Our meeting in Waterbury this April, sponsored by Dupont Pharma, brought together 60 of us. We heard from Dr. Mohammed Hassan who gave an animated and thorough overview of PD and current research . We had a great hour of discussion touching on many topics of common concern, the consensus was that discussion should be the backbone of all meetings. Most attendees felt that we should meet three or four times yearly, on weekends and at a central location. July was chosen for our next meeting.

The emphasis of previous newsletters was on the experiences and activities of group members; this will continue. Anyone who has a topic to discuss should let me know about it, and I have no qualms about approaching people to contribute articles. There will usually be brief notes on significant-news to PWP gleaned from the many sources reporting on Parkinson issues. We will often hear from members of the medical profession.

Jackie Dorwin and I are meeting facilitators; but the meetings and newsletter are the result of a group effort, so everyone should make an effort to participate to the best of his or her ability. Participate in clinical trials; write to and visit your representatives in congress to push for PD research funding, help others in the group who need information or an understanding ear and spread the word that we exist. You know, we are a focus for others in the state and nearby states, who are involved with PD in one way or another - doctors doing research, pharmaceutical companies with new products, and most importantly PWP and CG who need the support of others in the same boat.               Stan Wertheimer
 

At the Connecticut Valley Hospital,Middletown from 1 PM -> 3 PM

We will hear from a representative of the Yale Movement Disorder Center about opportunities to participate in present and future clinical trials they are doing. Our guest speaker will be James O'Malley, PhD Pfizer Central Research who will discuss stem cells, what they are and how they might play a part in treatment and cure of Parkinson's Disease. There will be lots of time left for general discussion and also a breakout session for caregivers in another room.

We will meet in the Norwich Room (2^nd floor) of Haviland Hall on the CVH campus. It is airconditioned, has comfortable seating at tables, is accessible to all and there is a snack shop in the same building. Drinks are graciously being supplied by Brian Clark. Our benefactor at CVH is Al Michaud, Chief of Rehabilitation Therapies.

To get there: Take route 9 to exit 12, from north or south .From the south: turn right at the end of the exit ramp onto Bow Lane and make an almost immediate left onto Harvey Drive. From the north cross back over route 9 and follow directions above. The parking lot borders Haviland Hall which is to the right of a large A frame chapel. If you need wheelchair access, there is a dropoff in front of Haviland Hall.

We would like to have some idea of how many attendees there will be. Please fill out the following and send it to Jackie Dorwin, 132 Highwoods Drive, Guilford, CT 06437, call her at 203-453-2655 or send an email to jdorwin@aol.com . Of course, it is not necessary to do this to attend - just come along. Please let others in your support group know of the meeting.