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City notes World Autism Month with blue lights at City Hall

Date: 4/4/2012

April 4, 2012

By G. Michael Dobbs

news@thereminder.com

HOLYOKE — For the first time, the lights bathing City Hall at night will be used to call a attention to an issue: World Autism Awareness Day.

Mayor Alex Morse has instructed the Department of Public Works to illuminate City Hall for the month of April with blue light, symbolizing autism awareness.

City Treasurer Jon Lumbra explained to Reminder Publications that during April the Holyoke Rotary Club would be undertaking fund-raising efforts to buy equipment needed by the autism program at the Metcalf Pre-School School.

Lumbra is not only a member of the Rotary Club, but he is the father of a child with autism.

"This is something near and dear to my wife and I," he said.

He said that Morse agreed to light up City Hall with blue light and all of the city's fire station will change out the traditional red lights to blue for the month.

The Rotary Club will be selling lapel pins to raise money and City Hall employees and the School Department administrative staff are participating in a dress down day during which they can wear jeans to work for a $5 donation.

Lumbra said the dress down day is also being conducted by Ross Insurance Agency and Bresnahan Insurance Agency. Both of those businesses will be making matching contributions.

PeoplesBank has made a $500 donation toward the "wish list" at the Metcalf School, Lumbra noted and Holyoke gas and Electric will be participating as well.

Lumbra shared the following statistics about autism:

• 1 in 110 children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

• 1 in 70 boys is on the autism spectrum.

• Autism prevalence rose 57 percent between 2002 and 2006.

• More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined.

Lumbra said the response from the city "has been tremendous."



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