November 2010 • Volume 17, Issue 5

Expressions
November 2010
Volume 17, Issue 5
Making the difference in meeting lifelong needs
Portage County Board of
Developmental Disabilities
Dennis M. Coble
Administration Building
2606 Brady Lake Rd.
Ravenna, OH 44266-1657
•
w w w.pcbmrdd.org
Superintendent’s Office:
330-297-7261
Board Office:
330-297-6209
Fax: 330-297-1202
Website: www.pcbmrdd.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
PCBDD does not discriminate in
provision of services or employment
because of handicap, race, color,
creed, national origin, sex or age.
The Board at its October meeting recognized and expressed sincere appreciation to Tom
Wirth for his continuing support and generous donation of time in the promotion of the
Board. Back row from left to right: Phil Lehman, brother -in-law; Kathy Lehman, sister;
Jeannie Schmidlin, Board member. Front row: Tom Wirth and his mother, Barbara Wirth.
Portage County Board Ambassador
Recognized for Service and Commitment
Tom Wirth has been a participant in County Board services for more than 47 years. He was 16 when
he first came to Happy Day School and started receiving county Board services.
Tom has been an Ambassador for Board services ever since he first began. He has walked in parades
with Board employees both in Ravenna and in Kent. He has worked at the Balloon Affair passing out
information about the levy or general information about the services that are provided by the Board.
Tom has worked at the KSU bus garage, Chicken Manor for 17 years, before closing, and currently
Portage Industries. Tom has lived independently, in a congregate living setting and now in a nursing
facility.
Tom’s mom tells the story of a time when he was working at Happy Day School. A machine the
consumers used had broken. They called in a man to fix it and he couldn’t. Tom said, “I fix” and he did and
the machine worked just fine after that. Tom’s mom was also an employee of the Board
for 13 years, working at Happy Day School.
We would like to thank Tom for his role as an Ambassador for the
Board, for his big heart and his perseverance.
Thanks Tom!
Macke’s
Message
www.pcbmrdd.org • November 2010 • Volume 17, Issue 5
On Tuesday, November 2nd
the citizens of Portage County
continued their long history of
support for services to persons
with developmental disabilities by
approving Issue 9, our 1.8 mill,
five-year levy renewal with a yes
vote of over 65%! Although our
issue was a renewal, in today’s
climate its passage was in no way
taken for granted. There are many,
many people to thank for such a
positive outcome.
First and foremost are the voters of Portage County who have
consistently demonstrated through positive levy outcomes that
they want comprehensive services for persons with developmental
disabilities to be available in this county and that they are willing to
commit their hard-earned dollars for such support. To all of our 31,837
‘yes’ voters, a gracious thank-you!
A successful levy campaign has to be well-organized and run
by a small group of committed volunteers. This year’s “core” levy
committee included Marco Condos, Diane Cotton, Jim Critell,
Miriam Holden, Gail McAlister, Phil Miller, Barb Moledor, Bev
Puleo, Jennifer Weaver and Bill Whitacre, Board members
Tom Cochran and Ralph Kletzien, and myself. We were most
fortunate to have Laing and Saundra Kennedy serve as honorary
levy chairpersons. The levy committee organized and coordinated
all the activities that occurred during the campaign – ordering
and distributing yard signs, billboard signs, newspaper and radio
advertisements, speaking engagements, and letters to the editors to
name a few. A most sincere thank you to each of you and in particular
to Laing for recording our levy message which aired on WNIR.
Special thanks to Portage Industries, Inc. which donated over $10,000
to the Citizens’ Committee for Developmental Disabilities.
I also want to express sincere thanks to the many persons who
wrote letters of support, many of which were published in the RecordCourier. These include: Anna Barrett, Nelson Burns, Barb
& Dennis Coble, Amy Decker, Camille & Jeff Pavlicek-Fauser,
Mark Frisone, Shari & Kevin Gallagher, Frank Hairston, Cheri
A Most Sincere Thank You!
& John Michael, Nancy Schauer and Barb Trocheck. A special
thanks to Mark Frisone, Executive Director of Family & Community
Services for the strong endorsement published in their newsletter and
to Linda Hodgen who distributed over 400 levy flyers through her
church group.
In addition to all of the levy advertising that we did, most of our
support, I believe, is generated through word-of-mouth by parents
and guardians of individuals receiving services and staff from Happy
Day School, Portage Industries, the Transportation Department,
the Maintenance Department, Portage Physical Therapists, Coble
Administration Building, and our community agencies and partners
such as United Disability Services, Family & Community
Services, Coleman Professional Services, Independence, Inc.,
Leeda Northeast, Inc., Hiram Farm, PARTA, Hattie Larlham,
The Arc of Summit & Portage Counties, & Goodwill Industries,
Parents and staff were relentless in soliciting support from family
members, relatives, neighbors, and places where they do business.
I want to express my most sincere thanks to all our staff and parents
and families.
In the end, I think we achieved the outcome we did because
people in this community know that the services and supports
provided by Board staff or funded by the Board have a most positive
impact on the lives of persons with developmental disabilities and that
we have been prudent stewards of the tax resources that have been
entrusted to us. They should expect no less of us. On behalf of the
members of the Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities
and myself, let me thank all of you for your commitment and support.
November 2nd’s outcome ensures that resources to meet the needs of
the persons we serve are here “for them…today… tomorrow…across
the lifespan”!
Most respectfully and may you have a safe and enjoyable
holiday season!
Pat
Got a question or topic for future issues,
drop me an e-mail at: patm@portagedd.org
Have a safe, happy holiday and a peaceful new year!
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Portage Industries
Annual Picnic
Expressions
2010 Special Olympics
Summer Games Results
Volleyball
Jerry Dowling
Third Place Division 2 Age group 16-21
Volleyball
Submitted by:
Bill Whitacre, Director
of Adult Services
On September 10,
2010, Portage Industries
held its annual company
picnic. The day started with several activities
being held in and around the new pavilion area.
One of the best moments of the day occurred
when an impromptu football game broke out in
the open field next to the pavilion. At times, there
were as many as 16 individuals involved in the
game. Numerous games of skill and chance were
set up for people to take their chances at winning
a prize. We learned that several people are good cornhole players and others
can putt a golf ball very well. After the morning session of games and other activities
everyone took a break for lunch. A picnic style lunch was catered for all consumers,
staff and other volunteers who helped make this day happen.
During the afternoon,individuals could choose to participate in smaller activities
with their groups, watch a movie or the favorite - go to the dance! The dance was
held in the pavilion with a D.J. playing today’s favorite music as well as special
requests from the audience. A great number of people helped to make this day
successful. I would like to personally thank all of the people that helped in planning
and coordinating this event. A special thank you also goes out to the numerous
volunteers that worked on the day of the picnic to help it run as smoothly as possible.
VIP Soccer Program
The Twinsburg AYSO VIP Soccer program is for boys and girls age 5-15 from all
surrounding areas (not just Twinsburg). The seven-week winter indoor soccer
season will begin on February 26 and run through April 9 and will be held every
Saturday morning at Pinnacle Sports (formerly the Edge) in Twinsburg. Each one-hour
session is divided between practice and games.
Deadline to register is December 1, 2010. If you have any questions, are
interested in getting your child involved or would like to volunteer with the Twinsburg
AYSO VIP Soccer program, you can contact coordinator Scotte Rorabaugh at (330)
688-9593 or scotte@noga.org or get more information at www.twinsburgsoccer.com.
Ben Salvo, Kevin Garliz, Scott DeGroff, Chris Dejanovitz, Logan Cox
Third Place Division 2 Age Group 22-end
Bocce/Doubles
Jim Folan
Carly Domres
Jean Allen
Deanna Baldwin
Bocce/Team
Jim Folan
Deanna Baldwin
Bocce
Carly Domres
Jean Allen Deanna Baldwin
Fourth Place Division 4 Age Group 22-end
Second Place Division 4 Age Group 16-21
Fourth Place Division 04 Age Group 22-end
Second Place Division 4 Age Group 16-21
First Place Division 1 Age Group 22-end
First Place Division 01 Age Group 16-21
First Place Division 01 Age Group 16-21
First Place Division 01 Age Group 22-end
First Place Division 1 Age Group 16-21
Soccer
Lorena Gouvas, Adam Moss, Craig Hughes
Fourth Place Division 2 Age Group 16-21
Bowling/Singles
Destry Harper
Christina Miller
Second Place Division B41 Age Group 30-end
Fourth Place Division B27 Age Group 30-end
Powerlifting
Michael Hegsted
Second Place Division 12 Age Group 22-end
Combination Bench & Dead Lift
Third Place Division 12 Age Group 22-end Bench Press
Third Place Division 12 Age Group 22-end Dead Lift
Jennifer Rogers
First Place Division 2 Age Group 22-end Combination Bench & Dead Lift
Second Place Division 2 Age Group 22-end Bench Press
First Place Division 2 Age Group 22-end Dead Lift
Martin Zacharias
Fourth Place Division 10 Age Group 22-end Combination Bench & Dead Lift
Fourth Place Division 10 Age Group 22-end Bench Press
Fourth Place Division 10 Age Group 22-end Dead Lift
Track & Field
Ashley Moore
First Place Division 07 Age Group 12-15 50 M Run (Dash)
First Place Division 011 Age Group 12-15 Softball Throw
Christine Motz
Third Place Division 01 Age Group 16-21 800 M Walk
First Place Division 01 Age Group 16-21 400 M Walk
Michelle Reed
Third Place Division 21 Age Group 30-end 50 M Run
Kathy Wagar
Second Place Division 01 Age Group 30-end 400 M Walk
Second Place Division 01 Age Group 30-end 800 M Walk
Maria Bednarik
Third Place Division 04 Age Group 22-20 Shotput
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www.pcbmrdd.org • November 2010 • Volume 17, Issue 5
PCBDD Staff Recognition 2010
The 2010 PCBDD Staff Recognition was held at the Ravenna Elks Club on October 22, 2010. Staff were recognized for their
years of service and dedication to the PCBDD. Retirees, new staff, and staff with attendance awards were recognized.
Retirement
William Brauning
Karen Dedinsky
Diane Gray
Lorraine Herbert
Karen LeMon
Linda Mitchen
Judith Norman
Anna Rankin
Linda Reese
Jim Rock
Marsha Stidd
Diane Gray
William
Brauning
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Service & Support Administrator
Language Development Specialist
Vehicle Operator
Instructor Assistant
Instructor Assistant
Account Clerk I
Account Clerk I
Instructor Assistant
Account Clerk I
Assistant Superintendent/
Director Residential Services
Personal Service Assistant
New Employees
Melissa Capple
Katherine Christy
Jack Foster
Betsey Heisler
Lori Johnson
Tandi Knepper
Robinette McCormick
Joan Monroe
Lisa Robinette
Laura Snyder
Heather Stutzman
Kimberly Sumwalt
James Tackett
John Vennetti
Patricia Wade
Service & Support Administrator
Vehicle Operator Aide
Medicaid Services Manager
Language Development Specialist
Service & Support Administrator
Account Clerk I Part time
Service & Support Administrator
Vehicle Operator Aide
Vehicle Operator Aide
Vehicle Operator Aide
Vehicle Operator
Investigative Agent
Vehicle Operator Aide
Service & Support Administrator
Personal Service Assistant
Sandy Carter was recognized by the Board for her
contributions to the health and safety of the consumers
in a recent emergency. Others recognized at the October
Board meeting, although they were unable to attend were
consumers Brandon Boyett, Michael Duke and Christina
Miller for their teamwork in assisting Sandy. Pictured
left to right, Jeanne Schmidlin, Board Vice President,
recognized Vehicle Operater, Sandra Carter and
Jennifer Weaver, Supervisor Transportation Services.
Anna Rankin
Expressions
Congratulations and Thank You to all Recognized!
Five Years Service
Sandra Carter
Christina Gerhardstein
Karen Kager
Rachel Meadows
Angela Wirick
Ten Years Service
David Colgrove
Karen Frankland
Lori Murphy
Sheila Perkins
Melissa Wright
Vehicle Operator
Service & Support Administrator
Registered Service Assistant
Account Clerk I
Service & Support Administrator
Service & Support Administrator
Account Clerk II
Adult Services Instructor Specialist
Personal Service Assistant
Registered Service Specialist
Fifteen Years Service
Diane Cotton
Ann Geiger-Smith
Beth Gregg
Patricia Justice
Eileen Stidd
Patricia Uyek
Marsha Stidd
Brenda Tousley Director of Business Management
Account Clerk II
Registered Service Specialist
Registered Service Assistant
Registered Service Assistant
Adult Services Instructor Specialist
Personal Service Assistant
School Psychologist
Twenty Years Service
Carroll Brode
Leslie Buchanan
Eric Ferguson
Diana Harrod
Linda Juranty
Beverly Puleo
Kathleen Rhoads
Susan Ricciardi
Service & Support Administrator
Registered Service Specialist
Custodian
Physical Development Specialist
Registered Service Specialist
Assistant to the Superintendent
Instructor Assistant
Registered Service Specialist
Twenty-Five
Years Service
Carol Bennett
Brenda Hamrick
Vehicle Operator
Custodian
Thirty Years Service
JoAnne Futo
Account Clerk II
Attendance Awards
Attendance Award Recipients pictured from
left to right. Front row: Ron Overberger,
Lorita Michael, Cyndi Porter. Back row: Rose
Wilson, Les Haney, Sandy Carlton-Eastep,
Diana Harrod, and Sandra Osdyke.
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www.pcbmrdd.org • November 2010 • Volume 17, Issue 5
Announcing JR POWERcorps
The POWERcorps team is very proud to
announce the addition of JR POWERcorps. This
program will be for participants ages 14-22 and
eligible for service from the Portage County Board
of Developmental Disabilities. POWERcorps
will be providing recreational, leisure, and social
activities on the weekends. The program will also
be adding a nutrition and fitness component.
In order to participate with the JR POWERcorps program, a registration form, an emergency
medical form, and a signed rules form must be
turned into the POWERcorps office. The
POWERcorps team sends out a calendar monthly
with events the participants can attend. Any
participant that needs assistance in the restroom
or with medication will need to have a parent or
staff at the events.
Some upcoming events will be a cooking
class, POWERcorps Idol, a holiday party, and a
Cavs game.
If you have any questions, would like a
calendar mailed to you or need more information,
please call the POWERcorps office at
330-297-0078. You can also check out the
website at www.powercorps.net.
Happy Day School’s
Annual Fall Festival
Bring out the farmers, the princesses and the
pirates for a festive party and dance!
Once again, the annual fall festival held on
October 28, was enjoyed by all classes- there was
floating paper,
coloring
activities, games, music and of course ghoulish
snacks of a healthy nature!
OT/PT created a “sensory” experience in Room
6 which included noises, lights, switches and “touch”
experiences of brains, eyeballs and gooey things!
Thank you to all for such a wonderful experience
for the students!
Silent Auction, Craft Show a Huge Success
Once again, the Silent Auction and newly added Craft Show was a
huge success with hard work and many wonderful donations! We raised
approximately $4,300.00 which will be used towards our levy campaign
in the upcoming years. Having it during the day and early in the season
brought out many shoppers for both vendors and silent auction alike. A
big “thank you” goes out to Parent Council for sponsoring the event and
assisting in making it a success!
Showing off items from the silent auction tables are left to right,
Zachary, Riley, Ryan and Neelisha.
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Expressions
Angie Nutter
Mark Your Calendar!
Holiday Shop
The holiday season is coming and Holiday Shop
sponsored by Parent Council will be held at Happy Day
School on December 7 and 9, and at Portage Industries
on December 10 from 9 a.m. –2 p.m. All gifts cost $1.00
each and are for students/clients to shop for themselves
or their families.
Josh Horner
Homecoming Dance Highlights
Rober
ta Ebi
e
Basketball Shooting Contest
Friday, September 17, 2010 was the Homecoming dance for everyone who is
served by the the Portage County Board of DD. The hall was decorated with Fall
decorations including pumpkins. It was ‘standing room’ only, with consumers from
Portage Industries, Happy Day School, Hattie Larlham and the community.
The Ladies were adorable in their dresses and the gentlemen very handsome.
Josh Horner was crowned King and Angie Nutter the Queen. Susan Miller, a RSS
from Portage Industries made the delicious cakes which were decorated in fall colors.
There were volunteers from KSU, PowerCorps, providers and parents. Plenty of
snacks and dancing to the music of “DJ Mike”.
The next dance, will be Friday, December 10th, 2010 at Happy Day School from
7:00 p.m until 9:00 p.m. The theme will be “Winter Wonderland”. Dances are open
to individuals served by the Board ages 14 and up. Anyone between the ages of
14 – 18 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or chaperone that remains with
that individual at all times.
The 34th Annual Special Population Basketball
Shooting contest will be held on Saturday, January 15,
2011 at Happy Day School from 11:15 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
In case of bad weather, please listen to WNIR 100.1 FM
for cancellation. The make up date would be the following Saturday, January 22, 2011. Any questions, please
contact Linda Fiorentino at 330-296-2839 ext 3150.
Emergency Weather
Announcement Information
The same procedures will be followed as last year and will
follow Plan A, Plan B or Closed. Emergency weather announcements can be heard and seen on the following:
Television Stations
WKYC-TV • Channel 3 • www.wkyc.com
WEWS-TV • Channel 5 • www.newsnet5.com
WJW-TV • Channel 8 • www.myfoxcleveland.com
(closed only)
WOIO-TV • Channel 19 • www.woio.com
WUAB-TV • Channel 43 • www.my43.net
WVIZ/PBS ideastream • Channel 25
Judy Ov
Mary Lusher
erton
Kelly
Cochran
Gerald
Rogers
and Judy
Morris
Radio Stations
WNIR • Talk of Akron • 100.1FM
WTAM • News Radio • 1100AM • www.wtam.com
WMVX • Mix • 106.5FM
WMJI • Magic • 105.7FM
WGAR • My Country • 99.5FM
Waks • kISS • 96.5FM
Wmms • The Buzzard • 100.7fm
Whlo • 640am
Wkdd • 98.1fm
Radio free ohio • 1350am
Wcrf • 103.3fm
Wcpn • 90.3FM
Wclv • 104.9fm
Other
WeatherPlus Time Warner Digital 372
WOW Channel 372 & Comcast
Michael
Kinford
Closing procedures are now available on the
website at www.pcbmrdd.org.
7
2606 Brady Lake Road
Ravenna, OH 44266-1657
November/December 2010/January 2011
November 25 – 26, 2010
Thanksgiving Break
Programs Closed
November 29, 2010Programs Resume
December 3, 2010
In-service 240 Day Staff
Portage Industries Closed
December 15, 2010
Board Meeting
Dennis M. Coble Administration Building
5:30 p.m.
December 24, 2010 – January 2, 2011 Winter Break Programs Closed
January 3, 2011Programs Resume
January 17, 2011
MLK Day
Programs Closed
January 18, 2011Programs Resume
January 19, 2011
Board Meeting
5:30 p.m.
Dennis M. Coble Administration Building
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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