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Seeking to broaden its advocacy impact, The Arc Quinebaug Valley has announced it is launching a membership drive.
The Arc is one of more than 700 chapters nationwide of The Arc of the United States, the largest national community-based organization advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Since 1952, The Arc has worked to provide people with intellectual, developmental and other life-affecting disabilities in northeastern Connecticut with services and opportunities to reach their greatest level of personal fulfillment and potential.
“The Arc was founded by parents seeking a better life for their children with disabilities,” said Board President Jeffrey Rawson. “We have always been a membership organization and it is through that membership that we have the strength to advocate for the individuals we support.”
Growth in membership is one of The Arc’s Strategic Goals for the next three years, Rawson said.
“Year after year, this community has been so supportive of and generous to The Arc,” said Membership Committee Chairperson Lynn Bourque. “We’re looking to partner with businesses and individuals in a different way through this drive. Members have a voice at The Arc at the local, state and national level, and can be involved in advocating for individuals with disabilities in our community.”
The cost of membership is $25 per year. The benefits include quarterly newsletters from The Arc Quinebaug Valley and The Arc of the United States, as well as other electronic updates on advocacy efforts toward policy change. Members also receive invitations to special events at The Arc.
The Arc kicked off the membership drive this week with a Facebook campaign. For every 25 new likes the agency’s Facebook page receives, The Arc will give away a free one-year membership to a fan.
The Arc Quinebaug Valley currently has more than 110 members. Online applications for membership can be found at www.qvarc.org
Bourque is joined on the Membership Committee by fellow Board Members Susan Johnston, Thomas Masso, Gary Cote, Julie Ann Dupont, Mary Ellen Snyder, Frances Bousquet, Honora Butts, Lorraine LaGarde, Mona Lee and Rawson. Staff liaisons are Executive Director Susan Desrosiers, Development Assistant Emily Groves and Administrative Assistant Sandi Riemann.

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Window 'Line Dance'
The old barn at Garden Gate Florist in Woodstock has its windows all lined up. Linda Lemmon photo.

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Then
This is Main and Elm streets in Putnam during the Flood of 1955. Photos courtesy of Susan Calaman.


& Now
This is the same view today. After the flood, Elm Street disappeared and was replaced by a shopping plaza.

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PUTNAM — The Bradley Playhouse announced today that the Board of Directors has regretfully voted to cancel the December production of “White Christmas’s due to the ongoing ceiling restoration project and the difficulties associated with staging the musical production beyond the Bradley’s stage.
In September, a section of the 112-year old theatre’s ceiling failed, prompting inspections to assess safety and consultations with experts to determine comprehensive remedies.  “The ceiling project is progressing more slowly than we had hoped,” Bradley Playhouse Business Manager Patricia Green said. “We are still interviewing contractors and engineers, obtaining reports, and determining the best way to proceed. We are moving forward as quickly as is prudent to be certain that our theatre is restored in the safest manner possible while maintaining the building’s original acoustics.”
While local schools’ stages in the region were investigated as an alternative venue, their previously scheduled programs and logistical and contractual issues connected with ”White Christmas” prevented the Bradley from offering the musical at another location. Though keenly aware of the disappointment this decision will cause their patrons, actors and donors, the Board of Directors felt that they had no other choice.
Major musicals traditionally require eight to 10 weeks of intensive rehearsal time. Dancing, vocal and acting rehearsals extend late into the evenings, which present a problem for spaces beyond the Bradley, and restricted access to buildings would also hamper set construction. Hundreds and hundreds of man hours typically go into every production, and the effort required for “White Christmas” is more extensive than for most productions, Green said.
Patrons who have already purchased tickets may request a full refund or credit to a future production by calling 860-928-7887 or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Season Ticket and Flex Pass holders may also receive a refund or credit towards next year’s tickets for the value of their White Christmas tickets.
The Bradley thanks their loyal patrons and supporters for their understanding and patience in this matter, and Green said that every effort will be made to contact ticket holders either by phone, email or regular mail. The Board of Directors is committed to re-opening the Bradley for the 2014 season when renovations are complete and the long-awaited entryway wheelchair lift is installed. Office hours will be as usual for Season Ticket and Flex Pass sales.

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