Meetings
Meetings are typically held on the third Saturday of the month at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown, CT. We occasionally have a ‘Meeting on the Move’ where the meeting is held in a different part of Connecticut, with the purpose of introducing people from that area to our group and its mission. Our travels have taken us to New London, Farmington, New Haven, Danbury, Newtown, New Britain and Guilford. We acknowledge that transportation is often a hindrance to attendance, and so we offer rides to all of our meetings.
The meetings generally have a topic and a guest speaker to guide the discussions. Our 2009 calendar included presentations on the psychological effects of a chronic illness, gadgets that make our lives easier (our version of ‘show and tell’), the management and treatment of PD, care giving from the perspective of a daughter/psychologist, the owner of a Connecticut on-line health and wellness products company, dance /movement as a non-pharmaceutical therapy, the ‘Connect-ability’ program, care partner (CP) burnout, legal issues facing the chronically ill, and our ever-popular ‘open mike’ meetings. We also plan several just-for-fun events such as our Summer Fun picnics, neighborhood breakfasts, men’s lunches and ladies lunches, and a golf outing or two.
An integral component of our meetings is the care partner breakout session. Those attending are invited to separate into two groups -- PWPs who stay in one room, and CPs who move to a different room. Discussion flows as the needs of the group dictate. At times some venting occurs, but always there is support and understanding.
Our meetings are publicized via the website and the USPS mail. We send out meeting reminder postcards three weeks prior to the meeting that includes the topic, guest speaker (if any), directions, and contact information.
Our meetings are open to anyone with an interest in or a connection to PD. There is no charge to attend, no r.s.v.p. to return, no future commitment to be tied to. If you have never been to one of our meetings it is recommended that you contact one of the people below prior to the meeting. Things change, and we don’t want you to be inconvenienced.
For more information, click on the Contact Us link above left.Next Meetings
August 21 - Open Mike Meeting
A bit of History for you - During the first few years of its existence, CPWG did not meet in the summer months. The feeling was that everyone would be too busy with family and vacations. We left things that way for several years but at one September meeting there was the overwhelming feeling that we had gone too long between meetings. We needed to be with each other more frequently. With that in mind we started our Summer Fun gatherings, held randomly in July and August. Just social. No agenda. No reports. Location, date and time at the convenience of the host.
This worked, but some felt a need to have regular support group meetings during the summer. Not feeling very confident about how many would come, we tried it and were pleasantly surprised, and we utilized our infamous 'open mike' format. Therefore, the second of our Open Mike meetings will be held on August 21.
Refreshments (iced tea? iced coffee? iced coffee cake?) will be served in the air-conditioned conference room. Thank you to all who have been bringing in refreshments. You help to make our meetings special
There will be a carepartner break-out session.
Whether or not to meet? If you have any questions or concerns about this meeting please call Jackie Dorwin at 203.453.2655 or Tom Sullivan at 860.343.8278
Date, Time - Saturday, August 21, 2010 beginning at 10:00 am.
Location - North One Conference Room, Middlesex Hospital, 28 Crescent Street, Middletown, CT 06457. See the Middlesex Hospital directions, below.
September 18 - No Meeting
The September 18 meeting has been canceled because the Movin’ and Groovin’ to Stop the Shakin’ benefit event is being held on September 19, see below.September 19 - Movin' and Groovin' to Stop the Shakin' Benefit
The CPWG benefit event of the year is coming soon: Movin' and Groovin' to Stop the Shakin' on Sunday, September 19.
Click benefit or see the announcement in the Newsletter for more information.
Directions to Middlesex Hospital
Location: 28 Crescent Street, Middletown, CT 06457
Click on ---> Middlesex hospital map
GPS Location: N41.55518, W72.64690
From Hartford: Take route 91 South to route 9 South to Exit 15 (Washington Street). Go up Washington to Main Street intersection. Turn left onto Main. Go down Main Street to Crescent. Turn right onto Crescent.
From Old Saybrook: Take route 9 North to Exit 15 (Washington Street, left exit). Continue as above.
From Norwich: Take route 2 North to route 66 toward Middletown. Cross Portland Bridge and go down Main Street to Crescent Street. Turn right.
From Meriden: Take route 691 East to route 66 to Main Street, Middletown. Turn right, go down Main Street to Crescent Street. Turn right.
2010 CPWG Meeting Dates
January 16 - Open Mike
February 20 - Board Games
March 20 - Reiki
April 17 - Massage
May 15 - Yoga
June 19 - Chiropractic
July 17 - Open Mike
August 21 - Open Mike
September 18 - canceled
September 19 - Movin' and Groovin' to Stop the Shakin’ Benefit
October 16
November 20
December 18