News at a Glance
MCIL Continuing Workshops
The
following workshops will to be from 10:30am - 11:30am:
Every First and Third Thursday
Nov. 17th -- Laura, Career Portfolio
Dec. 1st -- Andy, Individual Advocacy
Dec. 15th -- Jim, Ramp/Home Modification
Every Second and Fourth Thursday
Nov. 10th -- American Sign Language
Nov. 24th -- MCIL CLOSED
Dec. 8th -- American Sign Language
Dec. 22nd -- American Sign Language
Please RSVP one week prior
to each workshop. For more details and/or to RSVP contact: Laura
Borton at 651-603-2028, e-mail laurab@mcil-mn.org
New ‘Guide
to
Biotechnology Finance’ is Now Available
A new publication, titled
A Guide to Biotechnology Finance, is now available through a collaborative
effort of the Department of Employment and Economic Development
(DEED) and the Twin Cities law firm of Lindquist & Vennum
P.L.L.P.
“Biotechnology” is
the science of developing and manufacturing new products derived
from living organisms or from parts of living organisms, like cells,
genes or proteins. Some of these products save lives and others
improve the quality of life. However, research and development
can be a costly investment, so companies are eager to attract grants,
corporate partners and other financing options.
“This new guide is an essential reference for understanding
the complexities of financing a business in this evolving field,” said
DEED Commissioner Matt Kramer. “Minnesota is on the cutting
edge of biotechnology, thanks to the expertise of a number of scientists,
entrepreneurs and legal experts. This guide will help us build on
our success.”
The guide is written
in concise language, but it doesn’t gloss
over the details that make it invaluable to the biotechnology entrepreneur.
The heart of the guide is a section on financing options available
to biotechnology companies, including the requirements and restrictions
that apply to each option. Determining the most appropriate financing
sources and methods often depends on the company’s stage of
development, so the guide also includes an invaluable discussion
of those stages.
While the guide provides a thorough explanation of the most important
aspects of biotechnology finance, it does not constitute legal advice.
Businesses should always consult with legal counsel for specific
advice on financing, taxes and other issues.
To request a copy of the guide,
please call 651-282-2103.
MN Depart. of Employment & Economic
Development, 332 Minnesota St, #E200, St. Paul, MN 55101-1351,
800-657-3858
HUGO Folding Cane System:
Ready, Set…..Walk!
The new HUGO Folding
Cane System is the most versatile, functional and ergonomically
correct cane in the world. Designed by the Georgia Tech Research
Institute, a leader in the ergonomics of the elderly, the HUGO
Folding Cane automatically unfolds and securely locks into position.
The HUGO Cane is so strong, it can support up to 550 pounds—most
canes support only half that weight. The patented Shock Absorbing
Tip is flared with an ultra grip edge for extra stability and traction
providing confidence on all kinds of terrain, in all kinds of weather.
A safety strap at the handle provides extra confidence. The wide
print recessed bottom of the tip distributes weight evenly and is
reinforced with an aluminum insert for added strength.
Additional information about
the HUGO Folding Cane can be obtained toll free 866- 321-HUGO (1-866-321-4846)
or via www.HUGOanywhere.com
Got a Lot of Stuff?
Is your closet full
of coats you don’t wear? Is your basement
stuffed silly with dishes you don’t use? Still holding on to
the couch from your college dorm room, twenty years later? Looking
for a way to get rid of it?
Look to Refugee Services.
We accept your good-condition furniture, winter coats, bedding
and most kitchen items (think dishes, cups, pots and pans; don’t
think waffle iron, lefse maker, bread pans). Pick-up is available.
We are especially in need of:
• Good condition, medium and large sized pots and pans, with matching
lids
• Good condition coats, all sizes, especially men’s coats
• Good condition winter accessories, such as gloves, mittens,
hats, boots, and scarves.
• New bath towels and new washcloths
• New containers of dish soap, and all-purpose cleaning supplies
(Lysol, Pinesol, etc.)
• Pillows, sheets, blankets and comforters
We also accept:
• Furniture
• Dishes and eating utensils
• New laundry baskets
• New packages of toilet paper, paper towels and facial tissue
• New toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo and nail clippers
Thank you for continued support of Refugee Services.
For more information contact
Sarah Greving, Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator, VISTA Member,
Minnesota Council of Churches Refugee Services, 122 Franklin Avenue
West, Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN 55404,
grevings@mnchurches.org or 612-230-3219.
Culture and Community Events
Come learn and experience
new things! Please RSVP to Laura at 651-603-2028 laurab@mcil-mn.org.
Upcoming events in October, November, and December include topics
such as: Inclusive Integration for Education in Africa, Deaf Education,
and Disability Sports. Guest speakers will be Ingrid Hoffman on Deaf
Education/Trends in Europe, Friday, Nov 11, 2005 from 1 pm to 3 pm
and Pat McNamara on Disability Sports, Dec 9, 2005 from 1 pm to 3
pm.
MCIL Support Groups
• TBI
Support Groups are every other Thursday from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm at MCIL.
• Chemical
Dependency with Disability Support Group is held every Wednesday
from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm also at MCIL. Call the MCIL front office for
more information 651-646-8342.
• GLBT Support Group
for people with chronic illness and disabilities meets every third
Tuesday of the month at the Rice Street Library from 6 - 7:30 pm.
The gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender support group is presented
by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Metropolitan Center
for Independent Living. Come and meet other people who are experiencing
similar success and barriers. Share stories and resources in a safe
and comfortable environment. For more information call: Connie at
612-290-5678 or Jeff Fisher at 612-335-7951. jfisher@mssociety.com
New
Feature Film to be Funded by
Private Donations
Via the Internet
Also Raises Awareness About Down Syndrome
Newly formed production
company Rapid Eye Productions is taking innovative new steps into
the future of film financing; it was announced by Rapid Eye Productions
principal Katrina Daily. The revolutionary plan will allow people
worldwide to contribute any denomination of monies from one dollar
to one million dollars to help support the production of One Day,
the company’s first feature film.
Rapid Eye Productions
has set a goal to raise approximately $2.5 million dollars over
the next 18 months. They plan to do this by not only targeting
people who want to support what has otherwise become a somewhat
faded concept of independent filmmaking, but by also reaching out
to the more than seven million people worldwide affected by Down
Syndrome, one of the film’s pivotal storylines.
One Day is an edgy comedy about a young man, challenged with Down
Syndrome, who is unusually determined to find the perfect husband
for his mother. The story, which does not focus on the disabilities
of this main character but on his living his normal life, follows
the chaos that ensues when he brings his latest victim, an arrogant
businessman with a Mercedes and a host of prejudices, home to meet
his unsuspecting mother.
Further information
can be found online at www.rapideyeproductions.com/where
potential donors can share their opinions in a research survey,
review the company’s plan, and read the first ten pages of
the script.
University of Minnesota
Monograph Available
The University of Minnesota’s
conference series on disability, held during the 2004-2005 academic
year is now available. The monograph includes summary highlights
from the conferences; research questions and unresolved policy issues
stimulated by the conference deliberations; and suggestions for future
University, disability advocacy community, and joint University-advocacy
community activities.
Readers may view and
download the monograph at the Center on Aging’s
Web site, www.hsr.umn.edu/coa
