Empowerment This Holiday Season

Written by John Waterman:

Helping, supporting and reaching out to people with disabilities is a nice step. However, empowering individuals to become the best they can be is the greatest thing any agency can do. Whenever an individual receives help, assistance, or a lending hand, that support will always need to be given by someone else. When an individual is an active part of getting that support for themselves, and empowering themselves to receive the support they need, they become the chief of their own destiny.

To do that, individuals need to begin with small steps. At PEAC, examples of empowerment are achieving personal milestones: riding with others, connecting with friends. A more advanced level is sharing their challenges with others, advocating for situations in which they can be successful and included and refusing to be excluded or left out.

As individuals become empowered, they realize that it is their responsibility to make sure they are part of society, and part of the solutions to make the world a better place to live.

Empowerment in PEAC was initially a byproduct of the success of our students and our refusal to accept anything but achievement. When our students achieved success, achieved personal milestones, and identified the support they needed to be independent, they grabbed ahold of it and naturally started advocating for themselves.

As an agency, we saw the success of these individuals from students like James Kleimola, Ryan McGraw and Aaron Welty.

The success of these initial pioneers gave us the opportunity to start working with younger students to help them become self-advocates, and empowered through cycling. Knowing the potential and results we had seen, it has given us a roadmap to use with our youngsters.  

The first individuals who were empowered through PEAC became an inspiration to our students and a joy to our students’ parents, who saw the potential of their child with a disability. These youngsters are individuals like Conor, Katie, Kaitlin, and many others, who are now taking steps to make the world a better place to live in.

What began as a program to keep individuals safe and to share the joy of cycling and personal achievement has developed into a chance for individuals to improve the world for all people with disabilities. Cycling is not just about the bike, it’s about the power the bike gives us.

Please consider contributing to this process of empowerment this holiday season. Any gift that you can make will go so far in the life of an individual with a disability. Thank you for your consideration, and happy holidays!

You may make a donation here: http://peac.causevox.com/

PEAC believes in Milestones

Milestones: a significant event or stage in the life, progress, development,or the like of a person, nation, etc.:

Take a moment today to reflect upon your life. What are the milestones that stick out to you? In more recent years, perhaps those milestones were getting married, buying a house, or getting a new job. But when you reach back into the depths of your memory, think about those early milestones. Walking, maybe? Going to school for the first time? What about riding a bike? Usually, that first feeling of freedom is one that is hard to forget!

At PEAC, we believe in reaching milestones. Milestones can be just about anything! When a student sets a goal for him/herself, that becomes the milestone. Take Ethan, for example. Ethan and his family decided that Ethan’s goal this summer would be to improve his steering and braking skills on the tricycle. We worked with Ethan on the track in the parking lot for several weeks in the beginning, before realizing that Ethan would shine on the trail around the park. By using this smaller track with real obstacles (the trees were pretty close to the edge!), Ethan was forced to use the handlebars to steer the bike away from the trees and stay on the course. It was clear that Ethan was having WAY more fun on the trail, too! Ethan accomplished this milestone and his pride was evident.

What happens when a child reaches a milestone? Parents cheer, staff members cheer, the student is beaming! There is joy all around, and it becomes a memory that is hard to forget.

PEAC believes in reaching milestones. Please consider donating today to empower more students to reach these life-changing milestones. Check out the Facebook page this week to see stories of some of our amazing students in action! Your donation will ensure that this work continues throughout the region and that more students are able to rise to new heights.

Michigan Hand Cycling Series ends season with Grand Rapids Marathon

1st Michigan Hand Cycling Race Series Season ends at the Grand Rapids Marathon

By Liz Horvat

Yesterday, the first year of the Michigan Hand Cycling Race Series ended with the culmination of the Grand Rapids Marathon. For a complete breakdown of the results from the Grand Rapids Marathon, click here. This event, held in its 10^th year, has been loved by runners and hand cyclists alike, and was seen as a very fitting end to a great season of racing.

“The Michigan Hand Cycling Race Series is a great opportunity to increase awareness for the sport”, says John Waterman, one of the founders of the Series. Waterman hopes that by picking select races throughout the state, the competition for the sport will increase as well as the spectators and excitement. This year, the races that were included in the series include the 5/3 Marathon, Great Lakes Bay Marathon, Cherry-Roubaix, Festival Sun Crit, Crim, and finally the Grand Rapids Marathon. “We are hoping to provide racers from across the state with an incentive to participate in this great sport,” says Waterman.

Sponsors of the series included Programs to Educate AllCyclists (PEAC) and Fusion Medical Equipment.  The support of these sponsors allowed the top participants to receive over $1,000 in prize money. In order to be eligible to win the overall series, racers must have participated in at least two races throughout the season. Points were based on the best four races of the season.

This year the series included four racers: Daniel Dewitt, Bryan Wilkinson, Brad Baumann, and Glen Ashlock; many of whom have been participating in the sport for years. The competition was fierce throughout the entire year, as can been seen in the final results, which only have first and second place separated by 10 points. We are happy to announce that Daniel Dewitt is the winner of the Michigan Hand Cycling Race Series!

Click here for more information about the Michigan Hand Cycling Race Series rules and regulations. 

If you are interested in participating in this event next year or becoming a sponsor of the series, please contact Liz Horvat (liz@bikeprogram.org) or John Waterman (jwaterman@bikeprogram.org)

PEAC Students continue to help Vulnerable User Bill move through Lansing

Unanimous Support of the Vulnerable User Bill
By Monica Walls

On October 16^th, advocates once again gathered to attend the second hearing for House Bills 5080 and 4792 in the Criminal Justice committee. After an impactful day of testimony on September 11^th (http://everyonecanride.blogspot.com/2013/09/youth-with-disabilities-push-for.html), the legislators were ready to put the bill up for a vote.

After a brief amendment to the proposed legislation, the Vulnerable User bills were both unanimously voted out of committee. What a victory for PEAC, our advocates, and many other organizations in support of the bills!

The Vulnerable User bills will increase penalties for motorists who injure or kill vulnerable users—defined as pedestrians, cyclists, and individuals using mobility devices.

PEAC is in full support of these bills, as it will make motorists more aware of cyclists, thereby making roadways safer for all of us. We teach our students rules of the road and encourage independent transportation. This legislation is the companion to our training, and will ensure safety of these independent travelers.

Today’s exciting news came just after an announcement that House Bill 4866, known as the “hand-signal” law was unanimously voted out of the House of Representatives and is now in the Senate (http://everyonecanride.blogspot.com/2013/10/peac-students-with-disabilities-move.html).

PEAC student James Kleimola has been crucial in advocating for both of these legislative topics, and is excited about their success: “We are making roads safer for me and for all bikers. We, as people with disabilities, can make a big difference. That is why we come to Lansing. It’s a great day.”

Thank you to all of the legislators who have listened and supported our students through these hearings. We are excited to continue moving this bill through Lansing! 

October 2013 Newsletter

PEAC Celebration of Cycling, Active Transportation and more! 

Waterman's window: A word from the Head Honcho
John Waterman, Executive Director

                                
This fall, students from PEAC are again advocating in Lansing to improve Michigan for cyclists. Our advocates, Connor, Katie, James and Abbey testified in front of the Judiciary Committee supporting the Vulnerable User Bill. These young advocates would like the same penalties for hitting a construction worker to apply to a motorist hitting an individual using a mobility device. 

Next, Shawn and James headed back to Lansing to push forward a bill that will legalize the use of an extended right arm to signal a right turn. This is the method that PEAC teaches to students. The students' testimony reached an extremely supportive group of legislators. Instead of pushing the vote back to next week as planned, Chairman Schmidt proposed a vote and it passed 13-0. This common sense legislation and the straightforward discussion from our students made the difference. 

These legislative victories are just steps in the right direction and will be followed up in the next few months as these bills move in the long journey to becoming a law.

In other news, Liz Horvat completed her first Celebration of Cycling as Ride Director. We are very proud of her, as we had more riders out to the event than ever before. The ride was a great success!

PEAC is so lucky to have great staff. This year, PEAC transitioned immediately from Summer Program to Celebration of Cycling to Active Transportation. Our staff's dedication to their programs, in addition to support from all of us, has made this transition smoother than ever.

We are excited to be working with students and teachers in the Wayne, Macomb and Oakland County districts during Active Transportation this year. The program is off to a great start and we are excited to see the program evolve. 

Kid's Corner

Kaitlin Barrett-Huff is one fierce twelve year-old. Through the years, Kaitlin has worked on a number of bikes, including the hand cycle and the tandem.

This summer, Kaitlin has been working on endurance. Through strengthening her arms on the hand cycle, she hopes to accomplish her goal of making a basket in one of her basketball games this fall.
At the Celebration of Cycling, Kaitlin rode 12 MILES on the hand cycle, a fantastic accomplishment! She was all smiles at the finish line. We are so excited for her and can't wait to see her future accomplishments!

Milestones Reached at the 21st Annual Celebration of Cycling
Liz Horvat, Director of Development

What a beautiful day we had for the 21^st Annual Celebration of Cycling! On September 14^th, 500 riders came out to show their support for our Summer Program students and their accomplishments! As a direct result of the generosity of the riders and those who sponsored cyclists, over $10,000 was brought into PEAC. These funds help us continue to work with all of our families to keep our programming affordable for everyone.
 
This event would not have been a success without the support of our Sponsors including Culligan Water, Crescent Moon massages, Healthy and Fit Magazine, Downriver Cycling Club, Dance Marathon at the University of Michigan, Al Petri and Sons Bicycle Shop, Wright and Filippis, Dr. Donald Wurtzel, DDS, TreeFort Bikes, Wheels in Motion, Push America, RydeOn! spinning studio and DALMAC. Please consider supporting these organizations while you are out and about and tell them that PEAC sent you! 

Please join us for the 22^nd Annual Celebration of Cycling as we celebrate 10^th Anniversary of Programs to Educate All Cyclists! We hope to see you on September 13^th, 2014 where we are encouraging ALL participants to “GO ABOVE AND BEYOND” to reach personal milestones! 

If you would like to be involved in the planning for the 22nd Annual Celebration of Cycling, please email Liz at liz@bikeprogram.org. 


On to the Next Thing: Active Transportation Initiative
Laura Padalino, Director of Active Transportation

The Active Transportation Program (ATP) is up and running for the 2013/2014 school year!  Seniors at Sterling Heights High School came to day one with a list of skills they wanted to learn this year on bikes.  Their list included: how to put a tire on a bike, signaling turns, how to ride a two wheel bike, and adjusting brakes.  Their initiative is awesome, and we'll be talking about each one of these skills and more this fall!   This year marks the third year of ATP, and we are currently working in Warren, Wyandotte, and Farmington Hills.  The first five weeks of this school-based program will focus on cycling skills, and we'll begin teaching students how to ride the city bus at the end of October.   More on our student accomplishments to come soon!  For questions about this program, email laura@bikeprogram.org. 

Local Fundraising: PEAC's Sustainability
Monica Walls, Director of Summer Program

As PEAC looks to expand in new locations, we are paying closer attention to the funding base supporting our current sites. We are so thankful for the generous sponsors we have supporting our sites, and are making a commitment to supplement these sponsorships with local fundraising. 

Throughout the year, each of our PEAC sites will host a local fundraiser to support the summer program site. This November, check out the PEAC Taylor Bowling Fundraiser! 

Have an idea for a local fundraiser in your area? Please contact Monica, our Director of Summer Program, at monica@bikeprogram.org. 

Spooky Ride: 2013's Last Family Ride! 

Spooky Ride is the last Family Ride of the year! On Friday, October 25th,  we will gather at Willow Metropark for two loops. The first loop will take off at 7:00pm and will involve trick-or-treating along the way. The second loop will be the SPOOKY part! We will put on headlamps and head out on the trail, where scary monsters and zombies will jump out as we ride! 

Please email Laura (laura@bikeprogram.org) to let us know you're coming! We need to make sure we have enough equipment and staff. We can't wait to see you! Happy Halloween! 


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PEAC Students with Disabilities "Move Things Along" in Lansing

October 1st, 2013

By Monica Walls

Shawn Kohsmann and James Kleimola, two PEAC students who face the challenge of a cognitive impairment, testified in front of the House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee this morning during PEAC’s second trip to Lansing this month. This hearing would determine the fate of House Bill 4866, the “hand-signal bill.”

Referred to by some as “commonsense legislation,” this bill would allow cyclists to extend their right arm to indicate a right turn. The current legislation requires an upturned left arm to indicate this turn. Kohsmann and Kleimola noted that the proposed signal is simpler for them as cyclists. They noted that it is also easier for drivers to understand this intuitive signal.

Kohsmann has been riding on the road for over 15 years, and uses the bike to access his job, family and community. He faces the challenge of a cognitive impairment and will not get a driver’s license. Living in the traffic-congested city of Canton, it is imperative that he communicates clearly with other users of the road. Kohsmann emphasized the importance of making this hand signal legal as a way of making roadways safer for him and other cyclists.

James Kleimola took the stage next.

“My name is James Kleimola. I have a cognitive impairment and cerebral palsy. I won’t get a driver’s license and I use a bike to get to work, school, football practice and church.”  Kleimola then noted that he currently uses an extended right arm to indicate a right-hand turn. This has been effective for him and motorists have understood.

While Chairman of the Committee, Representative Wayne Schmidt, was planning to push the vote on this bill until a later meeting, Schmidt proposed to pass the bill out of the committee onto the House Floor. With a unanimous vote, the Committee voted to pass along the bill.

While the federal government comes to a standstill, these young PEAC advocates are pushing Michigan forward. Chairman Schmidt acknowledged this after the completion of the vote, “Thank you James and Shawn, you got us to move a little faster here in Lansing.”

Kleimola expressed his excitement at the victory: “This is a great day.”

PEAC hopes to be back in Lansing soon, to ensure the success of this law as well as the Vulnerable User Act (link here).

Find out more about PEAC at their website, or contact John Waterman at jwaterman@bikeprogram.org. 

Students with Disabilities Testify in Lansing

On the morning of September 11th, four young students with disabilities from Programs to Educate All Cyclists (PEAC) arrived in Lansing to testify for safer roadways. Conor Waterman, age 12, Katie Birchmeier, 12, James Kleimola, 22, and Abby Wegner, 25, shared stories describing the importance of safe roadways for their lives.

James Kleimola, 22, faces the challenge of cerebral palsy and a cognitive impairment. “I have CP and a cognitive impairment. I won’t get a driver’s license and I use my bike to get around.” Like James, who lives independently at Eastern Michigan University, many individuals with disabilities are vulnerable users for much of their traveling time, and face the risk of an encounter with a motor vehicle.

House Bills 4792 and 4799, also known as the “Vulnerable User” bills, would increase penalties for motorists who injure or kill vulnerable users--defined as pedestrians, individuals using mobility devices, and cyclists.

John Lindenmayer of the League of Michigan Bicyclists testified at the hearing on the danger of roadways currently for vulnerable users. “Crashes involving vulnerable users make up 17% of crash fatalities, while only 1.7% of all roadway crashes.”

As an organization, PEAC believes in empowerment through cycling and independent transportation. Through the Active Transportation Initiative, PEAC works with students in Wayne, Macomb and Oakland Counties to safely navigate both roadways and the bus system.

John Waterman, Executive Director, explains why PEAC is so passionate about this bill: “Walking and cycling are the key to true independent travel for individuals with disabilities. The development of complete streets has encouraged this mode of traveling and made cycling more accessible. The missing link right now is enforcement and recognition of the responsibilities of motor vehicles for the safety of all travelers. Passing the vulnerable user bill will actually create a more accessible community for all citizens.”  

PEAC’s young advocates, along with many others from the disability, cycling and pedestrian communities will continue to push for the passing of this legislation, as the bill moves into the House of Representatives. 

Conor Waterman

James' Speech

Katie B. 

                                                Katie, Laura, Monica, Conor, John, James, Abby and Laura

Youth with Disabilities Push for Vulnerable User Bill

Cyclists and individuals with disabilities across Michigan are teaming up to increase access to communities everywhere. There are currently two bills (HB 4792 and 4799) in the House of Representatives that will raise penalties of motorists injuring or killing vulnerable users--that is anyone walking or using a bicycle or mobility device. The League of Michigan Bicyclists explains what these bills would mean:

“Modeled after accepted European standards and containing penalties similar to those used in numerous states and communities across the country, this legislation creates enhanced penalties for drivers who injure or kill a vulnerable roadway user, defined as a bicyclist, pedestrian or wheelchair user. The enhanced penalties include community service, driver-improvement education, fines, and jail time, as well as a mandatory one-year license suspension. These would only apply if a driver committed a moving violation resulting in the injury or death of a non-motorized user who was following Michigan traffic laws” (www.lmb.org, full article can be found here).

Why does this law matter to the disability community?

James, 22, is a young advocate from Programs to Educate All Cyclists (PEAC). James faces the challenge of cerebral palsy and a cognitive impairment, and is living independently at Eastern Michigan University. When discussing the Vulnerable User bill, James stated “I just want to be safe getting around on my bike. I don’t want to be hit by a car. I want drivers to stop and look.”

Others are also speaking out. Jessica is a student who participated in PEAC’s Active Transportation Program, where she learned to operate the fixed route bus system in her community. She has often felt concerned about her safety while on the roadways as a pedestrian. “We just want drivers to think before they act.”

John Waterman, Executive Director of PEAC, is passionate about raising awareness of this issue.

“Without a legal ramification, motorists will continue to drive carelessly around vulnerable users. We don’t want to see anybody getting locked up, but this law will be excellent at raising awareness about the real issue that is affecting vulnerable travelers. It will make drivers responsible and accountable for their driving habits. Making our roadways safer is a way of increasing independence and increasing access to our communities for individuals with disabilities, and this is an incredibly important bill.”

Join all of us in this important legislative push toward making our roads safer for individuals with disabilities. PEAC will be traveling to Lansing with our young advocates on September 11th for the first hearing of this bill. You can help to strengthen the voice of the disability community by emailing the representatives on the Criminal Justice Committee:

Kurt Heise (R) Committee Chair, 20th District (KurtHeise@house.mi.gov)

Joseph Graves (R) Majority Vice-Chair, 51st District (JosephGraves@house.mi.gov)

Kenneth Kurtz (R) 58th District (KennethKurtz@house.mi.gov)

Mike Calton (R) 87th District (MikeCallton@house.mi.gov)

Ed McBroom (R) 108th District (EdMcBroom@house.mi.gov)

Margaret O’Brien (R) 61st District (MargaretOBrien@house.mi.gov)

Klint Kesto (R) 39th District (KlintKesto@house.mi.gov)

Stacy Oakes (D) Minority Vice-Chair, 95th District (stacyerwinoakes@house.mi.gov)

Rose Mary Robinson (D) 4th District (rosemaryrobinson@house.mi.gov)

John Kivela (D) 109th District (johnkivela@house.mi.gov)

Brian Banks (D) 1st District (brianbanks@house.mi.gov)

Joy Brewer, Committee Clerk (joybrewer@house.mi.gov, 517-373-8474)

Additionally, please sign up here to receive email updates from PEAC about this legislative push.

We all share the sentiment of young advocate Connor Waterman: “I don’t want to get squashed on the road.” It is time to step up as the disability community and have our voices heard. 

What is my goal for the Celebration? Riding 100 Miles!

The Celebration of Cycling has always been PEAC's end-of-summer block party. It is a time when all of the parents and students of our Summer Program can come together, enjoy a beautiful September Saturday and ride along Hines Drive.

The awesome thing about Celebration of Cycling is that for some of our PEAC families, this is the first time that they have had the opportunity to ride together. For some families, it is their first tour, others have ridden the route many times and are experts on our 12-mile traffic free route. However, whether you are a novice or an old pro, all of our families are riding together and celebrating something great; the goals that the students set at the beginning of the summer.

At the beginning of each summer, our students set goals which include learning to balance and ride a two-wheeled bike, becoming a stoker on one of our tandems or mastering steering a tricycle. In addition to these goals, they set goals for the Celebration of Cycling; these goals help them strive for greatness all summer long on those hot summer days.

This year, we are asking you to set goals for yourselves, so that you celebrate along with our students and can also feel the great sense of accomplishment on September 14th!

One of our long time PEAC supporters, Wes Grose, has used the Celebration of Cycling to return to cycling after a major heart surgery.

Wes says:

     I have always felt that I do my best when I am striving toward a specific goal. In May of 2000, I was recovering from heart by-pass surgery. Both my cardiologist and cardiac surgeon asked about my plans for the future. I told them that I would return to work and that I wanted to do a 50-mile bike ride in September. Both doctors thought I was over-reaching and cautioned me to be careful and not over do my training.

I had participated in the Celebration of Cycling and knew it was the place to realize my goal. My friend Brian spent a lot of time helping me ride back into good physical condition. When September rolled around, I was ready for the Celebration. I accomplished my goal. I emailed the photos of me and my bike at the end of the ride to both doctors. It was a big day for me. A Celebration.

The Celebration of Cycling is all about realizing goals. The participants of PEAC programs all have goals. It could be as simple as learning how to pedal a tricycle or staying on the back of a tandem. the goals can be riding a bicycle, improving riding skills, learning to ride in traffic, or how to use their bike to get to work or the local store. Many activities that most of us take for granted are the goals and great achievements of the PEAC participants. We celebrate the progress toward these goals in September at the Celebration of Cycling. Providing part of the financial means to turn these goals into reality is what the Celebration of Cycling is about.

This year, set a goal for yourself and celebrate it at the Celebration of Cycling ride. Ride a new personal best distance or average speed. Learn to be a tandem captain and ride with a stoker who is blind of a PEAC summer program participant. Volunteer to help with the Celebration of Cycling. Encourage a non-cyclist friend to ride with you. Set a goal outside of your comfort zone and celebrate achieving your goal. It is a great feeling. Ask any PEAC participant or volunteer.

See you in September.

Wes Grose

                           
                         This is a picture of Wes, participating in the 2011 PEAC Spooky Ride.

We ask you to accept Wes's challenge and pick a goal and CELEBRATE IT with us on September 14th. Also, take your challenge one step further and email liz@bikeprogram.org and we will post your goal on our blog and facebook page and then pictures of your success following the ride!

Register for the 21st Annual Celebration of Cycling!
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5331105480

Mike Zelley's 5 points to become a great advocate!

Mike Zelley, President of the Flint Disability Network took a few minutes out of his busy schedule today to share some words of wisdom with our young advocates. Throughout his career, Zelley has been a critical player in passing laws such as the Ticket to Work (http://www.ssa.gov/work/overview.html#a0=1), which allows individuals relying on social security to enter the workforce without immediately losing their benefits.

Zelley now leads the Flint Disability Network, whose motto is “Nothing about us without us,” meaning that individuals with disabilities need to be involved with any conversation regarding policies or laws that may affect their lives.

Mr. Zelley’s major points to our advocates were as follows:

1. Do your research on the issues and the lawmakers or advocates you are speaking with
2. Use a collective voice and build support for your position
3. Be respectful to those who have differing opinions
4. Find a reason for lawmakers to care--connect them to the cause
5. Never ever ever give up.

We look forward to putting Mr. Zelley’s advice to good use in our upcoming advocacy pushes in Lansing. Thank you to everyone at Flint Disability Network for welcoming us to Flint!

Please stay tuned for updates on the upcoming legislation pushes that PEAC will be involved with in the very near future!

Hot off the presses, The Joys of Jennifer!

Our 21st Celebration of Cycling is right around the corner on September 14th and we are pleased and honored to be hosting Carolyn Siewicki, author of her new book, Joys of Jennifer. This book honors PEAC's very own, Jennifer, who has participated in PEAC programming and is a frequent rider at our Thursday night family rides. 

This year, Jennifer will be riding in the 21st Annual Celebration of Cycling on the back on a tandem for a 12 mile route, while Carolyn will be selling first edition autographed copies and $1 from each book will be donated back to PEAC. Click here to learn more and to register for PEAC's Celebration of Cycling!

Would you give up on your child if you were told, right from birth, that there was no hope? If Carolyn had done that, her daughter Jennifer would not have thrived with her many challenges. The Joys of Jennifer will give all parents of children with challenges or special needs the hope, confidence, and reassurance in their parenting skills.

“This book is a must-read for anyone who has ever faced a challenge and wondered why. In this true account of a family raising a child with special needs and facing challenges every step of the way, the reader will be moved by Jennifer’s spirit and her family’s courage and ability to embrace her precious life. Jennifer is an inspiration to all of us fighting the battle against pulmonary hypertension.” ~Erika Berman Rosenzweig MD, Medical Director, Pulmonary Hypertension Center, Columbia University-NYP

“Jennifer’s story is a true example of self-determination. With faith, courage, and a great sense of humor, she has been able to overcome the greatest obstacles in life. Larry and Carolyn define the true meaning of unconditional love and support.” ~Ann Mansour, Independent Support Coordinator for Community Living Services of Oakland County

“As a professor, I try not to pick favorites. But when introduced to a student with as much drive, dedication, determination, and charisma as Jennifer has, it was hard not to acknowledge her as a favorite. Jennifer’s story is one that shows how perseverance, hard work, and maintaining a sense of humor will take you beyond your wildest imagination. This book will be a valuable read to parents, would-be parents, or anyone who wishes to be inspired. Jennifer was a gift in my life, and it was an honor to be her teacher.” ~Christine Stover, Instructor of Communication and adviser to WXOU, Oakland University

“I first met Jennifer when she was twenty-eight years old. She is an inspiring young woman who has overcome many obstacles. This book is a testament to her spirit, courage, and compassion.” ~Dr. Donna M. Martin, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, the University of Michigan Departments of Pediatrics and Human Genetics

“Carolyn Siewicki’s memoir, The Joys of Jennifer, is a beautifully written dedication to her daughter. This inspirational story is about the abilities of a medically challenged young lady who has overcome many obstacles in her life. The dedication, encouragement, and support of her positive family have helped the high-spirited Jennifer achieve many goals and ac-complishments.” ~Melissa Shaw, Special Education Teacher

To order Carolyn Siewicki’s book,

please visit www.carolynsiewickibooks.com,

www.nelsonpublishingandmarketing.com

Also available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Ingram and Baker & Taylor.

Orders also accepted at Nelson Publishing & Marketing, (248) 735-0418.

Price is $12.95.

Carolyn was also featured in this weekend's Livonia Observer. Click here to see the story. 

Welcome, Monica! Our NEW Summer Program Coordinator

Hello PEAC Friends!

My name is Monica Walls and I am so excited to announce that I have recently stepped into the role of Summer Program Coordinator for PEAC. I am ecstatic to have the opportunity to play such a role within this organization. I cannot wait to meet everyone and hear about the cycling goals that will be accomplished throughout the next few months! 

On behalf of the PEAC Family, we wanted to take this opportunity to thank my predecessor Steve Shelton, for all that he has done for PEAC throughout the years. Nearly twelve years ago, Steve began volunteering and working with John Waterman on the mission of empowering individuals with disabilities. He has played a crucial role in PEAC's growth and success throughout the years, and his presence will be greatly missed! We wish him all the best in his new endeavors and look forward to seeing where life leads him next. 

If you have any questions or comments about this year's summer program, please feel free to email me at monica@bikeprogram.org! With seven sites up and running and over 150 students registered, we are off to a great start. We can't wait to see all of the celebrations. Keep checking the blog for weekly student and staff spotlights! 

Happy Riding!