Byesville Rotary learns about BEST program

Pictured: Colleen Smith, Instructor BEST program, and Shana Fair, Byesville Rotary President.

 

Colleen Smith, instructor for the BEST program, explained to Byesville Rotary that the Business Employability Skills Training program is designed to teach Guernsey County Developmental Disability clients the skills needed in the workplace. Smith pointed out that skills are taught both in a classroom setting as well on the job in real-life situations.

Smith stated that all the lessons taught in the classroom would skills that would be used on the job and in independent living situations. .Classroom lessons are designed to help DD clients be successful once they leave the DD program. These lessons included basic business office competencies such as telephone etiquette and basic computer skills, how to search for a job and fill out job applicants, and interview skills. Students spend 3 days a week in the classroom.

Smith stated that currently the BEST program serves a total of 16 clients. In order to apply to the program, parents and potential students must see a councilor first. Smith explained that students are evaluated on the ability to develop positive relations with other workers, their over-all behavior on the job, their attendance and their grades. The program lasts 2 years and provides 3 levels of certification based on the student’s grades and attendance.

Smith reported that hands-on work experience is provided in partnership with local businesses which include South East Med, Guernsey County Senior Citizen Center, the YMCA, and Goodwill. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, BEST students begin applying the work skills they are learning in a real-life job setting. At the hospital the students work at the front desk, deliver mail and specimens, locate patient rooms, and help check-in and dismiss patients. They can also work in materials management the dietary department, housekeeping or outpatient registration.

At the Senior Center, students help prepare the 450 meals the Senor Center delivers daily, and they work in housekeeping at the YMCA. At Good will, the students help sort and grade donated items.

Connect with Byesville Rotary at: www.Byesvillerotary.blogspot.com or https://www.facebook.com/pages/Byesville-Rotary/256548047818283. The club meets 7:30 am, Tuesday at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Walk-ins are welcome at the club’s meeting.

Meadowbrook Interact Club holds “Purple Pinkie” fundraiser

Meadowbrook Interact Club holds “Purple Pinkie” fundraiser to support Rotary’s effort to eliminate polio. Meadowbrook student Nate Snyder and Interact member Kaitlynn McConahay staff “Purple Pinkie” table during lunch period at Meadowbrook. Students making a donation will have a finger painted purple in imitation of the children receiving the polio vaccine have a finger stained purple to indicate they have been immunized.

Byesville Rotary plans spring activities

 

Spring will be busy for the Byesville club. Club committee Chairs reported on 4 projects to be held this spring.

On Saturday, March 19, Byesville Rotarians will welcome the Easter Bunny at their annual Breakfast with the Easter Bunny fundraiser. The club will be serving their traditional menu of pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, juice and coffee. The breakfast will be held at the Stop Nine Youth Center from 8:30 am11:30 am. Adult tickets are $5.00. Children under 5 eat free with the purchase of an adult ticket. A free picture with the Easter Bunny is offered to everyone purchasing an adult meal.

In April, the club is involved in two activities. On Saturday, April 2, Byesville Rotary in partnership with Cambridge Rotary, Lions, Lioness Club, Kiwanis, and Circle K of Muskingum University will be holding a food drive at Reisbeck’s and Walmart between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm. Five and $10 pre-packed food bags can be purchased from Riesbecks or Walmart. The service clubs will also collect cash donations. The food and cash will be donated to Grace Pantry, the Cambridge Salvation Army, Main Avenue United Methodist Food Pantry, the Stop Nine Food Pantry, and the Pleasant City Food Pantry.

On Friday, April, 29, Byesville Rotary partners with Southeastern Med to offer the club’s 15^th Annual Health Screening. The goal of Byesville Rotary and Southeastern Med is to provide a low cost health screening to people who are uninsured or underinsured or who and to help improve the health of local community members. Twenty-six screening tests will be available for one low price. PSA (prostate cancer) and TSH (thyroid) screening tests will be offered for an additional fee. Participants must be 18 years or older. Screenings are available by appointment only.

On Sunday, May 1, the club will host its 30^th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament at the Wildfire Golf Course in New Concord. Funds raised at the scramble will be used to provide scholarships to Rolling Hills’ seniors.

Connect with Byesville Rotary at: www.Byesvillerotary.blogspot.com or https://www.facebook.com/pages/Byesville-Rotary/256548047818283. The club meets 7:30 am, Tuesday at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Walk-ins are welcome at the club’s meeting.