theOpen up N andOO say AHHHH!!!DLE Volume 1, Issue 3 May 2008 Welcome To The Noodle! by Alex Brown Welcome all. In this issue of The In the same way that a typical kid going Noodle, the members of the Florida Youth through the transition process needs time to Council (FYC) are sharing some of the just relax and do something fun, so does a activities they do in their spare time. As person with a disability. Extra curricular activi- the members of the FYC have discovered, ties are vital for building a social life and for extra curricular activities play a major prospering. These activities are about being Florida Youth Council role in the transition process. However healthy and enjoying life. Please read these Lizzy Barrows stories and keep in mind that the extra cur- Matthew Boselli often times, it is the extra curricular ac- Alex Brown tivities that are forgotten in the transition ricular activities the FYC members participate JT Davis process. in are part of each person’s transition. Carly Fahey Whitney Harris Coury Knowles The Importance of Music in Schools Cinthia Melgar Matthew Murray by Lizzy Barrows Christopher Regan Did you know there is research that ing music, some just learn in different ways. He Sara Romine proves that children who participate in inspires me to never give up any dream I have music programs have better attention and always encouraged me to continue with my spans, better behavior and really do better viola even when I didn’t think I could do it. in school? Mr. Knecht thought I was good enough to be in I began playing music in Three Oaks Chamber Orchestra. middle school. My mom was Music is very important to all worried because it required students, but especially kids with practice and concentration. I disabilities. It improves test grades The Florida Youth fi rst picked out the Bass, but it and for me playing the viola im- Council is a program was too big for me. I ended up proved my coordination with my of The Family Cafe with the viola, and I am glad. fi ngers. My mom called it OT for I surprised my mom because fi ne motor without the therapist! I am able to read music. I can It’s funny how the music pro- also hear a melody, and pick gram is the fi rst to get cut in school it up. budgets, on the other hand when This project is I recently interviewed football players need new uniforms made possible by a my middle school orchestra or new gear they are quick to snap grant from the US teacher, Mr. Knecht. I asked him a couple their fi ngers to them. But the thing is there is Department of Health of questions on teaching music to all stu- research that proves that children that partici- and Human Services, dents including students with disabilities. pate in music programs have better attention Administration on He told me there was no difference in spans, better behavior and really do better in Developmental Disabilities. teaching a student with a disability. He school. Think about that for a second. believes all students are capable in learn- Drumming All Year Long by Whitney Harris

Hobbies, they keep everyone busy as the evening sun. In winter, the indoor drum a bee. My hobby just happens to be very line begins and you put in twice as many up beat and very loud; my hobby is drum- hours as you do in the marching season. In ming. Being in a high school drum line the spring, the drummers settle down inside and also the concert band teaches a per- and join the band in playing beautiful con- son all about the different techniques and cert music and enjoying the air conditioning! styles. When playing a marching snare and Drumming has taken up all of my playing a concert snare use two different time, but it has also allowed me to grow techniques, and it can be a lot to handles as a person and learn to express myself sometimes, but practice makes perfect! through music. If it wasn't for this wonder- This hobby is not just something you ful hobby, I would probably be a really start one day and you become good, you re- shy couch potato that never learned that ally have to work at in. Drumming is a year it's okay to beat on stuff. It's just a way around hobby that is different in each season. to show the world that you are unique! In the fall, it’s all about marching on the foot- ball fi eld and getting all sweaty practicing in

Peter Gray by JT Davis “Pete Gray was born as Peter Wyshner com/hmarker.php?markerIE=980, 2008). in the mining town of Nanticoke, Pennsyl- Gray's on-fi eld exploits set an inspi- vania. He lost his right arm, at age 6, when rational example for disabled servicemen he slipped while riding on a farmer's wagon returning from World War II, as did his and his right arm was caught in the spokes. off-fi eld exploits. He visited army hospitals The arm had to be amputated above the and rehabilitation centers, spoke with ampu- elbow. Gray's enthusiasm for baseball led tees and reassured them that they too could him to learn to bat and fi eld one-handed, lead a productive life (www.explorehistory. catching the ball in his glove and then com/hmarker.php?markerIE=980, 2008). quickly removing his glove and transferring "If they (his teammates) insulted me, I the ball to his hand in one motion” (http:// didn't pay attention. I mostly kept to myself. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pete_Gray, 2008). That's why I got the reputation of being His speed and place hitting ability made tough to get along with. But, I've mellowed." him a successful minor league outfi elder. - Pete Gray in The Citizens' Voice (1995) Gray went on to be named the 1944 Southern Gray’s major league career ended on League Most Valuable Player. During his V-J Day when many of baseball’s stars career, Gray played for quite a few semi-pro returned from the battlefront. From 1946 teams including the Trois Rivieres Renards to 1949, he played on as a journeyman of the Canadian-American League, the Mem- minor leaguer with the Toledo Mud Hens, phis Chicks of the and Elmira Pioneers and Dallas Stars. Left the Brooklyn Bushwicks (www.explorehisto- to wonder if he had made the majors on ry.com/hmarker.php?markerIE=980, 2008). his playing abilities or because of his one He collected his fi rst major league hit arm, Gray returned home to Nanticoke against the on April 17, 1945. where, although a local hero/celebrity, he On May 19 the one-armed rookie realized his lived in near poverty (www.explorehistory. boyhood dream of playing in , com/hmarker.php?markerIE=980, 2008). collecting fi ve hits and two RBI as the Browns He died at age 87. swept the Yankees (www.explorehistory. What’s Your “Politics”? By Carly Fahey

For the majority of my elementary morning cartoons. I become even more years, I knew I wasn't like most of my class- interested when I heard civic leaders mates. Most of the kids on the playground talk about their plans for youth and in- had a "hobby," yet I did not. I didn't care. dividuals with disabilities, like myself. They could have their hopscotch, and their Since I had such an interest in the disabil- cheerleading, baseball and videogames. ity arena of politics at 16, I applied to serve Who needs a hobby anyway? I had fun on the Youth Advisory Committee for the with my friends loving a smorgasbord of National Council on Disability (YAC), which different things and activities. No big deal. is a federal advisory committee providing Just when I least expected it, it hit me youth perspectives to the National Council like a cloud of dust. I was 10 years old and I on Disability. After serving for almost 2 saw some people rallying around downtown years, I can't begin to explain how much at the capital. My mom and I stopped to see of a learning experience it has been for me. what all the fuss was about, and I was fasci- Though I may not love video games, nated. I saw hundreds of people – young, old, or basket weaving, or sports, I have found small, tall – standing up for what they believe something that I really love so far. Politics in and talking to their legislators. I found it is my hobby, and also part of my goals. If amazing that ordinary people could change your hobby isn't like everyone else's, that's communities by turning to politics. Hey, there okay. As long as you fi nd something you are certain things that I would like to change enjoy doing or learning about, that's all in this world, maybe I could help change that matters. So...what's your "politics"? things someday. I fi nally had an interest! I soon started going to local speeches and watching CNN instead of Saturday

Tee Time by Matthew Boselli

I play golf twice a week, once with at the Chi Chi Rodriquez Youth Golf Founda- my friend, the other as a volunteer to tion in Clearwater. I really enjoy giving my help kids learn golf. In time and knowledge and helping the my early years, I learned children and giving back to my com- golf etiquette. I stress munity. It makes me feel very good. this very important skill I purchased my own set of golf with the kids. I have re- clubs which I enjoy using. I really cently been playing with don’t need to try hard and swing the a friend named Sande. club; the clubs do all the work for I told Sande to take the me. They are forge titanium heads tee in her right hand and and shafts and very light weight. I put the left hand on top chose to go with titanium aluminum of the other hand then because they make me feel like I address the ball like you normally would. am the best golfer on the planet. I really This should take your ball an additional 50 enjoy playing with my seven irons the most to 65 more yards to the fairway. Not only because it gives me the loft that I need for will you hit the ball farther and straighter, the ball to carry over the water or bunker but your ball won’t slice too much to the left. which is another word for the sand trap. I have been volunteering almost a year now My SWITCH to the 80’s by Matthew Murray

I really enjoy listening to all kinds of music From there things got really exciting. but 80’s music is the best. My siblings all play They played at Gaylord Palms, The House of musical instruments and have played in rock Blues, Fulton Crabhouse in Downtown Dis- bands specializing in the 80’s sound. Right ney, The Dolphin and Swan Hotels, Hard Rock now, my brother, P.J., is playing the drums Café, and many other venues. They were the for one of the 80’s cover bands, SWITCH! pre-show party band for Van Halen when they SWITCH got its start in 2002 when played at the Amway Center this past Valen- three guys got together every Sunday to tines Day. But the best was on May 3, 2008, play music. The band members were Nick when they played at the Marriot Convention (Guitar), Mike (Bass) and Mike’s brother, Center in front of 8,000 people. They brought Joe. Joe was the fi rst original drummer for the house down. They also play for charities the band. The band used to be called “Short like Toys for Tots and they just did a gig for Attention Span Cover Band” but shortened the families of the Virginia Tech Victims. it to SWITCH. Their fi rst real show was in I go to every show I can. I am their big- 2004, when they played for a friend’s an- gest fan. When in the Orlando area, I hope you niversary. It was there that they met Bill, will come to see SWITCH. To fi nd out more who was looking for a band to play bass about them, go to www.iloveswitch.com. for. They played four shows that year. My brother joined in the band in 2005.

Hobbies and Interests: How They Help With Transitions by Christopher Regan

I enjoy many hobbies, which help me covered iTunes, I have been hooked. I sing deal with minor and major changes that along and memorize the lyrics to every new occur throughout my life. These activities song I buy. My love of music has also helped include exercising, listening to music and be- me socially. It’s an excellent topic of con- ing a part of the Naval Junior Reserve Offi cer versation because everyone can relate to it. Training Corps, (N.J.R.O.T.C.). These ac- I also like to volunteer with my tivities get me involved with people my age, N.J.R.O.T.C. Through them, I get service make me physically and mentally strong, hours, and the opportunity to talk with other increase my self-confi dence and self-esteem cadets, all while helping others in need. Here, and help me to feel a part of my community. I have developed my leadership, confi dence, I love to exercise by doing push-ups, sit- and social skills by obeying orders when told ups, running one and a half to two miles a day, to, taking charge of the duties given to me and doing tricks on my trampoline and practicing answering questions with tact and promptness. martial arts moves. My physical appearance, My hobbies are an important part of strength, and stamina have improved through what I do and who I am. Through them, daily exercise. With a strong, healthy body I learn important lessons about life and and lots of endurance, I am able to carry friends. I have also learned about choices out the task of completing my homework and consequences. I feel lucky and for- with renewed energy and determination. tunate to be able to do things like this. My favorite hobby is listening and singing/rapping to music. Ever since I dis- My Hobbies and Interests by Sara Romine Hi, my name is Sara Romine. I am a worked on passed! Speaking to legislators junior at Sonrise Christian School. Educa- in Tallahassee about important disability tion is very important to me but I also have issues and meeting Governor Bush and Gov- many hobbies and interests that I enjoy! ernor Crist over the years has helped me I love the performing arts! Music is very grow and gain confi dence as an advocate. special because it expresses what words can- I love giving speeches! I have been a not. Singing gives me freedom because each presenter at Family Café for several years. A note I sing expresses a specifi c kind of en- couple of years ago I spoke at the European ergy and feeling. Danc- Union in Brussels, ing is also very close Belgium in support of to my heart. I think abandoned children of dancing as a story who need families. My that I express through goal is to work to open each body movement. adoption throughout Acting gives me free- the world. Please dom to be someone visit my website at else as I walk in “some- allthechildrenofthe- body else’s shoes.” world.org and sign The most important my petition to lift the interest I have right ban on international now is being an ad- adoptions in Romania. vocate. I spend a lot Traveling around of my free time trying to make a differ- the world as an advocate, spending time with ence in my world. As a matter of fact, my friends, meeting new people and the perform- favorite saying is “Save the world!” It is ing arts always brings a lot of joy into my life! very rewarding to work with the Florida These are my interests that I love the most! Youth Council members especially when I found out the Disability Awareness Bill we

The Florida Youth Council invites you to attend The 1st Annual Youth Summit August 1-2, 2008 Hilton Walt Disney World Lake Buena Vista, Florida

The 1st Annual Youth Summit is a two-day event open to youth and emerging leaders with disabilities between the ages of 13 and 30 from communities throughout Florida. The 1st Annual Youth Summit will be held at the Walt Disney World Hilton in Lake Buena Vista this August 1-2, and limited fi nancial assistance is available. The room rate is $109 per night. Please contact them directly at (800) 782-4414 to make reservations. For more information, contact the Florida Youth Council and The Family Café at 888-309-2233, or visit www. FamilyCafe.net. We will look forward to seeing you in Lake Buena Visa this August!

How Do I Become Part of The Florida Youth Council? the N the Open up and say AHHHH!!! The Florida Youth Council is a group of youth (between the ages of 13 and 17) and emerging leaders (between the ages of 18 and 30) with disabilities or special health care needs that live in Florida. The Florida Youth Council is all about getting youth and emerging leaders involved in self-advocacy, peer mentoring and other activities that will improve the quality of life for youth and emerging leaders with disabilities in OO Florida. The program empowers youth and emerging leaders to decide what issues are important to their generation, to express those issues in their state and local communities, and to develop strategies to solve them. We are seeking a group of enthusiastic, motivated youth and emerging leaders to participate. If you would like to take a leadership role in advocating

for youth and emerging leaders in Florida, please visit The Family Café DLE website at www.familycafe.net and choose Florida Youth Council from the Main Menu. The program is open to application year round. We hope to hear from you soon! the NOODLE A Publication of the Florida Youth Council P.O. Box 15649 Tallahassee, Florida 32317

The Florida Youth Council is a program of The Family Cafe