National Convention
Thank you to all who volunteered and helped make our national convention a great success. The final count for attendance in Orange county exceeded 2715 and was our largest conference ever! Thanks to all those who gave of their time and helped make it happen.
Mark your calendar for the 2012 conference in Dallas, TX Sheraton Dallas Hotel, Sat 6/30/ to Fri 7/6.
District 12 is Voting on New Officers
Are you interested in being a District Officer? District 12 will be voting in a new District Director, Assistant District Director, and Treasurer at the Fall Regional. Candidates need not be onsite to be considered. Interested? Contact Joe Foos at foosgroup@mac.com
Halloween Party!
All little and big ghosts and goblins, fairies and superheros come to join us for a fantastic Trunk-or-treat Halloween Event!
We will be having it on Saturday October 29th starting at 5:30pm at the LDS church at 16930 Via Los Caballeros in Riverside. Trunk set up is at 5:00 and dinner starts at about 5:30. Don’t worry about bringing food just bring some candy to donate, your costumed companions and enjoy!
We are teaming up with a local church congregation to ensure lots of games, prizes and trunks for our trick-or-treaters to enjoy! There is plenty of room in the parking lot for families who would like to decorate a trunk or just come enjoy the trunks and games that will already be there!
Contact Christine Beaulieu with questions at christineanjeff@aol.com or 951-780-2022
Save the date
Save the date for our upcoming Christmas Party which will be held on Saturday December
10th at The Blind Children’s Learning Center in Tustin. Times and more details to follow!
Fall Regional Conference
The LPA District 12 Fall Conference will be held October 21-23 in Sacramento, hosted by the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valley Chapter. A full conference description and registration packet should have been mailed to you.
If you are planning to attend remember to submit your conference registration form by October 6 (NOT September 20) and reserve your hotel room at the LPA rate by September 30.
Dwarfism Awareness Month!
Just a reminder that October has been declared National Dwarfism awareness month. The hope of LPA is to raise positive awareness around dwarfism, address common misconceptions, and increase opportunities for people with dwarfism around the country.
We have green LPA bracelets for sale for $3 each, or 4 for $10 (includes shipping). They have the LPA logo and “Dwarfism Awareness” printed on them. We have 7” and 8” bracelets. It’s a great way to support the chapter! If you are interested e-mail or call Christine.
Another great way to help family and friends with awareness is to share the LPA website with them, through word of mouth, e-mail or facebook! This is a great way to help others become educated about LPA and/or dwarfism.
The national website is www.lpaonline.org
Our district website is www.lpa12.org
Our chapter blog is obclpa.blogspot.com
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Spring Regionals
Our Next Regional Event
The 2011 Spring D12 Conference will be held April 1 – 3 in Garden Grove, CA (map), hosted by the Orange Blossom Chapter. Rooms (list of room amenities) at the Hyatt Regency Orange County will be $125 plus tax. You can make your hotel reservations online or by phone at either (714) 750-1234 or (800) 633-7313. A full conference description and registration form will be mailed to LPA members during late February, and is available to download here. Registration Packet
Membership in LPA is required in order to register for the conference and to take advantage of the special hotel room rate. If you are new to LPA or if you need to renew your membership, you may do so online or by submitting a membership form with your conference registration forms. Membership dues are $55 per household per year or $120 for 3 years; $35 per year for college/vocational students with proof of enrollment; $35 per year for international members; and $20 per year for seniors 65 years and older. If you cannot afford dues, you can apply for free membership due to financial hardship by contacting the LPA National Office.
Weekend activities and events include:
•Friday
◦Welcome reception and mixer
◦Boccia tournament – All ages are welcome
•Saturday
◦Parents discussion group
◦Spanish-speaking discussion group – Reunion para miembros latinos
◦Medical consults by appointment – Contact Arlene Hernandez (310) 423-9915 to schedule a medical consultation
◦Kids activities room – Open from 9:00 a.m. until noon
◦Clothing swap / free-cycle
◦Fundraising Walk-And-Roll-A-Thon – Donations to benefit the 2011 National Conference; Participants will receive a 2011 commemorative water bottle and t-shirt; It is fine to participate only in the Walk-A-Thon or Basketball Tournament without paying the LPA registration fee.
◦3-On-3 Basketball Tournament – Please return the Basketball Tournament sign-up form with your D12 Regional Registration form; Onsite tournament registrations will be accepted as space permits; Players will receive a 2011 commemorative water bottle and t-shirt; It is fine to participate only in the Walk-A-Thon or basketball tournament without paying the LPA registration fee.
◦Lunch – Provided for everyone who is registered for the conference or who is participating in the fundraising walk-and-roll-a-thon or the basketball tournament
◦Banquet – Celebrating all LPA athletes and fans
◦Dance – Dance ticket is included only with the price of D12 Regional Registration
•Sunday
◦General assembly – Everyone is welcome
◦Explore Orange County on your own
If you have questions about weekend activities, schedule, or if you would like to volunteer your help, please contact Joanna Campbell by email or phone at (714) 505-3768.
The 2011 Spring D12 Conference will be held April 1 – 3 in Garden Grove, CA (map), hosted by the Orange Blossom Chapter. Rooms (list of room amenities) at the Hyatt Regency Orange County will be $125 plus tax. You can make your hotel reservations online or by phone at either (714) 750-1234 or (800) 633-7313. A full conference description and registration form will be mailed to LPA members during late February, and is available to download here. Registration Packet
Membership in LPA is required in order to register for the conference and to take advantage of the special hotel room rate. If you are new to LPA or if you need to renew your membership, you may do so online or by submitting a membership form with your conference registration forms. Membership dues are $55 per household per year or $120 for 3 years; $35 per year for college/vocational students with proof of enrollment; $35 per year for international members; and $20 per year for seniors 65 years and older. If you cannot afford dues, you can apply for free membership due to financial hardship by contacting the LPA National Office.
Weekend activities and events include:
•Friday
◦Welcome reception and mixer
◦Boccia tournament – All ages are welcome
•Saturday
◦Parents discussion group
◦Spanish-speaking discussion group – Reunion para miembros latinos
◦Medical consults by appointment – Contact Arlene Hernandez (310) 423-9915 to schedule a medical consultation
◦Kids activities room – Open from 9:00 a.m. until noon
◦Clothing swap / free-cycle
◦Fundraising Walk-And-Roll-A-Thon – Donations to benefit the 2011 National Conference; Participants will receive a 2011 commemorative water bottle and t-shirt; It is fine to participate only in the Walk-A-Thon or Basketball Tournament without paying the LPA registration fee.
◦3-On-3 Basketball Tournament – Please return the Basketball Tournament sign-up form with your D12 Regional Registration form; Onsite tournament registrations will be accepted as space permits; Players will receive a 2011 commemorative water bottle and t-shirt; It is fine to participate only in the Walk-A-Thon or basketball tournament without paying the LPA registration fee.
◦Lunch – Provided for everyone who is registered for the conference or who is participating in the fundraising walk-and-roll-a-thon or the basketball tournament
◦Banquet – Celebrating all LPA athletes and fans
◦Dance – Dance ticket is included only with the price of D12 Regional Registration
•Sunday
◦General assembly – Everyone is welcome
◦Explore Orange County on your own
If you have questions about weekend activities, schedule, or if you would like to volunteer your help, please contact Joanna Campbell by email or phone at (714) 505-3768.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Halloween Trunk or Treat
Thanks to all the families that attended our Halloween Trunk or Treat!
We had a great time playing games, visting and of course getting lots of candy.
The church that hosted the Truck or Treat was very happy to have us and said we would be welcome any time!
Mark your calendars for our Christmas party and be sure to join in on the fun!
Our Christmas Party will be held on December 11th at The Blind Children’s Learning Center in Tustin from 10:00am to 1:00pm.
A visit from the big guy himself is said to be happening at 11:00am that day! Look for flyers to come for more information.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Hello Everyone!
Lots of things are happening in LPA, both locally and nationally.
Planning is continuing for the LPA National Conference which OBC and District 12 is hosting in Anaheim, July 2011. We will need lots of hands, hearts, and fresh ideas to make the conference a success. There are many jobs to fill and many volunteers are needed from Southern California to make it work. Our conference chairs and committee members are myself (Joanna), Bob and Patti Bell, Lina Guzman, and Carol Armenta. Let one of know if you are interested! We will be talking about the national conference planning at the meeting on March 27.
The chapter is also looking for volunteers who have ideas for the chapter or are perhaps willing to help plan and organize events or hold an office.
The time has come for OBC to elect leaders for the next two years. Traditional elected leaders for OBC are a President, a Vice-President and a Treasurer but we are open to adding to our roster of officers. Other positions can be appointed (parent chairperson, secretary, spanish-speaking liaison, etc…) There is room for everyone and everyone is welcome! Candidate declarations and the elections will take place at the March 27 event. If you would like to be on the Board but are not able to attend the event and meeting on March 27 please let me know and we will present your statement at the meeting.
To be an officer, candidates must be 18 or over, a current paid member of OBC for at least one year, and live within the boundaries of the chapter (unless prior authorization is received from the LPA Senior Vice President). Our boundaries are Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and south-east LA County.
LPA/OBC Olympic Picnic and Spring Party followed by Teen Party at Boomers
Saturday, March 27 11pm - 2pm
Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of friends, food, games and eggs! We’ll be having Olympic-style games and our annual Easter Egg Hunt. (Don’t forget to bring a basket and 12 filled plastic eggs for each of your children). Dress to play!
When: Saturday, March 27, 2010
Time: 11:00am – 2:00pm
Where: Peace Lutheran Church
18542 Vanderlip
Tustin, CA
Last Names A-K bring a side dish.
Last Names L-S bring a dessert.
Last Names T-Z bring a main dish
After the Olympic/Spring Party the teens will get together for their own event at Boomers in Irvine. Our Package includes unlimited laser tag, bumper boats, miniature golf, Rockwall, lil go karts, King Arthur's carnival, flamethrower & sidewinder plus 10 points for arcade. (Height & weight restrictions may apply to certain attractions. Teens who either help at the Olympic Party or who have a current paid OBC membership will get in FREE (thanks to new OBC members, the Brookfield Family.) If you help and are an OBC current paid teen we will give you a McDonalds Gift card for use at Boomers. RSVP's are necessary for the teen party.
If you would like to stay and play at Boomers, tickets may be purchased for other family members and children at $12.95 for a full pass. Or you may choose to do only certain play areas (i.e. mini golf, or laser tag) for a la carte prices. Parents, sibs and guests not participating any play areas are allowed in for free.
Boomers address: 3405 Michelson Drive, Irvine, 92715
Boomers website: http://www.boomersparks.com/park/irvine/index.html
Make Your Plans and Reservations for the District 12 Spring Regional
The spring 2010 regional for District 12 will be held at the Hyatt Valencia, and hosted by the LA Chapter of the LPA. The Hyatt Valencia is conveniently located in the heart of Valencia, across the street from the Valencia Town Center with indoor and outdoor shopping, dining and movie theaters. There are lots of things to do in the area, from golf to roller coasters to playing by the water fountains next to Borders across the street. Come out and enjoy!
Hyatt Regency Valencia
24500 Town Center Drive,
Valencia, California, USA 91355
Tel: +1 661 799 1234
Rooms are $109 a night for 1 King or 2 Doubles, and $150 a night for a Junior Suite. Parking is FREE.
Online pre-registration and more information can be found here: http://lpa-la.ning.com/events/2010-spring-regional-hosted.
Watch your mail for a registration packet.
College/Vocational Scholarships and Kitchens Applications Now Available by Anthony Connor, LPA Vice President of Programs
This is an exciting time of year for LPA and its programs.
As part of our service to people with dwarfism, LPA offers monetary scholarships to prospective and current students attending college or vocational school in the United States.
Awards can range from $250 to $1000. Scholarship candidates are evaluated based on involvement in LPA, financial need, academic achievement, and involvement and service in their communities.
Scholarships are given in order of preference to:
• members of LPA who have a medically diagnosed form of dwarfism
• immediate family members who are also paid members of LPA
• people with dwarfism who are not members of LPA
See the LPA website (www.lpaonline.org) for information and applications for the LPA Scholarship.
The deadline to apply for an LPA scholarship is April 30. Winners are announced near or at the time of the National Conference.
LPA also offers offers grants from the Kitchens Fund to its members for first time National Conference attendance. Partial travel expenses or a complimentary hotel room or meal expenses are examples of a typical award.
National Conferences are an important event for the little people community. They provide an opportunity for little people to see doctors who specialize in treating dwarfs, they provide opportunities for parents of little people to connect with other parents, and they provide a venue for kids with dwarfism to connect with each other.
To qualify for a Kitchens Fund scholarship the applicant must meet the following criteria:
1) must be a first-time attendee of a National Conference
2) must be a paid member of LPA in good standing, and
3) any minor child must be accompanied by an adult/guardian
The deadline to apply for a Kitchens Fund grant is April 28. Applicants are notified by phone or e-mail by June 1.
Information and applications for the Kitchens Fund can be found on the LPA website.
Job Opportunities for LPA Members
By Bill Bradford, LPA Senior Vice President
At the beginning of February, the LPA National Office was contacted by two U.S. Government agencies, the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Office of Fish and Wildlife, as part of the President's federal mandate to increase the employment of people with disabilities by 20%.
The two agencies are reaching out to LPA members and members of the dwarfism community, encouraging LPs to apply for federal jobs.
Specifically, the IRS is in search of accountants and IT specialists and our members will NOT need to compete for the jobs, just simply submit a resume online. Qualified individuals can be hired within one month! The IRS is hiring nationwide, in every region. More general positions are available with U.S. Fish and Wildlife. If you are job-seeking, this is a GREAT opportunity. Please visit the Federal Jobs web site to submit a resume. To learn more, visit http://www.usajobs.gov/ OR http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/a9trirs.aspx
LPA Teen Raising Money for Senior Year Project
A Special Message from a Northern
California LPA Teen
I am Willem Winkelman and have been a member of Little People of America (LPA) most of my life. I have been raised in LPA and know that it was an important part of my growing up. This year I am graduating from high school and I am required to complete a Senior Project. I am doing my project on something that has also been a big part of my life and needs the help of everyone in LPA to continue: the Painted Turtle Camp in California.
I have been a camper since it began and also hope to continue as a counselor as I get older. This camp is important because it gives all the kids something they can get nowhere else in their life, a feeling of sameness while they get the summer camp experience that every kid across America enjoys. During our week of camp 120 kids come together to enjoy the experience. The Painted Turtle does not require, nor ask, any camper to pay for camp. The Painted Turtle
raises money through donations. I am writing you in the hopes that you will be able to help keep this amazing camp available for all the kids of LPA by supporting my project with a donation to this amazing camp. Donations big and small will help fund this amazing camp.
Checks should be made out to LPAD12-TPT, and mailed to:
Willem Winkelman
P.O.Box. 1076
Bodega Bay, CA 94923
or
you may donate online through my web site:
willemsseniorproject.bbnow.org
All donations are tax-deductible and greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Willem Winkelman
(This e-newsletter submission was approved by the LPA Board of Directors).
Lots of things are happening in LPA, both locally and nationally.
Planning is continuing for the LPA National Conference which OBC and District 12 is hosting in Anaheim, July 2011. We will need lots of hands, hearts, and fresh ideas to make the conference a success. There are many jobs to fill and many volunteers are needed from Southern California to make it work. Our conference chairs and committee members are myself (Joanna), Bob and Patti Bell, Lina Guzman, and Carol Armenta. Let one of know if you are interested! We will be talking about the national conference planning at the meeting on March 27.
The chapter is also looking for volunteers who have ideas for the chapter or are perhaps willing to help plan and organize events or hold an office.
The time has come for OBC to elect leaders for the next two years. Traditional elected leaders for OBC are a President, a Vice-President and a Treasurer but we are open to adding to our roster of officers. Other positions can be appointed (parent chairperson, secretary, spanish-speaking liaison, etc…) There is room for everyone and everyone is welcome! Candidate declarations and the elections will take place at the March 27 event. If you would like to be on the Board but are not able to attend the event and meeting on March 27 please let me know and we will present your statement at the meeting.
To be an officer, candidates must be 18 or over, a current paid member of OBC for at least one year, and live within the boundaries of the chapter (unless prior authorization is received from the LPA Senior Vice President). Our boundaries are Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and south-east LA County.
LPA/OBC Olympic Picnic and Spring Party followed by Teen Party at Boomers
Saturday, March 27 11pm - 2pm
Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of friends, food, games and eggs! We’ll be having Olympic-style games and our annual Easter Egg Hunt. (Don’t forget to bring a basket and 12 filled plastic eggs for each of your children). Dress to play!
When: Saturday, March 27, 2010
Time: 11:00am – 2:00pm
Where: Peace Lutheran Church
18542 Vanderlip
Tustin, CA
Last Names A-K bring a side dish.
Last Names L-S bring a dessert.
Last Names T-Z bring a main dish
After the Olympic/Spring Party the teens will get together for their own event at Boomers in Irvine. Our Package includes unlimited laser tag, bumper boats, miniature golf, Rockwall, lil go karts, King Arthur's carnival, flamethrower & sidewinder plus 10 points for arcade. (Height & weight restrictions may apply to certain attractions. Teens who either help at the Olympic Party or who have a current paid OBC membership will get in FREE (thanks to new OBC members, the Brookfield Family.) If you help and are an OBC current paid teen we will give you a McDonalds Gift card for use at Boomers. RSVP's are necessary for the teen party.
If you would like to stay and play at Boomers, tickets may be purchased for other family members and children at $12.95 for a full pass. Or you may choose to do only certain play areas (i.e. mini golf, or laser tag) for a la carte prices. Parents, sibs and guests not participating any play areas are allowed in for free.
Boomers address: 3405 Michelson Drive, Irvine, 92715
Boomers website: http://www.boomersparks.com/park/irvine/index.html
Make Your Plans and Reservations for the District 12 Spring Regional
The spring 2010 regional for District 12 will be held at the Hyatt Valencia, and hosted by the LA Chapter of the LPA. The Hyatt Valencia is conveniently located in the heart of Valencia, across the street from the Valencia Town Center with indoor and outdoor shopping, dining and movie theaters. There are lots of things to do in the area, from golf to roller coasters to playing by the water fountains next to Borders across the street. Come out and enjoy!
Hyatt Regency Valencia
24500 Town Center Drive,
Valencia, California, USA 91355
Tel: +1 661 799 1234
Rooms are $109 a night for 1 King or 2 Doubles, and $150 a night for a Junior Suite. Parking is FREE.
Online pre-registration and more information can be found here: http://lpa-la.ning.com/events/2010-spring-regional-hosted.
Watch your mail for a registration packet.
College/Vocational Scholarships and Kitchens Applications Now Available by Anthony Connor, LPA Vice President of Programs
This is an exciting time of year for LPA and its programs.
As part of our service to people with dwarfism, LPA offers monetary scholarships to prospective and current students attending college or vocational school in the United States.
Awards can range from $250 to $1000. Scholarship candidates are evaluated based on involvement in LPA, financial need, academic achievement, and involvement and service in their communities.
Scholarships are given in order of preference to:
• members of LPA who have a medically diagnosed form of dwarfism
• immediate family members who are also paid members of LPA
• people with dwarfism who are not members of LPA
See the LPA website (www.lpaonline.org) for information and applications for the LPA Scholarship.
The deadline to apply for an LPA scholarship is April 30. Winners are announced near or at the time of the National Conference.
LPA also offers offers grants from the Kitchens Fund to its members for first time National Conference attendance. Partial travel expenses or a complimentary hotel room or meal expenses are examples of a typical award.
National Conferences are an important event for the little people community. They provide an opportunity for little people to see doctors who specialize in treating dwarfs, they provide opportunities for parents of little people to connect with other parents, and they provide a venue for kids with dwarfism to connect with each other.
To qualify for a Kitchens Fund scholarship the applicant must meet the following criteria:
1) must be a first-time attendee of a National Conference
2) must be a paid member of LPA in good standing, and
3) any minor child must be accompanied by an adult/guardian
The deadline to apply for a Kitchens Fund grant is April 28. Applicants are notified by phone or e-mail by June 1.
Information and applications for the Kitchens Fund can be found on the LPA website.
Job Opportunities for LPA Members
By Bill Bradford, LPA Senior Vice President
At the beginning of February, the LPA National Office was contacted by two U.S. Government agencies, the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Office of Fish and Wildlife, as part of the President's federal mandate to increase the employment of people with disabilities by 20%.
The two agencies are reaching out to LPA members and members of the dwarfism community, encouraging LPs to apply for federal jobs.
Specifically, the IRS is in search of accountants and IT specialists and our members will NOT need to compete for the jobs, just simply submit a resume online. Qualified individuals can be hired within one month! The IRS is hiring nationwide, in every region. More general positions are available with U.S. Fish and Wildlife. If you are job-seeking, this is a GREAT opportunity. Please visit the Federal Jobs web site to submit a resume. To learn more, visit http://www.usajobs.gov/ OR http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/a9trirs.aspx
LPA Teen Raising Money for Senior Year Project
A Special Message from a Northern
California LPA Teen
I am Willem Winkelman and have been a member of Little People of America (LPA) most of my life. I have been raised in LPA and know that it was an important part of my growing up. This year I am graduating from high school and I am required to complete a Senior Project. I am doing my project on something that has also been a big part of my life and needs the help of everyone in LPA to continue: the Painted Turtle Camp in California.
I have been a camper since it began and also hope to continue as a counselor as I get older. This camp is important because it gives all the kids something they can get nowhere else in their life, a feeling of sameness while they get the summer camp experience that every kid across America enjoys. During our week of camp 120 kids come together to enjoy the experience. The Painted Turtle does not require, nor ask, any camper to pay for camp. The Painted Turtle
raises money through donations. I am writing you in the hopes that you will be able to help keep this amazing camp available for all the kids of LPA by supporting my project with a donation to this amazing camp. Donations big and small will help fund this amazing camp.
Checks should be made out to LPAD12-TPT, and mailed to:
Willem Winkelman
P.O.Box. 1076
Bodega Bay, CA 94923
or
you may donate online through my web site:
willemsseniorproject.bbnow.org
All donations are tax-deductible and greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Willem Winkelman
(This e-newsletter submission was approved by the LPA Board of Directors).
Monday, October 26, 2009
LPA Halloween Party!
Thank you to all of you who came to our LPA Halloween Party this last Saturday. We had a lot of fun with both old and new friends and are looking forward to our next event!
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