Pictured: 1) Tonya Hitchens, Dir. Of Service and Supports Administration and Medicaid Services; Robbie Davis, Crystal Linkhorn, Tim Stclair, and Charity Rambo—members of the Guernsey Independent Stars; Phyliss Jeffries, Byesville Rotary Pres.
2) Tonya Hitchens, Dir. Of Service and Supports Administration and Medicaid Services; Patty Davis, Special Olympics participant; Phyliss Jeffries, Byesville Rotary Pres.; Yolando Christian, Special Olympics participant; Vivienne Barrows, Recreation Coordinator.
Readings: none for next week.
Activities: Bring a donation of syrup for the Bunny Breakfast.
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. In recognition of the challenges facing people with disabilities and their accomplishments in overcoming their disabilities, representatives from the Guernsey County Developmental Disabilities (DD) were invited to speak at the March Byesville Rotary meetings.
Robbie Davis, Crystal Linkhorn, Charity Rambo, and Tim St. Clair are all members of the Guernsey Independent Stars—a self advocacy group. Members of this group work with DD staff to set goals that lead to personal independence.
Charity Rambo told the Rotary, “If you have a disability, you can do anything you put your mind to.” She has put her mind to many things. As a result, she serves as vice president of the Independent Stars, works at Guernsey Industries, lives in a group home and participates in volunteer projects such as raking and bagging leaves at Jackson Park.
Crystal Linkhorn told Rotary that being blind, “…does not limit what you can do.” She serves as secretary for the Independent Stars, has a Facebook page, and is the spokesperson for DD Awareness Month. She demonstrated that technology can help. She owns a Netbook with sound that enables her to keep in touch with others via email.
Patty Davis and Yolando Christian talked to the Rotary about the Special Olympics. This program is open to anyone 8 years old and up who is eligible for DD services. Sports offered include competitive swimming which is offered August-December; basketball offered October-May; Bowling offered January –April, and track offered March-May.
The Guernsey County Special Olympics is accredited through Special Olympics Ohio. Athletes must be registered in order to compete. Vivienne Barrows, Recreation Coordinator and coach, said Guernsey County usually has about 15 athletes qualify for the Special Olympics. This program helps participants learn new skills and provides positive social and community interaction and support. Yolando said that she participates in “…track, walks every day and has lost 80 pounds.”
For more information about the Special Olympics program, call Kerrie Laferre, 740-439-4451.
The club’s next meeting will be 7:30 am, March 30, at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Anyone interested in learning more about the Byesville Rotary can call Membership Chairs Marty Patchen, 740-685-3828, or Larry Miller, 740-439-2767.
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