The Studio Shares Their Creativity with the Community
The Studio at RTC has been buzzing with creativity this summer! From Easter medallions to garden markers to Christmas ornaments, participants have been hard at work using their talents to brighten up the community, and they’re having a lot of fun doing it.
One of their recent projects included designing and decorating plant markers for the Butterfly Garden at Southview Park. These colorful additions help identify the many plants in the garden while adding charm and whimsy. However, they’re doing more than just crafting, they’re helping support the beautiful butterfly population right here in our community.
Did you know that butterflies love native flowers like Milkweed, Coneflowers, Black-eyed Susans, and Bee Balm? These plants not only provide nectar but also serve as essential breeding grounds for species like the Monarch butterfly. The Monarch, known for its incredible migration to Mexico, is just one of many pollinators that benefit from butterfly-friendly spaces like the one at Southview Park. The Studio is proud to help support such an important local habitat.
While the weather is still warm, The Studio is already thinking ahead to the holidays. Participants have been crafting their annual handmade Christmas ornaments for Marie’s Candies; a beloved tradition that brings smiles and sparkle to the West Liberty shop each season.
Marie’s Candies has been a sweet staple of West Liberty, Ohio, since 1956. Housed in a beautifully restored train depot, Marie’s is known for its handcrafted chocolates and nostalgic charm. Their commitment to quality and community mirrors RTC’s values, making the partnership with The Studio a natural fit. Each ornament created by The Studio adds a personal, joyful touch to the festive season at Marie’s, and customers look forward to seeing the designs every year.
Both of these meaningful projects were made possible thanks to Quinten James, who served as the catalyst behind them. His vision and leadership helped bring these ideas to life, giving Studio participants new ways to express themselves and connect with their community.
These projects go far beyond art. For the individuals at The Studio, they provide purpose, build confidence, and offer a meaningful way to give back to the community. Each of these pieces of art remind us that everyone has something valuable to contribute, and that our community is better when everyone is part of it.
This summer has been a beautiful example of creativity, collaboration, and community impact. We can’t wait to see what The Studio does next!
Celebrating Success at the Fair!
The Logan County fair was full of fun, laughter, and a little friendly competition this year. Several of our groups had a great time visiting and enjoying all the sights, sounds, and flavors the fair has to offer.
Even more exciting, some of our very own participants entered their creative work in the fair and came home with ribbons! Mike Rensing took home 1st place for his beautifully woven rug, Dennis Ross earned 2nd place for his own rug design, and Morgan Huffer received 3rd place for her ceramic piece. Tom Faulder also brought home a 3rd place ribbon for his rug.
We are so proud of each of them for sharing their talent and creativity with the community. Congratulations to all our ribbon winners!
RTC Volunteers Honored by Meals on Wheels
A big shoutout to LifeCare Alliance Meals on Wheels for recognizing our amazing RTC volunteers! Our Community Engagement groups help deliver six, or sometimes even more, routes each week, bringing meals and smiles to those in need.
As a special thank-you, Meals on Wheels gifted our crew with hats and t-shirts to show their appreciation. This volunteer work gives our participants a meaningful way to give back, connect with others, and serve the community with purpose.
We’re proud of our teams and grateful for this ongoing partnership!
Red, White, and Splash! RTC Celebrates the 4th of July
The 4th of July is quickly becoming one of RTC’s favorite summer traditions, and this year’s celebration was one for the books!
Programs came together for a festive cookout, filled with delicious food, good company, and plenty of patriotic spirit. But the real fun began when the water games started! From water balloon tosses to splash battles and more, the air was filled with cheers, laughter, and a whole lot of water.
On a hot July day, nothing beats cooling off with friends, and the red, white, and blue spirit was on full display. The joy and camaraderie were contagious, reminding us all why these moments of fun and togetherness matter so much.
Here’s to making memories, staying cool, and celebrating summer, RTC style!
RTC Champion: Jenn Du
This month, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on one of RTC’s everyday heroes: our Delegated Nurse/Support Specialist, Jenn Du, who oversees the clinic at RTC.
Jenn brings not only skill and professionalism to her role, but a deep compassion that shines through in everything she does. Her favorite part of working at RTC is the one-on-one time she gets to spend with clients. That personal connection allows her to build trust, understand each individual’s unique needs, and ensure that their voices are truly heard.
Whether she’s helping with medications, checking in on someone’s health, or just offering a listening ear, Jenn is committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of those she serves. She knows our clients well, and they know they can count on her.
Recently, Jenn was called into action where a client was in distress. Without hesitation, she stayed by his side until emergency responders arrived, then followed him to the hospital to make sure he received the care he needed. She didn’t get home until well after 8 p.m., a long day by anyone’s standards, but Jenn wouldn’t have it any other way. “I just want what’s best for them,” she says. And she truly means it.
At home, Jenn enjoys life with her husband Dustin, their children Brennan and Dylan, and their three beloved dogs. She loves being outdoors, whether riding her bike, swimming, or working in the garden. She’s also a fan of trying new foods and gaming with her family.
Jenn’s heart for others, especially our clients, is clear in every action she takes. We’re blessed to have her as part of the RTC family.
Star of the Month, Dennis Ross
This July, we are so excited to celebrate Dennis Ross as our Star of the Month! Dennis attends the Studio at RTC Services and is known for his outgoing personality, quick wit, and love for connecting with others.
Dennis enjoys dining out. Bob Evans and Fazoli’s are two of his top picks. He never misses a chance to enjoy the Logan County Fair, especially the tractor pulls! He has loved being part of the community and currently bowls with the Logan County Braves Special Olympics. Over the years, he has also participated in basketball, softball, and track with the Braves.
Dennis has worked at RTC Industries and spent an incredible 17 years at McDonald’s, where he proudly said, “I love them and they love me!” and it’s absolutely true. He was also a longtime member of RTC’s mowing crew, where he loved taking care of lawns around the community.
Fun fact: Dennis’s parents, Bernard and Grace Ross, were instrumental in founding RTC Industries and the “R” in RTC stands for Ross! A fact that Dennis is so proud of!
Dennis is a beloved part of the RTC family and our community.
Congratulations, Andrea! Your safety slogan for this quarter serves as a wonderful reminder for all of us!
Be alert, avoid the worst, safety first.
Here are some of the smiling faces participating in the second session of the Summer Youth Work Experience. Thank you to our community partners: Lutheran Community Services, Lakeside Pro Bass Shop, Loretta’s Country Kitchen, Iron City Sports Bar, Steve’s Market, Champaign County YMCA and Cobblestone Hotels in Urbana. Because of you, employment is more readily available for everyone!
