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Chapter # 512 - May 8, 2008 For Release: Immediately Contact: Karen Kosack, Founder and Program Chair, (845) 546-6962 The Autism Walk & Expo of the Hudson Valley Region Was a GREAT Success! Sponsored by the Hudson Valley Autism Society Chapter # 512
(Rhinebeck, NY) The Autism Walk & Expo of the Hudson Valley Region was held on Sunday, April 27, 2008 at Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck. “More than 4,000 participants attended the event, and we raised more than $85,000 to support local programs for the autistic community,” said Founder and Walk Chairperson Karen Kosack, a mother of two children living with Autism Spectrum Disorder. “The community rallied and we had an amazing day. The families of the Hudson Valley Region really pulled together on a cold, cloudy day to support their loved ones living with Autism. The Autism Walk and Expo Committee and Hudson Valley Autism Society Chapter # 512 is forever grateful for the wonderful support and turnout,” she said. “I’d like to offer a special thanks to Robert Grems, Manager of the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, for his warm opening remarks to the Hudson Valley Autistic Community, and to Andy Imperati, Operations Manager, for allowing the event to run so smoothly,” said Kosack. Walkers included several family teams as well as corporate teams, including Best Buy, Sam’s Club and Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. Also participating were several school teams and many individuals. More than 35 resource booths on Autism and related services were available to the public. “Every 20 minutes a new family in the United States is learning their loved one has Autism Spectrum Disorder. I see this as reaching epidemic levels,” said Kosack. “We must stand firm as a community to continue to raise autism awareness for those individuals and families living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and continue to educate those around us so that the community will embrace our loved ones affected by this disorder. By working together, our voice will be heard so that we can make a difference,” she said. “The focus of this event is to educate parents and teachers; to help spread the awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Hudson Valley community; to raise funds for local respite, recreation and educational programs, including a small portion for research of this affliction which has no known cause or cure; and to support families recently receiving the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, to show they are not alone,” said Kosack. “Thank you to all who took part in this amazing event. Each one of you is truly an essential piece in helping connect the pieces to the puzzle.” Local businesses and organizations also lent their support: refreshments were supplied by Hannaford Supermarkets, Price Chopper, Deising’s Bakery & Coffee Shop and My Brother Bobby’s Salsa. Thomas O. Miller & Company Inc. supplied coffee throughout the event, and Culligan supplied water for the walkers. Rookie, the mascot of the Hudson Valley Renegades, was on hand to greet the community, and sponsorships were provided by Creative Ceramics by You, Inc., Wachovia, Vassar Brothers Hospital (Medical & Dental Staff), St. Francis Hospital and Kingston Hospital. In addition, the Harley Owners Group of Orange County and Woodstock Harley provided a ride-along with nearly 25 motorcycles for Autism Awareness, raising more than $600. Support was also provided by emergency personnel of the NYS Troopers, Dutchess County Sheriff, Rhinebeck Fire Department and Northern Dutchess Paramedics. The Mt. Beacon Amateur Radio Club, Lady HOGs and the Anderson Center for Autism “cheerleaders” participated, and Masters of Ceremony Mark Bolger and Kimberly Kay of Star 93.3 and Clear Channel Radio are also thanked for their help in promoting this year’s event. “An extra special thanks goes to the band Flame for a fantastic performance, Master Kwon and his students for their martial arts demonstration, Amanda Moody for her carnival games, A Horse Connection for bringing their miniature ponies, and to and Drums 2 Go for offering activities that so many children enjoyed participating in that day,” said Kosack. The Walk & Expo committee also extends a special thanks to elected officials that supported this great cause, including Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand, Senator Steve Saland, Director of Taconic Developmental Disabilities Services Office John Mizerak, Assemblyman Joel Miller, Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, and Assemblyman Marc Molinaro. Congressman Maurice Hinchey arranged to have a flag flown over Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. for Autism Awareness. Jenny Marley Storch and Michael Gonyea, both of Ulster County and living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, were co-grand marshals and presided over the ribbon cutting. Boy Scout Troop #17 of Fairview, Poughkeepsie conducted the Flag Ceremony, and Casey Aguiar of Dutchess County, also challenged with Autism, lead the Pledge of Allegiance in front an audience of 4,000 attendees, following singing of the National Anthem by Valerie Taylor. “We hope to see you all next year on Sunday, April 26, 2009 at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds,” said Kosack. Visit www.autismwalkhv.org for more information and to view a complete list of sponsorship and many of the resources available in the Hudson Valley region. |
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From the desk of Vincent McLaughlin Hudson Valley Autism walk; Karen Kosack, Congresswoman; Kirsten Gillibrand, Congressman; Maurice Hinchey, State Senator; Stevend Saland, Assemblyman; Joel Miller, Assemblyman; Marc Molinaro, Taconic DDSO Director; John Mizerak, other elected officials, and participants. I was pleased to be invited to the walk to read the proclamation signed by Ulster County Legislature Chairman; David Donaldson declaring April 2008 as Autism Awareness Month in Ulster County. Ulster County once again took another big step in the positive direction by going on record to say that they support the many endeavors so many people are doing to try to improve the quality of life for those with Autism and also say that there needs to be more awareness of the issue. I’m extremely pleased the Legislature Chairman took the action that he did, again this year.
Ulster County has always provided the best services possible to its resident’s. I’m fortunate to live in a County that strives to provide the best services possible, especially to the disabled population. Let me mention one for example. Our transit system in Ulster County is fully equipped to handle the disabled population in Ulster County. People can easily go shopping, doctors appointments, to work and more and there is one person who is behind making the great transit system that it is, and it’s Cynthia Ruiz; Director of Ulster County Public Transit. Cynthia Ruiz and Ulster County Area Transit was the 2007 recipient of the “Above the Letter of the Law” award, presented by the Resource Center for Accessible Living. I want to publicly thank her for providing such a great service to the resident’s of Ulster County. Here is a prime example of a great service that’s provided and a vital service; public transportation.
More needs to be done to get awareness out to the public about what Autism is; its effects, and treatments possible. Its events such as the annual Hudson Valley Autism Walk that gives a big boost to those efforts and the walk wouldn’t be made possible without the leadership of Karen Kosack; Walk Chairperson. This is my second year attending the event and it’s great to see so many people turn out to support such a great cause and it shows a commitment by so many to provide needed services and supports where need be.
The big question is, why? I’m confident that the “why” part will be answered- it may take some time, but with so many people coming together to such great events, such as the walk, more awareness will be made and the other big questions that are out there, I feel will be answered.
I appreciate the warm welcome I received again this year at the walk. I look forward to returning again next year to the walk. Thank you again, Karen for inviting me and thank you again to the Ulster County Legislature Chairman; David Donaldson, and the many department heads in the County for your hard work in delivering the best services possible to Ulster County’s resident’s, especially the disabled population.
Sincerely, Vincent McLaughlin May 1, 2008 |
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Chapter # 512 - April 8, 2008
For Release: Immediately Contact: Karen Kosack, Founder and Program Chair, (845) 546-6962 The Autism Walk & Expo of the Hudson Valley Region Held April 27 Raise Local Funds and Awareness Sponsored by the Hudson Valley Autism Society Chapter # 512 As a treat for kids young and old, the Hudson Valley Renegades’ mascot will again delight participants from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m., and there will be other attractions, including a fire engine slide and a bouncy house castle donated by PartyTime Rentals. Rhinebeck Tent Rentals will supply tables and chairs for guests and live entertainment will be provided by Flame the band. More than 32 informational booths will also be available with plenty of take-home information. In addition to the walk, the Orange County H.O.G.s, Chapter 3315, will raise funds with a ride from Moroney’s Cycle Shop in Newburgh to the Dutchess County Fairgrounds; Pennies for autism are being raised by the students of Fishkill Plains Elementary School and Van Wyck Junior High of Dutchess County, and Marbletown Elementary School of Ulster County; and Creative Ceramics by You of Hopewell Junction will offer half-price studio fees during the month of April, with proceeds donated to Hudson Valley Autism Awareness. Also supporting the event are Assemblyman Peter Lopez, Assemblyman Joel Miller, Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, Assemblyman Marc Molinaro, Congressman Maurice Hinchey, State Senator Stephen Saland, Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand and John Mizerk Director of Taconic DDSO. “Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that interferes with speech learning and social skills development. This walk will raise funds to support local programs, and a small portion will be donated to research,” explained Lagrange resident Karen Kosack, Founder and chairperson of the event and a mother of two autistic children. “We also want to raise awareness about autism, which affects one person in every 150 in this country today -- and yet there are still many unanswered questions.” Early signs of autism include serious speech delay, poor eye contact, sensory issues and extreme tantrums for no apparent reason. “Think of it as living in a foreign country without knowing the language – and how difficult it would be to communicate,” said Kosack. “We don’t know the cause of autism, but early intervention goes a long way. If you see these signs in your children, contact your doctor to schedule an evaluation.” Although no donation is too small, it is hoped that the average walker will bring in pledges of at least $100. Team walkers are encouraged to participate in this event. Participants are asked to use the Parsonage Street entrance rather than the main gate, and register at the track. Pets are not permitted at the Fairgrounds. For additional information about autism, visit the Autism Society of America’s website at www.autism-society.org. For additional information about the Walk or to become a volunteer, contact Karen Kosack, founder and Program Chairperson at (845) 226-7525) www.autismwalkHV.org |