The last quarter at Summit’s Missoula office has been action packed to say the least. Summit staff has been hard at work with administrative duties, planning for this summer’s symposium, following the state budget cuts, health care reform, planning for the 2011 Legislative session, starting another round of BALLS classes, hosting social events like Mardi Gras Monday, and much more.

In addition to our work in the community, we have also been busy planning for the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (see article on Page 1) and working to provide our consumers with a host of classes and other trainings that aim to increase independence and quality of life.

Classes: Call Summit to register: Jude Monson 728-1630

Disability History, Philosophy, Leaders, Culture and Pride (3 sessions)
When: Times have yet to be determined, if interested contact Jude Monson or Mary Olson
Where: Summit Independent Living Center Conference Room – 700 SW Higgins
Facilitators: Mike Beers, Youth Coordinator and Mary Olson, Peer Advocacy Coordinator

Living Well With a Disability Class at the YMCA!
When: May 3rd – July 12th on Monday mornings – 10 am to noon (no class Memorial Day)
Where: Summit Independent Living Center Conference Room – 700 SW Higgins
Summit Facilitators: Andrea Dahl and Darren Larson, both Independent Living Specialists

Living Well with a Disability is a curriculum that focuses on the development of skills to promote the health and wellbeing of people with disabilities. This is a ten-week, two-hour class that assists you with
• Goal setting Problem Solving Healthy Reactions
• Beating the Blues Health Communication Seeking more information
• Physical Activity Nutrition Advocacy Maintaining your goal(s)

Garden City Harvest Accessible Garden Plots in Missoula!
Garden City Harvest will have three accessible community garden plots available at Orchard Gardens Neighborhood Farm, 201 North Grove Street. Two plots will be wheelchair-accessible and one will be raised. The accessible plots will be ready for growing in mid-late May.

GCH provides on-site water, tools, compost and gardening support for community gardeners. Gardening in community is a great way to meet new friends, eat healthy and save on grocery expenses. Last year, GCH community gardeners reported saving an average of $16/week on grocery bills. The farm is located at homeWORD’s Orchard Gardens housing site on Grove Street, about .3 mile north of 3rd, just west of Reserve.

To reserve a plot, please contact Sarah Bortis, Farm Manager, at 721-2504.