A Daytrip to Acres of Opportunity Ranch

Last week, several folks from Imagine!’s Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome took a daytrip out to visit the Acres of Opportunity Ranch (AOR) to visit the farm, brush, feed, and of course pet some of the farms animals.

John, pictured above, said that his favorite part of the trip was, "getting close to the horses and getting to pet them and feed them. It was exciting!!! I liked seeing the pig on the farm, too."

AOR is an Equine Learning Center that offers several unique programs to the communities in Northern Colorado. Working in partnership with the horse, each participant is given a chance to create a relationship of understanding and respect in order to achieve their ultimate goals.

The AOR provides a variety of programs, which are educational, recreational, and therapeutic. Offering both private and group sessions for all ages, as well as volunteer opportunities, AOR is able to serve the community with a wonderful horse experience. Although participants that come to Acres of Opportunity Ranch enjoy riding our beloved horses, the programs are not only riding focused. AOR recognizes the importance of education and life skills. Entrusting one of the most brilliant teachers of all, the horse, AOR provides a safe container for participants of all ages to learn.

Creative Pumpkin Carving

Last weekend, residents at Imagine!’s Bob and Judy Charles SmartHome went to a pumpkin patch, and staff member Keysha Torres took a unique and creative approach when it came time for carving one of the pumpkins.

Lana admiring the pumpkin

Do you need a pumpkin carving stencil? Click here, and ghoul luck to you!

I Say Chihuly, You Say Exhibit!

Fall is falling here on the front range of Colorado, and Cari and Kristen recommend that you consider visiting the Denver Botanical Gardens for the Chihuly Exhibit.

Kristen and Cari

Denver Botanic Gardens presents the Rocky Mountain Region's first major outdoor exhibition of artwork by celebrated American artist, Dale Chihuly. Chihuly's sculptures – ranging in size and form – add bold colors and dramatic beauty to the Gardens' 24-acre urban oasis.

Chihuly is credited with revolutionizing the Studio Glass movement and elevating the perception of the glass medium from the realm of craft to fine art. He is renowned for ambitious architectural installations around the world, in historic cities, museums and gardens.

Above is Cari pictured in-front of two of her favorite Chihuly pieces at the Denver Botanical Gardens.

The exhibit runs through November 30, 2014.

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.