THE SPECTRUM

Vol. 18 No. 1 Spring 2009 THE SPECTRUM ASC IS A PROGRAM OF THE NORTH SHORE ARC Inside ASC By Gloria Ricardi Castillo and Susan Gilroy Unfortunately we have rather difficult news to share with you, the families we serve. This is the time of year DMR/DDS recontracts with provider agencies, and as things stand now, we have been informed that our regional budget has been cut by fifty percent. Funding for the two autism waiver brokers from the Central Office will remain intact. This will have a devastating impact on our program and what we can realistically do with limited staffing. We do not yet know how the situation will play out in the next few weeks and we are trying to remain guardedly optimistic that ongoing legislative advocacy efforts will continue to have a positive impact. According to the Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers (ADDP), “the House Ways and Means restoration of family support does not mean the program has been fully rescued. There are several more steps including the House floor, Senate Committee, Senate floor, Conference Committee, Governor’s possible veto, possible veto override and then administration execution. Advocates need to understand that if any remaining part of the DDS/DMR budget re (Continued on page 2) An open letter to ASC’s families By Judy Doherty My son Brendon was diagnosed with autism at age 4, when back in 1990, the Autism Support Center didn’t exist, and neither did the internet, parent’s support groups, or fund-raising events by celebrities. The professional who eventually made his diagnosis formal was not a doctor, neurologist, or psychiatrist; it was a speech therapist at North Shore Children’s Hospital. In fact, the neurologist had told us the year before, “Oh no, this isn’t autism, he is too social and attached to you.” What should have been great news was actually devastating news because I had long suspected something was very wrong and after years of my asking questions of doctors and hearing, “There, there, Mother...” I knew I needed to get help for my child, yet I couldn’t seem to make that happen. When the SLP told us that Brendon, did, indeed, appear to present with autism, I was strangely relieved. At last, a diagnosis and we could get help…or so I thought. I looked to reference autism in the textbooks I had at home, circa the mid-70s, and found that my entire library of texts on teacher education had only one paragraph on autism. The information was contained in a section labeled, “Abnormal Psychology” and described autism as remote and unlovable headbanging children who had no social interaction at all, and were probably the result of “Refrigerator Mother’s” (thank you, Dr. Bettelheim) and concluded that this could not be right. With limited information and no other parent to whom I could turn, as one generally did when encountering other parenting (Continued on page 2) issues, I did what I thought might be a starting place; I became active in the parent community at North Shore Arc. In 1991, along with a handful of other parents who had children who seemed to defy the experts, Brendon became one of the first children to be a served by The Autism Support Center, a program of NSArc. In the early years, the ASC library and parent support groups were our main effort, and these groups became lifelines for the growing population of parents confronting this puzzling disorder. Eventually the ASC grew to support activities for parents and children, programs and conferences, and became a resource for Massachusetts citizens from Salisbury to Littleton, establishing and maintaining contact with over 2000 families and professionals each year. By the time my daughter was diagnosed, three years after the founding of ASC, I no longer was alone. As difficult a time as this was for our family, I knew where to turn, and armed with this knowledge, I was able to secure services for my daughter much earlier than for my son. I am writing to you today, not to give you the memoirs of a middle-aged mother of two kids on the spectrum, but as the concerned co-chair of the Autism Support Center PAPC and the board representative to AFAM, the legislative wing of the Massachusetts Autism Community. We are volunteers, who are charged with guiding the direction of the ASC, and as such, we feel responsible for keeping this important program afloat. Sadly, with the budget cuts looming for family support services, the future of ASC and in fact, all the Autism Centers, is truly in jeopardy. When the next mother or father gets this diagnosis, there may not be anyone at the other end of the phone at ASC to answer their questions and offer them guidance. We need you, as parents, grandparents, and concerned professionals, to call your representatives and senators to ask that this program and family supports be maintained, for in the long run, ignorance is much more expensive. We also urge you to consider joining our parent board to be an instrumental part of the future of families affected by an autism spectrum disorder. To be there when you need us, we need you to be there when we need you. (Inside ASC, continued from page 1) mains under-funded, then all programs remain at risk.” Let your voice be heard! Tell your legislators the impact autism has had on your child and family. Advocacy contacts: To find your town’s representative and senator, go to www.mass.gov/legis/ For updates on the budget process, go to the Arc of Massachusetts website and sign up for their ListServe. www.arcmass.org Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM), go to www.afamaction.org Do you subscribe to ASC’s monthly e bulletin? This is a great way to be connected to up-to-the-minute information on meetings, events, conferences, research and resources. To subscribe, please email us at asc@nsarc.org and put “e bulletin” in your subject line. 2 3 Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts Budgetary & Legislative Priorities During the last five years, several of AFAM’s legislative and budgetary priorities have been successfully enacted, including the establishment of the Division of Autism within the Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation and the development of the Children's Autism Medicaid Waiver which provides intensive home based services to qualified children who are at risk of institutionalization. However, given the current economic climate, AFAM is very concerned about the impact expected budget cuts will have on the autism community. The 9C budget cuts implemented by Governor Patrick in October resulted in drastic reductions in vital services to children and adults with ASD. As the state develops a budget for the coming year, it is critical that families of children and adults with ASD tell their stories and share their concerns with their elected representatives. Let your state representative and your state senator know what programs and proposed legislation are important to you. After careful consideration and collaboration with stakeholders, AFAM has chosen the following budgetary and legislative priorities for the coming year. wait list and ensure that more children with ASD remain at home with their families. Level Funding for Turning 22, DMR Line Item 5920-5000 There has been a dramatic increase in young people with severe disabilities "Turning 22" and moving from the locally funded school programs into the state funded DMR system each year. Funding for this vital transition program should not be reduced. AFAM seeks level funding of approximately $7.7 million for the Turning 22 Program. Level Funding for Day/Employment Services, Line Item 5920-2025 As the number of adults diagnosed with ASD continues to climb, employment services critical to help these adults remain employed, particularly in this economic downturn must be maintained. AFAM seeks level funding of approximately $129 million for the Day/ Employment Services Program AFAM LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES An Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism (H. 3809) Lead Sponsors: Rep. L’Italien, Sen. Berry AFAM BUDGETARY PRIORITIES This bill requires health insurers in Massachusetts to Level Funding for the Division of Autism (Including provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder, which currently affects 1 in Children's Autism Medicaid Waiver) Line Item every 150 children. It includes habilitative or rehabili5920-3010 The Division of Autism requires level funding to con- tative care, pharmacy care, psychiatric care, psychotinue to provide services to the dramatically increasing logical care and therapeutic care prescribed, provided, number of children with ASD. or ordered for an individual diagnosed with ASD by a Level Funding for Family Support, DMR Line Item licensed physician or a licensed psychologist who determines care to be medically necessary. 5920-3000 The dramatic growth in the number of children with An Act to Improve Teacher Training in AugmentaASD is resulting in a greater demand for Family Sup- tive and Alternative Communication (S. 223) Lead port allocations. Elimination of funding for this proSponsors: Sen. Creem, Rep. Bradley gram would be a tremendous hardship on families alThis bill will help to ensure that teachers receive trainready facing difficult challenges. AFAM seeks level ing in augmentative and alternative communication funding of approximately $56 million for the Family methods necessary to educate children with disabilities Support Program. who are nonverbal or who have limited speech. The bill Level Funding for DESE/DMR Collaboration, Line directs the Board of Education to revise regulations for Item 5948-0012 DESE/DMR funding enables families educator licensure so that all teachers are adequately with children with severe disabilities requiring intenprepared in methods of communication other than sive supports to continue to live at home and avoid speech to facilitate interaction and inclusion and to encostly residential placements Funding restored to last sure access to the general education curriculum. year’s appropriation of $10 million would reduce the Continued on page 8 4 Jump on In Bike Clinic 5 Coordinat ors’ Corner By Scot t D Buchanan Fidelity House, Children’s Law Center Of Massachusetts, Federation for Children with Special Needs, Lawrence Public Schools and many others, offered an Informational Fair for Spanish-Speaking Families in Lawrence, The event was well attended. If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleas- In April we had one of the busiest times with vacation ant. - Anne Bradstreet week programs and all the events we have lined up. We hosted two Jump On In events in Haverhill and Lowell; In January, Melmark’s Renee Dean presented a work- a Pump It Up event in Peabody; and also our annual shop “Play Skills” at Southside Road. Susan Gilroy and Bike Clinic in Topsfield. We offered two movie events: Gloria Castillo met with the Autism Coalition in NaMonsters Vs. Aliens (Lawrence) and Disney Nature tick. Earth (Revere). Gloria worked with National Amusements Showcase Cinemas to offer “Sensory-Friendly February arrived quickly, and soon it was vacation Films” It did work great for out families! We took over week—full of events and programs. We offered Curi- the whole movie theatre; it was a blast! This year’s ous Creatures in Danvers with over 60 children and events were very successful with great turn outs for all parents attending. Curious Creatures also visited Law- events. rence, bringing joy and stimulation to over 40 children and parents in that area. We offered a vacation week social skills programs, Quantum Leap, in Billerica in collaboration with Ah-ha Connections; and Spotlight in Lawrence and Danvers. As a team we rallied at the State House with ADDP to advocate for the restoration St af f news of cuts to Family Support and the Autism Division. A warm welcome t o… . . Lorraine Iacopucci did an excellent job organizing our Gregory Candage, support broker/coordinator, is the annual Camp & Recreation Fair. newest addition to ASC’s team. Gregory’s experience has been as a parent of two children on the autism March was a busy month for us. We provided karate spectrum. He holds a Bachelors degree in psychology classes to several children at East Coast Karate, and from the University of Massachusetts and is currently sensory programming at Stepping Stones Sensory Cenworking toward certification as a Board Certified Aster. These programs were made possible thanks to the sistant Behavior Analyst. As a volunteer with the EduAutism Division. cation Surrogate Parent Program / EDCO Collaborative, he attends IEP meetings for two children as their Renee Dean from Melmark presented another excellent educational surrogate parent. Gregory lives in Havertraining called ‘I can do it’ which was a class on selfhill with his wonderful wife and two outstanding chilhelp skills. On the 20th of March we went to the State dren. His family enjoys swimming, hiking, theme House to Gardner Auditorium where family members parks, and dining out. If any one has a suggestion on a and caregivers testified before the House Ways and spectrum friendly restaurant both Gregory and the AuMeans Committee about the services that they and tens tism Support Center would appreciate your input. of thousands of others are at risk of losing if the GoverWhen, and if, he has free time he enjoys white water nor’s proposed budget cuts go through. rafting and bocce. We offered a legislative advocacy training presented by Josh Komyerov from the Arc of Massachusetts. He talked about how to advocate for your family’s needs at the State House level. On April 17, Gloria in collaboration with North Shore Arc, The Arc of Greater Lawrence- Division of Class, . . . and a f arewell Asc coordinator, Lorraine Iacopucci, is leaving the program to pursue other opportunities. Lorraine has been with North Shore Arc for approximately three years, first in Spotlight, then Building Blocks prior to joining us at ASC. We wish Lorraine well in her new ventures. 6 UPCOMI NG EVENTS *Always remember to check your email for the latest ASC e-bulletin or ASC’s website to get an update on what events and Asperger’s Disorder and Autism: support groups are happening in your area. Advances in Understanding and Interventions When: June 2, 2009 ASC EVENTS Where: DoubleTree Riverfront Hotel, Lowell Presenter: Celine Saulnier, Ph.D., Yale Child Study Support Group for Grandparents Center, Yale School of Medicine First Meeting: May 18th at 10:00-11:30 am Cost: $149.00 Where: 6 Southside Road, Danvers Registration: go to www.neei.org If you are a grandparent (or aunt, uncle or sibling) who Topics Include: What are autism spectrum disorders? is raising a child on the autism spectrum, you are inDiagnostic assessment, Educational and Therapeutic vited to join our new support/discussion group. We Programming, Social, Communication and Peer Interrecognize that your needs and concerns may be some- ventions, Emotional and Behavioral Regulation, Adapwhat different than a more traditional family’s so we tive Vocation and Life Skills, and Preparation, Comhope to come together to build a network to share tips plementary and Alternative Interventions and resources, as well as encouragement. Autism Society of America Contact Susan Gilroy at 978-624-2302. 40th National Conference Outdoor Family Adventure When: July 22-25, 2009 When: June 20th, 10-3 Where: Pheasant Run Resort & Spa, St. Charles, IL Where: Camp Steppingstone, Stiles Pond, Boxford The only conference that addresses the range of issues, A fun event for the whole family! Romp for the day in including early intervention, education, employment, this rustic setting featuring a beautiful waterfront. behavior, communication, social skills, biomedical Food and beverages provided by ASC. interventions and others, across the entire lifespan. RSVP: Stephanie Gammons at 978-624-2311. For more info, call ASA at 301-657-0869. Or email Sarah Mitchell at conference@autism-society.org AANE & Lesley University present Focus on Autism Spectrum Disorders Annual Sibshop Cookout June 2, 7-9 PM When: July 18th, noon-2pm Univ. Hall Amphitheatre at Lesley Univ. Registration: for more information or to register, call How to Write an IEP for a Student with an Autism 978-777-SCNE or email sibshopcollaboraSpectrum Disorder tive@gmail.com Jean Stern, Dir.of Children's Services at AANE and At sibshops, brothers and sisters will meet other sibElizabeth Stringer Keefe, lings of children with special needs, have an opportu- Asst. Prof., Lesley University will co-present a worknity to talk with others who understand what it’s like to shop addressing the unique aspects and considerations have a sibling with a disability, make new friends, and of IEPs for students with ASD. have lots of fun! Sibshops is sponsored by NAMI, the $10 donation which will go directly to support AANE. Family Resource Center and North Shore Children’s Registration: call 617-393-3824 Hospital. Neuropsychological Assessments for Children on the Autism Spectrum 7 When: Wednesday, June 3, 2009 Presenters: Dr. Ellen Braaten and Dr. Brian Willoughby, of the MGH Learning and Emotional Assessment Program (LEAP) Registration: for more information about this event, or to register, call Julie O’Brien at 781-860-1726, *Limited child care available, by pre-registration only. OTHER EVENTS Road Map To Holland, How I Found My Way Through My Son’s First Two Years With Down By St ephanie Gammons Syndrome -Jennifer Graf Groneberg This is a mother’s personal account. Thanks to Barbara Fennessey and the League School Although, this selection is not specifically about aufor their donations to our library! tism, there are universal themes about parenting and having a child with special needs that can be found New Literature: here. Demystifying the Autistic Experience A Humanistic Introduction for Parents, Caregivers and Educators -William Stillman This book cuts through the medical language and introduces autism from a non clinical, humanist perspective, emphasizing that we are all more alike than different. This is perfect for those who are new to autism and need to understand the condition. Behavioural Concerns & Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Explanations and Strategies for Change -John Clements & Ewa Zarkowska The authors in this selection identify the range of needs that may be expressed through behaviors in people with ASD that cause concern and provide strategies for addressing both needs and behaviours. Access and Inclusion for Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders, ‘Let Me In’ -Matthew Hesmondhalgh & Christine Breakey Universal issues of access and inclusion in employment and education for young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders are explored here. Home Educating Our Autistic Spectrum Children, Paths are Made by Walking -Terry Dowty & Kitt Cowlishaw School can be a nightmare for children on the autistic spectrum. Home educating can provide a positive-and workable-alternative, for some. Parents, who have chosen this route, tell their personal stories about how they reached the decision that home educating was the best choice and how things worked out over all for them and their child. I Am Special, Introducing Children and Young People to their Autistic Spectrum Disorder -Peter Vermeulen 8 Magee Lending Library I nf ormat ion “I Am Special” is a workbook of exercises meant to promote self awareness for young people with ASD. To our donors… . The Br at t le Group Eleanor J ont ow Mar j orie Dyksinski Karla J oaquin Celina and J oseph LaFlamme Lawrence and Carol Rakers Nort h Shor e Unit arian Univer salist Church Shore Count ry Day School Barbara Fennessey Karen Anast asi and Dave Gust af son The Parziale Family, in honor of Maur a McDonagh’s birt hday (AFAM Continued from page 4) An Act Addressing Bullying of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (H. 3804) Lead Sponsors: Rep. L’Italien, Sen. Jehlen This bill amends the Autism IEP Act to clarify that IEP Teams must address bullying of children with autism. Children on the autism spectrum are frequently victims of bullying, teasing, and harassment as a result of their disability. Because their disability deprives children with autism of the natural ability to understand signals, communicate and to protect themselves, these students require teaching, supports, and services to develop strategies to help deal with bullying. This bill ensures that these supports are provided, as appropriate, to address the needs of the individual child, through the IEP process. Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts 4/15/09 Discussion and Support Groups ASC groups generally meet once per month unless otherwise noted. Please contact the group facilitator to confirm the site and date of future meetings. Cambridge Group 3rd Thursday, 6:30-8:30pm The Guidance Center, 5 Sacramento St. Cambridge Contact: Greg Candage 978-624-2305 or gcandage@nsarc.org Lawrence Spanish Speaking Group 3rd Friday, 9:00-11:00 a.m. Greater Lawrence Family Health Center, 700 Essex Street, Lawrence Facilitator: Altagracia Castro & Gloria RicardiCastillo 978-624-2301 or gcastillo@nsarc.org Grandparents’ Group 3rd Monday, 10:00-11:30 am 6 Southside Road, Danvers Facilitator: Susan Gilroy, 978-624-2302, sgilroy@nsarc.org Other Groups Danvers North Shore Arc/Family Resources Target group: Spanish-speaking parents of children with developmental disabilites 6 Southside Road, Danvers 1st Tuesdays, 10 a.m. Contact: Aymee Lucifora 978-624-2340 Metro North Parent Group 1st Monday, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Wakefield Library 345 Main St., Wakefield Facilitator: Gloria Castillo, 978-624-2301, gcastillo@nsarc.org Burlington Group 1st Tuesday, 10:00-12:00 a.m. Burlington Library, 22 Sears St., Burlington Facilitator: Scott Buchanan, 978-624-2347 sbuchanan@nsarc.org Danvers Group 2nd Tuesday, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Autism Support Center, 6 Southside Rd., Danvers Facilitator: Scott Buchanan, 978-624-2347 sbuchanan@nsarc.org Acton Group (Mandarin Speaking) 2nd Tuesday, 10-12noon Acton Memorial Library, 486 Main Street, Acton Parent facilitated: Contact 978-777-9135 or asc@nsarc.org Tewksbury/Lowell Area 2nd Thursday, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. South St. Fire Station, 2342 South St., Tewksbury Facilitator: Gloria Ricardi Castillo, 978-624-2301, gcastillo@nsarc.org Newburyport Group 2nd Thursday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Newburyport Library, 94 State St., Newburyport Parent facilitated: Contact 978-777-9135 or asc@nsarc.org Gloucester Parent sponsored; Target Group: family members of children with ASD AMVETS, 14 Prospect St, Gloucester; 1st Wednesday, 6pm Contact Shilo Luciano-Abell 978-283-1460 or pecautism@yahoo.com Haverhill Parent sponsored; Target Group: Parents of children with ASD 10 Scotland Heights Rd, Haverhill; last week of the month (day varies) Contact Samantha McKeon 978-372-8017 9 Discount ed phone service Anyone currently receiving public benefits may be eligible for discounted telephone service through federal Lifeline and Link-Up programs. In Massachusetts, these programs are available through Safelink Wireless for cell phones, or through Verizon and Granby Telephone for landlines. Applicants are eligible for only one discounted telephone line per household. Safelink Wireless operates a "Lifeline Assistance" program that provides a free cell phone and 80 free minutes a month to eligible individuals (who may choose to add more minutes using TracFone cards). Safelink states that online applicants can expect their free phone to arrive in 5-7 days. Go to www.safelink.com or call 1-800-977-3768 to apply by mail or fax. HelpingHomes: A communit y living opt ion Dear North Shore Arc family: Are you looking for support to keep your adult son or daughter at home with you? Or would you like support in finding an appropriate home for your son or daughter with another caregiver? If your son, daughter, brother, sister, or other family member with challenges has: A need for physical assistance or ongoing supervision with at least one of the following areas: eating, dressing, bathing, toileting, ambulating or transferring MassHealth insurance • • then HelpingHomes, through funding by MassHealth, is an option for you. If you or your spouse Verizon administers discounts for existing landlines are not the guardian of your son, daughter, or other or to set up a new landline. Under family member, you may qualify to be a MassHealth the Verizon program, a landline caregiver and your family may receive case management, nursing support and financial stipends. that normally costs $19.64 per month costs a Lifeline customer $7.35. Though it takes Ver- HelpingHomes also offers the option of finding a qualified home caregiver not related to you. We izon approximately 90 days to would work with you to find, train and support this process Lifeline requests, the new relationship for your loved one. discount is retroactive to the date of application. If you would like to learn more about these options please contact the Program Director, Sally GriTo apply for Verizon's discounted landline service, maldi at 978 624-2313 or Assistant Program Direccall 1-800-870-9999. Follow the menu options to or- tor, Carol Ferrant at 978 624-2312. der a "new service." Verizon will then mail the consumer an application. Individuals who already participate in any of the fol. . . To Our Recent Donors lowing are eligible for the programs described above: • MassHealth Roger Pollock • Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and ChilMichelle & J ef f rey Mescal dren Krist in & Michael LaTerza • Social Security Income Also: • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program/ J oyce Calogero Fuel Assistance Anonymous book donor • Food Stamps (SNAP) • Transitional Aid To Families with Dependent Children 10 Service Providers Needed f or Aut ism W aiver Program f or Children Background: The Autism Division of the Department of Mental Retardation runs a program that serves young children (under age 9) diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. The focus of this program, called The Autism Spectrum Disorder Home and Community Based Services Waiver Program, is to provide services that address the key issues of autism, including social, behavioral and communication deficits. This program is not intended to supplant the services children receive in their local school through IDEA; rather they are meant to work in tandem to help the child remain an integral part of their home and community. Need for Providers: Families involved in this program are able to choose which qualified providers they want to provide services to their child. The major service in this program provides one-to-one interventions such as Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), Floor Time and Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) as identified in a personalized Habilitation Intervention Plan. Other services include Community Integration Activities, Adaptive Living Skills, Family Training and Respite. The Autism Division currently has a Master Provider List for the Autism Waiver Program and we want to expand our base of providers to ensure that families have a choice of providers; especially for the one-to-one inhome interventions staff that includes: Senior Therapists, Therapists and Direct Support Staff. Where to Get Additional Information: Provider Qualifications, Rates, Applications and Waiver Information are available on the DMR web-site at www.mass.gov/dmr under ‘Autism Spectrum Services’. For additional information, please contact the Autism Support Center at 978-624-2342. Moms in Mot ion Fundraiser On Monday April 13, Moms in Motion, along with Mom Works Inc., hosted a Martini fundraiser event to support our center. This was held at the Venetian Moon restaurant in Reading, MA. We would like to thank everyone at Moms in Motion for selecting our organization to be the beneficiary of their fundraising efforts this year, especially to Susan Parziale who is always thinking of our center by supporting us and the people we serve. Moms In Motion at the Venetian Moon Restaurant 11 6 Southside Road Danvers, MA 01923 NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID DANVERS, MA 01923 PERMIT No. 243 The Spectrum is a quarterly publication of the Autism Support Center: 6 Southside Road Danvers, MA 01923 (978) 777-9135 or 1-800-7-AUTISM (in Eastern MA) e-mail: asc@nsarc.org www2.shore.net/~nsarc ASC is funded primarily by the MA Dept. of Mental Retardation. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the funding source. ASC does not endorse any product, service or theory referred to in this newsletter. Articles, resources and announcements are included for information only. NEWSLETTER STAFF Susan Gilroy, Editor Gloria Ricardi Castillo, Stephanie Gammons, Scott Buchanan, Julie Moore, Greg Candage Contributors This newsletter is published by the Autism Support Center to inform parents and professionals of resource information, upcoming events, and other autismrelated topics. It is distributed free of charge to families. Professionals may subscribe for $25 per year. Please contact the office for details. Anyone wishing to contribute information for this newsletter should send it to the Autism Support Center, 6 Southside Road, Danvers, MA 01923 by June 1, 2009, for inclusion in the summer issue. Parent contributions are encouraged. Announcements are included as space is available. 12 SPRING 2009 Newsletter