Welcome to the Access Press Accessible Fun listings. Readers looking for additional opportunities to enjoy the arts and special events have these options: For information on galleries and theater performances around the state, join the Access to Performing Arts email list at access@vsamn.org or call VSA Minnesota, 612-332-3888 or statewide 800-801-3883 (voice/TTY).
To hear a weekly listing of accessible performances, call 612-332-3888 or 800-801-3883. On the web accessible performance listings are found at www.vsamn.org/calendar.html, or www.mrid.org,www.testing.accesspress.org, or http://c2net.org (c2: caption coalition, inc.), which does most of the captioned shows in Minnesota and across the country.
Connect with performances on Facebook. Sign up to connect with Audio Description Across Minnesota on Facebook (www.facebook.com/pages/Audio-Description-Across-Minnesota/202035772468). Sign up to connect with ASL Interpreted and Captioned Performances Across Minnesota on Facebook (www.facebook.com/pages/ASL-Interpreted-and-Captioned-Performances-Across-Minnesota/257263087700814).
Benefit for Wabun playground
Join People for Parks’ Falls 4 All Committee for a concert featuring Regional Emmy Award-winning Minnesota musical artist Michael Monroe 6-9 p.m. Sat, Oct. 27, 2720 W 43rd St, Mpls (above the Wild Rumpus Bookstore).
Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and beverages while shopping at the silent and live auctions, including items such as a 4-night stay at a Lutsen Resort townhome, an original work of art by Ray Meifert, theater tickets and more.
Admission: $80 single, $150 a couple. Proceeds benefit the universal access playground being planned for Minnehaha Park’s Wabun Picnic Area, specially designed for children with disabilities to ensure that everyone, with and without disabilities, can play together.
Seating limited, preregistration required. FFI: Peggy Halvorson, 952-270-6620 or halvop2000@yahoo.com; www.falls4all.com or mail checks to People for Parks Fall Concert, PO Box 24901, Minneapolis, MN 55424
Northland 300 marks 25 years
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Northland 300 and its work to support Special Olympics Minnesota. Thousands have enjoyed this North Shore snowmobile ride and fundraiser. Organizers are preparing for the next big event Jan. 23-27, 2013 and have posted information about the event history on the event website. The event has raised more than $3.6 million over the years.
Information on registration and pledges is also available. FFI: Kathy Karkula, 612-789-2081 or karkulak@hotmail.com; www.northland300.org or www.specialolympicsminnesota.org
Mark Anti-Bulling Month
Nearly one-third of all school-aged children are bullied each year—upwards of 13 million students. During National Bullying Prevention Month in October, communities are urged to come together and take action to send a message that bullying will not be accepted in their town or school.
Founded by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center in October 2006, National Bullying Prevention Month is now a nationwide event recognized in schools and communities and supported by the National Education Association, the American Federation for Teachers and the National PTA among others.
“We all know what the research shows—that bullying can erode self-esteem, impact learning at school, cause anxiety and depression, and even lead to suicide,” said Julie Hertzog, director of PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center based in Minneapolis, Minn. “Many students do not feel adults are adequately addressing this issue. We’re hoping that communities across the county will take action and respond to that concern this October, so students who are bullied know there’s support and help in their town.”
Community members can use the free online resources from PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center tailored to elementary and middle school kids, teens, parents, teachers and other adults and take a pledge to put an end to bullying (www.PACER.org/Bullying, www.PACERTeensAgainstBullying.org or www.PACERKidsAgainstBullying.org) Send a united message of support by wearing orange on Unity Day, Wednesday, Oct. 10 to “Make It Orange and Make It End.” Become a “partner or “champion” during National Bullying Prevention Month at www.PACER.org/bullying/nbpm to actively spread the word and get others involved. Help a student create a bullying prevention plan available at www.PACER.org/bullying/resources/publications/plan
Voter education offered
Minnesota’s general election is Nov. 6. The Secretary of State Voter Education and Outreach staff and Disability Law Center are eager to connect with groups with disabilities that are interested in free voter education workshops and training – which can be catered specifically to the groups’ request. Information is also available at www.mnvotes.org. FFI: Pamela Hoopes, Minnesota Disability Law Center, 612-746-3711, phoopes@mylegalaid.org; Claire Wilson, Minnesota Office of the Secretary of State , 651-201-1339, claire.wilson@state.mn.us
Open the Door to Education
Help adults reach their educational goals and earn their GED. Tutor, teach or assist in a classroom with the Minnesota Literacy Council. Give just 2-3 hours a week and help people expand their opportunities and change their lives through education. The literacy council provides training and support. Accommodations for volunteers with disabilities. FFI: Allison, 651-251-9110, volunteer@mnliteracy.org, www.mnliteracy.org/volunteers/opportunities/adults.
Volunteer with RSVP
Volunteers age 55 and older are eligible to receive free supplemental insurance, mileage reimbursement and other benefits through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) sponsored by Volunteers of America of Minnesota. RSVP/Volunteers of America of Minnesota and AARP Foundation need volunteers with good budgeting and organizational skills to help manage finances of older or disabled low-income individuals. Have a few hours a month to volunteer? Money Management Program staff will train and match you with someone in the community. FFI: 612-617-7821
