The world is opening after ALL these months ! Remember a few weeks ago we sent out word that the Worcester Bravehearts were having a Design a Shirt Contest for Autism Awareness Day? Well, the design has been chosen, and the shirts are in production. I LOVE the design , we'll all be able to bid to own !! All proceeds from the shirt auction will benefit OUR Center. We've tickets to the game, but only 100 so act fast and join us on Sunday June 27th at 4 PM at Fitton Field for a day at the Ball Game, America's favorite past time! Because you are a family who belongs to our Center your ticket will be $3.00 instead of $8.00 making it an affordable outing for your family. This will be my last activity as a Director - Hope to see you at the ball field! Click here to purchase your tickets!

Father's Day is coming up, each year we salute the Dad's who play such an important role in their children's lives, and support their families. Too often the focus is on "Autism Mom's, ", Dad's, like Mom's, have to go beyond the role of parent too, learning all they can about autism, becoming advocates, fighting for better services for our kids, they too become therapists, relating in their own way to their kids, They take over as chief cook and bottlewasher when Mom is tapped out or down for the count. Those who are raising their sons and daughters alone deserve special mention for soldiering on, covering both roles being both Dad and Mom to their kids. We also want to recognize the legion of "significant others" who step into the shoes of an absent Dad and embrace our cause as their own, there is a special place in heaven for those men and women. With great pleasure I announce the resumption of our Dad's Group in July with a Dad's Night Out to see the Worcester Pirates play arena football at the DCU Center on July 24th. Prior to the Game Dad's can meet for dinner at Uno's at 5:30 PM You can reserve you tickets to the game by clicking here. All types of Dad's are welcome ! Meet other Dad's and enjoy an evening of not only football but connecting with others who understand your life.

There is one family for whom Father's Day will be a painful reminder of a devastating loss. The Familia Family in Worcester are mourning the loss of their Dad, Officer Manny Familia, who gave his life trying to save the life of a 14 year old boy who was drowning. Officer Familia served on the detail for our Autism Super Hero 5k Walk and Run for the last few years. He was always helpful and understanding, we enjoyed working with him. This is a huge loss for the city of Worcester. We extend our condolences to his family.

On a happier note, Cid will continue to offer Minecraft Groups this summer on Monday's and Thursdays at 7 PM. We'll hopefully be transitioning to more activities in the community through the summer, we're on a week by week basis deciding but Minecraft is an activity that the kids do enjoy and which does take place on - line so just show up by clicking the link here.

Next week we will be closed on Friday June 18th in observance of Juneteeth . Juneteeth is also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Cel-Liberation Day, Emancipation Day and marks the emancipation of the slaves in Texas during the Civil War on June 19, 1865. It was the last state emancipated. The Emancipation Proclamation had been issued two years prior to this but was not enforced in the slave states until Union troops arrived. A growing movement is seeking to have Juneteenth recognized as a National Holiday and HMEA has decided to observe Juneteenth so we will be closed.

Have a good week.