Celebrating Special Olympics

July 7, 2009

Special Olympics athletes from the Clermont County Board of MRDD were among the 4,000+ who attended the State Summer Games in Columbus June 26-29.  Athletes from across the state of Ohio participated in various events including Aquatics, Athletics (track/field events), Bowling, Cycling, Gymnastics, Power Lifting, Roller Skating, Soccer, Softball, and Volleyball.

Those from Clermont County MRDD receiving Gold medals in Individual Bowling were:  Dwayne Castle, Chris Gerth, Harvey Troxell, Jackie Foy, and Ellen Thompson.  Athletes receiving Silver medals were Bill Thompson and Misty Kincaid; those achieving Silver were Brian Dunkmann, Marco Huber, Gary Kasarcik, Denise Hendrickson, Melissa Doyle, Desziray Woessner, and Cathy Mooi.  Fourth place ribbons went to Rocky Arnett and Teresa Reilley.

Two athletes from the Thomas A. Wildey School attended the Games as well and participated in Track and Field events.  Ryan Chowning received a Gold medal in the Softball Throw and Bronze in the 100M Walk; Delbert Witt obtained two Fifth place ribbons in the Softball Throw and 100M Dash. 

Coaches and chaperones for the MRDD group were Joan Arthur, Rob Lorenzen, Suzanne Diesel, Polly Heater, Savannah Turner, Betty Lucas, Shelby Lucas, and Debbie Burwinkel.

Clermont County MRDD thanks the local Free and Accepted Masons, as well as local Knights of Columbus Councils for their generous donations.  Without their support, Clermont County athletes would not have the opportunity to participate in Ohio Special Olympics Games each year. 

A Meeting at the County Seat

June 25, 2009

In support of Special Olympics, James “Spudd” Sasak is causing a stir around the state of Ohio…around the perimeter at least.  During the month of June, Sasak has dedicated several weeks of his personal life to raise awareness about the relationship between Ohio Freemasons and Ohio Special Olympics.  Each year, Masons across the state raise countless dollars to pay for athlete fees, accommodations, and other expenses for those participating in Special Olympics.  Sasak felt moved by this and wanted to raise awareness by traveling the perimeter of Ohio on his bicycle, asking Masons and athletes to meet himon the steps of each county courthouse to pose for a picture and chat before riding to the next county.  His visit to Clermont County on June 11 was a quick one, as he was scheduled to be in Cincinnati by 6 p.m. that same day. 

“This is an incredible journey,” said Lisa Davis, Director of Community Relations for the Clermont County Board of MRDD.  “We hope Spudd makes this an annual event so we can plan a picnic in his honor next year.”

Upon leaving the Cuyahoga County Courthouse in Cleveland on June 1, Sasak had no idea Ohio had so many hills.  His spirit wasn’t damped by the rain he recently experienced, either.  On June 26, this extraordinary journey will be behind him, as he makes his way to the Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium in Columbus just in time for the opening ceremonies of the Ohio Special Olympics State Summer Games.  Sasak will not be alone; he will be in the company of more than 6,000 athletes and coaches who will welcome him home with smiles, hugs, and many thanks for a job well done.

Weather Can Be Fun…Who Knew? 

June 23, 2009

Did you know learning about forecasting the weather can be fun?  Adults had the opportunity to learn the answer to this question and more, when Local 12 Meteorologist John Gumm visited the Grissom Building on June 12.

Throughout his presentation, John engaged the audience, asked for volunteer participation and even did a few experiments.  What a great day it was!

MRDD Monthly Meeting

June 18, 2009

The Clermont County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (MRDD) will hold its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, June 25.   This meeting will take place at 6 p.m. the Thomas A. Wildey Center, located at 2040 US Highway 50, one mile west of Owensville.  Please call (513) 732-4921 for more information.

(Excerpt from Board Policy 209 – Regulation Governing Appearance before the Board of MRDD)

Any individual or group may address the Clermont County Board of MRDD concerning any subject that lies within the Board’s jurisdiction.  Questions are to be directed to the Board as a whole and may not be put to any individual member of the Board or the Administrative staff.

Anyone wishing to address the Board shall notify the Superintendent in writing at least seven (7) days in advance excluding Sundays and Holidays, and request to be placed on the Board agenda.  The President shall allocate the amount of time that can be used in the presentation of any subject presented to the Board.

Service with a Smile

June 17, 2009

One hundred teen volunteers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints visited the Clermont County MRDD program on June 12, to complete their yearly service project.  While at MRDD, these volunteers helped the Maintenance and Custodial Departments with several projects (washing windows, sanitizing equipment, mulching/weeding).  They also spent time with the Wildey Adult Services Program and enjoyed working with consumers on activities such as karaoke, open gym, and computers.  Many thanks to these dedicated teens!  Our appreciation also goes to the Maintenance and Custodial Staff, for organizing work groups for the day!

Amateur Photographers Recognized for Talents

May 4, 2009

Each year during MRDD Awareness Month, the Clermont County Board of MRDD hosts a Photo Contest and Exhibition.  In previous years, the photographs were taken in February, which causes some problems…lots of cold weather and snow can create beautiful pictures but makes it difficult to arrange transportation to various areas of the county.  It was decided a little more planning was needed to make this a worthwhile experience for everyone involved.

In October, 2008, ten individuals took several trips to Eastfork State Park and the Cincinnati Nature Center in order to capture the autumn moments on film.  A total of 41 pictures were taken using and Olympus digital camera.  The colorful leaves made a perfect backdrop and helped each photographer bring out the best in each picture.  The photos were then printed, framed during the winter months, and judged in March by Marsha Mundy of the Clermont Sun Newspaper in Batavia.  As a result of this planning, the photographers have decided to take part in next year’s photo contest and many more individuals have caught the “photo fever” as well. 

First Place—Ricky May of Williamsburg, Ohio:  Ricky has been part of the Clermont MRDD program for many years.  He has participated on enclaves and worked in community employment, and is currently enrolled in workshop services.  This is the third year Ricky has been part of the March Photo Contest, and his experience paid off by receiving a first-place ribbon.

Second Place—Bill Thompson of Milford, Ohio:  Bill began his career at MRDD as a teenager in 1982 and has been a resident of Clermont County since that time.  He participated in the MRDD Photo Contest as a way to get involved in extra-curricular activities outside of the sheltered workshop program and was pleased to receive second place.  Another of Bill’s photo was also recognized as “Most Original.”

Third Place—Martin Rains of Bethel, Ohio:  Marty is new to Clermont County MRDD, having entered the program in 2006.  This was his first photography experience, and he enjoyed the art of capturing the beautiful landscape using a digital camera.  Marty plans to participate in future photography contests.