Happy New Year

Yesterday (from the left, Gerald, Mandy, and Donna), residents at the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder, posed for this picture to wish all of our Facebook fans, blog followers, and everyone associated with Imagine! a Happy New Year. So, here's to a healthy, productive, and fun 2013.

Shaun Likes His New Tie

This blog post was provided by Imagine!’s Out & About department’s Facebook page.

Before Christmas, Shaun received the tie he's wearing from his principal and he sure enjoyed wearing it. With him is Scott, Out & About's Quality & Public Relations Coordinator. Happy Holidays.

Anthony, Toby, And Kristin Take A Broncos Tour

This blog post was submitted by Kristin Conboy via email. Kristin is the former Site Supervisor at the Charles Family SmartHome in Longmont.

On Saturday, December 8th, Anthony, Toby and myself went on a Bronco's Tour. Super Fun!!!!!!!!!!!! Toby and Anthony are huge fans! They had a great day. Minus being a little disappointed about not seeing any of those cheer leaders.   Ha Ha.



From left, Toby, Kristin, and Anthony inside the stadium.



Toby (left) and Anthony outside the stadium.

 

More Holiday Wishes From John

This blog post was provided via an audio email from John, who is a resident of the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder.

Hello, I went to the ACL (Association for Community Living) and I had fun there. I went to the Christmas party over there, and there were a ton of people there.  I got a CD that was a present that I got and opened.

I’m just going to tell you Happy Holidays and I hope to hear from you. Another thing I want to tell you is that I hope you have safe holidays, and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I hope that you look forward to 2013. Alrighty, have a good day, bye.

Therapy Dog Raven Brings Cheer To SmartHome

This blog post and photo were sent via email by Chantelle, the Site Supervisor of the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder.

Imagine!'s volunteer program brings volunteer Ingrid and therapy dog Raven to the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome. You can see Raven spreading Christmas cheer as Rebecca enjoys putting her Christmas hat on Raven's head. Raven comes to the SmartHome every week and enjoys treats, hugs, and love. The residents like it too.  

Happy Holidays From John

This blog post was submitted yesterday by John via an audio email. John is a resident of the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder.

Hi, this is John. Happy Holidays. I hope that you look forward to Christmas and New Year’s Day and I hope that you remember my message and that I hear from you soon.

I have a Christmas joke. “Knock knock.” “Who’s there?” “Santa.” “Santa who?” “(w)Ho (w)ho (w)ho.” I hope you remember that one. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Bye bye.

Lana Likes Her Arm Art

This blog post was submitted via email by Chantelle, the Site Supervisor at the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder.

This photo was recently taken after Lana finished her chores at the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder. She chose to have some temporary art designs on her arms, choosing them from a list of various designs. Lana clearly loves flowers.

Rebecca Is Making Jewelry Through EXPAND

This blog post was sent via email by Chantelle, the house supervisor of the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder.

This is a photo of Rebecca who has been going to a jewelry class through EXPAND in Boulder. She has attended for a month and loves making jewelry at home. It's one of her favorite activities.

John Says Disney On Ice Was A Blast

This blog post was submitted by John via an audio email. John is a resident of the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder, and he has become very skilled at using the technology on his computer that allows him to send audio emails.

Thank you so much to everyone who gave me a birthday card. I really liked them.

I just want to say hello and Happy Holidays coming. I went to the “Dare to Dream Disney on Ice" yesterday.” I had so much fun, it was a blast.

I hope to have Christmas jokes for you and if I find one I’ll give it to you.

I will be at Imagine! for the Innovations Advocacy Council meeting tomorrow. All right, take care, bye.

Lana Asks "What Are You Doing For Christmas?"

This blog post was sent via audio email just a few moments ago by Lana, who is a resident of the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder.

Hi, This is Lana. My birthday is coming up next Wednesday. Happy holidays. What are you going to do for Christmas?

John Likes The Movie "Christmas In Yellowstone"

This blog post was submitted via audio email by John, who is a resident of the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder.

Hi.  This is John. How’s your day? I just want to tell you that I had my birthday on Saturday and it was really fun. I went to Red Robin near Denver and then I went to the Wildlife Experience museum and saw the movie “Christmas in Yellowstone.” Anyway, that was kind of interesting.

Happy Holidays early, and I hope that I’ll see you sometime. I just want to say hello, and I hope that you have a good night. I’ll tell you a joke next time. Bye bye.

Lana's Early Birthday Breakfast With Her Sister

This blog entry was sent via an audio email from Lana, who is a resident of the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder.  The audio emails are just one of the easy to use technology tools that the residents of the home can use to impact their quality of life.

Hi, this is Lana. I’m going to IHOP for breakfast with my sister Lisa for an early birthday breakfast at 9:30. Talk to you soon, have a nice weekend, bye.


Note:  Lana's birthday is next Wednesday, December 12.

A New Volunteer For Donna And Gerald

This blog post was submitted by Donna, who lives at the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder.
Boy, do I have some exciting news. My friend Chloe, who used to volunteer and hang out with me almost every week for more than three years before she went away to college, has a younger brother who is going to start working (volunteering) with us. Hearing that made me so happy. His name is Ben. It is so cool that he will be spending time with us, and hopefully I’ll get to see Chloe more often when she's home from college too.

I was all excited when Chloe came over recently and said that her brother Ben wants to spend time with me and Gerald. I will keep you posted about this. Bye bye.

Gerald And Donna's Neat Thanksgiving With Friends

This blog post was provided to us last night in person by Donna and Gerald at their home, the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder.

We had a really nice Thanksgiving. Some friends from church invited us over to their house. They even rented a wheel chair ramp so we could easily get into their house with our wheelchairs. (apparently U-Haul rents ramps for a very affordable price).

For dinner we had turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, mashed potatoes (one of Gerald’s favorite foods), and pumpkin pie and whipped cream.

It was fun to have a few little kids there. They add to the excitement with all the energy they have. You have to ask yourself, “Where do they get all that energy?” They can run around until they’re totally exhausted. Then they eventually tend to get tired and a little cranky, but that's how it goes.

The kids sure got a kick out of our wheelchairs. They thought it was like having a car in the house, and I guess they're right. They get us from point A to point B, just like a car does.

When we got home, we talked to mom (Gerald’s mom), and she's doing pretty well.  We found out that Gerald’s sister has moved to Texas. She gets around. She lived in Alaska for a while too.

Well, we’ll be putting up some Christmas decorations this weekend at our house, so that will make for a good time. Bye bye for now.

Rebecca's Thanksgiving

This blog entry was sent via audio email from Rebecca and followed up with a phone call to Rebecca to clarify what the turkey in the photo is made of.

Hi, I had a nice Thanksgiving at my parent’s house. I didn’t go to Zolo Grill for Thanksgiving this year because I was with my parents. I had turkey, mashed potatoes, a baked potato, and some other good food. When I got home we had some pie and ice cream. I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving.  This picture was taken at my parents house. 

PS: The turkey pictured below is made out of wood.

NY Yankees Are Coming To Denver Next May

This blog post was submitted by Jessica via a written note and phone call.

Hello, how are you? I hope you all have a nice Thanksgiving.

Last Thursday, November 15th, was my second anniversary living at Garden Place PCA. That night I watched the Buffalo Bills play the Miami Dolphins on TV, and they showed Niagara Falls a few times during the game. That was awesome. I enjoyed seeing the Buffalo Bills win. I like the New York teams. Next May (the 7th, 8th, and 9th) the New York Yankees will be in Denver playing the Rockies. I might go with my dad, that would be cool and great.

Also on my second anniversary at Garden Place I had a good day at work at the Pumphouse rolling silverware. After work I went bowling and had two games over 100 and a 99.

Well, bye for now, and happy Thanksgiving.

Update On Carl's Upcoming Trip To New Orleans

This blog post is about Carl, and was provided to us by Alan, one of the members of First Congregational Church in Boulder which Carl attends. Carl had recently told us he was going back to New Orleans on December 15th, so we contacted Alan for more information about Carl’s upcoming trip and Alan cheerfully obliged.

Carl will be going to New Orleans on December 15 by himself. This will be Carl’s fourth trip to New Orleans to help rebuild houses damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Carl enjoys the churches where we have stayed in the past while working on rebuilding homes through the St. Bernard Project, in east New Orleans. Therefore, he travels there on his own to experience special programs at several of the churches about which he knows, especially music programs. He finds all this out on the web.

In New Orleans, Carl has helped laying the floor, painting, sanding, drilling in drywall, and cleaning up. On top of that, when we get lost in the French Quarter or almost anywhere in New Orleans, Carl knows where to go. He has an uncanny sense of location. Even when he goes to New Orleans on his own, especially within the first several years after Katrina, he knew which buses would be working and which ones were not. He was able to locate the office of the St. Bernard Project. He also remembers every house he worked on and the names of those who live there.


Carl using a drill while repairing a damaged home in New Orleans.



Carl painting a damaged home in New Orleans.



Carl with friends Liz McCartney and Zack Rosenburg, founders of the St. Bernard Project.  
Liz was voted CNN's Hero of the Year in 2008.



Carl Will Be Helping Again In New Orleans

This post was given in person by Carl at Imagine!’s Thanksgiving potluck this afternoon. Carl has been to New Orleans three times already with members of his church, First Congregational Church in Boulder. Carl spends a lot of his spare time at the church listening to the choir practice and greeting visitors, and is a valued member of his church’s community.

On December 15 I’m going to New Orleans to help rebuild houses that were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. This is my fourth trip there.

Are You Getting Ready For Turkey Day?

This blog post was submitted by John via an audio email.

Hi, This is your friend John. How was Veterans Day? Are you getting ready for Turkey Day coming up? I’ve got a good joke. “When is a car not a car?” “When it turns into the driveway.” I hope you understand that and I’ll talk to you later on, and hopefully I’ll see you sometime. Bye bye for now.

Griggs Likes Earning Money At Work

This blog post was provided in person by Griggs.

Hi.

Today we swept, mopped, and vacuumed.  I earned lots of money, working hard. I like earning a whole bunch of money. I can spend some in Omaha when I visit there. They have white cake, mashed potatoes, and lots of good food there. Tonight I’m going to talk to momma (Griggs talks to his mom almost every night). 

Griggs painted this piece of art at a CORE/Labor Source art class in Longmont.

Lana Chose A Winner

This blog post was submitted by Lana via audio email yesterday.

Hi, this is Lana. Obama won last night. I voted for him. I’ve been watching the race and stuff on TV. Talk to you later, bye.

This picture was taken in the living room of the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome, where Lana,
John, and Donna were eager to learn who would be our next president.  Lana, John, and Donna
were happy they got to vote. 

John Voted On Election Day

This blog post was submitted last night via an audio email from John. The photos were sent via email by Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome staff members Joseph and Chantelle.

Hi.  I voted already. I was doing that and then I had my IP which was really well. I hope you are watching the results of the vote.

I will not be at the Advocate Council until December 11. I just want to let you understand. So, happy election night. I have a really good joke. “What did one termite say to the other termite when he saw the house burning?” “Barbecue tonight!” So have a good night, bye.

John is pleased after having voted on election day.  Note his "I voted" sticker.



John, Donna, and Lana are watching the election results on their TV at the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome.
John, Donna, and Lana all voted, and were eager to learn who would be elected president.   



Rebecca's Birthday Lunch At 3 Margaritas

This photo came to us via an email from Rebecca, and she told us over the phone that the picture was taken  on her birthday at 3 Margarita’s restaurant in Boulder, where she wanted to go for her birthday lunch.  She said it was a very good birthday meal; burritos, rice, and beans.  

Butterfly Resting On Jordan's Sleeve

This blog post was submitted by Tim West-Heiss, who is a Lead Counselor in Imagine!’s CORE/Labor Source department.

People served by Imagine!'s CORE/Labor Source department recently went to the Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster, Colorado, as part of a community activity and this picture of Jordan was taken there. You can see the butterfly (it looks like a Tiger Swallowtail) sitting calmly on Jordan’s sleeve.

Rae Paints A Picture For Her Niece's Birthday

This is a picture that Rae painted for her niece’s birthday. Rae is a resident at the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder.

Writing Stories Takes Time, Energy, Patience & Will Power

This blog post was submitted in person by Mandy.

I am working on a holiday story and will send you that when I finish it. I’m sorry it’s taking me so long but as you know, writing stories takes time, energy, patience, and will power.

Rose Mary Honored For 15 Years Of Volunteering

Thanks to Imagine! employee Eva Klemens for orchestrating this neat blog post.

Congratulations to Rose Mary, who is pictured here displaying the plaque she received for volunteering at Boulder Community Hospital for 15 years. Rose Mary volunteers every Wednesday for 2 hours and does office work. Note the rose stitched onto the green jacket she was presented with, which is also engraved with her name. Way to go Rose Mary.

John Is Getting Ready For Halloween

This blog post was submitted via an audio email from John on Tuesday, October 23.

Hi, this is John speaking. Today I went to the pumpkin party at the ACL (Association for Community Living), and it was fun. I went to a pumpkin patch on Saturday and that was very nice too. Say hi to the other people at the Imagine! Coal Creek building, and I hope you hear my message OK.

Here’s a wonderful joke for you. “Why did the chicken cross the road?” “Because it had to get to the other side.” That is one of my favorite jokes.

Have a great night, all righty, bye.

This photo of John was taken last week at the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder, Colorado. John is in the living room peering through Halloween cob webs that are decorating the home.

Shelly Enjoying Painting

This photo was taken yesterday at a CORE/Labor Source art class in Longmont, Colorado. Shelly is using an adapted paint brush to help her to guide it with accuracy. Shelly is always proud of her appearance, as demonstrated in her designed fingernail polish and colorful bracelets.

Robert Attended Dancing With The Boulder Stars

This blog post was submitted by Robert via an audio email that also included written text as an attachment.

Hello my name is Robert. I went to the Dancing with the Boulder Stars last Thursday evening at the Fox Theater, and boy was it fun.

I had to get the tickets first, and then we unloaded everybody (from the van). And how we got the tickets, was the pie man that usually comes to the house, his daughter works there, and she had five other tickets that she wanted to donate, so she gave the house five extra tickets, which was very, very nice. We couldn’t have done it without her.

At first, I had a Coke, and I was halfway done with the Coke, but then the daughter’s dad came up and asked me what kind of beer I liked, and then me and another gentleman said, “Whatever sounds good, we would take.” And he said, “Hang on,” then brought out the beer. It was a Coors Lite, and we both said, “Thank you.” Then about 20 minutes later, the program started. I saw a lot of neat dances and I also got good compliments from other people. We stayed about three and 1/2 hours or four hours, but then we had to go, because it was getting pretty late.

This is Robert, signing off.

Neil Likes Working At The Outback Steakhouse

This blog post was provided in person by Neil.

"Things are going great. I like my job at the Outback Steakhouse in Longmont. I work there Tuesdays and Wednesdays." (When asked what he likes to do with the money he earns, Neil replied), "Spend some and save some, save some and spend some, it goes back and forth."



This photo of Neil was taken a couple years ago in an art class with Imagine!'s CORE/Labor Source department.  Neil was working on a Peace Pole project at the time.

Lana Will Be Voting

This blog post was submitted via audio email by Lana. The voting meeting Lana is referring to was a meeting about voting issues that she attended at Imagine! on Monday that was sponsored by The Legal Center.

Hi, this is Lana. The voting meeting went really good. I learned a lot, and I will be voting.

This photo was taken recently when Lana attended a live webcast at Imagine!, the National Forum on Disability Issues, an historic nonpartisan event, focusing on the disability positions of the 2012 Presidential candidates.

Shout Out For Lafayette's Coal Creek Lanes

This blog post was submitted by Erika Alvis, who is a Program Coordinator with CORE/Labor Source.

Below is a picture I took today of Terri and Randy with one of the wonderful staff at Coal Creek Lanes (In Lafayette). The staff at Coal Creek Lanes are just simply the best. They call all of our folks by name, have created relationships with them, invite them to sit and chat with them while they eat their lunch and more than anything support the work we do and understand the varying needs of the consumers we work with.

From the front desk to the concession stand, I am always continually amazed by the staff smiles and willingness to ensure all of the consumers we serve have an excellent experience at Coal Creek Lanes.

Bob With His Brand New Tim Tebow NY Jets Jersey

This blog entry was sent via an audio email from Bob, who like most of us was quite surprised at the Denver Bronco’s come from behind victory over the San Diego Chargers last night on Monday night football.

Hello.

I watched the game last night, and it totally surprised me that they were down 0-24 and they came back and won 35-24. I am getting a brand new authentic New York Jets Tim Tebow jersey today, and I’m really enjoying computer class. I’m taking a new class and it’s in computers. And I’m really excited to be taking this computer class because it teaches me something new in computers every day. And I just feel good all around.

This is Bob, signing off.

Bob with his brand new authentic Tim Tebow jersey that he got today.

Flowers For Sarah

This blog entry was sent via audio email by Mandy, who sent a beautiful bouquet of purple flowers to the funeral of her friend Sarah.

Hi, I just wanted to let you know I’m doing well. I hope that you are doing well too. I hope people who saw the flowers enjoyed them. I will talk to you soon, bye.

Chris Is Learning How To Use SmartHome Technology

This blog post was given in person by Chris, a resident of the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder, Colorado.

I love living in the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome. When I first moved in here, I didn’t know what to do with any of the computer stuff. Now I find videos on the internet, play games, send audio emails, and listen to music, especially country and rap. I really do love this place. 

Jessie Walked 500 Feet Today

This blog post was provided in person today by Jessie, who was born with a physical disability in her legs.  She has no femurs, and uses a wheelchair for mobility.  Until about a month ago, Jessie had not walked in six years.

Today I reached one of my goals for walking. I was at the physical therapy room at Exempla Good Samaritan Medical Center and I walked four laps with my walker. It is 125 feet per lap, so I walked a total of 500 feet. That achieved one of my goals, to walk 500 feet with a walker.

My next goal is to walk 500 feet without a walker. That won't be so easy.  I currently don’t have the core strength to stand on my own, so I’m lacking the stability and balance to stand. That will hopefully come in time and with a lot of work.

I have a few busy days coming up, including some fun activities I'll be doing with Out & About. Tonight I will go to Giddy Up, (NOTE:  Giddy Up is an equine-assisted therapy program designed in collaboration between Out & About and Medicine Horse Program in which participants learn skills such as horse grooming, natural horsemanship, riding, and horse leading while focusing on relationships with the horses and each other), tomorrow I will go to Friday Night Out where we’ll have pizza and go bowling; and Saturday we’ll go to the Louisville Rec Center for Fitness and Fun where I’ll get some exercise.

I’ll keep you updated with my progress.

Lana Will Miss Her Friend Sarah Who Passed Away

This blog post was submitted via audio email by Lana. The funeral service Lana is referring to attending was for her friend Sarah, a resident of the Charles Family SmartHome, who passed away last Saturday. Lana attended the memorial service and celebration of Sarah’s life yesterday.

Hi, This is Lana. We had fun at Sarah’s celebration of life yesterday. We had peanut butter and jelly sandwiches because that’s something Sarah liked to eat. We also had chips, coffee, hot chocolate, and tea. I will miss Sarah.

Art Class Focuses On Collaborative Art Pieces

This blog post and photo were submitted by Katherine, one of the Art Instructors for Imagine!’s CORE/Labor Source department.

At Longmont’s CORE/Labor Source art classes, we have been focusing on collaborative art pieces. In the photo, participants were instructed to come together and compromise on colors and subject matters. The group expressed that they wanted to draw Charlie Brown and work on geometric designs.

David Enjoys His Bowling Leagues, And His Life

This blog post was provided in person by David at Coal Creek Sports Center (bowling alley) in Lafayette.

I would like to invite my friends at Imagine! to stop by the bowling alley on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday to watch me bowl and to visit. I am in different leagues all three nights, and the leagues go until April 2nd so I’ll be here all winter. We bowl from around 6:00 until 8:00 PM, and I have a lot of friends at Imagine! I’d like to see, so please pass this on to them. (When asked what his all time high scores are in bowling, David said that he’s had a 207 and a 209. Some leagues have bumpers in the gutters to prevent the ball from going into the gutters but David bowls in leagues that do not use the bumpers).

I haven’t been able to get to Mapleton softball fields since the bowling leagues started, but I got there a lot during the summer. I always watched the Imagine! team on Wednesdays. 

I’m working at Bayaud Enterprises in Denver as a janitor three days a week. I’m happy. I love to work, you know that. I just enjoy life. I don’t like sitting around doing nothing, I like to keep busy.

Jack and I didn’t go to the Bronco game last week since it was against the Raiders. We go to the rest of the games but we give someone our tickets for the Raiders’ games because the crowd is just too rowdy when the Broncos play the Raiders. We just go to have fun.

Well, I hope I see some of you soon. Stop by the bowling alley and say hi!

David sure had the pins flying on this shot.

John Is Working Hard At His Jobs

This blog post was sent via audio email by John.

Hi, this is your friend John speaking. I just want to record this message, and so I will tell you two things. I am working really hard at the Hungry Toad and Timberline, and I want to tell you that.

Here’s a good joke. “What did the fish say when he ran into the wall? Dam.”  I hope you know that.

Bye bye.

Rebecca Is Saving Money For A Vacation

This blog post was submitted in person by Rebecca, who came by Imagine!’s Coal Creek office today to watch the National Forum on Disability Issues debate on a webcast.

I am still working two jobs, polishing and rolling silverware at both Rock Bottom Restaurant and the Chophouse in Boulder. I am saving money from my paychecks to take a trip to Richmond, Virginia to visit my aunt and uncle. Have a nice weekend!

Jessie: "I Walked 125 Feet Today!"

This blog post was submitted by Jessie earlier today. She came by our office in person to share this great news. If you want to know more about Jessie, check out Tuesday’s post!

"I walked 125 feet today!"

Congratulations Jessie, and keep us informed of your progress.

Jessica's Birthday Trip To New York

This blog post was tape recorded during an interview requested by Jessica.

On July 26th, my dad and I left for New York City to celebrate my birthday. The trip didn’t start off so good, our flight was delayed for six hours, and we didn’t arrive in New York until after midnight. We had to stop in Elmira, New York for a couple hours due to bad weather, went to Syracuse to refuel, and then landed in La Guardia airport. Unfortunately because we were so late our rental car was gone, but we finally got one after waiting for two hours.

Finally, we were on our way to New Jersey to find my second cousin’s house, and we arrived there at 4:00 AM. We visited for a while and at 5:30 AM we went out for breakfast. I got about an hour’s sleep, and then we went to visit another cousin. We all went for a walk on the beach, it was humid but we enjoyed seeing the waves from the boardwalk. We had lunch on the beach, then went to visit another cousin. I visited a lot of relatives that day, and we out to a Chinese restaurant around 11:30 PM, and at midnight it was my birthday so I got some presents and cake.

On the way home, we drove by the stadiums where the Jets, Giants, and Mets play. I said hi to all the stadiums, and I said hi to the Statue of Liberty too, hearing “Happy birthday” in my own way of hearing that other people don’t typically hear.

I got a decent night’s sleep that night, and on my birthday, the 28th, my dad and I went to Yankee Stadium to watch the Yankees play the Red Sox. We got there early enough to watch batting practice, but then it began raining and the 4:05 game time was moved back to 7:00. The Yankees started off ahead after hitting some home runs, but the Red Sox won the game. I didn’t want the Red Sox, who I cannot stand, to win that game. But the good thing is I was on the Jumbotron, holding my sign. The game ended around 11:00 PM.

We got a little sleep, and our flight back to Denver left at 5:30 am. I was exhausted but am glad I got to go to New York City for my birthday.

This is the sign Jessica took to Yankee Stadium.

Jessie Walks For The First Time In Six Years

This blog post was submitted by LeAnne Woodward, Imagine! Case Manager

I have a great success story. I work with a consumer, Jessie Irvin, who has been an Imagine! consumer for years. She is in her twenties and was born with a physical disability in her legs. Jessie has no femurs and uses a wheelchair to get around.

Recently, she started going to physical therapy for pain in her back. While at physical therapy it was determined that part of her pain was due to lack of movement. She worked with her therapist and practiced walking. Jessie had not walked in over six years!!! She was so excited and proud of herself that she stopped by Imagine! just to show me. Jessie took four steps on her own! She reported to me that she had taken 40 steps while at physical therapy which is a huge success for Jessie.

She has set a new goal for herself to walk at least five hundred steps so that she can finally start roller blading again. I am so very happy for Jessie and can’t wait for her continued progress.

Robert's Artwork: How It Came To Be

This blog post was submitted by Gary Stebick.

Recently I was at Foothills Group Home taking a photo of one of the staff members for a newsletter article about an award she received.  When I was leaving, Robert, one of the residents of the home, was near the front door and politely asked if there was anything he could do to be in the Imagine! newsletter. I told him I was certain there was, and asked him what his interests are. He mentioned art, and said he had a picture in his bedroom that he drew in high school that I might be interested in seeing.

Robert proceeded to show me the art and told me the process of how he decided what to draw in the picture. Robert‘s art teacher at Jefferson High School suggested that Robert find some pictures that he liked in magazines and use them for models for different parts of his art. Robert started by choosing to draw the picture with charcoal and pencil. He saw a picture of mountains that he liked, so mountains was the first thing he drew. Then he drew the large ship, fashioned after a large ship he saw in a photo. Then he found a photo of a man in a rowboat which he liked so he drew a man in a rowboat next. As he continued looking through magazines, he saw a picture of a helicopter and decided to put a helicopter into his drawing. Finally, since there were two ships in the picture he added the ocean, and that’s how he came to draw this wonderful piece of art.

Robert’s interest in art began when he was a child drawing in coloring books. Navy blue is his favorite color, followed by red and orange. Animals are his favorite thing to draw. When asked what he likes to do, Robert replied, “I like to help people, that's my favorite thing to do.”

The piece of art shown here has sentimental value to Robert. He wrapped the picture and gave it to his grandfather as a present.  Unfortunately his grandfather died unexpectedly soon afterwards. Robert’s grandmother knew the artwork was special to Robert and she returned it to him to serve as a reminder of his grandfather, a former Marine whose picture hangs on Robert’s wall near his artwork.

Eating What We Grew Is The Best Part Of Gardening

Boulder Family Farms, located at 1005 Cherryvale Road in Boulder, provides gardening space to Imagine!’s CORE/Labor Source gardening class. This week the class harvested beets, cucumbers, and carrots, then washed and sliced them to put into pickling jars. Once the vegetables were in jars, canning and pickling salt was added to the vegetables to suck out some of the water. Then the water was drained and the jar filled up with ½ water and ½ apple cider vinegar, and some dill seed and dill weed and garlic was added.

The class members all got to take a jar of pickled vegetables home with them, and the veggies will be ready to eat in 24 – 48 hours in the refrigerator. In the photo are Gabe and Karena shaking the jars to spread around the canning and pickling salt.

When asked what is his favorite part of gardening, Gabe replied, “Getting to eat what we grow.”

Lana's Train Ride To Glenwood Springs

This blog post was submitted via audio email by Lana.

Hi. This is Lana. I left on Friday morning to go to Glenwood Springs. I got up at 4:30 to ride the train to Glenwood Springs for the weekend. I had a great time. The trip was fun. We got into the Hot Spring until I started itching. But I had fun. We went shopping, had fried chicken, and went to a Mexican restaurant. I stayed in a hotel overnight. I loved the train ride, and we saw a bunch of deer on the way back. That’s all I’ve got to say, talk to you later, bye.

John Likes Being On Innovations Advocacy Council

This blog post was submitted on Tuesday, September 18, via audio email by John. The Advocacy Council meeting John refers to is an Imagine! Innovations Advocacy Council that John is a volunteer member of. Some of the topics discussed at last month’s meeting were: “Community involvement versus community inclusion/acceptance”; “Voter registration and responsibilities of voting”; and “How to incorporate individuals with high needs into meetings and proceedings.”

Hi, This is your friend John speaking. I just want to say hi, and to let you know I went to the Advocacy Council meeting so I had fun with that. Another thing I like is when you write me back I always really enjoy it. Here’s a good joke. “When is a door not a door? When it’s ajar.” Another one is, “What kind of cheese isn’t yours? Nacho cheese.” Have a good night, bye bye.

Loren Relaxes At The Sun Rose Cafe

A couple weeks ago, Loren, a resident of the Charles Family SmartHome in Longmont, enjoyed a beverage at the Sun Rose Café in Longmont with Jennifer, one of the staff members at the Charles Family SmartHome.

Mandy Stays Active With A Variety Of Classes

This blog post was submitted via audio email by Mandy on Friday, September 14th.

Hi, this is Mandy. I really just want to tell you I had a great day at CORE. On Wednesday September 12th, I had gardening class in the morning, and in the afternoon we went to the Flower Bin in Longmont. On Thursday, September 13th, I had writing class and job club class. On Friday, which was today, I had my radio show class in the afternoon and photo class in the morning. I will talk to you soon, have a great weekend. Bye.

Wheel Of Fortune

This blog post was submitted via audio email by Lana.

Hi, This is Lana, we played the money game and I loved it.


Lana, in blue, with Rebecca, playing the "Wheel of Fortune" game.



Note: A group of University of Colorado Engineering students in a 2012 Spring Semester class taught by Associate Professor Melinda Piket-May worked on projects to design adaptive technologies to aid increased independence for some of the individuals Imagine! serves. This video shows a "Wheel of Fortune" board, which can help teach about cause and effect, math skills, numbers, money, and turn taking. Here's how the game is played: Players push a button and a light starts going around a “Wheel of Fortune,” then push the button again, making the wheel stop on a spot that corresponds with a coin. The players mark that coin on a score card. Everyone gets five turns. At the end of the game, players add up the coins marked and answer questions about what they can buy with that much money, how many quarters are in a dollar, what they would do if they had a million dollars, and other questions designed to get players to learn while having fun. In case you missed it, here’s a video of the CU Students explaining how the technology for the “Wheel of Fortune” works.

Two Hands Paperie Displays Bob’s Art

Last Friday, Two Hands Paperie, located at 803 Pearl Street in Boulder, invited Bob, who receives services from Imagine!, to be their visiting artist. Bob's string art will be on display at the store throughout the rest of September. Please consider stopping by and checking out Bob's art and the wide variety of paper products at Two Hands Paperie, including note cards, decorative paper, 2013 calendars, books, and more.

This picture was taken from inside Two Hands Paperie. Bob's string art is displayed in the front window.

Friday afternoon, being the visiting artist at Two Hands Paperie, and relaxing with a ball of string. All in all a very pleasant afternoon for Bob.

Bob in front of Two Hands Paperie.

Andrew's Last Day Is September 13th

This blog post was sent via audio email by John.

Hey, This is JR speaking.

I want to know if you are going to say good bye to Andrew (Andrew has been a SmartHome staff member since the SmartHome opened) because he’s going away. Next Thursday the 13th of September is his last day and I hope that you’ll come and say hello to all of us and to Andrew because he’s going to Indonesia. He’s leaving on October 1st, so I just want to send you that message.

I want to tell you a nice, good joke. “Why did the chicken cross the road? Well, it had to be on the other side.”

So that's the way it is.  I'll talk to you soon.  Bye.

Lana's Broncos Stadium Tour

This blog post was submitted via audio email by Lana.

Hi.  I took a tour through the Broncos stadium. I went down to the field, and I also went up to the box where you can watch the Bronco game. Talk to you later.

Lana is in the back of this photo taken on the field at Sports Authority Stadium where Lana and her housemates from the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome took a tour.  One of their counselors, Brent, works at the stadium and arranged for the residents to take this tour. 

Why Did The Cookie End Up In The Hospital?

This blog post was submitted via audio email by John.

Hi, This is John. We went to the Broncos tour. I went to the locker room, the football field, and it was a great time. I had fun and we went to the pro shop as well. I have one joke to tell you. “Why did the cookie end up in the hospital? Because it felt crummy.”

Enjoy Your Weekend

This blog post was submitted via audio email by Rebecca.

Hi, I hope you have fun and enjoy yourself today, and enjoy your weekend.

Self-Expression, Cookies, And Coleslaw

This blog post was sent via audio email by Mandy on Tuesday, August 28.

Hi. This is Mandy. It is August 28 on a Tuesday afternoon. I’m glad to be talking to you. What I did today was I went to CORE and I had Life Skills Class and we talked about self-expression and all of the different ways possible that you can communicate.

I also had Cooking Class. We made cookies and we had coleslaw. I will talk to you soon, and I hope you have a great day. Bye.

Loren At Sun Rose Cafe In Longmont

This photo of Loren enjoying a beverage was taken at Sun Rose Cafe in Longmont. With Loren is Charles Family SmartHome staff member Jennifer, who submitted the photo.

More Classes And A Tour Of Broncos Stadium

This blog post was submitted via audio email by Donna, on Tuesday, August 28th.

Hey, this is Donna. I was just wanting to email you to let you know I had an awesome day today and I’m looking forward to doing more at work and at CORE. On the days that I’m off work, I’m looking forward to doing more at CORE. And so are they, they’re looking forward to me doing more, like arts and crafts, and music.

Yesterday, we went to go see the Broncos field at Mile High (Sports Authority Stadium) and had an awesome time. We enjoyed ourselves, and it is a huge field. They can seat about 400 people plus, and I was amazed. I’ll talk to you later. Bye bye.



Rebecca in front, Donna in orange, and Lana at Sports Authority Stadium Monday, August 27. 



From left:  Lana, Donna, and Gerald on the way to Sports Authority Stadium for a tour.



Taking Pictures In Hygiene, Colorado

This blog post was sent via audio email by Mandy on Saturday, August 25.

This is Mandy. I just wanted to tell you yesterday was Friday and I went to CORE and I went for a walk up in Hygiene.  I got to take pictures because I take a Photography Class in Longmont.

In the afternoon I had my radio class at KGNU.  We got to learn how to use a field recorder because CORE got their own field recorder. I will talk to you soon, bye.

The Broncos Tour Is Going To Be FUN!

This blog post was sent via audio email by John, who is a resident at the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder.

Hi, This is your friend JR speaking. Always know that I like telling good jokes. Another thing is this Monday I’m going to the Broncos tour and I’m going to have FUN and a good time and I hope that I’ll show you one of the pictures. I also want to say have a good weekend and I hope that you always like the jokes.

Mandy Harvesting Food, Bowling, & Job Club Class

This blog post was sent via audio email by Mandy who is a resident at the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder, Colorado.

Hi, it’s Mandy.  I wanted to tell you what I did yesterday and today at CORE. Yesterday was August 22nd. I had gardening class in the morning. We got to pick some of the tomatoes and some of the cantaloupe, and peppers that we’ve been growing and we got to taste them.

That was in the morning and in the afternoon I went to the bowling alley and I bowled a 137. And today, August 23rd, I had Creative Writing. We just played some writing games, and that was about it. And then today we had Job Club class, and we talked about getting jobs and what we needed to wear and how we needed to act and all kinds of job related things like that. I will talk to you soon. Bye.

John Wants To Check Out His Imagine! Voices Posts

This blog entry was sent via audio email by John, who is a resident of the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder, Colorado.

Hey Gary, I hope that you’ll hear this from me. I went to dodge ball today for EXPAND, and it was food and friendly people, and I had a great time. I just want to ask you, can you come over, and go to the living room and show us what you did with your blog? I hope to see you sometime, bye.

Note:  John is asking for help in viewing the Imagine! Voices blog so he and his housemates can check on their posts and other posts.  Hopefully in the next few days John will be able to make a blog post about what he learned from looking at the blog and what he thinks of it.  

Excitement For Upcoming Broncos' Stadium Tour

This blog entry was sent via audio email by Rebecca, who is a resident of the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder, Colorado.

Going to the Broncos’ stadium to see the football players. The 27th, on a Monday, see you later, bye.

Broncos Training Camp Tour Coming Up

This blog entry was sent via audio email by Donna, who is a resident at the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder, Colorado.

Hey, I’m going to go to the Broncos training camp and get a tour of where my counselor works or where his office is, and where the owner’s offices are. We are very excited about that. I am looking forward to it and I know everyone else is, but I can’t speak for everyone else, so that’s it for me. Oh, by the way, In Clover is where I work three days a week now, and I am very happy about that. I hope that things work out where I can stay there and do as much as I can. I’ll see you soon, bye bye.

CORE/Labor Source Consumers Volunteer at EFAA

On Thursdays, a crew of individuals receiving services in Imagine!’s CORE/Labor Source department volunteers for two hours at the Emergency Family Assistance Association (EFAA) in Boulder. In these pictures, the crew was putting donated carrots in large bags into smaller bags, and also was measuring food for cats and dogs and putting it into small bags.

Kyle carries small bags of carrots for distribution.



John measures out food for pets.



Gabe counts out carrots while Kyle holds open the bag for Gabe. 



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