By Beth David, Editor
Fairhaven held its second annual Diverseabilities Pride event at the Council on Aging/Recreation Center to celebrate people with different abilities and enjoy some summer fun during Disability Pride Month.
A little bit of speechmaking included Fairhaven Select Board chairperson Stasia Powers; State Rep. Tony Cabral; Fairhaven High School Unified Sports Coach, Angie Allaire; Select Board Vice Chair; and President of M.O. L.I.F.E. n(Murphy and Others Living Interdependently for Future Endeavors (M.O. L.I.F.E., INC.), Charlie Murphy.
Attendees enjoyed some free beverages, could buy some lunch, play with Fairhaven’s Police K-9 Blue; try their hand at pottery, painting rocks, making jewelry, yoga, and even tossing someone into the dunk tank. A number of tables showcased resources from community and government organizations, and the MO LIFE Food Pantry donated 100 bags of groceries.
“Today we celebrate those with disabilities,” Ms. Powers told the crowd. “Their unique selves add a richness to our community.”
Disability Pride is about “accepting and honoring each person’s uniqueness and seeing it as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity,” she said, quoting the definition from ameridisability.com and a variety of other advocates. “Thank you all for coming out today to celebrate this beautiful part of our community.”
Rep. Cabral said the American with Disabilities Act passed decades ago, but there are still many barriers all around southeastern Mass.
“Events like this really help to move us forward,” he said, and encouraged people to call the when they see barriers.
Ms. Allaire said that unified sports break barriers, so that all students have a chance to shine on a court or athletic field.
Mr. Murphy said that his organization helps people do more than just get and keep a job. MO LIFE helps people be a full part of the community, including social events, sports, etc.
“Being a part of everything else everybody does,” said Mr. Murphy, adding that he is very proud of the people who work at MO LIFE and what they do every day.
The “O” in MO LIFE is the most important thing, he said.
“I’m my own guardian,” said Sharon, who was helping to staff the table for Better Community Living, and explained that she helps with paint night and all kinds of events.
Amari was busy dunking Britnee in the dunk tank, but Amari said she also had a turn getting dunked: “It was cold,” she said.
The event was hosted by the Fairhaven Commission on Disability, the Belonging Committee, and MO LIFE. To learn more contact Traci Welch, M.O. L.I.F.E., Inc., 774-208-7037, twelch@molifeinc.com; Pamela Whynot, Fairhaven Commission on Disability, cod@fairhaven-ma.gov; Jessica Fidalgo Fairhaven Belonging Committee, 774-634-7066, belonging@fairhaven-ma.gov
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- Leo tries his hand at the pottery wheel courtesy of Rising Tide Pottery during the Fairhaven Diverseabilities Pride celebration on 7/28/24 at the Council on Aging. Photo by Beth David.
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- Leo tries his hand at the pottery wheel courtesy of Rising Tide Pottery during the Fairhaven Diverseabilities Pride celebration on 7/28/24 at the Council on Aging. Photo by Beth David.
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- L-R: Zara and Traci staff the MO LIFE table during the Fairhaven Diverseabilities Pride celebration on 7/28/24 at the Council on Aging. Photo by Beth David.
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- Major Gallagher gets ready to throw the ball to K-9 Blue at the Fairhaven Diverseabilities Pride celebration on 7/28/24 at the Council on Aging. Photo by Beth David.
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- The kitchen crew poses for the local free sheet during the Fairhaven Diverseabilities Pride celebration on 7/28/24 at the Council on Aging. Photo by Beth David.
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- L-R: Alanah Murphy, Melissa Gonsalves, Major Gallagher, Officer Jillian Jodoin, K-9 Blue’s handler, and the star of the show, K-9 Blue himself, all hang out and play ball at the Fairhaven Diverseabilities Pride celebration on 7/28/24 at the Council on Aging. Photo by Beth David.
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- Amari throws the ball in a perfect shot to send Britnee Frenette into the water of the dunk tank at the Fairhaven Diverseabilities Pride celebration on 7/28/24 at the Council on Aging. Photo by Beth David.
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- Alexia points out a lady bug and a lighthouse she painted on a rock that will be added to Westie on West Island, courtesy of Whole Child Therapy Center during the Fairhaven Diverseabilities Pride celebration on 7/28/24 at the Council on Aging. Photo by Beth David.
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Click here for this week’s issue: 08-01-24 Diverseabilities
Click here for the TA’s letter choosing Dorgan for Chief: ALE Letter4Dorgan
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