Friday, December 26, 2008

January Meeting

We will be meeting again on Saturday, January 3rd at...

Gelsosomo's Pizzeria

1pm-?
2605 Laporte Avenue
Valparaiso, IN 46383

map | driving directions

This month we will be eating free pizza supplied by the Northwest Indiana Spinal Cord Injury Group and discussing some goals that we might have for the upcoming year.

The December meeting was great, thanks to everyone who made it out. We'll see you next week.

Sunday, December 14, 2008


A message from our friend, Ben, who plays for the Wheelchair Bulls...

"Our next games that are nearby will be at the holiday sports fest at McCormick Place the 27th & 28th. The Mayor's Office of Special Events presents Mayor Daley's Holiday Sports Festival, so save the date, it's FREE and begins Saturday, December 27 through Monday, December 29 at McCormick Place in Halls A & B (2301 S. Martin Luther King Drive), presented by the City of Chicago, Chicago Park District, and McCormick Place.
10a-4pm"

If you have never seen Wheelchair basketball in person, you should check this out. If you have, then you know what I mean. This is the most opportune place to go, too. There are so many sports at this Holiday Sports festival, it's ridiculous. Last year I saw sled hockey, and a ping pong tournament as well.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

December's Meeting

We will be meeting on Saturday, December 13th, 4pm at...

Kelsey's Steak House

2300 Morthland Drive
Valparaiso, IN 46383

(219) 465-4022

map

I am excited about this one... a little change is god sometimes.
It's our way of saying thank you for the hard work and/or Happy Holidays!

I need to have a head count for the reservation by Friday,
so if everyone could RSVP as soon as possible that would be great.

I hope to hear from you soon and see you on Saturday!

Joe White
Northwest Indiana Spinal Cord Injury Group
219-531-0055
nwiscig.blogspot.com

Friday, December 5, 2008

Public Transportation to Chicago

On November 7, 2008 I took my daughter on a trip to Chicago. We set out to Millennium Park, Rainforest Cafe, and Adler Planetarium using public transportation.

We started of with the South Shore Line train. Both the Dune Park, in Chesterton, and the Portage/Ogden Dunes stops are wheelchair accessible. I prefer Ogden Dunes, because there is a covered platform at that stop. Dune Park has an aluminum lift the conductor has to drag to the train and crank up by hand. It is functional, but it seems like just one more step.

Once at the Portage/Ogden Dunes stop, you make your way up the ramp and press the red button on the East wall. This signals to the train that they have to pull up to the platform. The train doors will open, conductor will come out and lower a small yellow "drawbridge". This surface was within about 4 inches of the train door. I just popped a wheelie over the slightly uneven gap.









When you get on the train, there is a seating area with one seat removed. I'm pretty sure there is a spot like this on each car. Some cars have restrooms. Unfortunately, the one we were in did not. This meant we got the adventure of changing cars through those little doors at the end. This is not a good idea while the train is moving. The Isles are plenty wide enough for most manual chairs, the doors are a tight fit though. While the train is moving the doors are moving side to side where the diamond plate floors are, and seem like they could easily damage a chair if you got cought in between them . We went through as the train was sitting at a stop and it worked out well.


Once I was in the other car, it was time to try the restroom. It was tight, but my chair fit so it wasn't as bad as an airplane restroom. If you want to get on to the toilet, you have to be able to do a 180 degree transfer.








As of right now, the 12th St./Roosevelt Rd stop is not wheelchair accessible. To get to the museum campus or Solider Field, you have to go to one of the last two stops and take a bus or a cab back up to that area.

We got off at the end of the line, Millennium Station/Randolph St. There is an elevator that brings you up on the corner of Michigan Ave and Randolph. To get to Millennium Park, you have to cross north, then cross east, then cross south... it's a city thing. We checked out the Sky Cloud, or as I like to call it the "Bean" and took some pictures. It started to drizzle and get cold, so we headed to Rainforest Cafe next for dinner.














We were going to take the El to Grand St, but to our dismay the Grand stop is not accessible. This meant we were limited to taking a bus, or a cab. Bus i twas, part of the decision to use public transportation was to save a little bit on money. The buses are pretty easy to use as long as you can understand the bus routs and the bus schedule. I am pretty new to this public transportation thing, but we were able to figure it out and got off the bus about 2 blocks from the Rainforest Cafe.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

The Spinal Cord Injury Walk outcome

Thank you to everyone that attended, donated to, or sponsored the Spinal Cord Injury Walk 2008 on Sunday, September 21, 2008. We had a good turn out and beautiful day. So far the event has raised $11,000 for paralysis research, advocacy, and the Northwest Indiana Spinal Cord Injury Group.

We still have some t-shirts available for $10. Contact Joe at 219-531-0055 to get a one of a kind event shirt.

A few pictures from the walk can be viewed by clicking this slide show.



Joe

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Spinal Cord Injury Walk/ Roll/Ride 2008 Registration

Hello all,

The Spinal Cord Injury Walk/Roll/Ride 2008 is scheduled for Sunday, September 21, 2008 and the preregistration deadline is right around the corner. Shirts are guaranteed if you are registered by September 12, 2008

To register, simply email or call with your name, address, phone #, and shirt size. If you are walking with a team, feel free to include your team name and goal amount as well. Then show up at the Old Fair Grounds Park at 12pm on September 21, 2008 ready to receive your shirt and walk, and have fun.

Walker Registration and Sponsor forms, and flyers can be found right here. Just click the alide show.

Last year more than 180 people attended the walk and it was a huge success. This year should be even better. It is a great way to raise awareness for spinal cord injuries, exercise, and spend time with family and friends. There will be live music, a silent auction, door prizes, food, and a 5k-fitness walk.

We are pleased to announce the addition of a poker run this year. For those of you who are not familiar with a poker run, it is usually done on a motorcycle and consists of a route with five stops. A playing card is received at each stop and the highest poker hand wins. The route for this year can be found on the attached flyer. Registration for the poker run is 10:30-12 at the Fair Grounds Park and ends at Martini's. The last bike must be in by 5pm and prizes will be given away at 6pm. There will be live music and food provided at the end.

Pictures of the Spinal Cord Injury Walk 2007 can be found at http://picasaweb.google.com/nwiscig/SpinalCordInjuryWalk9292007.

The proceeds will benefit spinal cord injury research, advocacy groups and the Northwest Indiana Spinal Cord Injury Group. For more information call 219-531-0055 or email nwiscig@gmail.com.

I hope to see everyone on Sunday, September 21, 2008 for an unforgettable day of fun and fund raising!

Sincerely,

Joe White

Northwest Indiana Spinal Cord Injury Group

219-531-0055

nwiscig.blogspot.com

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Indiana Dunes State Park and the Chair

Sunday, I went to get my Access pass for the national parks. I figured since I was almost all the way there, I would check out the dunes and see what they had to offer. A season pass for disabled visitors cost $18. That's half the price of regular season pass. We parked right up by the Pavilion/bath house and thought we would get something to eat. They have an elevator to the second floor, you just have to ask the ice cream girl or the life guards. The elevator is just inside the middle doors on the parking lot side of the building. Once on the second floor, You notice you are getting off in the back of the kitchen. Wheelchair accessibility sometimes means you get to roll through the behind the scenes stuff.

On the way to the elevator I noticed a crazy looking power chair in a closet. This peaked my interest, so I asked about it. This is a powerchair with tracks on it like a tank. It is meant for beach use and can be checked out if you have your ID and Can give up your chair for collateral. The life guard brought it around and I went for a stroll down the beach with my daughter for the first time in five years.
It was quite an adventure. I first noticed that something was not exactly right with the steering. It kept taking me much farther to the left than I wanted to go. It seemed that if I backed up a bit and tried again, it was alright. Upon further inspection, I noticed the little wheels kept spinning in the track. The track needed tightened up. We went to the sign where the state park meets Johnson's Beach and I thought I'd see if it goes up hill very well. Unfortunately it didn't go up hill very well. The wheels kept spinning... even if I tried to go up backwards. I figured I would turn around and try to go back to the pavilion when I just stopped going anywhere. I stopped going, because the track had come off of the right side.



I thought, "This is another fine mess I've gotten myself into." I was stuck on the beach in a really big power chair. I sent my daughter to the lifeguard station to get help While I just sat and enjoyed the beach. I also met quite a few people. I guess a power wheelchair that has tank tracks on it stands out in a crowd. I don't mind meeting new people, in fact it gives me a chance to talk about the group, give out a card and raise awareness a little. There were many helpful offers from passers by and the people around, however I thought I would just wait for the park officials to rescue me. I ended up using my cell phone to call the park office and request assistance. My daughter got to ride on the back of the 4-wheeler, which she loved. The DNR officers came shortly after. Together with the life guards they tipped the chair and put the track back on. Say "hi" to Officer Brandt and Officer Bruno.
Officer Brandt assured me that they would order new tracks and get the awesome beach char back in working order as soon as possible. If lifeguards are not on duty you can request the chair at the entrance gait or call the park office at 219-926-1952. All in all, it was a good day. Thanks to everyone who helped make it that way.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Wheelchair accessible beaches in Northwest Indiana

I understand it's almost the end of summer, but there's always next year.

We have discovered a few little known facts about the Indiana National Lake Shore.

From the National Park Service website http://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm ...

"The major sites in the park are accessible with assistance. The West Beach Bathhouse, the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education, and the Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center are fully accessible by wheelchair. Accessible parking and restroom services are available throughout the park. A standard wheelchair is available for loan at the Paul H. Douglas Center.

Indiana Dunes has made significant achievements in providing access to beach areas. However, access to the waters of Lake Michigan pose challenging accessibility problems. Presently, these beach areas are accessible: West Beach, Lake View Picnic area, Dunbar Beach, and Porter Beach."


I have since found out that the lift at Lake View Picnic area has been abandoned due to numerous maintenance issues. West Beach has a ramp down to the beach and offers two beach wheelchairs for use on the sand. To request these chairs, call the Dispatch Center at 219-395-8640 or ask the booth attendant at the gate entrance. Driving directions to West Beach can be found here.

Another fun fact...

a wooden walkway with handrails going through tall trees
Access Pass

"America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass– Access Pass - Free (replaced the Golden Assess Pass)
This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. The pass can only be obtained in person at the Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center or other federal recreation sites where it is accepted.

The Golden Access Passports will continue to be honored according to the provisions of the pass. Only paper version of the Golden Access Passports may be exchanged free of charge for new plastic passes.

Additional information on Access Pass"

I have heard that Washington Park in Michigan City, Indiana has a lift, yet I have not had a chance to look into that beach. I will update this page as soon as I find out more.

Have fun at the beach!

Joe

Movie update

Success, Success!

We have had two movie screenings so far and they went quite well. When we organize something we always shoot for the moon and hope for the best. Our screenings went as follows...

Christopher Reeve: Hope In Motion on July 20th, 2008 had 48 people in attendance and...

Mapping Stem Cell Research: Terra Incogneta on August 3rd, 2008 had 55 people in attendance.

These are considered successes for many reasons. One being, people actually cared enough about the topic to show up. This exhibits tremendous support from the community, family, and friends. Two being the average of 53 people would not be able to fit comfortably in a living room or even conference room. If you were one of the attendees, thank you for the support and please take the time to comment about your experience. If you weren't there for the first two movies, we hope to see you at our next.

August 17th at 2 pm
MURDERBALL… Trailer

Murderball is an intimate and personal look at life in a wheelchair. The story chronicles the journey of the United States Para Olympic Quad Rugby Team from 2002 to 2004 ending in Athens, Greece with a championship game against their rivals from Canada.



Also...

Please reserve the date for the

Spinal Cord Injury Walk 2008

At the Old Fairgrounds Park/Butterfield Pavilion,

704 McCord Rd, Valparaiso, Indiana

September 21, 2008, Noon-5pm


Last year more than 180 people attended the walk and it was a huge success. This year should be even better. It is a great way to raise awareness for spinal cord injuries, exercise, and spend time with family and friends. There will be live music, a silent auction, door prizes, food, and a 5k-fitness walk. Pictures of the Spinal Cord Injury Walk 2007 can be found at http://picasaweb.google.com/nwiscig/SpinalCordInjuryWalk9292007

The proceeds will benefit spinal cord injury research, advocacy groups and the Northwest Indiana Spinal Cord Injury Group.

Volunteers and sponsors are needed for this event also. Please contact nwiscig@gmail for more information.

I can email flyers for all events, but If preprinted flyers are needed I will try to get them to you as soon as possible.

Thanks for your help.

Joe White
Northwest Indiana Spinal Cord Injury Group
219-531-0055
nwiscig.blogspot.com

Friday, July 25, 2008

August meeting and more

We will be meeting again on Saturday, August 2nd at...

Gelsosomo's Pizzeria

1pm-?
2605 Laporte Avenue
Valparaiso, IN 46383

map | driving directions

This month we will be eating free pizza supplied by the Northwest Indiana Spinal Cord Injury Group and discussing the details of the Spinal Cord Injury Walk 2008. I have many flyers for everyone to hand out for each event and some Walk brochures so anyone interested can start getting donations. We still need as many business sponsors as we can get along with donated items for silent auction and raffle.

The Screening of Christopher Reeve: Hope In Motion on July 20 attracted 50 people. I consider that a success. We rented a theater with 150 seats, so there was plenty of room for more people. As I sat there looking across the crowd, I thought this is a bigger crowd than I could fit in in my living room. Everyone learned a lot and enjoyed it so much that when Part 2 started unexpectedly they just sat quietly and kept watching until the final credits rolled. It was perfect timing, because the theater had to be cleaned for the next movie.

Remember...

August 3rd at 2 pm
MAPPING STEM CELL RESEARCH : Terra Incognita… Trailer

This film puts a human face on this controversial subject. When neurologist Dr. Jack Kessler's daughter injured her spine in a skiing accident, he turned his energies toward finding a method to repair damaged spinal cords, re-focusing his research on developing a therapy using embryonic stem cells to regenerate the damaged parts of the nervous system. His research has taken him into a politically very sensitive area in which Catholic and fundamentalist Christian views about the beginning of life exert a powerful influence.

I hope to see as many of you as possible next weekend.

Joe

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Movies, Movies, Movies, and more

Hello,

My name is Joe White and I am very excited to announce that the Northwest Indiana Spinal Cord Injury Group is bringing three spinal cord injury documentaries to Northwest Indiana for free showings at the...

Donations will be accepted at the door.

Please spread the word about these films. They are all very entertaining, informative, and inspirational films that can be enjoyed by everyone. I personally think anyone with a SCI or anyone who knows someone with a SCI should see these films.

The movies are:

July 20th at 2 pm
Christopher Reeve: Hope in Motion… Trailer

This intimate portrait focuses on Chris's remarkable recovery of movement and his constant fight to fully regain his mobility. Following Chris closely over many months of treatment and public campaigning for funds for stem cell research, this film was completed shortly before his death and shows his struggle to keep his hope alive. Sadly, Chris died before his most fervent wish could come to pass. What emerges through this film is a portrait of an intelligent, determined, candid and outspoken man who was able to maintain his sense of humor in the face of adversity. His inspiring personality will shine through as you follow his unpredictable, emotional journey.


August 3rd at 2 pm
MAPPING STEM CELL RESEARCH : Terra Incognita… Trailer

This film puts a human face on this controversial subject. When neurologist Dr. Jack Kessler's daughter injured her spine in a skiing accident, he turned his energies toward finding a method to repair damaged spinal cords, re-focusing his research on developing a therapy using embryonic stem cells to regenerate the damaged parts of the nervous system. His research has taken him into a politically very sensitive area in which Catholic and fundamentalist Christian views about the beginning of life exert a powerful influence.



August 17th at 2 pm
MURDERBALL… Trailer

Murderball is an intimate and personal look at life in a wheelchair. The story chronicles the journey of the United States Para Olympic Quad Rugby Team from 2002 to 2004 ending in Athens, Greece with a championship game against their rivals from Canada.




*We are still looking for sponsors for these events. Please contact nwiscig@gmail for more information.

Also...

The Spinal Cord Injury Walk 2008 is scheduled for Sunday, September 21, 2008.

Last year more than 180 people attended the walk and it was a huge success. This year should be even better. It is a great way to raise awareness for spinal cord injuries, exercise, and spend time with family and friends. There will be live music, a silent auction, door prizes, food, and a 5k-fitness walk. Pictures of the Spinal Cord Injury Walk 2007 can be found at http://picasaweb.google.com/nwiscig/SpinalCordInjuryWalk9292007

The proceeds will benefit spinal cord injury research, advocacy groups and the Northwest Indiana Spinal Cord Injury Group.

Volunteers and sponsors are needed for this event also. Please contact nwiscig@gmail for more information.

I can email flyers for all events, but If preprinted flyers are needed I will try to get them to you as soon as possible.

Thanks for your help.

Joe White
Northwest Indiana Spinal Cord Injury Group
219-531-0055
nwiscig.blogspot.com

Adaptive Waterski Clinic

There will be an adaptive water ski clinic in Tin Lakes, Wisconsin on July 14th, 22nd, 23rd, and 24th. Twin Lakes, WI is about three hours from Valparaiso, IN. To be honest, the drive there, skiing, and the drive back makes for a long day. A long day that is well worth the effort and gas money in my opinion. I've been to at least ten of these clinics in the last three years and have had a great time almost every time.

From Waterskiing Twin Lakes 2007
From Waterskiing Twin Lakes 2007

Saturday, June 28, 2008

July Meeting

We will be meeting again on Saturday, July 5th.

Gelsosomo's Pizzeria

1pm-?
2605 Laporte Avenue
Valparaiso, IN 46383

map | driving directions



This month we will be eating free pizza handing out information on the upcoming movies the Northwest Indiana Spinal Cord Injury Group will be presenting at the Portage 16 theater and the Spinal Cord Injury Walk 2008 fund raiser on September 21st. There are many new things on the horizon for the NWI SCI Group, input from all members is welcome.

Please contact nwiscig@gmail to rsvp.

August 2nd will be the next scheduled meeting.

The group meetings are open to anyone. Persons with or without spinal cord injury, friends or family, or anyone just wanting to learn more about spinal cord injuries are welcome.

We hope to see you there.

Joe

Working 2 Walk pictures

Unite 2 Fight Paralysis, a national advocacy organization has posted pictures from the last four years of their Working 2 Walk Symposium/Rallies.

W2W is a three day event held in Washington DC, that unites the scientists working on a cure for paralysis and the patient advocates lobbying and raising awareness. For two days there is an exchange of ideas between the two groups, from which encouragement and inspiration grows. The third day is reserved for visiting your lawmakers and telling them what is most important to you, and urging them to support legislation that could have a positive effect on the lives of those living with paralysis.

All four can be found here or the slide shows are below.

Also, Kate Willette wrote an entertaining and informative blog that covered the entire event. You can find links to her blog by clicking here.









Thursday, June 5, 2008

June Meeting

This months meeting will be on Saturday, June 7th, 2008.


We will be trying something a little different this month. Instead of pizza, we're having a cookout with hamburgers and hotdogs at:


Joe's House

1pm - ?

1052 Joliet Rd
Valparaiso, IN 46385

Map

Please RSVP at 219-531-0055 or nwiscig@gmail.com, so we know about how much food to get.
It should be a good time. If you have any beverage requests, don't be shy. We'll see you Saturday.

Friday, May 16, 2008

Day at the Races

May 15th, 2008 was the Day at the Races hosted by the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation. The day started out by making the drive from NW Indiana to Indianapolis, which is only about two and a half hours away. Once we got there we all met in a parking lot outside the Indianapolis Speedway. The foundation handed out all of our credentials, passes, and a bag filled with all kinds of goodies.

We were then escorted to the infield parking lot and taken to the Green/Andretti hospitality tent for a complimentary lunch. San Schmidt spoke during lunch about his injury and the drive to keep going even after such a life changing event. The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation has set up a collage scholarship program for people with spinal cord injuries.

After hearing from Sam and the sponsors of the event, we got the chance to check out Sam's new van sponsored by VMI, and there was a meet and greet photo session with the Firehawk, James Davison, and Sam Schmidt. We got complimentary backpacks, hats, and t-shirts from UMP Urologicals.

Next we were taken to a wheelchair accessible bleacher area just before turn 2. The view is great from this area. We had the rest of the day to meander around the garage area, watch the time trials from the bleacher area, or from right behind the pits.
On behalf of the Northwest Indiana Spinal Cord Injury Group, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Sam Schmidt, the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation, and all off the volunteers and sponsors for the opportunity to attend the Day at the Races in Indianapolis.


Joe

Racing to Recovery

This has been a pretty busy week. Monday, May 12th, was the Racing to Recovery Gala hosted by the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation . It was an interesting experience. I am amazed at what some people can do and put together to raise money and awareness for worthy causes. The evening was filled with awards, and silent and live auctions. I wish I had been more familiar with some of the drivers, because many of them came out to support the Sam and the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation.

Here is a link to the Indy Car Coverage.


Pictures can be found at samschmidt.org

If anyone is interested in attending this event next year, visit samschmidt.org or contact the Northwest Indiana Spinal Cord Injury Group by email next April for more information. It is an evening worth checking out, especially for race fans.

Joe

Working 2 Walk 2008

Just 2 weeks ago, Working 2 Walk 2008 concluded with legislative visits on Capitol Hill. Since we left Washington, there have been more than 400 new spinal cord injuries in the United States. Over the last 2 weeks. approximately $575 million has been spent caring for people with chronic spinal cord injuries.* Have you taken 5-10 minutes out of the last 2 weeks to phone or email your Senator's office and ask him/her to cosponsor the CDRPA?

We heard the message repeatedly at Working 2 Walk. Our researchers are excited by discoveries in their labs as they push forward to solve the complex puzzle of restoring function in the spinal cord. The biggest hurdle now is "translation" of laboratory principles to human application. The field of spinal cord injury is especially stymied by lack of 1. Coordinated Research; 2. A Clinical Trial Network; and 3. Funding.

The CDRPA addresses 1 and 2, and passage is within our grasp. Yes it is being held up by one Senator's hold, but we can apply pressure NOT by attacking that Senator, but by PERSISTENTLY communicating with our home state Senator's office about the urgency of this bill and asking him/her to cosponsor. If he/she is already a cosponsor, ask them to reach out to a colleague.

Can you spare 5-10 minutes ONCE A WEEK to contact your Senator and explain why this bill is so important? That we have been working for its passage for over 4 years? That precious time has already been lost waiting for its passage? What advancing research and restoration of even one level of function might mean to you?

Ask your friends and family to help you. Senate offices DO keep track of how many contacts they receive on a particular issue. Program your Senator's phone number into your cell phone, and follow up with a call ONCE A WEEK to see if they've signed on to the bill. The Senate is in recess May 24-June 1. Look for a Town Hall meeting in your area or schedule an appointment if possible.

Nobody else will do this for us. The message of Working 2 Walk was that the CDRPA is an essential and urgent first step to get curative therapies on the road to human application. All of the information you need on the bill itself, how to contact your Senator, FAQ's, etc. is available on the U2FP CDRPA web page.

Let's swing into action and see if we can get over 50 cosponsors signed on by June 15 (we're at 33 right now)!

Marilyn Smith, President
Unite 2 Fight Paralysis


*Source: Spinal Cord Injury Information Center. http://www.spinalcord.uab.edu/

Working 2 Walk 2008



We can't say it enough. HUGE Thank You's to:

- Our wonderful researchers who took time out of their busy schedules to bring us up to date on progress in their labs;

- The army of volunteers who worked hundreds of hours to take care of all the details that made W2W such a success;

- Our generous and supportive partners and sponsors, without whom W2W would never be possible.

Kennedy Krieger Institute
Sci-Step Inc
NWISCIG
Sam Schmidt Foundation
National Rehab Hospital
Acorda Therapeutics
Novartis
Alseres Pharmaceuticals
Pride Mobility
CSCIR
Integra Foundation
Restorative Therapies
Medtronics
Bioness
Project Walk
Craig Hospital
Push to Walk
Boston Medical
Next Steps Chicago
Determined2Heal

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Working 2 Walk 2008



We are in the midst of the W2W Symposium. Today was the Science Day and we have been mixing and mingling swith scientist and advocate from across the country. Tomorrow is the Advocacy Day when I speak in behalf of the NWI SCI Group and we brush up on our dos and don'ts of legislative meetings. I can't wait to tell you all about it during May's meeting.

Joe

Local Wheelchair Basketball Exhibition


Wheelchair & Ambulatory Tennis Clinic

Instructed by Two-time U.S. Paralympian Karin Korb

A Program of RHI Sports, Indianapolis Community Tennis Association
and sponsored by the Indianapolis Racquet Club

When: April 20th, 2008
9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. (Youth Session)
11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (Adult Session)

Where: Indy Racquet Club
8249 Dean Road
Indianapolis, IN 46240

Instructor: Two-time U.S. Paralympian Karin Korb and member of seven U.S.A. World Teams. Ms. Korb was the first female athlete with a physical disability to receive a Division I athletic scholarship to play collegiate wheelchair tennis.

Who: Any youth and adult athletes as well as interested pros, potential mentors and volunteers who are interested in learning teaching techniques such as court movement strategies, wheelchair pushing techniques and proper tennis strokes

Cost: $10 for Everyone

RSVP: Please contact Pat Dean: pat.dean@rhin.com / (317)-329-2281 Or Julie Fritz: jlfritz58@sbcglobal.net / (317)-925-9775.

A Day at the Races 2008


The Sam schmidt Paralysis Foundation has released it's calender of event for this year. The Northwest Indiana Spinal Cord Injury Group is proud to be associated wit this organization. If you haven't ever been to an Indy Car time trial you ar in for a treat. The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation Provides admitance to the track, lunch and a pit tour on 05/15/2008 for A Day at the Races. If you have been, than you know how much fun it can be.


Also consider the 9th Annual Racing to Recovery Gala Dinner on 05/12/2008.


Please contact me at nwiscig@gmail .com or Ida Cahill at icahill@samschmidt.org for more details.


Joe

Friday, February 15, 2008

March Meeting

We will be meeting again on Saturday, March 1st.

Gelsosomo's Pizzeria

1pm-?
2605 Laporte Avenue
Valparaiso, IN 46383

map | driving directions


This month we have a guest speaker. Lenita Y. Gipson from Hollister, Incorporated will be speaking about Urinary Tract Infections, proper technique, Insurance company issues, giving free samples, and free pizza. What more could you ask for.

Please contact nwiscig@gmail to rsvp.

April 5th will be the next scheduled meeting.

The group meetings are open to anyone. Persons with or without spinal cord injury, friends or family, or anyone just wanting to learn more about spinal cord injuries are welcome.

We hope to see you there.

Joe

Wheelchair basketball Feb 16-17

Wheelchair basketball

WHEELER HOSTS YOUTH TOURNAMENT: Wheeler High School will host the Midwest Conference wheelchair basketball tournament this weekend. Round-robin play will be held in the prep (age 6-12), JV (early teens) and varsity (18 and under) divisions Saturday with bracket play Sunday. The field of 17 includes a Hammond-based team in the JV division and the Fort Wayne-based Turnstone Flyers, who are ranked second in the nation in the varsity division. Wheeler senior Jared Arambula is a member of the Flyers. Games will begin at 8:30 a.m. each day with the championships scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free.

http://nwi.com/articles/2008/02/15/sports/region_sports/doc252da5d2aa2b6a6b862573f000143a47.txt

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

ADAPTIVE SLED HOCKEY CLINIC

RHI SPORTS

ADAPTIVE SLED HOCKEY CLINIC

WHEN: Saturday, March 8th

12:00 - 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: Ellenberger Park & Ice Rink

5301 E. ST. Clair Street

Indianapolis, IN

WHO: Anybody who wants to try out Sled hockey. This sport is more challenging for those who have decreased arm and hand coordination. However, we can always adapt the equipment if you want to try.


PRICE: $10 includes gear and lunch.

RESERVATIONS:

Please RSVP to:

Pat Dean via pdean@rhin.com

or call Pat at 317-329-2281 By

March 5th

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Basketball tournament this weekend

Aurora Christian High School Locations

2255 Sullivan Road
Aurora, IL 60506


801 W. Illinois Avenue
Aurora, IL 60506

Saturday 1-19-08

9:00
Grand Rapids vs Bulls

Rockford vs. Ann Arbour

11:00
Grand Rapids vs. Indy
Bulls vs. Ann Arbour

2:00
Rockford vs. Indy
Grand Rapids vs. Ann Arbour

4:00
Rockford vs. Bulls

Sunday 1-20-08
10:00 Bulls vs. Indy

11:30 Grand Rapids vs.Rockford

1:00 Ann Arbour vs. Indy


For more information, contact Daniel Ferreira at danielferreira@chicagoparkdistrict.com

Thursday, January 3, 2008

January Meeting

We will be meeting again on Saturday, January 5th.

Gelsosomo's Pizzeria

1pm-?
2605 Laporte Avenue
Valparaiso, IN 46383

map | driving directions

Please contact nwiscig@gmail to rsvp.

February 2nd will be the next scheduled meeting.

The group meetings are open to anyone. Persons with or without spinal cord injury, friends or family, or anyone just wanting to learn more about spinal cord injuries are welcome.

We hope to see you there.

Joe



Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Wheelchair Basketball

I went to see the Chicago Wheelchair Bulls play at...

The annual Holiday Sports Festival, sponsored by the Mayor Daley's Office, the Chicago Park District and the host site, McCormick Place.

"Imagine the biggest indoor gym ever, then think even bigger than that. We're talking 1 million square feet of all-ages sporting events. The only thing you and the kids have to do is show up."

I didn't know much about it before I went, but there was golf, wall climbing, football, obstacle courses, a tot's zone, bowling, martial arts, table tennis, inflatable tumbling, fencing, badminton, boxing, fishing ponds, giant slides, skateboarding and bicycling and more. New this year they had cheerleading clinics, double-dutch jump rope and 2-ball. The event was wheelchair accessible and there was an adaptive sports area that included wheelchair basketball ans sled hockey.

Here are some pictures of the last game of the wheelchair basketball tournament, in which the Bullies took first place.