The disabled community in Berkeley is giant, supportive of each other, active and… creative.

In case you missed it: last week, after 13 years of work, construction on the Ed Roberts Campus _ a one-stop service and transportation center for disabled people _ started. It should be open in 18 months. Jessie Lorenz, who plays goalball in Berkeley, and lives close by in Kensington, is currently competing in the Paralympic Games in Beijing. The team has already two games and hopes to bring home the gold medal.

This Saturday, Sept. 13, the Adult Day Services Network of Alameda County is hosting its third annual benefit to support frail elderly people and adults with disabilities. The benefit, which is called Positively Ageless _ A Celerbation of Art & Aging, will be held from  5:30 to 9:00 p.m., at 1717 Fourth Street in Berkeley. The benefit will raise funds to help elderly adults and those with disabilities. Wine and cheese tasting starts at 5:30 p.m.

The event will feature a juried art show, art created by participants in adult day programs across Alameda County, and hand-crafted quilts.  There will be a silent auction, a raffle, appetizers, wine and desserts. 

The cost for the wine tasting and event is $60. The cost for the event only is $40. Proceeds will go directly to the nonprofit organization which provides health services, social interaction and creative activities for older and disabled adults.

The daytime programs stimulate minds and bodies while giving caregivers a much needed break, agency officials said. Founded in 1993, Adult Day Services Network of Alameda County is an association of 12 agencies that collectively serve more than 1,700 people, a majority low-income, yearly. The idea is to give people programs that help them remain living at home and not in a nursing facility.

For more information on the Positively Ageless event and an art preview visit www.adult-day-services.org or contact us at (510) 883-0874.