Administrative Section
ADMINISTRA TIVE
SECTION
ITY
F PLY
T
(, ~ '10
DU
Open space and parks question
will be on November 7 ballot
Plymouth voters will decide whether to issue
$9 million in bonds for open space, parks and greenways
R'\jjrl+ n"""+;r11"1 0""'1"1';1"1'111
.....U UL UUC;;,H/Ul/ VG; IIlovv
Voters \vill decide on Nov. i whether the Citv
of Plymouth should issue up to $9 million
in geneLd oblig~1tion bonds to buy land and
preserve it for ~l future greenway, open sp~lCe
~l1ld playfield.
@
V)
CG
-C:J
'G:)
2:
?J
~
:0:.
Q:
~
-Q
Cl
S;
Q:
The City of Plymouth has already acquired land
around Lake Camelot (pictured).
Thn b ':) I/n+ rll II:J C'+inn 1111il/ rn 'J r/.
IIIv UI/Vl LfU0vl'V" VVI/, , vUU.
Shal! tbe Citv COllllcil ortbe City or
PIVI110Iltb, JliJlllesota be m/tboriz,ed to i,\:me
it:; gel/eml obligatiol/ b(Jllds ifllfJlI!ll!OIll!t
l/ot to exceed S'9J)()(}, ()()() t be p{{rjJo,w: of
ilciflliring Iilndji)r OpClf spilce, ,~T('em:'ays IIlId
jJllr/.:S?
A yes vote ~luthori!,es the ( to issue bonds
to purch~lse bud for future open space, a
cOllllllunity playfield, parks ~l1ld the North\vcst
Greenway. A no yote is a vote against the bond
Issue.
Public Information Open Houses
The City will host two open houses at City
I Iall, 3400 Plymouth Blvd., so residents can
learn Illore. Open homes arc set for:
· Tues., Oct. 17, 4 - 6 p.m.
· Wed., Oct. 25, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
@
1
'm~ "",,^' ~ ~ - >>''''<;>l'~~'' 'C ~'''<' y~ ~, ~ " F~" ."~N~ '" '"~ ~ .,""'~~"" ,,~'"<' ''1''' )';"~'~;~" ~~~~~~~iiffJ::;ff"f!~'1"f!;.~~~ff_~~~~:f1f!I!JI
Why Now?
Historically, the City of Plymouth has
acquired land and set it aside before
development occurs. This has permitted
the City to develop a well-planned and
extensive park and trail system to serve
people and neighborhoods throughout
Plymouth. In citizen surveys, residents
cite Plymouth's parks and trails as one of
the community assets they value most.
In a 2006 survey, 72% of Plymouth
residents said that they supported the
City acquiring more open space. The
telephone survey has a margin of error
of plus or minus 5 percent.
Maximizing Investment. Northwest
Plymouth is at a pivotal point as land
buyers and sellers anticipate future
development. The Metropolitan Council,
a regional planning agency, has extended
sanitary sewer service to Northwest
Plymouth. This makes significant
development possible in this largely
rural area when it previously was not.
In addition, the City Council recently
adopted a preliminary land use plan
for Northwest Plymouth as part of the
Comprehensive Plan update, a process
mandated by the Metropolitan Council.
The City is placing this question on
the ballot now in anticipation of future
development that will occur in light
of these changes. As undeveloped land
becomes increasingly scarce, land prices
will continue to increase. By purchasing
land sooner rather than later, the City
will maximize the investment of taxpayer
dollars.
and investing in greenways, parks and
open space. By putting this question to
the voters now, the City is asking voters
to consider preserving land for future
generations before it is developed or
becomes too costly.
Serving the Entire Community.
The City is asking voters to vote on
this issue now to ensure that the last
undeveloped area of Plymouth includes
parks, greenways and open space similar
to the rest of the city. In addition, the
Northwest Greenway will be a unique
recreational feature drawing people from
throughout Plymouth. Like our current
community playfields, the planned 10th
playfield will serve recreation enthusiasts
from throughout Plymouth.
Looking to the Future. Plymouth
residents have a tradition of planning for
This aerial view of Northwest Plymouth shows plans for the Northwest Greenway The site for a future tenth
playfield is yet to be determined.
Published by the City of Plymouth (J www.ci.plymouth.mn.us fi page 2
What is the
Northwest Greenway?
As planned, the Northwest Greenway is a
corridor of land that is about 2 112 miles long,
and varies in width from 50' to 300'. The
land, which is currently privately owned by
multiple owners, runs between the large, high
quality wetland complex near Wayzata High
School on the west to the Lake Camelot area
on the east where it will connect to th~ Three
Rivers Regional Trail Corridor. (See aerial
photo at left).
In 2000, the City Council approved a long-
range plan for Northwest Plymouth that
included the concept of the Northwest
Greenway. The idea is to acquire trees and
open space in the corridor and maintain it as
public land. This will allow the corridor to be
preserved as open space even as Northwest
Plymouth develops. Over time, the City
will construct recreational trails along the
Northwest Greenway.
The Northwest Greenway, which includes
environmentally-significant sites, will:
· Preserve trees and wetlands;
· Enhance wildlife corridors and
connections;
· Link City-owned parks, trails, open
spaces, schools and other public
amenities; and
· Provide long-distance recreational
opportunities as trails are developed and
linked to other City and regional trails.
Effect on Property Taxes
The chart below explains how much more would be collected from Plymouth
property owners if voters approve the ballot question.
Do nd~~'~~~~'~~:~~'!:fon
Residential Home~tead Property
Monthly Cost
$1.33
$1.75
$2.17
$2.58
$3.00
$3.50
$4.33
$400,000
$500,000
Plymouth has a history of acquiring and preserving park land
such as Three Ponds Park (pictured).
City Finances
The City of Plymouth has achieved the highest bond rating possible from Moody's
Investor Services. Nationally, thousands of jurisdictions are rated, but only about 75
have achieved the Aaa bond rating. In Minnesota, 6 cities have earned the top rating.
Plymouth's Aaa bond rating permits the City to borrow money at the lowest rates to
finance major capital projects and land acquisition.
The City of Plymouth maintains low debt per capita. Plymouth currently carries a
property tax-supported debt of $184 per capita. The average amount of debt per capita
among Plymouth's peer communities of Brooklyn Park, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Lakeville,
NIaple Grove and Minnetonka is $429.
the City of Plymouth" www.ci.plymouth.mn.us · page 3
Community Playfield
If approved, the City will use a portion
of the funds from the bond issue to
buy land for the City's 10th community
playfield. It will be needed to meet future
recreation needs as Plymouth continues
to grow. The community playfield will
be developed in the future as determined
by community needs.
Anew playfield would
accommodate multiple sports.
Land Acquisition & Timing
The City has worked over the years to acquire land as it has been available. If voters
approve the bond issue, it will improve the City's ability to acquire substantial tracks of
land for the Northwest Greenway, community playfield and parks as appropriate sites
become available from willing sellers. Significant pieces of open space - those with high
quality wetlands and tree cover - will be acquired as feasible for preservation.
Funds from the bond referendum would allow the City to acquire and preserve
undeveloped land in Northwest Plymouth as the area develops.
Poll Locations
Polls will be open for the General Election on Tues., Nov. 7, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you need to
find out where to vote, visit the City web site, wwv/.ci.plymouth.mn.us, or call 763-509-5000.
The PlymoZltb Ne71'S, which will be mailed prior to the election, will include poll locations.
R?_ 1~)!(w 'J;r;:J'ilHM/ _Ii,"" ",-"~ 'w"^''''' ~(!/f;;J;- ..rJtf!.1~' ~ ,<.{ 0;~ f1 "'" C tH' ;;if" "" , ,'J I' ";oiV-.?-,,~....Y,-~~ 1~~;iWl.h"'" ..../,~)). ~ '" "M~ '"'
{ ,
_."c.'::'_;.4tI-".",,,,,,r'l';:;I.........- _L~".-~ """'""...._-..._.. ",_. ..~-. -r-~-'" ~ "'-"-. ~.~--- -? ...~.. r-It.......---..- ,~._=---~--.-:: -..-_' ...---.\,"" -~--'""'-.} ."--.i" -- -...... "'-/"-~-1 ..,,""'" ,';\ ~~ ~-- ..........---"" -_..::-..;..-< ""-... "'- ---.......---,.. .. "-.J.-_ .....--.---..--....--=....-
City of
Plymouth
Adding Quality to Life
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, MN 55447-1482
~'~B"~E &
R,..JlM,REfERENDUM
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE PAID
NIinncapolis, 1\;linn.
Permit No. 1889
Public Information Open Houses
. Tues., Oct. 17, 4 - 6 p.m.
. Wed., Oct. 25, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
763-509-5000 · www.ci.plymouth.mn.us
* * * * * * ECRWSS * *
Postal Customer
ONO(/).....
:I~:IC::
}:>O>:o~O
~o~zg
~g~s~
(/) ~ (/) 91 :
mmm:u :
Z:uZO :
SOJ~^ :
Z~OQ :
g:O~~ :
V) >:00:
~ 6d ~
~ z:u:
-.J 0 .
to m :
Z .
~ :
m :
:u :;
c
~
q
rn
6
G)
=i
(]I
o (]I
-..jV)
01.....
-.J
COVER STORY
elbowroom
Tvvin brother finds space to build SNAP FITNESS CHAIN
PETER AND PAUL Taunton were eating break-
fast one morning before class at St. Cloud State Univer-
sity when they decided the college life wasn't suiting
them. They went home and told their parents they had
decided to move to Florida for a change of pace - and
a professional racquetball league.
Their parents, Peter says, weren't thrilled when they
heard the news. But the Taunton brothers, twins and the
youngest of seven siblings, had always been good kids.
They'd also been working ~n their father's grocery store
since they were 10 years old, so they knew how to put in
an honest day if they needed money to get by.
Peter and Paul have always gotten along well, but they
were extremely competitive. They played against each
other regularly on the tour, roughly splitting their
matches, Peter says. When they played as doubles part-
ners, they were at one time ranked second in the country.
BY ANDREW TELLIJOHN
photographs by john noltner
38 UPSIZE NOVEMBER 2006
www.upsizemag.com
coverstory
The brothers spent a little more than a year traveling
along the southern United States playing competitively.
But because racquetball didn't pay that well, Peter worked
at a health club in Florida to help make ends meet. The
experience would prove invaluable. In 1982, after a year on
the road, the owners of the gym he frequented back home
called him with an offer he couldn't refuse.
Peter Taunton would make $16,000 a year to run the
gym. If he could make the company profitable, he would
earn an equity stake in the club.
"When I was a kid, I'd be in there every day," he says,
adding that he had several ideas that could be implement-
ed quickly to help turn things around. "In this business it's
just sales and marketing. I knew I'd be involved in the com-
munity and out and involved."
He's parlayed that experience - both business and fam-
ily - into building Snap Fitness of Chanhassen, a no-frills
franchised health club chain that he expects to hit $4 mil-
lion in corporate revenue this year. He's doing so in a
crowded marketplace, but one he says he learned about
early enough to do well.
Peter Taunton spent the next eight years
turning around the center and slowly accumulating equity. "I was
working it from ding to dong," he says.
In 1990, he had enough to get a loan and buyout the
other partners. In the next 10 years, he opened five more
America's Fitness Center stores, reaching $1.7 million in
revenue before selling them to different individuals in
2001.
Taunton, now 44, never lost his passion for the industry.
and he always figured he'd get back in. At the same time, he
was married and had three young children. While he
learned a lot about work ethic from his father, Peter
Taunton also realized he wanted to be around more while
his children grow up.
So he spent some time with family. All the while, he was
evaluating the components that drive a traditional big box
store and doing a cost analysis on what he would need to
incorporate into a new fitness concept that focused on just
the bare essentials.
When he founded Snap Fitness in 2004, what was left was
a 2,000- to 4,000-square-foot footprint that incorporates
cardiovascular equipment, free weights, tanning booths and
a few other items - most often not even including show-
ers.
The big-box fitness centers with everything from child
care to changing rooms are great for some people. In fact,
until his company moved to a larger office with a built-in
Snap Fitness model store, his family did most of its work-
outs at their local LifeTime Fitness. But others, Taunton
says, find the size and scope of such buildings intimidating.
For comparison's sake, an average 3,000-square-foot Snap
Fitness gym would be about the same size as four racquet-
ball courts at LifeTime Fitness. Two Snap Fitness clubs
could fit on two basketball courts at the local YMCA. For
families with children who like to swim or scale climbing
walls, Taunton realizes his store might not be for them.
But he's banking on the straightforward approach to
working out, targeting many parents and executives who
want to catch a workout before or after work or over a lunch
break in a short period of time without any need for frills.
The smaller space and focused equipment package allow
franchisees to break even at lower membership numbers
and charge rates starting at around $49 per family.
"You would be amazed at how efficient we have made
that space," he says. "The equipment we have is the same
quality of equipment you'll see at the national big box
chain. It's a great, great product."
He's had people tell him "if you had child care I'd join."
But Taunton is undeterred, believing it's vital to keep in
mind the systems and processes that have allowed the com-
pany to grow. It's important to remember who is the core
customer.
"It's equally important to understand who your customer
is not," he says.
Snap Fitness has grown from
eight stores its first year to just more than 140 now. Anoth-
er nearly 160 are sold but not open. The company bills
more than $30 million in membership fees. Corporate rev-
enue, based on franchise sales and fees, was $980,000 in
2005 and is on pace to approach $4 million this year.
The company is opening about 15 centers a month and
that will grow to 25 by year-end. By the end of 2007,
Taunton's goal is to hit one new store opening a day with
potential to someday exceed 3,000 to 5,000.
"Our product works in towns of 3,000 people and it works
in the heart of the city," he says. "I'm humbled by our suc-
cess."
Part of the equation stems from people's realization that
they need to work at fitness.
"People are realizing right now there is no magic pill,"
Taunton says. "You have to eat sensibly and be active. If you
do that the chances of living a greater quality of life in your
later years increases."
Another factor in Snap Fitness' success, Taunton says, is
the corporate focus on franchisees. The company trains
them and then stays in touch to do whatever it can to help.
One of the first, Rick Rice, found out about Snap Fitness
through a mutual friend. The former professional wrestler
40 UPSIZE NOVEMBER 2006
www.upsizemag.com
,
"Our culture is about making you successful.
If you make the franchisees successful,
everything else falls into place."
- PETER TAUNTON, Snap Fitness
and boxer had a lifelong interest in fitness. He had been
attending a Northwest Athletic Club, but when he thought
about what equipment he used and the dramatically lower
price for memberships at Snap Fitness, he was immediate-
ly intrigued.
"I thought 'geez'," he says. "I knew what I was paying
there and what I used there - it's all the stuff I have in my
gym for considerably less price."
While Rice has been a gym rat for years, he acknowl-
edges not being the handiest guy around. That didn't pres- '.
ent a problem with Taunton, however. In 2004, Rice was the
chain's second franchisee, so Taunton took the time to help
set up the free weights and decorate the Waconia store.
"He was here screwing in tanning beds and putting up
signs," Rice says. "He was over here with his electric screw-
driver. That's the kind of person he is. I don't think he goes
quite that far anymore. He has a lot of people working for
h. "
1m.
The company has stores open in 22 states. But Rice says
Taunton still makes himself available by cell phone to take
questions or address concerns.
"He's just a very friendly, outgoing person," Rice says.
"Easy to talk to, approachable, he seems to care about peo-
ple."
Rice isn't the only franchisee that has had success under
Taunton's lead. Carolyn Collins, an account manager with
US Express Leasing, says she works with a lot of fitness
companies and a lot of Taunton's franchisees. Those
involved in Snap Fitness speak highly of the company's
willingness to work with them to ensure their success.
Taunton has created a system and has it down pat and, as
a result, he has made it easier for people to enter the indus-
try as franchisees.
"He's full of energy. He's probably one of the most rep-
utable people to do business with in this industry," Collins
says. "I have a tremendous amount of respect for him and
what he is doing. He has the franchisees in mind and their
success in mind. I can say that's not the case with all the fit-
ness facilities out there."
With the volume of business Snap Fitness does with its
vendors and the need for state-of-the-art equipment for
franchisees, Taunton acknowledges that he can be incredi-
bly demanding of them. If a supplier meets the company's
needs, however, it can provide a great deal of business.
"We have specific requirements for them," he says. "They
do a lot for us, but in return we give them a lot of business.
We're only as good as our weakest vendor."
John Marcotte, assistant vice president of North Ameri-
can sales with Medway, Massachussets-based Cybex Inter-
national Inc., acknowledges that Taunton is tough and
~emanding, but fair as long as vendors achieve what they
say they will.
"If you do as you say then you will enjoy a great rela-
tionship with Snap Fitness," he says. "If you fall on your
face you will be held accountable and you will have zero
business."
Cybex has provided fitness machines, treadmills and
strength training equipment for 80 percent to 85 percent of
Snap Fitness stores. His observations leave Marcotte con-
vinced that Snap Fitness will achieve its growth goals. Mar-
cotte says Taunton is a focused and driven leader who has
met each of the projections he has set and the concept has
been a hit especially in smaller markets, he adds.
"I don't have any question that this group will achieve
that," Marcotte says.
Mark 5 i ebert, president and CEO
of Homewood, Illinois-based consulting company iFran-
chise Group, was less enthusiastic.
He's not directly familiar with Snap Fitness, but points to
the fitness industry as one crowded with existing players,
including the giant Curves, a Texas-based franchise that
offers no-frills franchised gyms aimed at women.
Taunton's company can absolutely succeed, providing
Snap Fitness finds a way to stand out from that crowd. That
can happen through top-notch equipment, lower start-up
costs for franchisees, cheaper memberships or quality mar-
keting.
www.upsizemag.com
NOVEMBER 2006 UPSIZE
41
42
UPSIZE NOVEMBER 2006
www.upsizemag.com
,.
coverstory
"There's always room for a new competitor in almost any
industry you go into," he says. "The key is you have to do
something different than the established competitor. If you
are just a me-too player in Curves' space or someone else's
space, you're going to have a hard time."
In September, Snap Fitness moved to a new,
larger office in Chanhassen. The new 6,500-square-foot space
has a built-in model store and a conference room that will be
used for training sessions. It's more than triple the size of the
prevIOus space.
As of mid-September, Taunton was just unpacking boxes and
organizing. He had several golfing paintings and pictures up on
his walls. Leaning against one wall of his office and sitting on top
of a metal filing cabinet were several more pieces of art and
sports memorabilia.
Among the collection are a Wheaties box adorned and signed
by golfer Arnold Palmer, a fast-motion photo of legendary
pitcher Nolan Ryan and another of Baltimore Orioles third
baseman Brooks Robinson making his famous diving catch in
the 1970 World Series.
Also on top of the filing cabinet sits an open Bible. Taunton
speaks openly with employees, vendors and potential fran-
chisees about how he runs Snap Fitness with the Christian val-
ues he says he learned as a child.
"I was always a witness to my dad just being an honest, good
guy," he says, recalling how Bill Taunton would catch shopifters
at his Willmar grocery store, talk with them about the path they
were taking with their lives, and then often open his wallet and
pay for the items they were trying to take.
Peter Taunton doesn't beat people over the head with reli-
gion. But he says he does try to treat people with respect and
dignity as he would hope they do for him.
"Our culture is about making you successful. If you make the
franchisees successful, everything else falls into place," he says.
"I meet people every week, they meet us and our staff. I always
start with 'thank you.' We wish you safe travels. It's not about
they come in and we beat them over the head with a Bible. Find
comfort in what we're about. If you don't buy a franchise from
us, we will wish you well. Actions speak louder than words."
Taunton speaks of a time when the company did a test mar-
keting piece aimed at driving membership. Each of the fran-
chisees at the time had signed off on the $16,000 project, but the
results weren't what the company was looking for.
So corporate ate the cost of the failed project. "We had led
them astray," Taunton says. "We don't ever want our franchisees
to feel like they were abandoned."
"Our culture is not about selling franchises," he adds.
Marcotte agrees with Taunton's assessment of the company's
faith-based values. The two have discussed Taunton's faith as a
44 UPSIZE NOVEMBER 2006
matter of how he lives his life, but Marcotte says it has never
been inappropriate.
"They treat people the way they want to be treated," Mar-
cotte says. "They're not out there pounding their chests."
Aside from running his fitness center, Taunton enjoys sports.
He plays golf occasionally. But much of his off time is spent
with his family. He's been married to Kristin Taunton for 14
years. They have three children: Max, 11; Sunny, 9; and Beau, 7.
He's also spending much of his time these days establishing
the Snap Fitness Chrestotes Foundation, which aims to make a
difference for "kids that go without," he says.
The foundation will start with a minimum of $1 00,000 in the
fourth quarter of this year. The money will come from compa-
ny profits and donations from vendors and business partners,
Taunton says. He hopes to increase the funding by a similar
amount each year.
"We're looking to make a difference for a lot of people," he.
says.
Peter and Paul Taunton remain close.
They're both tough business operators, but the competitive
nature they held to when they went to Florida has largely passed.
"We were crazy," Paul says. "Now we've each got three kids
and families."
Paul has built a successful business career of his own, found-
ing Athletic Fitters Inc. and expanding it to more than 100
stores before selling it to Foot Locker.
He's now president and CEO of Business Impact Group, a
promotional agency that creates branded merchandise for spe-
cial events and employee recognition programs. And he holds
'. his brother's success in high regard.
Peter spent 20 years building expertise in the industry and
has created a concept that is scalable, and affordable, convenient
and appealing to the average person.
"I wish nothing but the best for him," Paul Taunton says. "I
think he's the hardest worker I know."
www.upslzemag.com
AS I SEE IT
The Importance of Capital Projects
he other day Karen Anderson,
former mayor of Minnetonka,
e-mailed me that she had
just finished biking on a new
trail segment in that city. She
reminded me of how controver-
sial that particular segment had
been and how rewarding it now
was to see it completed and enjoyed by
the community.
Her message took me back some
25 years to when I was city manager
in Minnetonka and the idea of a trail
system was only that. While common
in many communities today, then there
were not many examples of trail sys-
tems that looped an entire city. Pre-
dictably, the City Council heard from
supporters as the idea became more
public but also from opponents, the lat-
ter most often being property owners
adjacent to proposed links.
Yet, the City Council persevered. A
comprehensive trail plan was adopted
with less controversial segments sched-
uled first for construction. As it turned
out, none of the segments was with-
out controversy; each had its detractors,
with some more than others. Progress,
as a result, was much slower than we
had planned. Councilmembers were
elected and left office, as I did after 13
years, but the trail system remained a
priority. Now, well over two decades
later, the final, most controversial, seg-
ment is finally open.
Of course, there is nothing unique
about this story. There are similar exam-
ples in practically every community,
all with consistent themes and which
reinforce the observation that decisions
about major capital investments can be
among the most difficult for city coun-
cils to make. First, it seems most major
capital projects are inherently contro-
versial, frequently more so than other
OCTOBER 2006
By Jim Miller
sensitive issues such as raising property
taxes. As for the trail system, most proj-
ects have their advocates, but they are
usually a minority, at least publicly.
They are also often very expensive
and involve pledging the taxpayers to
repay a long-term debt, something on
its face that is not likely to be popular.
There is usually little room for error;
once the new community center is
built it may succeed or fail based on
decisions perhaps made years ago.
Frequently, highly visible but unavoid-
able cost overruns. can also occur.
Interestingly, after many projects
are completed the controversy dissi-
pates and more widespread community
support emerges. Nevertheless, some
mayors and councilmembers have lost
elections between the approval and
completion stages. In local government,
challenging the status quo can be risky;
not everyone readily embraces change.
It is little wonder, then, that some
councilmembers see marginal ben-
efit and much risk in proceeding. They
must immediately (or at the next elec-
tion) experience the public's reaction to
the decision, while the benefits, such as
with the Minnetonka trail system, may
not be seen for years thereafter. As a
result, many communities have a list of
projects that probably should have been
built by now, but haven't because they
could at least temporarily be deferred
and the political will to proceed was
lacking.
The benefit to a community that
comes from major capital investments
may not be immediately obvious or
seem politically precarious, but their
importance cannot be understated.
Some may be more appealing than
others. Most likely, committing to
build new youth athletic fields will be
more rewarding than rebuilding the
MINNESOTA CITIES
city's 60-year-old water lines, but both
are essential parts of the community's
fabric.
City councils spend most of their
time on operational and more short-
term issues. Perhaps less than 5 percent
of any council's time is annually devoted
to major capital decisions, although it
may indeed be these decisions that will
shape the face of the community and
potentially influence its success for years
to come.
Making such decisions, as we know,
requires courage. That will be even more
certain as resources become scarcer, costs
and expectations increase, and the feder-
alism partnership continues to erode.
However, even courage may not be
enough without the tenacity of at least
some elected officials to champion proj-
ects, sometimes over years.
In the final analysis, being an elected
official at the local level is about mak-
ing prudent, not politically expedient,
decisions today that will preserve and
enhance the quality of life for current
and future residents. That is certainly true
for how many police officers are hired
or whether the tax rate is raised, but
perhaps even more so for how well the
city's capital needs are met. k"
Jim Miller is executive director if the
League if Minnesota Cities. Phone: (651)
281-1205. E-mail:jmiller@lmnc.org.
3
CITY OF
CHANHASSEN
7700 Market Boulevard
PO Box 147
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Administration
Phone: 952.227.1100
Fax: 952.227.1110
Building Inspections
Phone: 952.227.1180
Fax: 952.227.1190
Engineering
Phone: 952.227.1160
Fax: 952.227.1170
Finance
Phone: 952.227.1140
Fax: 952.227.1110
Park & Recreation
Phone: 952.227.1120
Fax: 952.227.1110
Recreation Center
2310 Coulter Boulevard
Phone: 952.227.1400
Fax: 952.227.1404
Planning &
Natural Resources
Phone: 952.227.1130
Fax: 952.227.1110
Public Works
1591 Park Road
Phone: 952.227.1300
Fax: 952.227.1310
Senior Center
Phone: 952.227.1125
Fax: 952.227.1110
Web Site
www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us
October 30,2006
Ms. Neida Cordona
General Mills
8000 Audubon Road
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Dear Ms. Cordona:
Thank you for contacting the City of Chanhassen to investigate volunteer
opportunities for your employees. As you know, General Mills has a history of
completing community projects, a habit that is very appreciated by all of us here
at City Hall. Jill Sinclair, our Environmental Services Coordinator; Dale Gregory
our Park Superintendent; and I sat down the other day to discuss your inquiry.
There are any number of sites within the community that are capable of hosting
you and your employees for an afternoon or day-long event. Lake Ann
Community Park and Lake Susan Community Park stand out among more than a
dozen sites that we discussed. These sites are large, utilized extensively by the
community, and offer multiple service project opportunities.
We concluded that haviI1,~.two or three different activitieSav~ilable for your
group would leadtobot~aprodu:ti'Veand rew~diI1,gexperi7ncef?ryour group.
Projects such asbuckth?rnre1llo~al,tree planting,laIldscap~iInu1ching, litter
patrol and flowerbedplanting~t()o~?utas.s01lleoft~ell1ostworthwhile. A
"special" project may alsoevolyeaft~ry()~haves~lected a site for any given
year, giving us additional tiIIlt1tostudy.the/spe?ific nee~softhat particular site.
We think your ideaofg9theringtogethertocotnpletesome projects and
concluding your workd?ywithian employee/familypicnic is a very worthwhile
endeavor for all concerned.
As you move forw ardinyourpla~ning,pleasecontactmeto. firm uP. a. site and
some project ideas. I wouldbemor~Jh.anhappytoassistyou. further.
Sincerely,
~;r'~
Todd Hoffman
Park and Recreation Director
The City of Chanhassen . A growing community with clean lakes, quality schools, a charming downtown, thriving businesses, winding trails, and beautiful parks. A great place to live, work, and play.
Self-Advocates Let Their Voices Be Heard!
What does it mean to be a self-advocate? Why is it important to
be involved in your community? How can you make sure that your
voice is heard?
All of these questions were addressed at the REACH for Resources
conference "Let Your Voice Be Heard: Civic Engagement for All" on
May 23, 2006. This exciting conference provided a unique opportu-
nity for clients and their families to come together and learn more
about self-advocacy and civic engagement.
Self-advocacy is a very important skill for people with disabilities
to develop. Too often their wants, needs, and rights are pushed
aside and decisions are made for them - by their families, guardi-
ans, care givers, and elected officials. The conference encour-
aged self-determination and community participation on many
levels. Attendees also received information packets on how to be
a good self-advocate and how to contact key legislators about
issues that are important to them.
Inspirational speakers offered valuable advice and encouragement to the group. REACH Execu-
tive Director Mary Perkins kicked off the exciting evening by advising self-advocates to first and
foremost believe in themselves and to believe that their hopes, dreams, and rights are important.
She also urged them to help themselves and others by speaking up, voicing their needs to public
officials, and ultimately becoming leaders in their communities.
Self-advocate Tom Carey described how he has become a voice for people with disabilities and
testified before government officials at the local, state and national level to ensure that funding for
important services like Section 8-11 housing remains in place. He offered three skills that are crucial
to self-advocacy and civic engagement: Overcoming the fear of public speaking, staying in-
formed about current issues, and knowing who to contact at the appropriate government level to
voice your concerns. Tom encouraged participants to speak up for the things that are important
to them, reminding them that "you have a right to be heard in our community, in our state and in
our country."
Gary Johnson, a REACH board member and self-advocate,
spoke about how he overcame his fear of public speaking and
become a happier person once he learned to speak up for him-
self. "We cannot let others run our lives for us," said Gary. "We
can have assistance and definitely listen to advice from others,
but ultimately we need to be the ones making the important de-
cisions for our lives." He urged conference participants to let
their service providers and legislators know what is important to
them. Gary told how his public testimony was instrumental in re-
storing cuts for adaptive recreation services in his community of
(Continued on page 10)
On February 8, Pn:;sidenf Bush signed the Deficit Reductibl1Act of 20051PEFRA) into, law . Developed in Congress, it
mandates deep cuts to Medicaid (known as Medical Assistance in Minnesota) andshifts costs to the states.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services pre(jicts that Minnesota will Ibseabout $100 million in federal fund-
ing for~A/Medicaid os a direct resultof the DeficitReduction Act. Hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans with dis-
abilities rely on the servicesthat are funded through Medicaid for their healthcare and daily living supports.
Thesesupports are now being threatened as' n eve i: before. In Hennepin County, Rex Holzemer, Area Direc:torof
Human Services and Public Health estimates the range of loss will be between $2f arid $38 million. Other stdff report
that this legislation will create theldrgest cut in Human Services that they have eVer witnessed in over 25 yearsof
public service. All areas will be impacted including Child Protection, Children's Mental Health, Adult Mental Health,
Elderly Services and Services to people with Developmental Disabilities. '
Arc Greater Twirl Cities says that some impacts will be immediate and others will become more apparent over
time as each state government decides how to manage the reductions. Some immediate impacts include:
~ A sharp increase. in Medicaid co-payments
~ Medicar9t>~ne~it reductions in healthcare especially for children in poverty
~ New barriers to poor families seeking emergency assistance
~ Sharp reductions in child care assistance for working poor families
~ Long delays in eligibility determinations and up to one full year's delay before eligible recipients begin receiv-
ing SSI payments
We must riot remain idle while the services that families spent a generation fighting for are being eliminated. State
and Federal Legislators need to hear from families and self-advocates so they can understand the importance of
these programs for people with disabilities and their families. The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities is offering a
number of town meetings to train people on the basics of Medicaid and offer tools to help people advocate. In
Hennepin County, there are two dates:
Wednesday, AVgust2 at Bloomington City Hall, 6 - 8 pm, hosted by Arc Greater Twin Cities -,contact Gene Marti-
nez at (952),920-0855
Wednesday, August 17 at Brookdale Library, 6 -8 pm, hosted by MCIL -contact Mike Chevrette af (651) 603-2005
Call and register today! It's Your Life - Preserve Your Independence!
5th Annual Ghostly Gala Fundraiser
Send in the registration below for the 2006 Ghostly Gala
Fundraiser. We'll see you there!
WHEN: Saturday, October 28,2006
WHERE: Brooklyn Park Community Center
5600 - 85th Ave N
TIME: 6:30 - 9:00 pm
COST: Individual $8 pre-registered
$9 at the door
Family/Group 4 $20 pre-registered
$25 at the door
Start putting your costumes together for our favorite party of
the year! This fun-filled evening includes games, dancing to the
music of Tara Tunes, costume contests, and fun prizes. Food
and beverages will be available for purchase.
This important fundraiser will help support our Ticket to Ride
services. With transportation costs continually increasing, all
proceeds from the event will be used to help our clients with
transportation to their jobs, health appointments, life skills
classes, and recreational activities.
Last year the Gala raised $4300 and our goal for this year is
$6000. Sponsors are needed to make this event a success. If
you or your business would like to be a 2006 Ghostly Gala spon-
sor. please contact Cyndi Bade at (952) 988-4177 or at
cbade@reachforresources.orq to request a sponsorship packet.
. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - _. - - - -_. - - -..
Name
Address
City
Zip
Phone
# Attending
Amt Enclosed $
Parent/Guardian Sig
NO (circle if you don't allow your photo to be used in future Reach publications)
To Pre-Register. mail this form with check by October 24th to:
Reach for Resources Ghostly Gala
1001 Highway 7 Room 217
Hopkins, MN 55305
2
----------'-----------------~-~
,.,__Wnt ~ OiMJitumftr~tt
c e u as
Resourc:es.lnc.
Ex,t'1Jdfng a bandroempowerpeoplt with ditabllItlet
"', ",fi'a)t\.I. :~~'Q,)Q;6~;'
"\:., -~:~:~ > ':::~. <:~:'; ';-~;r "'~~'.<~E+\:' ",\ :,.'72;.t'"
~. ':~' '-:..'.:::: ; "~.' .\""'
1001 Highway 7, #217
Hopkins, MN 55305
(952) 988-4177 Phone
EDUCATION, THERAPY, LEISURE ACTIVITIES
REACH is an agency, which serves individuals with developmental disabilities and their fami.
lies in the West and Northwest metro area. Services include information, referral, advocacy,
and counseling. Programs include social/recreation groups and education programs.
----------
- - - - - - - - - - - ._,,- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -",.- - - - -
Counseling & Education
Living with 4'9~J
Independence ·
Counseling
Reach for Resources specializes in
working with people with developmen-
tal disabilities such as
mental retardation,
down syndrome, au-
tism, and moderate to
borderline cognitive
difficulties, and their
families. Reach for Resources believes
in a friendly, supportive, person-
centered approach, and in setting per-
sonalized goals for each client.
Reach accepts: Medical Assistance,
Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN, Medica,
America's PPO.
To schedule an intake interview or
for information on counseling op-
tions call Lisa Rivers, MA, LP at
(952) 988-4177
Women's Group
An opportunity for women (ages 18 to
30) with borderline to mild DD to sup-
port and share with other women their
concerns and experiences regarding
topics such as relationships, sexuality,
grief and loss, and other issues of inter-
est to participants.
If you would like to be a part of this
therapy group, an intake is required.
Call Sara at (952) 988-4177 for
more information or to schedule
an intake interview
Empowerment
A Personal Empowerment Group for
adults with mild developmental disabili-
ties who wish to address their feelings
and concerns and promote self-
esteem. This is a group for people who
have felt lonely and scared, or who
have felt that they are not good
enough because they learn slowly or
don't understand things the way others
do.
WHERE: Eisenhower
WHEN: Tuesdays
Begins September 19
TIME: 6:30 to 8:00 pm
FEE: Fee slides to $10 per quarter
Participants will learn how to take
care of themselves by making appropri-
ate choices and will become empow-
ered to gain more independence in
living their lives.
Participants must arrange their own
transportation and be able to wait in-
dependently for their ride.
Call Eunice at (952) 988-4177 for
more information or to schedule
an intake interview
Healthy Cooking
WHERE: Plymouth Middle School
10011 - 36th Ave N Rm 110
Mondays
Sept 25 - Oct 9
6:30 pm
$35.00
For more information, call
Matthew Smith at (952) 988-4177
WHEN:
TIME:
FEE:
Do you currently live on your own, or
are you planning on moving into your
own place in the near future? If you
are, then this is the series for you!
Reach for Resources is collaborating
with Project Soar and Windows of Op-
portunity to offer training in the three
most basic elements of successful inde-
pendence: financial management,
employment skills, and housing/home
living.
Sign up for one class segment, or bet-
ter yet, sign up for all three and get a
discount! $19.00 per segment, or $54.00
if you sign up for all three.
WHERE:
Part 1
Money Matters
Winnetka Leqrning Center
7940 - 55th Ave N Room 203
New Hope
Wednesdays
November 1, 8, 15
6:30 to 8:00 pm
WHEN:
TIME:
Part 2
Job Seeking & Keeping Skills
WHERE: To Be Announced
WHEN: January 17, 24, 31
Part 3
Housing Options & Home Living
WHERE: To Be Announced
WHEN: March 28, April 4, 11
Look for detailed information about
Parts 2 and 3 in the Winter and Spring
Reach brochures.
3
Youth (age 5-1 )
Teens (age 13-21)
Kid Fu (Youth)
Six-week martial arts program for kids.
Come learn the moves of Jackie Chan
and Bruce Lee!
Plymouth Creek Center
14800 - 34th Ave N
Plymouth
oct 4 - Nov 8
6:00 - 6:45 pm
$40.00 Resident
$45.00 Non-resident
Program Minimum 3, Maximum 10
WHERE:
WHEN:
FEE:
Bowling (Teen & Youth)
Northwest West
WHERE: Doyle's WHERE: Park Tavern
5000 W Broadway 3401 Louisiana Ave S
Crystal St Louis Park
WHEN: Saturdays WHEN: Saturdays
Sept 23 - Nov 11 Sept 23 - Nov 11
TIME: 12:00 - 2:00 pm TIME: 9:30 - 11 :30 am
FEE: $30.00 Resident FEE: $30.00 Resident
$35.00 Non-resident $35.00 Non-resident
Plus $3.00 Per Saturday Plus $3.00 Per Saturday
Program Minimum 3, Maximum 10
Program Minimum 3, Maximum 10
c;;;
f~~~~ I rG,,~
( l___Jfj 1 {j
~\; \.!. 4.r ~1
-(iV
Girl's Club
Join other girls ages 13-17 for fun and
social skills development. Girl's Club is
designed for girls who are independent
in their personal cares and can man-
age their own behavior.
WHERE: Various Locations
WHEN: Saturdays (1 x/month)
Begins in September
TIME: 1 :00 - 3:00 pm
FEE: $35.00 Resident
$40.00 Non-resident
For more information, please
call Tara at (952) 988-4176
4
s
West Teen Explorers
Weekly social group. Activities include
swimming, movies, bowling, and going
out to eat. Various locations in the Min-
netonka/Hopkins/St Louis Park area.
WHERE: Various West Metro
area locations
WHEN: Thursdays
Sept 28 - Nov 9
TIME: 6:30 - 8:30 pm
FEE: $35.00 Resident
$40.00 Non-resident
Plus additional activity 'fee
Program Minimum 5, Maximum 20
Teen Programs (Continued)
~. Social Enjoyment Group for ~
~q; Teens with Asperger's ~/
Reach for Resources is excited to team up with a local Licensed Inde-
pendent Clinical Social Worker and the Depot Coffee House in Hopkins to
offer a social experience for teens with Asperger's Syndrome or high-
functioning Autism. This experience will be fun and will help the teens gain
understanding of and confidence in their interaction skills. We ore very
pleased to be teaming with the Depot Coffee House to provide this experi-
ence in a safe space designed to appeal to youth.
Each group will begin with the opportunity to purchase a beverage and/
or snack at the Depot, and then move to guided activities designed not
only to be fun, but also to directly demonstrate how people can learn to
enjoy social activities together.
These groups have been successful at many schools in the metro area.
We are excited to bring this experience into a community setting enjoyed
by so many students.
Reach for Resources will lease the Depot for these groups, so we will have
exclusive use of most of the facility. Please join us for a lot of fun as we prac-
tice being successful in the social world!
For more information, please contact Tara at (952) 988-4177
n
e =-
Friday Night
Fun & Dance
We will spend Friday nights learning
cool dance routines and socializing
with friends.
WHERE: Bass Lake Shelter
Plymouth
WHEN: Fridays
Sept 22 - Nov 3
TIME: 6:30 - 7:30 pm
FEE: $35.00 Resident
$40.00 Non resident
Program Minimum 5, Maximum 20
Weekend Ventures
Spend the weekend at beautiful Camp
Kingswood in Mound, MN. Weekend
respite program for teens aged 14-22.
We will enjoy the beautiful fall weather
with hiking, booting, volleyball, basket-
ball, Frisbee golf. and more! Don't miss
out!
WHEN:
FEE:
September 8 - 10
$350 for entire weekend
For more information or for an
application, please call
Becca at (952) 988-4178
Take 5 Respite
Do you need something fun to do dur-
ing your winter break? Come join res-
pite to meet new friends, experience
recreation activities, and get out of the
house!
Minnelonka High School
Dotes to be Announced
9:00 am - 3:30 pm
$65.00 per day
Plus $30 per day for door-to-
door transportation*
*Transportation provided within a spe-
cific geographic location
WHERE:
WHEN:
TIME:
FEE:
For further questions or to discuss
payment options, please
contact Tara at:
(952) 988-4176
5
Registration Form-Fall 2006
Advance payment is required for all programs. NO REGISTRATION AT PROGRAMS OR BY PHONE. To ensure a spot in the program(s)
of your choice, mail in payment and registration form as soon as possible. Residents of the West & Northwest consortium of cities
receive preference in registration. Registration is then open to non-residents of the consortium cities one week prior to the start of
the programs (unless program is full).
Registration Begins August 1, 2006
Name:
Birth date:
Address:
Home Phone:
City:
Zip Code:
Work Phone:
Emergency Contact: Emergency Phone:
DYes 0 No I have waivered services and an authorization for Reach For Resources to bill for these programs.
DYes 0 No Do you require wheelchair access?
o Yes, I want Ticket To Ride services. I will maintain responsibility for scheduling my own rides through Dial-A-Ride at (952)474-7441.
Photo Waiver: My photo may be taken at Reach programs and used for promotional materials, unless I check below:
o No, I DO NOT wish to have my photo used.
Disability (please include specific information such as seizures, allergies, special diet etc.):
Social Worker:
Parent(s)/Guardian (s):
Home Address:
Social Worker's Phone:
Parent/Guardian's Phone:
Zip:
City:
Parent(s) Cell Phone:
Employer Phone:
Parent(s) E-Mail:
Parent(s)Employer:
Employer Address: City: Zip:
Annual House- 0 $0 - $24,999 0 $25,000 - $49,999 0 $50,000 - $74,999 0 $75,000 - 99,999
hold Income: 0 $100,000 - $124,999 0 $125,000 - $149,999 0 $150,000 - $174,999 0 $175,000 - $199,999 0 $200,000+
I, the undersigned, certify that the above information is accurate. I understand that participation in this activity is completely voluntary and the activity is being offered
for the benefit of the participant. Reach for Resources shall not be liable for any claims, injuries, or damages of whatever nature, incurred by the participant arising out
of, or connected with, the activity. On behalf of myself and the participant, I expressly forever release and discharge Reach for Resources, its agents or employees, from
any such claims, injuries or damages. I have received a copy of Notice of Privacy as required by HIP AA. I have read, understood and agree to these privacy practices.
Legal Guardian:
Date:
0 Program Resident/Non-Res
0 Adult Bowling Doyle's $30.00 / $35.00
,.._.~- ..... .,.. -.--.-
0 Adult Bowling Earle Brown $30.00/$35.00
0 Adult Bowling Park Tavern $30.00/$35.00
0 Teen Bowling Doyle's $30.00 / $35.00
0 Teen Bowling Park Tavern $30.00 / $35.00
0 Youth Bowling Doyle's $30.00 / $35.00
f..................
0 Youth Bowling Park Tavern $30.00 / $35.00
0 Kid Fu $40.00/$45.00
0 Girl's Club $35.00 / $40.00
0 West Teen Explorers $35.00 / $40.00
........
0 Friday Night Fun & Dance $35.00/$40.00
0 No-Compete Basketball $30.00 / $35.00
0 Walking Club $25.00/$30.00
Fall
2006
TICKET
TO
RIDE
--..
("'""~~
Reach For Resources
Office (952) 988-4177
VISIT US ON OUR WEBSITE
www.reachforresources.org
0 Program Resident/Non-Res
D On the Town I .J~.?:99_L~?9:92_._~~ft
- _._.-._._._._._.~,._._.._._._. -.. _._..___._._...._._...._ ..n." -....--.-....-.-.
D On the Town II ~ _.~..!.~:~.~._!._~~.~.:~~.._.~~@.
n._. _ ._.n.' ...._n._'_'_'_.__"_'_'_'_' _._..___..n._...._._._.__._._. .-'-'-.-' -..--.--.-..... .- -.-.-.-.-..-....-
D Club West $37.00 / $42.00 (~a
-. ..' ...-.---.-. _...__._...._._._.-.-.._._....~... .. .. . .-...--.-.-.-..-.--.....--...-..."..-.----.......-....-.- _._._.____....._._._.~.._.,.._._.n..___......._...._.......--.....-.-.....-.-.-.--.-.-.-
0 Wednesday Night Social ...~.~?:.~g...!....~~~.:~~.._~~ft
. _..._._..__....._......__.__.._.......n..._ ....n _......... . ~_.....n
0 Healthy Cooking ~.~:.~~~~_._.___~u._~._._~. --
._m_.__ _. -.--.-.-... . - .-.......-." ..-.... -..,-,-.---,. ....._._._._....---~.._._. ._..---.-._.~..... ----..-.... -..
0 Holiday Party /$5.00
Living with Independence Class Series
0 Money Matters (only) $1 9.00
0 Three-Class Series $54.00
...-.-........- _.._m._'_'_''''_'_._.'_' .- _..__m_m_'__ --.-...,. __..n --.-.., -.-.-.-....--.......-.-....-.-.-.-.-.---.-.--.-.--.-.-.-.----.-
D Asperger's Teen Group Info will be sent
-.-..-.--'- _.._._._._._...._._._.-_...._._._...._._.-._._~_.. ... .. ..-.-..-....-.-...- -.-.-.....--.--.-.-.-.-.-- -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-....-.-.-.-.--.--.-.--.-.--.--..--
0 Take Five Respite Packet will be sent
_._... _._"n._ ._._._._._._...._....._ __.._._......._m...._._..__.___._..........._...._._. - ---.-.-.-.-.-......-.-.-.- - __ ...._.._._._.n... ...._ ._._ ....__._._._.... _.-.-._..~._.-.-
D Weekend Ventures Packet will be sent
Please mail completed
form with payment to:
Reach for Resources
1001 Highway 7 #217
Hopkins, MN 55305
Adult Athletics
Adult Bowling
Join us for fun, non-
competitive bowling.
You will bowl two
games each week.
Northwest
Doyle's
5000 W Broadway
Crystal
Saturdays
Sept 23 - Nov 11
1 2:00 - 2:00 pm
$30.00 Resident
$35.00 Non-resident
Plus $3.00 Per Saturday
Program Minimum 5, Maximum 30
WHERE:
WHEN:
TIME:
FEE:
WHERE: Earle Brown Bowl
6440 James Cir N
Brooklyn Center
WHEN: Sundays
Sept 24 - Nov 12
TIME: 6:30 - 8:30 pm
FEE: $30.00 Resident
$35.00 Non-resident
Plus $4.00 Per Sunday
Program Minimum 5, Maximum 30
West
WHERE: Park Tavern
3401 Louisiana Ave S
st Louis Park
Saturdays
Sept 23 - Nov 11
9:30 - 11 :30 am
$30.00 Resident
$35.00 Non-resident
Plus $3.00 Per Saturday
Program Minimum 5, Maximum 30
WHEN:
TIME:
FEE:
Non-Competitive
Basketball
WHERE:
WHEN:
To Be Determined
Thursdays
Starts January 11
6:30 - 8:00 pm
$30.00 Resident
$35.00 Non-resident
Reach for Resources
Annual Meeting &
Holiday Party
Let's celebrate REACH's successes
of the past year together! We will
get together for a program,
awards, appetizers, and music DJ' d
by our very own Tara Tunes!
WHERE: Minnetonka Community Ctr
WHEN: Tuesday, Dec 12
TIME: 6:00 - 8:30 pm
FEE: $5.00
* HaPPY *
~olicAaY)
Thank You
Softball Sponsors!
Six teams participated in the Reach
non-competitive softball league this
summer and had a wonderful time.
Thank you to our generous softball
sponsors!
Cynthia Bade
Bechler Landscape Company
Lowell & Linda Bialick
Patrick Boley
Bert Gardner & Betty Goodman
Mary, Scott, & Ben Johnson
Barb Kleist
Steve McConley
ProSource Floor Coverings
St David's
Andy Weinstein
The Adaptive Recreation program is a cooperative effort of cities of Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Crystal, Golden Valley, Maple Grove, New
Hope, Plymouth, Robbinsdale and REACH for Resources. REACH is an agency, which serves individuals with developmental disabilities and their
families in the West and Northwest metro area. Services include information, referral, advocacy and counseling. Programs include social/
recreation groups and education programs. An integration specialist is on staff to assist people who are interested in participating in "non-
adaptive" recreation programs. For information and registration procedures, call Tara or Becca at 952-988-4177. NOTE: For persons not living in
one of the above communities, you are considered a "non-resident" and need to add a $5 to the registration fee.
TIME:
FEE:
WHERE:
WHEN:
Walking Club
(ages 18+)
Various Locations
Tuesdays
Sept 12 - Oct 1 7
6:30 - 8:00 pm
$25.00 Resident
$30.00 Non-resident
TIME:
FEE:
Hockey for All Ages
Sick of floor hockey? Want to glide on
the ice? Now you can!
For more information about MN Spe-
cial Hockey, call Susie Miller at (612)
325-3392
For more information about MN Sled
Hockey Association, call (612) 558-8387
6
Adult Social Programs
On the Town I
A social group for young adults, ages 18 - 25,
who ore independent and would like to
explore their community. Meets twice per
month.
TIME:
FEE:
Various locations in the Northwest
& West Suburbs
Every other Friday evening
Beginning Sept 15
Varies with activity
$15.00 Resident
$20.00 Non-resident
Plus additional activity fees
Program Minimum 5, Maximum 15
WHERE:
WHEN:
Registration Notes
and Information
. If you are a new participant in On
the Town, call Tara at (952) 988-
4176 for information and to sched-
ule an intake interview.
. Please Note: Participants may only
register for one social program per
quarter.
. Please do not sign up unless you will
be able to attend!
. Fall registration begins August 1 . If
you are concerned about your pro-
gram filling up quickly, please feel
free to stop by the Reach for Re-
sources office to complete a regis-
tration form in person.
Residents of our consortium cities
are given priority in registration.
Non-resident registrations will be
held until one week before the start
of the program.
.
.
You will receive a letter confirming
your registration along with sched-
ules for all programs you have
been registered for at least one
week prior to the start of the pro-
gram.
On the Town II
A social group for adults, ages 26 - SO, who
can access the community independently
with minimal supervision. Two Saturdays per
month beginning Sept 16.
WHERE: Various locations in the Northwest
& West Suburbs
WHEN:
Every other Saturday evening
Beginning Sep 16
Varies with activity
$15.00 Resident
$20.00 Non-resident
Dances for All
Join your friends and groove to all the
latest hits! Sponsored in collaboration
with Project Soar.
TIME:
FEE:
7 - 9 pm (all dances)
$4.00 at the qoor (all dances)
West Dances
st Louis Park HS
6425 W 33rd St, st Louis Park
Friday, Sept 22
TIME:
FEE:
~
~~
WHERE:
WHEN:
..........................................................................................
WHERE: st Louis Park HS
6425 W 33rd Sf, St Louis Park
WHEN: Friday, Oct 13
..........................................................................................
WHERE: Minnetonka HS
18301 Hwy 7, Minnetonka
6715 Mtka Blvd, St Louis Park
WHEN: Friday, Nov 17
North Dance
WHERE: To Be Determined
Please call (952) 988-4176 or
(952) 988-4178
WHEN: Friday, Dee 1
Club West (west metro) and Wednesday Night Social (northwest metro)are
social programs for adults age 18 and older. Meet new friends and visit with
old friends while enjoying games, dances, movies, bingo, etc.
Staff to participant ratio is 1:10
Program Minimum 5, Maximum 30 (for each program)
Wednesday Night Social
WHERE:
WHEN:
Crystal Community Center (and
other nearby locations)
Wednesdays
Sept 20 - Nov 8
6:30 - 8:30 pm
$37.00 Resident
$42.00 Non-resident
Plus additional activity fee
Plus additional activity fees
Program Minimum 5, Maximum 15
Club West
WHERE:
Various west metro
locations
TIME:
FEE:
aOQa
"'-~
1<,;'
WHEN:
Wednesdays
Sept 20 - Nov 8
6:30 - 8:30 pm
$37.00 Resident
$42.00 Non-resident
Plus additional acfivity fee
Ticket to Ride Reminder... To receive Ticket to Ride services, you must be a member of our consortium cities and live
within the transportation boundaries established for your program ( contact Tara or Becca at 952-988-4177). Your registration
must be received by us at least one week prior to the start of the program to be eligible to receive a ride the first week.
7 To schedule transportation to the program, please call Dial-a-Ride at 952-474-7441. 0a
-~
(-,~
TIME:
FEE:
Parents Want to Know!
-'':'r'''~~~lt<'~~~;Ylith,9miJd'diSabmtY,WQrits,to Uvean his
o~h(.J~a~~eds only minimal supervision. What hous.
ing options should we consider for him?
Since the 1970's, more community housing opti?rs~tiqve
become available to people with developmerit61'-dIsabili-
ties. However, it is widely acknowledged that finding appro~
priate, affordable housing for this' population remains a sig-
nificant problem. As public attitudes towards disabilitiescon--:
tinuesto evolve, we are likely to see more housing options
become available that allow. people with disabilities live. in
the setting of their choice and integrate more fully into our
communities. Our experience at REACH has shown that
greater housing choice .Ieads to increased life satisfaction
and successful community living. Families searching for hous-
ing can explore the following options in the Twin Cities:
Group Homes - Since the early 1990's, 4-person group
homes with round-the-clock staff have been the standard
for adults with disabilities and continue to be a popular resi-
dential choice for individuals who require substantial supervi-
sion. Openings tend to be few and are generally reserved
for individuals with more intensive care needs.
Specialized Apartment Buildings - These apartment build-
ings are designated specifically for people with disabilities,
but with limited or no staff supervision. These types of apart-
ments allow residents to live in their own unit among
neighbors who have similar needs, but with a high level of
independence. These apartments are few in number and
generally have long waiting lists.
Open-Market Housing - Many people with mild or border-
line disabilities live in open-market rental apartments with
success, as long as they have adequate support from family
members or agencies like REACH. However, affordability is a
major concern. Paying 30-40% of one's income towards
housing is considered affordable, yet people in the Twin Cit-
ies who receive Supplemental Security Income tend to
spend 109% of their monthly income on rent!
Renters may be eligible for Section 8 Rental Assistance
Vouchers and REACH can assist clients in completing enroll-
r----------------------------
I. 1
: What's New At Reach
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
. Sheri Peterson has left us after 8 years to become a per-
sonal Life Coach. Her work and dedication to our clients
was greatly appreciated and she will be missed. Lisa Riv-
ers, Matthew Smith and Eunice Wellnitz have taken over
Sheri's duties.
. Our private-pay REACH OUT in-home support service,
launched in January, has several new clients. Weare
excited to begin serving these families and providing an
affordable independent-living support service to people
who have been unable to access government supports.
. REACH supporters can now join the Reach Advocates, a
monthly giving club that allows donors to make auto-
matic contributions via electronic funds transfer or credit
card. Automatic monthly gifts provide us with predict-
able, stable funding in a way that's more convenient for
donors and cost-effective for us. If you would like to be-
come a Reach Advocate, please contactCyndi Bade
at (952) 988-4177 or cbade@reachforresources.orq.
~----------------------------
8
mentapplications.ln 2005, new legislati6hWds:pp~~~d:Cthtif)~:
allows landlords to register their building as a Housing with ,
Services Establishment if they provide two or more support "
services to renters who are disabled and/or, elderly. .Tenants
who live in such a building can receive up to $737 per
month in rental assistance.
One disadvantage to open-market rental is thgt' family
members often have concerns. about vulnerable individuals
mixing with unscrupulous neighbors who may try to take ad-
vantage of their disability. Considerations for choosing. an
open-market rental should always includelocat'ion, safety,
affordability, landlord's willingness to accommodate some-
one with disabilities, profile of other residents, and avoilabiHty
of support services. HousingLink (www.housinalink.oro) pro-
vides comprehensive listings of affordable rental units avail-
able in the Twin Cities.
Home Ownership - It is likely that we will see a trend to-
ward increased home ownership where consumers with dis-
abilities and/or their relatives purchase a home, condo or
duplex, and rent the additional bedrooms bf units to other
adults. This option gives families more control. over their
loved one's safety, yet gives them the independence they
desire. In such a situation, an agency like REACH can pro-
vide in-home living support, skills training, and roommate-
matching services to make the arrangement a success for
all involved.
Ultimately, we at REACH would like to see more home-
ownership for people with disabilities that gives them stabil-
ity, safety, tangible financial assets, and the opportunity to
integrate fully into a neighborhood.
REACH would like to host a forum to dis-
cuss options for families interested in
home ownership for their loved one with
a disability. To join the group, please
contact Mary Perkins at (952) 988-4177.
REACH OUT
Life Skills Support for Adults with DisabiUties
REACH OUT is a new private-pay support service for
adults with disabilities who want to live independently,
but have been denied eligibility for other public assis-
tance programs. Clients are assigned a Life Skills Trainer
who provides ongoing support with whatever they
need to live independently.
. Offered for a reasonable hourly fee
. Flexible & tailored to meet your needs
. An investment in your child's future
. Provided by highly-trained specialists
Call Mary Perkins for a Free
Preliminary Assessment
(952) 988-4177
**-'1"
RECEIVED
AUG' 1 0 2006
CITY OF CHANHASSEN
Reach for Resources
formerly West Hennepin Community Services, Inc.
1001 State Highway 7,#217
Hopkins,MN SS30S Address Service Requested
(952) 988-4177
Jerry Ruegemer T15/P235
City of Chanhassen
PO Box 147
Chanhassen, MN 55317-0147
1.1.11.1.1111111111111.1.111.1111.1111..11.1.1.1.111.1.1.11..1
. FU~~ReaCh t~,!oul1;h cl:Jnited Way
The United Way accommodates em-
ployees who want to support REACH
through workplace campaigns - even
though REACH is not a United Way
agency.
Help adults with disabilities reach their
full potential by designating REACH at your
company's United Way Drive. Just write
"REACH for Resources" in the appropriate
pledge card section.
Non~fit
US.~.~
Mal Expedlors
(Continued from page 1)
Brooklyn Center in 2004. By getting in-
volved in the community and being an ex-
ample for others, Gary said "you will make a
difference in your life and in your commu-
nity."
The evening ended by celebrating the
accomplishments of the REACH Empower-
ment Group. The group members shared
posters they had created that described
what self-advocacy means to them. "You
need to speak up for yourself and make
your own decisions about your life," shared
Lisa Messano and Sandy Lindell. Jim
Nylander and Bev Wenzel pointed out that
self-advocates need to pay attention and
be good listeners. And Connie Rothgeb
urged participants to build their self-esteem
and confidence so that their voices can be
heard.
We would like to extend a special thank
you to REACH in-
tern Cali Breese
for organizing the
conference and
to the Governor's
Council on Dis-
abilities and the
Otto Bremer Foun-
dation for provid-
ing funding to host
this very special
event!
RECEIVED
NOV 1 5 2006
Dear Mr. Ruegemer: CITY OF CHANHASSEN
First of all, I would like to sincerely apologize for my actions that took place on
Thursday of the twenty-sixth of October. At the time, I did not realize how many people
would be affected by my actions, and how much trouble it would cause you and all the
employees at Lake Ann. Looking back on my childhood, I realize how much Lake Ann
Park means to my family. When I was younger I played baseball at Lake Ann, and I have a
lot of good memories there. After really thinking about it I cannot believe that I had the
audacity to desecrate such a nice park.
I am very thankful for the chance to go through this process instead of having to
go to court. I realize that my actions could have resulted in much worse consequences had
I not been so lucky. That is why I think it is just that I should clean up the park to help
repay the damages. Next time I am with a friend and we have nothing to do I will know
not to make a stupid choice like the one I made that day. I earnestly apologize for taking
up your time and the time of others for my mistakes.
Sincerely,