Last week was a time for major events in Chicago connected with ICA's 50th Anniversary. One was more external while the other was more internal. On Saturday, September 15, ICA-USA was the organizing sponsor for the "Accelerate 77" Share Fair. This event has dramatically re-positioned us for the sake of expanding our national programs. Several colleagues from across the country were present. If you would like to see some photos and video, click on the following link: http://ica.site-ym.com/news/news.asp?id=103496 Two days before, we had an unveiling of the an art piece which will serve hang at 4750 for the next 50 years. The artist, Gina Alicea, named the completed piece "Ocean of Devotion." You can view her description about the work on the following link: * * http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/25387580 The work consists of more than a thousand pieces of cloth. On each appears written information that originated from one of three sources. First, about 350 pieces name deceased staff members and colleagues who worked at one time or another with EI/OE/ICA during the past 50 years. Others identify important past programs and projects --- RS-1, the Academy, and 24 Human Development Projects, etc. Second, several pieces highlight current programs and supporters, e.g., Technology of Participation (ToP), Accelerate 77 and its advisory committee, names of donors, etc. Third, 600+ pieces were created during fifty events that occurred across the country and around the world to mark the 50th Anniversary. Participants at these events wrote statements on strips of cloth to express their hopes and dreams, or, as we like to say, "claim a promise," for the next fifty years. The piece therefore includes symbolism of ICA's past, present, and future. It has been a full week. I am particularly grateful that Carol Pierce joined us at the Share Fair and celebrated our 50th Anniversary just a few days before she passed. Terry Bergdall