March 15, 2008 • College of the Holy Cross, Worcester

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Cold outside, warm inside as people share their experiences, ideas

Saturday, March 15 began as a cold, blustery day for the leaders of Down syndrome support groups as they came from all ends of the state to network and learn.

Fears of the weather prevented a handful of people coming, but most of the estimated 23 Down syndrome support groups in Massachusetts were ably represented.

You came from everywhere! You came from nearby Metrowest, but also from the Berkshires, western Massachusetts and the southeastern section of the state. The federation of 26 Latino families from Greater Boston was well represented. 

H. 144 An Act to Require National Criminal Background Checks

On March 18th, the MDSC testified at the Judiciary Committee hearing to
advocate on behalf of our priority bill H. 144 - An Act to Require National
Criminal Background Checks for staff who work with individuals served by the
Department of Mental Retardation.

The Judiciary Committee hearing was packed with supporters of a number of
bills that were being heard that day. Representative Tom Sannicandro opened the hearing to give strong testimony in favor of H. 144.  A panel of advocates including Maureen Gallagher, MDSC Executive Director; John Anton, from Mass Advocates Standing Strong; Beverly Horne from the Northern Bristol County Arc; Ralph Calderaro, from Disabled Persons Protection Commission; and Wendy Tobin, MDSC parent gave compelling testimony in support of the bill.  Later in the afternoon lead sponsor Representative Marty Walsh testified.

Good news! The Judiciary Committee has now voted the bill out favorably and it is in the hands of House Ways and Means. Thanks to everyone who came to the hearing, made phone calls and pitched in to make this happen.

We will keep you posted as H. 144 winds its way through the legislative
process and how we need our membership to advocate for its final passage.

Legislative Update from the Arc of Massachusetts:

The House Ways and Means Budget is out! 

We have weathered a potentially brutal storm with only minor damage so far.
Your calls, visits and emails have already made a difference!  Still more work remains!

The world's premier event for self advocates and their families is coming to Boston July 11-13, 2008, as the National Down Syndrome Congress National Convention returns to New England for the first time since 1991 and only the third time in 36 years.  Register now by visiting the NDSC website!

Many have referred to NDSC's annual convention as a "giant family reunion".  Not only are there wonderful speakers and programs for parents, professionals, teens and adults with Down syndrome and middle and high school siblings, there's also a feeling of belonging that you just can't find anywhere else.  And, in addition to all that the convention normally has to offer, we will also be celebrating the 25^th anniversary of MDSC! Mark your calendar for Friday evening July 11^th to attend our commemorative 25^th anniversary reception at the Seaport Hotel.

We have had a great response to our call for nominations!  Thank you to all who submitted nominations for future MDSC Board members and MDSC awards.  Members of the Nominating Committee will be contacting nominees during May and June. 

On November 9, 2007 at the College of the Holy Cross, the MDSC held its 4^th Annual Educator’s Forum, Delivering Effective Education for Children with Down Syndrome in the General Education Setting.  

This day long conference had attendance that soared to over 250 people including regular and special education teachers; school administrators; school personnel; and family members looking for resources and strategies to successfully support children with Down syndrome in an inclusive school setting.

On Sunday, November 18^th, members of the Boston Bruins alumni hockey team strapped on their skates in a goodwill challenge game against 23 hockey All-Stars representing the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) at the New England Sports Center in Marlborough. Sports greats including Bob Sweeney, Rick Middleton, Billy O'Dwyer, Don Marcotte, Bob Beers, Gary Doak, John Carter, Kenny Hodge, Bob Miller and Andy Brickley, played a two-period game against the MDSC All-Stars which this year included 22-year-old Matthew Shea, a young man with Down syndrome who has played hockey for 10  years. This was the 3^rd time the MDSC All-Stars challenged Bruins alumni in an exhibition game in support of Down syndrome awareness.

To kick-off the event, the crowd of over 1,000 supporters were invited to ‘free skate' with former Bruins players and MDSC All-Stars to enjoy this pre-holiday festivity. During the opening ceremony,  self-advocates Kate Bartlett, Melissa Reilly, Tiffany Moore, Katie Meyer, Patrick Myshrall and Chuck Maranian sang the national anthem and 7 year-old Danny Campagna ceremonially dropped the first puck to officially begin the hockey game.

MDSC Board President, Charlie Gadbois, recognized the tremendous efforts of the MDSC All-Star Team and sponsors that helped raise over $80,000 to support the MDSC. He also presented Boston Bruins Alumni President, Bob Sweeney, with an award in recognition for his outstanding support of MDSC for many years. Bob said "This is by far our best game, and most important to play in." 

Bob Sweeney along with MDSC Executive Director, Maureen Gallagher, presented Charlie Gadbois with a Boston Bruins hockey shirt autographed by the entire Boston Bruins Alumni Team in recognition for his leadership and dedication in organizing the hockey game.

Thank you to all the fans who came to support the event, the MDSC All-Star Team, the Boston Bruins Alumni, and the many sponsors and donors who made this event such a success!

To make a donation to the hockey game Click here! 

View additional photos of the hockey game here!

Special Thanks to:

Our MDSC All-Star Team Members!

Bill Beckman, Rich Bedard, Joey Campagna, Brendan Casey, Paul Drepanos, Patrick Foley, Charlie Gadbois, Bill Giles Jr., John Gobron, Peter Hadden, Jamie Hintlian, Shawn Hogan, Kevin J. Kelleher, David Kelleher, Jake Kelleher, Robert Lucier, Craig Ludwig, Rob Maloney, Rick and Susan McLeod, Elaine McNealy, Kevin Morrison, Matthew Shea, and Jamie Shepard.       

Our Hockey Game Sponsors!

The Davis Family Foundation, Fine Finish, Inc., Anisia Gifford Interiors, Edwardsen Painting, Inc., International Computerware Solutions, Inc., Leone Landscape Contractors Corp., Robert D. McCart Construction Company, R.W. Holmes Realty, Architectural Elements, Inc., Fitzgerald & Sons Masonry, Inc., Pioneer Solutions, Inc., Wilson Brothers HVAC, Inc., Follansbee & McLeod, R.S. Lamson & Sons, Inc.