Kicking Off Autism Awareness Month
By BETSY BETHEL Arts & Living Associate EditorArticle Photos
The second annual Adult Charity Kickball Tournament to benefit the Augusta Levy Learning Center in Wheeling will take place Saturday, April 4, beginning at 11 a.m. at the Dimmeydale baseball fields in Wheeling. The event kicks off Autism Awareness Month.
Thirteen teams of 10 people each will compete for the trophy, and all the money raised will provide scholarships for local children who attend the center, which uses research-based intensive therapy to help children with autism spectrum disorders transition into typical classrooms.
Kathy Shapell, executive director of the center, said last year's inaugural kickball event was a blast, made particularly memorable by the mud-caked fields. It looks as if tomorrow's weather forecast will provide a similar squishy setting.
"It really is the funnest thing that I have ever done. I laughed for five solid hours," said Shapell, noting that team members run the gamut from college fraternity members to middle-aged women.
The number of teams participating is almost triple last year's turnout, and Shapell said she hopes the public will stop by to check out the event, which is free to spectators.
This year's sponsors are Flag Floors, Bedway Development, Paull Associates, Shirts n' More, McDonald's, Woodbine House, Securicom, Ohio Valley Awards, Peter and Jean Holloway and Pike Baseball/Softball Association.
Donations can be made online at www.augustalevylearningcenter.org.
On Thursday, April 16, the center will host a free community workshop about autism spectrum disorders.
It will take place from 6-8 p.m. at the center, 99 Main St. (formerly Wheeling Health Right). A panel of parents and therapists will answer questions, and current topics in autism-related research, education and legislation will be discussed.
For information, visit the Web site or call 304-242-6722.
