People First of Henry County http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org Creating fairness and equality for people with disabilities Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:16:54 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8 en hourly 1 Eggcellent Easter Extravaganza announced http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/2010/03/01/eggcellent-easter-extravaganza-announced/ http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/2010/03/01/eggcellent-easter-extravaganza-announced/#comments Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:51:50 +0000 admin http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/?p=458 Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.]]> YOU ARE INVITED TO THE 4TH ANNUAL “EXTRA SPECIAL” EASTER PARTY!

Easter_Egg_Hunt

Sponsored by People First of Henry County, Henry County Parks & Recreation, Line Creek &

Fayette County Civitan Clubs and many other volunteer groups!

Saturday, March 27, 2:00-4:00 pm
Nash Farm Battlefield
100 Babbs Mill Road, Hampton

This special party is for families of those who have children or adults with developmental disabilities and/or mentally challenged. Age category Easter Egg Hunt, Wheel Chair accessible Egg Hunt, refreshments, bingo for prizes, clown ministry with face painting and balloons, moon walk, stuffed animal walk, a visit from the Easter Bunny, photos made, and more!. It is free for the whole family! Just let us know how many in your family will be attending!

Email peoplefirstofhenrycounty@yahoo.com or call 770-946-3673 and leave a message to register for this event by March 20

PLEASE DO NOT RSVP by leaving a post on this website.

Please feel free to click here and distribute our flyer to appropriate individuals and organizations - EggstraSpecialEaster

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]]> http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/2010/03/01/eggcellent-easter-extravaganza-announced/feed/ 0 Mr. and Miss Special Henry County Applications Now Being Accepted http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/2010/02/28/mr-and-miss-special-henry-county-applications-now-being-accepted/ http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/2010/02/28/mr-and-miss-special-henry-county-applications-now-being-accepted/#comments Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:44:20 +0000 admin http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/?p=444
  • Mr. & Miss Special Henry County Pageant 2010 The Seventh Annual Mr. & Miss Special Henry Pageant 2010...
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    This pageant is for individuals who are mentally and/or physically challenged and reside in Henry, Fayette, Butts, Clayton, Spalding, and Rockdale Counties.  There is a male as well as female category and two kings and two queens are crowned each year to represent Henry County throughout the community.

    Mr. and Miss Teen Special Henry County is for ages 13-19 and Mr. and Miss Special Henry County is for ages 20 and up.  No talent or change of clothing is needed.  Girls wear formal dresses or Sunday attire and guys wear a tux or suit.  Contestants are judged on stage presence, grooming and personality.  There is no fee to enter the pageant; however we ask each contestant to purchase a minimum of 10 tickets for $5.00 each at Orientation to sell to family and friends.

    A required Orientation for all contestants and their parents or guardian is Sunday, May 2, from 6-8 pm at McDonough Presbyterian Church.  A required Pageant practice is Friday, July 9.  The Teen practice is from 4-6 and the Adult Practice from 6:30 to 9:30 at the Henry County Performing Arts Center. Both pageants will be held on the same day. It is required that you attend all three of these dates to compete in the pageant, so please check your calendar before applying.

    Please understand that the parents or guardians of the winners are a big part of our pageant program and must be able to arrange their own transportation to and from the appearances each year. We participate in parades, festivals, county holiday activities, and also Special Olympics State Games three times a year.  Contestants may win only once in the teen category and once in the adult category so everyone has a chance to be a King or Queen.
    To receive an application in the mail, please contact Connie Dodgen at (770) 946-3673 or email peoplefirstofhenrycounty@yahoo.com.   The final deadline for applications this year is April 15.

    The application packet is in PDF form and can be downloaded by clicking the link below. You will need Adobe reader or similar to read it. You can get the adobe software for free by clicking here.

    SpecialHenryApplicationPacket

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    ]]>     http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/2010/02/28/mr-and-miss-special-henry-county-applications-now-being-accepted/feed/ 0     Kings and Queens to appear at Abilities Celebration http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/2010/01/27/kings-and-queens-to-appear-at-abilities-celebration/ http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/2010/01/27/kings-and-queens-to-appear-at-abilities-celebration/#comments Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:28:15 +0000 admin http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/?p=431 Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.]]> Abilities Celebration at GA Aquarium

    Abilities Celebration at GA Aquarium

    Georgia Aquarium will be holding their annual Abilities Celebration from February 3-6, 2010. The Aquarium will kick off their second annual Abilities Week celebrating people with different abilities and promoting diversity, running February 3-6 during normal operating hours. Inspiring a sense of understanding and embracing a culture of awareness, the celebration will include a variety of exciting performances as well as services to be enjoyed by all.

    Special guests include:
    • A performance of Tail Tell Tale by local artist Jaehn Clare. Follow the road of recovery of a woman who survived a life altering injury. The piece relates how she “grew into a mermaid”.
    • The Georgia Academy for the Blind choir and wrestling team
    • Georgia School for the Deaf DeSign Choir
    • Briarlake Elementary Signing Choir
    • The Georgia Blazers Basketball team
    • Live performance by Macon ’s music ambassador Joey Stuckey- a blind musician with an insightful vision!
    • George Velazquez- a professional ballroom dancer, whose life was changed drastically by a freak auto- accident that severed his left leg below the knee. Come hear his story and learn the electric slide!

    With the largest Handicap Scuba Association (HAS) certified dive team in the world, the Georgia Aquarium serves as a leader in ability awareness and accessibility. Throughout the Abilities Week celebration, the world’s largest aquarium will also offer a variety of staffing and operational additions to ensure guests of all abilities have an enjoyable experience while visiting.

    • On Thursday February 4th, Sign language interpreters will be on hand at all presentations, gallery windows, and will be available to host special behind-the-scenes tours at specifically scheduled times.
    • On Wednesday February 3rd Volunteer guides will be accessible for those with visual impairments. 3D models and touch pools are located inside several galleries at all times for the visually impaired.
    • Wheelchair accessible mats are located at various exhibits throughout the Aquarium reserving private, easily accessible viewing areas for those in wheelchairs.

    There are tickets available at a DISCOUNTED RATE for disability groups around the area which can be purchased only through this link at www.georgiaaquarium.org/abilities

    Based on the volunteers attending, performances and services offered: Wednesday 2/3 will have the most services available for guests with visual impairments; Thursday 2/4 for guests with hearing impairment; Friday 2/5 for guests with mobility impairment and Saturday 2/6 for those that don’t mind a crowd and want to see sports exhibitions and Joey Stuckey!!

    ABOUT THE GEORGIA AQUARIUM
    The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia, is the world’s largest with more than eight million gallons of water and the largest collection of aquatic animals. The mission of the Georgia Aquarium is to be an entertaining, educational and scientific institution featuring exhibits and programs of the highest standards; offering engaging and exciting guest experiences promoting the conservation of aquatic biodiversity throughout the world. The Georgia Aquarium is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums.

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    ]]>     http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/2010/01/27/kings-and-queens-to-appear-at-abilities-celebration/feed/ 0     Henry Herald promotes Richie McDonald Concert http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/2009/11/23/henry-herald-promotes-richie-mcdonald-concert/ http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/2009/11/23/henry-herald-promotes-richie-mcdonald-concert/#comments Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:35:01 +0000 admin http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/?p=424
  • Look! We’re in the Henry Herald! Check out the article about this year’s pageant in the...
  • Richie McDonald Christmas Show presented by People First People First of Henry County, the annual sponsor of the...
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    By Johnny Jackson
    jjackson@henryherald.com

    Members of the People First of Henry County organization are expecting a responsive local turnout for their upcoming Christmas benefit concert.

    The concert, dubbed, “If Every Day Could Be Christmas,” will be a sort of musical featuring recording artist Richie McDonald, said Connie Dodgen, a co-director with People First of Henry County.

    McDonald, the former frontman of the multi-platinum country music band, Lonestar, is expected to give a mid-tour performance in Henry County on Dec. 19. The performance begins at 3 p.m., at the Henry County Performing Arts Center, 37 Lemon St., in McDonough.

    Dodgen said McDonald volunteered to perform as part of fund-raising efforts for the organization, which provides social activities for the area’s young people with special needs.

    “He has a huge heart for people in general, but he really has a huge heart for people with special needs,” Dodgen said. “I love that he is so humble. He sticks to his Christian views, and puts God first and family second.”

    McDonald was the special guest judge this past year during the Sixth Annual Mr. and Miss Special Henry County Pageant, which is sponsored by People First of Henry County.

    “The concert is more of an opportunity for our special needs community to get to see him again,” Dodgen said. She said she hopes McDonald’s presence also will bring more awareness to the area’s special needs community, and the services that People First of Henry County provides.

    “We offer social opportunities that the kids would never have, if it wasn’t for our group,” she said. “We take those kids, and we raise their self-esteem.

    “We take them and put them in a safe environment,” she said. “And we try to make them feel comfortable about themselves. We’re showing the community that they’re people first, and that their disability is secondary to that.”

    Dodgen said people have been responsive to the benefit concert, as tickets are selling quickly. Only about 300 tickets remain for the venue, she said.

    Tickets are available at $20 each at all Moye’s Pharmacy locations in Henry County, or at the official Richie McDonald web site, with an additional $1 handling fee.

    “We’re also selling raffle tickets for six VIP passes to meet McDonald, receive a free CD, and get front-row seats for the concert,” Dodgen added.

    A portion of the concert proceeds will go to support the organization’s activities, such as its Seventh Annual People First of Henry County Mr. and Miss Special Henry County Pageant next June.

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    ]]>     http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/2009/11/23/henry-herald-promotes-richie-mcdonald-concert/feed/ 0     Richie McDonald Christmas Show presented by People First http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/2009/11/01/richie-mcdonald-performs-to-benefit-people-first/ http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/2009/11/01/richie-mcdonald-performs-to-benefit-people-first/#comments Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:23:43 +0000 admin http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/?p=379
  • Henry Herald promotes Richie McDonald Concert If you didn’t have an opportunity to see it in...
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    If Every Day Could Be Christmas by Richie McDonald

    People First of Henry County, the annual sponsor of the Mr. and Miss Special Henry County Pageant, presents “If Every Day Could Be Christmas”, with our special guest, Richie McDonald. The concert will be held on Saturday, December 19, at 3:00 PM at the Henry County Performing Arts Center in McDonough, GA.

    As the frontman for the multi-platinum band Lonestar for fifteen years, Richie McDonald won peoples hearts with classic ballads such as “Amazed” and “I’m Already There”. McDonald is now taking his music to the next level as he embarks on his solo career.

    Beginning his solo career, McDonald recorded a Christmas album titled, “If Every Day Could Be Christmas” , which will be out on October 13th.  In June of 2007, Richie released a Christian album,  ”I Turn To You”, which spent a great deal of 2007 on the top 20 sales chart.   This was a different side of himself that Richie always wanted to show the fans.  Richie was on the cover of Homelife Magazine in February of this year, a monthly magazine that is devoted to nurturing godly families by providing biblical solutions and practical advice for everyday life. He has also co-written a song with renowned Christian author, Karen Kingsbury, and has performed at several E-Women Conferences around the United States.

    Currently on tour promoting his country album, “Slow Down” , which is due out at the end of the year or early 2010, McDonald is taking the album title to heart, taking things slow and enjoying life.

    Richie was the special guest Judge at last year’s sixth annual Mr. and Miss Special Henry County Pageant and also was our entertainment. He has a huge heart for people with special needs. Remember to include Saturday, December 19, in your holiday plans. Tickets will go on sale Monday, October 5, and are $20 each. They can be purchased online at RichieMcDonald.com (with an added $1 handling fee per ticket for debit or credit cards)  or you may purchase them at any of the seven Moye’s Pharmacy locations throughout Henry County for $20 with a check or cash.

    Be sure and join Richie’s free online fan club to receive information about Richie and about his December 19th, Christmas show in  Henry County.   It will be a night to remember!

    These concert tickets make an awesome Christmas gift for all your friends and family and a great way to celebrate the Christmas season! Make your plans now to join us for this VERY Special event! We are so fortunate to have Richie McDonald visit Henry County and perform a Christmas concert. He is very excited about coming back to Henry County. Only 700 tickets will be sold—so make sure you order your tickets early or go to your local Moye’s Pharmacy to purchase them.

    A free meet and greet will be held after the show.  For more information, check out our website at People First of Henry County.

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    ]]>     http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/2009/11/01/richie-mcdonald-performs-to-benefit-people-first/feed/ 1     Kings and Queens attend Murphy Family home ribbon cutting http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/2009/10/14/kings-and-queens-attend-murphy-family-home-ribbon-cutting/ http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/2009/10/14/kings-and-queens-attend-murphy-family-home-ribbon-cutting/#comments Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:41:33 +0000 admin http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/?p=420
  • Our Kings and Queens appear at the Georgia Summer Special Olympics Miss Special Henry County Kristi Mills and Mr. & Miss...
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    John and Jeannette their kids and this special day were featured in the Henry Daily Herald which you can see by clicking here.

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    ]]>     http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/2009/10/14/kings-and-queens-attend-murphy-family-home-ribbon-cutting/feed/ 0     Kings and Queens make appearances at AMS for the Pep Boys Auto 500 http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/2009/10/05/kings-and-queens-make-appearances-at-ams-for-the-pep-boys-auto-500/ http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/2009/10/05/kings-and-queens-make-appearances-at-ams-for-the-pep-boys-auto-500/#comments Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:48:24 +0000 admin http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/?p=407
  • Kings and Queens attend Murphy Family home ribbon cutting Our Kings and Queens participated in the ribbon cutting for...
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    • Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.]]>     Our Kings and Queens participated in the pre-race festivities at the Pep Boys Auto 500 September 6, 2009. In addition to meeting and greeting David Ragan, Elliott Sadler, Juan Pablo Montoya, Bo Slocham, Joey Logano, Reed Sorenson as well as race winner Kasey Kahne that day, the kings and queens participated in the traditional pre-race parade lap around the track! They also had an opportunity to meet “Papa John” Schnatter and Dr. James Dobson. Topped off with a picnic and the race itself it was sure to be a day our Kings and Queens will never forget!

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    ]]>     http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/2009/10/05/kings-and-queens-make-appearances-at-ams-for-the-pep-boys-auto-500/feed/ 0     Kings and Queens participate in two walk-a-thons http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/2009/10/05/kings-and-queens-participate-in-two-walk-a-thons/ http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/2009/10/05/kings-and-queens-participate-in-two-walk-a-thons/#comments Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:40:24 +0000 admin http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/?p=397
  • Walk-A-Thon scheduled to benefit People First “People First of Henry County” Walk-A-Thon Saturday, August 1, at...
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    • Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.]]>     People First of Henry County had their first walk-a-thon August 1, 2009 to raise money to offer special socials throughout the year for families with special needs children and adults. The funds raised allow families to participate and be active in free social opportunities that they would otherwise not be a part of. Organized by Ricky Craig, 100% of funds earned went to People First for this purpose.

    Our Kings and Queens also came out September 5, 2009 to support Speedway Charities and their walk-a-thon. Speedway Charities and the whole AMS Family are incredibly supportive of People First and we are so very grateful!


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    ]]>     http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/2009/10/05/kings-and-queens-participate-in-two-walk-a-thons/feed/ 0     Fourth of July at Hampton Parade & Camp Fortson appearance http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/2009/10/05/fourth-of-july-at-hampton-parade-camp-fortson-appearance/ http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/2009/10/05/fourth-of-july-at-hampton-parade-camp-fortson-appearance/#comments Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:08:10 +0000 admin http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/?p=390
  • Our 2010 Kings and Queens are crowned An amazing time was had by all at the Mr....
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    Our Miss Henry County Paige Copeland also represented us this summer as one of the judges at the Camp Fortson pageant.


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    ]]>     http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/2009/10/05/fourth-of-july-at-hampton-parade-camp-fortson-appearance/feed/ 0     Our King and Queen meet a Redneck! http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/2009/09/01/our-king-and-queen-meet-a-redneck/ http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/2009/09/01/our-king-and-queen-meet-a-redneck/#comments Tue, 01 Sep 2009 23:31:05 +0000 admin http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/?p=373
  • Here are our King and Queen Candidates for 2009-10! The Seventh Annual Mr. & Miss Special Henry Pageant 2010...
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    jeff-foxworthy

    Thanks to the Henry County Times for highlighting our wonderful King and Queen and Directors!

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    ]]>     http://peoplefirstofhenrycounty.org/2009/09/01/our-king-and-queen-meet-a-redneck/feed/ 0