September 1st to December 1st track the time you spend participating in any healthy activity whether it be walking, swimming, or horseback riding… the person with the most time after three months wins a $25 gift card to a local sporting goods store.

I am very excited to annouce that Families First will be hosting an additional Peer Group on Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. stationed out of the Wilmington Office.  There is much planning in the works to make this an enjoyable experience for everyone.  Anyone who would like is welcome to participate in this group and is encouraged to engage in both the Tuesday and Wednesday group if they wish.  I would love to see you there.  The more the merrier.  On the agenda thus far…….

BIG NEWS!! Families First has their own team for BUDDY WALK on Oct 2 in Brattleboro. The Buddy Walk was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) www.ndss.org in 1995 to bring together a wide range of concerned individuals to reach out to friends, family and co-workers to promote awareness and inclusion for people with Down syndrome and to raise funds for education, research and advocacy programs like the Winston Prouty Center in Brattleboro, VT.

Please join our team at  http://www.firstgiving.com/familiesfirstvt

For more info on the Brattleboro Buddy walk, please visit http://www.brattleborobuddywalk.org/

NEW!   ART CLASS with Sam!   Monday’s at 2:00- 3:30PM At 26, an ongoing art class for the artistically inclined, or those just interested in learning something new, and having some fun.  Open to all.

GAME TIME with Murph and AC at 1PM every Friday.  Come to the FF Bratt office for an organized game afternoon.  Got a favorite?   Bring it with you!   This group is open to all, and will meet every Friday afternoon.

Sadawga Lake Camp Out – Sept 10 – final details TBA.   This is an overnight camp at the Peak Adventures camp on the lake in Whitingham.   Pre-registration is required, as space is limited.  All campers MUST have an accompanying staff person.   Call the Brattleboro office to sign up.   A small donation will be requested to cover expenses for food and drink.

Employee Apprecation Days ! Where would we be without our great staff!  Details will follow.  In Brattleboro – 3-7PM on 9/17. Wilmington on 9/24  2-6PM

Buddy Walk  Oct 2 Join our team!   http://www.firstgiving.com/familiesfirstvt

UMASS Hockey  11/05 at 7PM - College hockey at the Mullins Center in Amherst.  EACH INDIVUDUAL WILL BE RESPONSBILE FOR THEIR OWN TICKET! Ticket prices have not been announced yet, but generally around $12.   Details TBA.

Halloween Costume Party and Dance  Oct 27 6-8:30PM at 26 6PM for pizza dinner, dance at 7PM.    Prizes for costumes!   Get scary!

Thanksgiving Potluck Lunch   11/23 at 1PM Join in giving thanks for all that we have!   Please bring a dish to share with all.

Holiday Mall Trip – Dec 14   11AM - meet at 26 and we’ll hit the mall for some holiday shopping.  BYO for lunch, and hit up a restaurant at the mall.

Christmas Lunch  Dec.21 12PM – our annual holiday potluck lunch.    Details TBA.

Come and Explore your creative side with Sam on Monday’s starting July 26th!

ART CLASS will start at 2p.m. and go until 3:30 at 26 ELLIOT TERRACE! 

Please join in the fun of Peer Group.  If you have ANY questions e-mail Natasha Kussius, the Peer Group Coordinator, nywildflower77@yahoo.com

JULY 13th - SUMMER POTLUCK PICNIC at Lake Sadawga camp in Whitingham.  Meet at camp at 1pm with a dish to share. 

JULY 20th – Swimming at NORTHSHORE BEACH at Lake Spofford.  Lifeguard on duty. Bring swimsuit, sunscreen, lunch, and towel

JULY 27th -  Please join us at the CROW’S LOT PARK on Western Ave for a GOING AWAY PARTY for some staff who will truly be missed.  Bring your favorite yard game and a snack to share. 

AUGUST 3rd – Let’s celebrate the BIRTHDAY of ER with a POOL PARTY  at Eric’s.  Bring your swimsuit, sunscreen, towel, and a snack to share. 

AUGUST 10th – LOOK PARK  in Northampton, Mass.  Come spend a day at the Park with us!  With paddle boats, a steam train, mini golf, bumper boats, tennis and picnic facilities, this park should be fun for all.  We’ll meet at the FF office, have a picnic lunch, then check out the park.  There is a cost associated for all, and we figure $20 per person should cover it.  

AUGUST 17th - TOWNSHEND DAM REC AREA Bring you swimsuit, towel, and games to play for this fun filled time.  We will have volleyball, frisbee, horseshoes, and the beach to enjoy with friends.  Bring your lunch if you wish.  Meet at 26 at noon to carpool or meet us there.

AUGUST 24th - Join us at the office for homemade pizza and games.