The Arc of Northern Bristol County
Activities
Celebrating 50 RemARCable Years
The Arc of Northern Bristol County has announced that it will be celebrating “50 RemARCable Years!” on Thursday, June 25, 2009 at the Lake View Pavilion in Foxboro.
“The Arc will honor our founding families who started this organization fifty years ago by meeting in living rooms and kitchens to discuss how to support families living with individuals with developmental disabilities. We are also celebrating the vibrant and growing organization we are today, serving over 1,200 individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in 14 Massachusetts communities and throughout Rhode Island,” said Michael Andrade, President and CEO of The Arc of Northern Bristol County, from their headquarters at 141 Park Street, Attleboro.
On June 25, those attending this special celebration will be treated to a wonderful dinner, a brief presentation on the history of The Arc, awards, special artist displays and music by FLAME. The band, FLAME, from New York is made up of musicians all of whom have developmental disabilities. Their performance is moving as well as most entertaining. Our keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Stephen Shore, internationally known speaker and professor at Adelphi University, who will describe his journey on the autism spectrum from when he was hit with the autism "bomb" and his nonverbal days, to his struggles and triumphs in public school, marriage, and employment.
“50 RemARCable Years!” tickets are $50 for Arc members and $75 for non-members. “We are working to keep the cost affordable so all members of our community will be able to attend. We are also reaching out to local businesses to help underwrite this event; and there will be no further fundraising efforts on June 25 at this celebration. We want people to come, enjoy and help us to celebrate this important milestone” Andrade added. (for more information)
Valerie Zagami, Chair of The Arc of Northern Bristol County’s Board of Directors
“I am proud to say that The Arc of Northern Bristol County is an organization with heart. For five decades, our stakeholders have taught us fundamental lessons surrounding respect, dignity and choice for those who are considered different. This year, we celebrate that difference and acknowledge that people with disabilities are true citizens and are a vital part of the diverse fabric of our communities. All are invited to join us in celebrating this epic accomplishment to honor the past, celebrate the present and anticipating the future.”