River Valley Special Recreation Association
1335 East Broadway
Bradley, Il 60915
Phone 815-933-7336
Fax 815-933-4632
E-Mail rvsra1335@sbcglobal.net
OFFICE HOURS
M-W-F 8:30am - 1:00pm
Tu & Th 12:00 - 4:30pm
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What is the R.V.S.R.A.?
The R.V.S.R.A. is an association formed by member agencies to provide community-based Therapeutic Recreation to individuals with disabilities or special needs. Member agencies provide the primary source of operational revenue through a property tax levy available to the Park Districts who have entered into a cooperative agreement. Our member districts are: Bourbonnais Township Park District, Kankakee Valley Park District and Limestone Park District.
The SRA views itself as a completion of the commitment of each associating Park District's responsibility to serve all its citizens including individuals with special needs.
It is our hope to contribute to the growth and development of our participants by increasing opportunities to participate in community recreation, parks, cultural and leisure activities.
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Congratulations to our
Special Olympic Athletes!
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| Tim Brown & Ed Barbieri show off their medals |
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| Lisa Billings dances to YMCA |
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| Steve Weith & Karen Hemza |
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The Outdoor Sports Festival was held in Decatur September 13 & 14. River Valley was excited to bring 15 athletes from golf skills, softball skills, & equestrian to the state competition. Unfortunately, due to the large amount of rain, the softball skills competition was canceled. The athletes still wanted to make the trip and support their friends as they competed in their events. The softball players include Shannon Archer, Ryan Beasley, Dan Golden, Jemome James, Cassie Perkins, & Eli Rorem.
The individual golf skills went on as planned with a great effort by our golfers. David Dart received a gold in his division. Receiving silver medals were Guy Case, Tim Brown, & Brad Miller.
The equestrian competition was held indoors this year and receiving medals in their events were Lisa Billings, Ed Barbieri, Sue Leveque, Sion Levy, & Steve Weith. Steve also received the George Moore memorial award for the outstanding equestrian rider of the year. Steve has trained with Karen Hemza of Sunrise Farms for over 12 years and was selected from a number of nominations from all over the state. We are so proud of you Steve!
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The weekend of October 25 & 26, River Valley took two volleyball teams to the Special Olympics state volleyball tournament in Rockford. Both teams played well and competed hard to earn third place in their divisions and receive a bronze medal. Playing for Team Storm are Shannon Archer, Jenny Miller, Steve Weith, Tim Brown, Kara Schultz, Lisa Billings, & Cindy Smith. On Team Thunder are Jay Brault, Dennis Hertz, Diane Laws, David Dart, Jeff Conrad, Paul Hansen, & Brad Miller.
Special thanks to coaches Jeff Frazier and Rick & Nancy Oster. We appreciate your dedication and commitment to our athletes.
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Congratulations on a great season!
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Have You Noticed?
In the last few months we have had the outside of the building painted, replaced the parking lot and installed a new fence along the alley. These improvements totaled $28,100. We hope you are proud of your SRA and the investments it is making for the future.
We hope you like what you see!
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THANK YOU JASON TANNER AND TANNER'S SIGNS AND DESIGNS FOR DONATING THE NEW SIGN!
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Thank You!
We would like to extent our appreciation to all of our supporters who have helped us with monetary gifts over the past years. Because of your graciousness we have been able to purchase the following items:
• DVD player for our bus
• Laser printer
• Flat screen television
• GPS system for our bus.
A big "Hooray" to all our thoughtful
family members and friends!
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| Sue LeVeque and Diane Spaulding make new friends at "The Grand Jubilee Showcase" |
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Branson, MO
Sept. 25 - Sept. 29
Our Association just recently took a trip to Branson, with 24 participants and 8 chaperones. We had beautiful weather and a great time. We visited Silver Dollar City, Celebration City, rode on a "Duck", and saw some very entertaining shows with very handsome cast members. The food was abundant and delicious. Our trip was taken on a coach bus driven by the best bus driver in the world, "Lyle".
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Congratulations!
2008 Volunteer & Athlete
of the Year
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| Tom Breitenbucher & Dieter Jaehn 2008 Volunteer of the Year |
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| Steven Weith 2008 Athlete of the Year |
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At our annual Valentine's Dinner Dance that was held at the Civic Auditorium on February 13 we presented our Volunteer and Athlete of the Year awards.
The Volunteer award was given to Dieter Jaehn. He has coached the RVSRA's Special Olympic Golf team for the past 5 years. "Dieter's golf background along with his patience and desire to see the athletes improve are an asset to our association" says Tom Breitenbucher, Executive Director.
Steven Weith of Bourbonnais was named Athlete of the Year. Steven has participated in Swimming, Golf, Equestrian, Volleyball, Bowling and Bocce for over 15 years with River Valley. This past September Steven was named outstanding rider of the year at the State Special Olympics Equestrian competion.
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| On a beautiful day in May our Walking Wed. Club would meet at the Perry Farm for a relaxing stroll on the trails. |
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| Steve Weith & Jean Gebhardt look on as Jenny Miller becomes the next River Valley Idol. |
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| Diane Spaulding & Dorene Mohler dance it up @ the Beach Party Dance on May 29 |
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| Michelle Lustek makes her own stylish flip flops at one of our summer programs. |
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