August 2024

Community CARE Days are epic for RTC

Epic is a word that has lost some of its luster as it’s overused in our conversations today, but it is the perfect word to describe RTC’s moving day on Community Care Days. 21 people from Sweet Aroma’s Coffee and the Logan County Chamber of Commerce made the move happen in less than four hours.

The Sweet Aromas crew rolled up to Industries in trucks with trailers, extra equipment and huge smiles ready to get to work. Client Taylor Young was helping with the move, and the group enjoyed his booming voice and enthusiasm. Within minutes one trailer was full and ready to move.

When they arrived at RTC the Chamber group were eagerly waiting for the trailer filled with cabinets, office furniture and more. Five minutes later the trailer pulled out for the next load.

On Community Care Day, those 23 people moved two programs, three offices, and a plethora of odds and ends that make these programs work. On that day the Blue Room became the Buckeye Room, and the Orange Room became Grace’s Space, beginning a new era of Adult Day Programs at RTC.

Thank you, Sweet Aroma’s Coffee and Logan County Chamber! A huge shout out to the crew members that did three days’ work in 4 hours! You made our moving day epic!!

Champions – Jillaine Harrigan

The September RTC Champion is Jillaine Harrigan. Jillaine was recently promoted to the position of ADS Supervisor in the Buckeye Room, (previously the Blue Room) and Grace’s Space. (previously the Orange Room) Jillaine has a strong work ethic that shows in her patience and compassion for the ones she serves so well. She has a beautiful smile that is contagious. She exemplifies joy every day.

The clients enjoy Jill’s quick laughter, sunny personality, and her never ending compassion.

Jill finds her own joy working at RTC. “I love how every day is different. It’s so rewarding when I go home each day, knowing I made a difference,” she said. “And to top it off, RTC treats me like family.”

Jill has two grown sons, Cedric and Avery, as well as a grandson Bryce and custody of her 14-year-old great niece, Roche. When she isn’t at work Jill enjoys crocheting and taking Roche to her activities.

Thank you, Jill for all you do to enhance the lives of our clients!

Logan County Braves

The Logan County Braves are in full swing as we end the summer. Currently there is softball, flag football and equestrian training going on.

The softball team is preparing for the State Tournament in Oregon, OH on September 6th and 7th. If you want to see them locally, they will be at Southview Park on September 10 at 4:30 pm as they take on the First Responders.

The flag football team is practicing and playing games right now too. You can see them at Blue Jacket Park September 14 at 10 am.

Those in the equestrian program will be showcasing their skills at a program on September 20 at Discovery Riders from 5 pm to 8 pm. They have been working for several weeks to provide a great show for the public! This is also a great opportunity to see more about what Discovery Riders offers in the form of therapeutic riding. It is an amazing tool for so many people!

Mark Skaggs retiring after 40 years, Wait not yet!

Mark Skaggs has been receiving services from RTC for more than 40 years. Most recently Mark worked in production at RTC Industries. When asked what job his favorite was, Mark laughed and said, “All of them! I’ve done them all and I like all of them.”

In July Mark retired for a full three weeks, but just couldn’t stay away. His love for working and the fact that he “needs money more than he needs retirement” brought him back to RTC.

Khloie Slagle, Support Specialist in Production, says that Mark is a complete joy to work with. “I love his sense of humor,” she said. “We will be talking, and he will catch me off guard with one of his jokes!”

Andrea Kerns, Support Specialist in Production, says that Mark is sharp as a tack. “His eagerness to learn is one of his best qualities.”

Mark is an asset on the production floor in so many ways, and RTC is not sorry he chose to return.

Kelli Paxton Joining Logan County Board of DD

There’s a changing of the guard coming to the Logan County Board of Developmental Disabilities. (LCBDD) For the past three years, Lindsay Krieger, an employment services client and production employee, has been on the LCBDD. Becky Robison, administrative assistant, says Lindsey is the first client to be a board member in many years, and possibly ever. Lindsay offers the unique perspective of the clients and their needs to the board.

Lindsay and her family are moving back home in October, so September will be Lindsay’s last meeting. Lindsay says she is sad to leave the board but is looking forward to being closer to her family in Northeast Ohio.

Kelli Paxton will be coming onto the board in October as Lindsay leaves. Kelli spends her days in The Studio, where she loves creating the many crafts they make. Kelli is looking forward to being an advocate for those with disabilities, especially those who face physical barriers every day.

“I want the world to be more ADA compliant, not just for me but for elders who have so many more physical disabilities,” Kelli said.

Kelli is not new to advocating for DD. Last year she went to Dayton to support United Rehabilitation Services. (URS)

The Studio Makes Zucchini Cakes

Every other Wednesday means cooking in the Studio. Last week they made Zucchini cakes for lunch. They were amazing! It’s so great to have a kitchen to cook in again!

Community Engagement’s Summer Walking Program

Lisa Mann’s Community Engagement program has been walking this summer to help them meet their exercise goals. They enjoy time at several of the local parks before volunteering at Meals on Wheels.

Richwood Coffee Continues to Add Joy to Summer

The summer days are coming to a close, but the funds our community continues to give to RTC through Richwood Coffee are still creating joy for those we serve.

The Adult Day programs took a trip to Freshwater Farms to learn more about freshwater fish. They got to tour operations, feed the fish and learn the ins and outs of all that goes into operating a fish farm. The favorite was feeding the fish and watching them come up in swarms to get the food.

Pos+Abilities spent a gorgeous, sunny afternoon walking to Dairy Queen to get some ice cream. They destination of the trip was a surprise, but they quickly guessed Dairy Queen as they saw the direction the walk was taking them. Milkshakes, cones, and blizzards brought big smiles and much laughter as they enjoyed their treats on the patio. A big shout out to Dairy Queen for their seamless order-taking and the fun they brought to the clients that day.