<![CDATA[Baltimore Adapted Recreation and Sports (BARS) - BARS Blog]]>Fri, 27 Dec 2019 01:42:35 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[BARS RECEIVES $8,200 FROM CHRISTOPHER & DANA REEVE FOUNDATION FOR ADAPTED KAYAKING PROGRAM]]>Tue, 10 May 2016 01:47:21 GMThttps://barsinfo.org/bars-blog/bars-receives-8200-from-christopher-dana-reeve-foundation-for-adapted-kayaking-programPicture
BALTIMORE, MD – (MAY, 2016) – BARS is proud to announce that it has received a $8,200 Quality of Life grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. The award was one of 107 grants totaling over $735,482 awarded by the Reeve Foundation to nonprofit organizations nationwide that provide more opportunities, access, and daily quality of life for individuals living with paralysis, their families, and caregivers. Conceived by the late Dana Reeve, the program has awarded over 2,600 grants totaling over $19 million since 1999. 
 
BARS will use the grant to purchase kayaks and adaptive equipment for out kayaking program.  BARS will be receiving kayaks that are outfitted with special seating systems and outriggers to help individuals with poor trunk balance get out on the water.  BARS also obtained paddle pivots and adapted grips which will allow individuals with weak hands to use kayak paddles safely.
 
BARS is honored to receive this funding and knows it will allow our clients with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities to get out on the water.  With this equipment, we will greatly increase the number of people who can paddle independently.
 
“The Reeve Foundation is committed to supporting programs and resources that foster independent living, improved health and community engagement,” said Donna Valente, Director, Quality of Life Grants, Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. “The recognized grantees are instrumental to our work at the Reeve Foundation as we strive to serve the disability community with a roadmap of resources and programs to enhance their quality of life.”
 
Awarded twice yearly, grant requests were evaluated and scored based on a rigorous review process to determine funding for organizations that improve daily life for those living with paralysis, as well as their families and caregivers. This cycle, the Reeve Foundation strategically focused on projects that address the needs of people with paralysis living in underserved areas, designated as groups or county or civil divisions in which residents have a shortage of personal health services or face economic, cultural or linguistic barriers to healthcare.
                                  
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Quality of Life Grants Program was created to address the myriad needs of children and adults living with paralysis, as well as provide assistance and education to their families and caregivers. Funded programs serve individuals living with paralysis caused by injuries, diseases or birth conditions, including but not limited to, stroke, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The grants support innovative initiatives that aim to increase quality of life by improving physical and emotional health, broadening community engagement, and increasing independence. Quality of Life grants are funded through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living (cooperative agreement number 90PR3001-01-00).
 
 
 
About the Reeve Foundation
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy. We meet all 20 of the Better Business Bureau’s standards for charity accountability and hold the BBB’s Charity Seal. The Paralysis Resource Center (PRC) is a program of the Reeve Foundation, and is funded through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (cooperative agreement number 90PR3001-01-00). For more information, please visit our website at www.ChristopherReeve.org or call 800-539-7309.
 
BARS
P.O. Box 878
Sparks, MD 21152
BARSINFO.ORG
 
 
Contact
Sara Kate Frye
sarakate@barsinfo.org
 
Rita Gentles
(973) 379-2690 ext. 7123
media@ChristopherReeve.org
 

]]><![CDATA[Mike McGregor Makes a Surprise Appearance in New Mobility Magazine]]>Wed, 25 Mar 2015 23:38:45 GMThttps://barsinfo.org/bars-blog/mike-mcgregor-makes-a-surprise-appearance-in-new-mobility-magazineCheck out the article on contractures and see if you can spot Mike!
http://www.newmobility.com/2015/03/contractures/]]><![CDATA[Another Good Year at the Roundtop Chili Cookoff!]]>Sat, 14 Mar 2015 23:47:03 GMThttps://barsinfo.org/bars-blog/another-good-year-at-the-roundtop-chili-cookoffIt was another good year for the Roundtop Chili cookoff!  Rain and fog pushed the cookoff inside, but the competition was on.  Despite all the great chilis, the real winner was BARS as Ski Roundtop donated the proceeds of the event to BARS. 
]]><![CDATA[Join Ski Roundtop for Chili Cookoff 2015]]>Fri, 27 Feb 2015 04:46:10 GMThttps://barsinfo.org/bars-blog/join-ski-roundtop-for-chili-cookoff-2015
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]]><![CDATA[Ski Bash 2015- Another Successful Year!!!]]>Sun, 22 Feb 2015 04:43:49 GMThttps://barsinfo.org/bars-blog/ski-bash-2015-another-successful-year
BARS was thrilled to host another successful Ski Bash this year.  BARS had over 100 skiers on the snow both Thursday and Friday.  Despite the bitter cold (-9 degrees) BARS participants and volunteers bundled up in their warmest gear and hit the slopes. Highlights from this year's event included:
  • A Race Clinic where advanced skiers learned about navigating slalom gates and participated in a timed race on a NASTAR course
  • Pamela being presented with a quilt commemorating the last 18 years of Ski Bash 2015.  The quilt was made by Mike McGregor's mother and was truly beautiful!
  • A large group dinner with over 150 BARS participants, family, friends, and volunteers followed by an evening of socializing
  • A Raffle with a grand prize piece of signed art by Dan Keplinger AKA "King Gimp"
If you have any pictures from the event to share, please email them to sarakate@barsinfo.org. 


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]]><![CDATA[BARS Ski Bash Announced!]]>Sat, 06 Dec 2014 17:14:31 GMThttps://barsinfo.org/bars-blog/bars-ski-bash-announcedPicture
BARS is excited to announce that Ski Bash will be February 19-20, 2015 at Wisp Ski Resort.  BARS is thrilled to be returning to Wisp and we hope you will join us there.  In addition to Skiing, WIsp offers a connected lodge and hotel.  We will be hosting group meals for everyone to enjoy.

Pam, Sara Kate & Toni made a trip to Wisp this week to finalize the details and we think the event is going to be better than ever! 

A special thanks to Coloplast, James Pharmacy, Mount Vernon Pharmacy, Rik Mulane, and Three Rivers Adapted Sports who have already committed their financial support.  We are still soliciting sponsors, if you would like to donate to this event or know someone who would, contact us!

Registration details will be out later this month.  Register early because this event is sure to sell out!

Check the Ski Bash Page for updated details as they become available.
For details on the resort visit http://www.wispresort.com/
]]><![CDATA[Danny Marken Gets Eagle Scout]]>Sat, 05 Jul 2014 21:13:20 GMThttps://barsinfo.org/bars-blog/danny-marken-gets-eagle-scoutCongratulations to Danny Marken who received his Eagle Scout Award.  For hsi eagle scout project Danny fabricated paddle holders and seats for BARS kayaks as well as bowling ramps.  Thank you Danny, we are very proud!
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]]><![CDATA[BOARD Members Represent BARS at National conference]]>Thu, 03 Apr 2014 21:02:18 GMThttps://barsinfo.org/bars-blog/board-members-represent-bars-at-national-conferenceSara Kate Frye and Toni Marken represented BARS at the American Occupational Therapy Association where they presented a poster on occupational therapists role in a community sports and recreation program.  Way to go Sara Kate and Toni!
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