Halloween can be a difficult holiday for children with Type I or Juvenile Onset Diabetes, an autoimmune disorder that requires children to take insulin to regulate glucose levels in their blood. In order to make it easier, the Diabetes Association, now a program of the People Incorporated FACE division, invited children of all ages to a party at Community Development Recreation's headquarters on Bank Street for a sugarless Halloween Party. Plenty of heart-healthy activities were offered, including games for younger children and dancing for teens. The whole group was entertained by a dance group that performed a spooky Halloween number. A delicious low-carbohydrate dinner was prepared by Chef Randy Benevides of Diman Regional Technical High School and served by FACE director Jenny DiBlasi, parents and volunteers. The Diabetes Association also runs a special summer camp program for children with Type 1 Diabetes. For more information about the program, contact FACE director Jenny DiBlasi at 508-837-6902, Ext. 102.
 

(Top row, left) Six-year-old Nathan Darel and his four-year-old brother, Zack, encounter Jason Medeiros dressed as one of the X-Men, as they enter the gym where the party was held. (Top row, center) Jessica Walker can't believe her eyes when she sees some of the costumes with her mother, Debbie, behind her. (Top row, right) One-year-old Jesinnah Walker shows off her bumble bee costume with assistance from Ashley Furtado. (Middle row, left) Diane Turgeon hold her niece, Belladora Ramos, sporting her orange, glow-in-the-dark fangs. (Middle row, center) Bags containing sugarless treats and recipes are lined up for the children. (Middle row, right) FACE director Jenny DiBlasi hands out bowls of chili prepared by Chef Randy Benevides of Diman Regional Technical High School. (Bottom row, left) Marcel Baptista, Jeff DeBarros, Junnyahh Burnett and Roberto Ordone entertain the crowd with a spooky dance number that the group choreographed themselves. (Bottom row, center and right) Suzanne Ramos leads the teenage girls in dance numbers accompanied by music that she dee-jayed.