Valentine's Day Dance/
50th Anniversary Page 2

From the Executive Director
Page 3

Berkshire Disability Pride Day/ Cathy's Corner Page 4

Deb Clemente Welcome/
New Employees Page 5
     
Richmond Program Opening/
A Springtime Poem Page 6

Spotlight Individuals/
Employees of the Quarter Page 7

The BCARC group in the center of the State House after visiting Massachusetts Legislators' offices.

  On March 10, 2004 a group of individuals and staff members from Berkshire County Arc,  BFAIR, and UCP left bright and early to attend the 26th Annual Legislative Reception at the State House in Boston, MA.  The reception, entitled "New Generation, New Possibilities: Integrated Housing and Olmstead", was held in the magnificent Grand Staircase Hall of the State House.  There were hundreds of people in attendance, who were all gathered for the common cause of rallying for state funds that would benefit people

with disabilities who live in Massachusetts.
   The group from Berkshire County agencies broke up into smaller groups after the reception to visit the offices of legislators to voice their opinions on these issues. The groups expressed their opposition to the proposed Budget cuts that are being planned to occur in the areas of day programs and transportation.   They also spoke about their agreement with bills to provide  higher salaries for direct care workers, and funding for people with disabilities to