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Ahead of the Times
Volume 24, Number 1
Feb/Mar, 2004

"MARDI GRAS ON THE KAW" FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT INDEPENDENCE, INC.
It was so much fun last year that we decided to do it again! Independence, Inc. will host it's second annual "Mardi Gras on the Kaw" fundraiser, Saturday, February 14, 2004, 7 p.m. - midnight, at the Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire, Lawrence.

This year's event features a sampling of wine produced by local vintners, Cajun cuisine prepared by Liz Karr Catering, music by Billy Spears and the Beer Bellies, and Mustang Sal‚, dancing, door prizes, tarot card readings, Mardi Gras trinkets, a cash bar, and of course, the crowning of the King and Queen.

Tickets are $45 per person with wine, or $30 without, and are available at Good Earth Mother Alchemy Shop, 803 Vermont; Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire; Independence, Inc., 2001 Haskell; or on-line at independenceinc.org/fundraiser.html. Proceeds will be used to support Independence, Inc. advocacy efforts to help guarantee the rights of people with disabilities. For more information, contact Independence, Inc. at 785/841-0333.

CONSUMER SUPPORT GROUP EVENTS:

• February 2004

The Cooking Club Celebrates African-American History Month Happy New Year! The Cooking Club will host a soul food dinner in celebration of African-American History Month on Monday, February 9, 4:30- 6:30 p.m. at Independence, Inc. RSVP with Ranita at 841-0333 before 5 p.m. on Friday, February 5.

• On the menu: 
  Black-eyed peas with ham-hocks
  Collard greens 
  Pecan pie

The Peer Support Group
The Peer Support Group will join the Cooking Club for the soul food dinner mentioned above.

• March 2004

Cooking Club Pre-St. Pat's Day Meal
Is your corned beef a little dry? Is your cabbage a little overcooked? Not to worry! The Cooking Club will show you how to prepare a St. Patrick's Day meal that will tickle your taste buds. Learn how to prepare a delicious corned beef and cabbage dinner on Monday, March 8, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Independence, Inc. RSVP with Ranita at 841-0333 before 5 p.m. on Friday, March 5. 

Peer Support Group Attends St. Patrick's Day Parade
Come watch all the fun and excitement of the Annual St. Pat's Day Parade in Downtown Lawrence with the Peer Support Group on Wednesday, March 17, noon - 1 p.m. We'll meet at South Park Recreational Center, 1141 Mass. If you have questions, contact Ranita at 841-0333.

A New You, For The New Year
Want a new look for the New Year? Want to jazz up your style a little? Need a little sparkle or shine? Well, join the Peer Support Group on Friday, March 5, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. for tips on skincare and a glamour makeover provided by Majine Para-Cremer from Mary Kay Cosmetics. We will meet in the large conference room at Independence, Inc. If you have questions, please contact Ranita at 841-0333.

The Quilting/Arts & Crafts Group
Monday, March 1, 1 - 2:30 p.m. the Quilting/Arts & Crafts Group will make fun decorations for St. Patrick's Day. Come explore all the fun things you make that are GREEN! Questions? Contact Ranita at 841-0333.

• Thank You!
  The consumer support groups of Independence, Inc. would like to thank Jody Anderson and family for their generous donation of an electronic keyboard and stand. We truly appreciate the support of the Anderson family!
  
• Creative Volunteers?
  MAGNET (Music Appreciation Group-Not Especially Talented) needs some wonderful, creative folks who love music to help us get our groove going again. Do you play an instrument? Do you love to sing? Dance? We need a leader who can show us the way, musically that is. We have been blessed with wonderful donations of instruments, now we need someone to show us how to use them . correctly. Do we have any willing souls out there? Oh please! We can only pay you in gratitude. Interested? Contact Ranita at 841-0333.
  
• Got A Green Thumb?
  Consumers are you interested in starting a gardening group? Do you know how to grow tomatoes, flowers, etc.? The Gardening Group would meet afternoons at Independence, Inc. We will provide the seeds. You provide the love and green thumbs, of course. Call Ranita at 841-0333 if you are interested in starting this type of consumer group.

OWN YOUR HOME
Independence, Inc. has a grant that assists people with disabilities in purchasing their first homes. The Home Of Your Own grant (HOYO) is available as a complement to a first time homebuyers loan called HOOT (Home Owners Out of Tenants). By combining the HOYO grant with the HOOT loan you can get an additional $15,000 for accessibility modifications, down payment, or rehabilitation of structural features. This is on top of subsidy that already exists as part of the HOOT loan.

To see if you qualify for the HOYO grant call Kelly Nightengale at 841-0333 and set an appointment. Applicants must have a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities and experience a low to moderate income.

Since the HOYO grant can only be used in combination with the HOOT loan, it is important to begin pre-qualifying for the HOOT loan. Below are the educational requirements needed to become eligible for a HOOT loan:

• Attend a First Time Homebuyer Workshop given by Tenants to Homeowners, Inc. These workshops are held the second Saturday of every odd numbered month at 9:45 a.m. in the United Way Building, 2518 Ridge Court. Call 842-5494 for more info.
• Complete a budget counseling session with Consumer Credit Counseling. This helps you learn your budgeting needs as a future homeowner and how to repair credit and debts. To schedule an appointment call 749-4224.
• Pre-qualification counseling with Tenants to Homeowners is another step needed for the HOOT loan. Bring $3.50 with you to your appointment to get a copy of your credit record. Tenants to Homeowners staff will go over your report with you and tell you what you have to do to qualify for a HOOT loan. 
• Call 842-5494 for an appointment, the same number to call for the First Time Homebuyers Workshop.

COPING WITH STRESS MANAGEMENT
The Coping with Stress Management classes are held every Friday, at 12:30 p.m. at Independence, Inc.. For more information call 841-7108, 2 - 6 p.m. and leave a message.

THE NEW MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY SUPPORT GROUP 
The Muscular Dystrophy Support Group of Independence, Inc. will meet at Independence, Inc. on Saturday, February 28, 1 - 3 p.m. People interested in learning more about individuals with muscular dystrophy are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Wylma at 843-1257.

ARO APARTMENTS
Master Plan Management is currently accepting applications for residency at Accessible Residential Options (ARO). These apartments are located at two sites in fourplexes and feature both one and two bedroom units which are fully equipped for accessibility for a tenant who uses a wheelchair for mobility. The units have roll-in showers, accessible light switches and environmental controls, front loading laundry machines, and knee clearance underneath the kitchen counters and stove. 

ARO is subsidized by HUD so applicants with low income are charged rent according to income and out-of-pocket medical expenses. To apply for housing at ARO contact Master Plan Management at 785/841-4935 or drop by the office at 2619 W. 6th, Suite A, Lawrence, KS 66049. Applications are also available at Independence, Inc.

SUPPORT INDEPENDENCE INC. 
and enjoy free entrees at 15 great Lawrence restaurants
For $15, you'll receive buy-one, get-one-free offers plus additional savings from 15 of the best restaurants in Lawrence. For only $15 you'll not only save hundreds of dollars dining out, you're supporting Independence Inc. which receives $10 of the $15 price. Its a great value and savings all year, and a fun way to enjoy dining out in Lawrence. Cards are available by contacting:

 Independence Inc.
2001 Haskell Ave.
Lawrence, KS 66046

 785/841-0333

All the offers are listed below:

Pachamama's: 
(1) Buy any entrée - get 2nd entrée FREE 
UNL FREE Appetizers at Friday's Wine Tastings 6-8pm

Teller's: 
(1) Buy one entrée - get 2nd entrée FREE (Must be seated by 6pm Fri & Sat.)
UNL Receive complimentary dessert w/p of any entrée  (1 per card holder)

Hereford House: 
(1) Buy lunch entrée get 2nd lunch entrée FREE (Limit $15)
(1) Buy dinner entrée - get 2nd dinner entrée FREE (Limit $20)
UNL Any appetizer or dessert only $1 w/p of any 2 entrées (excludes combo appetizer)

Paisano's: 
(1) (2) Buy lunch entrée - get 2nd entrée FREE (Limit $7.95)
(1) Buy dinner entrée - get 2nd entrée FREE (Limit $12.95) (dinner Sun-Thur only)
UNL Any appetizer for $.99 w/p of any 2 entrées

Paradise Cafe: 
(1) Buy any entrée - get 2nd entrée FREE
UNL Receive a dessert w/p of nightly seafood special

Applebee's: 
(1) Buy any entrée - get 2nd entrée FREE (must be seated by 4 pm) 
UNL Receive a complimentary order of mozzarella sticks w/p of any 2 entrees

Zen Zero/LaParilla: 
(1) Buy Lunch entrée - get 2nd lunch entrée FREE (Zen Zero Only, Limit $7.95)
(1) (2) Buy one entrée - get 2nd entrée 50% off
(1) (2) Receive a FREE dessert or appetizer w/p of any two entrees (limit $3.95)

Wheatfield's: 
(1) (2) Buy one entrée - get 2nd entrée FREE (dine in only M-Sat 5-8pm)
(1) Receive complimentary dessert w/p of any 2 entrees (5-8pm only)

First Watch: 
(1) (2) Buy any entrée - get 2nd entrée FREE (excludes Sundays)

Set'Em Up Jacks: 
(1) (2) Buy one entrée - get 2nd entrée FREE (limit $10)
UNL 20% off any regular priced menu items (Sun-Thur only)

Aladdin Cafe‚: 
(1) (2) Buy any entrée - get 2nd entrée FREE (Limit $6 lunch, Limit $8 dinner)
UNL FREE dessert or appetizer w/p of any 2 entrees (up to $4)

Jade Indian Grill: 
(1) Buy one buffet, get 2nd FREE
(1) Buy one buffet, get 2nd 1/2 price;
UNL Receive a complimentary beverage w/p of buffet

Sushi Station: 
(1) (2) Spend $20 get chef choice special or appetizer FREE ($10 value)
UNL Spend $15 get dessert or soft drink FREE

Stone Creek: 
(1) Buy one entrée - get 2nd entrée FREE ($12.95 limit Sun-Thur)
(1) Receive complimentary kids meal FREE w/p of any adult entrée
UNL Any 2 topping gourmet pizza for only $10 (carry out only)

Bambino's: 
(1) (2) Buy any entrée - get 2nd entrée FREE
UNL Receive complimentary House or Caesar salad w/p of any regular priced pasta dish (Dine in or carry out only) 

OFFER GUIDE: 

• (1) = Offer good one time 
• (1) (2) = Offer good 2 times 
• UNL = Offer good on an unlimited use basis. 
• "w/p" = with purchase. 
• All FREE offers are of equal or lesser value to the entrée purchase. 
• Offers are good at Lawrence locations only.

AUTHOR REQUESTS YOUR HELP
I am currently putting together a book on persons with disabilities in independent situations. I need your story. If you would like to be a part of this adventure, send your story with your name and a statement giving permission to publish to: Frederick Markham, 707 East 8th Avenue, Hutchinson, KS 67501. Articles that are selected for publication will be edited and returned to the author for final approval. All royalties will go to agencies assisting people with disabilities. Stories should be submitted by June 1, 2004

NEW FACES AT THE CENTER:

Karen Anderson has been hired as the new Business and Finance Coordinator for Independence, Inc.

Karen brings 11+ years of experience, having served as the Business Manager for the Lawrence Arts Center for 11 years. She also did bookkeeping for the Arts and Humanities Council of Tulsa as well as at a large preschool. In addition, she brings banking experience, having worked in the advertising/marketing department for a large savings and loan in Oklahoma.

Karen moved to Lawrence 13 years ago. She has served on the board of Ecumenical Christian Ministries for six years and is currently board treasurer for Kansas Brass, Inc. She has also been a member of the Lawrence Chamber Orchestra board. She has two boys; a cat named Gracie, and considers herself an expert at making trifles.

Stephanie Silva is the Assistive Technology Specialist. She has an eclectic background, which includes 25 plus years in the bar and restaurant business, a legal secretary, owning her own business in contract catering called "Domestic Goddess," and performing as a Middle Eastern dancer at the Renaissance Festival in Bonner Springs for several years. She has lived in Lawrence for more than 30 years and has one son who was born here. 

Stephanie says that her strength with consumers lies in her background working with varied sectors of the public and "being fortunate enough to still have maintained my patience levels with our fellow human beings on this crazy planet." She says that she is thrilled to be here and plans to stay for a very long time and wants to thank everyone for welcoming her.

INDEPENDENCE, INC. SNOW CLOSING POLICY
Independence, Inc. follows the lead of USD 497 (Lawrence) public schools to determine days that we will be closed because of snow or icy weather. 

If classes are cancelled for the day, our offices will also be closed for the day. If classes start late or end early, we will also open late or close early. This policy also applies to our transportation services.

If Lawrence schools open but schools in Baldwin, Eudora, or Lecompton are closed, transportation will be available in Lawrence but not to or from these destinations. The late start or early closing policy also applies for transportation services in rural Douglas County. If you have questions, call 841-0333.