News from The Arc of Aurora

Springfest: Fun and Food while Fueling?

Who can turn down an invitation for an evening of fun and food, especially if you can also fuel the advocacy efforts of The Arc of Aurora? Hopefully not you!

You are cordially invited to The Arc of Aurora's Annual Springfest Basket Bonanza at McCarthy's Sports Restaurant and Bar,15350 E. Smoky Hill Road, Aurora, on Saturday evening, March 20, from 6:30-8:30PM.

The Arc of Aurora Board of Directors and staff are gathering and assembling baskets for silent auction that evening, and event host Tim McCarthy is preparing a complimentary light buffet to accompany his happy hour drink specials.

The timing of this year's Springfest allows for Easter baskets to join the other themed baskets available for silent bidding. Cash, checks, and credit cards are all acceptable forms of payment. All are welcome at this family friendly, low-key, fun event! Calendar Saturday, March 20, for food, fun and fueling! See you there.

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Updated The Arc of Aurora Website

Check out the new link on The Arc of Aurora's website: What's New. Current information includes the Conflict of Interest Taskforce Creation Announcement and the Behavioral Services Definition, among other items. Bookmark to check regularly.

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Warm Your Heart and Your Home: Tips for Keeping Your Family Safe While Heating Your House This Winter

As winter continues to chill Colorado residents, many people turn to alternative heat sources like space heaters and fireplaces to help stay warm. While alternative heat sources can provide extra warmth, heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires during the winter months. So before you rev up the fireplace or plug in a space heater, be sure to consider your family's safety as well as their comfort. Colorado's Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) can help cover heating costs, but it's up to residents to use alternative heat sources safely.

LEAP is a federally funded program that provides cash assistance to help families and individuals pay winter home heating costs. The program pays the highest benefits to those with the highest heating bills and lowest incomes by family size. Applicant income cannot exceed 185 percent of the federal poverty index, which equals a maximum income of $3,400 per month before taxes for a household of four people.

According to Todd Jorgensen, director of LEAP, as of January 31, LEAP has helped more than 80,000 Colorado households. This represents an increase of more than 30 percent from the same time last year.

"While LEAP helps eligible Colorado families cover winter home heating costs, we also want to help ensure that Coloradans have the necessary information to maintain a warm and safe residence throughout the remaining winter months," says Todd Jorgensen, director of LEAP.

Energy Outreach Colorado and the Red Cross offer the following safety tips-

When using electric space heaters...
* Thoroughly inspect all power cords for any fraying, cracked casings or exposed wires.
* Use only heaters that are certified by a nationally recognized laboratory and that have an automatic shut-off feature in case they fall or overheat.
* If you need an extension cord, use size 14 gauge or larger. Using an incorrectly sized extension cord may present a fire hazard.
* Don't leave heaters unattended and remember to turn them off before leaving the room.
* Place heaters on a hard, non-flammable surface, and don't run cords under carpet or rugs.

When using fireplaces...
* Have your chimney cleaned and inspected once a year to be sure it is clear of fire hazards.
* Always use a heavy-duty screen or glass cover to keep sparks and rolling logs away from floor coverings.
* Keep your kids away from hot glass covers-- their hands can get severely burned in seconds.

Install Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Smoke Detectors...
* CO detectors should be placed near bedrooms so that they will wake you if CO levels build up inside your house while you sleep.
* You should have at least one smoke detector on every floor of your home and you may want to install extras near bedrooms, fireplaces or the kitchen.
* Check the detectors every month by pressing the test button, and be sure to replace batteries regularly.
* Practice an evacuation plan with your family. Discuss escape routes from every room in your house and decide on a rendezvous point away from the home.

Always remember...
* Be sure your heating vents are not blocked by furniture, curtains or floor coverings.
* Keep all flammable items (like books and magazines) at least three feet from heat sources.
* Never use your stove or oven as a heat source for your home.

To find out if you qualify for LEAP, call toll-free 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435). Applications for LEAP are accepted anytime between November 1 and April 30 of each year. For more information about LEAP, please call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) or visit www.cdhs.state.co.us/leap <http://www.cdhs.state.co.us/leap> to view the most current program application requirements.

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Calendars Out!

(for information on any of these events, contact Jean at The Arc of Aurora office)

March 20 - Springfest Basket Bonanza, McCarthy's Sports Bar and Restaurant, 15350 E. Smoky Hill Road, Aurora 6:30-8:30PM. Everyone welcome.

April 16 - Responsive Responders: Working with Victims with Developmental Disabilities Conference, Aurora 8AM-4PM. Target audience includes law enforcement, prosecutors, victim advocates, Victim services' personnel. Watch for the brochure.

May 16 - FLAME concert, 2-4:30PM, Rotors of the Rockies. More information to follow.

A Saturday in August to be determined - Summerfest, Pitchers Sports Bar and Restaurant, Aurora, 1-7PM. Everyone welcome

Fall - Second Annual Legacy Fundraising Event -- site, date, time to be determined