil.org
