Mark your calendars for Sunday, May 2nd from 5:00 to 7:00 pm for the next preteen event!  The FCDSN Preteen Social Group will be gathering at the Jump Club (http://jump-club.com/) on Winton Road for pizza, drinks, and fun.  This event is free for your preteen and parents.  Additional guests approx. $6.50.  Please note that there is a 100 lb. weight limit.

RSVP by April 25th to Kim Holt at 377-1632 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Please note: 2010 Membership Dues MUST be paid before attending this event.

Annual Day-Long Conference Saturday, March 20, 2010

Take a look at the full BROCHURE HERE to print and complete your registration and mail, along with a check made out to FCDSN, to save your seat today!

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED to make this event a success. 

Email your contact information to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to let us know you can help!

Morning keynote speakers Michael and Barbara Cardella: Michael Cardella is a dually certified Toastmaster and Sergeant-at-Arms of Thorobred Toastmasters in Saratoga Springs, NY.  He is a member of the Self Advocacy Association of NYS Speakers Bureau, and is an alumnus of AmeriCorps* VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America).  Michael is an avid self-advocate and also a graduate of Partners in Policymaking.  He has done presentations across the US and as far away as Guatemala.  His personality and unique sense of humor come through in his speaking, gripping audiences everywhere.

Barbara Cardella (Michael's mother) is also a Distinguished Toastmaster and retired Educational Advocate.  She was vice president of NY State's Schools are for Everyone (SAFE) for 15 years; a statewide organization of parents and professionals promoting inclusive education for students with disabilities.  Her personal satisfaction comes from Michael's achievement of a real, quality, fulfilling life in his community.

Afternoon keynote speaker FCDSN member Dan Kulp:  Dan is a comedic story teller, singer, former youth pastor, and parent to 2 adopted children that have Down syndrome.  Dan grew up with four siblings, three of which were adopted, with Down syndrome.  Dan's presentation is a fun filled time of laughter as he shares memories from his past and moments from the present as he copes with being a Dad.  From stories about his Mom's way of dealing with the town bullies, to changing diapers for the first time, you will be entertained and inspired by Dan's experiences.

From School of the Holy Childhood: Diane Gyle will be presenting with the Transition Panel.  This group of parents have been through all phases of the transition process; preschool to school age to high school to adult life.  Marianne Lane will be discussing issues of sex and sexuality and how they affect individuals with developmental disabilities.

Special Event Presentation! Educator Appreciation Celebration: in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day (3/21), the FCDSN will hold a drawing to celebrate the educators that enrich the lives of our children.  FCDSN paid members may submit up to 3 names of outstanding educators that have enriched the lives of their children.  Three finalist names will be drawn from all eligible entries.  Two winners will receive a $500 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble bookstore.  One Grand Prize winner will receive a trip to the National Down Syndrome Congress Conference being held July 16-18, 2010, in Orlando, FL.  Prize recipients must be present, and be able to attend the conference, to win.  See the detailed FLYER HERE.

Teen and Self Advocate Programs are for conference attendees ages 13+.  There are three sessions available this year.  You must register to participate. 

Home Alone Safety: When I'm In Charge.  A class offered through EPIC Trainings.  Learn how to be safe when you're home alone, and what to do if an emergency or unexpected situation arises.  PASTAbilities cooking class.  Make your own pasta lunch while you learn about basic kitchen safety and food preparation.  Movin' and Groovin' to the Music.  Music therapist Amy Degro will lead you through some great tunes.  Have fun listening and dancing to the music.

15th Annual Auction Gala Saturday, April 10, 2010

Plan on joining us this this April for the FCDSN's first major fundraiser of the year.

Volunteers are needed to make this event a success.

Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to let us know how you can help.

Mark your calendars today and plan on attending our first major fundraising event for 2010.  This year's Auction Gala promises to be another fun-filled evening of good food, entertainment, and friendly competition; all in the name of raising money to support the programs that FCDSN is proud to be able to offer its members.

With financial support from our members and the community, we are able to continue to sponsor free programs for our members, such as our Social Groups, Parent Support Meetings & workshops, our Day Long Conference, Newsletter mailing, Birth Packet distribution, and our Cash Reimbursement programs.

Our auction is held at the Ridgemont Country Club located at 3717 Ridge Road West in Greece.  This is an adult-only, formal evening event and there will be a cash bar available throughout the evening.  The Auction Gala is open to all FCDSN members, as well as all members of the community.  Your participation is essential to hosting a successful event.  In addition to a delicious buffet dinner, there will be a fun-filled and fast-paced, entertaining live auction, a Silent Auction, Raffle tickets, and DJ Chris Scribani.

FCDSN members will receive an invitation and reservation form in the mail.  Fill out your reservation form and mail it in by March 24th to be entered in our Early Bird drawing.  our Early Bird winner will receive a $50 certificate from Simply Certificates.  All registrations will be due on or before April 3rd.

If you would like to post our Auction information at your work place, or invite your family and friends, you can find view and print an AUCTION GALA FLIER.

If you would like to donate an item or service to our Auction Gala, please complete and mail the DONATION FORM, and send it along with your item(s) to the address noted on the form.  Popular items include electronics, gift basket assortments, overnight resort packages, children's items, and sports items & memorabilia.

If you would like to attend the Auction Gala, you can print your RESERVATION FORM HERE, then complete and mail the form, along with your check made payable to FCDSN, to: FCDSN Auction, 2117 Buffalo Road #132, Rochester, NY, 14624.

We look forward to seeing you April 10!