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NJCTS January News

The 2009 Wednesday Webinar series kicks off on January 28th with a presentation on “Special Needs Trusts.” Attorney Lori Wolf will discuss the importance of having a will and the unique issues that must be considered by parents and guardians of a special needs child in putting together an estate plan. This presentation will also highlight the importance of coordinating assets with the estate plan, guardianship issues and considerations in finding the appropriate funding of a special needs trust. The Wednesday Webinar series continues on February 18, with a discussion on “Special Education and the Law” by Rebecca Spar, Esq. Webinars take place from 7:30-8:30 p.m. To register visit www.njcts.org.

We’re seeking nominations for the 2009 NJCTS Healthcare Professional of the Year Award. This honor goes to a professional who has made a significant difference in the life of a child with Tourette Syndrome. This includes doctors, nurses, psychologists and other clinicians. Please fill out the enclosed form and tell us why this practitioner stands out. Deadline for submission is April 3, 2009.

It’s time to nominate teachers, guidance counselors and other education professionals for the 2009 NJCTS Educator of the Year Award. Does your child have a teacher who has gone above and beyond to learn about TS? Do you know an educator who has made it a point to combat TS stigma? Be sure to fill out the enclosed nomination form and explain how this special person has made an impact in the life of a student with TS. Deadline for submission is April 3, 2009.

High school seniors with Tourette Syndrome are encouraged to apply for an NJCTS Scholarship. The annual awards are given to graduating college-or-trade-bound seniors who live and attend high school in New Jersey. Applications are available on our website at www.njcts.org. Applications must be received in the NJCTS office by April 3, 2009.

It’s never too early to think spring and our annual family weekend at Camp Bernie is set for June 5- 7. Nestled in the heart of Warren County, YMCA Camp Bernie provides a wonderful setting for family-building activities. The weekend will include food, games, canoeing, campfires, horseback riding, self-esteem and team building activities for kids and support and networking opportunities for parents. The talent show is an NJCTS tradition. You can see highlights of previous weekends at www.njcts.org. Reserve your place now and return the enclosed form. We ask for a $100 donation per TS family to help NJCTS defray the cost of this experience.

Thanks to a generous grant from Hoop-A-Paluza, Inc., NJCTS is proud to announce a second family retreat weekend. Mark your calendars now for Hoop-A-Paluza’s TS Family Retreat at Appel Farm and Music Center in Elmer. This retreat, scheduled for Columbus Day weekend (Oct. 9-12) will include fun, art, music and self-esteem building activities for kids as well as informative workshops for parents. More information will be posted to njcts.org in the coming weeks. Please register by July 9.

We are constantly updating our databases, so if you have moved or switched e-mail addresses, please let us know. Communicating via e-mail helps us disseminate timely information effectively and cost efficiently.

NJCTS Office- 908-575-7350 info@njcts.org

NJCTS Sharing Repository- familystudy@biology.rutgers.edu

NJCTS Rutgers TS Clinic- 732-445-6111 ext. 930