PDF - Can Do Canines
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PDF - Can Do Canines
T ails ß F R O M M I N N E S OTA For Friends of Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota Spring 2007 Vol. 18 Issue 2 In 1988, Lucky, pictured above, was the first dog HSDM adopted from an animal shelter. She was homeless and was scheduled to be euthanized that day. Lucky served as our demonstration dog for 11 years. She is symbolic of our commitment to save homeless dogs while fulfilling our mission to serve people with disabilities. A New Leash on Life for Lizzie Marylin Lindgren and Lizzie by Julianne Larsen Marylin’s phone is right by her front door, and Lizzie sometimes became confused: was she alerting Marylin to the phone or the door? A smoke detector was also nearby, further adding to Lizzie’s uncertainty. “It took a lot of patience and encouragement to help Lizzie understand that she had to clearly indicate the source of the sound,” Robin recalls. Marylin Lindgren of Granada, Minn., always had dogs in her life. Until she met Lizzie, however, she says she didn’t know how much work was involved in training a Hearing Dog. In fall 2005, Marylin contacted Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota (HSDM) after learning about the organization from a friend. Marylin was accepted into the program contingent upon HSDM staff finding a field trainer in her area. After much searching, Robin Peoble agreed to drive an hour each way to work with Marylin in her home. The next step was finding the right dog. Marylin lives in a very small house, so she needed a smaller dog. As luck would have it, an HSDM trainer attended an Animal Humane Society seminar on evaluating shelter dogs. One of the dogs was a Jack Russell Terrier mix, found as a stray. It was clear to everyone at the seminar Inside This Issue From the Executive Director ............ 2 Clark Halligan & Fonzie .................... 3 Lions Roar!......................................... 3 Debbie Fauber & Camille ................. 4 Heel & Wheel Fundraising Walk ...... 5 Home & Garden Show ...................... 5 Frances Matejcek .............................. 5 Greg Lawson & Oreo ........................ 8 New Board Member .......................... 8 Volunteer Spotlight ........................... 9 Volunteer Recognition Luncheon ... 9 Puppy Raisers ................................. 10 Development News ......................... 11 Animal Hall of Fame ........................ 11 Marilyn and Lizzie that the little dog had enormous potential. Lizzie had found a career! After a brief stay in an HSDM foster home, Lizzie was placed with Marylin. They had a slow start when Marylin’s basement flooded, and she was forced out of her house for a month. Once those issues were under control, training began in earnest. Lizzie showed great promise as a Hearing Dog, and the team made great strides in the early stages of training. She quickly learned to wake Marylin when her alarm clock rang and to alert her when someone knocked on her door. As the telephone, intruder and smoke detector sounds were introduced, however, some problems began. She adds that Lizzie is a very intelligent dog who gets bored quickly. “Practice sessions had to be short and rewarding for her,” Robin explains. “It took some creativity and patience, but Marylin stuck with it.” Although Marylin praises Robin for her guidance, Robin gives the credit to Marylin and Lizzie for persevering. Marylin says she can’t imagine her life without Lady Liz in it. “I’d like everyone involved with HSDM to know that I am very thankful for THOSE WHO MADE THIS PLACEMENT POSSIBLE Dog Source The Animal Humane Society Veterinary Services Elm Creek Animal Hospital Foster Home Kathy Galiger Field Trainer Robin Peoble From the Executive Director Volume 18 Issue 2 Al Peters & Demonstration Dog Beau invite people to learn about our important work. Join Us! A New and Improved Heel and Wheel Event At Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota (HSDM), our Heel and Wheel Fund-Raising Walk committee members have designed a new and improved event for 2007! It will include team prizes, increased length-of-walk options, and entertainment. We expect a significantly larger number of people to participate in this year’s event. In turn, we expect a threefold increase in funds raised. The funds go to train assistance dogs for those who need them. If you’ve participated in our past events, please join us again this year. If you haven’t yet participated, please try it out. I guarantee you’ll have a wonderful time! And please consider registering as a team—of co-workers, friends from church, or members of your Lions club. Walking as a team encourages participation and makes the process even more fun! The dedication and phenomenal planning skills of our volunteers— combined with your participation— will make this event a success. Please join us on Sept. 15, 2007, at Lake Phalen. I look forward to seeing you then! Organizational Growth in 2007 In our most recent issue of Tails From Minnesota, I mentioned some of our plans for 2007. With the help of the Jay and Rose Phillips Foundation, we are taking three significant steps toward fulfilling those plans. We are completing our first organization communications plan. It details the actions necessary to better communicate with all of our constituents, and it suggests new ways to Second, the foundation recently made a significant grant which will pay one year of salary and benefits for a new staff position here at HSDM. We will soon hire a marketing/communications specialist to put our communications plan into practice and to assist with the year’s key fund-raising and marketing events. Supporting the initial cost of a new full-time position is difficult for a small organization like ours. Support from the Phillips Foundation during the first year of transition is critical to helping us grow and meet the needs of the organization. Finally, the Phillips Foundation has funded a positioning study for HSDM. The study will help us assess our readiness to raise the money necessary to purchase a permanent facility for our operations. Standard office or industrial space doesn’t meet many of our unique needs, so continuing to rent is not a good option. Acquiring our own space and customizing it to the special requirements of training and kenneling will allow us to better use donated resources and more efficiently create the Assistance Dog teams that fulfill our mission. We’re grateful to the Phillips Foundation for its ongoing support of our mission. With its help, and yours, we’ll continue providing the gifts of independence, freedom and peace of mind to people with disabilities and their families. I invite you to share ideas, expertise or resources that might help us acquire a permanent home for HSDM. Please contact me directly at 612-729-5986, extension 6#, or [email protected]. Thank you for joining in our work. fl‹ 2 Tails From Minnesota Published quarterly for friends and supporters of Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota Editor/Layout/Design Alan M. Peters Sue Schuster Paige Kite Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or disabled by creating mutually beneficial partnerships with specially trained dogs. Hearing Dogs are adopted from local animal shelters, placed with deaf or hard-of-hearing clients and specially trained to alert clients to important sounds in their environment. Service Dogs are trained to help people with physical disabilities by pulling their wheelchairs, picking up or carrying objects, opening doors, flipping light switches and performing other daily tasks. Dogs, training and supplies are provided to each client free of charge. Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota 2537 25th Avenue South Minneapolis MN 55406 612-729-5986, 612-729-5914 tty/fax e-mail [email protected] website www.hsdm.org Board of Directors Mary Quist: President Carlos Villalpando: Vice President John Parzych: Secretary Monique Morton: Treasurer Jill Brant Sara Braziller Kara Fairbairn Dawn Kessler Maureen Pranghofer Len Washko James Willems Staff To reach a staff member via phone, dial 612-729-5986. When you hear the greeting, press the extension number, then the pound (#) key. Laurie Carlson Event & Volunteer Coordinator. [email protected] ext. 4 # Rob Carrick Puppy Program Coordinator. [email protected] ext. 3 # Janet Cobus Development Director [email protected] ext. 8 # Mona Elder Client Services Coordinator [email protected] ext. 7 # Audrey Galm Administrative Assistant [email protected] ext. 1 # Kim Hyde Director of Training [email protected] ext. 5 # Julianne Larsen Hearing Dog Coordinator [email protected] ext. 2 # Birdie Murphy Training Assistant [email protected] Shelly O’Brien Administrative Assistant [email protected] ext. 0 # Lee Perish Account Assistant [email protected] 612-729-5914 tty Al Peters Executive Director [email protected] ext. 6 # Rita Jesse Graduate Presenter Dawn Carlson, Meghan Doyle, Angela Olson Kennel Assistants The Fonz! Clark Halligan and Fonzie Clark Halligan of Glencoe, Minn., began the process of acquiring a Service Dog after his doctor at the Veterans Administration Medical Center told him he would benefit from one. Clark, who was injured in the service, has severe degenerative disc disease, congestive heart failure and a seizure disorder. After being on the waiting list of another organization for a long time, Clark applied to Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota (HSDM). “I was impressed with how quickly HSDM returned my call and set things in motion,” he says. Things continued to go smoothly after he met Fonzie, a Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever/Poodle cross). “Fonzie made it easy on me,” Clark says with a smile when asked about the training process. “He makes it easy when he responds quickly and does his job well the first time.” One of Fonzie’s most important tasks is retrieving a medical-alert pager that Clark can use in an emergency. Clark always keeps the pager (enclosed in a special case so Fonzie doesn’t accidentally activate it during byJohn Kohagen the delight of his owner. Clark says he hopes others will be inspired to get a service animal after they meet Fonzie. (He encouraged a friend to contact HSDM.) In public, Fonzie is a furry advertisement for the power of service animals. The team demonstrated their abilities for a Rotary Club. Clark has no misconceptions, however, about who the star is. “Fonzie gets all the attention,” he says. Clark and Fonzie practice) in the same place, so it’s easy to find. Fonzie also retrieves dropped items and tugs off Clark’s gloves and jacket. Fonzie isn’t only Clark’s service dog—he’s also a companion to Clark’s wife, Deb, and his daughter, Amanda. Although he enjoys playing with the Halligans’ other dog, Reeses (a Yorkiepoo), he immediately stops playing and does his job when Clark needs him. The big Goldendoodle even tries to be a lap dog, much to Clark says he’s thankful to HSDM. “It’s changed my life, as I’m sure it’s changed the lives of many other people,” he said. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” ! THOSE WHO MADE THIS PLACEMENT POSSIBLE Dog Source Breeder Veterinary Services Inver Grove Heights Animal Hospital Puppy Raisers The Heffernan Family Trainer Staff Pictured (left) are graduate Sheree Grimm and Hearing Dog, Oreo, with Lions Hearing Dog Chair, Galen Engholm, while attending the Lions District 5M3 midwinter convention in Fairmont, Minn. on February 17. Also pictured, (above) are the Lions District Governors Elect and some HSDM graduates during their visit to HSDM on March 14, 2007. Lions provided more than 15% of our income during 2006 and have contributed an incredible $62,347 during the first quarter of 2007! Lions ROAR! 3 New Confidence from Camille Debbie Fauber and Camille by Shelly Fredrickson house,” Debbie says. “But when I got Camille, I was required to walk her so she could get exercise. I hadn’t been outside for a walk since we moved here a year ago, but now I’m out every single day!” Debbie Fauber has arthritis in her back, which makes walking and bending over very difficult. Debbie, who lives in Onalaska, Wis., with her boyfriend, Keith, and their roommate, Tim, knew she needed to find another dog to provide the assistance she was receiving from her 15-year-old Service Dog. Unfortunately, she found it difficult to find a nearby organization that provided assistance dogs. After a lot of research and phone calls, she was connected with Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota (HSDM). “I was excited to learn that they could help,” she recalls. Debbie applied for a dog and was matched with Camille, a 2-year-old Smooth Coat Collie. With the help of field trainer, Shirley Richards, and classes at La Crosse Dog Training, Debbie and Camille soon were practicing their skills. Camille, a quick study, easily picked up tasks such as retrieving. As training progressed, however, Debbie learned the importance of understanding Camille’s short- and longterm memory processes. “Camille went through stages where she wouldn’t respond to commands that she knew well,” Debbie recalls. “But Shirley helped me understand the role that memory plays in training, and together we figured out how to get Debbie and Camille Camille back on track. Once we did, it was great!” Camille retrieves dropped items and alerts Keith if Debbie needs help. Camille also brings Debbie an emergency phone, if necessary. Although she finds such skills invaluable, Debbie says one of the most significant things Camille has done is to give her the confidence to complete everyday tasks, such as shopping. “My back pain got to the point that I basically didn’t leave the Debbie says she’s thankful for the help she received from Shirley. “I couldn’t have done it without her,” Debbie says. “Shirley provided constant encouragement and took the time to help me. She really listened to my needs.” Shirley, who also works at La Crosse Dog Training, says that working with Debbie and Camille was great. “Debbie was always open to new and different ideas,” Shirley says. “Her willingness to try new approaches made the training process easier.” Now that they’re certified, Camille accompanies Debbie everywhere. She even helps Debbie when she’s working as a home health-care provider. Attending obedience class also gave Debbie the opportunity to socialize and meet new people. “Camille has an air of confidence that everyone picks up on when they meet her,” Debbie says with a smile. “She gives me confidence to do things I didn’t think I could do. I don’t know what I’d do without her!” THOSE WHO MADE THIS PLACEMENT POSSIBLE Our Hero! As we were going to the printer, a letter arrived from Deb telling us this amazing story. Deb recalls that HSDM staff once told her, “While Camille is a Collie, she is not Lassie so don’t expect her to be a hero or save lives.” However at 5:00 a.m. one recent morning, Camille started licking Deb’s face. When Deb covered her face and tried to go back to sleep, Camille began pawing at her vigorously until she was fully awake. Deb got out of bed and immediately smelled smoke and began coughing as she stood up. There was a malfunction with her computer and the power cord was smoldering. “I don’t know what would have happened had Camille given up or not been there” says Deb. “Camille isn’t Lassie, but she sure is to me. She’s my hero!” 4 Dog Source Jackie Tierney Veterinary Services Smith Veterinary Hospital Puppy Raisers Bill Beddie and Kathy Grant Field Trainer Shirley Richards Obedience Classes La Crosse Dog Training 2007 Heel and Wheel Fundraising Walk The 2007 Heel and Wheel Fundraising Walk will take place on September 15, 2007 at Phalen Park, St. Paul. The Heel and Wheel Committee is gearing up for the biggest event in our history, including goals to have 1,000 walkers and 50 teams raising $100,000 for HSDM! We need your help, so start now and get involved in the biggest walk ever. GO TEAM! Join or Create a Team for HSDM Walk with your best friends –animal and human. One way to meet our goals is to recruit at least 50 team captains! We already have more than 20 signed up and their enthusiasm is contagious. To be a captain, you need at least four other walkers, and a team name! Each captain will receive a team fundraising packet with lots of helpful materials and tips for your team to be a success. Lions Team Challenge Each Minnesota Lions Club is invited to form a team and compete for the Lions Challenge Trophy. Awards will be given to the team that raises the most money. You will enjoy a beautiful day at Lake Phalen including food, live music, games, entertainment and quality time with friends! New this year — there will be a 3-mile walk around the lake for energetic walkers, but a shorter route will still be available . Contact Janet Cobus at 612-729-5986 ext. 8 # or [email protected] for a team packet or individual pledge form to get started today! Home and Garden Show a Success! The 2007 Spring Home and Garden Show is now history. This year we raffled a choice of a custom dog house or a cedar arbor while raising public awareness of Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota. The HSDM booth was again located at the main entrance of the show, so nearly every visitor gained some awareness of our important work. The unexpected snow-storm educated attendance a bit this year, but we are still excited with the results. We met 128 people who asked for more information about HSDM, expressed interest in volunteering, or plan to apply for a Hearing or Service Dog. We also sold more than 800 raffle tickets and received more than $700 in cash contributions. Meet Frances! We would like to introduce you to Frances Matejcek, a 9 year old fourth grader at Seward Montessori. She is pictured with Emmie and some of the bags full of treats, leashes, and chew toys she carried into our office in February as a donation! She told us that she gets charity money with her allowance and has been saving it up for some time. Frances and her mother attended a tour of our facility last fall. Afterwards, Frances decided that HSDM would be her next charity. Thank you very much for thinking of us, Frances. The dogs especially loved the Pupperoni treats! 5 Thank you to the countless volunteers who staffed our booth during this 5day event, to Lou and Mark Peterson at www.marksgazebos.com for donating the dog house prize, and to Jessica Boweak and the wonderful people at the Home and Garden Show for selecting us again for this unique opportunity! CONTRIBUTORS Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota is supported by many agencies, companies, and individuals. A very special thanks to you all! The following contributions were received in our office by March 31, 2007. Contributions received by June 30, 2007 will be included in the Summer 2007 issue of Tails From Minnesota. $5,000 or more The Delonais Foundation Sexton Foundation $2,500 to $4,999 Assistance Dog United Campaign Carl & Verna Schmidt Foundation Ramsey Lions $1,000 to $2,499 Albertville Lions Anonymous-Saint Paul Foundation Judith Christensen Edward L Anderson Foundation Falcon HeightsLauderdale Lions Global Impact Hamel Lions Lyle & Mary Jane King Barbara Koch Maple Grove Lions Minneapolis Foundation Minnesota Valley Electric Trust Mr & Mrs Gary M Scherer Onamia Lions Osseo Lions Plymouth Lions Princeton Lions Robbinsdale Lions Sandstone Lions Spring Lake Park Lions St Cloud Lions Claralouise Wheeler $500 to $999 Anoka Lions Paul & Lynda Avon Lions Friedman Babbitt Lions Samantha Hillmer Jay Bozicevich Hinckley Lions Brooklyn Center Lions Isanti Lions Brooklyn Park Lions Isle Lions Burnsville Lions Lino Lakes Lions Chisago Lakes Lions Little Falls Lions Coon Rapids Lions Midway Lions Corcoran Lions Ogilvie Lions Duluth Lions Ottertail Lions Eden Prairie Lions Virginia Power Eden Valley Lions Renville Lions Elk River Lions Richardson Twp Lakes Eveleth Lions Area Lions Fair Haven Lions So St Paul Lions Gloria & Thomas St Francis Lions Farquer Staples Lions Foley Lions Wells Fargo Bank, Fridley Lions Chanhassen In Kind Lorna Behrns Jessica Boweak Brenwood Animal Hospital Doug Brouse Laurie Burk Cottage Grove Animal Hospital Rich & Maggie Cress Jon & Jan Day Dr Levine Dr Olivero - Opthalmology Elm Creek Animal Hospital Michael Ferber Rosanne Fett Graphic Systems Heidi Hamilton Lisa Holden Inver Grove Heights Animal Hospital Alex Johns Don & Sandy Kohagen Life Care Animal Hospital Frances Matejcek Rich Mensing Minneapolis Animal Control Monique Morton Mounds View Animal Hospital Mountain Lake Lions & Kennel Aire MYOB US Inc Odessa Animal Clinic Angela Olson Janice Parrow Lee Perish Mark & Lou Peterson Annie Piper Prior Lake Pet Hospital Vicki Schultz & So Highland Vet Hospital Anne Seppo & Karla Wirtz Cindy Sundet & Karen Beskau Sharon Todoroff Denise Wilson $100 to $499 Alexandria Lions Andover Lions Anoka Lioness Apple Valley Lions Cynthia & Lowell Arnold Ashby Lions Askov Area Lions Austin Lions Steve & Robin Bauman Becker Lions Bemidji Lions Benson Lions Big Falls Lions Bird Island Lions Blackduck Lions Brooklyn Park Lady Lions Brownton Lions Caledonia Lions Cap Baker Lions Carlos Lions Champlin Lions Chanhassen Lions Circle-Lex Lions Clarissa Lions Clearwater Lions Cold Spring Lions Columbus Lions Coon Rapids Lions Cosmos Lions James & Roberta Craig Crookston Noon Day Lions Mary Beth Crowley Crystal Lions Danube Lions Darwin Lions Deer River Ave of Pines Lions Hutchinson Lions Delano Lions Dilworth Loco Ladies International Falls Lions Lions Downtown Lions St. Susan Januschka Jordan Area Lions Paul Kasson Mantorville Carl Drake Lions Duluth Lioness Kimball Lions Eagan Lions Andrea & Mark Ebner Jeanne Labelle & Daniel Cushing Edina Lions Lake Superior CFC Esko Area Lions Lakeville Lions Kara Fairbairn LandAmerica Fairmont Lions Foundation Faribault Lions Le Center Lions Farmington Lions Lincoln Scandia Scott Fearing Valley Lions Fergus Falls Sertoma Litchfield Lions Club Finlayson Giese Lions Little Falls Dandee Lions Forest Lake Lions Stephanie Magelky G.R.Shabatura Mankato Sunrise Janson & Karen Lions Giampolo Carey & Sandi Goodridge Lion Manson Tamers Maple Grove DandeGrandy Lions Lions Greenwald Lions Mapleton Sertoma Hallock Lions Club Ham Lake Lions Maplewood North Hamel Lions Lions Hanover Lions Maynard Lions Hastings Lions Vanessa McGuire Hewitt Lions Minneapolis Hiawatha Lions Southwest Lions Hitterdal Area Lions Montevideo Lions Hopkins Lions Monticello Lions Hopkins Noontime Montrose Lions Lions Howard Lake Lions Moorhead Midday Central Lions Hoyt Lakes Lions Hugo Lions Mora Lions Morning Pride Lions Morris Lions New Brighton Lions New London Lions Nicollet Lions Michael Nielsen North Branch Lions North Suburban Evening Lions Norwood Young America Lions NYA West Carver Lions Olivia Lions Wayne & Marilyn Olsen Orono Lions Orr Lions Oslo Lions Ostrander Lions John Parzych Penock Lions Pierz Lions Pine Area Lions Plato Lions Maureen & Paul Pranghofer Prior Lake Lions Ramsey Morril Lions Red Wing Lions Richmond Lions Rivertown Lions Rochester '76 Lions Rosemount Lions Roseville Lions Rush City Lions Sabin Lions Sandstone Quarry Lions Sartell Lions Sauk Centre Lions Sauk Rapids Lions Sauk Rapids Riverside Lions Sobieski Lions Spring Lake Park Lions St Anthony Village Lions St Augusta Lions St Joseph Lions St Joseph Y2K Lions St Louis Park Lions St Martin Lions St Paul East Park Lions St Peter Kiwanis Club St Stephen Lions Stacy Lions Staples '93 Lions Star of the North Lions Sturgeon Lions Swanville Lions Taylors Falls Lions Thief River Falls Lions Thomson West Twin Cities Airport Lions Wabasso Lions Wadena Lions Walnut Grove Lions Wells Lions Westbrook Lions Jean Wilson Windom Lions WISH Lions Toni Yeamans If we somehow missed your contribution, be it financial, in-kind or volunteer, please let us know and we will recognize you in our next newsletter. Thank you! up to $100 Marion Ackley Adams Lions Albertville Lioness Almelund Lions Patricia Amadeo Anoka County 5 Star Lions Anonymous Anonymous Arlington Lions Arlington Sibley East Lions Austin Morning Lions Barnesville Lions Cynthia Barry Charles Michael Bichler Big Lake Lioness Big Lake Lions Judith Blanchard Carl & Madeline Blegen Blooming Prairie Lions Blue Earth Lions Irwin & Rita Boris Brandon Lions Margaret Brownrigg Brownsville Lions David & Patti MacArthur Bruflodt Mrs & Mrs Ralph Buske Byron Lions Cambridge Lions Camden Lions International Cannon Falls Lions Carver Lions Cedar East Bethel Lions Centerville Lions Chatfield Lions Vicki & Lou Chouinard Cologne Lions Columbus Lioness Community Solutions Fund Jennifer Connolly Coon Rapids Lioness Lois & Robert Crunstedt Sharlotte Davis Dawn to Dusk Lions Dilworth Leo Dodge Center Lions Eitzen Lions Ellendale Lions Cate Elsten Sally Erickson Jean Euteneuer Patricia Faustgen Denise Fenton Fosston-Lengby Lions Marcia Fritzmeier Gary & Sue-Ann Garvis Bonnie Genin Thomas & Coleen George Girl Scout Troop #808 Glyndon Lions Grand Meadow Lions Green Isle Lions Greenbush Lions Grove City Lions Ham Lake Lions Hamburg Lions Nora Hartman Patricia Harvey Hector Lioness Mary Beth Hill Holdingford Lions Houston Lions 6 Hutchinson Lioness Jennifer Jasicki Jasper Lions David Johnson Keith Johnson Merle & Ellen Johnson Karlstad Lions Kensington Lions Kenyon Lions Kiester Lions Jason & Paige Kite Kowalski's Market Miriam Krasno Marlin & Mary Kukas Lake City Lions Lake Crystal Lioness Lake Crystal Lions Karen Lampi Lester Prairie Lions Lesueur Lions Michael Levitz Lewiston Lions Janet Loveland Lavonne Ludke Luverne '92 Lions Mabel Lions Wesley & Mary Mahlberg Kirk Mahle Jacquelyn & Raymond Marshall Marshall Lions Mayer-Watertown Dandylions Milan Lions Milroy Lions Minneapolis Lyn-Lake Lioness Deb Molin Montrose Lioness Spring Grove Lions Montrose Lions Spring Grove Keith & Andriette United Fund, Inc Mortimore Spring Lake Park Lions Motley Lions St Charles Lions Mpls Riverview Lions St Hilaire Lions N.E.W. Lions St Michael Lions Diane Nagel J.J. & R.M. Steenberg Christopher & Kathryn Stephen Lions Nelson Stewartville Lioness New Auburn Lions Stewartville Lions Newfolden Lions Stewartville Saturday North Branch Lioness Morning Lions Northfield Leo Connie & Thomas Northstar Weimaraner Swanson Club Edith Swiatek Osakis Lions Ulen Lions Leanne Patchen Linda & John Vlasich Pelican Rapids Lions Elizabeth Vork-Howell Ethel & Mary Beth Waconia Lions Pfleghaar Waite Park 97 Lions Pipestone Lions Waverly Lions Plainview Lions Wendell Lions Diane Potts Wheaton Lions Preston Lions Cory Wilaby Randall-Cushing Little Carolyne & Richard Willy Elk Lions Winona Noon Lions Frederick & Cheryl Winona Rivertown Lions Richardson Winona Sun Up Lions Rochester Leo C.A.T. Winona Sunset Lions Rushford Lions Worthington Lions Saint Francis Lioness James & Mi Kyung Dora & Howard Schroeder Youngquist Amelia Schultz Zumbro Falls Lions Shakopee Valley Lions Sibley East Sr High Leos Sharon Singleton David & Marjorie Skeie In Memory of Rand Patton Honorariums Donated by In Honor of Cynthia & Lowell Arnold ......................................... “Blue” Mary Beth Crowley ..................... “Angel” on her adoption Miriam Krasno ............................. Ben Peter’s 85th birthday Keith & Andriette Mortimore .................. “Babe” with love Amelia Schultz ............. Mary Quist from 8 Wacky Crafters J.J. & R.M. Steenberg .................. Jennifer Jasiki’s birthday Linda & John Vlasich ........................................................... Meekah Shertzer for Kyle, Joanna, Clara, & Eliza Shertzer Memorials Donated by In Memory of Steve & Robin Bauman .............................. Patricia Werner Irwin & Rita Boris ............................. Keith & Juanita Betz Vicki & Lou Chouinard ........................................ “Tommy” Jennifer Connolly ............................ Rev Patrick J Connolly Mary Beth Crowley ............................. “Beigret” & “Taco” Lois & Robert Crunstedt ............................... Leona Stadler Sally Erickson ..................................................... Kimi Hara Marcia Fritzmeier .................................................... “Jenna” Gary & Sue-Ann Garvis .......................................... “Kirby” Bonnie Genin ..................................................... Sue’s Mom Thomas & Collen George ........................... Patricia Werner Mrs P.M.W. Harvey ..................................... Evelyn Kramer Patricia Harvey .......................... Howard & Edith Boynton Samantha Hillmer .......................................... Richard Lund Susan Januschka ............................ “Ben,” “Star” & “Tess” Keith Johnson .................................................. John Nyquist Deb Molin ................................................. “Buddy” & “BJ” Keith & Andriette Mortimore ................................. “Dusty” Michael Nielsen ........................................................ “Faith” Frederick & Cheryl Richardson .......................... “London” Sharon Singleton ..................................................... “Shelly” Puppyraisers Diana Adamson & Paul Oberhaus ............................... Dude Bill Beddie & Kathy Grant ...................................... Stewart Anna Boenig & David Hapka ................................... Baxter Susan & David Bristol ............................................... Shiloh Autumn Brodhecker ...................................................... Faye The Carlon family ..................................................... Denver Sue Crone .................................................................. Stanley The Davidson family ................................................. Buddy Jan & John Day ............................................. Daisy & River The Devine family ......................................................... Java Dr Burt & Cheri Dubow ............................................ Pippin The Ehlert family ......................................................... Reno Lia Enger & family ..................................................... Jingle Mike Ferber & Betty Otto ................................................ TJ The Grout family ....................................................... Fergie The Heffernan family .................................................... Jazz Brenda & Mark Hilburn ............................................ Arrow Hannah Holicky & family ........................................... Belle Kim Kriesel ............................................................... Emmitt Dave Madison ........................................................... Gideon The McCloskey family ............................................... Cisco Gene McNamara & family ......................................... Millie Lynn Mercer & family .................................................. Moe Michelle & Shay Nelson ............................................ Jester Janice Parrow ........................................................... Jasmine The Shoessow family ..................................................... Gus The Schwartz family ..................................................... Lexi Marge & Dave Skeie ................................................. Gibson Tam Strand & Jerry Enright ....................................... Lance The VanLandschoot family ......................................... Holly Lion Rand Patton passed away February 8, 2007. Rand was a tireless supporter of our work at HSDM. He carried our message to many Lions clubs and was a generous financial contributor as well. His family selected HSDM to receive memorials, resulting in 132 gifts totaling more than $2,500. We will miss Rand’s enthusiasm and dedication to our mission. Jim & Shirley Alfson Mark & Mary Anderson Elroy & Betty Barthel Tony & Val Barthel Sandra & James Bates Martina Beaudry Lois & Marvin Benson James & Cindy Bistodeau Dave & Diane Bourget Robie Carter Eugene Claussen Charles Dahlberg Howie & Marlyne Dalzell Mike & Vicki Danielson Dorothy Decker Bill & Pam DeLaittre Ed & Marilyn Demars Bill & Janet Dubats Nancy & Will Duerr Joe & Lila Ebner Bruce & Lola Eckstein Elaine Eckstein Jack & Arlene Eckstein Mark & Tracey Eckstein John & Bev Edling Melissa Elfstrom Elaine Engstrom Jacques & Debra Eull Dale & Joanne Fauskee Dennis & Bertha Fehn June Fenstra Paul & Danielle Fischer Norm & Rose Freske Philip & Terese Gammell Mel Geisler Jeanne Labelle Jessica Mork Wendy Poulsen Sandra Shepard Greg & Cathy Stevens Global Impact Dawn Struble Diane Svoboda Doug & Luann Lindenfelser Jerry & Sandy Lindenfelser Joel Lindenfelser Leroy & Molly Lindenfelser Lyle & Nona Lindenfelser Jon & Sheryl Luckemeyer Bonnie & Keith Lundquist Shelly & Brad Lusti Melroy & Darlene Martin Tom & Patty McCarthy James McManus Donna Mingo Montrose Lions Doug & Dixie Mullen James & Tina Mulroy Neil & Shelly Narveson Carla & Bob Nash Garret Novotny Kim & Paul Olson Laura & Tom Olson Jill Peterson Nancy & Gary Peterson Scott & Tammi Pierson Richard & Jane Plum Dick & Linda Raymond Dorothy Roden Floyd & Bev Roden John & Bernadine Roden Betty & Jerry Ruppelius Keri & Bret Schoen Kevin & Jean Schuldt Dave & Sandy Shappell Leroy Shataya Sandy & David Sherman Jeff & Binki Skimland Mel & Flo Sorensen Don & Donna Steppat Brian Sundby Muriel & Ken Tiernan Dave & Pat Timmerman Wade Turner Bernard & Marlene Vetsch Betty Vetsch Donateus & Irma Vetsch Jim & Judy Vetsch John Vetsch Gary Wagner Don, Anita & Eva Wallin Harry & Edna Weber Don Weidenbach Helen & Vern Weidenbach Gert & Jon Weis Harvey Weisel Gerald & Arlene Wells Wells Fargo Clifford & Joalyne Welter Harry & Marlene Welter Dick & Virgie Wendel Glenn & Pat Whitham Margaret, Mike & Scott Zachmann Rolly & Jodi Zeltwinger Alvin & Virginia Zimmerman Joseph & Marilyn Zimmerman Marv Ziner Volunteers Diana Adamson Kathryn & Jayson Alexander Mary, John & Jennifer Alexander Debbie Arnold Bill Beddie Mary Bente Betty Berger Anna Boenig Jay Bozicevich Jill Brant Sara Braziller Betty Brietkrietz Miller & "Claire" David & Susan Bristol Autumn Brodhecker Julia Buege Freeman Jean & Don Burdeski Debra Burke & "Pepsi" Jennifer Burt Ann Camenga & "Ringo" Sue Carlon Sheri Cassens Chris & Sarah Cerney Mary Chasin Lisa Coleman Sue Crone Jan & John Day Linda Dillon The Dion family Don Doeksen Megan, Laurie & Ron Ehlert Kara Fairbairn Mike Ferber Tiffani Flaws Shelley Frederickson Marcia & Gary Fritzmeier & “Jack” Kathy Galiger Molly George & “Angel” Christina Giese Kathy Grant Sheree Grimm & “Oreo” Debbie Haffely David Hapka Nora Hartman Pat, Sam & Katherine Heffernan Kathy Heinkel Brad Henry Scott Henry Lee Hibbard & family Shelly Hiemer & “Grace” Brenda & Mark Hilburn Dawn Hughes Sammy Huston & family Sue James Aimee Jaroscak Workplace Giving Anonymous Jay Bozicevich Kathryn Bracke Zenobia Carlton Zenobia Carlton Todd Fenton Cynthia Hanson Tami Hawkinson Ham Lake Lions Joann & Berge Hanson Cindy & Brad Hegwood Ruth Helgeson Judith Hidde Jack & Carol Hines Craig Hoffman Phil & Betty Horsch Judy & Jerry Hudson Lisa Hunt Bob & Peggy Huntley Wallace Jackson Jean & Gerald Jagerson Kristen & Michael Jenkins Guy & Yvonne Johnson Tim & Sue Johnson Joseph & Marlene Kasper Patrick & Cheryl Kennedy Bill & Heather Kittridge Bill & Mary Kay Kittridge Richard & Julie Kleist Lorraine & Paul Knorr Sandy Koch Steve & Diane Kolles Randy & Lori Korpela Leroy Kronenber and Judy Wood Roxie Lee John & Kathy Lenz Kim & John Lenz Lindell Engineering Arlene Lindenfelser Chuck & Marge Lindenfelser Jenna Kaliszewski & family Dawn Kessler Dan Klein Krystal Klein Dana Knopic John & Michelle Kohagen Joy & Dave Kraft Kim Kriesel Nicole & Dan Krolikowski MarySue Krueger Kathy Kuehn & family Jodi LeBaron Liz Lucast Anne & Dale Mackereth Stephanie Magelky & “Jeff” Lynne Maker Kuechle Rebecca Maxey & “Caremyl” Molly McCloskey & family Stephanie McCollum Henry Mark & Stephanie McLaughlin Gene & Michelle McNamara Lynn Mercer & family Lion Tony Mikols Erica Miller Monique Morton Lori, Melissa & Liz Neeb Joanne Nichols Elizabeth Otto Janice & Ken Parrow Laska Parrow John Parzych Annie Piper The Pollock family Marilyn Pona Maureen & Paul Pranghofer & “Ally” Mary Quist Julie & Tim Rainey Sue Schadow Kurt & Sushma Schellpeper Kate Schroven Carolyn Schurr Sharon Singleton Marge & Dave Skeie Julie & Alex Stolis Tam Strand Jill Thompson Cindy Thorson Arnold & “Blue” Dawn & Brian Turner Patty VanLandschoot Carlos Villalpando William Voedisch Len J Washko Kristen Wedul & family David Welper Tracy Wheatcraft Jill Willems Advertise in Tails From Minnesota! Would you like to reach the more than 9,000 readers of this outstanding publication? Now you can! Call Janet Cobus at 612-729-5986, ext 8 then #, for more information. 7 O-R-E-O and Greg - They Forever Go Together! Greg Lawson and Oreo byJohn Kohagen It doesn’t always take a big dog to make a big difference. Just ask Greg Lawson of Minneapolis. apartment building. And throughout the interview for this article, Oreo relaxed on Greg’s lap with a happy smile on his face. Greg has diabetic neuropathy. He uses an electric wheelchair and has some problems with mobility and coordination. When he applied to Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota (HSDM), he asked for a Service Dog that was smaller than those normally used. HSDM staff introduced Greg to Oreo, a Poodle/Cocker Spaniel mix, and it was love at first sight. Oreo came to HSDM as a shelter dog with a lot of energy. He is loving, friendly and willing to work. Because of his energy and size, his HSDM training first focused on Hearing Dog work. But Kim Hyde, director of training, saw more potential in this little dog. Kim placed Oreo in a long-term foster home to work on Service Dog skills. At first it wasn’t easy for him to retrieve, but with determination and an excellent attitude, Oreo was soon ready to work with a client. Greg and Oreo Greg and Oreo worked hard at becoming a team. Although Oreo had a bit of trouble opening doors at first, he had no trouble picking up objects. “He picks things up when I get klutzy and drop them,” Greg says. Oreo also enjoys strutting his stuff in public— an important quality for a dog that must have confidence on the job. It’s not all work for these teammates. “He loves to go out in the hall and chase the ball,” says Greg, who modified the game of fetch to suit his Greg sums up the training experience in one word: “Fantastic!” He says the process was very positive, and both members of the team are happy with the results. A small shelter dog now makes a big difference in Greg’s life every day. “A Service Dog will change your life forever,” Greg says, looking adoringly down at Oreo. The advertising jingle for Oreo cookies and milk suits Oreo and Greg as well: the two “forever go together!” THOSE WHO MADE THIS PLACEMENT POSSIBLE Dog Source Minneapolis Animal Control Veterinary Services Cedar Pet Clinic Foster Homes The Mercer Family The Turner Faamily Field Trainer Laska Parrow You and Your IRA New Board Member If you have an IRA and are age 70 1/2 or older, the government has created a new choice for you! Kara Fairbairn Kara Fairbairn joined the Board of Directors in November 2006. Kara is an attorney with Fredrikson & Byron, P.A and she specializes in intellectual property law. Kara is also hard-ofhearing and brings first person knowledge of hearing loss to the HSDM board. You may now donate part of all of your IRA to a charitable organization, like Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota. While you cannot deduct the donation, you do avoid paying tax on the distribution. You may donate up to $100,000 during 2007 and must do so before December 31, 2007 to qualify. Please consult your tax adviser for details. Kara lives in Saint Paul with her husband Grant and their two dogs, Max (yellow laborador) and Monty (border collie mix). Her interests include Nebraska football, foreign-foods, world-traveling, and watching and playing all sports, especially tennis. 8 Imagine the impact such a generous gift would have on our ability to serve people with disabilities! Thank you. Volunteer Spotlight Mark and Brenda Hilburn Mark and Brenda Hilburn have been volunteering with Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota since 2003. They started out fostering dogs in their home for a few weeks at a time. Given that they live in Rochester, we did not think we would see them as often as our other volunteers. Were we wrong! Mark and Brenda have been invaluable to HSDM since they began volunteering. Their short-term by Laurie Carlson dog fostering turned into long-term puppy raising while becoming advocates for our organization in the Rochester area. They have helped with staffing our booth at different events, like the Horse Expo and Lions conventions, and have helped with event set-up and final accounting at the Heel and Wheel dog walk. for 2007-2008. This is a very important position and HSDM is indeed fortunate to have such an enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteer speak to Lions clubs on our behalf. This year they’ve taken on even more responsibilities. Mark and Brenda are the mentors for our puppy raiser families in southern Minnesota, and hold puppy raiser obedience classes to help with training. They are also actively recruiting more puppy raisers, which is a crucial need for our organization. In addition, as plans for an additional fundraising breakfast develop for the Rochester area, Mark and Brenda have helped coordinate arrangements for the event. What about you? Are you willing to give the gift of your time? We need help in the following areas: Recently Mark, who belongs to his local Lions club, has agreed to be the Hearing Dog co-chair for his district HSDM cannot thank Brenda and Mark enough for their great attitudes and willingness to help out whenever needed. Thank you so much! • Heel and Wheel committee members to work on the September dog walk • Dog foster homes (approximately 2-4 weeks) • Puppy raiser (14-16 month commitment) • Development committee (think up new ways to raise funds) Please call Laurie Carlson at: 612-729-5986 x4# (voice) 612-729-5914 (tty) email is [email protected] Volunteer Recognition Luncheon HSDM’s volunteer recognition luncheon was held at the Columbia Heights Golf Course on a snowy Saturday, February 24, 2007 to honor our faithful volunteers. Despite impending snowstorms later that day, we had a great turnout and a wonderful Italian meal. All volunteers present were given a custom made pen. Special awards for service provided in 2006 were presented to: • Mike Ferber, Betty Otto, John and Jan Day, Julia Buege Freeman, Maureen and Paul Pranghofer: all Volunteer Spotlight inductees for 2006. • Christina Giese and Erica Miller for Short term foster home of the year • Janice and Ken Parrow for Puppy raisers of the year • Joanne Nichols for Special Service Award • John and Jan Day for Volunteers of the year We thank all of our wonderful volunteers who help us each year and enable us in so many different ways to place dogs with the people who need them. 9 Puppy raisers are the life-blood of our work at Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota. Without their dedication and hard work, we couldn’t serve so many people in need. In an effort to encourage more people to provide this special service, we have asked some of our experienced puppy raisers to share their stories with our readers. This is the first in a series. Enjoy! Who Let the Dog In? My name is Janice Parrow. My husband, Ken, and I volunteer for HSDM as a foster home. Back in 1993, one of the requirements for a class I was taking was to volunteer for an organization that worked with people who are deaf. The Star Tribune “How Can You Help” section listed HSDM as an organization that needed volunteers to staff a booth at the Land O’ Lakes dog show. This was a no-brainer for me, a veterinary technician—I was in! Once I was on the volunteer list, I worked many Saturdays at the original little office on East 35th St. I peeled mailing labels from sheets, attached them to newsletters, and bundled them up for the U.S. Postal Service. Soon I dragged my 9-year-old daughter, Laska, along to help. She became the darling of the group—eating more doughnuts than helping with newsletters, and playing with Hearing Dogs Lucky and Sparky. Picture a young girl pestering her father: “Can we get a dog? Please, Daddy, please?” Next, picture a 16-year-old trying another approach: “Dad, HSDM needs short-term foster homes for dogs. A dog would only be here for a few days at a time, and I will take care of it.” Dad finally gave in—that was six years ago—and since that day in February 2001, there has been a procession of dogs through our home. Some have stayed as little as 15 hours; one stayed 14 months. Each has been special in its own way. Janice and Jasmine with the Volunteer of the Year Award Starting as a short-term foster home was only a step away from becoming a long-term foster home (often called being a puppy raiser). Because of my veterinary background, HSDM staff members have asked me to take on some special tasks: fostering dogs that need medical attention, evaluating dogs that have “issues,” and acting as “boot camp” for other dogs. In August, we took on the challenge of training Jasmine, a Greyhound/Scottish Deerhound puppy, to become a Service Dog. People at work ask me, “How can you give them up when training is done? Don’t you feel horrible?” My reply is simple: the dog isn’t mine. I love them as if they were my dogs, but the dogs belong to someone I haven’t met yet. My part is to help them become Service Dogs. Of course, I cry. The tears aren’t of sadness for me. They are tears of happiness, caused by the wonderful feeling you get when you do something special for someone. I usually work behind the scenes at graduation ceremonies, and it’s a good thing I do. Otherwise I’d be out in the audience, sniffling with Kleenex in hand, when our dogs are on stage. I do want to be up front when it’s Jasmine’s turn to graduate, however. Then you’ll see me shed some happy tears! 10 DEVELOPMENT NEWS by Janet Cobus Name-A Puppy Program Somerset Elementary third grade class raised $1,000 to name a puppy and they chose the name “Shiloh”. Darcy Pohland of WCCO came to Somerset during the presentation ceremony to do a story on the third graders as they presented a $1,000 check to HSDM and received their certificate with a picture of the beautiful black Labrador. Thanks to the kids, parents and teachers who worked so hard to raise $1,000 to help “Shiloh” off to a good start in our puppy program. Renaissance Festival Time? It will be here before you know it! Visit the 2007 Minnesota Renaissance Festival twice for free when volunteering with HSDM! For the third year, the Minnesota Renaissance Festival has chosen HSDM to staff the Festival’s “Pet Gate”. Staffing the Pet Gate is fun! We check in dogs and provide them with a doggie “treat bag”. Volunteers may visit the Festival before or after their shift for free, will receive a food coupon book for $6 worth of enticing edibles at the Festival, and will receive a complimentary ticket (valued at $18.95) to return to the Festival for another day of royal fun! Volunteers are needed each weekend between August 18 and September 30. Call Julia at 612-317-3413 or Jennifer at 612-805-1300 for more information. Huzzah! Rochester Fundraiser Rochester “Tails of Independence” fundraising event planning committee is forming. If you would like to help plan this fall event or serve as a Table Captain, please contact Janet. Phon-A-Thon! Help with our Fourth Annual Phon-A-Thon! Do you love to talk on the phone? We need Y-O-U to help on a night during the week of June 10-14. Last year, more than 20 volunteers spent a fun evening calling our wonderful supporters to request their support of our annual fund. This year, our goal is to raise $25,000 and we can do it! We supply training, pizza, snacks and you’ll make some new friends. Call Janet for more information or to just sign up! If I Had $100 HSDM was one of three winning organizations in the St. Peter Kiwanis Club “If I Had $100” essay contest. Fourth grade student, Aaron Shoemaker, was one of the finalists and he chose to write about HSDM and the amazing things an assistance dog can do for someone. HSDM would like to thank the Kiwanis Club for teaching these young people the meaning of philanthropy and Aaron for choosing our agency to support. Great job Aaron! Animal Hall of Fame On Saturday, February 3, 2007, three dogs were admitted to the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association Animal Hall of Fame during the association’s annual convention luncheon. Pictured left to right are: “Rusty”, a Spaniel-Springer mix certified hearing dog, accompanied by Christy Woster,received the award in the “Professional” category. “Jack” a Miniature Pincher facilitybased service dog, accompanied by partner Marcia Fritzmeier, received the award in the “Hero” category “Ruby”, an American Staffordshire mix therapy dog, accompanied by Patrick Bettendorf, received the award in the “Companion” category Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota trained both Jack and Rusty and certified them for work in public. Rusty, originally from a shelter, completed training in 2005 and now provides sound awareness, safety and companionship for his partner, who is deaf. Jack, originally donated by a breeder, has worked at Mayo Clinic in the rehabilitation department since completing training with HSDM in 2003. Visits by Jack, known as Doctor Dog around Mayo, are prescribed by Mayo physicians as part of patient care. Both Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota teams were featured in 11 the March issue of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association’s newsletter and Jack was recently featured in articles in the Rochester Post-Bulletin and Minnesota Medical Association’s Magazine, Minnesota Medicine. Congratulations to all! Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Minneapolis,MN Permit NO. 4744 Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota The Companion Dog Connection, Inc. 2537 25th Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55406 Please Note! If you are receiving more than one copy of Tails from Minnesota, have moved, or you do not wish to receive our newsletter in the future, please call 612-7295986, 729-5914 tty, or e-mail [email protected]. Wish List ! Dog treats!! (Pupperoni, Small Size Milkbone) ! Palm Treo Smartphone for Verizon ! Palm PDA devices ! Plastic Dog crates: Medium/Large sizes ! Fireproof file cabinet ! Video DVD recorder/burner ! Van with wheelchair lift, good condition ! Durable picnic table or bench ! Home Theater for our meeting room ! Mac G4 Computers, laptop ! Vacuum, prefer Oreck or heavy duty ! Small wagon or hatch-back for delivering dogs ! Microwave cart with drawer ! Spare tire for trailer ! Camcorder, Digital ! Donated veterinary services ! Gentle Leaders & Haltis, sizes M & L ! New Flexi leads for large dogs ! New Smoke Detectors ! 8-1/2 x 11 copy paper ! Plastic “Playschool” benches and table ! Batteries, AA & AAA ! Heartworm Preventative ! Kongs, Nylabones (large) ! Gift certificates to pet stores and home improvement stores ! Newer wheelchairs, manual Quickie-type ! 1st-class stamps ! Purebred puppies ! 12-14 & 18-20 inch dog collars, leashes A special thanks to all of you who previously supplied us with wish list items! You made our wishes come true! Upcoming Events April 27-29 Horse Expo, Minnesota State Fairgrounds April 29 Ron Schara and Raven event with HSDM, 2pm in the Mall of America rotunda May 6 HSDM Graduation, Anne Sullivan School, 1:00 pm May 17-20 Good Sams Samboree May 18-20 Lions Multiple Convention May 19 Tails To Tell, HSDM, 10:00 am June 23 Tails To Tell, HSDM, 10:00 am August 2 Tails To Tell, HSDM, 7:00 pm Pictured are graduates at the Fall 2006 Graduation. Join us Sunday May 6, 2007 as nine new teams will graduate in a touching, meaningful ceremony. The Graduation program begins at 1 p.m. and takes place at Anne Sullivan School, 3100 East 28th Street in Minneapolis. See you there!