Future Meetings: At the Middlesex Hospital in Middletown starting at 10:00 AM, unless otherwise specified.

Meetings are typically held on the third Saturday of each month, except the summer months. Approximately half of the meetings are held at Middlesex Hospital. The rest of the meetings ("Meetings on the Move") are held on an ad hoc basis somewhere else in Connecticut and are meant to introduce PWP and others from nearby to our group and its mission.  In the past we have met in New London, Manchester, Southbury,  Farmington, among others.  As a member (which means you are on our mailing list) you will receive notification of all meetings by mail.

What is CPWG?
It is a GROUP of people, mostly from CONNECTICUT, who have  Parkinson’s disease (PD) or who have a reason to be interested in PD, who gather to share ideas, concerns and experiences and to WORK toward goals best undertaken by people with PD (PWP) and their loved ones and friends.

What does CPWG do? It provides: a forum for those who want to take an active role in dealing with the challenges facing PWP. A key emphasis is informing the entire PD community, and those who interact with PWP, about all aspects of PD; an active support group for these same people, who often have concerns and problems of a different nature than those older or less active. Some examples: concerns associated with raising a family, decisions about their workplace, and other problems of younger and younger feeling PWP.  Many of our members also belong to a local more traditional support group.  We feel this strengthens both groups.

How does this forum work? CPWG publishes a newsletter several times a year and holds regular meetings in Middletown, CT.  Both provide a place to gather with others who share this disease, in person or in print. 

How is the newsletter a forum?  Many articles in the newsletter are written by CPWG members; several have been written by Connecticut health care professionals.  There are interviews, book reviews, personal stories, essays, position papers, humor and longer articles and notes on significant research.

How are the meetings a forum? Most importantly, the meetings are a place to share ideas, concerns and experiences in person. There is often a focus with an invited speaker; there are break-out sessions for the carepartners; there are informal group discussions which touch on every aspect of living with PD including alternative treatments, new drugs, coping, legal matters, compulsive behaviors, exercise, clinical trials, interacting with doctors, care giving,  and much more. 

How else does CPWG provide a support network? There is a lively exchange by email and telephone between members, and between members and those in the community who have issues of concern relating to PD.  CPWG also organizes special educational events, and plans some ‚”just for fun‚” social functions. 

Is there a governing body?  Yes, or rather pretty close to one.  The Board of Trustees oversees policy and makes suggestions for future initiatives that it deems worthwhile.  However, it is always the membership that either gets it done, or lets it go.  The by-laws specify a president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer.  We have these people but largely ignore any titles in favor of action.

How does CPWG support its projects?  We accept donations (tax write-off for the donor) at any time and actively solicit contributions once a year.  We are frequent recipients of awards from other PD non-profit groups and pharmaceutical companies.  We accept no donations that have strings attached.  We have also been fortunate to receive some larger donations from family groups who specify a contribution to the CPWG in lieu of a holiday gift or birthday/anniversary present.  The treasurer is in charge of this activity.

How do I participate?  Come to the bi-monthly meetings and get involved in those projects that you feel are personally important. 

 

Directions to Middlesex Hospital, Middletown, CT
       From Hartford:  Take Rt. 91 South to Rt. 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 Rt. 9 North to Exit 15 (Washington Street,  left exit).  Continue as above.
      From Norwich:  Take Rt. 2 North to Rt. 66 toward Middletown.  Cross Portland Bridge and go down Main Street to Crescent Street.  Turn  right.
      From Meriden:  Take Rt. 691 East to Rt. 66 to Main Street, Middletown. Turn right, go down Main Street to Crescent Street.  Turn right.

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