A Source Of Information & Support For Families 
Affected By Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
Greetings!

I've had this update just about ready to go except for this part. Tomorrow I will begin my final week at the Center. I've been going through 22+ years of files and the memories housed in those files. Some have been easy to chuck, some have been harder to discern if I should hang on to them for the use of those who will follow me and some are simply outdated !
Poor Kris I'm sending her so many files that "might" be useful in the future, I swore I wouldn't leave her all the files to sort through. Just going through the files has connected me , once again, with those who've worked at the Center in the past and left ME their files. Cindy Olmstead, Cheryl Chan, Kara White and Kathy O'Neill, each did their parts helping to grow the Center. I've finally gone through the files they left behind and saved only what is helpful for the future.
I'm looking forward to sitting back and watching the Center evolve. It's very hard to follow the tenure of a long time leader. But Kris has so many great ideas and skills, I'm excited for her and for all of you, for what the future will hold. She and I have worked as a team for so many years we joke about having one brain. It's wonderful when you have that kind of partnership. I had no hesitation five years ago when I was asked , as HMEA began thinking about succession planning, who I saw as my successor. It was Kris. Knowing that I am leaving you in the capable hands of Kris, and the caring hands of Cid makes it easier to take my leave. I see a new team forming as I leave and know that all will be well.
Sue
Registration is Open!
The 2021 Golf Tournament registration is OPEN
We'll be back at Cyprian Keyes in September for a day of Golf that will be as enjoyable as it raises awareness and the funds needed to support our families. In addition to the play on the tournament day all golfers will receive complimentary passes for another day on the 18 hole and the 9 hole courses. $135/golfer
$500/Foursome
Click the link below to Register Today

Dad's Night Out
Fathers Day is in June but you can give Dad a gift of tickets to a Massachusetts Pirates Arena Football game in July this Father's Day ! Join Chris Sharry and other dads from the Center for a night of food and football. This is a great time to connect with other dads who “get it”. Meet at Uno’s (across from DCU Center) @ 5:30 for food, then go to the DCU for arena football. Dinner is on you, football is $10.00 per person.
Please click Here to register. What a great Father's Day Gift!
Make it a double header and include tickets for the June Worcester Brave Hearts Game !
Autism Awareness Day at the
Worcester Bravehearts

Click here to purchase tickets for a fun day at Fitton Field for your family!
ASICS Falmouth Road Race
Are You a runner? Would you LIKE to be a runner?Want to run the ASICS Falmouth Road Race this year? You can and help the Center at the same time ! We have charity bib numbers that we can assign to runners who want to support our Center and participate in this much desired road race. The Asics Falmouth Road Race is a prestigious race for runners and this year's race is a Hybrid race with some people racing remotely, and some participating in the race in Falmouth. Stay at home runners have a week to complete their race of 7 miles while those who run in Falmouth have to do it in 1 day ! This might be your only chance to "run" this prestigious race! Think about it. Runners with charity numbers, like ours, must commit to raising $750 for the organization. Interested? We've only 5 bibs left and will be selling them to another non profit in a few weeks if no one claims them ! Contact Kris Cariglia at 508-298-1606 today.
DDS SELF DIRECTED SERVICES
Please Join us for an interactive discussion about expanding choices and control in your life through Self Directed Supports . This is an opportunity to hear how individuals and families can design individualized Services to meet their needs through the Participant Directed Program or Agency with Choice. There are several dates and times this is being offered . To register contact jennifer.r.benoit@mass.gov
An Invitation from MRC
Join us to learn how the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) is partnering with the disability community to change how we create and deliver services!
What is the purpose?
MRC’s Office of Individual and Family Engagement in partnership with UMass Medical School’s Commonwealth Medicine is hosting a two-hour virtual forum for individuals with disabilities and their families:
• Learn about results from focus groups of individuals with disabilities and their families conducted by Commonwealth Medicine
• Learn about what MRC is, what we can do for you and provide feedback on other projects planned to enhance our services and supports
When and Where?
This forum will take place virtually on Zoom Wednesday June 23, 2021 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Who is invited?
This presentation is for individuals with disabilities and their families. We want to hear from you whether you’ve received services or support from MRC or not!
How do I register?
Registration required. Go to mass.gov/mrc
 and view events or use the following link: https://massrehabcommission.zoom.us/.../WN
...
**Accommodations can be requested during registration**
Questions or need help registering?
Contact Amanda Costa, MRC Director of Individual and Family Engagement Amanda.Costa@mass.gov or call/text at: 617-645-3460
 
Words up to Ponder
from individuals in the Autism Community.

 “I don’t want my thoughts to die with me, I want to have done something. I’m not interested in power, or piles of money. I want to leave something behind. I want to make a positive contribution - know that my life has meaning.” ― Temple Grandin.