Thom Westfield Infant Toddler Services hosted its Annual Picnic and Reunion on August 7 at Stanley Park in Westfield. Staff was excited to see the currently enrolled children and families enjoying the afternoon, and they were pleased to welcome several graduate families as well. After feasting on pizza and goodies, families had an opportunity to network while the children played at the playground.

Thom Westfield Infant Toddler

The Thom Western Regional Consultation Program (WRCP) had a busy and exciting summer. In July, it hosted a SibShop program at Mt. Tom State Reservation. The program was attended by 8 siblings of children with special needs who are or were enrolled in the RCP. The children, ranging in age from 6 to 12, spent the day playing, hiking and having fun.

On August 7, the RCP hosted their annual Summer Get Together at the Castle of Knights in Chicopee. The WRCP also has a busy fall planned, with several workshops and events for families. On September 27th, the program will host a training on "Enhancing Communication All Day Long, Naturally" by Maureen Dacey Nevers from 1 to 4 p.m. at Criterion Heritage in South Hadley.

On Oct. 20, the Statewide Regional Consultation Programs will host a Halloween Party for all RCP families, past and present, at Criterion Milford Early Intervention Program from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Western Regional Consultation Program families are also invited to attend the Annual Skating Party on Nov. 4 at Interskate 91 in Wilbraham from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Criterion-Heritage Early Intervention Program offered a summer drop-in playground time for parents and children of all ages and their families during July and August. Families were able to meet and enjoy the outdoor playground while children practiced their gross motor skills on the equipment and under the covered play space. Children also enjoyed a variety of sensory play areas (sand, water, easels). This time has proven to be a wonderful opportunity for socialization with peers, language stimulation and a chance for parents to network with other parents.

On June 6, the Pediatric Development Center, Inc (PDC) celebrated its 25th year of services to the communities in Central Berkshire County and surrounding hilltowns with a gala event at the historic Stoneover Farm in Lenox. Approximately 200 people gathered to celebrate the milestone event with the PDC Team! Many were former families and friends of the agency. Several awards were given for the outstanding contributions made to the growth of the agency over the years. The PDC Family Award, a crystal globe inscribed with "Changing The World, One Child At A Time," went to Jan and Mick Mangano for their work with foster children with special medical or developmental needs over the last 43 years.

The PDC Community Award went to a longtime friend of PDC and now Early Childhood Coordinator for Pittsfield Public Schools, Linda Carnevale. Linda proudly mentions her involvement with PDC at its inception, due to her son David's developmental needs. She was honored for her strong commitment to ensuring a smooth and seamless transition for children and families. Presentations by the PDC Board included numerous awards for founding PDC member, Maureen O'Connell Atwood, executive director, who celebrated her 25th year at the agency.

Patricia Hall Pellegrino, was also recognized for her contribution of 19 years as PDC's Program Director. Photographs shared by parents ranging back as far as 25 years ago were displayed under the heading: "Then & Now" depicting the children when they were under 3 years of age to the present day, demonstrating their multiple talents now! PDC and its team owe so much to the families we have been privileged to serve over the past quarter century. Our thanks to all who made this achievement possible.

On July 27, MSPCC Holyoke Early Intervention Program held a Community Picnic and Fun day at the Springdale Park in Holyoke from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All children enrolled in the program and their families were invited as well as those families who attend the MSPCC Parent Center and G.E.D. programs. The Holyoke Parks and Recreation staff was on hand to provide sports activities and crafts. All the families who attended were recognized and awarded with Early Intervention Participation Certificates for 2007.