Our next VOICE meeting will be Tuesday, May 11, 2010 from 2 to 4 pm at the Glendale Library, 5959 W Brown Street (Glendale, 85302).

Thanks to all of you who came out to our annual picnic at Sahuaro Ranch Park.  We had a great turn out and a good time.  Sorry some of you had to wait for hamburgers – thanks to Bob for going to pick up more.

VOICE attendance in April was 33.

Happy Birthday to anyone that may have a birthday in May.

VOICE is happy to welcome Maureen Jones, ABRiO Family Services Regional Director to be our May speaker.  ABRiO has provided services to promote and enhance independent living in the home and community for individuals with disabilities for more than 15 years.  They help with respite care, rehabilitation, attendant care services, and even those recovering from surgery, illness or injury.

Spotlight – Jean Moriki

Jean was born in Ecuador, South America.  She has three brothers; two live in Illinois and one lives here in Mesa. Jean has one daughter, going to school at ASU in Tempe; she lives on campus.  Jean’s entire family celebrated her father’s 75^th birthday on March 27 – that is awesome!

Jean is allergic to most 4-legged friends, so she has no pets.  She is currently the Vice-Chair on the Phoenix Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues so she does not have time to work.  Her favorite thing to do is advocacy work because she wants to try to improve the quality of life for others with disabilities.

Jean likes to surf the internet so that she can obtain information about products or services that can help others.  Her favorite time of year is Christmas because she likes watching the kids’ faces light up when they open gifts.

Arizona Diamondbacks – Don’t forget that VOICE will be going to the Diamondbacks game on Thursday, June 10 at 12:40.  If you want to buy a ticket, please bring your $8.00 per ticket to the May meeting.  We will not have a regular meeting in June because of the game.

Upcoming Events of Interest:

• May 20  – Men’s Disability Group (602-980-3232)

• May 21 – COMPASS Support Group (Granite Reef Senior Center, Scottsdale) (602-241-1006)

Save the Date:

• June 4-5, 2010 – 14^th Annual Day on the Lake

A Thought for the Month

How lucky we are to live in a world where people can accomplish so much.

Lynn Martinka was honored in March at ABIL’s “Spirit of ABIL” Awards for her many years of service and advocacy work to ABIL and the disability community at large.  Her sister accepted the award.

How proud we are to have known and loved Lynn!

Remember:  Live Well, Love Much, Laugh Often…………               Take care, Janene