Gordon Baker GRI, CDPE

Disability Empowerment Center was introduced to the public during open house on February 20th.

After groundbreaking nearly two years ago. the Disability Empowerment Center in Phoenix held its public open house on February 20, 2009. The 45,000 sq.ft building was constructed as a national model for accessible designand houses many not for profit organizations that serve those with disabilities.

According to Phil Pangrazio, the executive director of ABIL, "The Disability Empowerment Center will offer individuals with disabilities and their families empowering programs and integrated services and will create synergistic partnerships and collaborations that promote and enhance the choice, dignity, rights and responsibilities of people with disabilities and their families,"

I attended the open house on Friday and was able to become better acquainted with the organizations that now call the Disability Empowerment Center home.

• Arizona Bridge to Independent Living. ABIL offers many programs for the benefit of those with disabilities such as employment services, home modification, ADA services, socialization through recreation programs,etc.
• Arizona Autism United . A not for profit human service co-op providing services to children with autism spectrum disorders in Arizona.
• Arizona Center for Disability Law . A not for profit public interest law firm, dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals witha wide range of physical, mental, psychiatric, sensory and cognitive disabilities.
• Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association . The Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association is a not for profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with spinal cord injuries, and support and education to family members, professionals, and community members.
• Joni and Friends . Ministry outreach to people with disabilities and their families across the US and around the world.
• Multiple Sclerosis Society . Founded in 1956, the Arizona Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, is a not-for-profit agency serving more than 6,000 people with MS adn their families.
• PRN Medical Services . PRN Medical Services Inc. offers an extensive selection of products for most in-home treatment or rehabilitation program prescribed.
• Raising Special Kids . A not-for-profit organization of families helping families of children with disabilities and special needs in Arizona. All programs and their services are free of charge.
• Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) . Their emphasis is to promote the equality, inclusion, and choice for people with disabilities through collaboration and public policy change.
• Valley Center of the Deaf . Empowering individuals of the Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing communities.

The Disability Empowerment Center has plans for constructing a sports and fitness center in the near future.

The center is shining example of an accessible work place and most important offers resources, programs and education in one location for those with disabilities. It is also located on the light rail route.

For those needing help in finding a wheelchair handicap accessilbe home in the Phoenix area including Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, Mesa or Scottsdale, please visit finding a wheelchair accessible home. You may also call me at 480-326-8571. Also visit my blog that features articles about handicap and wheelchair accessible housing in the Phoenix area.

London's Run to benefit charities

It was a cool, but clear and sunny day in Queen Creek yesterday and Schnepf's farm was the starting line for London's Run. The race is named after London Solomon who was diagnosed with cancer in 2005 when she was 6. She died later that year and the first London's run was held in January 2006 to benefit her family. Since that time the proceeds benefit cancer charities and Queen Creek cancer patients. With such a short history, it was amazing to see the support and interest in the event. With runners and spectators alike, my guess is that there were close to 1,000 people or more in attendance. Participants could chose from the half marathon, 10K, or 2 mile fun run.

To pass the time while waiting for your favorite runner to return and cross the finish line, there were activities such as a mechanical bull, pancake breakfast, Mesa Police helicopter on display, crafts, silent auction and many vendor/sponsor booths.

My motivation to attend was to support my wife ran in the 10K. Her good friend also ran. She was very close to her goal, and enjoyed the race. I'm convinced of this because immediately after she finished I purposefully asked her if she wanted to do it again next year and she said, "Sure". It was my turn to cheer her on because (many,many) years ago when I ran 10K's she was the cheerleader. Attending the race and watching her was good motivation to get the running shoes back on and hit the pavement. There is alway a good atmosphere at races, since you primarily are not competing against anyone else but youself and the endorphines are flowing and the "runners high" is contagious.

It is events like this that help give a community character, especially when they originate from within. To anyone that would enjoy a casual run to benefit a good cause, please consider London's run in 2010.

Polar Ice comes to Gilbert

If you've come to Phoenix from the midwest and you've been home sick for a good game of hockey or just plain ice skating, life just got a little better. Polar Ice opened on Sept. 13th, 2008 in Gilbert. This is the third facility they have in the valley. The other two are in Chandler and Peoria. The Gilbert location has two rinks which combine for over 17,000 sq.ft. of ice. The facility is state of the art in it's design using special sensors that control the temperature of the ice.

The location is super convenient, just off the 202 freeway at the Greenfield and Knox. It is at the north end of Crossroads Park.

The day I visited the facility public skating was just ending and the hockey league was starting their games. Gilbert also uses the facility for skating classes through the Parks and Recreation department.

The Gilbert Polar Ice rinks are another addition to the many diverse amenities that you will find in Gilbert. Another great place to visit is Freestone Park and the Recreation Center. The Riparian Preserve is a one of a kind attraction that borders the Gilbert library. Not to far away from Gilbert is a favorite hiking trail, Peralta trails in the Superstition mountains.

Polar Ice Gilbert is on it's way to becoming a favorite Gilbert gathering place, especially for those from cooler climates that miss those sports that thrive in below freezing temperatures.

Stonebridge Lakes in the heart of Gilbert

Stonebridge Lakes, a waterfront community located off of Lindsay Road, is strategically located near parks, dining, schools, freeways, and shopping.  This 150 acres community was bulit almost exclusively by UDC homes.  Of the roughly 370 homes in the subdivision, over 110 of them are waterfront homes.

Heritage Trail

The trail system runs through Stonebridge Lakes providing easy access to anyone interested in biking, jogging or walking along the consolidated canal.  The canal extends into Mesa and Chandler.

Across the street from Stonebridge Lakes is Freestone Park, the flagship of Gilbert parks with batting cages, softball fields, two lakes, volleyball courts, basketball courts, tennis courts and a skate park.  You'll also find the Freestone Recreation Center.  To the east is the Gilbert library and the Riparian Preserve. To the west of Stonebridge Lakes are favorite eating places; Joes Real Barbeque, Liberty Market, and Oregano's.  The Halle Theatre provides top-notch plays throughout the year.

Community Pools

Stonebridge Lakes is one of the few Gilbert subdivisions to have two community pools.  The $40/month HOA fee is paid by those living in Stonebridge Lakes Estates, while those in Stonebridge Lakes Manor residents pay $120/month because in addition to the common area maintenance and pool upkeep, their front yards are also maintained.

The homes in Stonebridge Lakes were built between 1988 and 1994.  You'll recognize the UDC models in other subdivisions such as North Shore, Lago Estancia, and The Islands.  The Gilbert Mercy Hospital located at the 202 freeway and Val Vista is 5 -6 miles away.  The neighborhood is relatively hidden since it does not sit on an intersection and has one entrance from Lindsay Road. The schools are Burk Elementary, Gilbert Jr. High and Gilbert High School.

If you would like any more real estate information on homes in  Stonebridge Lakes or any other Gilbert community please call  or e-mail me.

Among the many east valley lakefront communities is Lago Estancia in Gilbert. The location is ideal being halfway between the US60 to the north and the newer 202 freeway to the south. One of the unique features of Lago Estancia compared to other Phoenix waterfront communities is the walking paths that follow the shoreline of the lakes. This also reduces the number of boats along the lakes. Many of the waterfront homes are separated from the lake by view fences enhancing the safety for young children. Most of the homes were built in between 1992 and 1996 and range in square footage from 1,479 to over 3,000 sq.ft. Since different builders participated in the development of these Gilbert waterfront homes, there is a good variety of floorplans in the subdivision. Not being one of the larger Phoenix waterfront communities, Lago Estancia has a smaller community neighborly feel. Here's a quick link to see homes for sale in Lago Estancia.