Oakledge Universally Accessible Playground The Universally Accessible Playground at Oakledge Park is underway with the hope of construction in 2019! This project is being spearheaded by P.E.A.S.E. (Play and Engage in Accessible Spaces for Everyone), a local committee under the umbrella of the non-profit, Vermont Division for Early Childhood. P.E.A.S.E. is partnering with the Burlington Parks and Recreation to replace the existing playground at Oakledge Park. The playground will be as barrier-free as possible, to include: raised play areas, accessible & inclusive equipment and surfacing, color contrast and texture, natural & quiet play spaces, musical and other sensory components, and areas to rest & come together as a community, while keeping in mind accessibility for children & adults. This playground will also act as a regional destination for Vermonters, as well as people from surrounding states and provinces. … [Read more...]
In loving memory
Hi there! I’m Kelcie, Kayla’s older sister. Recently, we lost our big St. Bernard, Dakotah, due to her hips collapsing. We rescued Kota 5 years ago. Kota was a big part of Kayla's and my life. Despite not being a therapy dog, Kota proved that even a rescue dog can be great with special needs children. She was very good with Kayla, especially towards her later years. She would always get her ears tugged and pinched, but eventually stopped caring and just let Kayla have her way. She would also follow Kayla around, even when her hips were hurting her, just to please her. Kota would always be by Kayla's side when she was up during the middle of night. She was Kayla's companion. We all miss Kota very much, so I decided to raise money to donate to the Humane Society of Chittenden County in her name. My goal is at least $100, so I can get a dog tag to put up on their fence in memory of her. To raise money, I will be selling as much art as … [Read more...]
The countdown begins…
Kayla received a video from her teammates this week. When she saw the video, she was so excited. She immediately began counting down the days until her teammates were coming back to campus. There is something magical about being part of a team, feeling included, and making connections. Words can not describe the euphoria that Kayla gets from being part of the UVM Women's Hockey Team. All I know is when her teammates are back and she is at the rink, she is so content and happy. Be the Impact Video Thank you Team Impact, UVM Athletics, and UVM Women's Hockey Team for this opportunity. … [Read more...]
Sports through the eyes of a mother with two girls
I am always amazed having conversations with parents about their children and sports. Typical conversations include what team their child plays on (a club team, Nordic, Far Post, Mini-metro, AAU, etc.), how many hours they practice a week, how many games they won, and even whether or not their child can play in Vermont because the teams are not good enough. Don’t get me wrong, I love sports! I played them growing up, love to watch them, and enjoy talking about them. But my perspective on sports has changes as a result of my two daughters. My oldest daughter, Kelcie, was exposed to team sports from a young age, but as she matured it became clear that she generally does not like team sports. She has no interest in participating in or even watching team sports. I’ll admit I was a little distraught about this at first, but over the last 4 years I have her watched her blossom into an incredible athlete competing in taekwondo. She … [Read more...]
The joys of growing up in Vermont
One of Kayla’s favorite things about the weekend is that she gets homemade breakfast, which usually consists of pancakes, eggs, french toast, or crepes. In Kayla’s ideal world she would get bacon and sausage every Saturday and Sunday, but that is never on our menu. When Kayla’s grandfather invited her to “Vermont’s Breakfast on the Farm” this past weekend, she eagerly accepted the offer, saying “I am sure they will have pancakes and bacon!” My father presented this event as just having breakfast at the Blue Spruce Farm in Bridport. Now I was aware of Blue Spruce Farm because growing up, my father always spoke highly of the Audette family and their farm. In Kayla’s mind we are headed to a farm, having breakfast, and then hanging with the calves. That’s what I am thinking too! On the way down to Bridport, I ask my father why Blue Spruce Farm is having breakfast. He informs me ambiguously that it is for the community. When I … [Read more...]