June 22, 2011
Giving Back
Daily Record, Snapshots

Canon City’s newest theatre group, Infinite Ensemble Theatre Company, made a $500 donation to Starpoint from the proceeds of their first production, “Something’s Under The Bed!” by Marsha Gunder Schneider.  Jennifer Barnes- Gatzke, President of the Board (second from right),  Robin Beals, Secretary/Treasurer (third from right) and Spencer Maxfield, Vice President (left), recently made the big check presentation to Starpoint consumers, Terry, Tom and Mary.

Starpoint’s consumers in the Life Skills Center are in need of the following donations to compliment their classroom activities.  Needed are an electric mixer, a large skillet with lid, cookie sheets, coffee cups, metal flatware and utensils, a world globe, U.S. and world maps and calculators.

If you would like to donate any of these items or have questions about other needs and requirements of Starpoint’s Life Skills Classes, please contact Terry at 276-1111 ext 205.

The Life Skills Center is located at 29 Fremont County Rd 143 at the corner of Oak Creek Grade Rd and Elm.

For more information contact Ron Hinkle at 719.269.2228 or rhinkle@starpointco.com for more information.

June 3, 2011
Bright Futures
Daily Record, pg 1

SPIN preschool students sing a song during their graduation ceremony Thursday at Pioneer Park in Florence.  Seventy-two students graduated from the pre-kindergarten program at SPIN Early  Childhood Care and Education Center, a four-star quality rated school.  Students danced to the Hustle and performed 'Lean on Me' for their families, friends and teachers during the celebration.  Photo by Jeff Shane/Daily Record

Steve Criswell of Poncha Springs, Heart of the Rockies Snowmobile Club volunteer Mike Gunderman of Coaldale, Dale Lallemand of Starpoint and Cindy Criswell of Poncha Springs participate in an all-day Starpoint event that included rides on all terrain vehicles and a barbecue. The Criswells own All Season Adventures and Cindy said the event “is the most rewarding thing we do all year long.” Courtesy photo

Volunteers from Heart of the Rockies Snowmobile Club and All Season Adventures took adults from Starpoint Service Center in Salida for all terrain vehicle rides recently near the foot of Marshall Pass.

Cindy Criswell, owner of All Season with her husband, Steve, estimated 17-20 adults from Starpoint participated. Criswell said about 15-20 volunteers assisted with other events.

The group met at Shirley at the foot of Marshall Pass and volunteers gave rides to Starpoint personnel up Poncha Creek.

Vic White, who volunteered with his wife, Lori, and daughter Veronica, said other volunteers provided a barbecue. All Season Adventures donated vehicles for rides and the club donated food, Cindy Criswell said.

"It's so rewarding to see the smiles on their faces. Oh, my goodness. It's the most rewarding thing we do all year. To see some of (the adults) who don't have any expression - to see those smiles, is so cool," she said.

Read the whole article...

...And for the first time Starpoint Foundation made its presence known when 20 consumers walked, rode on the float and in three cars during the parade.

“We have people on the bowling team and the community of stars, who volunteer and work in the community,” said Ron Hinkle, Starpoint Foundation director.

“We (participated in the parade) for our stars,” said Tanya White, of Starpoint.

Starpoint employee Danielle Javernick said these are the ones who get out and do stuff in the community.

“We volunteer at the (former) Courtyard for the Boys and Girls Club,” she said. “A lot of them work at Loaves & Fishes.”

Also, White noted many of them also work at Taco Bell, Pizza Madness, Subway, both Florence and Cañon City libraries.

“We have a blast (working with our consumers,)” she said. “We have the best job in the world.”...

Read the whole article...

April 15, 2011
Story Time
Daily Record, pg 1

Florence Police Chief Joseph Morris reads the story of the Gingerbread Man to  Benjamin Straker, 4, Thursday during the sixth annual "Fairy Tale Night" at SPIN Early Childhood Care and Education Center.  Other guest readers were Fremont County Commissioners Debbie Bell and Ed  Norden, Florence-Penrose School Superintendent Cyndy Scriven, and Starpoint  Foundation Director Ron Hinkle. Carrie Canterbury / Daily Record

March 28, 2011
Ribbon Cutting for Starpoint Life Skills Center
Daily Record, Snapshots, pg B5

Starpoint staff, Robert Lopez and Terry Henderson cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the Starpoint’s Life Skills Center on January 26, 2011 with Starpoint consumers, staff and Chamber Prospectors participating. The facility was purchased by Starpoint in the early 1980’s and has been used for a variety of services and programs including administrative offices, water bed assembly, original case management and most recently it was the Family Center.  Programs now include the Life Skills, Life Enrichment and the SMART program.

	Starpoint Support Team Member Betty Ackerman, left, helps consumer Sheryl get into a car Thursday. Jeff Shane/Daily Record

For 26 years, she has worked with Fremont County’s developmentally disabled, and now she is one of six finalists for a state award for her work.
Betty Jean Ackerman, 59, is a support team member for Starpoint consumers.

“I kind of want to work where the love is,” Ackerman said. “I didn’t go after the money, I went after the love.”

Ackerman was nominated for the award by Starpoint for her work for the company. The award is given by Alliance, a nonprofit, statewide association of Community Centered Boards and Service Provider Organizations.

Starpoint Foundation Director Ron Hinkle said the award program was started three years ago. This is the first year Starpoint has submitted nominees.

Ackerman said what she does with Starpoint consumers depends on what each consumer needs and ranges from helping to balance a checkbook once a month to providing full care every day. She works with about 10 Starpoint consumers regularly.

“I am doing what I was born to do,” Ackerman said. “It’s a divine knowledge, something I know to be true.”
Ackerman and her husband, Phil, have two Starpoint consumers living with them full time. One of her daughters, who is in college, assists in their care.

Ackerman has held various positions at Starpoint over the last 26 years, including team coordinator at the industries program, group home staffing coordinator and day program coordinator.

“She strives every day to be honest and hard working, not only within herself but within and for the agency,” the nomination for the award read. “She loves to be fully committed and fully present both mentally and physically. As she serves, her love grows and her belief that the handicapped she serves are truly the valiant ones. She witnesses daily their handsomeness and beauty.”

Ackerman said she believes the community as a whole does not have an understanding of how incredible the people Starpoint works with are.

“They are amazing people,” she said. “They teach us so much every day.”

Ackerman has seven grown children. Outside of Starpoint, she spends time with her grandchildren and doing work for her church and the community.

“I have the greatest job on the planet,” she said. “I wish the whole community could know our clients.”

Collaboration is key in the success of four local early childhood learning centers who each recently earned a four-star quality rating.

Park Avenue Child Center, Rocky Mountain Children’s Discovery Center, SPIN Early Childhood Care and Education Center and Starpoint SPIN at Penrose have received the highest rating for the quality of their early care and education programs from the State Department of Human Services.

The ECHO and Family Center Early Childhood Council successfully participated in the competitive grant process to obtain this funding for local preschool and child centers since the beginning of the State School Readiness Quality Improvement Program.

“All of the licensed preschools in our community participate in Qualistar ratings,” said ECHO Director Pamela Walker. “So these folks are like at the very top, but participating in the rating itself is very rigorous and it shows anybody’s commitment toward improving and keeping quality because it’s not easy to get.”

Read the whole article...

Starpoint consumers and staff members had lots of room to celebrate during  their open house on Wednesday at the new Life Skills Center at 1401 Oak Creek  Grade Road.

The expansion offers additional classroom and office space for adults with  cognitive and physical challenges that partake in the wide range of services  offered by Starpoint.

The Adult Day Program and administrative offices remain at the administration  building at 700 S. Eighth St.

Foundation Director Ron Hinkle said the building that formerly housed the  Fremont County Family Center was the original Starpoint administration  building in the early 1980s.

"We've utilized it for over 30 years," he said. "It looks really good."

Hinkle said he is pleased with the facility and said several consumers painted  and helped to prepare the building for the big move.

Floyd, a 27-year-old consumer, helped with the remodel.

"I mostly took the paint off the floor, tried to paint some walls," he said.  "People (were) into it; we tore down office walls and threw them in a big  Dumpster.

"We got more room, instead of being cooped up in a small office part of the  building."

Community Living Coordinator Terry Henderson teaches life skills classes, including money management, nutrition and cooking, and healthy relationships. She not only enjoys the larger kitchen at the new facility, she loves the  people she has worked with during her 20 years at Starpoint.

 "It's such a wonderful group of people - the staff and the consumers," she  said. "When a consumer tells you how much they love something you've done or  how much they've learned - there's nothing better than to get a compliment  from the consumer."

The Self Management Accountability and Responsibility Training group led by  Robert Lopez is thrilled to have additional space. At the administration  building, the SMART group met in a conference room and traveled to Penrose to  work on projects.

Now it has two spacious classrooms and its own lunchroom. Lopez said there is much more room for academics, literacy and technology. Men  in the group also enjoy wood burning and create projects to sell or give to family members.

Frank Sarek facilitates the new Life Enrichment class.

"We'll have academic studies, exercise activities where they'll be doing things like weight-loss and weight-gains, we'll be keeping charts and tying  math in with that, hands-on activities" he said.

Sarek has a riding lawn mower and dirt bike that consumers will tear down and  learn to rebuild.  Life Enrichment also offers personal hygiene classes; arts  and crafts; woodworking; and jewelry making classes.  There is exercise equipment and plenty of room to shoot hoops or play the Wii.

"My goal for the enrichment class is to plan as much academics as we can, to  make it as much a learning experience as we can," he said.

"Even though  they'll be doing other activities other than academics, in the  back of their minds they'll always have some academics going on."

Sarek said his program welcomes the donation of scrap lumber to use for consumers' projects.
For more information, call 276-1111 or visit starpointco.com.

Carie Canterbury may be reached at ccanterbury@ccdailyrecord.com.

Dear Editor,
Who would have thought election night could be so much fun!

Certainly participants at Starpoint Bingo Nov. 2 all had a  fabulous time.  The Elks Lodge-sponsored fundraiser was a great success and we are deeply appreciative of ale the effort that went into the event.

In particular, we want to thank Patricia Arthur for suggesting the fund-raiser and coordinating the evening.  The evening was  very special for Starpoint consumers, families, employees and friends. 

We also want to thank each of the wonderful volunteers who gave up their evening to make this night so terrific:  Sue Marshall, John Wenstrom, Dee Troutman, Lana Gaalass, Roger Gaalass, Tandi Gaalass, Steve Bound, Paul Nelson, and Harold Lofgren.

As part of the Starpoint board, we thank you for helping enrich the lives of our community.

Katy Grether
and Susan Williams,
Salida Starpoint  board members

For several years Florence High School football teams have benefitted from countless hours of volunteer work from a field manager whose dedication has never wavered.

Kyle Grove, a former student of Florence High School, now is a student at Starpoint in Canon City, which is an organization that assists adults who have cognitive and
physical challenges.

Although he is busy attending classes every morning and works part time two days a week at Fremont Motorsports, his dedication to the football team remains
strong.

"I help with football and stuff like that," Grove said. "I just do it for the football season, and I love it. I just love it."

Grove said he especially likes helping Assistant Coach Gerry Buderus with drills.

"I know what to do," he said. "On the sideline, I help them out with the stuff I need to do."

Read the whole article...

John Hampton may not carry the pigskin into the end zone of a high  energy Friday night football game, but he does uphold the task of motivating  and fueling the fire beneath each of the Tigers who wear the black and gold  jersey.

Hampton has the heart and spirit of a true Cañon City High School Tiger, and  he never misses a practice or game.

“I’m there to encourage them to play their best and play hard when they can,”  he said. “I love the team, they give a lot of respect, and I love the coaches a  lot.”

Hampton, 20, prepares the water bottles and equipment bags for home and away  games. He also is in charge of the water boys during varsity competitions.

“He does a great job,” said Scott Manchester, coach for the freshman football  team. “The boys appreciate him.
“He gets the boys fired up on the sidelines as far as challenging them to get  more physical; it’s enjoyable having him there.”

Hampton is about to wrap up his second season as manager for the freshmen,  junior varsity and varsity teams. He enjoys traveling with the athletes and  coaches, but keeping the guys in line can be tricky.

“Varsity kind of gets out of hand sometimes,” he said with a laugh. “But  freshmen, they’re all right.”

 He continually reminds his team to keep the faith.

“I just tell them ‘stay focused, don’t give up on yourselves,’” he said.

Tigers head coach Chris Coppa said Hampton brings a ray of sunshine to practice everyday.

“He’s always got a smile on his face and just does whatever we ask him to do,”  Coppa said. “He’s been a joy in my life just to have him around; he always  makes any day brighter with his personality. I really appreciate John; he does  a great job for us.”

Hampton considers Coppa family.

“Because when I’m sad or mad I always go to him and he helps me through it,”  he said. “I love Coach Coppa; he’s a good coach. I consider him the number one  coach in Colorado.”

Hampton was born in Texas and grew up in California. He moved to Colorado  about three years ago with his grandparents and now lives with his aunt, uncle  and cousin.

He graduated from CCHS in 2010 but continues to help the janitors keep the  school clean. Hampton volunteers through Starpoint* and hopes to gain  employment or attend college, he said.

When he is not on the sidelines, Hampton enjoys spending time with his family  and loves to play basketball and watch movies.

When he was an infant, Hampton said the doctors predicted he would not live  past age 8.

“I had a feeding tube problem,” he said. “But I’m still alive.”

 He said he is like a train with a full tank of gas that never stops.

“I want Cañon to know me as a person who cares about the Cañon City Tiger  football team,” he said. “If it wasn’t for me moving here, I wouldn’t be here  helping the football team. This is where I wanted to be. Football is my life.”

He has one goal before the season winds down.

“I want to see a championship game,” he said.

 Hampton appreciates the coaching staff believing in him.

“If it wasn’t for Coach Coppa and O’Rourke and all the rest of the coaches, I  don’t know what I’d do without them,” he said. “I really appreciate all of  them.”

[*Starpoint Note: John’s been a Starpoint consumer for 2 years and receives services at 700 S. 8th St. in Canon City.  In addition he was named the Homecoming King at CCHS this year and volunteers at Hildebrand Care Center.]

Amendments 60 and 61 and Proposition 101 are hot topics that voters are taking a hard look at before they cast their ballots Nov. 2.

Starpoint — who serves children and adults with disabilities — said any further cuts to its program would be devastating.

Chief Executive Officer Roger Jensen said Starpoint lost more than $1 million in revenue for services because of state budget cuts in the last two years.

“Because of that, we have reduced our FTE employees by over 30,” he said. “That’s almost 10 percent of our workforce.”

The state Legislature has cut more than $2 billion in the last two years, Jensen said, and the forecast for 2011 — 2012 is another $1 billion cut — regardless if the measures pass.

“Some of our people’s services have been cut in half,” he said. “When you come down to having these three proposals on the ballot, what a lot of people don’t understand is what’s already been reduced out of the state budget — and how that’s impacted people like us locally.”

Read the whole article...

When children see the Early Head Start Toy Van pull up in front of their home, they may notice it has a fresh, new look.

After 12 years of serving families and children in Fremont County, “Tommy Toy Van” recently received a well-deserved makeover, thanks to the Early Head Start Policy Council.

“I feel extremely fortunate to be the one to take Tommy out to the Early Head Start little ones,” Velda Anderson, the Early Head Start Toy Van Home Visitor, said Thursday night during a reception to celebrate the van’s completion.

Brenda Aguirre, home visitation manager, said the policy council made the toy van its big project, which took about a year to complete. The van received a new generator, a fresh coat of paint, bright, lively decals and art work, a new seat cover, new side mirrors, and it was detailed inside and out...The mobile library of books and toys are available to families enrolled in the Early Head Start program through Starpoint’s Early Childhood network. Through Early Head Start, home visitors meet with families weekly to offer parent education, support, and resources; Anderson visits with families monthly.

Read the whole article...

While the mere moniker of the inaugural Rim to Rim Royal Gorge Run conjures up images of a grueling vertical sufferfest down and back up the 1,000-foot cliffs bracketing the Arkansas River around Cañon City, that simply isn't the case. Instead, Saturday's fundraising race makes use of the surrounding scenery, including the legendary suspension bridge of the Royal Gorge Park, as runners choose either the 5K or 10K out-and-back option through the hills on the northeast side of the park.

The finish line lies on the south side of the towering Royal Gorge Bridge, giving new meaning to the term "runner's high."

Racing kicks off at 8:30 a.m., and registration includes an (almost) all-inclusive pass to the park (excluding the Skycoaster). Friends and family qualify for half-price passes of $12 during the Octoberfest on Saturday. All race proceeds benefit Starpoint (starpointco.com).

Go: to Rimtorim.net for registration and info.

See the full article at DenverPost.com

	MORE SPACE FOR STORY TIME – SPIN Penrose Teacher Lindsey Cox reads to a small group of preschoolers while other students play and learn in an adjoining room. Two weeks ago the preschool was relocated out of modular units into Penrose Elementary School. (Citizen staff photos by Diana Armstrong)
	SPIN PENROSE DIRECTOR Michaela Davalos takes time to work puzzles with some of her students in the preschool’s new location.

Preschoolers at SPIN Penrose have moved out of modular schoolrooms and into two large rooms in Penrose Elementary School, providing them with more space and increased integration with Re-2 school district students and teachers.

Director Michaela Davalos said the new location provides each child with 54 square feet of classroom space and 175 square feet of playground space. The new playground has two new sandboxes, plenty of room for outside toys, and a place for the children to ride bicycles.

Presently, the preschool has 30 children attending in the morning session, 15 in the afternoon session and some children who only come before and after elementary school.

Davalos said the new move has allowed the children to become more integrated in district safety plans and procedures. She said she also is pleased with the way it has allowed the children to become more familiar with the elementary school and teachers.

“We’re working on transition skills with Re-2 to make the transition into school easier,” she said. “We’re working closely with the principal and teachers.”

In SPIN Penrose’s last Qualstar inspection, they received a four-star rating out of four stars.

“We are the only one in Fremont County that has four stars right now,” Davalos said.

In order to receive certain funding, preschools have to score well on the Qualstar inspections, which occur every two years.

SPIN Penrose currently is applying for national accreditation with the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Davalos said she has some openings for the afternoon preschool sessions, and anyone interested should call her at 371-2331. The preschool is open Mondays through Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
SPIN preschools are part of the Startpoint Foundation that aids children and adults with disabilities.

“RE-2 has been very supportive of the SPIN program,” Ron Hinkle of Starpoint Foundation, said. “Principal Carochi is enthusiastic and supportive, and he is glad we were able to move (the preschoolers) out of modulars and into classrooms.”

According to Hinkle, all SPIN preschoolers are screened for developmental disabilities. The Penrose preschool has eight students with disabilities out of 40 children enrolled.

Ice cream and smiles were the order of the afternoon, when Cañon City School District administration and staff, along with ECHO, Starpoint and Child Find representatives and community members, celebrated the ribbon cutting at the new ACCESS building at 490 N. Diamond.

After three years of fundraising, remodeling and renovations, Accessing Children’s Community Educational and Support Services officially opened at the former Harrison School.

Read the whole article...

The Rev. David Shaw had high hopes when he became leader of Church in the Wildwood in Green Mountain Falls.

Fresh out of a United Church of Christ seminary, Shaw imagined he’d have plenty of quiet time to study and meditate on Bible passages. He thought that if he delivered edifying Sunday sermons, his congregation would grow.

Five years later, Shaw finds himself buried in administrative tasks as the church’s only full-time employee. Attendance has shrunk from 120 people each week to about 80. Meeting the church budget is a constant struggle...For some priests and ministers, it becomes too much.

Rick Danforth, of Cañon City, changed careers in 2008 after being a pastor within the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America for 20 years. He’s now a case manager for Starpoint, a Cañon City center helping the developmentally disabled.

Read the whole article...

The Starpoint Foundation recently named the three new community members to its board of directors. The nomination of Susie Bell - Canon City, Pauline Upton - Florence and Beryl Baker - Florence were recently approved by the Starpoint operational board.

Susie and Bruce are long standing community and board members of many organizations in Canon City and Fremont County, and Susie commented in her application, “I volunteered to be on the Starpoint Foundation Board because without Starpoint and the Foundation, many very deserving and valuable people in our community would be underserved or not served at all.  The foundation board involvement, I’m sure, provide me with many moments of joy and awareness.  The folks have performed a great a great service to our community for over 30 years.  We are lucky and fortunate to have it in our community.”

Pauline and Richard Upton are recent newcomers to Florence and Pauline said, “As an educator, I spent a significant portion of my time working with students with special needs  in the public school system. After retiring and moving to Florence I was introduced to the Starpoint Foundation and soon found that the parent company, Starpoint was addressing the needs of adults with special needs.  They encourage their consumers to learn new skills, expose them to new opportunities, and to make good decisions for themselves.  I welcome the opportunity to serve on this board because their philosophy mirrors my image of how special needs individuals should be encouraged to reach their potential.”

Jennifer Harrigan, President of the Foundation Board smiled when she announced at a recent Foundation Board meeting that all three nominations had been approved and said, “We are so fortunate to add the names of Susie Bell, Pauline Upton and Beryl Baker to our board roster.  Their long standing and fresh commitment to Fremont County will serve us and Starpoint well.”

Roger Jensen, chief executive officer of Starpoint, received the prestigious Jane Covode Award, not only for his faithful and fruitful work in the developmental disabilities field at both the local and state levels, but also for his committed leadership and service to Fremont County.

The Jane Covode Award is the highest recognition Alliance bestows.

“It’s kind of like a lifetime achievement award,” Jensen said. “It’s not for any one thing you do, it’s for your body of work over a lifetime.”

Read the whole article...
[Note from Starpoint: Roger was not President of Lion's Club, but was President of Alliance four times. Also, there are a total of 15 Community Centered Boards and 15 Service Provider Organizations state wide.]

John Swartz of Salida was recently named to represent Colorado in the National Special Olympic Games in Lincoln, Neb., July 18-23.

He will represent more than 10,000 Colorado athletes who compete annually in 20 sports and more than 80 competitions. To qualify for the honor he won a gold medal in bocce ball during the 2009 state competition...To represent Colorado in the 2010 USA National Games, each athlete must raise $1,600 toward the total of $56,000. To do this, he is selling raffle tickets for a five-day, four-night cruise for two to Mexico, the Bahamas or the Caribbean.

Tickets cost $10. The raffle will be at 9 a.m. July 17 at the Colorado Special Olympics Office in Englewood...Raffle tickets may be purchased from Swartz or from Deb Kort at Starpoint, 203 E St. Donations for Special Olympics may be mailed to Starpoint at P.O. Box 687, Salida, CO 81201.

Read the whole article...

More than 900 children attended the St. Thomas Hospital Child Health & Safety Day on Friday at the Cañon City High School, where they learned more about safety and health...Early Head Start and Family Center health manager and health fair co-coordinator Diana McPeek said the booth she worked on was to make sure car seats are installed correctly and giving free car seats.

“We do this every year,” she said. “We do have a limited amount of car seats we have available.”

Read the whole article...

After attending the 2010 State Leadership Conference in April, the Canon City High School Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Club brought home special recognition for 50 percent growth in chapter membership.

Eleven chapter members attended the FCCLA conference, which hosted 73 other FCCLA chapters across Colorado.

Jennifer Gennaro, a senior was pleased to earn a silver medal in applied technology.
“I’m one of the co-presidents at our school level and our district level,” Gennaro said.  “It was a big three-day event.  We do these things called STAR projects.  It means Students Taking Action with Recognition.  It was an absolute blast.  My project was applied technology.  It’s where you find a problem in the world and you fix it.  Mine was welfare, which was kind of a difficult project.”

Jennifer was selected as the Starpoint Foundation Junior Board Member at the beginning of her junior year in high school and will continue on the board after she graduates.

This past week marked National Volunteer Week, and throughout the community, countless residents donated their time and talents to better the world around them.

John Carey is one of the many volunteers who takes time out of their busy schedules to regularly volunteer at Skyline Ridge Nursing & Rehabilitation Center...Carey works part-time at Starpoint, where he is a supported employment coordinator. He regularly brings two Starpoint consumers to volunteer at the facility where they take the candy and snack cart room to room, as well as visit with the residents.

Read the whole article...

Chaffee and Fremont County Starpoint consumers and staff personnel recently received a donation of $1,140 from Loaf 'N Jug employees.

The money was the result of the annual holiday Stars for Starpoint promotion conducted in Loaf 'N Jug stores in Salida, Buena Vista, Canon City and Florence.

The check was presented after Loaf 'N Jug sponsored a snowshoe outing for consumers and staff personnel. The outing was led by showshoers Tom and Melissa Sobal of Salida.

See more snowshoeing photos

After a water pipe froze, it caused a ceiling to collapse Wednesday at the Fremont County Family Center at 1401 CR 143, bringing the fire department to the scene.

The call came in to the Canon City Fire Department at about 11 a.m. Wednesday.

At first, "we thought the roof had collapsed," said Lt. Doug McAndries. "It turned out to be a drop ceiling."

According to the report, a valve from the copper water line that was hooked to the air conditioner between the roof and the drop ceiling accidentally had not been turned off.

The extreme cold weather "froze the copper line, causing quite a bit of water" to collapse the ceiling and flood inside the office, McAndries said. "We got in there and shut the valve off."

Because of the damage, Family Center managing director Paulette Bolton said the activities at the center have been cancelled Wednesday and today.

"When you have a problem, who else should you call than your friendly fire department," she asked.

The Knights of Columbus Fremont Council No. 2553 will participate in the 33rd annual Tootsie Roll Drive from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at City Market, Walgreens and Safeway for the mentally handicapped and developmentally disabled.

As in years past, the funds raised through this drive will be given to Colorado charities serving those with mentally challenged and other developmental delays.

Monies collected will be used to pay for occupational and vocational training, recreational programs, lifeskill training and more.

Last year, the Fremont County No. 2533 raised a total of $1,200, which was given to Starpoint in Fremont County.

Starpoint, 203 E St. Salida, is November Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce business of the month.

John Engelbrecht, chamber director, said Starpoint is a long-standing community contributor by supporting people with developmental disabilities and from a financial standpoint.

Employing more than 40 full- and part-time service and support personnel, Starpoint “is one of the larger employers in our area,” Engelbrecht said.

Bill Davis, Starpoint director, said services and support are driven by needs of people. It includes intermittent contact and support, employment assistance, day programs, personal care, community access, transportation and 24-hour, seven day a week comprehensive care.

Engelbrecht said the Starpoint personnel volume of service is “overwhelming,” and “it was an easy decision” awarding business of the month to the organization.

The color of fall is orange.

At least it will be when Family Center presents its annual Fall Festival from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Abbey Fieldhouse.

“They’ve been doing the fall festival for about 15 years,” said Fremont County Family Center coordinator Sheila Rocchio. “We do four community events a year. The festival is one of our biggest ones.”

Traditionally offered at the Family Center, it was moved last year to the fieldhouse, where about 900 attended the event. Read the whole article...

Starpoint was the primary charity to receive $6,000 raised during the 25th annual Autumn Color Run held Sept. 19 in Buena Vista

The organizing committee, headed by Tom Liverman, selected Starpoint as recipient.

Starpoint consumers, staff personnel and board members provided help during the event manning the food and drink tent in the park as runners finished races and assisting with park cleanup.

Hundreds of baked items were donated from throughout the community.

More than 500 competitors from several states showed up for the annual Autumn Color Run Sept. 19 in Buena Vista. The event, which features a 5K run, 10K run, half-marathon run and one-mile fun run, drew over 150 more runners and walkers than did last year's races.

McPhelemy Park was headquarters for the Autumn Color Run. Organizations benefiting included Starpoint and Habitat for Humanity. Read the whole article...

Sarai Trujillo soon will run more than 26 miles in a brave triumph that will shine as a beacon of light and hope for victims of sexual violence.

“I long for this run to mean something more than just another attempt at marathon success,” said Trujillo, a 33-year-old Cañon City mother of seven. Her five daughters are part of the reason she will run the Denver Marathon on Oct. 18.

“I’m hoping to raise money that will directly impact their lives,” she said. “I long for them to grow up safe in a world that often isn’t safe for girls and women.”

Trujillo is running to benefit the local Family Crisis Services, Inc. All of the funds raised from her run will provide support for victims of sexual violence and education for prevention of such violence, including a local high school curriculum to help teenagers learn prevention techniques. Read the whole article...

[Starpoint Note: Sarai Trujillo is a Starpoint Early Head Start home visitor and she also ran in the 25th Annual Buena Vista Color Run on September 19 with proceeds benefiting Starpoint Chaffee County.]

Sarai Trujillo’s vision of a future for her children that is safe and free of sexual violence is shared by Family Crisis Services, Inc.

“It is appropriate that Sarai has chosen such a challenging event to raise both funds and awareness for victims of sexual assault,” said Gail Conroy, FCSI board president. “It is representative of the challenges that victims experience in dealing with the feelings of shame, depression, anger and fear.” Read the whole article...

[Starpoint Note: Sarai Trujillo is a Starpoint Early Head Start home visitor and she also ran in the 25th Annual Buena Vista Color Run on September 19 with proceeds benefiting Starpoint Chaffee County.]

The Starpoint Foundation will initiate a new orientation program for anyone interested in learning more about Starpoint’s mission.  Free :45 minute Starpoint Community ORientation Events (SCORE) will be held monthly every 2nd Thursday beginning September 10 at 1 pm at Adult Services, 700 S., 8th in Canon City.  Presentations will include discussions with Roger Jenson, CEO, a short mission video and Q & A session and tour of Adult Services.  There is no commitment from the participants and follow on sessions with the SPIN and Family Center facilities will be offered on a quarterly basis.

“The Starpoint mission is vital to Fremont County and many folks are not aware of all that we do nor the services that we provide.  This initiative is an attempt by the Foundation to get the word out to the resident and citizens of Fremont County,” said Ron Hinkle, Starpoint Foundation Director.

If you would like to attend please RSVP to Hinkle at 269-2228 or by email to rhinkle@starpointco.com.

Being a developmentally disabled adult isn’t a disability for “Wolfman” Dave Carty. With his sidekick, “Redneck” Ed Belinski, Wolfman does a weekly radio show on low-power community radio station KHEN 106.9 FM in Salida, Colorado.

Note: Dave and Ed’s show, “Weather or Not”, can be heard Wednesday at 5PM on KHEN.

Starpoint, which introduced Dave and Ed, provides essential services to two vulnerable populations: kids, prenatal through five years of age, and their families, and adults with cognitive and physical challenges. Starpoint has been providing services and supports to individuals, families, and communities in Fremont, Chaffee, and Custer Counties since 1977, and began providing adult services in Front Range communities in 2001.

Two months before Ava Walters was born, her parents were told she had an 80 percent chance of having Down syndrome, as well as a severe heart defect that would require surgery immediately following her birth.

While waiting to find out the extent of their daughter’s problems, mom Greta Johnson had a revelation.

“I started to pray, ‘I don’t care if the baby has Down syndrome. We could deal with that, just please, please, God, let her heart be OK’,” Johnson told the crowd at the Eighth Annual Legislative Symposium sponsored by ECHO and Family Center Early Childhood Council on Wednesday evening. Read the whole article...

Photo by Christopher Kolomitz “Redneck” Ed Belinsky, left, and “Wolfman” Dave Carty work at the KHEN studio Wednesdays. Neither Belinsky or Carty thought they would ever do a show at a radio station.

Three years ago "Wolfman" Dave Carty and "Redneck" Ed Belinsky never thought they'd be a part of a KHEN 106.9 FM radio show - or any other show.

But that changed when the radio station offered Carty an "opportunity most people never have a chance to do," Belinsky said.

Carty is a Starpoint consumer and Belinsky is a Starpoint support team member who works with him. Read the whole article...

Starpoint's Wine and Cheese Fundraiser and Celebrity Signature Auction held on April 18th raised proceeds to benefit various Starpoint programs and services in Fremont and Chaffee County. Read the whole article...

In the vehicles division, first place went to Andy Andrews of Canon City, second to Cassandra Shelver, Miss Teen United Nations and third to Starpoint.

Striving to prevent dangerous behaviors in children, the Fremont Build A Generation team is creating a community database of organizations dedicated to the same mission.

The community action group is dedicated to prevent negative behaviors in local youth such as substance abuse, violence, delinquency, teen pregnancy and school drop out. To assist in that effort, the panel’s Resource Assessment subcommittee is working this summer to update information on Fremont County organizations that serve children and adolescents...Each month, board members Darby Baldwin from Department of Human Services, Guentcheva from Rocky Mountain Behavioral Health, Jo Beth Palmer from Head Start, Kathy Kennedy from Starpoint and Kari Snelson from West Central Mental Health Center work to compile the directory. Read the whole article...

To the editor:

Starpoint SPIN, the early childhood learning center located at 1333 Elm Ave in Canon City will save up to $2,400 on their electric bill each year thanks to a new photovoltaic (PV) solar electric generation system donated by Power House Solar and Wind. The total cost of the installed system was nearly $70,000. An upfront rebate and Renewable Energy Credit (REC) covered close to $45,000 and Power House contributed the balance of almost $25,000. The project was completed May 19, 2009 and will be commissioned pending final state electrical and Black Hills inspections (06/01/09).

Pete Austin and his wife, Lea Darnell, owners of Power House Solar and Wind, have been in business in Fremont County for 10 years. They made the donation to Starpoint in appreciation for the continuing services and care provided to their special needs grandson.

Power House Solar and Wind has made a significant donation to our community. Pete and Lea deserve a big thanks.

Other donations to the project included K & M Electric, who provided the AC hookup to the PV system, and Canon Rental, who provided the equipment.

Roger Ratcliff,
Canon City

To the editor:

Starpoint would like to thank Pete Austin and Lea Darnell, Power House Solar & Wind, their employees and the following local companies for their donations and support to the Starpoint’s SPIN solar energy project.

This project involved many hours of volunteer help and assistance, equipment, supplies, safety apparatus and solar system specific items totaling more than $20,000 from Power House Solar & Wind, K & M Electric, Cañon Rental and Roger Ratcliff, a volunteer.

The total cost of the Power House Solar and Wind project, including the Black Hills Energy rebates, was estimated at $67,000.

Thanks for your continued support of Starpoint consumers, families, programs and events.

Ron Hinkle,
Starpoint Foundation Director

She does not remember when she first learned to crochet.

But, Nancy Trussell does remember watching her mother make numerous items. It intrigued so much that she emulated her by making scarves, afghans and clothes. Recently, she and Karen Cato organized the Wool Gatherers as a social group, but before long, it became more than that....At that point, the members learned about the Family Center’s need through the John C. Library District staff, who donated baskets to families with newborns. The baskets featured material about the library. As a result, the Wool Gatherers decided to make baby blankets, bibs, booties and other baby items to give to the same cause. Read the whole article...

Foundation Note: Family Center’s full name is Starpoint’s Fremont County Family Center.

Kids say the darnedest things. But once in a while, they may say something that is worth writing down, or maybe even writing a book about.

Foundation Note: Kathy Kennedy, author, is a Starpoint employee at our Family Center and she is best known as a First Steps Home Visitor/Youth Coordinator.

Megan Yarberry greets the audience of the Mrs. Colorado Pageant May 16 after she is crowned Mrs. Colorado 2009 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in Denver. Graphique/Courtesy Photo

She was crowned Cañon City’s Music and Blossom Festival Queen in 1999; 10 years later, she is the newly reigning Mrs. Colorado.

Foundation Note: Megan Yarberry is the daughter of Foundation Board Member, Glenn McCarter.

The flipping of the switch. Left to right:  Roger Jensen, Starpoint CEO; Pete Austin, Power House Solar & Wind Co Owner; Leah Darnell (Pete’s wife), Power House Solar & Wind, Co Owner, and Kevin Pratt, Black Hills Energy Renewable Energy Director. Photo by Starpoint

Solar panels gleam brightly from the roof of SPIN Early Childhood Care and Education Center, part of a new advanced solar energy system just installed that will save the facility thousands of dollars each year.

Power House Solar and Wind of Cañon City installed the system that is expected to save 19 percent of the center’s electrical usage every year. The $45,000 project was funded through a rebate from Black Hills Energy, the local power utility. Read the whole article...

Fifty-seven solar panels line the roof of SPIN preschool in Canon City. A couple who owns a solar company organized the project as a thank-you gift for the school's caring of a grandson. Photo by Tracy Harmon

A couple who own a solar business recently gave a Canon City preschool a fitting thank-you gift: They helped outfit the school with solar energy.

Pete Austin and his wife, Lea Darnell, the owners of Power House Solar and Wind, coordinated the project in appreciation of SPIN preschool's caring for a grandson. The private school cares for 200 children with and without special needs. Read the whole article...

To the editor:

Jennifer Harrigan outlasted other bidders at Saturday’s Starpoint Celebrity Signature Auction and took home a once-in-a-lifetime piece of art – a Salvador Dali etching signed by the legendary artist.

“I’m thrilled,” Harrigan said of her catch of the night. As a member of the Starpoint Foundation Board of Directors, she was present when Brendan Pardue donated the artwork for the Wine and Cheese Fundraiser. Read the whole article...

Foundation Note: Jean Dilatush was a member of the board of directors for Starpoint for 17 years.

Jean Ross Dilatush, 78 of Salida, died March 9, 2009, at Sky Ridge Medical Center in Lonetree from injuries received in a car accident in Monument.

She was born August 17, 1930, in New York City, N.Y. to Thomas and Jeanette (MacKay) Gillies. As a child, she lived in Long Island, N.Y., and Hollywood, Fla. She married Gordon Kessler in 1948 and daughter, Barbara Jean, was born in 1949.

After working many years as an executive secretary for Cahners Publishing Co. of Denver, she operated Jean's Secretarial Service in the Cherry Creek area in Denver in 1975. Read the whole article...

4. Shop for stoneware and salsa

Pick up gourmet kitchenware and food items at the Mixing Bowl, a must-stop spot for gourmands and foodies. To warm up your palate, try the green-chile salsa mix or the original-blend hot salsa mix. Mix $4; 148-A F St.; 719/539-2655. Read the whole article...

Bowling can be a treat for almost everyone.

For the Starpoint consumers, it is not only fun, it can be challenging.

Starpoint employee and co-organizer Darlene Globoker said the foundation had established its own league with nine teams consisting of 36 players and four substitutes playing on Tuesdays for 12 weeks at Cañon Lanes. Read the whole article...

One is a great-grandfather with decades of leadership, volunteer and business experience under his belt, while the other is a high school junior who is just beginning to explore the many opportunities her community has to offer as she searches for her place in this world.

What do these vastly different individuals have in common? They both have hearts dedicated to serving their community and are both new members on the Starpoint Foundation Board.

The generation gap that is bridged by seasoned Myron “Smitty” Smith and the board’s youngest member, fresh and innovative Jennifer Gennaro, is what makes the Starpoint Foundation Board quite unique. Read the whole article...

January 19, 2009
Trujillo endlessly volunteers in county
Around The Town by Charlotte Burrous
The Daily Record

She reminds me of the energizer bunny. Wind her up and she keeps on going and going and going. Everywhere you look, you’re bound to see Janet Trujillo in the middle of almost any event, sponsored by a nonprofit in Fremont County.

For example, as part of the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class of 2007, she helped organize the Fremont County Senior Volunteer Fair, which was scheduled Saturday at the historic National Guard Armory on Main Street.

I can’t help but admire her dedication. She not only helps at several schools, she also works as a board member of Starpoint, going above and beyond what most people are likely to do. Read the whole article...

January 12, 2009
Local center helping struggling families
Melodie Head
The Daily Record, pg. 1

During the Christmas season, Fremont County Family Center phone calls doubled, according to Diane Trujillo, Starpoint Education Manager, and the center’s 2008 Fall Festival brought in 900 visitors compared to 600 in 2007.

Business isn’t the only hit of the suffering economy, the financial bind is affecting organizations from the top all the way down to the individuals — bringing monetary and emotional difficulties to families.

“The cost of diapers and formula can have a huge impact on families,” said Ron Hinkle, foundation and marketing director for the family center. Read the whole article...

The flush of optimism the developmentally disabled community felt last summer with the signing of legislation to give them long-awaited relief and opportunities is fading fast.

The 10 bills Gov. Bill Ritter signed June 5 were meant to provide jobs for the disabled, increase oversight of their care and reduce by up to 700 the number of people on a years-long waiting list for service.

The waiting list is being pared slowly, but the econmy's collapse is wiping out nearly all of the other gains. Read the whole article...

St. Benedict’s Knights of Columbus – Florence recently donated $649 from their annual Tootsie Roll campaign to Starpoint.

Spelling "fluorescent" correctly Dec. 3, Salida High School Matchwits team members beat McClave High School of Bent County, winning the southern Colorado regional championship. Read the whole article...

In the season of giving, Starpoint Foundation will be the recipient of several fundraisers by organizations in the area.

During the Loaf ‘n Jug “Stars for Starpoint” fundraiser, customers buy paper stars for $1 to hang around the different stores this month. Read the whole article...

December 5, 2008
Loaf 'N Jug Partners with Starpoint in Fremont and Chaffee Counties
The Daily Record, page A3

The four Loaf 'N Jug convenience stores in Fremont and Chaffee Counties are accepting donations through the end of December to support Starpoint programs in Canon City and Salida.  According to Loaf 'N Jug District Manager, Guy Denny, "We have chosen Starpoint as our non-profit of choice in this campaign because of the folks they serve and the programs they have instituted." Read the whole article...

Penrose Elementary and Starpoint Spin Penrose joined efforts in holding a food drive for Thanksgiving for the local school. All the food that was donated went to students of the elementary school. Thanks for the help, fifth-grade students, preschool students, the PTO members and the entire student body. Back row, from left, Linda Freed, Michaela Davalos, Jeannie Melcher. Front row: Sonya Woolston, Rian Toman, Christopher Fisher, Kash Fields, Sophie Adamson, Sydney Adamson, Davanie Genova, Nichole West, Marcus Suiters and Jami Botz. Not pictured is Michelle Hess.

Dear Editor,

Starpoint was founded in 1977 in Fremont County, Colorado as a community-center board dedicated to service, support and advocate those with developmental disabilities (DD).  Read more about Starpoint...

She saw the struggles of her cousin, who has mental challenges.

Over the course of her cousin’s life, Starpoint has supported her. Read the whole article...

October 25, 2008
New Vitamin D
Lindsey Tanner
Cañon City Daily Record Weekend Edition, page B5

The nation’s leading pediatricians’ group says children from newborns to teens should get double the usually recommended amount of vitamin D because of evidence that it may help prevent serious diseases...General developmental, health and safety questions regarding pregnancy and children birth through 5 years can be directed to: Starpoint/Fremont County Family Center, 1401 Oak Creek Grade Road, Cañon City, 269-1523. Read the whole article...

Chaffee County Early Childhood Council, Buena Vista and Salida school districts and Child Find sponsored countrywide screenings for infants and young children Aug. 23...We also extend sincere appreciation to the following groups who organized and staffed the screenings.

They include Arkansas Valley District of Colorado Association for the Education of Young Children, Avery-Parsons Early Childhood Program, Chaffee County Public Health, Head Start, Starpoint and Strawberry Door. Read the whole letter...

The Starpoint Foundation’s 4th Annual Casino Night returns this year on October 31 at the Abbey Event Center.  Take your children trick or treating, hand out goodies to all of the little ones and then get dressed up your self at 7 pm for the “Masquerade and Merriment” fundraiser with heavy appetizers, chocolate fountain, poker chips, Black Jack, Texas Hold-Em and Silent Auction.

Tickets are $45 per person and may be ordered and purchased in advance at Starpoint, 700 S. 8th St., Canon City or by calling (719) 276-1616.

The Mixing Bowl, 148 F St., Salida, received the September Business of the Month award Friday from members of Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce...What's different about the store, however, is its partnership with Starpoint agency which works with special needs residents. The Mixing Bowl provides work experience for those individuals.
Read the whole article...

Her name is Rebecca, and she greeted me cheerfully from across the room as I walked through the doors of The Mixing Bowl in Salida.

Before I had walked 10 steps into the store, Rebecca offered me water infused with fresh citrus (nice touch, by the way) and asked if I was looking for anything special.

This is a store so full of special even if you’re not looking for it, you’re going to find it. Read the whole article...

	Presenting a $1,000 check to Starpoint CEO Roger Jensen is Kiwanis president Dr. Tonya Hubbard and Kiwanis president elect Janet Trujillo.  From left are Patty Donaldson, Beth Landers, Trujillo, Jensen, Hubbard, Mary Baros, Bobbi Summers and Terry King.  Kiwanis Club issued a challenge to other service clubs to meet or exceed it $1,000 donation to the project.

The Royal Gorge Kiwanis Club of Canon City presents a check for $1,000 to Starpoint Foundation for the purchase of equipment and furniture for an enclosed and shaded Sanctuary behind the facility at 700 S. 8th St.  Presenting the check to Roger Jensen, Starpoint CEO is Dr. Tonya Hubbard, President and Janet Trujillo, President Elect of the local Kiwanis Club.  Also attending were (l – r), Patty Donaldson, Beth Landers, Trujillo, Jensen, Huibbard, Mary Baros, Bobbi Summers and Terry King.

The Kiwanis Club has issued a challenge to all other service clubs in the county to meet or exceed their $1,000 donation to this project which will provide additional parking, landscaping, privacy fence and an enclosed and shaded Sanctuary.  The area will be available for adult consumer services and additional recreation, eating, outdoor classes and relaxation.

Starpoint has served the developmental disabled population in five counties for more than 30 years and overseas the SPIN Child Care facility as well as the Fremont County Family Center.  Starpoint – enriching lives; realizing dreams.

Starpoint touches the lives of more than 1200 individuals every year.  For more information about donating to Starpoint contact Ron Hinkle, 269-2228, rhinkle@starpointco.com or on their web site at www.starpointco.com.

August 25, 2008
Event to address homeless problems
Charlotte Burrous
The Daily Record, pg. A1

Living on the streets is not easy.

Many of the homeless are starving and living in weather conditions that can become lethal when the temperatures drop...As part of Hunger Awareness Month, a group of nonprofit representatives from Fremont County, known as “Providing Intervention to Community Homelessness” will host an “Under the Bridge Cardboard Camp-out” event from 7 p.m. Sept. 19 until noon Sept. 20 in the field at 14th and Main streets... “Starpoint, Early Head Start and Spin are on board with this,” Slaughenhaupt said. “They are going to be drop-off points for clothes, canned goods and stuff that we’re collecting.” Read the whole article...

	Jeff Shane/Daily Record

“The goal is to accommodate the medical field,” Lemay said. “Keep the money local, help enhance the downtown area and to give back to local organizations.” Read the whole article...

	Chris Tollis, left, and Josh Monahan of Mathews Brothers Electric of Cañon City cut conduit for electrical work at the former Harrison School. Project ECHO received a $237,500 grant to remodel the building and is launching a major community fundraising effort to raise matching funds. Debbie Bell/Daily Record

Project ECHO and the Family Center Early Childhood Council has influenced the lives of about 40,000 children in its 31 years of operation.

Now, the center seeks financial help from the community to continue its growth and expand its facilities.

Read the whole article...

	Early Head Start Policy Council chairwoman Tina Gossett, from left, Early Head Start Home Visitor Manager Brenda Aguirre and Royal Gorge Kiwanis Club member Stan Mingus dedicate the Kids Corner Playground Tuesday at the Fremont County Family Center. Charlotte Burrous/Daily Record

Months of hard work culminated Tuesday when members of the Early Head Start Policy Council and Royal Gorge Kiwanis Club dedicated the Kids Corner Playground at the Fremont County Family Center.

During an informal ceremony, Early Head Start Home Visitor Manager Brenda Aguirre, who was one of the driving forces behind the playground, thanked everyone for helping complete the project. Read the whole article...

	View more photos of the South 8th Street outdoor improvements

The outdoor landscaping, extended and additional parking and fencing upgrade project at S. 8th St. facility is progressing well. Consumers and staff eagerly watch the progress and look forward to it’s completion with recreational, cooking and eating areas to be added soon.

Scholarships are available NOW for 3 and 4 year olds, as well as some infants and toddlers. The program begins this fall, 10 hours each week, but you can register NOW! For more information and eligibility, see our Scholarship Flyer [PDF] or call Starpoint – SPIN, 275-0550 or ECHO, 276-5700.

For the second consecutive year, Starpoint reached the highest level of achievement for early intervention programs in Colorado.

The non-profit organization established in 1977 serves infants, children and adults with developmental disabilities in Chaffee, Custer and Fremont counties. Read the whole article...

Each year in October, the Knights of Columbus sell Tootsie Rolls to raise more for the developmentally disabled.  This year the campaign raised $1,000.  Tony DiMarino, left, who chaired the annual Tootsie Roll for the Handicapped Drive, presents the $1,000 check to Ron Hinkle, Starpoint Foundation Director.

July 11, 2008
Babysitters Club
Melodie Roberts
The Daily Record

The instructor was full of life during Thursday’s class — making even the most unattractive subject matter more fun.

Diana McPeek,- class instructor, showed the group of girls the importance of cleanliness during a diaper change. Read the whole article...