The special meeting that was called by the Columbia Housing Authority Monday night was a real nice informative affair with lots of questions being answered by Phil Steinhaus and alot of residents getting answers they needed.
You can view all of the documentation put forth by C.H.A. by going here and reading it. This information is also available for download in PDF format.
http://www.columbiaha.com/public_housing/tenants/default.asp
There will be a video being played on the "in house Paquin cable channel 2" in the days ahead.
Also your's truly here will have a DVD copy of this same meeting available to be viewed with any resident who requests a viewing in their home and more explanations from my personal talks with Phil Steinhaus and my own points of view. Just hit me up.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Spray and Inspection Day At Paquin Tower
Well today is the day of the Spray and Inspection of residential Units with in the Paquin Tower facility run by the Columbia Housing Authority.
My own place was sprayed in efficiently and then the unit inspection team consisting of Lee Ratdke and Crystal Hampton came around inspecting units.
My own place passed as I knew it would but there seemed to be lingering thoughts in the mind of Crystal Hampton who inspected my unit as to what was clutter and what was not.
Women obviously have a totally different view on this than the men do.
There will be alot of units that fail to pass inspection today and I am sure there will be others beyond failure itself.
I have already heard rumors of people planning to move out completely due to all of this new unit inspections and the increased bug spraying operations.
When we got our reports of this scheduled spray and inspection it was stated we had to leave our units and had to take our pets out for two hours. This was not the case I found in working with the bug company. I was able to stay in my apartment,leave my windows open,two fans turned on and I put my dogs with their crates and things up off the floor and I will return them to their places in a couple of hours.
All of those troublesome panic letters for nothing but it is nice to know and be prepared but it did cause alot of distress for alot of residents.
Hey we disabled people have feelings to you know and we like to be in our comfort zone so if you throw in a wild cat into that comfort zone you just instilled unusual distress that could also cause relapses into behavioral issues.
We shall see just what happens after our Special Meeting tonight outlined in my last article posted.
My own place was sprayed in efficiently and then the unit inspection team consisting of Lee Ratdke and Crystal Hampton came around inspecting units.
My own place passed as I knew it would but there seemed to be lingering thoughts in the mind of Crystal Hampton who inspected my unit as to what was clutter and what was not.
Women obviously have a totally different view on this than the men do.
There will be alot of units that fail to pass inspection today and I am sure there will be others beyond failure itself.
I have already heard rumors of people planning to move out completely due to all of this new unit inspections and the increased bug spraying operations.
When we got our reports of this scheduled spray and inspection it was stated we had to leave our units and had to take our pets out for two hours. This was not the case I found in working with the bug company. I was able to stay in my apartment,leave my windows open,two fans turned on and I put my dogs with their crates and things up off the floor and I will return them to their places in a couple of hours.
All of those troublesome panic letters for nothing but it is nice to know and be prepared but it did cause alot of distress for alot of residents.
Hey we disabled people have feelings to you know and we like to be in our comfort zone so if you throw in a wild cat into that comfort zone you just instilled unusual distress that could also cause relapses into behavioral issues.
We shall see just what happens after our Special Meeting tonight outlined in my last article posted.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Special Meeting Notice
Community Forum on Treating Bed Bugs in Paquin Tower
The Columbia Housing Authority (CHA) and the Paquin Tower Resident
Association are sponsoring a Community Forum on treating Bed Bugs
in Paquin Tower.
The Community Forum will be held during the Resident Association
meeting.
Date: Monday, November 24, 2008
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Place: Paquin Tower Dining Room and Lobby
Representatives from the following organizations will be present to
answer your questions:
• Columbia Housing Authority
• Paquin Tower Resident Association
• City of Columbia Health Department
• Boone County Family Resources
• Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
• Services For Independent Living
• New Horizons Community Support Services
Please plan to attend to learn about CHA’s efforts to treat bed bugs
in Paquin Tower and to discuss how we can all work together to get
rid of the pests and protect the health and safety of all Paquin
Tower residents.
Source:
Phil Steinhaus C.E.O. Columbia Housing Authority
The Columbia Housing Authority (CHA) and the Paquin Tower Resident
Association are sponsoring a Community Forum on treating Bed Bugs
in Paquin Tower.
The Community Forum will be held during the Resident Association
meeting.
Date: Monday, November 24, 2008
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Place: Paquin Tower Dining Room and Lobby
Representatives from the following organizations will be present to
answer your questions:
• Columbia Housing Authority
• Paquin Tower Resident Association
• City of Columbia Health Department
• Boone County Family Resources
• Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
• Services For Independent Living
• New Horizons Community Support Services
Please plan to attend to learn about CHA’s efforts to treat bed bugs
in Paquin Tower and to discuss how we can all work together to get
rid of the pests and protect the health and safety of all Paquin
Tower residents.
Source:
Phil Steinhaus C.E.O. Columbia Housing Authority
Friday, November 21, 2008
Cleaning Up Paquin Tower And The Bed Bug Issue
As we all know we have had a serious bed bug issue ongoing since early this year and now we are all faced with this problem escalating onwards.
Also now we are being faced with a new program that will help to get Paquin Tower into a cleaner frame of mind and health as well.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Cleaning Up Paquin
As all of us know in our home here we have all varieties of the Developmentally Disabled citizens and as such this effects all of us in different ways but this is why we must all pull together as one family and begin the process of healing this building.
This is not going to be easy for any of us but I want to assure you that after talking personally with Phil Steinhaus that he only wants what is the very best for all of us who live here.
In the future there will be monthly unit inspections to ensure that every resident can take care of their unit and if not I was assured that help would be available to those who need this assistance. This is to ensure that our building as a whole can begin to heal and work towards being healthy.
Phil Steinhaus has asked me to ask all of you to help in this project by first taking a look at your own units and think how you can help just by straightening and organizing your unit first and foremost.
This means if you have excess things that do not allow an ambulance worker,firefighter,security or CHA personnel to move freely about your unit if a emergency was to happen and say a gurney had to be brought into your unit to help get you to the hospital. This is very important as we know we have many of our friends here who are chronically sick and who often times are taken out on a gurney to the hospital.
Crystal Hampton of Resident Services can help you in all of this process. Just ask for a one on one meeting with Crystal Hampton and I was assured she would come to see you and talk with you. Phil Steinhaus assured me of this.
This also means that after you get your own unit in better order that if you know your neighbor has a problem in this department of organization that you also try to help them as well or to get with Crystal Hampton of Resident Services as soon as possible and in a polite way ask if they can look into the situation to evaluate the need for any and all assistance your neighbor might require. It is called being a good neighbor.
Rest assured if you need help in cleaning your unit Phil Steinhaus has told me that Resident Services is working towards getting you the resident the help you need but they do not know you need help unless you ask or they have to come inspect your unit and then after the evaluation suggest or possibly even mandate that you get help in cleaning your unit.
It would be better for you the resident if you have any doubts to ask for help.
All of us working together can help to keep our home happy and clean but this has to be a community effort and it starts with you.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Bed Bugs Bugging Us All
Oh those pesky little bed bugs...aaarrrggggghhhhhhhhh( along with other dirty words we have all been thinking ) as we all have been saying and feeling as of late as we keep hearing and finding out that another one of our neighbors has those pesky things and we all have to go through the mental process of wondering "will I get them Next"?
It is very important that if you find even only one bed bug or if you think you might have a bed bug problem to get with Lee Ratdke,Crystal Hampton,Rino or any CHA staff as soon as possible to notify them of your possible problem.
I have small plastic containers if you need to capture one of these little bed bugs as proof to show you have them or use a small zip lock bag.
The above is also why the "Clean Up of Paquin Program" so that our Beloved Bed Bug Guys who we so dearly have come to love every fourth Monday of each month as they invade our units doing their jobs can do their jobs that much easier in the future.
They need to be able to move fast and furious through your unit and if you have excess things in their way well then it slows them down.
In the future it looks like the bed bug guys will be spraying each unit every fourth Monday of the month as well until this bed bug problem is either brought under strict control or hell freezes over.......my bet is on hell freezing over first.
For those of you who never looked in the dictionary at the real definition of the word hell it means the earth or ground in old Hebrew and Greek or Sheol.
Also if you hear of any resident(s) in this building possibly giving false bed bug information of what any resident must do in this ongoing issue then you need to tell Lee Ratdke,Clare Slama,Crystal Hampton or contact Phil Steinhaus directly through the Switzler Office phone number of CHA and report this person(s) possibly giving out any and all false information you have not heard directly from Lee Ratdke,Clare Slama,Crystal Hampton,Rino or Phil Steinhaus or through any and all official notices posted or put under your door by CHA Staff.
DO NOT LET SOMEBODY OTHER THAN OFFICIAL CHA STAFF TELL YOU WHAT YOU MUST DO IF YOU HAVE FOUND BED BUGS IN YOUR UNIT AS OFTEN TIMES AS WE KNOW WE HAVE SOME RESIDENTS WHO ARE GIVING OUT MISINFORMATION.
The residents spreading these false information are causing everybody in this building alot of unneeded stress and these people must be dealt with by official CHA Staff. They are not contributing to making our home healthy at all but are causing all of us undue distress.
If you have any doubts and the above official people are not around come find me and I will try to help you the best that I can.
This entire double project is important to each and every one of us and as such I ask you as a fellow resident to please cooperate with all requests made by Phil Steinhaus,Lee Ratdke and all Resident Services Staff as well as all maintenance staff in helping to get out home cleaned up and healthy once again.
Also now we are being faced with a new program that will help to get Paquin Tower into a cleaner frame of mind and health as well.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Cleaning Up Paquin
As all of us know in our home here we have all varieties of the Developmentally Disabled citizens and as such this effects all of us in different ways but this is why we must all pull together as one family and begin the process of healing this building.
This is not going to be easy for any of us but I want to assure you that after talking personally with Phil Steinhaus that he only wants what is the very best for all of us who live here.
In the future there will be monthly unit inspections to ensure that every resident can take care of their unit and if not I was assured that help would be available to those who need this assistance. This is to ensure that our building as a whole can begin to heal and work towards being healthy.
Phil Steinhaus has asked me to ask all of you to help in this project by first taking a look at your own units and think how you can help just by straightening and organizing your unit first and foremost.
This means if you have excess things that do not allow an ambulance worker,firefighter,security or CHA personnel to move freely about your unit if a emergency was to happen and say a gurney had to be brought into your unit to help get you to the hospital. This is very important as we know we have many of our friends here who are chronically sick and who often times are taken out on a gurney to the hospital.
Crystal Hampton of Resident Services can help you in all of this process. Just ask for a one on one meeting with Crystal Hampton and I was assured she would come to see you and talk with you. Phil Steinhaus assured me of this.
This also means that after you get your own unit in better order that if you know your neighbor has a problem in this department of organization that you also try to help them as well or to get with Crystal Hampton of Resident Services as soon as possible and in a polite way ask if they can look into the situation to evaluate the need for any and all assistance your neighbor might require. It is called being a good neighbor.
Rest assured if you need help in cleaning your unit Phil Steinhaus has told me that Resident Services is working towards getting you the resident the help you need but they do not know you need help unless you ask or they have to come inspect your unit and then after the evaluation suggest or possibly even mandate that you get help in cleaning your unit.
It would be better for you the resident if you have any doubts to ask for help.
All of us working together can help to keep our home happy and clean but this has to be a community effort and it starts with you.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Bed Bugs Bugging Us All
Oh those pesky little bed bugs...aaarrrggggghhhhhhhhh( along with other dirty words we have all been thinking ) as we all have been saying and feeling as of late as we keep hearing and finding out that another one of our neighbors has those pesky things and we all have to go through the mental process of wondering "will I get them Next"?
It is very important that if you find even only one bed bug or if you think you might have a bed bug problem to get with Lee Ratdke,Crystal Hampton,Rino or any CHA staff as soon as possible to notify them of your possible problem.
I have small plastic containers if you need to capture one of these little bed bugs as proof to show you have them or use a small zip lock bag.
The above is also why the "Clean Up of Paquin Program" so that our Beloved Bed Bug Guys who we so dearly have come to love every fourth Monday of each month as they invade our units doing their jobs can do their jobs that much easier in the future.
They need to be able to move fast and furious through your unit and if you have excess things in their way well then it slows them down.
In the future it looks like the bed bug guys will be spraying each unit every fourth Monday of the month as well until this bed bug problem is either brought under strict control or hell freezes over.......my bet is on hell freezing over first.
For those of you who never looked in the dictionary at the real definition of the word hell it means the earth or ground in old Hebrew and Greek or Sheol.
Also if you hear of any resident(s) in this building possibly giving false bed bug information of what any resident must do in this ongoing issue then you need to tell Lee Ratdke,Clare Slama,Crystal Hampton or contact Phil Steinhaus directly through the Switzler Office phone number of CHA and report this person(s) possibly giving out any and all false information you have not heard directly from Lee Ratdke,Clare Slama,Crystal Hampton,Rino or Phil Steinhaus or through any and all official notices posted or put under your door by CHA Staff.
DO NOT LET SOMEBODY OTHER THAN OFFICIAL CHA STAFF TELL YOU WHAT YOU MUST DO IF YOU HAVE FOUND BED BUGS IN YOUR UNIT AS OFTEN TIMES AS WE KNOW WE HAVE SOME RESIDENTS WHO ARE GIVING OUT MISINFORMATION.
The residents spreading these false information are causing everybody in this building alot of unneeded stress and these people must be dealt with by official CHA Staff. They are not contributing to making our home healthy at all but are causing all of us undue distress.
If you have any doubts and the above official people are not around come find me and I will try to help you the best that I can.
This entire double project is important to each and every one of us and as such I ask you as a fellow resident to please cooperate with all requests made by Phil Steinhaus,Lee Ratdke and all Resident Services Staff as well as all maintenance staff in helping to get out home cleaned up and healthy once again.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Sidewalks In Columbia
Follow up story:
Some great news on the sidewalk issue is that new ordinances are in the process of being drafted for proposal to the City Council that will create "new sidewalk ordinances" that will require all property owners to fix and maintain the sidewalks in front of their properties and to bring them up to City Code or face potential fines for non compliance of ordinance.
This is being prepared rather thoroughly after alot of research of other city's sidewalk codes and ordinances and all that needs to be worked out is the legal lingo.
Look for this soon to be delivered to City Council for review and public hearing if the City Council agrees with all of the proposed ordinance as it will be presented.
All of this study and work on the proposal was funded by the "GetAboutColumbia" project.
This is probably going to be a great story the editors of this paper can run with in the near future.
Some great news on the sidewalk issue is that new ordinances are in the process of being drafted for proposal to the City Council that will create "new sidewalk ordinances" that will require all property owners to fix and maintain the sidewalks in front of their properties and to bring them up to City Code or face potential fines for non compliance of ordinance.
This is being prepared rather thoroughly after alot of research of other city's sidewalk codes and ordinances and all that needs to be worked out is the legal lingo.
Look for this soon to be delivered to City Council for review and public hearing if the City Council agrees with all of the proposed ordinance as it will be presented.
All of this study and work on the proposal was funded by the "GetAboutColumbia" project.
This is probably going to be a great story the editors of this paper can run with in the near future.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
The New S.I.L. Transportation Policy
Since now Services for Independent Living is now doing four transportation runs for the Adaptive Recreation Program run out of the Paquin Tower office there are some new rules and guidelines that are now mandatory to all participants of the program. This is sharp contrast to the past when there were not so many conditions and the policy was more flexible for all participants.
Either this is going to boost participation in the program or it is going to hurt participation in the program but only time will tell either way.
*Please keep this in Mind. The S.I.L. main large vans can only hold 4 seated riders and the max of three wheel chairs/scooters in one trip. This compared to the old Park and Recreation main vans that could hold three wheel chairs and 14 seated passengers. It roughly now takes twice as many vehicles/drivers to do the job one van and driver once did. Please keep this in mind and think about cost effectiveness.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Below are the new policy guidelines:
1: All participants must sign up in advance to go on the S.I.L. trips at least 48 hours in advance.1*
2: If participants are unable to go on trips ,then participants must tell Parks and Recreation at least 24 hours in advance. 1*
2A: If a participant does not inform Parks and Recreation,then the participant will receive one strike against them. A letter will be sent to the participant to inform them of the strike(s),to warn the participant that they may be suspended if the behavior continues.2*
2B: After three strikes,the participant is not allowed to go on S.I.L. trips for one month. A letter will be sent to the participant to inform them of the suspension. 2*
2C: If the participant continues to sign up and not cancel in time after their one month suspension then that person will not be allowed to go on S.I.L. trips permanently. 3*
3: S.I.L. is kind enough to schedule these trips for us and participants should sign up by the following days: 4*
3A: Tuesday before the first Thursday of the month for the Aldi's trip.
3B: Thursday before the second Monday of the month for the HyVee/Deals trip.
3C: Tuesday before the second Thursday of the month for the restaurant trip.
3D: Tuesday before the third Thursday of the month for the Wal-Mart trip.
4: Parks and Recreation will keep track of those participants who sign up,go on the trips,cancel and those who do not.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Now for my commentary on this issue as a participant and a campaign supporter who has been with this program for 4.5 years and who was one of the small handful of participants as well as a few City of Columbia Insiders doing the hard core campaigning to keep this program fully operational.
1* In the past last minute sign ups were allowed due to there were always no shows and cancellations so usually there was a spot available. Although I do understand the need for this new procedure it seems to myself this will "exclude" quite a few people who either are not sure until the last minute if they can actually go or not or due to their psychological or medical difficulties. This is not what this program was founded around as this just screams of "exclusion" and not total 100% "inclusion" which can also be looked at as a form of discrimination if somebody actually wanted to take it that far. Everybody knows disabled citizens are discriminated against enough out on the streets but to have to deal with this in a program that was founded on 100% "inclusion" is a little bit much.
2* So the Parks & Recreation Department will be doing more paper work in the future and less "people work" in working with the participants as a whole. This once again was not what this program was founded upon nor should be the status quo now nor in the future. This program is supposed to be about working with people as a whole and individually as well which means total "inclusion" with in the program on all aspects of the program. Once again I do understand their reasoning but I as a disabled citizen do not have tom agree with it.
3* This is a rather harsh form of "exclusion" which once again does not set forth the over all spirit of this program at all. This program was founded upon total and complete "inclusion" of every participant no matter what accommodation was needed to accommodate that participant. This form of "exclusion" could be on the very edge of the Federal Laws concerning any and all treatment of the disabled as a whole. It certainly seems to myself a very very "grey area" to be walked "very lightly" by Parks & Recreation as a whole.
4* Participants with alot of psychological baggage will not be able to remember all of this stuff nor every rule nor policy. Once again I do understand the reasons why but this just screams "exclusion" on so many levels that are against the reasons this program was originally founded.
In closing we shall see whether these policies make or break the transportation side of this program and how it will function in the far future if this program is to survive.
I am thankful though for this program and will be here to the last day it is in place helping to campaign the cause but I also will be one of the first to speak up if something I see going on does not look right and possibly causes "exclusion" of any participant now or in the future. I guess you can call me a "watch dog" of sorts because I feel this program is for the participants and not for the staff and being I am a participant in good standing I have the responsibility to look out for other participants as a whole just as I expect them to look out for my well being too.
Till the next news brief on the program,
Peace out. :)
Either this is going to boost participation in the program or it is going to hurt participation in the program but only time will tell either way.
*Please keep this in Mind. The S.I.L. main large vans can only hold 4 seated riders and the max of three wheel chairs/scooters in one trip. This compared to the old Park and Recreation main vans that could hold three wheel chairs and 14 seated passengers. It roughly now takes twice as many vehicles/drivers to do the job one van and driver once did. Please keep this in mind and think about cost effectiveness.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Below are the new policy guidelines:
1: All participants must sign up in advance to go on the S.I.L. trips at least 48 hours in advance.1*
2: If participants are unable to go on trips ,then participants must tell Parks and Recreation at least 24 hours in advance. 1*
2A: If a participant does not inform Parks and Recreation,then the participant will receive one strike against them. A letter will be sent to the participant to inform them of the strike(s),to warn the participant that they may be suspended if the behavior continues.2*
2B: After three strikes,the participant is not allowed to go on S.I.L. trips for one month. A letter will be sent to the participant to inform them of the suspension. 2*
2C: If the participant continues to sign up and not cancel in time after their one month suspension then that person will not be allowed to go on S.I.L. trips permanently. 3*
3: S.I.L. is kind enough to schedule these trips for us and participants should sign up by the following days: 4*
3A: Tuesday before the first Thursday of the month for the Aldi's trip.
3B: Thursday before the second Monday of the month for the HyVee/Deals trip.
3C: Tuesday before the second Thursday of the month for the restaurant trip.
3D: Tuesday before the third Thursday of the month for the Wal-Mart trip.
4: Parks and Recreation will keep track of those participants who sign up,go on the trips,cancel and those who do not.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Now for my commentary on this issue as a participant and a campaign supporter who has been with this program for 4.5 years and who was one of the small handful of participants as well as a few City of Columbia Insiders doing the hard core campaigning to keep this program fully operational.
1* In the past last minute sign ups were allowed due to there were always no shows and cancellations so usually there was a spot available. Although I do understand the need for this new procedure it seems to myself this will "exclude" quite a few people who either are not sure until the last minute if they can actually go or not or due to their psychological or medical difficulties. This is not what this program was founded around as this just screams of "exclusion" and not total 100% "inclusion" which can also be looked at as a form of discrimination if somebody actually wanted to take it that far. Everybody knows disabled citizens are discriminated against enough out on the streets but to have to deal with this in a program that was founded on 100% "inclusion" is a little bit much.
2* So the Parks & Recreation Department will be doing more paper work in the future and less "people work" in working with the participants as a whole. This once again was not what this program was founded upon nor should be the status quo now nor in the future. This program is supposed to be about working with people as a whole and individually as well which means total "inclusion" with in the program on all aspects of the program. Once again I do understand their reasoning but I as a disabled citizen do not have tom agree with it.
3* This is a rather harsh form of "exclusion" which once again does not set forth the over all spirit of this program at all. This program was founded upon total and complete "inclusion" of every participant no matter what accommodation was needed to accommodate that participant. This form of "exclusion" could be on the very edge of the Federal Laws concerning any and all treatment of the disabled as a whole. It certainly seems to myself a very very "grey area" to be walked "very lightly" by Parks & Recreation as a whole.
4* Participants with alot of psychological baggage will not be able to remember all of this stuff nor every rule nor policy. Once again I do understand the reasons why but this just screams "exclusion" on so many levels that are against the reasons this program was originally founded.
In closing we shall see whether these policies make or break the transportation side of this program and how it will function in the far future if this program is to survive.
I am thankful though for this program and will be here to the last day it is in place helping to campaign the cause but I also will be one of the first to speak up if something I see going on does not look right and possibly causes "exclusion" of any participant now or in the future. I guess you can call me a "watch dog" of sorts because I feel this program is for the participants and not for the staff and being I am a participant in good standing I have the responsibility to look out for other participants as a whole just as I expect them to look out for my well being too.
Till the next news brief on the program,
Peace out. :)
Monday, November 10, 2008
Adaptive Recreation Program's Second Trip with S.I.L.
Today the participants of the Adaptive Recreational Program had their second trip to the local grocery with Services for Independent Living.
The destination this time was HyVee.
There were around 10 - 12 originally signed up but the final count that went on this trip was:
2 wheel chairs
3 walking participants
There were 2 no shows and two last minute cancellations.
The trip was a success though with the participants who did go being able to get what they needed and S.I.L. right on time to pick them up to bring them back to Paquin Tower all on the same van.
The next big test to this new program will be later in the month with the big WalMart grocery run that alot of participants go on.
Until that time reporting on this ongoing project. Peace out. :)
The destination this time was HyVee.
There were around 10 - 12 originally signed up but the final count that went on this trip was:
2 wheel chairs
3 walking participants
There were 2 no shows and two last minute cancellations.
The trip was a success though with the participants who did go being able to get what they needed and S.I.L. right on time to pick them up to bring them back to Paquin Tower all on the same van.
The next big test to this new program will be later in the month with the big WalMart grocery run that alot of participants go on.
Until that time reporting on this ongoing project. Peace out. :)
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Groups intercede to aid Paquin recreation
When Josh Burrell felt moved to find ways he and fellow church members of The Crossing could serve the community, he turned to city officials for ideas.
They suggested he and his congregation turn their attention to Paquin Tower.
"I don’t think that it is enough for us to just know things, but we really need to be willing to put those things into action," Burrell said in an e-mail. "I have a lot of ideas, but mostly we want to help and serve where we are needed. I am hoping that we can get a lot of work done in the park, fixing up their work shed, working on their community garden, painting the basketball court, general maintenance and cleaning up."
According to a memo prepared by the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department staff, members of The Crossing also have suggested fundraising ideas, including hosting a dinner/art auction fundraiser and helping to create crocheted animals to sell.
These volunteers are among many from several groups helping to keep Paquin Tower’s adaptive recreation program going.
In budget talks this year, the Columbia City Council discussed cutting funds for the program altogether. The council allocated $72,000 from the budget, which is intended fully fund the program for six months and provide half of the program’s funds for the remainder of the fiscal year.
"What we’re trying to do is work with residents and interested citizens to develop ways to do what we were asked to do: meet needs, raise revenue and create new partnerships," said Mike Hood, parks and recreation director.
Aimee Wehmeier, executive director of Services for Independent Living, said her organization learned about the possibility of cutting the recreational program at Paquin both from city officials and SIL clients who would be affected by the loss.
"What we offered to do was partner with Columbia Parks and Recreation and came up with the idea that Services for Independent Living will provide four trips per month" for program participants, Wehmeier said. Three "will be shopping trips, and one will be a visit to a restaurant."
SIL offered its first trip Thursday, Wehmeier said, and 13 riders, including two wheelchair users, went to Aldi. Later this month, participants will get a chance to go to Hy-Vee, Wal-Mart and a restaurant of the group’s choice.
"I think recreation is essentially a quality-of-life issue," Wehmeier said. "Everyone needs to ... get out in the community."
Columbia resident Sean Spence has begun organizing a volunteer organization called "Friends of Paquin" to raise money for the program. Spence recently told supporters that fundraising should begin this month. He hopes to work with the city’s New Century Fund.
"I think the program at Paquin is one of those programs that defines who we are as a community," Spence said. "If we’re not taking care of people who need special help, we’re not very much of a community. Since we’ve got this program here for 38 or 39 years, I don’t want to see it go away because budgets are getting tighter."
By creating independent revenue sources, the program will be less vulnerable to cuts, Spence said.
Other outside help for the Paquin program is coming from University of Missouri students, Boone County Family Resources and the Columbia Housing Authority.
Hood said the future of the city’s funding for the program depends on sources of funding and partnerships formed over the next year. "What we are able to do now will dictate what we’re able to put in budget request next spring," he said. "Staff have been working diligently and taking to heart the challenge the council made, and we‘re making some progress."
Source:
http://www.columbiatribune.com/2008/Nov/20081108News005.asp
They suggested he and his congregation turn their attention to Paquin Tower.
"I don’t think that it is enough for us to just know things, but we really need to be willing to put those things into action," Burrell said in an e-mail. "I have a lot of ideas, but mostly we want to help and serve where we are needed. I am hoping that we can get a lot of work done in the park, fixing up their work shed, working on their community garden, painting the basketball court, general maintenance and cleaning up."
According to a memo prepared by the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department staff, members of The Crossing also have suggested fundraising ideas, including hosting a dinner/art auction fundraiser and helping to create crocheted animals to sell.
These volunteers are among many from several groups helping to keep Paquin Tower’s adaptive recreation program going.
In budget talks this year, the Columbia City Council discussed cutting funds for the program altogether. The council allocated $72,000 from the budget, which is intended fully fund the program for six months and provide half of the program’s funds for the remainder of the fiscal year.
"What we’re trying to do is work with residents and interested citizens to develop ways to do what we were asked to do: meet needs, raise revenue and create new partnerships," said Mike Hood, parks and recreation director.
Aimee Wehmeier, executive director of Services for Independent Living, said her organization learned about the possibility of cutting the recreational program at Paquin both from city officials and SIL clients who would be affected by the loss.
"What we offered to do was partner with Columbia Parks and Recreation and came up with the idea that Services for Independent Living will provide four trips per month" for program participants, Wehmeier said. Three "will be shopping trips, and one will be a visit to a restaurant."
SIL offered its first trip Thursday, Wehmeier said, and 13 riders, including two wheelchair users, went to Aldi. Later this month, participants will get a chance to go to Hy-Vee, Wal-Mart and a restaurant of the group’s choice.
"I think recreation is essentially a quality-of-life issue," Wehmeier said. "Everyone needs to ... get out in the community."
Columbia resident Sean Spence has begun organizing a volunteer organization called "Friends of Paquin" to raise money for the program. Spence recently told supporters that fundraising should begin this month. He hopes to work with the city’s New Century Fund.
"I think the program at Paquin is one of those programs that defines who we are as a community," Spence said. "If we’re not taking care of people who need special help, we’re not very much of a community. Since we’ve got this program here for 38 or 39 years, I don’t want to see it go away because budgets are getting tighter."
By creating independent revenue sources, the program will be less vulnerable to cuts, Spence said.
Other outside help for the Paquin program is coming from University of Missouri students, Boone County Family Resources and the Columbia Housing Authority.
Hood said the future of the city’s funding for the program depends on sources of funding and partnerships formed over the next year. "What we are able to do now will dictate what we’re able to put in budget request next spring," he said. "Staff have been working diligently and taking to heart the challenge the council made, and we‘re making some progress."
Source:
http://www.columbiatribune.com/2008/Nov/20081108News005.asp
Friday, November 7, 2008
10th Annual Everyone Eat's
This is the 10th anniversary of the Everyone Eat's drive by Almeta Crayton. Registration ended on October 31, 2008. Now we need the help of the community. A food drive will be held Saturday, November 8, 2008 at St Luke United Methodist Church at 204 East Ash from 11 am to 6 PM. If you have canned goods or other food you would like to donate, come by. Monday through Friday of November 17th-21st, donations will be accepted at the church from 3-6 PM.
The Annual Thanksgiving Dinner is to be held at Rainey-Woods Hall on the Stephens College campus. For more information or to volunteer, call 874-0284.
Source: Local News List Server.
The Annual Thanksgiving Dinner is to be held at Rainey-Woods Hall on the Stephens College campus. For more information or to volunteer, call 874-0284.
Source: Local News List Server.
Friends of Paquin Tower Press Release 11 7 2008
To: Paquin Tower Residents
From: Sean Spence
Re: Update – Friends of Paquin Tower (Fund raising)
Date: Friday, November 7, 2008
For those who do not know, my name is Sean Spence. Following the city’s decision to cut partial funding to Paquin’s recreation program (in late September) I started moving toward creating “Friends of Paquin” – a volunteer committee whose sole purpose will be to raise money in the community to help fund the program.
Much progress has been made over the last eight weeks, and everything will be in place to begin fund raising this month. I’ve been extremely pleased with the cooperation we’ve seen from the staffs of the Columbia Housing Authority and Columbia Parks & Recreation, as well as Services for Independent Living and others.
From the beginning, I’ve stayed in close contact with Paquin through Chuck Dudley, who has updated residents association president Richard Craghead and others. Special thanks to Chuck for helping in this regard.
Moving forward, I will provide regular, written updates to staff members Sarah Bowman and Karen Ramey, to the residents association through Chuck Dudley and John Ward, and to anyone else who requests it.
Here’s what has happened to date:
In preparation, I've had many meetings and other communications with the Columbia Housing Authority, City Parks & Recreation and others who are involved with preserving and improving Paquin programs. Today, I believe we are all on the same page and everyone seems comfortable with creating a group to raise money for the recreation program. This Monday, Mike Hood (Director of Parks & Recreation) delivered an update to the City Council about activities related to Paquin (new transportation alliance with SIL, a church that is organizing volunteers, etc.); it included our work with creating a fund raising group, so that is all formalized and the City Council is informed and on board (at least, none of them are objecting).
To raise larger amounts of money (thousands of dollars), we need a non-profit entity to which people can write checks (the technical term is a 501c3). Creating such an entity is a long process that takes months and sometimes as long as a year. So that we do not have to wait for this, I've been communicating with leadership of the New Century Fund, a city-based committee (501c3) and on Tuesday was invited to address the group at their November 17th meeting. The committee's chair, Susan Gray, says we should be able to use their committee for the next year or so (after that, I'd like to have our own, independent 501c3 because the bureaucracy issues will be simpler), but we need to get a formal vote from the New Century Fund board. Assuming all goes as expected, we'll have the ability to start raising money on November 18th. If for any reason the New Century Fund falls through, we have a back-up -- Columbia Housing Authority also has a 501c3 that they have said we can use. The reason we've waited for the New Century Fund is to keep that tie to the city; we want them to feel connected to the program, particularly next year, as we enter the next city budget discussion.
With the bureaucratic issues just about settled, and the institutional stakeholders (CHA, City, SIL, etc.) on board with what we are doing, my focus now is recruiting a committee from the community (made up of people who are experienced in raising large amounts of money) and formally launching our efforts. I'm in the process of doing these things and expect to have our first committee meeting the week of November 17th (after the meeting with the New Century Fund). I’m asking the residents association and the recreation committee to figure out a process for designating two representatives from Paquin Tower to serve on the committee. There has been no hurry to do that until the other issues were settled, but it is about time to figure out that process and designate the two representatives. Paquin Tower residents need to be an integral part of this effort, and the process for determining representation should be up to Paquin’s representative organizations.
This week, I've asked Chuck to help me start building a list of doctors who have patients at Paquin (and I believe he has enlisted help from Richard Craighead, Ray Shapiro, and Rosie). We don't need to know which physicians are seeing which patients -- but knowing the names of doctors who have an interest in Paquin will help us raise money from them. Chuck has moved quickly on this request and has already started providing me with names.
Please keep in mind that the committee we are forming is solely for the purpose of raising money to support Paquin’s recreation program. It will not be for advocacy or any other purpose – we will leave that in the capable hands of the residents association, the recreation committee, and the staff members who work so hard. The community members we recruit for the committee will be experienced in raising large amounts of money, and that will be the focus of our time – raising money to help support essential recreation programming.
Moving forward, anyone interested in the progress of this effort should feel free to contact me at 823-1308 or seanspence@earthlink.net. Anyone interested in representing Paquin Tower on the committee should speak with Richard Craghead or Chuck Dudley. Anyone who would like to personally receive periodic updates should e-mail me at seanspence@earthlink.net.
From: Sean Spence
Re: Update – Friends of Paquin Tower (Fund raising)
Date: Friday, November 7, 2008
For those who do not know, my name is Sean Spence. Following the city’s decision to cut partial funding to Paquin’s recreation program (in late September) I started moving toward creating “Friends of Paquin” – a volunteer committee whose sole purpose will be to raise money in the community to help fund the program.
Much progress has been made over the last eight weeks, and everything will be in place to begin fund raising this month. I’ve been extremely pleased with the cooperation we’ve seen from the staffs of the Columbia Housing Authority and Columbia Parks & Recreation, as well as Services for Independent Living and others.
From the beginning, I’ve stayed in close contact with Paquin through Chuck Dudley, who has updated residents association president Richard Craghead and others. Special thanks to Chuck for helping in this regard.
Moving forward, I will provide regular, written updates to staff members Sarah Bowman and Karen Ramey, to the residents association through Chuck Dudley and John Ward, and to anyone else who requests it.
Here’s what has happened to date:
In preparation, I've had many meetings and other communications with the Columbia Housing Authority, City Parks & Recreation and others who are involved with preserving and improving Paquin programs. Today, I believe we are all on the same page and everyone seems comfortable with creating a group to raise money for the recreation program. This Monday, Mike Hood (Director of Parks & Recreation) delivered an update to the City Council about activities related to Paquin (new transportation alliance with SIL, a church that is organizing volunteers, etc.); it included our work with creating a fund raising group, so that is all formalized and the City Council is informed and on board (at least, none of them are objecting).
To raise larger amounts of money (thousands of dollars), we need a non-profit entity to which people can write checks (the technical term is a 501c3). Creating such an entity is a long process that takes months and sometimes as long as a year. So that we do not have to wait for this, I've been communicating with leadership of the New Century Fund, a city-based committee (501c3) and on Tuesday was invited to address the group at their November 17th meeting. The committee's chair, Susan Gray, says we should be able to use their committee for the next year or so (after that, I'd like to have our own, independent 501c3 because the bureaucracy issues will be simpler), but we need to get a formal vote from the New Century Fund board. Assuming all goes as expected, we'll have the ability to start raising money on November 18th. If for any reason the New Century Fund falls through, we have a back-up -- Columbia Housing Authority also has a 501c3 that they have said we can use. The reason we've waited for the New Century Fund is to keep that tie to the city; we want them to feel connected to the program, particularly next year, as we enter the next city budget discussion.
With the bureaucratic issues just about settled, and the institutional stakeholders (CHA, City, SIL, etc.) on board with what we are doing, my focus now is recruiting a committee from the community (made up of people who are experienced in raising large amounts of money) and formally launching our efforts. I'm in the process of doing these things and expect to have our first committee meeting the week of November 17th (after the meeting with the New Century Fund). I’m asking the residents association and the recreation committee to figure out a process for designating two representatives from Paquin Tower to serve on the committee. There has been no hurry to do that until the other issues were settled, but it is about time to figure out that process and designate the two representatives. Paquin Tower residents need to be an integral part of this effort, and the process for determining representation should be up to Paquin’s representative organizations.
This week, I've asked Chuck to help me start building a list of doctors who have patients at Paquin (and I believe he has enlisted help from Richard Craighead, Ray Shapiro, and Rosie). We don't need to know which physicians are seeing which patients -- but knowing the names of doctors who have an interest in Paquin will help us raise money from them. Chuck has moved quickly on this request and has already started providing me with names.
Please keep in mind that the committee we are forming is solely for the purpose of raising money to support Paquin’s recreation program. It will not be for advocacy or any other purpose – we will leave that in the capable hands of the residents association, the recreation committee, and the staff members who work so hard. The community members we recruit for the committee will be experienced in raising large amounts of money, and that will be the focus of our time – raising money to help support essential recreation programming.
Moving forward, anyone interested in the progress of this effort should feel free to contact me at 823-1308 or seanspence@earthlink.net. Anyone interested in representing Paquin Tower on the committee should speak with Richard Craghead or Chuck Dudley. Anyone who would like to personally receive periodic updates should e-mail me at seanspence@earthlink.net.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
First Trip for the Participants of the Adaptive Recreational Program with S.I.L.
Today 11 6 2008 was the first Grocery Trip with Services for Independent Living since the new budget cuts for the Adaptive Recreational Program went into effect.
I am publishing this story from not only my own point of view as a participant in the program but also as a concerned citizen of Columbia and as a concerned individual who has been helping to keep the Adaptive Recreational Program in place since first news of this budget cut in early July of this year.
Our trip consisted of going to Aldi's which with the old program was one of our normal trips that where we used a 14 passenger van that holds two wheel chairs but would actually sit 14 people in one trip,one driver and obviously only wear and tear to one vehicle.
On this trip which was done by Services for Independent Living which all of the participants are very grateful for their offering to help in all of this we had 9 seated passengers with one person on her scooter.
There were more that signed up to go but who were "No Shows/No Calls" going by the new rules I posted in an earlier posting on this issue.
It took Services for Independent Living the use of 3 vans (each one of their vans only seats/has seating for four people and holds two chairs) on this trip which means fuel for those three vehicles,man hours paid for those three drivers,wear and tear on those three vehicles.
Although to my understanding once we were dropped off those three vans were out doing other like duties in transportational services and being I was on the "first van" the driver gave me his cell phone number to call once our first group was ready to leave after our shopping was done which worked out. Luckily one of the participants actually had a cell phone.
Once at the Aldi's store it really only took all participants a total of one hour to one hour and 30 minutes to complete their shopping which is really all of the time that is needed anyway.
So this first trip was like a "Beta Testing" of the new system and to see how it is going to work for the future.
My Opinion: Yes it can work and it was shown that today but......in inclimate weather there are other obstacles to over come and I am not so sure with fuel costs fluctuating as they have been and also wear and tear on more than one vehicle as well as driver's hours to be paid and you times this by three compared to the old program of only using one vehicle,one driver's wages and wear and tear on one vehicle only I do not know for sure as far as S.IL.'s funding is but is it really cost effective in the over all long run of time?
I guess that is a question that Columbia Parks and Recreation,City Council,Services for Independent Living,Boone County Family Services and the fund raising committee that is being formed by Sean Spence will all have to look at and talk about in the future as all of the above mention entities keep track of the progress and costs involved with the transportational side to this program as they compile ongoing statistics gearing up for the FY2010 City Budget Hearings where we all know once again this program will be in the discussions once again to see if or how much the City Council is willing to once again allocate funding for this program.
Until our next trip with Services for Independent Living at which time I will be posting another report for your informational review.
Peace out. :)
I am publishing this story from not only my own point of view as a participant in the program but also as a concerned citizen of Columbia and as a concerned individual who has been helping to keep the Adaptive Recreational Program in place since first news of this budget cut in early July of this year.
Our trip consisted of going to Aldi's which with the old program was one of our normal trips that where we used a 14 passenger van that holds two wheel chairs but would actually sit 14 people in one trip,one driver and obviously only wear and tear to one vehicle.
On this trip which was done by Services for Independent Living which all of the participants are very grateful for their offering to help in all of this we had 9 seated passengers with one person on her scooter.
There were more that signed up to go but who were "No Shows/No Calls" going by the new rules I posted in an earlier posting on this issue.
It took Services for Independent Living the use of 3 vans (each one of their vans only seats/has seating for four people and holds two chairs) on this trip which means fuel for those three vehicles,man hours paid for those three drivers,wear and tear on those three vehicles.
Although to my understanding once we were dropped off those three vans were out doing other like duties in transportational services and being I was on the "first van" the driver gave me his cell phone number to call once our first group was ready to leave after our shopping was done which worked out. Luckily one of the participants actually had a cell phone.
Once at the Aldi's store it really only took all participants a total of one hour to one hour and 30 minutes to complete their shopping which is really all of the time that is needed anyway.
So this first trip was like a "Beta Testing" of the new system and to see how it is going to work for the future.
My Opinion: Yes it can work and it was shown that today but......in inclimate weather there are other obstacles to over come and I am not so sure with fuel costs fluctuating as they have been and also wear and tear on more than one vehicle as well as driver's hours to be paid and you times this by three compared to the old program of only using one vehicle,one driver's wages and wear and tear on one vehicle only I do not know for sure as far as S.IL.'s funding is but is it really cost effective in the over all long run of time?
I guess that is a question that Columbia Parks and Recreation,City Council,Services for Independent Living,Boone County Family Services and the fund raising committee that is being formed by Sean Spence will all have to look at and talk about in the future as all of the above mention entities keep track of the progress and costs involved with the transportational side to this program as they compile ongoing statistics gearing up for the FY2010 City Budget Hearings where we all know once again this program will be in the discussions once again to see if or how much the City Council is willing to once again allocate funding for this program.
Until our next trip with Services for Independent Living at which time I will be posting another report for your informational review.
Peace out. :)
Do the new transit fares effect you?
Do the new transit fares effect you?
All of us who ride the City Transit Buses or the City Para Transit Vans are feeling the effect of the fare increases and are having to adjust our budgets to compensate for our already tight incomes.
My question is how are you seeing the new transit fares effect your monthly budget now that the fares are enacted?
Are you able to buy your groceries as you did before?
Are you able to make your medication co pays as you did before?
Are you still able to buy the little extras as you did before?
Just how are the new bus fares effecting you the citizen of Columbia and how will these new fares effect you in the future to come.
All of us who ride the City Transit Buses or the City Para Transit Vans are feeling the effect of the fare increases and are having to adjust our budgets to compensate for our already tight incomes.
My question is how are you seeing the new transit fares effect your monthly budget now that the fares are enacted?
Are you able to buy your groceries as you did before?
Are you able to make your medication co pays as you did before?
Are you still able to buy the little extras as you did before?
Just how are the new bus fares effecting you the citizen of Columbia and how will these new fares effect you in the future to come.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
News from the City of Columbia
Below are some recent news events on the City of Columbia web site that are of interest to us all.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated Housing And Community Development Plan Survey
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/phpQ/fillsurvey.php?sid=115
This survey contains a list of priority needs that reflect those eligible activities that can be funded with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME funding provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. It is being used to provide direct citizen input into the funding process. CDBG/HOME funds will be used to help implement the City’s visioning plan. The City currently receives approximately $1.5 million on an annual basis for housing and community development activities. All funds must be used primarily to benefit low to moderate income persons or eliminate slums and blight.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
C.A.S.H. and H.E.L.P
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Finance/Utilities/cash-help.php
What is C.A.S.H. and H.E.L.P?
The City of Columbia offers two programs utility customers can sign up for to provide assistance for some customers who have difficulty paying their utility bill. Donations to each program are kept separate. Every dollar goes to help someone in need. A simple donation of $1 or more per month will assist those in need to pay utility bills in one-time emergency situations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated Housing And Community Development Plan Survey
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/phpQ/fillsurvey.php?sid=115
This survey contains a list of priority needs that reflect those eligible activities that can be funded with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME funding provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. It is being used to provide direct citizen input into the funding process. CDBG/HOME funds will be used to help implement the City’s visioning plan. The City currently receives approximately $1.5 million on an annual basis for housing and community development activities. All funds must be used primarily to benefit low to moderate income persons or eliminate slums and blight.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
C.A.S.H. and H.E.L.P
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Finance/Utilities/cash-help.php
What is C.A.S.H. and H.E.L.P?
The City of Columbia offers two programs utility customers can sign up for to provide assistance for some customers who have difficulty paying their utility bill. Donations to each program are kept separate. Every dollar goes to help someone in need. A simple donation of $1 or more per month will assist those in need to pay utility bills in one-time emergency situations.
MUADC at the university of Missouri
Just wanted to let everyone know about the very cool program on the
MU campus called Adult Day Connection (formerly called Eldercare).
MUADC is a state licensed adult day care program sponsored by the
School of Health Professions that benefits individuals, families and
caregivers in Mid-Missouri. ... The program serves adults who have
experienced physical and/or cognitive changes who need a supportive
social environment.
If you are interested in supporting this group, you can stop by 137
Clark Hall (on Providence Road) and pick up a Mizzou Muff for $10 to
use at this weekend's very chilly football game. These hand warmers
are the perfect compliment to your "blackout" wardrobe as Mizzou
takes on the K-State Wildcats! If you are interested in fall
decorations, check out the fall and tiger fabric print pumpkins while
you are at Clark Hall to get your Mizzou Muff.
Ask about openings if you have a loved one who would benefit from
this program's exceptional care for older adults and adults with
disabling conditions. MUADC improves quality of life and provides
care that is otherwise unavailable or unaffordable.
Source:
Emailed to me from a Local List Server I belong to.
MU campus called Adult Day Connection (formerly called Eldercare).
MUADC is a state licensed adult day care program sponsored by the
School of Health Professions that benefits individuals, families and
caregivers in Mid-Missouri. ... The program serves adults who have
experienced physical and/or cognitive changes who need a supportive
social environment.
If you are interested in supporting this group, you can stop by 137
Clark Hall (on Providence Road) and pick up a Mizzou Muff for $10 to
use at this weekend's very chilly football game. These hand warmers
are the perfect compliment to your "blackout" wardrobe as Mizzou
takes on the K-State Wildcats! If you are interested in fall
decorations, check out the fall and tiger fabric print pumpkins while
you are at Clark Hall to get your Mizzou Muff.
Ask about openings if you have a loved one who would benefit from
this program's exceptional care for older adults and adults with
disabling conditions. MUADC improves quality of life and provides
care that is otherwise unavailable or unaffordable.
Source:
Emailed to me from a Local List Server I belong to.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
P & R Program Gets it's First Modifications
For the first time since 1973 when the Adaptive Recreational Program with in Paquin Tower run by the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department is going to be seeing the effects of the budget cuts of the City's FY2009 Budget.
Starting November 1 2008 the transportational side of this program is going through some changes that are supposed to accommodate for the budget cuts mentioned above and all participants of this program have seen coming.
For some this is going to be a challenge as they are used to the "usual driver" they have grown to love Mr Jim Umstattd and now they will have to get to know a new driver and a new transportation van provided by Services for Independent Living. For some the transition will be smooth and for other maybe a little not so smooth but hopefully all will work out.
Also there will be new sign up rules as well with this change over which some people have already spoken up about in total disagreement with at the last Paquin Tower Resident Association(PTRA) Meeting including yours truly here.
One of the new rules is "No Last Minute Show Ups" which has occurred in the past since some participants have varied times of doctors appointments or health care workers showing up and alot of various real life issues all disabled citizens have and in the past if there was room a last minute show up was always welcomed but now it seems that will be the case no longer which yours truly here at the last PTRA meeting spoke up a whole hearty and firm "I CALL BULLSHIT ON THAT POLICY" which brought some encouragement from a few residents/participants in attendance.
Sure these new rules like this one are for a reason but......if there is extra room on the transportational van going to these outings shouldn't they be filled if a last minute person shows up? I mean really now think about this issue. You have a transportational van that is not full with somebody wanting to come at the last minute and you are going to deny them that access? That is not what this program is about by far and maybe some concerned City Councilmen should poke a look into this issue since the City Council did approve the FY2009 Budget for this program after much kicking and screaming by different sides of this issue because denying access to the disabled I do believe goes against all of the principles this program stands for.
The new sign up rules are going to be rough as well for some participants until they get used to them as well. It seems instead of making this program totally accessible this program is in a small way going backwards or limited in nature which once again is not how this program was originally founded to be.
Also this program is seeing it's office hours reduced by 2 hours in the morning when it is the "prime time" for residents and participants alike to get into the office,ask questions and sign up early for trips and events.
This will be a problem I foresee in the future as the Paquin Tower Management office does not officially open it's own door until 1 pm to 3 pm and the CHA Resident Services Worker is not on site 5 days a week and the Park and Recreation Office picked up that slack time and now there will not be anybody to pick that slack up.
Some great news came out of the C.E.O. of the Columbia Housing Authority Phil Steinhaus and from Crystal Hampton the Resident Services Coordinator with the news that C.H.A. is redoing it's own van schedules to accommodate the residents of Paquin Tower as well as Oak Tower to go to more grocery stores more often and this brought a round of applause and agreement from all at the PTRA Meeting.
Maybe they can find the money in the future to buy a larger transportation van as well say a 16 seater that will hold 2 - 3 wheelchair/scooters.
Till the next round of news.
Peace out.
Starting November 1 2008 the transportational side of this program is going through some changes that are supposed to accommodate for the budget cuts mentioned above and all participants of this program have seen coming.
For some this is going to be a challenge as they are used to the "usual driver" they have grown to love Mr Jim Umstattd and now they will have to get to know a new driver and a new transportation van provided by Services for Independent Living. For some the transition will be smooth and for other maybe a little not so smooth but hopefully all will work out.
Also there will be new sign up rules as well with this change over which some people have already spoken up about in total disagreement with at the last Paquin Tower Resident Association(PTRA) Meeting including yours truly here.
One of the new rules is "No Last Minute Show Ups" which has occurred in the past since some participants have varied times of doctors appointments or health care workers showing up and alot of various real life issues all disabled citizens have and in the past if there was room a last minute show up was always welcomed but now it seems that will be the case no longer which yours truly here at the last PTRA meeting spoke up a whole hearty and firm "I CALL BULLSHIT ON THAT POLICY" which brought some encouragement from a few residents/participants in attendance.
Sure these new rules like this one are for a reason but......if there is extra room on the transportational van going to these outings shouldn't they be filled if a last minute person shows up? I mean really now think about this issue. You have a transportational van that is not full with somebody wanting to come at the last minute and you are going to deny them that access? That is not what this program is about by far and maybe some concerned City Councilmen should poke a look into this issue since the City Council did approve the FY2009 Budget for this program after much kicking and screaming by different sides of this issue because denying access to the disabled I do believe goes against all of the principles this program stands for.
The new sign up rules are going to be rough as well for some participants until they get used to them as well. It seems instead of making this program totally accessible this program is in a small way going backwards or limited in nature which once again is not how this program was originally founded to be.
Also this program is seeing it's office hours reduced by 2 hours in the morning when it is the "prime time" for residents and participants alike to get into the office,ask questions and sign up early for trips and events.
This will be a problem I foresee in the future as the Paquin Tower Management office does not officially open it's own door until 1 pm to 3 pm and the CHA Resident Services Worker is not on site 5 days a week and the Park and Recreation Office picked up that slack time and now there will not be anybody to pick that slack up.
Some great news came out of the C.E.O. of the Columbia Housing Authority Phil Steinhaus and from Crystal Hampton the Resident Services Coordinator with the news that C.H.A. is redoing it's own van schedules to accommodate the residents of Paquin Tower as well as Oak Tower to go to more grocery stores more often and this brought a round of applause and agreement from all at the PTRA Meeting.
Maybe they can find the money in the future to buy a larger transportation van as well say a 16 seater that will hold 2 - 3 wheelchair/scooters.
Till the next round of news.
Peace out.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
