Mandy's New Book - "Alice's Adventures"

Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome resident Mandy has published another book! This one is called “Alice’s Adventures.” Learn more, including how to purchase the book and support this talented author, by clicking here.

Introducing Karen

We’d like to introduce you to Karen, who now calls the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome “HOME.”

After many years of living independently in her community, Karen found herself living in a nursing home due to an unexpected health event. Upon moving into a nursing home, many thought that she would reside there for the remainder of her life.

Thankfully Karen, who works hard to stay optimistic, thought otherwise.

When the opportunity to move into the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome was presented to her, she was excited about a fresh start.

Karen enjoys reading, thanks to her nook e-reader that allows her to manipulate font size to suit her needs. She is also eager to take advantage of the many technologies within her new home. She looks forward to using the inductive cooktop and prompting system to refresh her interest in cooking, so that she can cook for her family and friends.

Out & About Offers Theater Experience With After School Program

The Centre Stage program is contagious! It was such a success in the Adult Program that Imagine!'s Out & About department is gearing up for a theatre activity with the After School Program. “Our goal is to have a final performance in late April or early May, as a culmination of the year’s progress,” said Elena Ciaravino, Children’s Services Coordinator. The class currently has 11 kids enrolled and rehearsals began August 27 at Alchemy of Movement in Boulder.

Out & About is excited to partner up with BackStory Theatre of Broomfield, a non-profit organization that provides theatre arts education and performances to kids and adults in the surrounding area. When we asked Anna Wilcox, founder of BackStory Theatre and the Executive Artistic Director, what inspired her to take on the project with Out & About, she said, “I have been very interested in expanding our Step Into the Spotlight programs to youth with disabilities. I believe acting is playing and we all can play! Imagination is such an important thing and it is important to use our imagination in life! Theatre encourages imagination. Our programs are called Step Into the Spotlight because we want everyone to have a chance to shine whether they are the lead of a show or not.” Thanks to the collaboration with BackStory, Out & About’s program has access to the company’s props and costumes, if desired, for the production, and the director of the show is using BackStory’s curriculum designed for Youth Theatre.

Mary Wilke is a teacher contracted through BackStory to be the director of the new Center Stage for kids. A student of theatre at the University of Northern Colorado and a teacher for youth drama, Mary is very excited to be involved in this theatre experience for the kids. “The kids will find a way to fully express a range of emotions, collaborate with classmates to develop the magic of a great story, and feel confident in the ability to perform for an audience,” said Mary. Mary has experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and practiced helping those who need a little boost in finding their creative side.

"Confidence building, voice projection, memorizing lines, using imagination, and team building are a few of the many skills our kids will learn in this class,” said Elena.

A Trip To Ned To See The Fall Colors

Today’s post and photos come from Keysha Torres, who works at the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder.

“On Saturday, September 28th, we as a house took a day trip up to Nederland for a picnic and to look at all the leaves change colors. We started by stopping at the store and picking some healthy lunch options for the day before making our way up. We took our time driving and had all our windows down so everyone could enjoy the views and nice warm weather that day. When we got up to Nederland we drove around until we found the best spot to have our picnic. We also at that time took bets on what everyone thought the temperature of the water would be like. The guesses ranged from freezing to slightly chilled. Everyone ate their lunch and did tons of talking and some story telling. They all seemed to be enjoying the day, even if there were a TON of flies everywhere. Before we left staff members treaded into the water to see who exactly had won the bet about how cold it was. FYI, freezing won. We gathered up some water in an empty bottle we had and let everyone else wet their hands, head, or feet, which ever they chose so they could all decide how could it was. Freezing still won. We made our way slowly down again still enjoying the day, when we all got home everyone couldn't stop talking about how much fun they had up in Nederland and how they would all love to do it again real soon.” FYI, freezing won. We gathered up some water in an empty bottle we had and let everyone else wet their hands, head, or feet, which ever they chose so they could all decide how could it was. Freezing still won. We made our way slowly down again still enjoying the day, when we all got home everyone couldn't stop talking about how much fun they had up in Nederland and how they would all love to do it again real soon."

Home-in-the-Country

We spent some time yesterday afternoon catching up with Donna and Gerald, who are celebrating their first full week living in the recently completed Santa Fe Home, located in eastern Broomfield County.

Looking Eastward at the Santa Fe Home

They have fondly named it their “Home-in-the-Country.” Although both Donna and Gerald miss living at the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome, they agreed that the wide-open space surrounding their new rural home, the horses, goats and peace-and-quiet win hands down over noisy Iris Avenue in Boulder.

When we asked what they liked most about their new home, the couple couldn’t quite agree on what they loved more; the peace-and-quiet of rural living, or looking westward to enjoy the mountain views and sunsets. When we asked Donna and Gerald if there was anything that they didn’t love about their move, they agreed that they could do without their commutes to their jobs and classes that they enjoy participating in with Imagine!’s CORE/Labor Source program.

Gerald relaxing and enjoying the view

Donna showing us around outside

Who can’t relate to that sentiment?

Donna Talks About Her Husband Gerald

This blog post came to us during a visit to the Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome in Boulder. Donna is describing her husband Gerald, who are both SmartHome residents.

I would say that Gerald may be hard to understand, and sometimes people ask me what he is saying because I can understand him and make out what he has said. He really has a light in his eyes when he’s excited, he lights up all over. He may not talk much, but when he has something to say he’ll say it, and it’s worth taking the time to understand all of what he said.

Deep down inside he has really got it together.  He has a fantastic memory.  He’s sort of like a seeing eye dog for me, he knows where things are if I leave them somewhere. 

Donna and Gerald on their anniversary last month.

 

See Jessica's New York Yankees Hair Style

This blog post came to us during a phone call from Jessica, who receives support services from Imagine!.  The photo came to us in an email from Jessica following the phone call.

On Friday I went to Peaceful Valley Ranch. We went with Joan Handley’s group, “Just for the Fun of it.” We stayed Friday and Saturday night. I bought two key chains I got in downtown Estes Park. One says Jessica and the other says Nicole. I saw a deer, elk, got to feed horses out of my hand, and I got to pet the horses too. I went on a hayride Saturday. I got two more keychains at Peaceful Valley. One says “I Love Jesus” and the other is a U.S. flag. I got a red jacket too. 

Before the hayride we made some smores. There were chipmunks and squirrels too and they came right up to me. 

NOTE:  In case you didn't know, Jessica is a very dedicated fan of the New York Yankees. She is pictured below sporting a new hair style, with the Yankees' logo styled into her hair.