Maumee Valley Civitan sponsoring another inclusionary event with the Village Players

Get your tickets now for another inclusive entertainment event with the Village Players. Following on the heels of a very successful inclusive evening with the Village Players last year, Maumee Valley Civitan is again "buying out the house" for another entertaining event. Civitan will be giving 100 tickets to the mr/dd community for the performance on Sunday afternoon, May 18, of "Don't Dress for Dinner," a play described as "a recipe for hilarious confusion with more twists than a corkscrew!" The performance will be at the Village Players Theater on Upton Avenue. To make this a truly inclusive community event, Civitan will sell the remaining seats for $18 each. Everyone attending is invited to a reception preceding the show. To purchase tickets send an e-mail to maumeevalleycivitan@gmail.com or call Mary Pat Riker at 419-380-4049. To see photos from last year's event, visit maumeevalleycivitan.org Sponsors for this event include NBC24, Kroger, TRIAD and Maumee Valley Civitan.

Dr. William Wolfe takes the Oath of Office as new Board member

Lucas County Probate Judge Jack Puffenberger administers the Oath of Office to Dr. William Wolfe, who becomes the newest member of the Lucas County Board of MR/DD. Dr. Wolfe is a former Assistant Professor in the U.T. College of Education. He has also served on the boards of Project SEARCH, Project SCOUT, and the Ability Center of Greater Toledo. He is the parent of an adult daughter with developmental disabilities. Dr. Wolfe fills the seat left empty with the recent resignation of Mark Jacoby.

Christina Cortez recognized as Staff Person of the Month

Chris Cortez, Travel Trainer in the Transportation Department, is similar to the Energizer Bunny.. . she keeps going and going and going. Chris is dedicated to training and making recommendations for the safest, least restrictive, and most appropriate form of transportation, based on each passenger’s particular needs and skill level. The world of community travel demands a great deal of flexibility. It is not unusual for Chris’ day to begin at 5:30 a.m. and stretch through the evening hours. Chris makes herself available to passengers and their families 24 hours a day/7 days a week to answer questions, schedule additional follow-up training and to ensure that everything is going well. One day you might see Chris teaching someone how to take TARTA to a site in the community for volunteer work, and the next day Chris may be riding a TARPS vehicle to assist a passenger riding to an art class. The Board is honored to recognize her as the April 2008 Staff Person of the Month.

Board passes resolution opposing Ohio House Bill 480

In a unanimous vote, the Lucas County Board of MR/DD approved a resolution opposing Ohio House Bill 480. The legislation would allow cities and townships that are current members the right to withdraw unilaterally from TARTA. Should a community leave TARTA, bus service, para-transit service and Call-a-Ride service would be discontinued. “That would deny many people transportation to jobs, medical appointments and other necessities of life,” TARTA General Manager Jim Gee told the Board. He also said that House Bill 480 has the potential to create cutbacks in service in communities that remain members. 

Self-Advocates from Lucas County attend special event at the Statehouse

Self-advocates from Lucas County pose with John Martin, Director of the Ohio Department of MR/DD, at a rally in the Statehouse to mark the kick-off for Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (MRDD) Awareness Month. “When Doors Open, We Succeed,” the statewide theme for this year’s MRDD Awareness Month activities, encourages people to welcome individuals with disabilities as equal partners in their communities.

The celebration of MRDD Awareness Month offers a statewide opportunity to encourage people to gain a better understanding of the nearly 80,000 individuals who are served in Ohio. 

State legislators tour EduCare Center and the Lott Industries facility
on Hill Avenue

(from left) State Senator Teresa Fedor, State Representative Barbara Sears, State Senator Rick Wagoner and Board of MR/DD member Dr. Libby Ruppert at a recent visit to the EduCare Center. the EduCare Center houses the Early Intervention Program and the Prescribed Pediatrics Unit.

Self-Advocate of the Year honors are presented to Kelly and Mark Stephenson

Many people might say that Kelly and Mark Stephenson are defying the odds. But this happy couple is proud to show off their impeccable home, talk about success on their jobs, and discuss their hobbies and volunteer work at their church. Kelly and Mark have been married for two years. Mark has been employed at the Reynolds Road Animal Clinic for 11 years. Kelly, for the past two years, has been part of the Lott Industries enclave and Calphalon. Service and Support Specialist Pamela Snyder says Mark and Kelly utilize natural supports for some things, but for the most part, they are living independently. Theirs is a story of dreams, commitment, love, a supporting family infrastructure, and an inclusive community. Our best wishes and hearty congratulations to Kelly and Mark Stephenson, the 2007 Self-Advocates of the Year.

Annual Spirit Award is presented to Don Horton

The annual Spirit Award presented by the Lucas County Board of MR/DD recognizes a lifetime of dedication to improving the lives of individuals with mr/dd. This involvement and leadership of this year’s recipient, Don Horton, have helped create and sustain a program of services and supports that is considered one of the best in the state. Don and his wife Nancy have a long, long history of advocacy as members of the Arc of Lucas County — or as it was called in the early days, LARC. Whether it was volunteering for the Bike Hike or the Gift Wrap or serving as an officer, Don Horton has never said no. And who could challenge Don’s dedication and commitment to Camp Courageous. Through the decades his thumb-print could be found on scores of building and repair projects. Don has been a mainstay of the Lott Parents’ Group, often serving as its president. Additionally, Don has volunteered countless hours to help promote past Lucas County Board levies and has served as Treasurer of the Levy Committee. On behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities, The Board wishes to thanks Don for his lifetime of service with the 2007 Spirit Award.

Board approves 2008 Action Plan

The Board's 2008 Action Plan (click here to read) continues the commitment to serving children and adults, accessing other sources of revenue, strengthening partnerships and supporting self advocacy.

Board meets requirements for five-year accreditation

Board member Mary Lou Wilhelm honored by Arc of Lucas County

The Arc of Lucas County presented its prestigious “Dedicated Service” award to Mary Lou Wilhelm, Recording Secretary of the Lucas County Board of MR/DD. Mrs. Wilhelm’s volunteer efforts date back more than 40 years to the Mothers’ Club at Larc Lane School, where she held most of the offices and chaired many of the fundraising events. Volunteer efforts have also extended to recreation activities and Special Olympics. She recently began her ninth year as a member of the Board of MR/DD, serving as the liaison to the Quality Assurance Department.

Also recognized by Arc were Board staff member Christina Wertz for her “oustanding service” to Special Olympics. Former staff member Mike Erskine was also honored for his “personal commitment” to individuals with developmental disabilities.