Calendar of Events

2008
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    October 2008

    Residential Supports

     October 7 - PRIDE - hayride at Westview Farms Creamery, beginning at 12 Noon, at 11 E Hill Road, Monson, MA 01057.  Space on the trip is limited—first come, first served. Cost to attend is $6.00, which includes the hayride, a pumpkin, a barn tour and an ice cream cone.  Extra money will be needed for lunch.  For more information, or to register, please contact Kelli Menard at (413) 732-0531.

Specialized Home Care

October 15 – 15th Annual Shared Living Conference - Celebrating 15 Years of Increasing Awareness and Raising the Bar – from 9:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m. at The College of The Holy Cross, Hogan Campus Center, Worcester, MA 01610.  Keynote Speaker:  Senator Karen Spilka, Provider Recognition Awards presented by:  Elin Howe, Commissioner of the Department of Mental Retardation.  For more information, please contact Richard Niedel at (413) 732-0531.

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Down Syndrome Resource Group of Western Massachusetts

October 25 – Buddy Walk.  The walk begins at 11:00 a.m. at Stanley Park, 400 Western Avenue, Westfield, MA 01085.

Greater Athol Area Advocates for Families with Special Needs

October 7 – Informational Training: Home Modification Loans from 10:00 a.m. – 12 Noon, The Desmond Callan Community Health Center, 450 West River Street, Orange, MA 01364. Presented by RCAP Solutions. GAAAFSN families and all others who are interested are invited to attend! Please register no later than Friday, October 3, 2008 by calling Jennifer Lemoine at the GAAAFSN office at 978-249-4052.

Community Resources for People with Autism

October 14 - What’s Next:  Work, Employment, and College from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at the Holyoke Community College – Kittredge Center 301, 303 Homestead Avenue, Holyoke, MA 01040. A panel of experts, local service providers in the areas of work and college, will talk about how to prepare for life after high school.  The focus will be on work and employment issues, and college life including academics and services available to help navigate the college campus environment.  There will be time for questions and answers.  For more information or to register, contact Amy Pinney at (413) 529-2428. Please register by Friday, October 10, 2008.

October 16 - Related Services...OT, PT, SLP   Where Do You Find Them? from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. the Holyoke Community College--Kittredge Center 301, 303 Homestead Avenue, Holyoke, MA 01040. Speaking will be Julie Sinclair from the Federation for Children with Special Needs, and Jeanne Troxell Munson. What are related services? Does my child need them? If so, how do I get them? This workshop will focus on how to understand the special education laws regarding Related Services, how to work cooperatively with your IEP team to access appropriate Related Services for your child, and how the IEP team turns recommendations from your child’s assessments into IEP goals. We have also invited local Occupational and Speech Therapists to answerer your questions about their services. Come join us for this informative evening. For more information or to register, contact Amy Pinney at (413) 529-2428. Please register by Friday, October 10, 2008.

October 20 - Insight Into Autism Spectrum Disorders from 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at the Berkshire County ARC Social Development Center, 65 Depot Street, Dalton, MA 01226. An interactive workshop designed to introduce families and caretakers to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), with speaker Jason Litto. An interactive workshop designed to introduce families and caretakers to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).  Characteristics and strategies to help individuals are discussed, as well as some of the social and cognitive difficulties that people with autism experience.  The workshop will also provide an opportunity to meet other parents of children and young adults with an ASD.  We encourage friends, family members, and support persons to attend this valuable workshop. For more information or to register, please contact Megan Sherman at (413) 443-4780. (A collaboration of Community Resources, Central Berkshire Regional School District - SPED PAC, Berkshire County ARC, United Cerebral Palsy of Berkshire County, Berkshire Family And Individual Resources) Please register by Friday, October 17, 2008.

October 24 - Berkshire Halloween Party beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Berkshire Hills Country Club, 500 Benedict Road, Pittsfield, MA 01201. An adult costume fundraiser. Costume contest, drink specials, hors d’voirs and dancing with DJ Bert Amidon. All monies raised will go to the Berkshire Autism Projects Committee to provide direct funding and activities for families of children with autism in Bershire County. For more information and to purchase tickets, please contact Robin MacPherson at (413)442-4559. Please register by Wednesday, October 22, 2008.

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December 2008