APRIL 9
Forum meeting with U.S. Congressman William
Delahunt on 'issues of the day' at 3 p.m. at the
Eastham Town Hall.
Forum meeting with U.S. Congressman William
Delahunt on 'issues of the day' at 3 p.m. at the
Eastham Town Hall.
| Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2005, Laurel Labdon with U.S. Congressman William Delahunt after a 2 hour meeting that gave his Cape Cod constituents a chance to voice their concerns over the Iraq war, Social Security Reform, the Medicare Prescription Drug Bill and a host of other issues. The Congressman assured Laurel that he will be rooting for her at the national pageant in July. |
| "I think it is invaluable to have the opportunity to meet face to face with your elected officials to discuss issues and concerns. Congressman Delahunt was very generous with his time and for that I thank him. Although the meeting was dominated with issues concerning the war in Iraq, the Congressman made it clear that he will continue to work hard on issues affecting the disabled such as the Medicare Prescription Drug Bill and responsible Social Security reform. I can't encourage people enough to participate in these kind of opportunities...especially individuals with disabilities who can bring a unique and valuable perspective to these issues. Get involved!" |
APRIL 20
Photo opportunity with
representatives from my
beloved New England Patriots
at Gillette Stadium, 10:30 a.m.
Photo opportunity with
representatives from my
beloved New England Patriots
at Gillette Stadium, 10:30 a.m.
| "I had an amazing day at Gillette Stadium! The Patriots were kind enough to put a welcome message for me up on the electronic message boards in the end zones...and I even got to wear an official helmet! As a die-hard New England Patriots fan, it was thrilling to have the stadium all to myself and receive such a warm welcome! Thank you to the New England Patriots Organization! |
APRIL 25
Social Security Forum with Congressman Bill Delahunt at Cape Cod
Community College 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Social Security Forum with Congressman Bill Delahunt at Cape Cod
Community College 9:30-11:00 a.m.
| Gillette Stadium Photographs by Anne Williams Sweeney of Sweeney Media Arts |
| "Congressman Delahunt is truly committed to his constituency and I was honored to be introduced as Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts at the forum on Social Security at Cape Cod Community College. He, as well as Kurt Czarnowski of the Social Security Administration and Mauricio Soto of Boston College explained the issues surrounding Social Security and potential reform. The Congressman unequivocally pledged to make sure that SSDI benefits would not be affected by any reform. When I asked Congressman Delahunt what the disability community could do to be a part of the discussion on the issues that affect individuals with disabilities he encouraged us all to get involved! So call your Congressmen and Senators with your concerns!" |
| Laurel Labdon, Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2005, with U.S. Congressman Bill Delahunt following a forum on Social Security reform. Truly dedicated to serving his constituents it was, once again, a valuable experience. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< |
APRIL 28
Guest of Representatives Shirley
Gomes and Cleon Turner at the State
House in Boston. Introduced on the
floor of the House Chamber @ 1:00 p.m.
Guest of Representatives Shirley
Gomes and Cleon Turner at the State
House in Boston. Introduced on the
floor of the House Chamber @ 1:00 p.m.
| "It was such a thrill to be at the State House and introduced before so many lawmakers in the House Chamber! It was a truly inspiring experience and strengthened my desire to run for public office one day. The reception I received was amazingly supportive and generous. Representative Turner in response to my thank you note wrote, " The pleasure was all ours! I can tell you that you impressed many people in that house chamber. Normally, when someone is introduced, everyone stands up and claps and cheers and that is the end of it. In your case, however, as you saw, many people came down and met you directly. That is unusual and demonstrates the affect you have on people with your beauty and your charm and, most importantly, the enthusiasm you show for the work that you do. You will not only be an inspiration for people struggling with handicaps, you are an inspiration for us all. Thank you for letting us meet you." With support from wonderful people like those I met yesterday, I have no doubt that the Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Program will grow and thrive in the coming years. THANK YOU TO REPRESENTATIVE CLEON TURNER AND SHIRLEY GOMES FOR GIVING ME SUCH A FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY!" |
| ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Laurel Labdon, Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2005, with Representatives Bruce Ayers, Shirley Gomes and Cleon Turner after her introduction in the House Chamber during Budget Week at the State House in Boston. |
| ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ MWMass 2005 speaking with legislators before her introduction before the Massachusetts House of Representatives. |
| Past & Future CALENDAR OF EVENTS |
| Ms Wheelchair Massachusetts Foundation A Program of Achievement, Advocacy and Opportunity for Women with disAbilities in Massachusetts |
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