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   On Wednesday July 19^th, 2006, BCARC had a rare opportunity to show off one of its many successes. A group of actors and staff from the Williamstown Theater Festival visited the Social Development Center in Dalton to

meet the participants and learn about their lives, their challenges and their triumphs.

   The visit, arranged by Christine Singer, Executive Director of UCP of Berkshire County, enabled the actors to learn more about Cerebral Palsy in preparation for their production of “A Nervous Smile.” After meeting with the actors, Christine suggested a visit to one of BCARC’s programs.

   Among the actors who visited were Amy Brenneman, star of the former hit series, “Judging Amy”; Gloria Reuben who acted in many movies and had a starring role on “ER”; and Scott

Cohen, who played on several TV shows including “NYPD Blue,” “Law and Order,” and “Gilmore Girls.”                          Other visitors included director Maria Mileaf and other members of the WTF staff. 

   Ken Singer greeted the guests and shared a history of BCARC while Barbara Henry and Laura Baran spoke of the day habilitation programs. During the visit Rochelle Nahmias, OT, introduced the group to the sensory gym which is shared by many individuals from BCARC day programs.  The visit ended with an invitation from WTF to attend the opening night of their play, a story about three people with severely challenged children.

Cathy Crofut, who participates in the Social Development Center Day Program, with actor Scott Cohen.   Scott currently stars  in “A Nervous Smile” , a play about parents of people with developmental disabilities. 

From left to right: Amy Brenneman, Ken Singer, Carrie Bona, Laura Baran and Director Maria Mileaf. 

Hector Roman, who participates in the program at the Social Development Center, shares a moment with Gloria Reuben.