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Kevin VanGundy

kevin@pendantpublishing.com

BEACON Senior Newspaper
Western Colorado's Leading Publication For Those 50+
With 31,920 Readers Each Month and Growing!

Telephone-
970-243-8829

Fax-
1-800-536-7516

Mail-
PO Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502

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www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

“Price is what you pay; value is what you get.”
– Warren Buffett

Are you a senior and have concerns about falling? The Center for Independence and

Region 10 are offering “A Matter of Balance,” a program for seniors that emphasizes

practical strategies to manage falls. Many older adults experience concerns about falling

and restrict their activities. A Matter of Balance is an award-winning program designed

to manage falls and increase activity levels. Participants will learn how to view falls as

controllable, set goals for increasing activity, make changes to reduce fall risks at home,

and exercise to increase strength and balance.

The class is free and open to seniors with concerns about falling. This class is an

excellent choice for individuals interested in improving balance, flexibility and strength,

anyone who has restricted activities because of falling concerns or anyone who has fallen

in the past.

Classes will be April 15th through June 17th every Monday from 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. at

the San Juan Elderly Apartments located at 1650 Church Street, Montrose, Co. Register

early, class size is limited. Wait list for next series will be available.

Contact Cathy Johnston or Pat Garland at Center for Independence at 970-241-0315.

A Matter of Balance is recognized for Innovation and Quality in Healthcare and Aging,

2006, American Society on Aging.

Click here to view the flyer

View Larger Map

Center for Independence (CFI) would like to recognize the outstanding service of William (Bill) Queen, Tom Kenyon, and David Nelson whose terms on the Board of Directors came to a close in the end of March 2013. Each outgoing Board Member served two consecutive terms, a six-year commitment to CFI. During their service, CFI transitioned to the the community building at 740 Gunnison and opened a satellite office in Montrose. CFI rebuilt programs and services to include vocational training, benefits planning, and created an investment strategy. In a time of economic uncertainty, the wise stewardship of the Board of Directors helped CFI maintain balance and make investments for the future.

CFI thanks each of these outgoing board members for their longstanding commitment to building a strong and efficient organization. Their dedication to CFI, the mission, the programs, and the consumers we serve will not be forgotten.

William (Bill) Queen: 2006-2013

2010-2013: Board President

William (Bill) Queen is a life long resident of Grand Junction. Mr. Queen is a member of the Traumatic Brain Injury and Epilepsy Support Group. He offers his time as a tutor and Volunteer with the Mesa County Library, and he works in the library's bookstore. Bill served as President of CFI’s Board of Directors from 2010 through the spring of 2013.

Tom Kenyon: 2006-2013

2010-2013: Board Vice President

Tom Kenyon served as the former Manager of the Colorado State Parks; he is an active businessman in the community, the former Grand Junction Mayor, former member of the Mesa County Planning Commission, and served on the Advisory Committee for McInnis Canyon National Recreational Area.

David Nelson: 2006-2013

2006-2013: Board Treasurer

David Nelson is the Benefits Planner for CP of Colorado/Northwestern Colorado. He is a member of the CIRCLE Group, an advisory committee for individuals with Traumatic Brain Injuries for the Western Slope. Mr. Nelson served on the Advisory Board for the Oasis Club House, and he is a member of the Family Self Sufficiency Committee with HUD housing in Grand Junction.

Beginning the week of January 10^th 2013, the Center for Independence (CFI), along with Mesa County AmeriCorps and Art Space & Open Studios, introduced the Art of Photography to people with disabilities. The photography workshop was an hour-long class offered one day a week and continued for seven weeks. Participants were able to work with Linda Brotman-Evans, Director of Art Space, as she provided photography techniques and artistic inspiration. With funds provided through a Serve Colorado/AmeriCorps Mini-grant, CFI purchased cameras for those who could not provide their own. The photography sessions at CFI provided a nurturing environment to help participants feel comfortable enough to step outside the box and to grow artistically.

Participants learned many ways to express themselves and how to experiment with the medium of photography. They learned techniques in still life, self-portrait, movement and outdoor photography, as well as general information on how to use a camera more effectively.

Following are the five major concepts taught during the photography workshop:

Still life is a technique that uses seemingly mundane objects that upon further observation can be transformed through the eye of the beholder into fascinating and creative pieces of artwork.

.....

Outdoor photography focuses on capturing nature in more detailed perspectives, or focusing on the little things that might typically get over looked:

.....

Portrait photography focuses on the people around us as well as zooming in on the amazing things about each person that makes them beautiful and unique; such as the eyes, hair, or hands of a person:

..........

Movement photography focuses on the creative “blur” or “streaking” effect that can be caught when photographing any action sequence. The participants found this especially useful for future events, such as watching a grandchild playing in a baseball game, or young ones playing on a swing set in the park.

.....

At the end of the seven week period, the participants were able to display their artwork in the Winter ArtFest Art Show held locally at Two Rivers Winery Chateau. They each prepared their photos on colorful mat boards as well as gift cards. The show then gave everyone the opportunity to show case their talents in a beautiful and professional environment alongside many individuals in the community from various walks of life.

.....

The people who participated in this activity are an amazing group of individuals who showed dedication and willingness to learn, grown, and explore their own abilities and creative talents!

DOCUMENT 00100 ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDDERS

LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT
NOTICE CALLING FOR BIDS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that The Center for Independence located in Grand Junction Colorado will receive Bids for:

Kitchen  Remodel and Modifications at 740  Gunnison Avenue      Grand Junction, CO 81501

Bids will be received at the Center for Independence 740 Gunnison Avenue CO 81501, on March 18, 2013 by 2:00 pm at which time all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

Firms who are desirous of securing a copy of the Bidding Documents may do so at the  Center for Independence office at 740 Gunnison Avenue or emailed to you by contacting lwabel@cfigj.org, 970-241-0315  beginning February 25, 2013 between the hours of 8:00 and and 4:00 pm Monday-Thursday and 8:00 am and Noon Friday.

A refundable deposit of $25 is required for each set of ‘hard-copy’ documents. Deposit will be refunded when documents are returned to the CFI within five (5) calendar days beyond the Bid deadline.  Electronic transmittal of Bidding Documents do not require a deposit and are available by contacting the same parties named herein.

A mandatory Pre-bid ‘walk-through’ will be conducted at 740 Gunnison Avenue on March 5, 2013 at 3:00 pm.

NOTE:  The Project is being funded partially through the City of Grand Junction Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program.  Therefore special conditions apply for the bidding and construction process.  The bidder must complete and submit all forms provided in the Bidding Documents and must adhere to all Federal requirements, including compliance with certified payroll and the Davis-Bacon Wage determination for each employee on the job site.  Those conditions are further described in the Bidding Documents.  By submitting a bid the bidder acknowledges receipt of this information and compliance to the terms and conditions contained within.

The Center for Independence prefers completion of the work by April 30, 2013.

All questions should be directed to the same contact as stated herein.  Questions will be responded to if received no less than four (4) working days prior to the bid deadline.

Training for Parents of Children with Disabilities:

Arming Yourself with Information

The Center for Independence is offering this free training on

Monday March 4^th from 4:00 to 7:30 pm

Center for Independence

740 Gunnison Avenue,

Grand Junction.

This is a broad discussion that will cover services and supports

for school age children with disabilities. Topics to be covered:

• IEP – Individualized Education Plan

• Legal & Financial Issues

• Transition Services

• Resources Available

• Parent Supports

Information packet and dinner (free of charge) will be provided.

Please RSVP by Thursday February 28^th by contacting

Jana Hill at 970-241-0315.

If you do not RSVP we cannot guarantee you a meal.

This training service is sponsored by Center for Independence

and brought to you through a commitment to outreach, education, and planning

provided by the Disability Resource Alliance, a committee formed by members

representing local agencies serving people with disabilities.

The Center For Independence and the Mesa County Americorps Project are offering a 7 week photography workshop. Funding from the Serve Colorado Governor's Commission on Community Service under the 2013 Colorado Disability Inclusion to Mini-Grans have made this possible.

The class will be led by Linda Brotman-Evans, Executive Director of Artspace, and will allow people with disabilities the opportunity for personal expression. Each class will provide 1 hour of photography instruction and will include lessons on composition, expression, framing, light, and artistic development.

The best photos of the class will be exhibited at the annual 2013 Artspace Show and Exhibit held at Two Rivers Winery on February 28th. This will be an amazing opportunity for members to help others see the world through the eyes of a person with a disability.

Classes will be held each Thursday beginning January 10th through February 21st from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm in CFI'g Gymnasium. Some cameras will be available for participant's use. However Students are encouraged to Supply their own camera. There will be a $10.00 charge for materials.

For more information about this event, or to sigh up call 241-0315

The Center for Independence is hosting their 1^st Annual Canine Christmas on Saturday December 8^th from10am -1pm in the Center’s Gymnasium, located at 740 Gunnison Avenue, Grand Junction.

To enter your pet in the costume contest, arrive by 9:30 a.m. for registration. The costume contest will begin at 10:30 a.m. sharp. A panel of judges selected from members of the community will select winners. Contest categories include Best Costume, Largest Dog, Smallest Dog, Most Creative, and Best Pairing.

Entry fee is $20 which includes 1 Photo with Santa (additional photos $4), 1 Doggy (Goodie) Bag and 2 Tickets for a chance to win a Door Prize. Would you like to enter more than one canine? Each additional canine is $10 (this includes an additional photo with Santa, doggie bag and door prize tickets).

The contest is open to any dog that is well-behaved and up-to-date on vaccinations. Participants must provide proof of current vaccinations at registration.  ALL Canines must be on a leash and kept under control at all times.

Other activities offered for participants and visitors will include lunch at our Chilly Dog Bar ($5 includes lunch combo), face painting for the kids ($1 donation), and shopping for dog beds, leashes and dog treats handmade by members of CFI’s Vocational Program.

To sign up, print and fill out the following forms.

Registration form

Waiver of Liability

We look forward to seeing you and your four-legged friends! See you there with bells on!

The CCDHH released a bulletin in November of 2012 (To view the Bulletin click here) stating that in concurrence with the Colorado Department of Human Services vision, they seek to become the nation’s leader in empowering Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, families and communities to become safe and independent. In keeping with this vision, the CCDHH approved a total funding of $47,847.50 for 6 out of a pool of 20 Colorado applicants competing for grant support.

The Center for Independence will use these funds to expand assistive technology (demonstration equipment) where individuals, especially the hard of hearing, have access to communication at the Center; we will add an AmeriCorps Intern who is American Sign Language (ASL) proficient; we will increase outreach to other counties in our service area with internet-based video relay interpreting; we will offer community and in-house ASL training; and the Center will remain focused on increasing the quality of services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

We are committed to serving the Grand Valley and the 11 additional counties in our service area. We wish to share out gratitude to the CCDHH for their generosity and willingness to invest in our mission to promote community solutions and to empower individuals with disabilities to live independently.

Center for Independence Bowling League

Friday Afternoon Bowling with the Center for Independence

Bowling is a favorite activity offered through the Center for Independence Recreation Program. Every other Friday, between 15 and 25 people with varying bowling abilities meet at Orchard Mesa Bowling Alley. This group proves that limited strength, mobility, or vision won’t stop a person from enjoying the sport of bowling. In fact, bowling is the perfect opportunity to compete with friends in a fun way.

To start the day off, a few of our bowlers arrive early to help set up any adaptive equipment. This includes putting floor ramps in place so that people in wheel chairs can access the bowling platform and adaptive ball ramps. CFI is blessed with many reliable, caring people who are always willing to help participants pick just the right ball and find the best fitting shoes.  Bowling is also a great way to get exercise, and you can burn up to 115 calories per hour to boot!

It’s important to remember that Friday’s activity isn’t just about bowling; it’s about the camaraderie we share at the bowling alley. This is a time for friends to get together and to be there to support one another.  Friends call each other when they need a ride to activities; they are willing to meet someone visually impaired as participants get off the bus; they help each other navigate through the busy parking lot to get into the building safely; everyone cheers for each other as the ball finally hits the difficult split resulting in a spare; and as friends, we remind each other that “it’s just a game and you’ll do better next time” when the ball mysteriously rolls into the gutter. Friday bowling = A time for building each other up through shared experiences.

Looking ahead - November 30^th is the annual Center for Independence Bowling League Tournament.  The event promises to be an afternoon of competitive fun, prizes and food. Tournament Information will be available in the November calendar. Contact Info for Readers: Pat Garland, Recreation Health and Wellness Program Manager. (970) 241 0315 ext 22. mailto:pgarland@cfigj.org

New Horizon Vocational Center manufactures dog beds out of fleece blanket scraps and batting that’s also used in sleeping bags.  We have a unique mixture that makes the beds warm and cozy as well as being attractive to the dog’s owners.  They’re available for $10 (small dog) to $40 (Mastiff/Great Dane size). We even have one that’s in Denver Bronco décor (3X size - $50).

Also available are hand-made leashes, 6 – 10 ft. in length.  Or we can make those to order if you want a particular color or length.  Cost:  $5

If you’re interested in purchasing one of our comfy creations or lovely leashes, call the Center at (970)-241-0315, and ask for the Vocational Director. Or you may email us at info@cfigj.org

We will also have a table at the Art Center’s annual Arts & Crafts Fair, November 16 – 18 at the Art Center, 7^th and Orchard.

Michael McCullough of Firehouse Sculpture located in Ridgeway will be holding a one-day clay sculpture workshop.  This is a great event for people with all types of disabilities to come and try clay sculpturing.  This includes but is not limited to physical, visual, hearing and cognitive disabilities, ages 14yrs and older.

This is a two hour workshop, cost is $5.00 per piece and each participant will get 5 pounds of clay (Jolly King plastiline) a 16”X16” piece of plywood to work on.  Participants are encouraged to bring up to three images of what they want to sculpt for reference purposes.  Each artist will receive a certificate of completion and have their picture taken with Michael.

We are also asking for people that would be interested in volunteering as peer support for participants the day of the event.

Michael is offering this workshop as a practice event to promote “Ridgeway Sculpture Contest” June 23 at the Firehouse Gallery in Ridgeway Colorado.  Participants of the CFI practice event are encouraged to attend the contest in Ridgeway where they will be compete in cash prizes up to $1000.00

This practice event made possible by a grant from the City of Grand Junction Commission on Arts and Culture.

Location:        Center for Independence

740 Gunnison Ave

Grand Junction CO

Date:               Saturday May 12, 2012

Time:              1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

For register for the event or for more information contact Pat Garland, Recreation, Health, and Wellness Program Manager @ (970) 241 0315 or pgarland@cfigj.org

There is a limit of 20 participants so get your RSVP in by Monday May 7^th.

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) - As you're getting up and ready for work this morning, it might seem hard to imagine doing things outside of your normal routine. But for some, that routine is done a bit differently, as many really have to push themselves to get around.

KKCO 11 News sat down with Jane Newton, a Grand Junction woman who gets around mostly by wheelchair. You might be surprised to find that's not her only means of transportation. She hops from her chair, to her minivan, even to a bike.

“My friends tell me that I’m watched a lot and I don't think about it but because I just go out and do stuff,” says Newton, 56.

To Newton, her chair is definitely not something that holds her back. In fact, her whole life, she's needed that extra support.

"When I was born, I crawled and I stood up and I held on to the furniture and walked I just didn't take steps and I never took steps,” she says.

Originally diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Newton found out at age 45 that she was misdiagnosed at birth.

"And they came up with a spinal cord industry, at least as far as we know. It's a very unique situation; we really don't know why I never walked,” she says.

Nonetheless, she's done more on crutches and in a wheelchair than many can do on their own two legs.

"I learned to ski, I worked at a ski area, and I lived in the mountain,” says Newton.

The single mother just stopped working a year ago.

"I was a recreation coordinator at the Center for Independence. I planned activities, recreational activities for all individuals with disabilities,” she says.

Today, she takes time to slow down, give her body a rest, and continue to make her children proud.

"I guess I’m an example to other people with disabilities that you can do stuff, you just have to be strong and have determination and a positive attitude,” she says.

Newton is currently competing in a nationwide competition to win a fully accessible van that would make getting around that much easier. The contest is run by the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. Newton is competing against about 1100 nationally. She's one of two here on the western slope.

To vote, click here: http://www.nmeda.com/mobility-awareness-month/heroes/colorado/grand-junction/734/jane-newton

This article is from KKCO 11NEWS, All rights reserved

http://www.nbc11news.com/home/headlines/Local_woman_keeps_moving_volunteers_to_help_others_148666325.html

After Christmas this year I decided to start a Book Club activity in the Center for Independence Recreation Program. The point of this activity was to get out into the community and have a relaxing afternoon socializing with the amazing people that participate in CFI activities. We have enjoyed connecting at Traders Coffee Shop every other Friday afternoon and discussing our books. Even though the books are a great topic and conversation starter, the real point is to just see each other and visit about life in a calm setting.

One of our members is a young lady whose goal in getting involved was to create connections with others and branch out of her comfort zone in order to make new friendships. This intelligent young lady is an avid reader and was able to connect with another member discussing e-books at our Book Club meetings. Since then the two women have formed an inspiring friendship meeting up outside of CFI activities. They recently spent an independent afternoon together painting pottery at Angelo’s.

As an AmeriCorps intern I am so grateful for having been employed at CFI. The atmosphere is full of supportive, caring, and inspiring people. I am encouraged to use my imagination and come up with as many fun activity ideas as possible. It is a wonderful feeling to see ones ideas flourish into action that can help others to grow.

Sincerely,

Shonda L. Sides

Fact Sheet

2012 Social Security Changes Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA): Based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W) from the third quarter of 2008 through the third quarter of 2011, Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries will receive a 3.6 percent COLA for 2012. Other important 2012 Social Security information is as follows: 2011 2012 Tax Rate: Employee 7.65% * 7.65%* Self-Employed 15.30% * 15.30%* NOTE: The 7.65% tax rate is the combined rate for Social Security and Medicare. The Social Security portion (OASDI) is 6.20% on earnings up to the applicable taxable maximum amount (see below). The Medicare portion (HI) is 1.45% on all earnings. * Section 601 of the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 reduced, for wages and salaries paid in calendar year 2011 and self-employment income in calendar year 2011, the OASDI payroll tax by 2 percentage points, applied to the portion of the tax paid by the worker and the self-employed individual. Section 101 of the Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 extends this reduction of the tax rate through the end of February 2012. (The reduced tax rate for earnings in 2012 applies only to the first $18,350 of a worker’s total wages and self-employment income. The limit of $18,350 is two-twelfths of the $110,100 taxable earnings limit for 2012.) Unless additional legislation is approved, the tax rate will then revert to the unreduced rate. Maximum Taxable Earnings: Social Security (OASDI only) $106,800 $110,100 Medicare (HI only) N o L i m i t Quarter of Coverage:

Earnings needed to earn one $1,120 $1,130 Social Security Credit Retirement Earnings Test Exempt Amounts: Under full retirement age $14,160/yr. $14,640/yr. ($1,180/mo.) ($1,220/mo.)

NOTE: One dollar in benefits will be withheld for every $2 in earnings above the limit.

The year an individual reaches full $37,680/yr. $38,880/yr.

retirement age ($3,140/mo.) ($3,240/mo.)

NOTE: Applies only to earnings for months prior to attaining full retirement age. One dollar in benefits will be withheld for every $3 in earnings above the limit.

There is no limit on earnings beginning the month an individual attains full retirement age.

Social Security Disability Thresholds:

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

Non-Blind $1,000/mo. $1,010/mo.

Blind $1,640/mo. $1,690/mo.

Trial Work Period (TWP) $ 720/mo. $ 720/mo.

Maximum Social Security Benefit: Worker Retiring at Full Retirement Age:

$2,366/mo. $2,513/mo.

SSI Federal Payment Standard:

Individual $674/mo. $698/mo.

Couple $1,011/mo. $1,048/mo.

SSI Resources Limits:

Individual $2,000 $2,000

Couple $3,000 $3,000

SSI Student Exclusion:

Monthly limit $1,640 $1,700

Annual limit $6,600 $6,840

Estimated Average Monthly Social Security Benefits Payable in January 2012:

Before After

3.6% COLA 3.6% COLA

All Retired Workers $1,186 $1,229

Aged Couple, Both Receiving Benefits $1,925 $1,994

Widowed Mother and Two Children $2,455 $2,543

Aged Widow(er) Alone $1,143 $1,184

Disabled Worker, Spouse and $1,826 $1,892

One or More Children

All Disabled Workers $1,072 $1,111