Fall Newsletter:
A message from Jennifer - Project Coordinator
Recently, I took a drive north towards Lake Placid, NY enjoying the beauty of fall that had arrived in full color. From my perspective, the fall of 2005 (when The Project was first starting) was just a few days ago. Back then, The Project was a simple neat idea that has now turned into a program with thousands of participants. Each day feels like a gift, a promise and a hope.
My presentation in Lake Placid was great fun with good people. The views were breathtaking, and the laughter abundant. Who would have thought that a few simple tools could bring out the beauty in us all? After my presentation I stood next to the lake talking about how "Life Is Washable!" I had no better opportunity to give the example - so I jumped right in! The lake of course! Fully clothed with a great big smile!
I followed the presentation with a trip to the 1980 rink where the famous Miracle on Ice game happened in the 1980 Winter Olympics. The doors were locked, but there were lights inside. Barriers such as a locked door are only challenges for success. So armed with an imagination, a bit of will, and two new friends, we found an open door and took the opportunity. Once in, we found that we were not alone and were shown a door. With excitement we went through and walked right out into the visitor's bench. And then I was invited out to center ice. I looked out at the arena, and I realized that since the project started, we have painted with more people than there were seats around me. That is a miracle, a testament to a community who supported an idea until it became a reality.
What a great start to our fall and winter season. Jump in! Slide In! and Welcome to The Magic Paintbrush Project Life Is Washable! And Imagine your PossABILITIES! If we could do all of this in 500 days... Imagine what we can do with you!
Events from this summer!
One colorful moment at a time:
- Workshops with the Broome/Tioga BOCES Summer Program.
- Celebrated the production of "The Wizard of Oz" with the incredible folks at C.B. Lord's in Binghamton!
- Played with the Boys of Summer with our events with the Binghamton Mets!
- Started the Pilot Program for seniors with Fairview Good Shepherd Homes.
- Showcased the artwork in three art shows over the summer and early fall!
- Participated in events with our friends at The Family Resource Network, Walk for Autism, Springbrook's Duck Derby, The Buddy Walk and our Autism Awareness party in support of Autism Speaks.
More Recently!
On October 15th we were welcomed to the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena for our second annual "Paint With The Players" Workshop with The Binghamton Senators. With a total of 127 painters and 25 volunteers, all had fun! This workshop was a "Thank You" event, giving us a chance to say thank you to both our community and our participants for their encouragement!
We don't do this alone, but with support of the community. Many thanks to our volunteers for their priceless gift of time. Many thanks to Resilite Sports Products and Trish Socash for bringing us the new flooring! Thanks to The Oakdale Mall for giving us a home, Jeff Envid and the Family Support Services Team at OMRDD for their championing and encouragement.
This summer, we welcomed a new sponsor, United Health Services. They are supporting with eager and helpful hands. Special thanks to Darrell Dunlap at A Frame Shoppe, his artistry has helped create showpieces from our drop cloths. He has taught us how to treasure each moment captured in paint. And the summer was made truly special by Scotty Brown and Heith at the Binghamton Mets. Having the team join us for two events over the summer was fantastic. And many thanks to Laurie at The Clayground of Vestal for her continued support! Together with our community partners we have brought workshops to over 3,200 people since we began.
Thanks for visiting the website and checking out what's new!
Jennifer O'Brien 7/10/07
[See our Calendar for upcomming events.]
The Magic Paintbrush Project Life Is... Washable!
Copyright 2006 Trademark and Patent Pending
