The African-American Experience with MS
September 13, 2008 Boston, Massachusetts
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from left, Melanie Morris and |
Kids Get MS Too, Let’s have fun in New England
October 18, 2008
Family Fun Days
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Hitting the mini-links in |
A clear blue sky and warm temperatures welcomed everyone to Family Fun Day in Hopkinton State Park. Kids and teens played games and explored the park while parents had an opportunity to network and share experiences. Activities included miniature golf, badminton, swimming in the pool and horse shoes. With a catered BBQ lunch, families came together to mingle, and they left as friends.
Camp Ramsbottom, Rehoboth - August 23
This recreational program was attended by 46 adults and 17 children, plus one volunteer photographer. Activities included volleyball, basketball, miniature golf, swimming, and BBQ. Staff from the MS Center at Sturdy Memorial Hospital and the Central New England Chapter answered questions for participants.
Accessible Horseback Riding
Topsfield, Mass.
This collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Recreation & Conservation’s Universal Access Program and Windrush Farm was a great success! In its third year, people with MS were able to enjoy accessible horseback riding at Bradley Palmer State Park. Three riders with MS rode on August 29 and six rode on September 5. Family and friends were welcome to walk the trails with the riders. Great weather and amazing attitudes made this program a success.
“Can We Talk?” Newly Diagnosed Conference Calls
Learn about topics of interest to people newly diagnosed with MS from experts in their fields. Ask questions, receive information and get support. These monthly conference calls are toll-free and are open to anyone diagnosed with MS within the last three years, and their family members. Register for as many calls as you’d like. The toll-free number is given to you upon registration. Participate from the comfort of your own home!
Upcoming Calls
Held the 1st Tuesday of the month, 7 - 8 p.m.
- January 6, 2009: Coping with MS
- February 3, 2009: MS: Insurance Options & Money Matters
- March 3, 2009: “Top Ten List” of MS Questions
- April 7, 2009: Symptom Management in MS
- May 5, 2009: Employment Issues in MS
Also for the newly diagnosed ask about our Social Events for the Newly Diagnosed held throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
The chapter is currently forming a Newly Diagnosed Council - if you are interested in giving your feedback and helping to plan programs/events for the newly diagnosed please contact Martha Maynard.
For more information or to register: call 1-800-344-4867, opt. 2, email Martha.Maynard@mam.nmss.org, or register on the web.
Chapter Launches Young Adult Web Page
The Chapter recently added a young adult page to the Client Programs page. This webpage is designed to provide resources and information specific to your needs as a young adult with MS. Topics include: social relationships & dating, thinking about college, health & wellness, resources for family members, getting involved, research updates, employment, and finances. Please check back frequently as we update this page with upcoming social, educational and networking opportunities specifically for young adults.
Massachusetts disability plates & placards
Massachusetts disability license plates are now only being issued for veterans with disabilities and qualified motorcycle owners. Everyone else who qualifies for handicapped parking will now be issued a placard. The placard can be used in any vehicle in which the person with a disability is being transported.
If more than one family member meets the criteria for a placard, you will need a placard for each person. There is no charge for a placard.
For additional information call the Massachusetts Department of Motor Vehicles Medical Affairs Bureau at 1-617-351-9222 or go to http://www.mass.gov/rmv/medical/plates_placs.htm.
'Green House®' Project Ground-breaking
From left, Arlyn White,
Chelsea, Mass. - September 17
Chapter President, Chapter
member Richard Hatch, and Eli
Rubenstein, Chapter Trustee.
With former Chapter Trustee Richard Hatch on the dais, Eli Rubenstein and Arlyn White spoke at the ground-breaking ceremony for this first ever Green House® residential model for individuals with MS, on the grounds of the future Leonard Florence Center for Living in Chelsea. This complex includes one 'house" for 10 individuals with MS, and provides the personal and skilled nursing care that residents need while focusing on quality of life and companionship in a true “home” atmosphere.
2009 College Scholarships Available Now!
Eligibility: High school seniors or graduates who have MS or a parent with MS and will be attending an accredited post secondary school for the first time.
Applications and information can be downloaded at nationalmssociety.org/scholarship, or call 1-800-344-4867. Completed applications are due January 15, 2009.
Program Highlights
Exchange Point, Hilltop Fun Center
Somersworth, N.H. - September 12
Fifteen people from five families came together to enjoy mini-golf, batting cages, driving range, and go-karts at Hilltop Fun Center.
Inside the MS Brain
Concord, N.H. - September 6
About 80 individuals got together to learn how cognition and mental health is impacted by MS. Speakers included Dr. Heather Wishart and Brant Oliver from Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.
The Hidden Symptoms of MS
Mansfield, Mass. - September 20, 2008
There were 123 people with MS, family, friends, and caregivers who attended the Hidden Symptoms of MS day-long conference held on Saturday, September 20 in Mansfield, Mass. The conference was co-sponsored by the Central New England Chapter and the MS Center at Sturdy Memorial Hospital, Attleboro, Mass. The keynote address by William Goodman, PsyD, neuropsychologist of the Comprehensive MS Center of Southern Vermont, focused on Cognitive Dysfunction in MS. Additional speakers were Christine St. Laurent, MS, RN, MSCN, MS Center at Sturdy Memorial Hospital; Leslie Ahern, Director of Family Caregiver Services at Ethos, Boston, and Mary Ellen Doherty, RNP of the Women’s Center for Bladder and Pelvic Health, Attleboro.
The focus of the conference was the hidden symptoms of MS including workshops on fatigue, bladder issues, coping with MS, and a session for caregivers. Dr. Goodman closed the conference with an enlightening talk on the importance of communication within the family to cope with MS.
Young Adults Corner
Exchange Point!
Attention Young Adults!
Exchange Point events are fun social activities for young adults in their 20s and 30s with MS. Throughout the year, the Chapter hosts Exchange Point events at restaurants, breweries, billiard halls and fun recreational places in communities near you. These events are free!
For additional information on Exchange Point, including upcoming dates and locations for young adult events happening near you, check out the Young Adult webpage, watch your mailbox for upcoming announcements, call 1-800-344-4867 or email youngadults@mam.nmss.org.
MS World College Chat!
A collaborative chat with MSWorld
- Are you a college student or a college-age individual with MS?
- Are you trying to juggle staying up late, studying for exams, working, friendships, relationships, and your MS all at the same time?
- Do you want to chat with others like you from the comfort of your own computer?
When: Every Tuesday night, 7-8 p.m.
Where: http://www.msworld.org/
This is a weekly, co-moderated chat designed specifically for college-age individuals with MS. Join others from across the country that are facing life after high school with multiple sclerosis. This unique chat is co-moderated by college age individuals with MS and is a great opportunity to connect with others your age.
To access this chat, log onto http://www.msworld.org/ and sign up for a username. Once registered, enter the General Chat room and then click on the “MSCollegeKids” chat on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. See you in the chat!
Recent Additions to the Dora Lipcon Lending Library
In the Van Houten MS Resource Center
Rosalyn Joffe and Joan Friedlander.
A book for women who live with chronic illness, encouraging them to stay employed to preserve their independence and sense of self. Discusses the complex issues of autoimmune disease, life changing strategies and how concrete tactics can allow you to discover the spirit within.
Visit the library online for a complete listing.