Autism Society of Maine 72 B Main St, Winthrop, ME 04364 Fall Autism INSIDE Call:Holiday 1-800-273-5200 Sale Holiday Crafts Conference Items can be seenPage 8 Page 6 and ordered from ASM’s online store: Page 5 www.asmonline.org Silicone Chew Necklaces *Includes Gift Box Folding Puzzle Tote Animals & Shapes- $9.00 Add 5.5% Sales Tax $16.00 Raindrops & Circles-$8.00 Let ME Keychain Keychain Silver Ribbon Silver Puzzle Keychain $5.00 $5.00 $10.00 $10.00 $6.00spread the word on Maine Lanyard AUTISM Stretchy Wristband Ceramic Mug $6.00 $4.00 $3.00 $11.00 Lapel Pin $5.00 Magnets Small $3.00 Large $5.00 Glass Charm Bracelet Glass Pendant Earrings 1 Charm Ribbon Earrings $10.00 $15.00 $8.00 $6.00 $6.00 Maine Autism Owl Charm Colored Heart Silver Beads Colored Beads Autism Charm Charm $3.00 $1.00 $1.00 $3.00 $3.00 Developmental Connections Milestones by Nancy Ponzetti-Dyer The Autism Society of Maine would like to introduce our Winter 2018 incoming President Nancy Ponzetti-Dyer and say a heartfelt goodbye to Laurie Raymond. representatives have pledged to Isn’t it wonderful that we are never too old to grow? I was make this a priority. worried about taking on this new role but Laurie Raymond kindly helped me to gradually take on responsibilities, Opportunities for secretary to VP, each change in its time. Because this is my first helping with some of our President’s corner message, of course I went to the internet to priorities for 2019 help with this important milestone. I googled, “how do I get Adult Social Group attendance has declined people to read my newsletter article?” This resulted in throwing over the past two years; those who attend find it very away the first three drafts and settling on this one. welcoming and a nice way to socialize, so we are looking to spread the word to others who might enjoy getting together What milestone will you achieve this winter/holiday season? with peers for dinner and/or a variety of activities. Will you give up one unenjoyable tradition done only because you feel you have to do it? Will you start a new tradition which Reading and commenting on proposed legislation via email brings more fun and relaxed feelings for your family? Will you (often with only 24 hours to respond) to help our legislative help your child or yourself to focus on building one new skill committee. rather than expecting instant development of numerous skills? The WALK for Autism, Bicycle Ride for Au- See tips for making the holidays easier later in this newsletter. tism, Fall Conference Please write or call and let us know what worked or didn’t work Would you like to volunteer or participate in one of the events for you and let us know if we can share your comments in the or as part of a short term action group? You can write to us and next newsletter. let us know by sending an email [email protected] ASM milestones this year include disseminating over 4,000 Finally, do you have brochures and responding to almost 6, 000 emails! We are questions for your moving steadily toward objectives on our Strategic Plan Board President? If (developed in May 2017) Our training manual is in the process you send questions of formalization, we have expanded expertise/range of board with ask Nancy in members, welcoming Kim Webber, who works in marketing the subject line I will and Christina Nason, a parent from Norway a nice boost in know that you read representation for Western Maine. (See our annual report for this article and will be details of the strategic plan and numerous services provided by happy to answer. our Autism Information Specialists). State wide, MaineCare expansion is likely the single greatest Best wishes for a safe win for many members of our Autism community to come from and warm winter, Nancy Incoming Board President Nancy Ponzetti-Dyer, left, the election. Governor-elect Mills and many state senators and and outgoing Board President Laurie Raymond, right. ASM Annual Meeting Maine Autism Connections ASM’s Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner was A publication of the held on Sept. 28 at the Augusta Country Club in Manchester Autism Society of Maine Laurie Raymond, ASM President, began our meeting with a warm welcome to attending members and to special guests from the Autism Nancy Ponzetti-Dyer, President Society National. Laurie said her goodbye as Tiffiny Rooney, Vice President outgoing president and shared a personal story Jon Youde, Treasurer with photos of her hopes and dreams for her adult Sherry Pike, Secretary son with autism. It is bittersweet saying goodbye Dick Farnsworth Brigid Rankowski to Laurie who has finished her term as President. Christina Nason Jennifer Brooking Laurie has been with us since 2010 and will remain our good friend and mentor. Katie Crowley Kim Webber Several Board members are transitioning into new roles and we are fortunate to have their dedication: Staff Nancy Ponzetti-Dyer, former Vice President, has ASM BOARD Cathy E. Dionne, Executive Director transitioned to President. Tiffiny Rooney is now Vice President, Jon Youde is Treasurer and Sherry DIRECTORS: Tena Hinds, Pike is Secretary. Autism Information Specialist Nancy Ponzetti-Dyer, President, Winthrop Coordinator Board Members that have finished serving their Tiffiny Rooney, Vice President, Vassalboro term: Ken Huhn (Treasurer), Chris Osgood, Terry Jon Youde, Treasurer, Hallowell Susan Vincent, Valcourt and Kerrie Lapoint. Sherry Pike, Secretary, Winthrop Communications Director Previously appointed by ASM President, Board Katie Crowley, Portland Tara Perry, Office Assistant Members Jennifer Brooking and Christina Nason Jennifer Brooking, Cape Elizabeth Betsy Mahoney, were duly voted in and Richard Farnsworth was Richard Farnsworth, Portland Community Outreach Liaison re-elected.The meeting was led by Nancy Ponzetti- Christina Nason, Norway Dyer, President while staff was recognized and Brigid Rankowski, Augusta awards given to individuals for their outstanding Kim Webber, Scarborough Maine Autism Connections is a quarterly publication of the achievements and contributions. ASM Photo Gallery Autism Society of Maine Professional Providing Services 72B Main Street Kathy Baltes, LCSW: For her Outstanding Winthrop, ME 04364 Professional Contribution to the Autism Community Phone: 1-800-273-5200 Autism Society of Maine Service Award Nancy Ponzetti-Dyer, Ph.D: For her Lifetime of Achievements in the field of Autism Graphic Designer: Justine Bickford Proofreader: Tena Hinds Family Members or Persons with Autism Service Award Contributing writers: As bylined Laurie Raymond, LCSW: For her Outstanding Commitment to Improving the Lives of All Individuals and Families Impacted by Autism. Send article ideas and suggestions for our newsletter to: Brigid Rankowski: For her Outstanding Commitment Advocating for Individuals with [email protected] Autism. Cathy Dionne, Executive Director brought us through the year of amazing Statements made by various authors regarding treat- accomplishments and we were inspired while looking forward to future goals. ment, products or services represent the views and opinions of solely those authors, and do not constitute Attendees were treated to entertainment provided by Maine Comedian, Gary Crocker. a recommendation or endorsement by ASM. Welcome ASM's New Community Outreach Liaison Betsy Mahoney is an immigration attorney, disability and women’s rights Maine advocate, health policy analyst and former community organizer. She Visit us online at: began her Maine career in 1989 for the Family Planning Association. She http://www.asmonline.org has been an active participant in the Coalition for Housing and Quality Stay up-to-date for Services since its inception, and has served on the boards of the Maine Legislation issues, fund- Women’s Lobby, Maine Housing and the ACLU of Maine, among other raising events, volunteer groups. Betsy has three adult children, including a son with autism and opportunities, and upcoming happenings. intellectual disabilities who lives in a group home in Windham. She and her husband live in Cumberland. [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/ Editorial Notes: Maine Autism Connections and Autism Society of Maine programs and services are made possible by pages/Autism-Society-Of- donations from people like you and funding from the Maine Department of Health & Human Services. We hope you Maine/107781499258293 will also visit us online at http://www.asmonline.org, where we have a great deal of information available about autism, programs, resources, news, a calendar of events, legislation and more. 2 Maine Autism Connections, Autism Society of Maine, Winter 2018 Upcoming Events SAVE THE DATE TEEN SOCIAL GROUP Autism Awareness Night Meets the 2nd Friday of the month 6:00-7:30 PM Mariners Hockey vs. Norfolk Admirals (call for dates) March 6th at 7PM Autism Society of Maine, 72B Main Street, Winthrop Cross Arena in Portland Requirements for the Youth Group: Join the Maine Mariners for a sensory reduced game on • Youth must be between the ages of 11-18 years March 6th at 7PM as they take on the Norfolk Admirals! • Youth must have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Click here to purchase your tickets! Disorder • Youth must be willing to verbally communicate with Contact Mitchell for more information at: others to get the most benefit out of the group [email protected] • Youth must have a responsible adult with them when or call 207-761-4364 attending group or events • All electronics (cell phones, iPods, Game Boys, DS SAVE THE DATE games, laptops etc) must be left at home. Please DO NOT 17th Annual Walk for Autism bring them to group. April 28, 2019 11:00 AM Registration starts NEW to the group: 12:00 noon Walk for Autism starts Please call the office prior to attending for first time.