THE STAR A publication of Blanchard Valley Center Hancock County Board of Developmental Disabilities Jan. 2017 COMING EVENTS tis the season... for Rockin UGLY SWEATERS... Jan. 2 New Year s Holiday Jan. 12 Hancock County Speaks Out 11:00-11:45 am 4:30-5:15 pm Jan. 9 Aktion Club 5:00-5:45 pm Jan. 16 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Jan. 23 BVC Board Meeting 5:30 Admin. Conference Room... and Christmas Music with the Cory-Rawson Jazz Band!
Celebrations! Breakfast with Santa Santa paid a visit to Blanchard Valley School the other day and had breakfast with some of our kiddos and their families! Many thanks to the Friends of BVS for sponsoring this event!
Celebrations! Aktion Club & Speaks Out News Submitted by: Denise Roush December is always a busy time for the Aktion Club! Once again, we were able to run the concession stand at the BVC Holidaze Craft Show. All of the vendors and patrons were very supportive of our stand and we had plenty of Aktion Club members taking turns with the shifts. December also brought the annual Aktion Club Christmas Dinner for members and their families. We had a wonderful turnout this year at the Royal Buffet and also welcomed our Adopt A Family to join us. Thank you to all the Aktion Club members and BVC staff who supported our Adopt A Family; I am sure there were two very happy children this year on Christmas morning. We decided to change the location of caroling this year and took our voices to Birchaven. All of the residents and staff appeared to enjoy the evening and even joined in on some of the songs. Finally, December would not be the same without taking a shift for the Salvation Army bell ringing on the day Kiwanis is in charge of it. Even though it rained on us, the temperature was not too bad and we had a great time once again. As we move into 2017, Aktion Club will continue to participate in service projects in our community. This month, the Good Life was brought to Speaks Out where members were introduced to the Hats of Support. It did not take long for all of the members to identify what the different hats meant (red, black, white and green), but also what hat they have each been wearing. This spurred a very nice discussion on how important it is to try and always wear a green (supportive) hat, but also how to assist others to keep their green hats on as well. From all of us at the Aktion Club of Hancock County and Hancock County Speaks Out, we wish you a very Happy New Year! Holidaze Craft Show Christmas Dinner 2016 Caroling Bell Ringing
News Congrats to Our 4th Annual Deck the Doors Winners!! Knights of Columbus and Shriners Donate to BVC Blanchard Valley Center received a donation recently from the Knights of Columbus and Shriners. The two groups have been holding an annual event for 75 years and donate the proceeds to charity. This year, BVC was chosen as the recipient. The group usually donates $2,000, but this year marked their 75th anniversary and generated $5,300 as a result of the diamond anniversary. Cindy Maag, Community Relations Manager, accepted the donation on behalf of BVC. Many thanks for your generosity! K of C Grand Knight, Bill Eirich, Cindy Maag, and Shriners Jerry Crouch and Steve Horton
News Notes from the Superintendent... As I write this note to you, I ve been relfecting on the events of 2016. This year has been a roller coaster ride of changes, not only for me as I took on the role of BVC Superintendent, but for all of the individuals, staff, and families. I m sure 2017 will bring more new adventures as well. As you know, Federal mandates have dictated many changes for our DD world. Effective January 1, 2017, Blanchard Valley Industries is privatizing and becoming their own entity. Kan Du studio will be moving into their new location on West Main Cross street in early 2017. We are all excited to get into the much-needed larger space. Our self-advocacy and recreation programs are growing by leaps and bounds, which means individuals we support are growing as well. Wishing you all peace and happiness in 2017! As always, you can reach me at 419-422-6387 if needed. Kelli Grisham Superintendent What s New at KAN DU? Congratulations to Kathy B. for being a twotime winner of the Ashley Aukerman Artist of the Month Award! Kathy was excited and honored to have won this award for a second time. She is shown with one of her abstract art pieces that she created. Just a reminder that if you aren t subscribed to our delays and cancellations notification system you can sign up at any time. Receive calls, texts or emails to your home phone or cell phone or both. All you need to do is call 419-422-6387 x1022 or email kdarnell@blanchardvalley.org and let us know: 1. the email address or phone number you would like us to add, 2. if you want notifications for BVI or School or both, and 3. if you want your messages in text or phone call form. This is an easy way to make sure you are notified directly in case of delays! You may tune in to the following stations for delay or closing information: WKXA-FM 100.5, WFIN-AM 1330, WBUK-FM 106.3, WCKY-FM 103.7, WPFX-FM 107.7, WBVI MIX 96.7, and TV channels 11, 13, and 24. VIP Show Choir Performs for Students
BVC Mission BLANCHARD VALLEY CENTER Hancock County Board of Developmental Disabilities 1700 East Sandusky Street Findlay, Ohio 45840 BVC provides resources and supports that empower people with DD to live lives with meaning and purpose. THE STAR Jan. 2017 Blanchard Valley Center 1700 E. Sandusky Street Findlay, OH 45840 www.blanchardvalley.org Administration 419-422-6387 phone 419-425-7073 fax School 419-422-8173 phone 419-425-7055 fax Adult Services 419-422-6386 phone 419-422-7063 fax Kan Du Studios 419-581-0254 CommunityWorks! 567-429-9376 Transportation 419-423-2374 phone 419-429-3054 fax Transportation Info-Line 419-421-8888 (3111) Service and Support 419-425-8747 phone 419-425-8748 fax Service & Support Emergency Number 1-419-722-9262 Board of Directors President Chuck Hirschy Vice President Don Bozell Secretary Mary Walsh Members Dr. Rahman (Buzz) Dyer Dr. Kathleen Crates Mike Chiarelli Bill Wilson Superintendent Kelli Grisham