I received this email today from a Stark MRDD staff person.  She said that Fox 8 (Cleveland) did a review of this movie last evening 8/11/08 at 10 pm and gave it rave reviews….their movie guy, David Moss the “Moss Man” interviewed Ben Stiller and it was aired on the segment last night….they did not mention any part of the “film within a film” but Mr. Moss said the movie was a must see…

Maybe supporters can flood Fox 8’s “shout out” or just email them voicing disappointment in Fox’s support of this movie. Just some suggestions…

Would you call this movie a “Must See”?  If you do see this movie, would this be a good way to generate dialogue around the family dinner table?  Would it spark some good conversation about why this type of language is hurtful to others?  Can we make something positive out of it?

Let us hear your thoughts… 

The movie, Tropic Thunder, opened this week.  Please share your thoughts about this movie and tell us if you plan to see it.  Also, what actions, if any, have you taken to let your thoughts about this movie be known?

Regardless of which specific path of action we choose, this is an important opportunity to educate the public about the discrimination and bigotry faced by people with disabilities, the tremendous progress people are making in overcoming those obstacles, and the role The Arc plays at the national, state and local level.  Here is a chance to really stand up and clearly state what The Arc and Stark MRDD stand for!

There is a lot of discussion going on around the state about taking the words “mental retardation” out of the Ohio Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities’ name and have it become the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities.  Additionally, many of the county boards are also considering this change.  We would like to hear your thoughts about this subject.  Do you think the words “mental retardation” are negative words?  Do you think that we can help remove labels from people if we no longer use mental retardation to describe that particular developmental disability?  If we were to do this in Stark County, do you think our Stark County citizens would understand who the Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities is and who we serve?  We want to hear your thoughts.  Please TALK TO US and post your thoughts on taking the MR out of MRDD.

“Amazing. Every. One.” is the new theme for Stark MRDD.  What does it mean to you?  When you think about individuals with disabilities and this statement, what comes to mind?  We would love to hear your thoughts.  Please leave us a comment.

Stark MRDD is in the process of developing some fundraising ideas for Citizens Who Care for MRDD.  We are planning a fall 2008 Walk/Roll event and also a March 2009 Moonlight Magic Dinner/Auction.  We are looking for people who would like to help us with the planning of these two important events.  If you would like to be a part of this team, please contact Pat Fehlman at 330-479-7872 or stop by and talk to her at the Whipple-Dale Centre, corner of Whipple and Hills and Dales.