Newsletter

Fall 2007

Senator George Mitchell Delivers Powerful Address at Grand Opening, Iris Park Apartments

   “When the Constitution was adopted, it provided rights only to a very limited number of Americans. The right to vote was limited to adult, white males who owned property. It took 75 years and the bloodiest war of our nation’s history for the right to vote to be extended to all males, regardless of the color of their skin, and another 60 years before the right to vote was extended to women, after a long and bitter political struggle. And it was not until 1991, just 16 years ago, that the right to live a full, independent life was first extended to Americans who had a disability of any kind. 


   “Every one of these developments expanded our definition of
citizenship, our definition of the right that every human being possesses in an inalienable way. And what we found along the way is that it is not just those who are liberated who benefit. What we have found is that the enormous resources that they possess as individuals to make contributions to our society made this a better, more free, more successful society. People who were sheltered didn’t need to be sheltered. People who were isolated should not have been isolated. Because many have been able to make enormous individual contributions, not just in their own right, not just on behalf of their own family, but on behalf of our entire society.”
 

—Excerpted from the address of Senator George Mitchell, Friday, August 10, 2007

Click here for the Transcription of Speeches from the Iris Park Apartments Grand Opening
 

A Community Celebrates

   “Dignified, fun, and for real”—that’s how one guest described the Grand Opening of the Iris Park Apartments on Friday, August 10.

   Blessed with a beautiful afternoon with a wonderful breeze and golden light, the Iris Network welcomed a large crowd to the lawns of the Apartments. The Port City Jazz Quartet provided music. Volunteers and tenants had planted flowers in the raised courtyard beds. Mingling, serious talk over refreshments, and fun were in abundance.
 

   Former Iris Network president Steve Obremski and Iris Park tenant Randy Bellavance followed Senator Mitchell in the speaking program and talked about the vital importance of independence and integration for people with disabilities. Then, delicious donated desserts arrived outside, and the festivities continued. 

   The Grand Opening honored everyone who supported the Iris Park Apartments. We thank our event sponsors TD Banknorth, HUB Furniture Company, Preti Flaherty, Swardlick Marketing Group, Oakhurst Dairy, and Whole Foods Market. We gratefully acknowledge our event speakers, especially Senator Mitchell.
 

Photos by Jared Desimio

Click here for a Slideshow of the Iris Park Apartments Grand Opening

 

Please Join The 11th Annual Iris Network White Cane Awareness Walk  Saturday, October 13, 2007, Back Cove, Portland, ME—Registration 9:15AM,  Walk 10:00 AM  The Walk recognizes people with vision loss, celebrates their diverse and outstanding contributions, and promotes independence and the right to safe travel for everyone.  Call Terri or Alison at 774-6273 or Click here for more information  Building Awareness of People with Vision Loss

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