Seeing Differently Life Anchor Center for Blind Children
Life Seeing Differently Anchor Center for Blind Children Julie McAndrews Mork Building Commemorative Book Grand Opening, Fall 2007 All children deserve a childhood clockwise from top left: • Ava and her dad explore the Sensory Garden, 2007 • Jamison plays with light, early 1990s • JC shows Deyannira the Trail Rail and Light Walk at the new school, 2007 • Kishia and Lori experience rain, 1990 fun 411 fact did you kn ow. . . Number of children and families served in 1982-83: 10 Number of children and families served in 2006-07: 411 ...full of 2 wonder, joy and hope. In our new building… Anchor Center’s teaching facility is about light — diffused, colored and kaleidoscope — to support the children’s learning. Each of the classroom pods has Anchor Center for Blind Children gives young children and their families a nurturing environment where children discover their own gifts and families are made stronger. a different color so Character, independence, creativity and self-worth: Anchor Center programs lay the foundation for true success in life. We want children to thrive in their communities. design element, subtle Constructed in 2007, Anchor Center’s Julie McAndrews Mork Building is a unique teaching facility, built with heart and soul, and dedicated with love to Colorado’s young blind children and their families. We thank all the families — past and present — who have graciously allowed us to share their journeys. the facility. in a specific space. This inside, is dramatic seen from the outside of ‘‘ ‘‘ Welcome to the magic! Welcome to the possibility! children know they are “All you know is God gave you a gift…I’m a normal girl. All it is, is my eyes don’t work very well.” Casey (right), shown with good friend Keslie at Anchor Center, 1998-99. Casey is now in 5th grade star light, star bright I wish I may, Anchor Center for Blind Children’s Julie McAndrews Mork Building embraces all the senses so that the building itself is a teaching tool. It has special acoustics, light and textures to enhance the children’s understanding of the world. Welcome The entry way has a spot to store strollers and car seats and a quiet area for parents to connect. The Grand Hallway leads to all the classrooms and has multiple way-finding tools for the children. For example, the hallway floor alternates between wood and tile floors. The tile floors let children know they are at the entrance to a classroom pod. The children not only feel the texture change at the tile floor, but hear the sound change as their canes and footsteps resonate on the different surfaces. The Trail Rail on the north side of the hallway also guides children to the classrooms. Notches in the Trail Rail tell children when they are nearing a classroom. The Light Walk on the hallway floor simulates natural light, illuminating the way for children who see some light. Look above: Skylights glow in subtle blue, yellow and red alerting the children to the three classroom pods. Down the Grand Hallway The first classroom pod, “Blue,” has a Quiet Room, Infant Classroom, Sibling Care Room and Children’s Kitchen and Dining Room. Preschoolers “cook” and “clean up” in a kitchen that is just their size. The second classroom pod, “Yellow,” has a classroom with a tiny stage, a Light Room, Fine Motor Work/Art Room, Literacy Room and Eye Exam Room. fun 570 fact did you kn ow. . . Anchor Center’s first classroom was just 570 square feet. The new Julie McAndrews Mork Building has 15,600 square feet. • top: Cane Walk Lane • bottom: Miss Muffy and Miranda practice tap dancing in the new Motor Room, 2007 I wish I might… 4 The Light Room, a perennial favorite of children and their parents, has optimal lighting sources and high contrast to use vision in play. The Work/Art Room encourages development of fine motor skills as children engage in messy play. Exposure to reading begins in the Literacy/Braille Room, where children enjoy story time under natural light in the Broncos Reading Corner. In our new building… All the classrooms are acoustically engineered to minimize noise and give children directional The third classroom pod, “Red,” features a large Motor Room with a hard wood floor for tap dancing and a soft rubber floor for running, jumping, scooting, rolling and crawling. The pod also has a delightful Tree House, Sensory Gym, Braille Production Office and a sensory classroom called Benjamin’s Niche. sound cues. Every room has one wall at a slight angle to achieve the desired acoustics. Two sets of cubbies are tucked between the classroom pods. These custom cubbies have hideaway benches, space for hanging a cane, and notches that tell children which cubbie is theirs. Also between the pods are informal lounges for visitors and families. Light and Shadow The Kaleidoscope Discovery Wall, the east wall in the Motor Room, has colored glass and nooks and crannies that beckon children to explore and learn the concepts of room and space. Outside it becomes Kaleidoscope Slope with planting beds, grassy play area and tiny benches. ‘‘ ‘‘ The nature playground features the Sensory Garden, Cane Walk Lane, Braille Trail, Sunflower Garden and Greenhouse — all within view from the Gazebo. • top: Carol works with preschoolers Skyla and Arturo in the Children’s Kitchen and Dining Room, 2007 • right: Kaleidoscope Discovery Wall “Anchor Center gave me mobility. Anchor Center also gave me hope. It’s a building block that keeps people going. It certainly kept me going.” David Bahr, Anchor Center preschool graduate, currently a psychology major at the University of Denver our History Extraordinary women created Anchor Center for Blind Children in 1982. They saw a need, met it with enthusiasm and love, worked hard and confronted difficult challenges. These women put the “Anchor” in Anchor Center for Blind Children — and it all started with a thoughtful librarian. In the early 1980s, the late Linda Miller was the Children’s Librarian at the Colorado Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. She distributed Talking Books to pre-kindergartners with vision impairments and knew that there were no early intervention or developmental education programs for very young blind children in Colorado at that time. Linda contacted Sue Newhart-Larson, who was a state rehabilitation counselor for the visually impaired and had organized a support group for parents of blind babies across the state. She also called JC Greeley, who was a teacher of visually impaired children in the public school system. Together, Linda, Sue and JC reached out to alumnae of Linda’s college fraternity, Delta Gamma. Members of Delta Gamma Fraternity have long had sight conservation and aid to the blind as their national philanthropy. The Denver alumnae quickly envisioned and then established a preschool for children of Sue Newhart-Larson’s parent support group. • below: Teacher JC Greeley and the graduating class of 1984: (l-r) Beth Gustin, Mike Weis, Travis Hill, Rachel Morrison, Joshua O’Dell fun cuckoo fact did you kn ow. . . The most unusual preschool field trip was in 2005 to visit a clock store. Hundreds of clocks chimed for the children but their favorite, a traditional cuckoo clock, was generously donated to us. • center: Amber (far left), preschool graduate 1987, shown with her sisters — the only set of quadruplets ever served at Anchor Center • right: Justin, Bianca and Carlos try on hats at Anchor Center’s former building on the Clayton Campus, 1994 • left: Founder Ruth Thomas in early 1990s • below: Derek works on his cane skills, 2000 6 The first classroom was a borrowed Sunday school room at Wellshire Presbyterian Church. Sue and JC stored school supplies and equipment in the trunks of their cars and used the church’s payphone as their school phone. DG Alumna Ruth Thomas was a founding board member and is the unofficial historian of Anchor Center for Blind Children. She recalls how alumnae rolled up their sleeves and tackled the business of creating a non-profit organization that also required licensing as a daycare facility. In our new building… The trees, shrubs, perennials, bulbs and ornamental grasses in the nature playground were all selected for In the beginning, much of the work and discussion took place around alumnae’s their sensory qualities. kitchen tables. Volunteers were recruited to write grants, drive children to school, The slatted fence help in the classroom and raise funds through special events. surrounding the The little school grew and grew, eventually serving children from birth to age 5 throughout Colorado who needed its services. Over 25 years, Anchor Center staff developed expertise in teaching very young blind children. Today, the staff is nationally recognized as leaders in the field of developmental education for visually impaired children. light and shadow and offers another tactile experience for the children. In 1982, DG alumnae named the school after their Fraternity’s symbol: the Anchor. The anchor is an old symbol of hope. Hope is the bedrock of Anchor Center programs and the reason for its existence. Thank you, founders and visionaries, for sharing yourselves and giving us hope. ‘‘ DG alumnae continue to support Anchor Center, but the organization now enjoys broad-based community support from individuals, foundations and corporations. It also has a diverse Board of Directors from all walks of life. ‘‘ playground plays with • Volunteer Mary Rogers cuddles an infant, 1991 “We found incredible support, incredible knowledge and incredible warmth. There is no better support for a journey shared.” Karen Roberts, mother of Benjamin pictured here, class of 2003 Julie McAndrews Mork Anchor Center for Blind Children’s new teaching facility is named in honor of Julie McAndrews Mork, a longtime supporter and dedicated advocate for Colorado’s young children with vision impairments. Julie was among the organization’s first loyal supporters, guiding the center through its early years, raising funds and volunteering. She was President of the Board of Directors from 1984 to 1987 and currently serves on the Advisory Board. In 1999, she was awarded the Virginia Deal Williams award for volunteer excellence. She and her husband, John, were honorary chairs of the 20th Anniversary Celebration in 2002, and have participated in numerous fundraising events for Anchor Center for Blind Children. Along with their children, Kyle and Alison, the Morks helped make the new teaching facility possible with a generous matching gift in 2006. Both Julie and Alison are alumnae of the Delta Gamma Fraternity, which founded Anchor Center in 1982. Julie is Managing Director of the ECA Foundation, a private, corporate foundation based in Denver with a focus on youth and education. She has been a Director of Energy Corporation of America since 1993, and was a founder and Secretary/ Treasurer of Pacific States Gas & Oil, Inc., and Eastern American Energy Corporation. ECA Foundation and Energy Corporation of America made lead gifts to the capital campaign to build the new teaching facility. “I’m thrilled to be a part of this exciting opportunity for Anchor Center and its incredible students,” said Julie • John and Julie Mork McAndrews Mork. “Over the past 25 years I’ve been blessed to watch Anchor Center’s programs help hundreds of children not just live with their vision impairment, but thrive and contribute to the world around them.” fun 33,645 fact did you kn ow. . . Most miles logged providing home visits and rural outreach: 33,645 in 2006-07. Gratitude Thank you to the following generous friends who shared the vision and the journey to Stapleton. You made Anchor Center for Blind Children’s new home a reality. The Lanny Martin Family Dan and Denise Murray Susan and Howard Noble Lexy and Brad Pfeifley Mary and Tom Rogers $500,000-$999,999 Anonymous Gates Family Foundation Toni and Emmet Stephenson $100,000-$499,999 Adolph Coors Foundation Bacon Family Foundation Boettcher Foundation George E. and Betty B. Dutton Foundation Kenneth King Foundation Suzanne Kullgren Kintzele RE/MAX International, Inc. The Rollie R. Kelley Family Foundation John and Susan Sheridan Karen and Randal Woods The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation $50,000-$99,999 Anonymous Delta Gamma Alumnae of Denver INTECON, LLC Helen K. and Arthur E. Johnson Foundation Martin Family Foundation OfficeScapes Mary Reisher and Barry Berlin Paul and Linda L. Sinsar Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation St Mary Land & Exploration Company $25,000-$49,999 Bruce and Cheryl Blankenship John and Sandy Blue Children’s Eye Physicians, P.C. EKS&H Kaye and Mike Hurtt Don and Sandie Ihlenfeldt Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation Lafarge Building Blocks of Our Community Richard and Shauna Landon The Lillis Foundation Randall H. and Marcia M. Lortscher ‘‘ $15,000-$24,999 Sandra and Gary Autrey Linda and Ron Branish Wendy and John Clayton Delta Gamma Foundation Susan M. Duncan Susan Gates Jamieson Gensler James Hynd Trust Jeffrey and Karen Roberts Sally and Harold Roberts Strear Family Foundation Trask Family Foundation Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company Grimshaw & Harring Hobart Corp. Bud and Kaye Isaacs Mary and Lucian Jones Margie A. Kinslow Sally and Thomas Lowe Pete Morgan Foundation Schlessman Family Foundation, Inc. Dana B. Shepard Jackie and James Stratis Jefferey and Tanya Watkins $1,000-$4,999 Advanced Exercise Equipment Inc. Joanne and Robert Alspaugh Amgen Foundation Matching Gifts Program Arapahoe Sertoma Club Bingo Gerald R. Armstrong Glen and Barbara Barnard $10,000-$14,999 Thomas and Susan Bass Frank Baumgartner Ann and Robert Benson Gay and Dan Boyd Natelle and Curt Brown Fishes and Loaves Foundation Burchcraft Inc. Norma Lee Frederic Isabelle and John Burchfield Margie and David Hunter Calvada Surveying, Inc. Carol and Brad James Rebecca and James Calvert John and Mary Ann Lundgren Campbell Foundation Fund RLC Foundation Thomas and Judith Canter Diane and Tom Stortz Caulkins Family Foundation George and Candance Webb Charles Schwab Foundation Willbee Erickson Charitable Fund Courtney Clayton Marcia Williams Robert Clayton Mariette and Douglas Wooden Gary and Tracy Corbett Linda and Kees Corssmit $5,000-$9,999 Craig Hospital Alice and Marc Applebaum Barbara and Bob Davis Pamela Bailey Campbell and Michael Campbell Sara and Michael DiManna Jim and Pam Crowe Delta Gamma – Phi Chapter, University of Colorado Patricia Durliat Darren and Blake Fisk James M. and Jane Davis Jo Frederic Joan and Dan Dixon Sheila and Manfred Galatowitsch Jane Douglas and Carroll Novicki Jean and Ben Galloway Paul and Susan Ducklow Janet and Craig Gardiner Forest City Stapleton Inc. Judith Greeley The Galena Foundation Hal and Beverly Haddon Samuel Gary Christi and Jim Harman Gary-Williams Energy Corporation Michelle Hernandez Graebel Movers ‘‘ $1,000,000 and above ECA Foundation – Energy Corporation of America – Julie, John, Kyle and Alison Mork Austin Glen Anchor Center Building Endowment Fund “The name of the organization speaks for itself. It is an anchor. You can almost look at our situation as being out in turbulent seas, and being very rough and difficult and challenging. It’s kind of like a safe harbor for people who need help.” Robert Lindley, parent of Aidan pictured here, 2007 preschooler 8 Nancy and Albert Hill Chuck and Diane Hooper Josh and Kimball Howell Integrated Physical Therapy of Littleton Kathryn and Jerad Justesen Frank and Carolyn Keller Dona and Jim Kelley Amy and John Lawton Marty Leuthaeuser Linda and Gene Lewis Robert and Cheryn Lindley Eric and Susan Ludwig Charles and Joan Mateskon Yvonne and William McCallum Nancy and Hugh McCulloh Doug and Linda McDonald Holly and Mac McDonald Gayle and Dennis McGowan James Metcalf W. Douglas and Lynnette Morrison Jennifer and Sean Myers Nancy and Gordon Nelson Lynn Norsworthy Harriett and Laurence Paddock Dennis Quinn Judy and Clark Riley Dave, Janet and AnnaSophia Robb Kathy and Darrel Schmidt Scripps Howard Foundation Gregory Seller and Brad White Belinda and Tom Severtson Signil Wealth Network Inc. Barry Slights Dan and Cathy Smith David and Catherine Smyth Paula Stallman Stapleton Foundation James and Constance Steeples Peggy and John Talbot E. Stewart Taylor in memory of Ruth F. Taylor Jason and Heidi Teter Ruth and Jack Thomas Tuchman Family Foundation William and Karen Waller Julie and Bill Walsh Nancy and Douglas Walton Weil Family Foundation Wells Fargo Charline and Alan White Whiting Petroleum Corp. Miriam and Mason Whitney Williams Title Guaranty & Escrow Ltd. Lucy Wirth Suzanne Woodard Marion Woodward XploreNet, Bill and Karen Young $500-$999 ACT Investments Laura May and Herbert L. Bacon Esther Beynon and Alfred W. Metzger Karen and Chris Brandvold Jim and Kathy Brown Brownstein Hyatt & Farber Joseph and Val Casabona Leslie and George Cavalieri Michael Clayton and Caitlin Weil James and Toni Cohig Mona Costley CRL Associates Inc. Wendee and Michael Crowley Delta Gamma Alumnae of Colorado Springs Delta Gamma Alumnae Chapter – Chicago West Suburban Delta Gamma Bowling League Cindy and Jeff Dohse Bailey and Marilou Dotson Brad Dutton Brian Fine Patty and Randolph Garfield Louanna and Steven Gerleman Golden Lions Club John and Michelle Hanley Katherine Haraway Julie Heath Duane and Mary Lou Johnson Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell LLP Larry King Laura and Robert Koecheler Bradley and Kimie Kreidle Donna and Chuck Lehman John Lowrie Patricia and Donald Lujan Pamela Mahonchak Jean Manion Gretchen Gagel McComb Messner & Reeves LLC Marcia and Jack Mitchell, Mitchell Financial Printing Nancy Motlong Kerry, Brian and Elizabeth Musfeldt Patton Boggs LLP Orpha and Fred Pattridge Carrie Pena and Michael Slater Ersel E. and Linda M. Reid Carla Richards Gregory and Jacqueline Rodriguez Sage Ann Scheer David and Carrie Seiferth Senn Visciano Kirschenbaum Merrick PC Elaine Senter Joanne and Nicholas Sesson Nancy Smith William S. Smith F.P. and Judith Spratlen Harriet Strong Richard and Deanna Thornburg Pat and Fritz Uhrmann Urban Summit Holdings LLC fun 1,250 fact did you kn ow. . . Preschoolers have used 1,250 pounds of flour during 25 years of weekly bread-baking. (Kneading bread dough strengthens tiny fingers for seeing the world by touch.) Mark and Sheryl VanDuren Tim and Cynthia Wadle Carol and Hunt Walker Arlys Warfield Erik and Ellen Weihenmayer Marylin and Donald Werschky Nancy and Grant Wimbush $100-$499 5280 Property Investments LLC Nina Abernathy Chris Acuna Kristin and Mark Adams William Allegar Mary Louise and Crawford Allison Pamela Altman True Anderson Anonymous Marilyn and Steve Arens Bonnie and Jerry Armstrong Jean Arthur Richard and Anne Auerbach LuAnne Aulepp Bill and Stephany Austin Charles and Michele Bahr Norma Barrett Joan and Harry Baumgardner Barbara and Field Benton Wanda Blackburn Susan and Dale Boller Joan Botdorf William Bronchick Hichem and Sue Bouraoui Shirley and Thomas Bowman Kristin Brinkman Breakfast Optimist Club of Windsor Gardens Wendy and Mark Brodsky Kendra Brooks Broomfield Dental Care PC Jeanine Brown Nancy and Dean Burchfield Jerome and Elaine Burdock Bill and Patti Carpenter Ken and Lisa Chaiken, Loudmouth Media Chambers Family Fund Jean Chatlain Karen Henniger Cheeld John and Marjorie Chipouras Katherine Ciejek Christine and Eugene Clark Phyllis and Ronald Coffin Bob Colby Steven and Carolyn Coleman William B. and L. Alice Collister Colorado Freewheelers Colorado Home Masters Tracy and Judith Cooke Mona Costley Lisa and Mark Cramer Marjorie and Hugh Daniell Cynthia and Richard Daniels Davis Partnership Paula DeMuth Diana DeSantis Kachmer and Mark Kachmer Jean DeSena William Dettling Dave Dixon Lynn Domeck Lois Downing Kirk and Melinda McCall Dwight Duryea Andrew and Bartley Dutton Patricia Edwards Dennis and Lori Falkner Elizabeth Feitner Michael Field First Data Western Union Foundation Flatirons Optometric Group PC Douglas Lee Frederic Matthew Frederic and Family Rand Frederic Pamela Gagel Patricia Gardner Thomas and Margaret Gardner Will Garin Marla and Richard Gentry Norma Gerber Andrea and Michael Glass Thomas and Veronica Gleason Elaine and Edward Goldman Lynne and Tom Gooch Jeanne Goss Marie Patricia Gower Sara and Larry Grace Kitty Greeley Andrew Haas Joy Hall and John Birkeland Carl and Mary Jo Harder Nicole Harwell Todd Haughton Virginia Haynes William Hearn Barb Heverly Marilyn Hilgers Eric Hoffman Suzanne and David Hoover Gary and Leslie Howard Lori and Trevor Howard Anne and Kirk Ingebretsen Jeanne Ingold Stephen and Stephanie Ismert Nancy Jacobsen Steven and Lydia Jaggard Lawrence Janowski Japanese Automotive Specialist Gail and George Johansen Marilyn Katzman Thomas and Julie Kessler Carolyn Kirwan Cecil and Joan Knox Ze Ze Kreidle Ioannis and Julie Krousouloudis Alex and Beth Lagerborg Don and Charlotte Lawless Donna and Chuck Lehman Chris and William Leonard Gary Licata Tazia Livaditis Darlene Locke C. Wills and Patricia Long Brenda and Hector Lopez Loyal Order of Moose – Denver Lodge No 21 Patricia Lufkin Betty MacDougall Jorge and Erica Maciel Terry MacMillan Laurel and Denis Mark Pamela Marsh Laura Marvin DeDee Mashek Patricia Mason Bret and Alyssa Maynard Brittany Maynor Adelina and Robert McAndrews Alicia and Peter McAndrews Gertrude H. McDermott Randal and Zelia McDowell Patricia and Robert McGill David and Ruth McLaren Judy McMillan Gabriel Medina Lloyd Medina Janine and Mark Melberg Phipps and Bruce Menk Marilyn and Richard Metcalfe Brian and Mary Minturn Charlotte L. Morgan Lane Morgese Mila C. Morgese Zoe Larsen Morgese Larry Mostrom Nancy Murphy Barb Nelson Carolina May and Thomas Nevens Northern Colorado Delta Gamma Alumnae Kathleen and Martin O’Fallon Gary and Jo Ann Oakley Oppenheimer Funds Legacy Program Marjorie and David Parlapiano Fred and Karen Pasternack Jane Pecorelli PMF Group Plum Creek Funding Inc. Dorothy Polen Jerry and Nadine Popham Tricia Potucek Carol Benson Puchalski Janice Puder Christine and Steven Ralston Pamela and Richard Randall Jo Ann Randolph Brad and Pat Rhodes James Rieppel and Paulette Sanchez Linda and Rick Robbins Monja Rochholz Sally and Mark Roebke Mary and David Rossbach Tom and Pam Ruehle Jane Russell Deb Sakaguchi Janet and Tom Sangster Scott and Jeanette Saylor Blake and Erin Schaefer Jan and Richard Schaefer Ellen and Donald Scott Sara T. Siegesmund Marty and Nathalie Simsak Ray Skibitsky Roy Smith Edie Smith and Rob Parkinson Kate and Michael Snow Carol and Michael Spicer Debbie Stafford Adele and Jeff Stalder Cathy and S. David Steel Bonnie and T.B. Stewart, Jr. James and Cheryl Strang Rob and Melita Swanson Kristi and D. Brooks Sweeney Robert and Shelly Tanaka Arthur and Judith Tarler Lois Tate Bill and Sharon Taylor Stephen and Lori Taylor Ken and Christine Thiesen Veronica Tighe David and Susan Tollman US Bank Matt and Mary Anne Vos Rick and Jackie Watkins Darla West Joshua White Ted Williams Gail and James Wilson Duane Wishmeyer Mary and James Woodard Wendy Woodard and Olive McLamb Xcel Energy Foundation Dennis and Cheryl Zubieta Evan Zuckerman and Andrew Bernstein up to $100 Holly Adams Marian and Charles Adams Caroline Albright Mary and Thomas Albyn Susan and Michael Alexenko Brett and Maria Ammerman Ralph and Beth Anctil Anonymous Dennis and Pat Applebaum Rhonda Atkinson Susan Bacheller Jill and Gerard Baker Shirley Baker Kathleen and the late Douglas Bates Pat Bayer John Bell Anne Beierle Nancy Billica and Brian Vickers Sue Bishop Sue Blaes Dale and Robert Blaha Lindsey Blue Judy Blunck Ramona Botzum Janet Boulter Francis Louise Bowman Beverly and Thomas Brayden Sandra Bretzlauf Sandra Brinckerhoff Mary Broadhurst Margaret and Andrew Bronson James and Nancy Brown Keith Brown Rosemary Brown and Willard Briggs Carol Burger Edith Busam Marilyn Bush Pat and Dick Buxton Susan and Ned Calonge Bryan and Kelly Calton Kelli Cammack Jane Carlson Jason Carlson Robert and Kaye Carney Barbara Cartier DJ and Norma Catrambone Catrambone Dental Associates PC Nancy and Bradford Chase Roger and Julie Childs Donna and Walter Cianfichi Christina L. Clark Karen Clements Charles and Sharon Cooper Kathryn and Hobart Corning Robin Cowell Patricia Cox Wynona and Greg Crum Christy Cutler and Bill Walters Margorie Cutler Anne and Robert Dahl 10 Elizabeth Davenport Marjorie and J. Ron Day Cindy DeLong Thomas Dettling James and Thayis Dionne David Dittmer Anna Mae Duffy Dana Susan Dunlap Chris and Angie Edmundson Janel and Ryan Elmore Vivian Emrich Bruce and Donna Evans R. Craig and Mary Ewing Donna and Robert Exstrom Joan Fairbanks Catherine and Michael Feilla Marjorie and Lawrence Feinberg Pete Feovenyessy Kathryn Flores Sally and Russ Frerichs Myrna Fretz Anita and Richard Fricklas Roger Fuehrer Virginia and Robert Fuller Edward and Su Gabrielsen Patricia Garofalo Nancy Garretson Leanna and Frank Gay Lisa and David Gervasi Nadine Gillespie William and Rebecca Gillespie Elizabeth and Kenneth Glann Gloria Glasby Christina and H.G. Godbey Helen and M. Goering Penina Goodman Kelly Goodnough Cindy and Richard Gordon Gayle Gordon Dean and Cheryl Goto Max and Virgina Gramly Jo Anne and Daniel Gray Shirley Green Art Greslin Joseph and Barbara Gschwendtner Sheila Guinn Barbara Gump David and Laura Haber Nancy Jones Hall and Henry Hall Patricia Hamilton Felicity Hannay Phoebe Hansen Craig Harris Barbara Harward Gerald Hatch Phyllis Heble Myra Hellbusch Lynn and Vern Hendrickson Helen Hickisch Hildebrand Chiropractic LLC Susan Hillhouse Barry and Arlene Hirschfeld Robert and Gail Hoebing Marcia Howland Thayer Hubbard Claudia Hunsaker Bradley and Tanya Hunt Catherine and Greg Hurd Lynn and Doug Huxley Rich Israel and Doris Schuler Israel Janet Jacobs Tom and Jean Jahant David Jankosky Dolores Jankosky Norman and Lois Jouett Michael and Jennifer Kerr Audrey Kiesel Emily Kloser Joseph Kraker Geraldine Kugler Betty Kulish Frank and Betty Kutner Patricia Lally Christopher and Monica Latkiewicz Nina Lavin Stephanie Leonard EM and Marjorie Lesho Jan Ley Paul and Elizabeth Licht Valerie and Richard Liechty Elaine and Michael Little Deloras and Leland Loney Shannon Love Ray and Mariann Lowrie Susan Lozow David Lucas Fred Ludwig Patricia Lueb Cecelia Lundgren Phyllis Madden Mildred Gates Maker George and Lucille Mamas Lani Manning Nicole and Greg Markley Barbara Marshall Marianne Martin Rebecca Martin Paul and Sally Mathewson Carol Maxson Jessica and Nathen Maxwell Mary McCormick Gertrude and Paul McDermott Harriet McGuire Richard and Joan McKenna Maureen and Tom McKenzie Barbara and Paul Melinkovich Sharol Metzler Betty Meyer Duane Meyer Appraisals Helen and Elwood Meyer John Meyer Patricia and Bernie Michalek Maggie and David Milek Thomas and Frances Milner Ann Moores Christine Murphy Jennifer Murphy Kathleen Murphy-Skibitsky Joel Nelson Netfund Group of Colorado Inc. John and Joyce Neville Maura O’Sullivan Allene and Mark Outman Michelle Palmer Nancy Parker Muriel Patterson Jane Penoyer Elizabeth Perry Vickie and Ronald Phillips Ana and Sean Pocock Don Pope Patricia Porter Georgia Prapas Wayne and Kim Pruitt Ann Musman Quigley Barbara K. Reed Michael and Jeanette Reynolds Luanne Richie Helen Risley Susan C. Robinson and David E. Steinke Diana Rosenthal Sharon Rouse Ed and Rebecca Rowland Susan Rudd Ann and Bruce Rush Katherine Vaggalis Schaaf Mercedes and Brendan Schwall Carol and Glenn Schwarte Joanne Sesson Betty Sexton, Polly Sexton and Curtis Cornett, and the Eddie Coulson Family Joan Shada Annette Shaffer Patsy Shanahan Ellin Sickler Betsy Simons Southmoor East Garden Club KK Skylar Jeff Slankard Jane Spencer Janet Spradley Sandra Staab J.H. and Ruth Stambaugh Judi Starnes Betty and Lloyd Steinmann fun $25,000 fact did you kn Jane E. Strottman James and Margaret Strub Kathryn Stuart Karen and John Stultz Jill Taylor Bill and Marilyn Taylor Rita Temple-Trujillo Amy Teryazos Jan and Tim Thornton Nancy Thornton Georgianna Tidwell Anna and Fred Tilson Jami Toole MaryAnn and Kip Travis Victoria Travis Julie Turken Stacy Turner Karon Turpin Karen and Frank Van De Water Lois Vinge Valerie Walker Arlys Warfield Washington Mutual Matching Gift Program Margaret and Robert Weisenbach Kay and Paul Wells Schuyler and Alice Wells Wendy Clayton’s Lunch Bunch Patricia Wheeler Coralou B. White Betty Jayne Whitson Alice Wilson Hal and Susan Wofford David and Katherine Wood Kuo Yang Christy and Gordon Yonz Maggie Diers Yost ow. . . Anchor Center’s budget in 1982 was $25,000. The budget in 2007-08 is $1.5 million. • top: Anthony in new Motor Room, 2007 • bottom: Nicholas discovers the water feature in the Sensory Garden, 2007 Snug Harbor Parent Lounge Transition Area G Community Room adults Offices Architect: Davis Partnership Contractor: Fransen Pittman General Contractors Owner’s Representative: Michael Brisbois Associates When children and families first arrive, concrete “rumble strips” at the entrance tell children when their vehicles are turning into the parking lot. Rumble strips are also near the front door for children using canes. Parents attend programs with their babies to learn about early motor and play skill development. Silence rules in the Quiet Room. Shhh!! Quiet Room Quiet area for observing children in the classrooms. This classroom has a little stage for acting out “story of the month.” A circ room and ca Class Infant Classroom Informal Lounge Transition Area Stage Classroom Grand Hallway When children and families first arrive, concrete “rumble strips” at the entrance ell children when their hicles are turning into parking lot. Rumble s are also near the door for children anes. Light Room children’s Sibling Care FVA Ex adults Work/Art Room Children’s Kitchen and Dining Room Siblings of infants and toddlers look forward to playtime with Miss Belinda. Kitchen Literacy Ro Features optimal lighting sources and high contrast to use vision in play. Preschoolers enjoy lunch in their own special dining room and “cook” and “clean up” in a kitchen that is just their size. The perfect place to create, get messy and then clean up! Exposure t begins in t Braille Roo Braille Trai Sensory Garden This serene garden features meandering trails, fragrant plants, dry streambed, little bridge, water sounds and sculptures by Susan Grant Raymond. Gazebo A whimsical circular path tricycling that features the Bra numbers using survey A landmark structure of Anchor Center’s building, the Gazebo offers sky above, sand below. cle-rug for sharing aring. Another getaway for parents and families. sroom Miss Louanna embosses children’s books and other materials with Braille. Braille Office Informal Lounge Benjamin’s Niche The east wall of the Motor Room has colored glass and nooks and crannies for children to explore. VA and Eye xam Room adults Kaleidoscope Discovery Wall children’s Kaleidoscope Slope Sensory Gym to reading the Literacy/ om. We check children’s functional vision and pediatric ophthalmologists provide eye exams. for strolling or aille alphabet and y markers. The fun of the Kaleidoscope Discovery Wall continues outdoors on Kaleidoscope Slope with its tiny little benches and grassy knoll. Motor Room y/Braille oom il This sensory classroom with special acoustics is the only classroom with a hard wood floor. The wood floor resonates more than linoleum-type floors in the other classrooms. The sensory classroom is designed for children who are especially sensitive to external stimuli. It makes learning less stressful and more focused. Tree House This movement room focuses on sensory integration activities. Tap dancing on a bright red wood floor; running, jumping, scooting, rolling and crawling on a soft rubber floor. Cane Walk Lane Children learn to navigate different pathway materials and textures — concrete, bricks, wood, flagstone, curbs. Sunflower Garden and Greenhouse The garden has a misting feature for sensory play in all seasons. This special corner of the nature playground also has wheelchair-accessible blue picnic tables. Capital Campaign/Building Committee Linda and Ron Branish Honorary Capital Campaign Co-chairs Wendy Clayton and Lexy Pfeifley Capital Campaign Co-chairs Mary Jones Sally Roberts Mary Rogers Cheryl Dutton Alice Applebaum JC Greeley Sheila Galatowitsch Appreciation Thank you to Anchor Center for Blind Children’s Board of Directors — past and present. Your dedication to Colorado’s blind children and your fiscal responsibility over 25 years paved the way for this unique teaching facility. Recognition Thank you to Anchor Center for Blind Children’s staff — past and present. Your love and expertise have impacted the lives of hundreds of children who see life differently. • Aidan in the Grand Hallway, 2007 clockwise from top: • Travis and Justin learn to use the Braille writer, 1993 • Zach and his grandparents, 1993 • Uriah rides his tricycle on Braille Trail, 2007 • Nathan at the Kaleidoscope Discovery Wall, 2007 • Kishia and Brianna ride the swing in the old Motor Room, 1989 • Diego crosses the bridge in the Sensory Garden, 2007 • Adrienne and her dad, 1998 • Maddie, preschool class of 2006 2550 Roslyn Street Denver, Colorado 80238 303.377.9732 anchorcenter.org above: Gazebo on the nature playground on the cover: building photo courtesy of Forest City Stapleton, Inc., Sensory Garden sculpture by Susan Grant Raymond
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