Albuquerque Journal from Albuquerque, New Mexico • Page 32

C4 Albuquerque Journal TRENDS Sunday, April SENIOR CALENDAR role model difference- Rebel turned tries to' intake I- Plastic canvas, 12:30 p.m. Guitar, woodcarving, 1 p.m. Aquatics, 1:30 p.m. Thursday: Fishing trip, 6 a.m. Ceramics, 8 a.m.

Hiking, 8:30 a.m. Quilting, 9 a.m. Egg basket class, 9 a.m. Line dancing, 9:30 a.m. Birthday party, 11:30 a.m.

Mah Jongg, 1 p.m. Pine needle basketry, 2 p.m. Friday: Ceramics, 8 a.m. Line dance 9:15 a.m. Blood pressure, 9:30 a.m.

Managing chronic illness, 10 a.m. Stained glass, 1 p.m. Bingo, 1:15 p.m. Aquatics, 1:30 p.m. X.

SENIOR VOLUNTEERS Meals on Wheels will train male or female office volunteer to work at Northside Presbyterian on Mondays or Tuesdays. Call Nancy Matthews, 291-2061. Friendship club: The Jewish Community Friendship club is a social club for those 55 and over with monthly luncheons and entertainment. The next luncheon is set for Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. at Congregation B'Nai Israel, 4401 Indian School NE.

For information call Gloria, 899-1322. Peer Counseling: Are you over 55 and looking for a volunteer position in which you make a real difference? Free training for Peer Counseling program for Sandoval County seniors begins Wednesday. You can help other seniors overcome the problems of loneliness and isolation. Call Betsy Etigson, Family and Children's Services, 243-2551. The DSA, Volunteer Programs, Foster Grandparent Program is expanding services to the East Mountain area.

Volunteers must be age 60 or over, low-income and able to pass a physical. Volunteers work 20 hours per week, receive a stipend of $2.55 per hour, mileage reimbursement and supplemental insurance. Positions also available In Bernalillo, Sandoval and Cibola Counties. This income does not affect any benefits you may be receiving. Call 764-1612.

"Guardian Angel" Program Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital, 7000 Jefferson NE, is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to be a part of their new "guardian angel" program. Volunteers would work with staff to help make each patient's stay a pleasant one. Call Kathleen Moore or Julie Hayes, 344-9478. TV r0 EASY Gerald "AJaxk Ackerman -1 tA -A anything corf J( between his Harley not even being elected mayor. a founder-ojf a sober motorcycle club, Ackemftab goes to schools to talk to kid about the dangers of substance abto THE ASSOCIATED press "erfrp stepped down.

When he ran again: in November, he topped the 14 candidate field. The candidate" with the most votes is appointed 'A mayor. ioJ Before every council meeting, Ackerman stands outside, smpk' ing his unfiltered Camel ciga rettes all the things JPjnslw done, this is the last one thaf Tgot to go; I just dont know and greeting townspeople. jf He's proud of the title of niayor 1 especially what it means Jp'Ws family. kSf "My parents sat by and suf-; fered.

This made them feel like it was worthwhile," he says. patience paid off To his sister, he is "living ptoof you can change your life and turn it around. You dont have to l3 wealthy. You dont have to bf lucky. You have to work at itajid he did." Life still is not easy for Acker man.

tV-t He continues to attend weekly 'l 12-step meetings and leads three groups himself each week. His part-time job'doesnt always pay the bills, and he owes money' on his college loans. His firswife rarely lets him see his daughter, now 11, and he gets upset when the subject comes up. Juggling family, city duties, job and volunteer work is 4 But giving is receiving, he says'. "I'm real happy with who I ant I'm real happy with my place," he says.

"I don't have to prove any-J thing to anybody." in Trouble with Drugs? partner who has a drug prpb1: you may De engoe ror a iree WHEN AND WHERE -Membership in the Department of Senior Affairs (DSA) is open to people 55 and older. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For Information contact the centers. Actiyities are provided at the following satellite centers: Embudo Towers, 292-7749; La Resolana, 29e-1425; Rio Vista, 293-5565; Wainwright Manor, 256-2017; Holy Family Senior Outreach, 562 Atrisco SW, 843-7695; Paradise Hills Mealsite, 5901 Paradise NW, 897-8897.

NUTRITION PROGRAM The DSA nutrition program provides weekday meals at various locations throughout Bernalillo and daily home-delivered meals to the frail elderly. Call Senior Information Services, 764-6400. For meal sites, call the Nutrition Program, 848-1354 or 848-1399. Menus for the week of April 20-24 including bread, dessert and milk: Monday: Swiss steak with gravy, rice pilaf. Tuesday: Red chili cheese dog, Hawaiian coleslaw.

Wednesday: Roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, glazed carrots. Thursday: Chef's salad, under the sea salad. Friday: Baked ziti, Italian sausage, Italian green beans. BARELAS Call 764-6436. Monday: Ceramics, daily, 8 a.m.

Arts and crafts, daily, 9 a.m. Exercise, daily, 9:30 a.m. Shopping, 9:30 a.m. Computer lab, 11 a.m. Card club, daily, noon.

Swim therapy, 3 p.m. Tuesday: Quilting, 9 a.m. Computer lab, 11 a.m. Card club, noon. Bingo, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Oil painting, 9 a.m. Board and care, 5:30 a.m. Computer lab, 11 a.m. Card club, noon. GEHM clinic, 1:30 p.m.

Swim therapy, 3 p.m. Thursday: Flea market, 8 a.m. Quilting, 9 a.m. Basketry, 9 a.m. Deaf group, 10 a.m.

Friday: Swim therapy, 3 p.m. Dance to Mike Flores, 1:30 p.m. PALO DURO Call 888-8102. Make reservations for a guided tour of Arts Artists, Studio Galleries of Santa Fe, scheduled for Wednesday, April 22. Cost is $14.50 with coach transportation.

Monday: Exercise, Monday-Friday, y.30 a.m. Gentle exercise, also -Wednesday and Friday, 9:30 a.m. foot reflexology, 1 p.m. Widowed "support group, 2:30 p.m. Lunch pork chops.

Tuesday: Legal advice, 10 a.m. Utensil sharpening, 1 p.m. Lunch frito pie. Wednesday: Consumer tips on buying a vehicle, 9 a.m. Santa Fe- arts and galleries, 10 Information and assistance, 11 Lunch Italian chicken.

Thursday: Regular breakfast and lunch cancelled today! Volunteer recognition luncheon-invitation only! 11:30 a.m. Medical health insurance, 1 p.m. Friday: Guest art series presents Tricia Love, teaching pen and ink and watercolor wash, 12:30 p.m. Ice cream social, 2 p.m. Lunch chefs choice.

Saturday: Alzheimers, 1:30 p.m. Mobile home owners, 1:30 p.m. Dayton Molson presents "Kenya Safari." NORTH VALLEY Call 761025. Today: Dance to Ristra, 1:30 p.m. Monday: Exercise, daily, 8:30 a.m.

Pottery, quilting, 8:30 a.m. Line dancing, intermediate computer, 9:30 a.m. Blood pressure, 10 a.m. Ceramics, 1 p.m. Guitar, 2 p.m.

'Aquatics, 1:30 p.m. Tuesday: Oil painting, 9 a.m. Bridge II, 9:30 a.m. Nicole Oswald was 14 when she met Ackerman through a drug intervention program at school. Now 19, she works as an office assistant.

"He made me think about things on my own that I needed to think about," she says. "He's'a very cool guy." As a founder of a sober motorcycle club, Ackerman goes to schools to talk to kids about the dangers of substance abuse. Four years ago, he met Nancee Armstrong when he went to talk to her alternative education class. "It's rare that youth identifies with anything adults do," she says. But Ackerman won over the students.

And the teacher. The two married in 1996. New connections Port Huron lies along the St. Clair River, right across from Canada. This is Middle America.

A long-haired, tattooed, earring-wearing ex-druggie on a Harley tends to stand out. But Ackerman says his appearance helped, allowing" him to be "a good liaison between youth and adults because I refused to grow up." Eventually, the grownups took notice. In 1994, the National Association of Social Workers named him the Michigan Public Citizen of the Year for his work in the community. A year later, he ran for city council and lost. But he was appointed to the council last sum- Is Someone You Love Do you live with a relative or from PAGE CI pleasure in that beer was symbolic.

It opened the door to life for me." He bought eight more beers from the older students. "I was fascinated with myself the ego lift, esteem lift. I went in the bathroom to watch myself drink that beer." He threw up, slept in his vomit, woke with a hangover. And he was hooked. In 1972, his sophomore year, he returned home and got high on whatever he could get: marijuana, mescaline, Quaaludes, cocaine.

"Being cool was so important to me, being tough was so important. And I could be that person when I was high," he says. After abortive attempts at college, which he left after two semesters, and the Navy, which kicked him out for drinking, Ack-erman entered a 10-year period his 20s that was pretty much lost to drinking and drugs. He spent 57 days in jail following a fight. His parents, after years of trying to get him out of trouble, had enough.

They moved to Florida. "He got in with a rough bunch. If there was peer pressure, he felt he had to go along with it," says his father, Charles Ackerman. "We couldn't control him." By age 30, Ackerman had been in four rehabilitation centers. He married, but booze and cocaine ended that after a year; he was 31 when his wife moved out, taking their baby.

Around then, he crashed into the telephone pole. One leg was fractured in seven places. Both arms were broken. His ankle was put back together with screws. "When I went to see him in the hospital, he told me he messed up again.

Not because of the accident, but because he didn't die," his sister says. Changing course On the day that would be the turning point in his bitter journey, Ackerman stuck half a gram of cocaine in his arm and felt nothing. It was a few months after his release from the hospital, and he'd gone from snorting to shooting the drug. Then, even that didn't work. He saw two choices: Get help, or kill himself "My world was crumbling," he says.

"But I also realized of all the things I had done in my life, one thing I had never done is give life a chance." Getting straight began with a monthlong stay in another rehabilitation center, then constant vigilance. His one relapse, a three-day drinking binge in 1987, strengthened his resolve, he says. "He didnt start living until after he was 30," says his father, with whom he has reconciled. About 10 years ago, Ackerman settled in Port Huron. For a time, he lived in a shelter.

He borrowed money for community college classes, graduated with honors. -Now he's six credits away from a degree from Eastern Michigan University. He's studying government, but his interest in politics developed independently. Working with runaways at a shelter then serving as an intern in the county prosecutor's office, he saw things he thought he could especially programs involving young people. "He has real insight, particularly because of his chaotic life," says Jim Johnson, who hired Ackerman af Community Mental Health.

NOON UNTIL 4:00 p.m. "Comfort, Security, Peace of Mind and New What more could I ask?" ni -minimi HIGHLAND Call 256-2000. Monday: Gentle exercise (also Wednesday and Friday), 9 a.m. Walking, (also Wednesday and Friday), 9:15 a.m. Exercise to music, (also Wednesday and Friday), 9:45 a.m.

Leather artistry, 10 a.m. Bingo, 1:30 p.m. Aquatics, 2:40 p.m. Lunch beef enchiladas. Tuesday: Blood pressure, (also Friday), 9 a.m.

Exercise to music, (also Thursday), 9:30 a.m. Legal clinic, 2 p.m. Lunch i baked chicken. Wednesday: GEHM clinic, 9 a.m. Dance to the Starlighters, 7 p.m.

Lunch glazed ham. Thursday: Highland HS Child Care arts crafts, 9:30 a.m. Poetry and passion (high tea), 2 p.m. The Sunshine Boys at the ALT, 6 p.m. Lunch baked fish.

Friday: Volunteer advocacy meeting, 9 a.m. Medicare and health counseling insurance, 9:30 a.m. Birthday party, 2:30 p.m. Lunch sweet and sour meatballs. Saturday: Los Volcanes Property Ownership, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

BEAR CANYON Call 291-6211. Flea market tables are available for $15 for the Community Flea Market and Bake Sale, May Sign up for new quicken class beginning April 24, 2:45 p.m. The activities catalog and monthly newsletter featuring daily and special activities are available at front desk. All tripsoutings and special luncheons require reservations in advance. Monday: Exercise, Monday-Friday, 8:10 a.m.

Hawk watch, 1 p.m. Chess, 1 p.m. Lunch beef stroganoff. Tuesday: Income taxes, reservations required, 8 a.m. Friendship coffee, 10 a.m.

Out-to-lunch bunch, 10:45 a.m. Siglo de Oro R.V. club, 11 a.m. Lunch roast pork. Wednesday: Blood pressure, 9:30 a.m.

Art Artists studiogalleriers trip, 9:45 a.m. "Understanding estate 10 a.m. Bingo, 1:30 p.m. Lunch baked ham. Thursday: Defensive driving, noon.

Masters runners, 7 p.m. Lunch salmon croquette. Friday: Financial presentation, 10 a.m. Chess, 1 p.m. Lunch chicken teriyaki.

Saturday: Coping with grief, 1:30 p.m. Dance to Bob Weiler, 7 p.m. MEADOWLARK Rio Rancho, call 891-7224. Monday: Spanish, 9 a.m. Beginning Windows 3.1, 1 p.m.

Nostalgia line dance, 3 p.m. Lunch oven baked chicken. Tuesday: Crocheting, 9:30 a.m. Beginning DOS, 9:30 a.m. Happy Birthday Jamboree, 12:20 p.m.

Lunch carne adovada burrito. Wednesday: Art, 9 a.m. Internet, 9 a.m. Pain management, 1:15 p.m. Lunch chicken and dumplings.

Thursday: Computer users group, 9:30 a.m. Intermediate Windows 3.1, 1 p.m. Intermediate line dance, 5:30 p.m. Lunch roast pork. Friday: Woodcarvers, 9 a.m.

Gathering of Nations outing, 10 a.m. "55" Alive, 1 p.m. Lunch barbeque meatballs. ASSISTANCE LEAGUE Hospitality House. Call 266-9575.

Tuesday: Quilting, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Wednesday: Covered dish luncheon, noon. Bridge, 1 p.m. Thursday: Bingo, 1 p.m. Friday: Closed for regular meeting.

NARFE MEETING NARFE: Chapter 1381, Monday, luncheon and meeting, noon, Inn at Rio Rancho. Contact Josephine Wray, 898-5305. WOMEN'S LEAGUE The Older Women's League, Rio Grande Chapter, meets the third Saturday of the month at Bear Canyon Senior Center. This week: 1998 Mother's Day report as designated by OWL National "Women, work and money: bettering the odds for a secure retirement" Refreshments will be served. Call Joyce Lowry, 821-8361.

YMCA HIKE The West Side YMCA will host a mu regenerations! hike at the Zuni mountains near Grants on Tuesday. Those interested should meet at 8:30 a.m. at the West Side Family YMCA, 4701 Montano NW at Taylor Ranch. The first hike is free. Call 899417.

icm uui wuui yet (icijjf wuuiu yuu iimt lu neifj in uceiiifiy i through a federally-rutteR witn tnis proDiem tm I I ed study at the For The Unhcrrityof New Moico I confidential program Lawyer Advertisement Have you suffered health problems using the diet drugs SENIOR SERVICES Catholic Social Services Homecaring Program provides homemaker services including light housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation, errands, personal care and companionship. Call Dolores Allison, 247-9521, Ext. 3308. Catholic Social Services provides transportation visiting andor telephone calls for persons 55 and older with volunteers. Ambulatory persons who are registered with the program and call one week in advance are given rides to doctor's offices, grocery stores, government or business offices.

Call 247-9521, ext. 3317. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren support group meet Friday, noon-2 p.m., and Saturday, at Family and Children's Services 1503 University NE. Grandparents may attend any time, and child care will be provided. Both child care and support groups are offered free of charge.

Call Colleen Whitehead, Parentcraft coordinator, 243-2551. Senior Information and Assistance 764-6400 (24-hour TDD number 764-6405) provides referrals and help in obtaining services such as -home care, benefits, legal services, home repair, handicapped retrofitting, transportation, emergency assistance, MedicareHealth Insurance Counseling, and housing including Adult Shared Housing. Share Your Care Inc. is an adult daycare center for frail elderly and handicapped adults. Openings available.

For information on fees and services, call 881-8982 (northeast site) or 897-9025 (West Side site). HOMEBOUND NETWORK Homebound Network Program provides socialization and emotional support to homebound elders. Friendly visiting and phone reassurance volunteers needed. Call Janelle Beaudette, 764-6410. EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM AARPSenior Community Service employment Program hires low-' income seniors over 55 years of age to worktrain to sharpen and develop job skills to enter or return to the work force.

Call 2480052 or visit 1500 Walter SE, Building 2. niDTiTintivitii.niBioiMui MFen-Phen" (Ptaidimin) or Redux? These diet pills were recently voluntarily recalled by the manufacturers after a request by the FDA and have been found to cause serious heaJdv problems, including heart valve damage and primary pulmonary hyperT tension. For further information and a free consultation call the Branch Law Firm "In the Historic Rio Grande Corridor" 2025 Rio Grande Blvd. N.W. Albuquerque, New Mexico 87104 at 243-3500 or toll free at: 1-800-828-4529 university of New Mexico.

information call 760 0260 4 9.U its if .1 dm ana i UHit tTT COURT I ufjifiiltllU offered at The Grand Court Ceramics, citizenship, 1 p.m. Line dancing II III, 1:30 p.m. Wednesday: Flea market, 8 a.m. Arts crafts, 9:30 a.m. Bingo, 1:30 p.m.

Aquatics, 1:30 p.m. Planning department meeting, 7:30 p.m. Thursday: Hiking to Tree Spring, 8:15 a.m. Nutrition, 9:30 a.m. Citizenship classes, beginning computer, 1 p.m.

Dance to Good Tymes, 1:30 p.m. Friday: 55 Alive driving class, 8 a.m. Art, knitting, crocheting, 9 a.m. Mexican folk dance, Excel a.m. Sunbeams practice, 1 p.m.

Aquatics, 1:30 p.m. Saturday: Recreation, coffee social, poolroom, cards, table tennis, 9 a.m. GRAND ALBUQUERQUE formerly VtUencU Court -lviir I 'ii-ili in Among the services and amenities LOS VOLCANES Call 836-8745. Monday: Breakfast and billiards, dally, 8 a.m. Exercise, daily, 8:15 a.m.

Gift shop opens, 9 a.m. T.O.P.S., 8:15 a.m. Fabric art, 9:15 a.m. oil painting, 9:30 a.m. beginning line dancing, 9:30 a.m.

watercolor painting, noon. Poker, daily, 12:30 p.m. Contract bridge, 1 p.m. Aquatics, 1:30 p.m. Tuesday? Watercolor, woodcarving, 9 a.m.

Line dancing, Leathercraft, 9:30 a.m. Fishing club meeting, 10:30 a.m. Polish paper cutting, 12:30 p.m. Into to computers, 1 p.m. Wednesday: Fort Craig tour, 8 a.m.

walking group, 8:30 a.m. Crafts, pottery, 9 a.m. Intergenerational activities with pottery, 10 a.m. Tai Chi Chuan, 10:30 a.m. Scrabble, 11:15 a.m.

One or Two Bedroom Apartments Gourmet Meals Scheduled Transportation Heated indoor exercise pool 24-Hour Security and Staff Free Laundry Facilities Library Bi-weekly Housekeeping Ice-cream parlor Chapel Arts and Crafts RoomBilliard Room Fully Equipped Kitchens BarberBeauty Salon Lots of Activities Home Health Agency on Premises Call Cathy Myers for more information tJ i wo nTT mLmviN wltjo eW JuJf thi i tltHl TjF tt it I I Mp A 5pJ3 i i EE Sa 2 i ass iitSEi. 3A. S.u Flolw M. J. Jul il .5.

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