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Massachusetts celebrates 40 years of Chiropractic Licensure

The MCS Annual Convention was held this September at the Sheraton Host Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, celebrating 40 years of chiropractic licensure in Massachusetts. Just 40 years ago this month, an enthusiastic group of doctors, family, and dignitaries gathered at the Belmont Hotel in Harwich to honor special guest, Governor John A. Volpe, who on June 28, 1966 had signed An Act establishing the Board of Registration of Chiropractors and defining its powers and duties. This year’s celebration honored the Chiropractic Pioneers who sacrificed so much to that end, and those who attended were presented with a reproduction of the original Enabling Act.

Pioneers in attendance for the weekend’s festivities were Dr. John Connors, Drs. Malcolm and Patricia Macdonald, Dr. Thomas Perrault, Sr., and Dr. Alexander Politis. Dr. Macdonald was the president of the Massachusetts Chiropractic Association during the final drive for licensure, and joined Dr. Politis on the first Board of Registration, while Dr. Pat held down the home front. Dr. Connors was a North Shore ‘lieutenant’ in the army that fought the final battle, and Dr. Perrault was the youngest pioneer. Interesting to note that all five have children who are chiropractors, and two - Mac and Alex - came from chiropractic families. Several other pioneers who would have loved to attend were unable to due to ill health and traveling distance.

Two of the highlights of the weekend were listening to the stories the Pioneers had to tell, and viewing a very special historical presentation put together by Paul Andrews from materials provided from Dr. Macdonald’s vast archives, Dr. Ron Marsh’s Moral Defiance video, photos from the MACP Visionary Night, and various other sources. Dr. Steven Dean also showed a very interesting video from the 20th anniversary convention and from ChiroVan, travels across Massachusetts during his presidency.

At the Installation and Awards Banquet, Dr. Steven Saro was named MCS Chiropractor of the Year 2006 for his legislative work and for unwavering dedication and commitment to the chiropractic profession in the face of daunting challenges. President Ellen Blomerth presented Paul Andrews with an Outstanding Service Award, and Dr. Robert Clark, president of the Greater Boston Chiropractic Society, was named Local Society President of the Year. His wife Cathy was given special recognition for her hard work and support of her husband in those efforts. Also honored for their outstanding work in their local societies were Dr. Scott Darragh, (North Shore), Dr. Dan Reida (Cape Cod), and Drs. Rodney Thomas and Steven Przezdziecki (Pioneer Valley). The Project of the Year award went to North Shore for an interdisciplinary program.


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