1. Commissioners appoint two new members to the Board of DD; reappoint Linnie Willis
Lucas County Commissioners have reappointed Linnie Willis to another four-year term on the Lucas County Board of DD. Ms. Willis has been serving as the Board’s Recording Secretary.
The Commissioners also appointed two new members to the Board. Both individuals will bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and commitment to the Board.
Nathan Turner will fill the unexpired term of Scott Noonan who resigned earlier this year. His appointment is immediate and will expire in December 2021. Mr. Turner is currently the president of the self-advocacy group SALUTE. He has a history of self-advocacy that dates back to 2005 when he was appointed to the Toledo Mayor’s Commission on Disabilities. He is a past recipient of the Presidential Freedom Scholarship and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Wright State University in Political Science and International Studies. He is currently employed as a Senior Internet Assessor/ Web Quality Rater.
Cheryl Tyler Folsom will begin her membership on the Board of DD in January. She is well-known in the Toledo area for her volunteering and community activism. Her involvement with community organizations include the Board of Community Relations, where she served as vice-president; EOPA, where she served as secretary; the United Way, and the Coalition of Black Trade Unions, where she currently is president. Among the organizations where she has volunteered are the Girl Scouts, YMCA, Junior League, and the Lucas County Democratic Party Executive Board. Her professional experience includes Staff Representative for AFSCME Council 8 and Eligibility Specialist for Lucas County Job and Family Services. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Education from The Ohio State University.
2. Richard Jackson is named new Business Manager for the Board of DD
We welcome Richard Jackson as our new Director of Business Operations. Richard will be a great asset to the Board as he brings with him over 18 years’ experience in the Finance sector. His experience includes over seven years in management and supervisory experience.
Richard comes to us from the City of Toledo where he has most recently served as the Commissioner of the Division of Treasury. In that capacity he provided direct leadership for the team responsible for collecting fees, assessment, and the cash management for over 30 municipal departments.
Richard also served as Commissioner of the Division of Purchases and Supplies and of the Division of Accounts where he led the City of Toledo in achieving the Ohio Auditor’s Award with Distinction for two consecutive years.
3. Clearing the sidewalk is very important for people with disabilities
The Ability Center has recently created a snow removal fact sheet and blog post highlighting the importance for individuals with disabilities.
4. Arc of Ohio is seeking your input on new survey
The Arc of Ohio would like you input in a new behavior support assessment survey for persons with Intellectual and developmental disabilities. Results of the survey will help Arc determine the need for services across Ohio. Take the survey.
5. New Facebook group is for discussion of developmental disabilities issues
A new group on Facebook has started where Lucas County families and professionals can discuss issues, concerns, and questions about dd services. Find the new group and join at https://www.facebook.com/groups/dddiscussion/
6. Donation Drive scheduled for Wednesday, December 9
The Lucas County Board of DD will be conducting a donation drive on Wednesday, December 9, to collect non-perishable food items, cleaning items, and person care materials. The drop off location will be the the Administration Building at 1154 Larc Lane. Drop off boxes will be at the main entrance. Click here to read the flyer.
7. Aging Gracefully newsletter for December
Click here to read the newsletter.
8. Special Olympics/Recreation Calendar for week of December 7
9. New podcast focuses on recruiting DSP's
The newest installment in the Board's series of podcasts focuses on the recruitment of Direct Service Professionals and the work of the Employee Resource Network. To listen click here.
10. Special Olympics Ohio Athlete Art Showing and Auction
Special Olympics Ohio athletes have created unique, personal artwork expressing “what Special Olympics Ohio means to them.” This artwork is currently privately on display at Sarah Gormley Gallery in the Short North. The artwork will be professionally photographed and sold at an online auction that will open on Wednesday, December 9 at 8am EST.
One of the works to be auctioned is by Lucas County athlete Cassandra Wilson.
Anyone can view and bid on artwork, but be sure to act fast because the auction site will remain open for less than 48 hours. Sales will close at 8pm EST on Thursday, December 10. Artwork will be available for preview starting Monday, December 7 at https://soohart.givesmart.com, and bidding opens later in the week at 8am on December 9.
Special Olympics Ohio athletes from all over the state have worked hard over the last month to get their artwork showcased in this auction. Nearly 500 canvases were distributed throughout Ohio and 31 of them have made it to this state auction. The goal of this auction is to not only raise funds for Special Olympics Ohio, its athletes, and its programming, but also to raise awareness and showcase the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities (ID).
11. Worth Repeating
"Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose." -Lyndon B. Johnson