2011 Sponsors
The City of New Albany
gridSMART from AEP Ohio
New Albany Chamber of Commerce
Chi Thai Restaurant
Plain Township
New Albany-Plain Local Schools
Parade emcee &
Meteorologist Jym
Ganahl from NBC 4
2011 COMMUNITY CONNECTION AWARD

The New Albany Founders Day “Community Connection Award” was established in 2008 to
recognize and showcase the outstanding work and services performed by an area non-profit
civic group that serves our community and surrounding area.

New Albany Special Connections

New Albany Special Connections is a local nonprofit organization founded in 2002 with a simple but
ambitious goal---to better serve children with special needs through education, resources and support. By
strengthening the links between home, school and community, New Albany Special Connections is working
to improve the lives of the growing number of children with special needs and their families within our
community. We strive to build positive, productive and collaborative partnerships among families,
educators and the greater New Albany Community.

New Albany Special Connections is governed by a board consisting of parents of children with special
needs, educators from the New Albany-Plain Local school district and other professionals. Over the years,
our board has represented children of various ages and a broad range of special needs.

New Albany Special Connections relies on grants, private donations and professionals donating their time
to allow us to reach our goals and to achieve our mission.  

New Albany Special Connections has been busy fulfilling its mission by:

  •  Providing educational events facilitated by national and local experts for families and professionals.
    Most educational events have been free and open to the public with attendance beyond the New
    Albany Community.

  • Advancing the socialization of middle and high school aged children with  special needs and their
    peers through the Peer Buddy Program started in 2005. Our successful program has been used as a
    model for other school districts.

  • Hosting social events, ranging from pizza dinners to community outings such as Family Day on the
    Farm, that provide opportunities for families to socialize, network and lend support.

  • Designing and sponsoring classes in the Arts for children with special needs through a collaborative
    effort with the New Albany-Plain Local School’s Impact Program.

For more information, visit the New Albany Special Connections’ website at www.naspecialconnections.org
or go to the New Albany-Plain Local School’s website at www.napls.us and click on community links on the
home page.
Marge Bevelhymer selected as the
2011 Parade Grand Marshal
Saturday, May 19, 2012
New Albany Founders Day
Marge Bevelhymer has lived in New Albany her entire life.  She graduated from New Albany High School in
1943, where she played basketball, was a cheerleader, and performed in school plays.  It was during her
freshman year, that she changed the look of cheerleaders for years to come, by suggesting they wear skirts
instead of pants.  The idea took off and skirts were worn by the cheerleaders from that day forward.  

In September 1949, Marge Foulk married Leon Edwin Bevelhymer, and together they had 5 children; 1 boy
and 4 girls.  Marge was very active in the school and spent 12 years as room mother for all 5 of her children.  
She also was very involved with the PTA.  Marge was a member of Eastern Stars, Pythias Sisters and was
honored as the Grange Queen.  Marge was involved with the Singing Moms and Community Chorus as well.
 Marge has also been a lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church on Walnut Street.  

These days Marge spends her time at the Blendon or Gillie Senior Center either line dancing or tap
dancing.  She has also taken French classes and even tried baton lessons.  Marge is a member of TWIG
and donates time to help this organization.  She loves to play golf, travel, lunch with her girlfriends and
spend time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren!  
SAVE THE DATE!!!