News and Updates
Community Pathways
Office Closure - July 4th Observance
Our office will be closed on Monday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day.
Office Closure – Juneteenth Observance
Our office will be closed on Monday, June 20th in observance of Juneteenth.
Newsletter: Friday, May 6th
Community Garden, Aspire Together
Aspire Together is a new community garden and program based in Clackamas county. Their mission is based on building an inclusive, safe space for folks with DD to foster job and life skills, build connections, and inspire personal growth!
CPI sat down with organizer Rachel Mohr (also a CPI Personal Agent) about the garden, the skills it can help build and why she is involved!
Hi Rachel! What is Aspire Together? How did this program get started? Where is the garden located?
Aspire Together is a non-profit 501(c)3 located in Milwaukie, Oregon. The community garden will be the first program of many that will help foster independence and growth for individuals within the I/DD community. The goal is to teach members the process of growing a garden; learning about fruits and vegetables, develop a better understanding of healthy foods and concepts, and then harvest and sell produce for profit at the local farmer's market. During the summer months, Aspire Together will have a stand open at the Oregon City farmers market, where participants can engage with others in the community, learn the fundamentals of monetary value; cash transactions, and be able to see the benefits of their work by keeping their earnings.
As past providers ourselves, we saw a need for an inclusive place for community partnerships and opportunities to develop social, life, and employment-related skills. Aspire Together wants to support individuals in developing these skills by providing activities, communal areas, and job learning opportunities. The ultimate goal is to build a community center and safe place for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities (I/DD).
The garden is located at Clackamas United Church of Christ
15303 SE Webster Rd Milwaukie, OR 97226
Please note, there are no public restrooms at this site. The closest public restroom is in Safeway up Webster Road.
What is your role with Aspire Together? How did you get involved?
Rachel working on a plot
Currently, I serve as a board member, and co-founder of Aspire Together. I got involved when I was working as a direct support professional (DSP) at a local provider agency with co-founder, Shelley Ellsworth. It all started in 2019, when we noticed a Facebook post about a senior living residential home that was remodeled to look like an inclusive, community space. The rooms were transformed to look like they were outside, with all the works you could imagine: siding on all of the walls to make it look like the outside of a home, windows, front porches, roofs and planter boxes filled with beautiful, real flowers. They also created a community garden and outdoor living space for the residents. The remodel made the facility more inclusive, open, and a happy place for the residents. This sparked an idea and a partnership as we started to think of ways we could make programs more inclusive and accessible, and what was missing in our community. From there, our ideas really took off! We generated a list of things based on our years of experience and what we believed to be missing from our community. We also asked our clients and other providers from agencies in the area. Here is what we learned: the need for community gardens, coffee shops, hairstyling and beauty programs, central community centers, dance and swimming classes, central location for job/life skills training, and event spaces for provider agencies and training. We hope to one day be able to develop programs like these so that all members in our community are given opportunities to grow and succeed.
Why should the DD community get involved with Aspire Together?
Everything we do is for community benefit and specifically designed to help individuals within the I/DD community meet their goals. Each program will be tailored to their needs and will be made easily accessible. We hope to have individuals from the I/DD community join our board, so they are involved and would be able to have a say in the direction Aspire Together goes next.
Involvement - also means that they will be able to use us as volunteer or job references if they participate in our programs that teach job skills. Currently, this applies to participation in the garden program and selling produce at the farmer’s market. Future plans for more programs are in the works, one of them includes a coffee shop that is open to the public.
What are some of the skills that folks could learn while working in a community garden?
We hope our members gain social and life skills by growing their own food. The I/DD community can be dependent on providers, family members, and caregivers that they may often feel a lack of control over their own lives. Providing opportunities for them to control certain parts of their lives is so important for self-esteem and mental health. In the garden, members will have full autonomy over their garden boxes. They will be able to choose whether or not they want to eat their own produce, sell it at the market, or donate to a food bank.
We also will be hosting special events with master gardeners through the OSU Extension program and even a beekeeper to learn about bees and pollination. These special events will help members to socialize amongst each other, meet new people, and create social ties to build a greater sense of community.
Those that choose to sell at the farmer’s market will work on skills in money management, customer service, and communication. Members will then be able to take home the money that they earn to further help them understand the benefits of their hard work in the garden.
All members will have opportunities to gain knowledge about growing gardens through our classes with local master gardeners.
Are there still plots available? How can people get involved if they are interested? Is there a cost associated with this program?
There are still (4) plots available and 3 of those being wheelchair accessible. These plots are on a paved sidewalk.
The current cost of the program is $15 to participate. However, if participants are involved through most of the season and can log (4) hours at the garden, then the $15 is refundable on July 1st. This is to encourage participants to continue to engage in the program.
There are also scholarships available to participants, who are unable to pay the $15 fee. Please inquire directly for more information.
A friendly helper at the garden
If folks are passionate about the Aspire Together non-profit, how can they further support it?
Please spread the word! We want everyone in the I/DD community to have access to our services. We want to be a central hub that brings all community members, agencies, and personal service workers together. The more people that know about our program and the more funding we receive, the further we will be able to expand our mission.
Currently, we have (4) boxes still available and would love to see them filled. Members can sign up on our website, send us an email, or give us a call if they are unable to use our online system.
All donations can be made through our website at aspiretogethernonprofit.com. We accept PayPal.
Federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) Extended to July 15, 2022
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) and federal government took actions to protect the health of those getting services and working in Oregon’s DD system.
The federal public health emergency (PHE) (for the COVID-19 pandemic) was scheduled to expire April 16, 2022. It has now been extended for 90 days (to July 15th, 2022). The federal government will be giving 60 days’ notice before ending the temporary actions and exceptions below, so they may be extended past the July 2022 date. During these three months, CPI will be making preparations to go back to the way we used to work with the DD community before the pandemic, and will keep our community updated as to when these changes will take effect.
The following temporary actions and exceptions will end when the PHE ends (on July 15th, 2022):
We (CPI) will no longer be able to use video calls to conduct level of care (LOC), Oregon Needs Assessments (ONAs) and risk assessments remotely.
We will no longer be able to extend service authorizations for a year without doing a new Individual Support Plan (ISP).
Parents and guardians of minors with an intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) serving as their child’s paid caregiver.
Suspension of normal Tribal public notices and consultation processes for Medicaid submissions.
Community based service programs will no longer be able to use verbal consent for person-centered service plans – we (CPI) will need to go back to using hard copy signatures.
If individuals have questions about these changes, they should contact their Personal Agent.
Carewell Required Refresher Training – Due Date Extended to June 30, 2022
The due date for Carewell’s required refresher training for PSWs enrolled before Sept. 1, 2021, has now been extended from March 31, 2022, to June 30, 2022. There will not be an additional extension after this date. If an individual is unsure about their training status, they may sign into Carewell SEIU 503 Training’s learning management system to check.
As a reminder, the 12.5-hour free training is delivered by Carewell, is completely online and designed to accommodate a range of schedules.
The Carewell Refresher is split into two parts. The first part is the self-directed online refresher (8 hours). The second part is the refresher workshop which is 4.5 hours and may be taken live online several times per week, including weekends. Once the refresher training is complete, PSWs will receive a $200.00 stipend!
If PSWs haven’t started the training, register online here to get started.
If PSWs are still working through it, great work! Log in today to keep going.
If PSWs need the Carewell training in a different language, CPI has tried to make it easy by adding the details on our website here. If a training is not currently offered in a PSWs preferred language, PSWs may contact Carewell directly to request an interpreter by phone at 1-844-503-7348 (hours are Monday-Friday, 8AM-6PM), or email Carewell.
Reminder: At-Home COVID Tests / Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
As mentioned in our last newsletter, CPI still has a large number of N95 and disposable masks (for both adults and children) and at-home self-testing* kits that are now available** . Please talk with your Personal Agent to make arrangements if you are in need of these supplies. Since the indoor mask mandate has now been dropped, it may be important for individuals to self-test more often. CPI customers can contact their PA to access tests and other PPE. As a reminder, CPI is still requiring masks inside our offices.
* These tests may only be administered to another individual if (a) the test is being performed under a CLIA certificate of waiver and results are reported to Oregon Health Authority, or (b) the person administering the test is the parent or guardian of the individual being tested. For more details, visit these links: frequently asked questions and Oregon Health Authority guidance.
**Self-testing kits are available for individuals who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or if someone they live with has tested positive for COVID-19 or is showing COVID-19 symptoms.
CPI Monthly Newsletter – Taking a Break
CPI is going through some minor changes right now, so we will be taking a short break from our newsletter until further notice. For any feedback on the newsletter or on our communications, please contact us at info@communitypath.org.
Staff Highlight: Sarah Price, PA/Assessor/QA (PAQ)
Sarah enjoying nature on a hike
This month, we are highlighting one of our awesome staff members, Sarah Price! Sarah has been with CPI since 2019 as a PA, and has recently moved into a role as an ONA Assessor! We caught up with Sarah to chat about her new position and got a few fun facts too. Thanks so much, Sarah!
Hi Sarah! Can you tell us a bit about your background in the DD field and your history with CPI?
Sure! Before being hired at Community Pathways, I worked at a foster home for men experiencing developmental disabilities. I really enjoyed the people living there and the connections I made, but I wanted to work with more people on a broader scale, and put some of my other skills to work. I went back to school and got a degree in social work. Then I found my job as a PA in 2019. It’s been three years and I am thrilled where I ended up!
Can you tell us about your new role doing quality assurance and assessments? How have your duties changed? What should the CPI community know about it?
Sarah at the shore
All of our customers who have Medicaid have an Individual Support Plan (ISP). As part of that process, they need to have an Oregon Needs Assessment (ONA) completed every year. Sometimes a PA is able to complete that assessment, but other times an ONA assessor needs to complete it. I received training to be an ONA assessor, so my role changed in that I am doing some assessments each month. I am also reviewing some of the documents that PAs write, to ensure that they include all of the codes and special wording that we need to use to satisfy state requirements.
I don’t know if there is anything the CPI community necessarily needs to know about my job, but if you haven’t already met me, you very well might one day!
What is your favorite thing about working in the DD community?
Sarah with sunflowers
I love seeing things come together for a customer in a way that is helpful, and getting them what they want and need. Sometimes it takes a team working together to make that happen, but other times, it’s a simple connection or change that makes all the difference. I am also super grateful to have such an amazing team of people to work with at Community Pathways and beyond. I truly work with some of the most thoughtful and caring people on the planet!
What are some things you’re looking forward to right now?
I am loving the spring weather and all of the flowers and blossoms on the trees! I am looking forward to the sun shining brighter and being hot enough to dip into some lakes and rivers. I really enjoy being outdoors, especially when the weather is warm.
What is a really cool thing about you that we don’t know?
When I was in elementary school, I learned a song called “Fifty Nifty United States,” which taught me how to say the 50 states in alphabetical order. I cannot tell you how many times knowing that song has come in handy throughout my life!
A tree in desert climate!
What are your three desert island items (not including food and water)?
I am tempted to work a survival book into this scenario, but I’m going to assume that I am pretty safe on the island, and eventually I will be rescued! In that case, I would go with my music collection, ukulele and paper/pen for writing.
Voter’s Guide, Oregon Gubernatorial (Governor’s) Election
UCP Connections put together an easy voting guide for this month’s election for Oregon’s Governor! For a more in-depth verson (including write-ups on all of the candidates), see here. Remember: voting is your constitutional right and every vote counts. See below for bullet points on voting:
Voting takes place on Tuesday, May 17th, 2022.
Individuals can only vote for candidates in the party they are associated with.
To find out if an individual is registered to vote, or to update a voter registration, see here. Individuals can also register to vote in person at their local election office, or by mail by printing a voter registration form.
In Oregon, ballots are sent in the mail. Make sure to confirm that the name and other information on the individual’s ballot is correct. To find a ballot drop box, see here (“I Voted” stickers can be printed there as well). Ballots can also be submitted through the mail.
For questions on how to support others with voting (without bias), see here!
Mother’s Day Recipe – French Toast (via Food Network)
This Sunday is Mother’s Day! Show mom (or a grandma, aunt, friend or other mother figure) some love by fixing a great brunch including this simple French toast.
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons sugar
4 tablespoons butter
4 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 slices challah, brioche, or white bread
Optional toppings: extra butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, berries or fruit, chocolate chips, chopped nuts.
Directions:
In a small bowl, combine cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar and set aside briefly.
In a 10-inch or 12-inch skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk together cinnamon mixture, eggs, milk, and vanilla and pour into a shallow container like as a pie plate.
Dip bread in egg mixture on both sides.
Fry slices of bread in the pan until golden brown, then flip to cook the other side.
Serve with mom’s favorite toppings and enjoy!
Office Closure – Memorial Day
Our offices will be closed on Monday, May 30th in observance of Memorial Day.
Upcoming Events
Portland Parks & Rec Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation – May Dance (Virtual)
Join AIR for their May virtual dance (Disney theme) this Friday, May 6th at 6PM! For more information contact Jane Doyle at (503) 307-4131.
Date/Time: Friday, May 6 / 6-7PM
Location: Zoom
Meeting ID: 824 6845 3418 // Passcode: 476476
Portland Rose Festival Opening Night & Fireworks – May 27, 2022
In 2022 the Portland Rose Festival is returning, featuring a stunning fireworks display and a full concert by Hit Machine!
Date/Time: Friday, May 27, 2022 / 6:00 – 11:00PM (Fireworks at 9:50PM)
Location: Tom McCall Waterfront Park, 98 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204
Tickets will be available soon!
CityFair Portland
CityFair is back this year at Tom McCall Waterfront Park! Enjoy carnival rides, fair food, exhibits and entertainment! Kids age 6 and under are free with purchase of adult ticket! Free admission for Veterans, Reservists and Active Military with valid Military ID.
Dates/Times:
May 27 / 5-11PM
May 28-30 / 12PM – 9PM
June 3-5 / 12PM – 9PM
June 10-12 / 12PM – 9PM
Grab your 2022 Rose Festival Souvenir Pin for unlimited admission to City Fair (can also be bought at Rose Garden Store in Washington Park)
General Admission: Save 20% and buy tickets online here!
For other memorial day weekend events, see here!
Housing Independence May 2022 Events
Source: Housing Independence
Housing Independence has so many fun events happening in May! To sign up for an event, tell your PA or contact Amy Reza by text at 614-634-6087 or email Amy at amyr@housingindependence.org. Anyone is welcome to try up to three activities for free before deciding to join their DSA program, as always.
There are several outdoor activities happening some which will fill up quickly (like the trip to the Rose Festival Opening Day Fireworks), so please plan to email choices to Amy ASAP. Their summer calendar is also out now (as of May 1).
Some examples of events (see full list in the newsletter here):
Friday Night Movie (Zoom), 6-8PM - 5/6 Turning Red, 5/13 Tooth Fairy, 5/20 Free guy, 5/27 Wendy (2019)
Oregon Zoo, 10AM-3PM – 5/11 Meet at Sunset Transit Center, $24 admission or $12 with Oregon Trail Card, Tickets have to be purchased in advance through Amy
Next Level Pinball, 11AM-4PM – 5/13 Meet at Beaverton Transit Center, $20 admission, $5 for pizza lunch
Rose Garden Picnic, 11AM-3PM – 5/18 Meet at Beaverton Transit Center, Free, bring lunch
Rose Festival Opening Night Fireworks, 6-11PM – 5/27 Meet at Beaverton Transit Center, tickets not available yet, bring extra money for snacks
Newsletter: Friday, April 1st
Federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) currently set to expire in Mid April 2022
The federal government has extended the public health emergency, or PHE, for an additional three months – until mid-April 2022. The PHE was originally scheduled to end mid-January 2022.
Oregon has already ended its public health emergency. However, the federal health emergency allows Oregon to continue “emergency authorization” for the following services connected to the federal PHE:
Allows some parents/guardians of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to be paid Personal Support Workers (PSWs) and Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) for their minor children. This emergency authorization was granted to Oregon due to the federal PHE and COVID-19 pandemic. ODDS held a webinar on Dec. 12 and answered questions about Oregon’s funding structure and why our rules do not allow us to make this a permanent option. ODDS has recently announced there may be ways to continue to allow some parents of minors to be paid. ODDS is currently looking into these options and having discussions with stakeholders. La presentación del seminario web también estará en español.
Allows for remote Individual Support Plan (ISP) meetings and telehealth.
Allows the use of electronic or verbal signatures to protect health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Allows for additional PSW overtime.
PSW Overtime
CPI has been allowed to approve overtime (up to 16 hours per day) for PSWs under special COVID rules during the last two years in the following cases:
One or more of an individual’s regularly scheduled PSWs or DSPs was unable to report to work due to the COVID-19 pandemic; or
If before the COVID-19 pandemic, an individual regularly attended a day support activity (DSA) site or worksite that is now closed.
These allowances are only available while there is a federal public health emergency. Once the federal state of emergency is lifted, these rules will likely be rescinded, and the method of requesting PSW overtime (involving an exception request submitted to the state) will likely return to normal.
ODDS will provide as much notice as possible when we have formal notice of the PHE ending. ODDS is in talks with Medicaid and expect there will be a “transition” period between when the Federal public health emergency ends and when things need to revert back to the way they were prior. We will share additional information when we learn more.
COVID Updates
Mask Mandate – CPI Operations
As mentioned in last month’s newsletter, Oregon has now dropped its indoor mask mandate (except in health care settings). As mentioned in the OHA FAQ: Masks in public spaces document here, many business and organizations will still recommend (or require) face coverings.
We want to make sure that CPI customers and staff stay safe, which means that for right now, we will still be requiring guests and staff to wear face coverings while in our office. Community Pathways plans to fully reopen our office on May 1st. Please note that while our offices will be “open” many of our staff will continue to work remotely. We strongly encourage individuals to make an appointment with the person they need to see prior to coming to the office. The Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) has not changed their guidance yet, so providers and CPI staff will still be required to wear masks when meeting with customers in other settings as well. Keep an eye on our website for more information.
At-Home COVID Tests / Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
As mentioned in our last newsletter, CPI has a large number of N95 and disposable masks (for both adults and children) and at-home self-testing* kits that are now available** to pick up. With the mask mandate dropping, it may be important for individuals to self-test more often. CPI customers can contact their PA to access tests and other PPE.
* These tests may only be administered to another individual if (a) the test is being performed under a CLIA certificate of waiver and results are reported to Oregon Health Authority, or (b) the person administering the test is the parent or guardian of the individual being tested. For more details, visit these links: frequently asked questions and Oregon Health Authority guidance.
**Self-testing kits are available for individuals who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or if someone they live with has tested positive for COVID-19 or is showing COVID-19 symptoms.
Carewell Training Deadline for PSWs
The Carewell training deadline of March 31, 2022 has now passed. ODDS, SEIU and Carewell have been in discussions about a potential extension in certain cases (ex. if a PSW has language barriers or are unable to complete their training online and have not yet received their materials).
PSWs may receive letters indicating that the training hasn’t been completed, and that their provider numbers may be terminated if they don’t complete the training as soon as possible. If PSWs are still having significant issues completing this training due to an extenuating circumstance, they should contact Carewell by phone at 1-844-503-7348 (hours are Monday-Friday, 8AM-6PM), or email Carewell.
Compass Project – Oregon Support Services Association (OSSA) Blogpost
OSSA, which represents the 14 brokerages, recently published a blog post about the Compass project to make sure the DD community understands why this project is happening. They also wrote about the history of the K-Plan, and the work that needs to be done in order to further improve DD services in Oregon. Changes will be coming to processes, forms, service rates, case management, ISPs and much more!
The Oregon Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) recently hosted some trainings to help those with DD, their families and guardians better understand the main parts of the Compass Project. These include the Oregon Needs Assessment (ONA), exceptions, service groups and more about how the project will affect those who receive services and their families. Recordings of these trainings are now available on You Tube:
Open Future Learning Video – Do Disability Workers Need to be Experienced?
Source: OFL
Do disability services put too much emphasis on experience? Watch this video to see that with the right supervision and training, workers without experience can be just as exceptional as their more seasoned peers.
Staff Highlights: Leigh Callahan and James Salisbury
CPI recently added two new Personal Agents to the team. Both Leigh and James answered some questions so the CPI community could get to know them a bit better! Read more below about their background, favorite things, and answers to some ice-breakers!
Welcome Leigh! Can you tell us about your journey with the I/DD field?
Leigh and her dog
When I was in high school my mom was a long term substitute in a special education classroom, and I spent a lot of time with her students and loved getting to know them. I decided to be a teacher’s assistant in a different sped room, and that motivated me to learn more in college about serving people with disabilities. I got my degree in social work, with a focus on special education, and got a job as an Educational Assistant in a Community Transition Program after college. I became really interested in job development while job coaching in the transition program, which eventually led to me taking on the role of Vocational Specialist in the transition program. I was able to work with high school and 18-21 year old students, helping them reach their employment goals as they transitioned out of public school. My interest in employment and job development led me to my next position, as Employment Services Coordinator at a provider agency. I worked with individuals in their home, as well as in the community doing job development and placement. Working with folks in their home gave me a very different perspective on the services they access, and what it takes to deliver those services and support people in the most effective way possible. I am excited to use that perspective and my experience in the public school system to support individuals in a case manager position. I’m passionate about getting to know my customers, understanding what we have in common and how to best support them.
What are some of your favorite things to do outside of work?
Leigh’s dog at the river
I love to spend time taking my dog to the dog park and the river, trying new restaurants and spending time with friends. I love to see live music and comedy shows, and I’m looking forward to going to more concerts as things open up a bit more this summer. I really enjoying lap swimming as a form of exercise, or just swimming in a lake or river- anything outside near a body of water makes me happy! I travel to Chicago as often as I can to visit family, including my new niece and nephew.
Can you tell us about a unique skill you have? If you could learn any other skill, what would it be?
A unique skill that I have is doing impressions of characters in shows or famous people.
A new skill that I’d like to learn would be doing stand-up comedy. I’ve recently been inspired by a friend to take a comedy class and give it a try, even if it sounds terrifying. If that doesn’t work out, I’d like to learn auto-repair, so I can take care of all my future car issues myself!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
A couple pieces of advice I’ve been given and try to incorporate in my daily life are:
When people show you who they are, believe them.
When you know better, do better.
If you could travel through time, which period would you visit and why?
If I could travel through time I would go back to the 19th century Victorian period. I’m fascinated by the sense of fashion, including women’s hair and clothing, and I would love to sit back and people watch during a Victorian ball.
Welcome James! Tell us a little bit about yourself.
James likes to watch animals in his back yard!
I grew up in Wyoming but I have spent the last 30 years in Oregon, Washington and Alaska. Before entering this field, I had many jobs. I started working when I was about 13 at a gun club loading clay pigeons and then cleaning bricks for a demolition crew. I went on to enjoy a series of jobs starting with pumping gas at a gas station at 15, then worked as a carryout, pizza deliverer, shuttle bus driver, Military Policeman, bartender, bouncer, bar manager, wrangler, just to name a few.
Can you tell us about your journey with the I/DD field?
I decided I wanted to do something a little more worthwhile [with my career], so I became an AmeriCorps member for a residential program in Washington, then became a staff person for a few years, eventually helping to start a residential tribal AmeriCorps program in Alaska. During my time involved in AmeriCorps, I realized that I was much more drawn to the social service projects rather than environmental projects. In fact, my time leading an AmeriCorps team in a middle school and spending a lot of time in the resource room, made me become interested this field.
What are some of your favorite things to do outside of work?
A rabbit in James’ yard
Outside of work, I like to play softball, play Dungeons and Dragons, go to live music shows, write songs and poetry and people watch. I enjoy watching the birds and animals in the yard also, they are fascinating.
If you could have dinner with any famous person (dead or alive), who would it be and why?
Rather than going to dinner with one person, I would love to host a dinner party with some of the people I admire and just watch the interactions. How would Mr. Rogers react when Hemingway starts challenging someone to a boxing match. I think he would tell him he likes him just the way he is and give him a hug. Doc Watson could swap guitar riffs with Joni Mitchell and then, accompany John Prine and Guy Clark as they let loose some “poetry of the masses” songs. JRR Tolkien could read some new language he has made up while Elizabeth Warren talks economics as they both bore each other to the extreme. That would be a fun dinner.
What is one non-work related goal that you want to achieve in the next year?
Something I would like to learn over the next year is how to speak Portuguese.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
The best advice I was ever given is something along the lines of “Everyone is bad at something when they first start.”
Easter Recipe – Devilled Eggs (Via Smitten Kitchen)
Source: Smitten Kitchen
In my family, Easter means lots of chocolate, and using up all the hardboiled eggs that were dyed the night before by making devilled eggs. Top your eggs with anything you’d like; the sky is the limit! These are great as a before-dinner snack or with a big salad!
Ingredients
8 large hard-boiled eggs
3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon (45 grams) mayonnaise
2 teaspoons (10 grams) smooth dijon mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons (7 ml) white wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Smoked paprika
Garnishes, such as: chives, pickles, celery, radishes, bacon bits, pickled or fried shallots, etc.
Directions
Peel your eggs! This can be done under cold water to make it easier.
Cut the eggs in half and pop out the centers into a bowl. Arrange the empty egg whites onto a plate.
Mash the egg yolks with a fork until they are fairly smooth. Add mayonnaise, dijon mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper. Stir until as smooth as possible and taste for seasoning.
Spoon the filling back into the egg halves, or scoop the filling into a sandwich bag and cut the corner to pipe it into the halves.
Fill eggs evenly and dust with paprika.
Optional: add any garnishes you like! Chop up some chives, celery or pickles, fry up some bacon, red onion or shallots, or enjoy as is.
Upcoming Events
Community Garden Opportunity – Aspire Together
Interested in meeting new people, being outdoors and growing your own veggies? Aspire Together is a new nonprofit organization dedicated to providing opportunities for people with DD. They have recently opened a community garden in Milwaukie (Clackamas United Church of Christ, 1530 SE Webster Rd) and are looking for members! Members can learn about gardening, healthy eating, and more!
There will be a small refundable fee of $15 that will be reimbursed on July 1st if all participation guidelines are met.
Aspire Together is holding a meet and greet on Saturday, April 16th - the garden will fully open on Monday, April 18th.
For more information, contact Aspire Together by email at: aspiretogethernonprofit@gmail.com or by phone at (503) 451-0675.
Disability Justice Dreaming
Source: Disability Justice Dreaming
Disability Justice Dreaming is a Portland based Disability Justice gathering space, focused on disabled art, justice, culture, leadership and more! For and by Queer and Trans (QT) + Black, Indigenous, Multiracial and People of Color (BIPOC). For more information, email rebel@disabilityjusticedreaming.org.
Dreaming sessions are a gentle space to build community and reflect. Come as you are! Upcoming sessions:
Monday April 11th 5-6PM
Monday May 2nd, 4-5PM
Housing Independence April 2022 Events
Source: Housing Independence
Housing Independence has a ton of great events happening this month! To sign up for an event, tell your PA or contact Amy Reza by text at 614-634-6087 or email Amy at amyr@housingindependence.org. Anyone is welcome to try up to three activities for free before deciding to join their DSA program.
There are more in-person events happening this month, and with pandemic restrictions relaxing they can have more people join in! Use common sense here: if individuals feel sick they should stay home and people should continue to wash their hands often.
Some examples of events (see full list in the newsletter here):
Drop-in Basketball (4/8 and 4/22, 11-1PM – THPRD Athletic Center, $5.25 for 4/8 and $6.50 for 4/22)
Japanese Gardens (4/6, 11-3PM – meet at Beaverton Transit Center, $18.95 or $5 Oregon Trail)
Acting at the Bridge (4/29, 3-5PM – meet at Beaverton Transit Center, free)
At The Movies (4/26, 11-5PM – meet at Beaverton Transit Center, $7 for movie ticket + extra for treats)
Kahoot Trivia Night on Zoom (4/11, 12-2PM)
UNO on Zoom (4/14, 4/28, 3-5PM)
2022 Employee & Program Participant Art Show
Multnomah County DCHS Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) is hosting the 12th Annual Employee & Program Participant Art Show in April 2022! Unfortunately, due to COVID safety they will not be hosting an Art Show Reception this year.
Who can submit art?
Individuals served by Multnomah County IDD Services or by a Multnomah County Support Services Brokerage (CPI, Inclusion, INW, UCP Connections, UCP Mentors); and
Multnomah County IDD employees.
Where will the art show be?
The art will be displayed all year in the IDD Program Offices on the 6th floor of the 5 Oak Building (209 SW Oak St. 6th floor) and West Gresham Plaza (2951 NW Division St. 2nd floor).
How do I add my art to the show? What if I still have art to pick up from the 2020 show?
Individuals can register by filling out a form here. PDF versions of the form should be submitted with art for 2022. Art should weigh less than 5 pounds and have hanging hardware attached. This art label should be attached to the back of each piece of art.
Individuals who need to pick up art from 2020 or drop off new art should go to Multnomah County IDD (Gresham office) on Tuesday, April 12th, 2022 between 9am - 5pm. The new delivery address is: Multnomah County IDD, Gresham office, 2951 NW Division St. Suite 200 (2nd floor), Gresham, OR 97030
Tenant Education Class
Interested in finding affordable housing? Want to learn skills to be a successful renter including about renter’s rights, reasonable accommodation requests, improving your credit and more? Join Community Vision’s class, Moving Out, Moving Up! This class is taught by professional educator with disabilities, Nico Serra.
If you are interested in registering for the course, please complete this form or email Allen Hines at ahines@cvision.org for help completing the form.
Classes run 2:30-4PM on the below dates:
Thursday, April 14th
Friday, April 15th
Thursday, April 21st
Friday, April 22nd
Thursday, April 28th
Friday, April 29th