Volume 17, Issue 4 April 2016 The Madison Express Visit us online at www.co.madison.oh.us/dd/ Madison County Board of Developmental Disabilities How Great Their Art It was an evening for artists. And a couple of Madison County people were right in the middle. Gary Baldwin and Rebecca Dozier (pictured at right, with Gary’s artwork below)– both served by the Madison County Board of DD – had artwork chosen to be displayed in the prestigious ‘Art & Soul Exhibit,’ displayed at Toward Independence Building in Xenia. Traditionally, 40 works are selected from the submissions to be displayed – this year’s submissions numbered 137 throughout 22 different counties in Ohio. Now in its ninth year, ‘Art & Soul’ is a celebration of the creative talents of artists with developmental disabilities. See ART, Page 6 Madison Advocates for Progress and Job Club Panelists speak of employment and independence Reaching for his ultimate goal – one step at a time. Jerrid Fluor has been working hard to be his own person. He graduated from Jonathan Alder High School, and then from Tolles Career & Technical Center. Jerrid (pictured at left) has had a number of jobs in the community, presently at Giant Eagle. Currently being served by the Madison County Board of Developmental Disabilities, he hopes to someday branch out and live on his own. “There is something new for me every day,” Jerrid said. “I’m making baby steps toward being independent.” Being successful in the community workforce has made Jerrid a role model for others. See PANELISTS, Page 2
Transcript
Volume 17, Issue 4 April 2016
The Madison Express
Visit us online at www.co.madison.oh.us/dd/
Madison County Board of Developmental Disabi l i t ies
How Great Their Art
It was an evening for artists.
And a couple of Madison County people were right in the
middle.
Gary Baldwin and Rebecca Dozier (pictured at right, with
Gary’s artwork below)– both served by the Madison County Board
of DD – had artwork chosen to be displayed in the prestigious ‘Art &
Soul Exhibit,’ displayed at Toward Independence Building in Xenia.
Traditionally, 40 works are selected from the submissions to
be displayed – this year’s submissions numbered 137 throughout 22
different counties in Ohio.
Now in its ninth year, ‘Art & Soul’ is a celebration of the
creative talents of artists with developmental disabilities.
See ART, Page 6
Madison Advocates for Progress and Job Club
Panelists speak of employment and independence
Reaching for his ultimate goal – one step at a time.
Jerrid Fluor has been working hard to be his own person.
He graduated from Jonathan Alder High School, and then
from Tolles Career & Technical Center.
Jerrid (pictured at left) has had a number of jobs in the
community, presently at Giant Eagle.
Currently being served by the Madison County Board of
Developmental Disabilities, he hopes to someday branch out and
live on his own.
“There is something new for me every day,” Jerrid said.
“I’m making baby steps toward being independent.”
Being successful in the community workforce has made
Jerrid a role model for others. See PANELISTS, Page 2
PAGE 2 THE MADISON EXPRESS VOLUME 17, ISSUE 4
Talking about Raising Awareness
of People with Disabilities
Guest Column by Rebecca Dozier
I think we should be able to go to work like everyone else. We deserve to work
as anyone else, and not to rush us or push just because we have a disability. We
deserve to be treated as equal and not be judged or made fun of because we
might be different. How would others feel if they were treated that way? In the
Bible it says, God put his son on his earth for everyone who wants Him in their
hearts — because no matter how different we are, He loves us all. We want to
be able to get out of our homes with staff instead of just sitting in the house af-
ter work. Staff needs to do something with us such as activities at Fairhaven.
We would like more things to do. People with disabilities deserve to be loved and not looked at as a ‘job,’
because you know what we are all special!! We can succeed!! Let’s get out and make a difference.
PANELISTS, from Page 1
Jerrid — who has worked with the MCBDD Pathways to
Employment Program — was the main speaker for a discussion
about community employment held on March 28 at Donatos
Restaurant in London. Close to 20 people were on hand.
It was co-sponsored by MAP (Madison Advocates for
Progress) and Job Club. The current presidents of those MCBDD
organizations (Marlyn Zeeck and Johnnie Burns, pictured below)
served as moderators, and also shared their work experiences.
Marlyn has worked for more than 10 years at London’s Burger
King, while Johnnie recently started at Downsize Farms.
The crowd asked questions of Jerrid, Marlyn and Johnnie.
When it was time for comments from the audience, two other
people shared about their work experiences.
Michael Payton (pictured at right) has been a greeter at
Walmart since 2005. Over the last several months, a number of
people served by MCBDD have been hired to work at Walmart.
The success and high level of work Michael has shown there over the years has made Walmart
excited about hiring other individuals with
disabilities. Currently seven people served by
MCBDD work at Walmart. Michael also lives
independently and drives a car.
Brandon North is relatively new to
community employment, but has made quite an
impression during that time. He cleans and
provides maintenance for the Rest Areas near
London on I-70 West and East. Brandon said
he likes his job, and is excited about learning
how to drive.
Stay tuned for more co-sponsored
events by these two groups.
PAGE 3 THE MADISON EXPRESS VOLUME 17, ISSUE 4
Pathways to Employment
Spotlight on Diana Druck By Jenn Coleman
It seems like it was a job made with her in mind.
Diana Druck (left) was hired to fill a much needed role as
Part-Time Receptionist at the MCBDD Central Office.
Diana fits the job description perfectly as she is motivated,
personable and dedicated to her employment to provide a pleasant
experience to all callers and visitors that enter the board office..
“I love my job,” Diana said. “I would work weekends too if
they let me!”
Diana’s job search wasn’t easy though. Through ‘Person
Centered Planning’ with her MCBDD Service Coordinator Leigh
Spohler Diana determined she would like to be connected to Pathways
to Employment at the county board. After determining what services
would best assist Diana to achieve her goals, she was linked with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities
Employment First Counselor David Cingle and began her journey.
After nearly a year of working with a job developer from provider agency Capabilities — and many
interviews near and far — she applied for the open position at the Madison County Board of DD.
Diana prepared her resume and worked with her team to submit her application to Carol Ansel, Family
Support Services Director and obtained her first interview.
Diana’s job search didn’t stop there though… not wanting to have all her ‘eggs in one basket’ she kept
applying/interviewing for jobs in the community as she knew there were multiple candidates interviewing for the
Part-Time Receptionist position. After Diana had her second interview — this one with Superintendent Jim Canney
— she knew she had done her best.
Not long passed and she received the call she was waiting for — hired! Diana is an excellent addition to the
MCBDD office.
Spotlight — Employer of the Month
Cleaners Extraordinaire (April 2016) — They area a long-time employer of individuals with different abil-
ities who has shown that inclusion works for their business. Cleaners Extraordinaire continues to reach out to OOD
Counselors and agencies that support individuals with disabilities when hiring for their I-70 East and West Rest Area
contract positions! Thank you for your continued support of our community!!!
Job Club
Johnnie Burns, Interim Job Club President, invites you to join the club. New members are welcome.
Mission Statement: Madison County [Board of Developmental Disabilities] Job Club works to create economic, social and culturally
strong and vibrant communities. We work with individuals with disabilities and their communities, to promote
inclusion to the fullest possible extent. To achieve our vision we work in partnership with the community, assisting
individuals to make connections with relevant community resources such as local organizations like Family and
Children First.
Vision Statement: To assist job seekers to obtain and/or return to work and continue growth of currently employed individuals. The Job
Club program offers career preparation, peer and mentor networking opportunities with individual career guidance
and/or advice on training and education as well as outreach and/or speaking opportunities in the community to
educate businesses on how to promote an inclusive work environment.
**Follow us on Facebook at Madison County Job Club (Community Page)** For more information, contact Jenn Coleman, Community Inclusion Manager at 740-852-7050 x1845
PAGE 4 THE MADISON EXPRESS VOLUME 17, ISSUE 4
Special Olympics Hoops Recap
Tigers teams tear up basketball court It was a great year for Madison County basketball as all of the hoops teams enjoyed success. Leading the way was the Tigers Black team that finished third in the State in Division III. After dropping a 45-40 decision to eventual-champion Allen County in the semi-finals, the Tigers bounced back to beat the Pike County Tigers by a dozen — 45-33 — in the consolation game. The team members received bronze medals for their efforts. On the squad were (front row, left to right) Jacob Kuhn, Nick Dummitt, Shawn Stewart, Michael Elfrink, John Knapp (back), Bobby Higgins, Kody Price, John Zeeck, Paul Hiles, Jeff Horn, Waymond Harris, Coach Lincoln Comer. Chris Zeeck was the assistant coach. “This is a talented team,” said coach Lincoln Comer. “And there is no reason we can’t claw our way back to the finals next year.” John Zeeck led the team in points, rebounds and blocked shots. Waymond Harris led in assists, while Michael Elfrink had more steals than any of his teammates. The Tigers Blue team finished with a 8-4-1 record, and advanced as far as to the Division IV East Sectional Final. Led by head coach Billy Fuller and assistant Megan Long, The Blue Tigers were led on the court by Adam Campbell and Mike Ellis. Others on the team included Shawn Engle, Chris Fox, Kendra Fox Dominique Gonzalez, Michael Long, Garrett Moore, Grant Moore, Brandon North, Dawn O’Neil, Shaundra Sayre, Bruce Thompson, Mike Williams, and Marlyn Zeeck. For the second year in a row, Special Olympics had a team for school-age students as well. Called the JV Tigers, the squad once again exceeded expectations. Finishing 6-1, the JV squad won their league. They were coached by Paul Smith, who was assisted by Susan Thompson, Jessie Thompson, and Reid Gates. Grant Moore led the team in scoring at an amazing 29 points a game. In addition, he also had
almost 10 steals a game. Grant’s brother Garrett led in assists and rebounds. Bruce Thompson led his teammates in shots blocked. Members of the team included (front row, left to right) Aaron Callicoat, Landon Minor, Jacob Borders (back) coach Paul Smith, Garrett Moore, Grant Moore, Nick Brown, Bruce Thompson, Johnnie Burns, assistant coach Reid Gates. Also on the team, but not pictured Hunter Price, Hayden Thomas, and Logan Todd
PAGE 5 THE MADISON EXPRESS VOLUME 17, ISSUE 4
Area 6 Bowling Results April 2 — HP Lanes
First Place
Charlie Gildow, Nancy Manning,
Ginny Smalley, Keith Farris,
Willie Artis
Second Place
Shaundra Sayre, Mike Ellis,
Mike Williams, Brian Farris,
John Bunn, Kenny Banks
Third Place
Paul Hiles, Donna Blentlinger,
Jeff McCarty, Paula Manning
Fourth Place
Brian Goff, Rebecca Bell, Jeff
Horn, Teddy Busk, Sam Elliott
A Night of Laughs By Gretchen Peters
On April 6th many of our Tiger Athletes
had the opportunity to see the famous
Harlem Wizards perform. The Harlem
Wizards are a basketball team who travel
around to communities entertaining
crowds. This is the second year St. Patrick
School has hosted this fundraising event at
London High School. Pictured here a
Wizard player escorts a couple of
opponents to near where the majority of
the Tiger athletes were sitting.
MCR Helps Youth
The Youth Group at London’s First United Methodist Church recently had a canned food drive, drive by prayers, went ice skating, and prepared food for a potluck dinner. Madison County Ride provided the van for the group to use.
Madison County Board of DD Monthly Board Updates
By Brenda Fitch
The Regular Monthly Board meeting was held Thursday, March 24, 2016
at the Administrative office. Board members attending were, Diane
Miller-Ryan, Sue Mosier, Sandy Birchfield, David Ridenour, Mary Hopkins
and Ted Slanker.
Jim Canney advised the Board that he has committed the County Board to
$1,000.00 to Madison County Family Council for Community Needs
Assessments.
Diane Miller-Ryan indicated that regarding the Superintendent’s search it
has been narrowed down to three candidates and she will be contacting them
to set up a time for their second interview.
Chapter 11, Waiting List Policy was distributed to the Board for review
and it could be adopted by the Board at a later date.
Jim Canney advised the Board of his appreciation for receiving the
Dorothy Allison Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Board was reminded of the OACB Spring Conference that would be
taking place on May 12 – 13.
The next Regular Monthly Board Meeting of the Madison County Board
of DD will be held on Thursday, April 21, 2016 at the Administrative Office
