Accessible Space Receives New Phones

The Qwest Foundation, Qwest Communication’s giving program has donated 200 new phones to Accessible Space, Inc. (ASI).  The donation is part of Qwest's ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of the communities it serves. The new phones will be distributed to Accessible Space, Inc. on March 2; Qwest has donated 10,000 phones throughout Minnesota since December 2003. “Through the Qwest Foundation, we are able to enrich the lives of customers and the communities we serve,” said John Stanoch, Qwest president for Minnesota.  “This donation is part of Qwest’s commitment to the Spirit of Service.”

“We appreciate Qwest’s donation of these state of the art telephones,” said Lynda Adams, Contract Administrator, Accessible Space. “With two new apartment buildings under construction in Roseville and Rogers, the timing is perfect.  We will be able to provide one to each new resident.  The additional phones will be given to current residents as needed.” Accessible Space, Inc. is a nonprofit organization founded in 1978 to provide accessible, affordable independent and supportive living opportunities for very low income adults with physical disabilities and brain injuries, as well as seniors. Apartment buildings, foster homes and cooperative homes are located in nineteen communities throughout Minnesota. The Qwest Foundation's core principle is that investing in people and communities provides lasting value for the future. The Qwest Foundation awards grants that generate high impact and measurable results through community-based programs, focusing on K-12 education and economic development.

ADA Minnesota has a new toll free number:

If you live in greater Minnesota and need information and referrals regarding the American’s with Disabilities Act please call on our new toll-free number 888-630-9793.  If you live in the Metropolitan area please call 651-603-2015, or TTY 651-603-2001.  You can also email your concerns to Cindy Tarshish at cindyt@mcil-mn.org

ADA Minnesota is a local resource providing Minnesota citizens with disabilities, businesses, communities, government agencies, universities and colleges assistance with implementing the ADA. Trainings, workshops, conferences, resource materials, technical assistance and more are available from this office. For additional information and direct links related to the ADA you can also log on to www.adagreatlakes.org.

MS Conference

The National MS Society is holding a housing conference at the Four Points Sheraton Minneapolis MetroDome from 9:30 a.m. to 3:35 p.m.. March 27, 2004. The conference, Housing: Your future Your Choice, will help explain all of the choices available to people with disabilities.

Conference highlights include an update on the next steps for the MS housing project, a keynote presentation on housing and service choices to maintain independence and an array of breakout sessions on topics ranging from making your home accessible to learning about home care and day programs.

The keynote speaker, Mary Pauluk, Chaplain of St. John Lutheran Home, has more than 20 years experience in housing management. Pauluk will describe the various housing options, review what should be taken into consideration and discuss the questions one should ask when making these important decisions.

Other noted speakers include, John Hastings of Hennepin County, Chris Duff of AXISHealthcare, Nadine Reiser of Volunteers of America of Minnesota, Kathryn Ringham of Amherst H Wilder Foundation, Julee Quarve-Peterson of JQP, Inc.,Cindy Gackle, of Fairview-University Medical Center, Diane Sprague of Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, Joyce McIntosh of Minnesota Adult Day Service Association, and Jeff Bangsberg of Minnesota HomeCare Association.

The registration fee is $10 and the registration deadline is March 15. To register, visit www.mssociety.org or call the Minnesota Chapter at 1-800-FIGHT-MS. Questions can be directed to Kathy Messerli at 612-335-7929, 1-800-582-5296 or kmesserli@mssociety.org.

Flames Burn up Lanes

Five Roseville Flames Special Olympic Athletes and their Unified Partners competed February 29, 2004 at the State Winter Bowling Games. In Unified events, Special Olympics Athletes select friends, co-workers and/or family members as their doubles partners. Scores are combined in various divisions.

A Silver medal was awarded to Tom Nordland and Greg, his partner and brother. Bronze Medals were awarded to Anne Parks and her Partner Rick Reichert, Katrina Hallgren and Linda Hallgren, her Mom and partner, and Eve Newman and her partner Christena Mundt.

For more information, contact Debby Newman, Roseville Flames Coach at 612-624-3263.

Local Pirtek Employee Honored at National Level

Pirtek Midway’s local business employee Chris Wilberts was recently awarded first place in a national contest hosted by PirtekUSA.  The contest, based on sales performance and total number of new customer accounts, is an annual event which invites participation by PirtekUSA Mobile Sales and Service Technicians from across the country.

This year’s contest results were announced at the PirtekUSA headquarters in Rockledge, Florida.   Participants scoring the highest in sales and new accounts are invited to the Florida headquarters to attend a weekend course designed specifically for the top performers.  The course, known as the TOP GUN SCHOOL, honors all top performers and awards the top three performers with certificates and honorable mention throughout the country.

Pirtek is the worldwide leader for on-site hose replacement and provider of hydraulic hoses, fittings, and accessories, offering 24-hour on-site service for hydraulic hose failure.  With more than 250 centers in 16 countries, Pirtek’s reputation for rapid response is based on their ability to deliver on their promise that  “anytime, anywhere, the estimated time of arrival is one hour.” Pirtek’s mobile services, hydraulic hoses, fixtures, and accessories can be replaced immediately at the location, ensuring the machine and work crew are up and running with minimum delay. For more information about Pirtek Midway call (651)-641-1414.

Caregiver Support

A Support Group for spouses and caregivers, including family members of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia patients will meet the third Tuesday of the month at Centennial United Methodist Church, 1524 W. County Road C2 in Roseville from 7:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.  Contact Person: Jean Michaels 763-862-2955.  Sponsored by CFS/FM Association of Minnesota.