DatelineDateline March 2008 Published by the Franklin County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities “Helping people to live, learn and work in the community” Momentum grows for Issue 29 As election day draws near, the Community Shelter Board, Epilepsy Morison. campaign to pass Issue 29 is gaining Foundation, Franklin County ADAMH, “In the momentum. Grove City City Council, The Child- past few Franklin County’s first MRDD levy hood League, The Down Syndrome weeks, in seven years will go before voters Association of Central , United they’ve Tuesday, March 4th. Way of Central Ohio, Upper Arlington really City Council and YWCA Columbus. stepped A burst of endorsements has been up.” seen in the past few weeks. Leading Endorsements were made also by the way was . Rabbi Harold Berman, former Colum- bus Board of Education member Jeff In the lead editorial of its Sunday Cabot, Representative Ted Celeste, edition, February 10th, the newspaper State Treasurer , called on voters to approve the issue, restaurateur Cameron Mitchell and noting: Representative Jon Peterson. “The MRDD board has proved Campaign volunteers have posted an able steward of taxpayers’ dollars 5,000 yardsigns throughout the county, and deserves the continued support of and are now engaged in door-to-door county voters.” distribution of campaign literature. Organizations endorsing Issue “We’ve had a great turnout of vol- 29 include Columbus City Council, unteers,” said Superintendent Jed

Agency bids Sue Sherwood “Aloha” Dr. Sue Sherwood, FCBMRDD’s As an undergraduate at St. Law- Chief of Psychology Services for the rence University in New York, Sue past twenty-five years, has retired from studied under Dr. Thomas Cunningham, the agency in order to accept a posi- a psychologist and former student of tion with the State of Hawaii. Dr. Henry Leland, the renowned Ohio The move will allow Sue to continue State professor, who developed the to work in her chosen field, while being widely-used adaptive behavior scale closer to her family. Sue’s daughter, geared to persons with mental retarda- Loretta, and son-in-law, Clint, make tion. their home in the Aloha State. In 1974, Sue began graduate stud- Her son, Sam, a college student ies at Ohio State where Dr. Leland majoring in marine transportation, is served as her mentor. Her dissertation expected to find his way to Hawaii with- on social skills and play therapy was out difficulty. completed with the help of FCBMRDD school staff and students. Family has long been important to Sue. A sister’s developmental dis- Sue joined the agency as a staff ability sparked her early interest in the psychologist in 1980, working primarily field and involvement as a volunteer in with clients from ARC Industries North Dr. Susan Sherwood summer camps and special education and East. In 1982, she was promoted classes. Continued on p. 2 Ohio State head football coach Jim Tressel and his wife, Ellen, are actively involved in a Tressels number of charitable and educational causes in central Ohio. In June, 2003, Ellen Tressel gave the commencement address at the graduation of fifteen FCBMRDD students at West Central School. support Last month, the Tressels gave the Citizens Committee for Persons with Mental Retardation their personal endorsement of Issue 29. levy “Coach and Mrs. Tressel were very kind to take time away from their busy schedules to pro- vide their endorsement,” said Superintendent Jed Morison. “We appreciate it very much.”

Sue Sherwood, from p. 1 to Chief of Psychology Services, suc- ceeding Dr. Marilyn Deutsch. Sue will be remembered by col- leagues for her commitment to respectful treatment of clients, ethical and research-informed psychological services, and her emphasis on inter- agency collaboration. She has chaired FCBMRDD’s Human Rights Committee since its inception, coordinated behavioral sup- port services, and overseen research. Sue has worked in collabora- tion with Ohio State to help develop Nisonger Center’s Dual Diagnosis Clinic and Behavior Support Services, The current Psychology staff team (from left) includes: Dr. Angela Ray, Dr. Karen as well as the Buckeye Behavioral Laub, Randall Cuenot, Karen Smith, Nick Boyer, Mona Decker, Anne Thomas, Dr. Analysis Project. Sue Sherwood, Deb Rinto, Patti Aellig and Karen Owen. She has been active with the Ohio For several years, she has served reflect her outstanding dedication to Department of MRDD, serving on com- on the national board of the Ameri- our agency and clients,” said Super- mittees on behavior planning, eligibility, can Association on Intellectual and intendent Jed Morison. “She will be and mental health services. Developmental Disabilities, and was greatly missed.” Through her “Managing for Results” President of the Ohio chapter for one Dateline joins the entire FCBMRDD activities, Sue has provided docu- year. community in wishing Dr. Sherwood mented outcomes for the work of staff “Sue’s hard work and profession- the very best in the future. and affiliated providers. alism over the course of many years

“I loved my job...” Of what accomplishments are you “Also, we’ve transitioned the behav- most proud? ioral support services from the facilities (Editor’s note: The following is an excerpt of an interview with Dr. “Number one would be the fact to the Psychology Department, which Sue Sherwood, Chief of Psychology that we’ve attracted and maintained has worked out very well.” Services, regarding her career with an outstanding staff, who are providing “Within our system, as a whole, the FCBMRDD.) “cutting edge” evaluation, treatment and most significant changes have been What prompted your decision to consultation services. Second would the growth of residential services and retire? be our success in providing positive the expanded role of service coordina- behavioral support, reducing the use tion.” “I’ve been presented a wonderful of aversives.” opportunity both professionally and Do you have any regrets about leav- personally. I’ve accepted a position What are the biggest changes you’ve ing the agency? with the State of Hawaii’s Department witnessed over your career? “Well, I loved my job, and I’ll defi- of Health. I’ll be continuing my career “Within our department, one of the nitely miss my friends and colleagues in developmental disabilities, while in a biggest changes is that over half the who have been such a strong network warm climate, near my children, and in behavioral health services provided over the years. This is a great work a beautiful as well as culturally diverse through the agency are now provided environment, so supportive in so many setting.” by private contractors.” ways.” 2 3/2008 10 reasons to vote for Issue 29 1. Passage of Issue 29 will main- 4. The success of FCBMRDD’s in the number of persons served, the tain much-needed services for over programs can be seen in the quality of agency’s staffing level was trimmed 14,000 Franklin County residents with life of persons served. For example, from 1,675 to 1,440. disabilities and their families. Although over 2,000 adults with disabilities are 7. Revenue from Issue 29 will these services vary in kind and scope employed thanks to job training and provide matching funds that will gener- depending on the needs of the indi- placement services. Also, of those ate federal dollars for services to local viduals, all are necessary to allow children completing preschool, 90 per- residents. Franklin County has led individuals to live their lives to the full- cent can attend regular schools. the state in securing federal funds for est. 5. Issue 29 is the first levy MRDD services. 2. The number of persons nee- requested by FCBMRDD in seven 8. Issue 29 will, in effect, replace ing services is growing. Since 2001, years. The agency has kept its prom- two levies. A 1.65 mill continuing levy the number of persons served has ise to the community not to return to approved by voters in 1982 will be increased at a rate of about 4.3 per- the ballot sooner. replaced, 1.85 mills added, and a sep- cent per year. This trend, believed 6. FCBMRDD has demonstrated arate 2.32 mill, ten-year levy approved to be due to population growth and fiscal responsibility. Over the period in 1998 will be allowed to expire. increased longevity, is expected to of 2001 to 2007, despite an increase continue in the future. 9. Issue 29 will help ensure that Franklin County residents 3. The services pro- with disabilities can be as vided by FCBMRDD are productive and self-reli- of the highest quality. In ant as possible. In many 2006, the agency earned a cases, they achieve a high five-year accreditation, the degree of independence maximum length offered, and thus require little help from the Ohio Department from tax-funded sources. of MRDD. In January, the agency earned a three- 10. Issue 29 supports year accreditation, again many community organi- the maximum possible, zations including Catholic from the Commission on Social Services, Children’s Accreditation of Rehabili- Hospital, Easter Seals, tation Facilities. Goodwill Columbus, Jew- ish Community Services and Special Olympics.

Northeast to hold Spaghetti Dinner

For the past 21 years, Northeast In conjunction with the dinner, the School has sponsored a spaghetti din- school will also host a raffle of many ner, and this year, that tradition will donated items, including gift cards, continue. jewelry, and handmade quilts. On Saturday, March 8th, the pop- The school is located in Gahanna ular event will run from 4 to 8 p.m. at 500 N. Hamilton Road. Diners will have the option of eating at the school or taking their dinner home. Dinners will include generous por- tions of spaghetti, meatballs, garlic bread, salad, beverage and desert. The cost will be only $7 per adult and $3.50 per child.

3 3/2008 West Central parents to host Information Fair You’re cordially invited to join the Information booths will be set up to A complimentary chili dinner, West Central Parent Group at its first help you find desired information. donated by Rally’s, will be offered. Information Fair, to be held from 6 to Representatives will be on hand The location will be West Central 8 p.m. on Monday, March 10th. At from FCBMRDD’s Adult Services, School, 1481 W. Town Street, Colum- this event, you will have the opportu- Hague Living Skills Center, the Family bus. Please call 276-8231 with any nity to meet many people who can help Resources program, plus many more questions. broaden your child’s future with a vari- organizations. ety of programs and services.

PAR offers TBI, ethics workshops The Professional Association for Retardation (PAR) is sponsoring a day-long seminar regarding traumatic brain injury (TBI). The seminar, which is being coordinated by the Brain Injury Asso- ciation of Ohio, will explore causes, impact, coping strategies, available resources and supports. The seminar will be held on Thursday, March 29th, from 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. The location will be the COSERCC Center, 470 Glenmont Avenue, Columbus. At the same location on Thursday, April 10th, PAR will offer a day- long seminar on Ohio’s Ethics Law. Susan Willeke of the Ohio Ethics Commission will provide guidance on the statute, which applies to public employees. The 2008 PAR Board includes Eric Berquist,-- staff member at ARC Industries North (second from left For further details regarding these workshops, please call 419/ 522- in the middle row). 6207 or visit www.par-ohio.org.

FCCS seeks volunteers Franklin County Children Services Volunteers and mentors should be Friendship Program, one of the Afric- has many children who need that spe- age 18 or older, have a driver’s license, entric programs, the Crisis Center, or cial friendship and guidance from an auto insurance, and complete the College-Bound program. adult. application process and brief training The process is easy. Take the time Children who have experienced program. Volunteers must make a six- to make a difference for a child. Call abuse and neglect look forward to month commitment to a child and see the Volunteer Program at 275-2690 or spending time and sharing activities. A him or her at least two times a month. visit www.franklincountyohio.gov/child- few hours with a caring adult can make Volunteers are matched one- renservices for more details. a world of difference in a child’s life. on-one with a child through the

Resource Fair set for March 12 The Early Childhood Department’s Some participants will include the Parents, staff and the public are third annual Resource fair will be held Down Syndrome Association of Cen- welcome. on Wednesday, March 12th from 11 tral Ohio, the Ohio Departtment of Questions may be directed to a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the Early Child- Education, Children’s Hospital Autism Carol Owens at 342-5854 or Gretchen hood Education and family Center, Center, The Outreach Program for Brooks at 342-5808. 2879 johnstown Road. Soccer, Jewish Community Center and Habilitation Services, Inc. 4 3/2008 Good For You Notable Achievements in the FCBMRDD Community Career Milestones

West Central Principal Barbara 25 years Michael-Jones reports that a group of Ohio State students were instrumental David Greiner in organizing art and home econom- ics activities at the school recently. The volunteers were members of the 20 years Student Council for Exceptional David Brown Children. Theresa Conti * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Patric Davis Once again Northeast staff Gloria Hengen member Gayle Oberlitner is coordi- Barbara Hennis nating the annual Spaghetti Dinner John Johnson at the school. A team of U.S. Postal Brenda Mullen employees is returning as well to pro- Daniel Schoenstra vide kitchen support. Staff members Karen Smathers Susan Galbraith and Mary Butler are coordinating a raffle to be held in con- junction with the dinner. Bobby Browning, an 8th grade 15 years student at Jackson Middle School, was * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * honored recently as the school’s “OSU Scott Erenpreiss Administration staff member Rick- Spirit Winner.” Bobby attends a class William Johnson Grawmeyer is one of many staff offered by FCBMRDD in cooperation Valeria McLean providing exceptional volunteer assis- with Southwestern City Schools. Way Ollene Meyers tance to the Issue 29 campaign. He to go, Bobby! Sharon Moore is the mastermind of the door-to-door Shirley Rise * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * literature drop, mapping out plans to James Smith place brochures on the doorknobs of This year marks the 15th anniver- over 180,000 homes. sary of ARC Industries’ On-Site Crew program. Started in 1992, the pro- 10 years * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * gram has enabled hundreds of ARC The stork paid quite a visit to West employees to hold jobs in the commu- Phyllis Armstead Central School recently. Instructor nity. Kudos to Kurt Schmitter, who Donna Dennis assistants Mike and Kiko Jones are directs the program, supervisors Andy Arthur Gresham the proud parents of a baby boy, while Cole, Ron Harrison, John Taylor and Kimberly Howell physical therapist Mitzi Stephens and the entire staff responsible for the out- Cynthia Massenelli her husband, Charlie, are celebrating standing success. Kay Nophsker the birth of a daughter. Not to be out- Tamara Tincher * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * done, Jennifer Siddell, a teacher at the Park Street Collaborative, and her Mike Doran, Tina Turpin and husband, Shad, are having twice the Mary Ann Austen are coordinators 5 years fun with their newly arrived twin boys. for the ARC Industries East Opera- David Dawson Congratulations to all! tion Feed campaign. Up to the second week of the campaign, a ton of food Judy Dillon * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * and more than $2,000.00 have been Karen Hempstead collected from all FCBMRDD facilities. Jane Massaquoi Arthur Newton Rick Summers Raymond Taylor

5 3/2008 MRDD month has “open doors” theme In hopes of promoting posi- Northeast School will hold its annual Spaghetti Din- tive perceptions of people with ner on Saturday, March 8th, from 4 to 8 p.m. Details are mental retardation and develop- available at 476-0530. mental disabilities, the State of Persons seeking information regarding MRDD Aware- Ohio has designated March as ness Month may visit www.publicimagesnetwork.org. MRDD Awareness Month. A kickoff ceremony is planned for Thursday, March 6th, at the Statehouse Atrium. The event, which will begin at noon, will cel- Calendar ebrate the many successes of people with disabilities. March, 2008 The campaign theme will be 4 Election Day -- don’t forget to vote! “When doors open, we succeed.” Superintendent Jed Morison described the theme as “very 6 Kickoff for MRDD Awareness Month, State- appropriate.” house Atrium, 12 p.m. “We are reminded that people with disabilities will contrib- 8 Northeast School Annual Spaghetti Dinner, ute to our community so long as they have the opportunity to 500 N. Hamilton Rd., Gahanna, 4-8 p.m. do so,” he said. In recognition of MRDD Awareness Month, FCBMRDD 10 West Central Parents Group Information facilities will have posters on display. Many classes and Fair, 1481 W. Town Street, 6-8 p.m. groups will visit libraries. 11 Franklin County Residential Services Board of Trustees meeting, 1021 Checkrein Ave., 11 a.m.

DatelineDateline 12 FCBMRDD Human Resources Committee meeting, 2879 Johnstown Rd., 4:30 p.m. The Franklin County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities 17 Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Ben W. Hale, Jr. Jerry Saunders 19 Parent League meeting, 2879 Johnstown Mildred Blumenfeld Rd., 9:30 a.m. Paul S. Coppel Dean Fadel 20 Spring begins. Helen Ninos Galen Stover 20 FCBMRDD Finance Committee meeting, 2879 Johnstown Rd., 4 p.m. Superintendent Jed W. Morison 20 FCBMRDD Board meeting, 2879 Johnstown FCBMRDD does not discriminate in employment Rd., 5 p.m. or services on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, national origin, or handicap. 23 Happy Easter!

The following FCBMRDD staff contribute to the monthly 24 ARC Industries Board of Trustees meeting, publication and distribution of Dateline. Holiday Inn On-the-Lane, 11:30 a.m. Jed W. Morison Carl Scott Mary Linden Michael Davis Amy Magginis Martin Kerscher 24-28 Spring Recess. Jennifer Cunningham

News releases, story ideas, and suggestions should be sent to Martin Kerscher at: 2879 Johnstown Road “Quotable quotes” Columbus, Ohio 43219 “Never tell people how to do things. (614) 475-6440 FAX 342-5001 Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.” Information about FCBMRDD is always available on the internet at: www.fcbmrdd.org -- George S. Patton