There was a fine mist in the air on Monday at Noon, but those of us who ventured out had a "fine" time at the new location for the Hocking County Developmental Disabilities offices.  We welcomed regular guest Russ Rittgers and new CFO for Hocking Valley Community Hospital, Lew Newberry.  Lew was supposed to be with us last week, but had a family emergency.  Nice to meet you, Lew!

After much discussion and finger-pointing BEFORE the meeting began, Mike McGreevy totally flubbed the prayer AGAIN today!!  Next week, we need to make sure to separate McGreevy and Steve Stirn!  Steve is a BAD INFLUENCE when it comes to prayers!

 

 

The small pot of $14 went to Doug Fisher today, but with no deck of cards available, he will have to take the first draw next week for he BIG POT of $170.  We love you, Doug, but we are all hoping for BAD LUCK!

 

 

Despite the location change, Larry Kienzel went to work fleecing all of us little lambs.  First up, of course, was Mike McGreevy for the prayer problem -- and Steve Stirn for causing it!  Next were the late fees -- Bob Lilley, Lee Ann Helber, Russ Rittgers, Doug Fisher, Jake Kill, and Damon Kuhn.  REALLLLLLYYYYY late fines went to Andy McGhee and John Smith, who were really just early for next week!

 

Reaching a bit far afield, Larry tapped Lucy Burcham from the Logan Daily for failing to identify Rotarians as such when publishing their pictures in the paper.  Dave Snipes also fell to Larry's disdain for his flub of the opening of the meeting.

 

Happy Bucks came from Bill Rinehart, who took time to encourage everyone to go on-line and complete the survey for the Business Incubator that is being considered.  This is important to the process to decide whether or not it is worthwhile to proceed.  Next came a buck from Doug Fisher to crow a bit about the previous Saturday's Walk/Run conducted at the Health Department.  They had a record turnout for the event.  Ben Hollinger tossed in a buck to remind everyone that March is Developmental Disabilities Month in Ohio.  On March 29, there will be a Spaghetti Dinner at Trinity United Methodist Church to raise funds for a "Sensory Room" to aid in rehab for autism patients.  Also, March 30 is the opening of an art exhibit at The Bowen House, comprised of items created in the "Can Do Creations" art program at the center.  Last, but not least, Jim Robinson donated a buck to recognize his son's 8th place finished at the previous weekend's State Track Meet.

 

 

REMEMBER!  April 2nd, Good Friday, is Rotary Family Fishing Day at Rose Lake in Hocking Hills State Park.  Damon will be arriving at 10am to set up, the fish are set to arrive around 12:30 and fishing will commence IMMEDIATELY!  Volunteers are needed to help kids with baiting hooks, getting fish off, and whatever.  Donations of snack items and small toys for give-aways are greatly needed.  At the request of President Dave, we all need to bring a small, unisex toy to next Monday's meeting for the event.  An interesting way of advertising is being utilized for this event -- President Dave said the elementary schools are showing a video on the event during their announcements in the morning!  GREAT JOB!!

 

Also -- next Monday is SYRUP DAY!!!!!  Bring your bottle of syrup for the Pancake Feast!  I can guarantee a big fine if you show up without one!  Don't be the one to pay up!

 

April 12, 3 weeks away, is our first Highway Clean Up for the year.  This first one is always the hardest, since we are picking up a whole winter's worth of roadside trash.  We need a minimum of 16 Rotarians to do it "right", so please mark your calendars for this event.  The more people that show up, the lighter the work!  Of course, pizza and libations follow immediately at Pizza Crossing!  It's a great time for all!

 

President Dave also announced that he has a potential program from Dennis Heebink and the Washboard Festival if you need a program between now and early June.  Call Dave if you need a program.

 

 

Rotary member Ben Hollinger was very proud to take us all on a tour of the new HCDD facility, located in the old Green Elementary School.

 

Ben was quick to point out that the generosity of the Logan-Hocking School Board and the recently passed tax levy made the purchase, renovation and expansion of the HCDD program possible.  Before they moved in, renovations were needed in the restrooms, the removal of walls in the sheltered workshop area and the installation of an overhead door for forklift operations was completed, drainage work at the back of the old school and some modifications in the Habilitation Area were all that was necessary to get the space ready.

 

Thanks to the increase in space, Ben also stated that by the end of 2010, they will be able to accommodate all of the individuals on the waiting list for HCDD program services!  How wonderful that all those in need will have their needs addressed here in our community!

 

We started with a visit to the sheltered workshop.  Approximately 50 individuals are employed in the workshop, and they work at a variety of jobs.  Currently, they work at packaging folders and colored tabs for Smead and also packaging products for Cintas Uniform company.  The area was spacious and well organized for the functions necessary.

 

We moved on up the hall, passing the Clinic space.  The program shares a full time nurse with Perry County.  Also housed in the Clinic area are the files and materials for the Special Olympics program.

 

Moving on we passed the cafeteria area.  All individuals that attend the program at HCDD bring their own lunches.  This gives them refrigerator space for storage of lunches and drinks and a dedicated space to enjoy eating it with their peers.

 

We then entered the Habilitation Area where they work with individuals with specialized needs.  The increased space makes it easier to work with individuals in wheelchairs.  As a change from the previous space, they were able to incorporate a changing area and restroom where individuals who need personal care can be attended to without leaving the space.

 

We passed the Employment Connection office where they work to place individuals in jobs in our community.  This is a service that serves Perry and Hocking County and also part of Fairfield County.

 

We then took a peak at the Can Do Creations work area.  They program is exploring different art projects that may be marketable in our community.  When art is sold, 75% goes to the artist and 25% goes back to the program for supplies.  We were all impressed with the paintings on display, as well as the note cards and painted starts that are offered for sale.

 

Our last stop was the old gymnasium.  Part of this area is fenced off, and Ben is working hard to complete a new money-making and job training area -- a shredding operation!  He outlined some of the renovations needed to accommodate state, federal and HIPPA requirements so that they are ready to handle all types of materials.  It looks really interesting, and is a business that we currently do not have in our county.  This is a WIN-WIN-WIN program!  Way to go, Ben!  In addition, they will be using the rest of the gym area for summer programs, Special Olympics projects and they are even planning a Movie Night, so kids who generally can't sit still for long periods of time can still enjoy the movie experience.

 

All in all, Ben really showed us how well they are utilizing this new location.  If you weren't with us for the tour, you really missed a great opportunity to see how community resources can truly be utilized to their fullest potential.