Thanks to all who came to our December Annual Chili Cook-Off and Holiday Party.  I think everyone had a great time.  We had some fantastic food – Sharon Hibbitt won the Chili Cook-Off with some spicy chili. We had some holiday trivia and fun gift exchange.

VOICE Attendance in December:  24

Happy Birthday in January to: 

Rose Bailey                    January 2

Next VOICE Meeting:

At our January meeting we will be having a presentation on the ADA.  This should be informative and interesting.  Hopefully we’ll all learn something new or something that we have forgotten about.  We will be armed with information so that we can become good advocates for ourselves and others.

Save the Date:

• February 24-25, 2012 – Grand Opening of the Disability Empowerment Center Sports and Fitness Center (SpoFit)

 Just a reminder that you can visit the VOICE bench located in Saguaro Ranch Park in front of the Foreman’s House in the historical section of the park at any time.  It is a nice place to sit and reminisce.

Upcoming Events of Interest:

• January 10 – Women’s Support Group (Karen@azspinal.org)
• January 19  – Men’s Disability Group (602-980-3232)
• January 20 – COMPASS Support Group (602-241-1006)

A Thought for the Month

Happy New Year!

Let’s make 2012 the best year ever.  We need to grow VOICE again – spread the word. Let’s not let feelings get in the way of friendship; let’s resolve to make a difference; and let’s make this year a happy, productive year.

I took the following quote from the newspaper, an article titled “Start year with right mind-set”.

“If you think you are beaten, you are. If you think you dare not, you don’t. If you’d like to win, but think you can’t, it’s almost a cinch you won’t. If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost.

For out in the world we find, success begins with a fellow’s will: it is all in the state of mind.

Life’s battles don’t always go to the stronger or faster man. But sooner or later the man who wins is the one who thinks he can.”

Let’s make 2012 the year of “I CAN”.

Remember:  Live Well, Love Much, Laugh Often

Janene

Our next VOICE meeting will be Tuesday, December 13  from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm at the LDS Church, 4901 W Union Hills Drive.

Thanks to all who came to our November meeting.  It was very informative.  We would like to thank Lynn Black and Teresa Moore from ABIL for the presentation on self-advocacy.

VOICE Attendance in November:  13

Happy Birthday in December to: 

• Clayton Guffey               December 9
• Dottie Sanderson           December 24
• Mickey Ryan                   December 28

 Next Meeting:

Our December meeting is our annual Chili Cook-off and Holiday Party.  I hope to see everyone there.  Please bring chili and/or a side dish to share with everyone. 

We had a small but great group for our bench celebration on Saturday, November 19.  We enjoyed reminiscing about everyone. I hope that you get a chance to visit the bench.  It is very nice and a great place to sit and reflect on all of those that we have lost.  The bench is located in Saguaro Ranch Park in front of the Foreman’s House in the historical section of the park.  The tree right behind the bench is the tree that was planted in remembrance of Randy (which looks good).

Upcoming Events of Interest:

• December 13 – Women’s Support Group (Karen@azspinal.org)
• December 15  – Men’s Disability Group (602-980-3232)
• December 16 – COMPASS Support Group (602-241-1006)

 Save the Date:

• February 26, 2012 – Grand Opening of the Disability Empowerment Center Sports and Fitness Center (SpoFit)

 A Thought for the Month

As you begin to look back over 2011, be grateful for friends, memories, laughter, and love that the year brought you. Look forward to new experiences and friends, and making new memories.  Let’s try to bring new people into our VOICE family in 2012!

Thank you for your friendship and the memories that you each bring to the VOICE family – we are indeed a family and each one is important to that family.  Remember who you are and be proud of your accomplishments.

“Remember this December, that love weighs more than gold!”

“Instead of being a time of unusual behavior, Christmas is perhaps the only time in the year when people can obey their natural impulses and express their true sentiments without feeling self-conscious and, perhaps, foolish. Christmas, in short, is about the only chance a man has to be himself.” ~Francis C. Farley

Remember:  Live Well, Love Much, Laugh Often…………Merry Christmas, Janene

Thanks to all who came out for our annual Halloween Bingo and fun.  We were not a large group but a mighty group and I think everyone enjoyed themselves.  It was nice to see smiling faces after a summer apart.

 Happy Birthday in November to:

Cathy Ortiz                      November 1

Brad Bosio                      November 11

Sharon Hibbitt                November 17

Dave Johnson                November 22

Michael Giambone        November 25

 Next Meeting:

 At our November meeting our speakers will be discussing self-advocacy.  I think we all need a refresher on this subject. Lynn Black and Teresa Moore from ABIL will present to us.

Our bench had some problems but I understand everything is good now.  Let’s celebrate on Saturday, November 19 at 10 AM at the Bench.  The bench is next to the Foreman’s House in Saguaro Ranch Park.  VOICE will provide some goodies and we’ll remember those we have lost.  Please let everyone know about this celebration.

 Upcoming Events of Interest:

•  November 17  – Men’s Disability Group (602-980-3232)
• November 18 – COMPASS Support Group (602-241-1006)
• November 19 – VOICE Bench Celebration

 Save the Date:

• Tuesday, December 13 – VOICE Annual Chili Cook-off and Holiday Party

A Thought for the Month

This year has really passed me by and very quickly at that.  I can’t believe it is almost Thanksgiving time.  I’ve been thinking that sometimes we just sit and let time pass us by without realizing what and who is all around us.  Let’s make sure that we really “take in” the remainder of 2011 and make it count!

 “Every successful person I have heard of has done the best he could with the conditions as he found them, and not waited until next year for better.”  E. W. Howe

“Make up your mind to be happy.  Learn to find pleasure in simple things.”  Robert Louis Stevenson

 Remember:  Live Well, Love Much, Laugh Often…………              

 Take care, Janene

We have missed seeing each other and have a lot to catch up on.  Please come and bring your friends.

See you on October 11th!!

Happy Birthday to

I don’t see any September birthdays.

If I missed you have a Great Birthday!!

Upcoming Events of Interest:

• September 9 – “The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan Presentation (DEC-RSVP to johnb@abil.org)
• September 15  – Men’s Disability Group (602-980-3232)
• September 16 – COMPASS Support Group (602-241-1006)
• September 25 – 2nd Annual Pain Awareness Day at the Park with the POPF and AZ Dbacks

Something to Look Forward to:  The Virginia G. Piper Sports and Fitness Center will be opening in October 2011.

New Program:  TAXI PROGRAM FOR PEOPLE WTH DISABILITIES DEBUTS. Phoenix Public Transit adds ADA taxi coupon to current subsidy programs.  To get more information about the taxi subsidy program, call MV Transportation at 602-801-1163 or 602-801-1164.

Next Meeting:

It is still very hot and the library is not available for September (a mix up on the room).  So we will NOT meet again in September.  I am sorry and I hope that this doesn’t cause any trouble for any of you. 

We will meet in October at the Library and have our annual Halloween Bingo and enjoy each others’ company after a rather long break from each other.

At our November meeting our speaker will be discussing self-advocacy.  I think we all need a refresher on this subject.

Also – we need to plan our bench celebration for sometime in October/November.  Bring any ideas and dates with you to our October meeting.

A Thought for the Month

I don’t know about you but I am really looking forward to cooler weather.  I love the newness of August and September, as the children start their new year in school.  It makes me think about all of the things that I want to start again on (maybe exercising a little more, eating better, etc.).  If you are like me – set some new goals and start new.

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.”  Mark Twain

“Don’t wait for something big to occur. Start where you are, with what you have, and that will always lead you into something greater.”  Mary Manin Morrissey

See you in October!  I am excited to hear about everyone’s summer and how you all are – I’ve missed you!

Remember:  Live Well, Love Much, Laugh Often…………              

 Take care, Janene

Last year we had a great time – lots of good food (as usual), we had a gift exchange and played some games.