Kathy Englehart was born in Portage County in 1944. She was active and curious like most youngsters her age yet her parents, Eleanor and the late Harley Englehart were aware that Kathy was a special child with special needs. When Kathy reached school age, her parents enrolled her in the Special Education Program at Kent City Schools. Kathy got along with her peers and was doing well. However, when the family re-located to Brimfield a Special Education program was not avail- able. The decision was made to mainstream Kathy. Although Kathy tried her best she simply did not feel at ease in her new school. Harley and Eleanor then looked for an alternative educational program. In 1959, at the age of 13, Kathy was enrolled in a little school by the name of Happy Day. Eleanor recalls that the transition from Brimfield to Happy Day was easy from an academic perspective. However, from a financial perspective it was a constant challenge for the parents to keep the school funded. Earl and Mary Lohr were the founders of the school and rallied parents to assist with fund raisers such as counting sales tax stamps as well as selling candy, Christmas trees, and pumpkins. The parents and the Lohr’s were successful in keeping the school funded and Kathy was able to complete the program. Next Kathy participated in CETA, a job placement program. In 1980 the CETA program ended and Kathy moved on to attend Portage Industries (PI) which was located at what is now the Dennis M. Coble Adminis- tration Building. Kathy flourished at PI and still works there 30 years later. Kathy has a Level One Waiver and in 2009 she chose Mark Witte as her residential provider. At first the two seem liked an unlikely fit - Mark’s background is with the military and he is 20 plus years younger than Kathy. It was like a match made in heaven! The two enjoy weekly activities such as bike riding, going out to eat, going to garage sales, and thrift store shopping. Kathy and her mother Eleanor are very happy with Mark and with all of the services that Kathy receives. The mission of the Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities is to ensure the availability of programs, services, and supports that assist eligible individuals with mental retardation and developmental disabilities in choosing and achieving a life of increasing capability such that they can live, work, and socialize in the community, and to assist and support the families of these individuals in achieving this objective. 8 Expressions PCBDD does not discriminate in provision of services or employment because of handicap, race, color, creed, national origin, sex or age. Making the difference in meeting lifelong needs • www.portagedd.org 2606 Brady Lake Road Ravenna, OH 44266-1657 September 2011 Volume 18, Issue 3 September/October 2011 Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities Dennis M. Coble Administration Building 2606 Brady Lake Rd. Ravenna, OH 44266-1657 Superintendent’s Office: 330-297-7261 Board Office: 330-297-6209 Fax: 330-297-1202 Website: www.portagedd.org Business Office: 330-297-8991 Service & Support Administration: 330-297-4100 Family Support Services Program: 800-237-6828 Transportation: 330-297-6462 Adult Services: Portage Industries 7008 State Rte. 88 Ravenna, OH 44266-9134 330-296-2839 Fax 330-296-8875 Children’s Services: Happy Day School 2500 Brady Lake Rd. Ravenna, OH 44266-1698 330-678-2400 Fax 330-673-3714 PCBDD Emergency Number 330-678-7559 Kathy’s Journey September 5, 2011 Labor Day Programs Closed September 6, 2011 Programs Resume September 6, 2011 First Day of School Toddler/Kids & Community Students Happy Day School September 17 – September 18, 2011 Balloon A-Fair September 21, 2011 Board Meeting 5:30 p.m. Dennis M. Coble Administration Building October 19, 2011 Board Meeting 5:30 p.m. Dennis M. Coble Administration Building October 21, 2011 Agency In-Service Programs Closed October 22, 2 011 Happy Day School Craft Auction Fundraiser 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. October 24, 2011 Programs Resume Kathy Englehart is pictured with her provider, Mark Witte, and Kathy’s mother, Eleanor Englehart.
Transcript
Kathy Englehart was born in Portage
County in 1944. She was active and curious like most youngsters
her age yet her parents, Eleanor and the late Harley Englehart were aware that Kathy was a special child with special needs. When Kathy reached school age, her parents enrolled her in the Special Education Program at Kent City Schools. Kathy got along with her peers and was doing well. However, when the family re-located to Brimfield a Special Education program was not avail-able. The decision was made to mainstream Kathy. Although Kathy tried her best she simply did not feel at ease in her new school. Harley and Eleanor then looked for an alternative educational program. In 1959, at the age of 13, Kathy was enrolled in a little school by the name of Happy Day. Eleanor recalls that the transition from Brimfield to Happy Day was easy from an academic perspective. However, from
a financial perspective it was a constant challenge for the parents to keep the school funded. Earl and Mary Lohr were the founders of the school and rallied parents to assist with fund raisers such as counting sales tax stamps as well as selling candy, Christmas trees, and pumpkins. The parents and the Lohr’s were successful in keeping the school funded and Kathy was able to complete the program. Next Kathy participated in CETA, a job placement program. In 1980 the CETA program ended and Kathy moved on to attend Portage Industries (PI) which was located at what is now the Dennis M. Coble Adminis-tration Building. Kathy flourished at PI and still works there 30 years later. Kathy has a Level One Waiver and in 2009 she chose Mark Witte as her residential provider. At first the two seem liked an unlikely fit - Mark’s background is with the military and he is 20 plus years younger than Kathy. It was like a match made in heaven! The two enjoy weekly activities such as bike riding, going out to eat, going to garage sales, and thrift store shopping. Kathy and her mother Eleanor are very happy with Mark and with all of the services that Kathy receives.
The mission of the Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities is to ensure the availability of programs, services, and supports that assist eligible individuals with mental retardation and developmental disabilities in choosing and achieving a life of increasing capability such that they can live, work, and socialize in the community, and to assist and support the families of these individuals in achieving this objective.
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Expressions
PCBDD does not discriminate in provision of services or employment because of handicap, race, color, creed, national origin, sex or age.
M a k i n g t h e d i f f e r e n c e i n m e e t i n g l i f e l o n g n e e d s • w w w . p o r t a g e d d . o r g2606 Brady Lake RoadRavenna, OH 44266-1657
September 2011Volume 18, Issue 3
September/October 2011
Portage County Board of Developmental DisabilitiesDennis M. Coble Administration Building2606 Brady Lake Rd. Ravenna, OH 44266-1657
Superintendent’s Office:330-297-7261
Board Office:330-297-6209
Fax: 330-297-1202
Website: www.portagedd.org
Business Office:330-297-8991
Service & Support Administration:330-297-4100
Family Support Services Program:800-237-6828
Transportation:330-297-6462
Adult Services:Portage Industries7008 State Rte. 88Ravenna, OH 44266-9134330-296-2839Fax 330-296-8875
Children’s Services:Happy Day School2500 Brady Lake Rd.Ravenna, OH 44266-1698330-678-2400Fax 330-673-3714
PCBDD Emergency Number330-678-7559
Kathy’s JourneySeptember 5, 2011 Labor Day Programs Closed
September 6, 2011 Programs Resume
September 6, 2011 First Day of School Toddler/Kids & Community Students Happy Day School
September 17 – September 18, 2011 Balloon A-Fair
September 21, 2011 Board Meeting 5:30 p.m. Dennis M. Coble Administration Building
October 19, 2011 Board Meeting 5:30 p.m. Dennis M. Coble Administration Building
October 21, 2011 Agency In-Service Programs Closed
October 22, 2 011 Happy Day School Craft Auction Fundraiser 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
October 24, 2011 Programs Resume
Kathy Englehart is pictured with her provider, Mark Witte, and Kathy’s mother, Eleanor Englehart.
Akron Rotary Camp Makes a Huge “SPLASH” This Summer For the second year, Rotary returned to provide two 3-week sessions of recreational camp to students ages 3-21 this summer. They served up to 54 students each session. This year was exceptionally fun for all of the campers! There were always activities going on. Camp-ers enjoyed swimming in the pool, playing outside, making crafts, listening to music, and playing games. The laughter could be heard all over the building! The counselor’s under the direction of Wendy R. really made an impact on our kids. We are so grateful to the counselors and staff for providing such a super program for children with special needs! We wish them a great school year and anxiously await their return in 2012!!
Got a question or topic for future issues, drop me an e-mail at:
The ‘dog days’ of summer are with us and it seems like this summer has been one of the hottest and most humid in recent memory. In this issue of my Expressions’ article, I would like to share with you some good and not so good news. Let’s start with the good! The Board’s website (portagedd.org) has undergone a major revision and is now ‘live’ after several
months of redesign and content revision efforts by a number of administrative staff. I would particularly like to thank Pat Flaherty and Jay Gentile from Envisage Group, Inc., our IT consultants, for the countless hours they devoted to the website’s layout. There are a few small areas still under construction but those should be finished very shortly. Please visit the redesigned website and if you have suggestions or comments you may submit them as directed on the website’s homepage. In mid July we received notification from the Ohio Department of DD that they had received approval from the Federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for an increase in the Targeted Case Management billing rate from the current $10.18 per unit to a new rate of $15.48 effective July 1, 2011. The new rate, which represents a 52% increase and is based on the annualized TCM billing by the Board’s Service & Support Administrators, should result in an increase in TCM revenue of approximately $110,000.00 over the next year. In addition, with the implementation of the state’s new two-year biennial budget on July 1, 2011, there will be a reduction in an administrative fee that Boards of DD have been paying the state for processing of Medicaid reimbursement claims. The fee has been reduced 1.5% to 1.25% and should result in a current annual savings of approximately $36,000.00. Now for some not so good news, for while the state budget giveth it also taketh away. Boards of DD receive an annual
operating subsidy from the Ohio Department of DD and for state fiscal year (SFY) 2012, which started on July 1, 2011, County Boards of DD saw a 46% reduction in their operating subsidy. We will receive $376,570.00 state subsidy dollars in SFY 2012, a reduction of $189,393.00 from SFY 2011 allocation. The SFY 2012 budget also sped up the phase out of state reimbursement tangible personal property tax replacement dollars and the outright elimination of state reimbursement for gas and electric utility deregulation. These two actions will result in the loss of $461,381.00 in calendar year 2011 compared to 2010 and a loss of $900,647.00 in calendar year 2012 as compared to what we received in calendar year 2010! Obviously this is a significant loss of state dollars that we will need to offset either with additional revenues, expenditures reductions, or a combination of both. Lastly, let me mention a most unfortunate situation that impacts a number of fellow citizens in our community – people in our county are experiencing hunger and do not have enough food in their residence to meet their needs. Many of our local food banks’ food stocks are at all time lows. To address this we will be conducting four food drives over the upcoming program year. Our first food drive collection day is scheduled for Friday, September 16. Food will be collected at the Coble Administration Building, Happy Day School, and Portage Industries. I am asking all employees, individuals receiving services, parents and families, community partners, and friends to support this effort as generously as they can. Reminder notices will be sent out about two weeks before the collection day and all donated food will be given to Family and Community Services, Inc. for distribution to those in need. Please mark your calendar for this important event!
Respectfully,Pat
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www.portagedd.org • September 2011 • Volume 18, Issue 3 Expressions
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Summer Miscellany – an assortment or variety of things, a mixed bag.
Tyler Young recently competed in the National Super Kids Classic Soap Box Derby. Tyler loves to go boating, riding his go-cart, and racing around the neighborhood in his wheelchair. Tyler loves the Pittsburgh Steelers and had Steelers’ colors put on his wheelchair. This was Tyler’s first year to attend the Akron race, but he has been racing in Salem for the past 5 years. Tyler will start soccer this year. Tyler had a great time at the race.
Super Kid has a Classic Time at Derby Downs
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www.portagedd.org • September 2011 • Volume 18, Issue 3 Expressions
WANTED!! Two-year Community Students We are still looking for typically developing two-year old children to attend school two half days per week. Gym, swimming, art, music, and social skills are just SOME of the perks of attending our program. The tuition is minimal and your child may qualify for a reduced rate or a free/reduced lunch. Transportation (one way) is available at a minimal cost of $1.75. If you are interested or would like more information about the program, please contact the school at 330-678-2400 for an application. Currently we have openings in both morning and afternoon classes. There will be a screening for all community students on Thursday, September 1.
Genetic Services in Portage County The Akron Children’s Hospital genetic center has expanded its genetic services in Portage County to include all children and adults with developmental disabilities, genetic conditions and/or physical birth defects. The clinic is held at Happy Day School in Ravenna. Indications for referral include:● A personal and/or family history of genetic or inherited condition;● Developmental differences/mental retardation;● Autism;● A birth defect, such as a congenital heart defect, cleft lip and or palate, spina bifida or a limb abnormality;● Growth differences (failure to thrive, short or tall stature, etc…).
Genetic Center Outreach Clinics will be held:➤ Friday, September 9, 2011➤ Friday, November 11, 2011➤ Friday, January 13, 2012➤ Friday, March 2, 2012➤ Friday, May 11, 2012 For appointments, call Jen Manthey, RN, Genetic Center Outreach Clinic Coordinator at Happy Day School at 330-678-2400, ext. 2109.
HDS Graduation News We say good-bye to two of our adults that are moving on to Portage Industries. Jennifer Rexroad and Jason Ruiz have been attending Happy Day School since they were infants. They have made great strides over the years due to a collaborative effort between family and staff. We are so proud of both of them and wish them the best of luck!
EI Family Picnic HDS hosted an Early Intervention picnic for families on 7/22/11 to wrap up the summer session. Due to the very hot weather, activities were moved into the gym and a super picnic lunch was catered by Guido’s. There were about 45 people in attendance and a great time was had by all!
Jason Ruiz Jennifer Rexroadd
In Memory Our condolences go out to the families of David Hogya, Karen Stutzman and David Young who recently passed away.
30+ YearsBack Row: George McCarthy, Paul Hearell, Kathy Englehart, Joyce Stonemetz, Connie Spino, Gerry Rogers, Kathy SisleyFront Row: Twyla Stutzman, Marcella Williams, Susie Boone, Mary Carter, John Messer, Sandy Marshall Not Pictured: Bonnie Reight, Bob Hoff, Kathy Wagar
25+ YearsBack Row: Robert McMillan, Joyce Cox, Rick Baab, Bob Sprague, Kenny Postlethwait, Kenny Clegg, Scott Degroff, Phyllis Brown, Mary Huston Front Row: Jeff Watson, Kathy Sampson, Rose Strahler, Teresa Strahler, Denise Hollon, Jodie Lash, Darrell GrubbNot Pictured: Daniel Overton, Joe Griffin, Sylvia Cuvelier, Lori Stringer, Kevin O’Connor
20+ YearsBack Row: Mary Jane Wohlwend, David Cunningham, Jason Pitcock, Mark TaylorFront Row: Joe Cipriano, Robert Korpita, Tim McCaffery Not Pictured: Ross Bartasevich, Mary Lusher, Scott McNeil, Wayne Tarver, Michelle Reed, Wendy Rowles, Bev Jablonski
Kenny Monroe Jack Shaw
Celebrating Years of Service at Portage Industries
30+ Years
20+ Years
25+ Years
Ron Stewart Calvin Garrett Tom Wirth
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www.portagedd.org • September 2011 • Volume 18, Issue 3 Expressions
New State Record Set Becky Baldwin received a gold medal for 1st place in dead lift, a silver medal for 2nd place in bench press and a gold medal in combined. Becky, who is also known as
‘fluff chick’ to her peers, went up for her third and final lift in the dead lift and the announcer said “fluff chick is going for the state record for female dead lift.” Becky went to the bar and lifted it like it was nothing. As she put it back down on the floor the announcer shouts out “fluff chick from Portage County has the new Female State Record for dead lift, lifting 260 pounds!” Everyone in the auditorium was on their feet yelling and cheering for her.
2011 Special Olympics Summer Games ResultsPower Lifting Bench Dead CombinedBecky Baldwin 2nd 1st 1st Michael Hegsted 2nd 2nd 2nd Michael Mohan 5th 5th 5th Donny Shardy 2nd 1st 1st Richard Sparks 3rd 2nd 2nd
Volleyball (regulation) – 1st PlaceBrandon Boyett, Logan Cox, Scott DeGroff, Jerry Dowling, Donald Flegal, Preston Leventry, Ben Salvo
BowlingEric Curry – 4th Sylvia Cuvelier – 2nd Andrea Myers – 1st Jeremy Sands – 4th
Track & FieldPolly Brown - 50 Meter – 5th; softball - 5th Mason Lease - 100 Meter – 2nd; shot put – 2nd Selena Lewis - 400 Meter Walk 3rd; softball throw – 1st Ashley Moore - 50 Meter – 3rd; softball throw – 1st Chrissy Motz – 400 Meter Walk – 2nd; 800 Meter Walk – 2nd Teresa Strahler – 400 Meter Walk – 2nd; softball throw – 2nd Danielle Wadkins – 50 Meter – 3rd; softball throw – 4th Ashley Wilson – 400 Meter Walk – 1st; softball throw – 2nd
Blue Streaks Take Gold! After an undefeated season, the regulation volleyball team won all three matches at the State Games in June to take the Gold Medal! Congratulations to Jerry, Donald, Scott, Ben, Logan, Brandon and Preston!
Special Olympics Highlights 2011 There were four bowlers from the Portage County Board of DD Special Olympics that went to the State Bowling tournament. Jeremy Sands and Eric Curry received 4th place ribbons in the event, Sylvia Cuvelier received a Silver medal for 2nd place and Andrea Myers received a gold medal for 1st place. They all had a wonderful time. Portage County Board of DD’s Power lifting team also went to the State tournament. Michael Mohan received a 5th place in dead lift, bench press and combined. Mike Hegsted received a silver medal for 2nd place in dead lift, bench press and combined. Donny Shardy received a gold medal for 1st place in the dead lift, and silver medal for 2nd place in bench press and a gold medal in combined. Richard Sparks received a silver medal for 2nd place in dead lift, a bronze medal for 3rd place in bench press and a silver medal in combined.
