March Update
Hope you are all well and looking forward to the new normal! While the world has been on lockdown, the foundation for the new DSANWI has been moving forward.
The space at 2167 US Highway 41 in Schererville is nearing completion. Cabinets and appliances were delivered today and installation begins tomorrow. The floors were leveled and all carpet, tile and LVT flooring is installed, the new plumbing fixtures are in, the new 30 gallon hot water heater is being installed next week, the lighted retail signs are ordered, the design for the window clings is being finalized, the countertops are being measured tomorrow, all fire safety equipment is wired and installed, the track lighting is being installed over the weekend, the AV equipment including TVs, speaker system, and projection system is spec’d and ordered, keypad security and RING camera system is scheduled for installation, the new HVAC system is in place, the ceiling and walls have the first coat of paint with final paint scheduled for next week and the final drawings for the custom 32’x8′ wall cabinet is complete and off-site construction in progress.
It is impossible to put a price on the gift of this project which will provide a space to gather and support one another for years to come.
The closets and all storage at the Highland location has been sorted, cleaned out and moved. The furniture will be moved after final occupancy inspection. There have been a number of volunteers who have helped in this effort.
A comprehensive list of individuals and organizations that have supported the DSANWI in the rebuilding efforts will be published at the Grand Re-Opening (to be scheduled).
We encourage you and your family to continue to celebrate our population this month as we approach World Down Syndrome Day. It is fun to see the many faces through the years and a reminder of how important they are to the fabric of life in NWI.
To celebrate WDSD, we will be giving away custom DSANWI Crazy Socks on Sunday, March 21st from 10 AM to 3 PM. All individuals registered on our website will receive their socks and other fun items to acknowledge this special day in our community. You will have the opportunity to sneak a peek of the new space (inside tours will not be available) and sign up to volunteer to help with a calendar of events and activities for 2021. If you have a user profile on our website, register to let us know you will attend and reserve your socks. If you have trouble with registration, email [email protected]
If you have not yet registered, click here: www.dsanwi.org/registration
We will not be collecting registrations via social media or comments on posts. Please register or send an email.
The Egg Hunt is scheduled for March 27th at Zig-E’s Funland. Register here: https://dsanwi.org/event/egg-hunt-zig-es-funland-for-all-ages/
Thanks to Zig-E’s for always supporting the DSANWI.
There are dates posted for teens and adults who want to help fill eggs with Kim from Zig-E’s starting Saturday, March 13th through the 24th. Learn more here: https://dsanwi.org/event/fill-eggs-for-the-egg-hunt-with-kim-zig-es-funland/
Catherine Whitcher has asked that we schedule her IEP Presentation for Saturday, June 12th LIVE at the new building. Save the date and look for registration at the Re-Opening Celebration. A grant from the Crown Point Community Foundation paid for the last time she presented and for an individual to complete the IEP Master Coach training she provides. We hope many of you take advantage of this rare opportunity to learn more from Catherine right here in NWI.
We will once again partner with Drenth Growers to provide beautiful spring flowers just in time for Mother’s Day. Pickup will be on Saturday, May 8th from 8 AM to 12 PM at the Lake Central High School parking lot. Orders will be taken on the website starting on April 1st.
Jim and Mary Rebey have agreed to co-chair the 2021 Buddy Walk scheduled for October 24th at the Lake County Fairgrounds. Mary is looking for another family to co-chair the event. If interested, contact Mary at [email protected]
If you or anyone you know if able to donate a single time, monthly or annually to the DSANWI, use this link: www.dsanwi.org/donate
The following items have been distributed to individuals who have asked about items to donate. If you are able to share this list with others who may be looking to donate, please do.
Keurig (donated), Dyson Cordless Vacuum System, Mirror Workout System (donated), Dusting Cloths, Paper Towels, Toilet Paper, organic snacks or drinks.
If you have questions I can answer, feel free to reach out by phone, email or messenger. I hope you join us on 3/21 to see your friends and celebrate together!
Take good care of yourselves and each other,
Christine
