Seniors retain mobility, transition away from car ownership
By Jennifer L. Boen
of The News-Sentinel
Fort Wayne has a new option for older adults who no longer are able to or desire to drive themselves to and from the grocery store or the afternoon bridge club meeting. Community Transportation Network (CTN) is starting Senior Keys. The program allows the older adult who still has a car but no longer drives it to donate the vehicle to CTN. In addition to the tax write-off for the senior, the donor receives a credit with Senior Keys to buy rides up to the value of the donated vehicle.
“We'll be looking to build a small fleet of vehicles to begin transporting seniors,” said Brad Davis, Senior Keys manager. “We'll be targeting folks transitioning away from driving, more likely folks in their 80s or above, those who might have not as good of control of a vehicle as they should.”
Volunteer drivers will transport the seniors. CTN will keep well-running vehicles for the fleet. Vehicles not in good enough condition for the fleet will be sold, with proceeds used for Senior Keys for operating expenses. Communities across the nation are looking at novel ways to prepare for the surge in services needed by the 65 and older population, which will double by 2030, reaching 71 million people. By then, 9.5 million people will be 85 years and older.
It is never easy for adult children to talk to their elderly parents about giving up the car keys. But anyone who recalls the July 2003 tragedy in Santa Monica Calif., in which 86-year-old George Weller killed 10 people when he accidentally drove through a crowd at a Santa Monica, Calif., farmers' market, knows the conversation is a necessary one. Soon after the accident, Weller reportedly told police he may have mistakenly hit the gas pedal instead of the brake. In addition to the 10 deaths, 15 people were critically injured.
“That conversation can be hard. The last thing people want to do is give up driving,” Davis said. Some people begin limiting themselves as to where and when they drive. Eventually the car sits unused in the garage. It is those individuals and families that CTN is seeking to donate vehicles to Senior Keys and to begin using the service.
“We hope to begin marketing this to families of current clients or other groups such as the Council on Aging and Aging and In-Home Services (of Northeast Indiana),” as well as to attorneys and doctors, Davis said. He noted that some agencies offer transportation for clients but it is limited to medical or other specific uses. The Council on Aging's transportation service, for example, provides seniors transportation to and from medical appointments, nutrition sites, grocery stores and social service agencies.
CTN, DeLuxe Taxi and Citilink in February announced a partnership to offer wheelchair taxi service 24/7 in Fort Wayne. Senior Keys will use only passenger cars so individuals needing wheelchair-accessible transportation should use the new taxi service.
The service will begin once CTN has a small fleet plus a group of volunteer drivers, Davis said. The target date is sometime in April.
http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090319/NEWS/903190333
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Cars For A Cause
Cars For A Cause
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Press Release) - Easter Seals Arc is pleased to announce that it is participating in a new car donation program. The Arc of the United States created a nationwide vehicle donation program to benefit state and local chapters. This program is designed to provide Arc chapters such as Easter Seals Arc of Northeast Indiana, with an opportunity to benefit from donations of cars, trucks, boats, and other vehicles, by recycling unwanted vehicles and parts to help fund programs that will create solutions and change lives of people with developmental disabilities. Here’s how the program works: Donate your used car, van, truck, boat with a trailer, or recreational vehicle seven days a week, 24 hours a day to Easter Seals Arc and the organization will receive a small percentage of the cars worth. It’s that simple! This program was organized by Melwood, an organization serving people with developmental disabilities out of Maryland. Melwood operates one of the largest and most successful vehicle donation programs in the U.S. and is extending its call center and processing system to other nonprofits. The Arc of the United States joined the program in November of 2008 and already more than $15,000 has been donated to over 65 Arc chapters. “The Arc of the United States’ participation in the car donation program through Melwood has proven to be a tremendous benefit to our chapters. This nationwide program has added value to our members because it’s available at such a low cost and the program staff take care of every detail in the donation,” said Peter V. Berns, Executive Director of The Arc of the United States.
The Arc of United States Car Donation project was an easy elective to choose because we do not have to do any of the legwork, but just promote it. Net gift revenues will be devoted toward operating expenses because it is getting harder and harder to get unrestricted donations to aide in the operating costs of the organization. This program also provides a way for new people who otherwise would not donate to our organization to get involved. Any community member can call the toll free telephone number: 1-877-ARC-CAR0 to make their automobile donation, or can donate online at www.eastersealsarcnein.org. For questions or more information about this program please contact Bill Andreas, Executive Director of the Arc Foundation, at 260.456.4534 ext 265.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29742187/
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Press Release) - Easter Seals Arc is pleased to announce that it is participating in a new car donation program. The Arc of the United States created a nationwide vehicle donation program to benefit state and local chapters. This program is designed to provide Arc chapters such as Easter Seals Arc of Northeast Indiana, with an opportunity to benefit from donations of cars, trucks, boats, and other vehicles, by recycling unwanted vehicles and parts to help fund programs that will create solutions and change lives of people with developmental disabilities. Here’s how the program works: Donate your used car, van, truck, boat with a trailer, or recreational vehicle seven days a week, 24 hours a day to Easter Seals Arc and the organization will receive a small percentage of the cars worth. It’s that simple! This program was organized by Melwood, an organization serving people with developmental disabilities out of Maryland. Melwood operates one of the largest and most successful vehicle donation programs in the U.S. and is extending its call center and processing system to other nonprofits. The Arc of the United States joined the program in November of 2008 and already more than $15,000 has been donated to over 65 Arc chapters. “The Arc of the United States’ participation in the car donation program through Melwood has proven to be a tremendous benefit to our chapters. This nationwide program has added value to our members because it’s available at such a low cost and the program staff take care of every detail in the donation,” said Peter V. Berns, Executive Director of The Arc of the United States.
The Arc of United States Car Donation project was an easy elective to choose because we do not have to do any of the legwork, but just promote it. Net gift revenues will be devoted toward operating expenses because it is getting harder and harder to get unrestricted donations to aide in the operating costs of the organization. This program also provides a way for new people who otherwise would not donate to our organization to get involved. Any community member can call the toll free telephone number: 1-877-ARC-CAR0 to make their automobile donation, or can donate online at www.eastersealsarcnein.org. For questions or more information about this program please contact Bill Andreas, Executive Director of the Arc Foundation, at 260.456.4534 ext 265.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29742187/
Man found fatally shot in Ozark car dealership
OZARK -- The owner of a car dealership was found fatally shot inside his business Monday morning.
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Rufus Church , 56, of Ozark was found dead at Ozark Dodge about 6:25 a.m. Monday by an employee who was reporting for work, Ozark Police Chief Lyle Hodges said.
As of Monday afternoon, police were treating Church's death as a homicide.
Officials have not said whether a weapon was found at the scene . Hodges declined to comment when asked whether there were signs of forced entry into the dealership.
Officials would not discuss whether there are any suspects.
Church died of a gunshot wound, but Hodges would not say how many times or where he had been shot.
Ozark Dodge, located on the north side of Route CC just west of U.S. 65, was surrounded by yellow crime scene tape as investigators worked the scene. Several police cars lined the parking lot.
The dealership was shut down Monday and employees were sent home, Hodges said.
Law enforcement officials remained at the scene throughout the day. The investigation is being conducted jointly by the Ozark Police Department, Christian County Sheriff's Department and Missouri Highway Patrol.
Ozark residents spoke of layoffs at the dealership not long ago.
A bright orange bulletin running across the dealership's Web site Monday afternoon read: "Attention: This is a public notice of inventory liquidation. Ozark Dodge must liquidate all new and used vehicles now. Our prices have been slashed. No reasonable offer will be refused."
It went on to say: "New-used-demo -- it doesn't matter -- it all has to go now. Huge savings on every vehicle in stock."
Church's father, Phil Church, started Ozark Chrysler Plymouth, which later become known as Ozark Dodge, the Missouri Secretary of State's Web site shows.
Phil Church died in October 2006 at 87, a News-Leader obituary said.
Ozark Dodge has been in business for more than 31 years, its Web site says.
In 2005, Rufus Church donated a parcel of land in hopes that the Christian County Animal Shelter Board could build a shelter there. He wanted to donate the land, located at the end of 10th Street just north of the Finley River, in memory of his late sister who was a cat lover, past News-Leader articles show.
The board ran into problems, however, because the land was not zoned properly for an animal shelter. The land was then sold to raise money to locate a shelter elsewhere.
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Click Me! Quantcast
Rufus Church , 56, of Ozark was found dead at Ozark Dodge about 6:25 a.m. Monday by an employee who was reporting for work, Ozark Police Chief Lyle Hodges said.
As of Monday afternoon, police were treating Church's death as a homicide.
Officials have not said whether a weapon was found at the scene . Hodges declined to comment when asked whether there were signs of forced entry into the dealership.
Officials would not discuss whether there are any suspects.
Church died of a gunshot wound, but Hodges would not say how many times or where he had been shot.
Ozark Dodge, located on the north side of Route CC just west of U.S. 65, was surrounded by yellow crime scene tape as investigators worked the scene. Several police cars lined the parking lot.
The dealership was shut down Monday and employees were sent home, Hodges said.
Law enforcement officials remained at the scene throughout the day. The investigation is being conducted jointly by the Ozark Police Department, Christian County Sheriff's Department and Missouri Highway Patrol.
Ozark residents spoke of layoffs at the dealership not long ago.
A bright orange bulletin running across the dealership's Web site Monday afternoon read: "Attention: This is a public notice of inventory liquidation. Ozark Dodge must liquidate all new and used vehicles now. Our prices have been slashed. No reasonable offer will be refused."
It went on to say: "New-used-demo -- it doesn't matter -- it all has to go now. Huge savings on every vehicle in stock."
Church's father, Phil Church, started Ozark Chrysler Plymouth, which later become known as Ozark Dodge, the Missouri Secretary of State's Web site shows.
Phil Church died in October 2006 at 87, a News-Leader obituary said.
Ozark Dodge has been in business for more than 31 years, its Web site says.
In 2005, Rufus Church donated a parcel of land in hopes that the Christian County Animal Shelter Board could build a shelter there. He wanted to donate the land, located at the end of 10th Street just north of the Finley River, in memory of his late sister who was a cat lover, past News-Leader articles show.
The board ran into problems, however, because the land was not zoned properly for an animal shelter. The land was then sold to raise money to locate a shelter elsewhere.
State budget-makers go to great pains to avoid the word "tax"
State budget-makers go to great pains to avoid the word "tax"
Senate and House budgets are due out soon. Some in Olympia are afraid to mention a tax increase and prefer other methods of raising revenues, such as a surcharge on higher education and a bond issue for public-school renovations. But the state is in dire financial straits. A tax increase proposal is coming and may be the only way out.
Class, I mean, you, state taxpayers. Have a seat. Let's talk about new state budget lingo, which requires a little torturing of the English language. In a state slammed by a $9 billion deficit, the words and phrases surrounding the budget will get very tricky before lawmakers slash enough and tax enough to offer a balanced spending plan.
In this dire economic era, a surcharge or fee is something friendly and warm. A surcharge is never, ever to be confused with a tax. Bond issues are cool, too.
Got that?
Case in point. Gov. Christine Gregoire, who said adamantly during the fall 2008 gubernatorial campaign that she opposed increased taxes and fees to balance the budget, is now talking about a surcharge on the state's four-year colleges and universities. Hey, it's just a couple of years. Only a limited time. And you don't want to slam the doors at the state's colleges and universities, do you?
The definition of a surcharge, an extra fee or additional charge imposed for a specific purpose, sounds holier than a t-t-t-t-tax. And if you think about it, you have to actually attend one of these institutions to pay. So it's not a tax. Deal?
The truth is, higher education doesn't have the staunch defender in Olympia it once had in the form of powerful state representative from Seattle, Helen Sommers. So the surcharge will come on top of a likely 7-percent tuition increase. Or the state will see what one lawmaker called "Draconian cuts in higher education."
Stay tuned for the budget coming out of the Senate and House shortly.
The idea of being clever with, um, extra fees, reached silliness in recent days. Staring at the possibility of losing $23 million over the next two years, the parks commission drafted a plan that involves closing as many as 40 of 121 state parks.
Now, in a clever flipping of the rules, state Rep. Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam, figures if 50 percent of people renewing license tabs donate an Abe Lincoln, or $5, the state could avoid closing popular parks such as Millersylvania, Rainbow Falls and Tolmie.
It's a little bit of language magic. Under the current system, car-tab customers opt to donate $5 to state parks each year at car-tab-renewal time. But in a gentle flipping of the rules, the state could convince drivers to check a box to get out of the $5, something drivers will be less likely to do. That will bring in enough revenue to stave off closures.
Like I said, taxpayers have to be pretty fast on their feet this year, because the state is terribly broke. Language will change. The political spin will swing between precious and maddening.
The governor has been steadfastly against any tax or fee increase, but that is so last December, so $6 billion in the hole. The state is now behind $9 billion.
At her most recent news conference, her words softened subtly. She now says lawmakers are wise to "look at every option."
I think that means she will not fight lawmakers on a tax increase and may even campaign for one that goes to voters.
The governor is also bullish on borrowing money and advocates a bond issue to pay for public-school renovations, focusing on green infrastructure and technology upgrades.
The state Senate is about to release its budget. Word is it will be a bare-bones budget that brutally cuts many programs, especially higher education. There is no way out. Taxes will have to be raised. That's troubling in a down economy because it hurts the little guy, but that is what is coming.
Class dismissed.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2008924308_opina26joni.html
Senate and House budgets are due out soon. Some in Olympia are afraid to mention a tax increase and prefer other methods of raising revenues, such as a surcharge on higher education and a bond issue for public-school renovations. But the state is in dire financial straits. A tax increase proposal is coming and may be the only way out.
Class, I mean, you, state taxpayers. Have a seat. Let's talk about new state budget lingo, which requires a little torturing of the English language. In a state slammed by a $9 billion deficit, the words and phrases surrounding the budget will get very tricky before lawmakers slash enough and tax enough to offer a balanced spending plan.
In this dire economic era, a surcharge or fee is something friendly and warm. A surcharge is never, ever to be confused with a tax. Bond issues are cool, too.
Got that?
Case in point. Gov. Christine Gregoire, who said adamantly during the fall 2008 gubernatorial campaign that she opposed increased taxes and fees to balance the budget, is now talking about a surcharge on the state's four-year colleges and universities. Hey, it's just a couple of years. Only a limited time. And you don't want to slam the doors at the state's colleges and universities, do you?
The definition of a surcharge, an extra fee or additional charge imposed for a specific purpose, sounds holier than a t-t-t-t-tax. And if you think about it, you have to actually attend one of these institutions to pay. So it's not a tax. Deal?
The truth is, higher education doesn't have the staunch defender in Olympia it once had in the form of powerful state representative from Seattle, Helen Sommers. So the surcharge will come on top of a likely 7-percent tuition increase. Or the state will see what one lawmaker called "Draconian cuts in higher education."
Stay tuned for the budget coming out of the Senate and House shortly.
The idea of being clever with, um, extra fees, reached silliness in recent days. Staring at the possibility of losing $23 million over the next two years, the parks commission drafted a plan that involves closing as many as 40 of 121 state parks.
Now, in a clever flipping of the rules, state Rep. Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam, figures if 50 percent of people renewing license tabs donate an Abe Lincoln, or $5, the state could avoid closing popular parks such as Millersylvania, Rainbow Falls and Tolmie.
It's a little bit of language magic. Under the current system, car-tab customers opt to donate $5 to state parks each year at car-tab-renewal time. But in a gentle flipping of the rules, the state could convince drivers to check a box to get out of the $5, something drivers will be less likely to do. That will bring in enough revenue to stave off closures.
Like I said, taxpayers have to be pretty fast on their feet this year, because the state is terribly broke. Language will change. The political spin will swing between precious and maddening.
The governor has been steadfastly against any tax or fee increase, but that is so last December, so $6 billion in the hole. The state is now behind $9 billion.
At her most recent news conference, her words softened subtly. She now says lawmakers are wise to "look at every option."
I think that means she will not fight lawmakers on a tax increase and may even campaign for one that goes to voters.
The governor is also bullish on borrowing money and advocates a bond issue to pay for public-school renovations, focusing on green infrastructure and technology upgrades.
The state Senate is about to release its budget. Word is it will be a bare-bones budget that brutally cuts many programs, especially higher education. There is no way out. Taxes will have to be raised. That's troubling in a down economy because it hurts the little guy, but that is what is coming.
Class dismissed.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2008924308_opina26joni.html
Local Briefs: Driver killed in one-car wreck on Highway 96
Local Briefs: Driver killed in one-car wreck on Highway 96
Murfreesboro Police Department's Fatal Accident Crash Team is investigating a Wednesday morning crash that killed a 24-year-old Murfreesboro man.
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Police responded to Highway 96 near Franklin Road Baptist Church to a single-vehicle crash at 3:38 a.m.
After a preliminary investigation, police believe the driver, Michael Justin Zipse, of Elizabeth Drive in Murfreesboro, was traveling west on Highway 96. His vehicle left the roadway and struck a culvert and utility pole and came to rest on the vehicle's top. Zipse was pronounced dead at the scene by Rutherford County E.M.S.
COMMUNITY
Church to offer free hot meals on Fridays
Every Friday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Walnut Grove Missionary Baptist Church will offer free hot meals to members of the community.
"This is for any person wanting a free hot meal, no matter of income status," Pastor Richard W. Sherbert wrote in a news release. "It's just a way to give to the community in these hard economic times."
The church will also provide free transportation to and from the church if needed. Walnut Grove Missionary Baptist Church is located at 2480 Twin Oaks Dr. in Murfreesboro.
The telephone number for the church is 615-896-1553.
Tickets still on sale for Saturday bridal show
The Nashville Lifestyles annual Bridal Show is set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in downtown Nashville.
There will be a mimosa luncheon and the chance to hear Tara Guerard, author of "Southern Weddings," share ideas on how to make your day unique.
Tickets are $40 and available at the door.
Visit www.nashvilleweddings.com for more information. Nashville Lifestyles and Murfreesboro Magazine subscribers can receive a special discount by calling 615-259.3636.
Bellacino's, Black Dragon help nonprofit
Bellacino's and Black Dragon Martial Arts are working together today to help raise money for Hopeful Tomorrow.
Any patron of Bellacino's that mentions either Black Dragon Martial Arts or the national children's charity Hopeful Tomorrow will have 20 percent of their purchase go toward the charity. Local Bellacino's locations are at 1814 Memorial Blvd. and 2095 Old Fort Parkway.
http://www.tennessean.com/article/D4/20090326/NEWS01/903260323
Murfreesboro Police Department's Fatal Accident Crash Team is investigating a Wednesday morning crash that killed a 24-year-old Murfreesboro man.
Advertisement
Police responded to Highway 96 near Franklin Road Baptist Church to a single-vehicle crash at 3:38 a.m.
After a preliminary investigation, police believe the driver, Michael Justin Zipse, of Elizabeth Drive in Murfreesboro, was traveling west on Highway 96. His vehicle left the roadway and struck a culvert and utility pole and came to rest on the vehicle's top. Zipse was pronounced dead at the scene by Rutherford County E.M.S.
COMMUNITY
Church to offer free hot meals on Fridays
Every Friday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Walnut Grove Missionary Baptist Church will offer free hot meals to members of the community.
"This is for any person wanting a free hot meal, no matter of income status," Pastor Richard W. Sherbert wrote in a news release. "It's just a way to give to the community in these hard economic times."
The church will also provide free transportation to and from the church if needed. Walnut Grove Missionary Baptist Church is located at 2480 Twin Oaks Dr. in Murfreesboro.
The telephone number for the church is 615-896-1553.
Tickets still on sale for Saturday bridal show
The Nashville Lifestyles annual Bridal Show is set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in downtown Nashville.
There will be a mimosa luncheon and the chance to hear Tara Guerard, author of "Southern Weddings," share ideas on how to make your day unique.
Tickets are $40 and available at the door.
Visit www.nashvilleweddings.com for more information. Nashville Lifestyles and Murfreesboro Magazine subscribers can receive a special discount by calling 615-259.3636.
Bellacino's, Black Dragon help nonprofit
Bellacino's and Black Dragon Martial Arts are working together today to help raise money for Hopeful Tomorrow.
Any patron of Bellacino's that mentions either Black Dragon Martial Arts or the national children's charity Hopeful Tomorrow will have 20 percent of their purchase go toward the charity. Local Bellacino's locations are at 1814 Memorial Blvd. and 2095 Old Fort Parkway.
http://www.tennessean.com/article/D4/20090326/NEWS01/903260323
Car buffs donate more than $4,000 to Escambia Westgate
Car buffs digged deep for charity at the recent Pensacola Mega Car and Cycle Show, donating more than $4,000 to Escambia Westgate School.
Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan, along with Sheriff’s office staff Lt. Roger Grice and Louie Kemp, will present a check for $4313.60 to Principal Susan Berry of Escambia Westgate School on Friday.
Grice and Kemp raised the money through parking donations at the car show earlier this month.
Escambia Westgate's purpose is to ensure that each student's inherent capacity for growth is nurtured and developed, according to a press release. Westgate employs the Snoezelen Concept: a multi-sensory stimulation environment designed to improve the lives of children with severe physical, learning and sensory disabilities.
http://www.pnj.com/article/20090326/NEWS01/90326012
Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan, along with Sheriff’s office staff Lt. Roger Grice and Louie Kemp, will present a check for $4313.60 to Principal Susan Berry of Escambia Westgate School on Friday.
Grice and Kemp raised the money through parking donations at the car show earlier this month.
Escambia Westgate's purpose is to ensure that each student's inherent capacity for growth is nurtured and developed, according to a press release. Westgate employs the Snoezelen Concept: a multi-sensory stimulation environment designed to improve the lives of children with severe physical, learning and sensory disabilities.
http://www.pnj.com/article/20090326/NEWS01/90326012
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