Build A Bean Bag Toss Game

Connellsville plans for July 2 triathlon

The second annual Connellsville triathlon will be held starting at 9 a.m. July 2.

Organizers says this year's event will be bigger than last year's inaugural triathlon.

The event starts with a swim in the Youghiogheny River, a bike ride through town and a run on the local bike trail.

There will be an Anything That Floats race, a duck race and the mega bean bag/bag-o toss competition. The event will feature the reunion/farewell concert of well-known area band Punch.

The triathlon will be the same format as last year, which proved popular with competitors. Anyone 16 and older can compete. Teams are welcome.

The course consists of a 300-yard swim in the Youghiogheny River, a 10-mile bike route through the city and a 3-mile run on the bike trail. Competitors are encouraged to pre-register using the online form at www.rivercitypromotions.com. Registrations will be taken starting at 7 a.m. on race day in Yough River Park.

Groups planning an Anything That Floats raft are asked to register early. The cost is $10 per float.

"We've had a lot of good feedback on the Anything That Floats race. I know the firemen and the EMTs are building floats. The noon start will be at the boat dock," said Vern Ohler, committee member. "We had a lot of fun with it last year. People will get a kick out of watching these crazy creations maneuvering in the river."

Patty Firestone, one of the event organizers, said last year about 15 floats participated. She said participants can register on the day of the event but planners would appreciate advance reservations for planning purposes.

The duck race will follow the rafting. Ducks can be purchased for $5 at the river that day. The winner gets a cash prize.

The mega bean bag/bag-o toss will start about 2 p.m., said Tom Karpiak, Connellsville City councilman and event organizer.

"We're having 128 teams of two and the boards will be lined up, side-by-side, in the park. It will be the same format as the one we held at New Haven in the winter. We had a huge turnout then. There will be cash prizes. It just shocks the heck out of me how popular this game has become. I've been playing it all my life," Karpiak said.

Entrants should register at Yough River Park or online at www.rivercitypromotions.com. The entry fee is $25 per team.

Punch will start playing at 7 p.m.

"We'll be celebrating what I'm calling the Punch back reunion/farewell party," Karpiak said.

Autism Diva Help: Structure, Structure, And Structure Some More

I'm a mother, a daughter, an educator and a business woman. There's days where I feel like getting lost, and other days where I scream to be heard. Today I fight to be heard. "Autism is not a disgrace, it is not a death sentence, it is not an embarrassment, it is not a disease. Autism is a way of life and for many, it is a full life." Welcome to Autism. Welcome to my world, and the world of many others who's only wish it to be UNDERSTOOD and ACCEPTED. As I've said on my previous post, I have decided to keep Dayton home for the rest of the school year (don't be saying "oh my God!"  We're pretty much at the end of the school year, it's really not that big of a deal.) I've decided to keep Dayton home because of the lack of structure at the end of the school year all schools go through, not just the school Dayton attends. The last two weeks of school are usually the toughest for kids on the autism spectrum.  Well meaning teachers, principals and school divisions look at the last week or two of the school year as a time for celebrating the end of the year by treating the kids to a break so to speak.  Lots of free play time, movie time, entertainment, etc...  Everyone in the building, adults and children alike, are excited about the coming of summer break, and focus is not high on the priority list.  Unfortunately, for children on the autism spectrum, or kids with ADHD, ADD, ODD, OCD, etc.., this time of excitement is even more crucial for them to have their aid persistently present, their day structured ever more diligently, and their teachers on the ball at all times as they can sense everyone's excitement.  Like other children, they too want to celebrate, the problem is that when their routine get broken, they may not know what to do with themselves.  Dayton does not read social cues well, and his speech is delayed.  Communicating his 'feelings' is a struggle for him.  When he can't communicate what it is that he wants, doesn't recognize social cues or facial expressions, it's as though his primal brain takes over and he can not control his impulses.  Having structure in Dayton's day is crucial.  Ever hear of the saying:  "Too much good can be a bad thing?"  Very much true in Dayton's case.  While he enjoys free play as much as any other kid, the free play itself needs to be structured and designed in a way he can handle.  I can't just take this little guy out to the park and set him loose.

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