Ability Connection
W i l li a m s C o u n t y B o a r d o f
D e v e l o p me n t a l
D i s a b i li t ie s
April, 2016
Welcoming a New Board Member!
Neil Oberlin joined the
Williams County Board of
Developmental Disabilities
as a board member in
2014. In January, he was
elected president.
Inside this issue:
Spring Screenings Held
Help Me Grow & Miracles
Daycare Team Up
2
2
Getting to Know Our Staff
3
Scenes from “What’s Your
Story?”
3
“Voices of the People”
Speaker
4
Dancing the Night Away
4
Be Alert—Be Aware—Be 4
Safe
The Memorial that Became 5
a Community Work of Art
SO Basketball Ends,
Bowling Continues
6
DD Awareness & Advocacy 6
Day
Advocacy Group Receives
Answer to Request
7
Help with DD Awareness
Displays
7
In Memory
7
Special points of interest:

Board meetings will be held at
the County Board offices on
May 16 and June 20 at 11:30
a.m. in the conference room.

Board offices will be closed in
observance of Memorial Day on
Monday, May 30.
Volume 2, Issue 2
He and his wife, Bonnie,
have a son, Nicholas, who
is “living the dream” on a
sail boat in Marina Del Ray, California; and
a daughter, Breanna (husband, Steve), a
clinical dietitian, working primarily with high
risk pregnancy patients at Swedish
Hospitals, Seattle, Washington.
Neil Oberlin,
Board President
Neil has eight siblings, only one of which is
a sister. Growing up in a large family
principally contributes to the person Neil is
today. He grew up on a family farm and
learned to be resourceful. If they wanted a
bike, they would take the frame of one, mix
it with the tires of another, add pedals/chain
and a bit of elbow grease, they had a “new”
bike.
Neil and his family are involved with
numerous businesses. He and his brother,
Scott, have Oberlin Farms Demolition &
Recycling.
The home he and Bonnie reside in was
purchased in Bryan a number of years ago
for $1. It was then disassembled by layers
and moved to its current location near
Stryker where a basement was added and
the roof re-shingled before reassembly.
Bonnie and Neil have traveled to 48 states
and six different countries.
What’s next on the agenda? He and Bonnie
will be visiting their children in the near
future. This trip will include moving a
chicken coop from Seattle to Vashon Island,
Washington for their daughter and son-inlaw.
From the Desk of Superintendent Guilford
As we say “Goodbye” to March, we also close the books on
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. If you didn’t have a
chance to view our video “What’s Your Story?”, please visit our
website at www.wmscodd.org or our Williams County Board of DD
Facebook page, to view our video. We want to thank Stryker High
School, Hilltop High School and the Bryan Middle School for taking us
up on our offer to present our DD Awareness Presentation to their
students. We know the month of March was extremely busy with
Deb Guilford,
Superintendent
testing and spring break, so we are very appreciative of those schools
taking time out of their busy schedules to have us present. We would
be happy to present our message to any of the Williams County Schools at anytime during
the year. Please call the Enrichment Center at 419-485-8331 to schedule a presentation.
The 45 minute presentation is fun-filled with student participation, our “What’s Your Story”
video, a quiz and some cool prizes!
Ability Connection
Page 2
Spring Screenings Held
The Enrichment Center hosted the Early Childhood Community Screenings on February 29 and
March 14. The Screenings are a collaborative effort of the Williams County Board of DD, Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center (ESC), Bryan City Schools, Williams County Health Department, and Help Me Grow. Children complete a developmental, physical growth, hearing
and vision screening.
A total of 108 children were screened on the two screening dates. As a result, seven preschool
age children were referred on for further assessment to the ESC and Bryan City Schools. Two
children were referred to the Help Me Grow Program.
Community Screenings are held each fall and spring in Williams County. However, if you have concerns about your
child’s development you may request a screening or evaluation anytime throughout the year. If your child is two years
old or younger, you may call 888-648-8732. If you child is preschool age and you live in the Bryan City School district,
you may call 419-633-6250. For preschool age children living in the remaining Williams County school districts, you
may contact the ESC at 567-444-4800.
Help Me Grow & Miracles Child Care Team Up
Help Me Grow (HMG) and Miracles
Child Care in Bryan team up in
serving children that need some
extra attention to boost their
development. The two agencies
share services for a few children
and work well together to meet their
needs. Miracles Child Care and the
parents of these children meeting
the criteria and qualify for HMG,
have agreed to let developmental
specialists,
speech
therapists,
physical therapists and occupational
therapists come into their facility.
The HMG team members work with
the children and staff on the
outcomes developed by the HMG
team for better carryover in
all aspects of the children’s
lives. The teachers have
stated
the
information
brought in by HMG is
beneficial for all of the
children in their classrooms.
A lot of children spend most
of their day at a daycare
facility while their parents
are working. It is modern America!!!
If these outcomes are worked on and
incorporated into their every day
routines and are more consistent
across all aspects of their lives, the
progress of the child becomes
greater.
I learned while at Miracles Child Care
and talking to Melissa Brinkman,
director, the daycare staff and
parents also have educational goals
for each child in attendance. Melissa
and I have a goal to get releases
signed by parents to share these two
plans so there can be even more
consistency across the board. We
are doing a lot of the same types of
things to enhance the growth of
these children so if we can share one
more piece of the child’s puzzle, it
will help the child grow and develop
even further. Miracles Child Care
follows the “Step Up To Quality”
curriculum. This is a star rating
system developed for the state of
Ohio. They are currently working at
a 4 star level and working towards
that 5th star.
Miracles Child Care sends home an
ASQ annually and an ASQ-SE if
needed. They are letting parents
know about HMG if they see a child
could
use
some
extra
help
developmentally. Melissa Brinkman
provides the HMG referral phone
number to the parents to make a
referral if they feel it is needed. The
partnership
between
the
two
agencies is strong and I feel it is only
going to get stronger as time goes
on.
—Angela Luke
Early Intervention Specialist
Ability Connection
Page 3
Getting to Know Our Staff
Kristin Fidler recently joined the
Williams County Board of DD as a
Service and Support Administrator,
replacing Diane Parrott.
Mary Dietsch has been the
Executive Assistant/HR person at
the Williams County Board of DD
since March, 2013. Mary has
worked at the Williams County
Board of DD since January, 2007.
Mary has a Bachelor’s degree from
Siena Heights, Adrian and later
received a Master’s degree fro
Bowling Green State University.
Previous to returning to the family farm she was
raised on to assist her parents, Mary worked for 30
years for retail companies in the Midwest and Mid
Atlantic areas of the United States.
Mary noted, “I enjoy my job, have learned a great
deal, and feel like I am giving back to the community.”
Kristin was born and raised in Bryan.
Her parents are Kenny & Linda
Gallant. She has a brother who works
for the USAF and lives in Savannah,
GA.
Kristin is a graduate of Hilltop High School. She attended
Defiance College graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in
Criminal Justice and Sociology. Kristin previously worked
at Williams County Children Services as a social worker.
She reside in the Montpelier area with her husband Joe
and their four children: Ryan, Emma, Easton, and
Dayne. As a family, they enjoy playing and watching
sports, fishing, campfires, and watching movies.
Scenes from “What’s Your Story?”
A great deal went into making the video “What’s Your Story?” and we would like to say ‘Thank You!’ to the Bryan
Public Library for allowing us to spend the day disrupting their usual routine, to Jason & Kate Valore of Alairis
Interactive for their work in taping and creating the final product, and most importantly, to the individuals, their
families and their staff for their participation and roll in this production. Staff from the County Board involved in the
production and presentation of “What’s Your Story?” in addition to Supt. Guilford included SSA, Lindsay Ruggles,
Director of Children Services, Dennis Myers, Community Services Director, Cody Chrisman and Community
Inclusion Specialist, Joan Miller. Here are a few photos during production and from the school presentations.
Ability Connection
Page 4
“Voices of the People” Speaker
The advocacy group, “Voices of the People” heard from guest speaker, retiring commissioner and former Williams
County sheriff, Al Word at the March 8 meeting. Mr. Word shared stories about his childhood, life in law enforcement,
time as a commissioner and plans he and his wife have for retirement in the near future.
Bryan High School basketball coach, Doug Billman is slated to meet the group in April. “Voices of the People” meets
at the Williams County Family Y on Faber Drive the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30—8:00 PM. Everyone is
asked to bring their choice of beverage. A treat is served at the end of the meeting. If you have questions or an interest
in attending the meetings, please contact Joan Miller, 419.485.8331.
Dancing the Night Away
Sixty adults had a night of dancing and Valentine dreams on February 12. OAPSE Locals #779 and #780 sponsored
the dance with plenty of musical entertainment from Bill and Connie Brigle who were the DJ’s for the evening.
Be Alert — Be Aware — Be Safe
Montpelier Police Chief, Dan McGee, provided self defense training to 11 people during the month of March at the
Enrichment Center through arrangements by “Voices of the People” advocacy group. They heard about situations to
avoid and how to protect yourself when confronted by an attacker. Participants included Christina Lafferty, Noah Buff
(with his brother, Larry, Jr. & mother, Thelma Spieth), Lisa Blum, Chester Dangler, Ashley Hendress, Jerry Spencer
(with his mother, Carol), Lisa Repp and Joan Miller. If you missed the course, but are interested in attending in the
future, contact Joan Miller, 419.485.8331, ext. 21.
The Memorial that Became a Community Work of Art
John and Sharon Keller approached Supt. Deb Guilford about a memorial for their daughter, Kathy, who had been a
student at Sunnyside (now known as The Enrichment Center). The decision was made for a piece of art—not just any
piece of art, but something created by individuals served by the county board, individuals of the Williams County
communities and by Kathy’s parents. Carol Nowak, MEOW Art, USA led the group over three evenings to create
pieces of ceramic tile, wood burning pieces and painted canvases. Each item, like snowflakes, was individually
designed by the artist who created it, no two alike. After completion, Corey Masters, Masters Woodworking, LLC
assisted by Aaron Sanders, custom framed the project. Others involved in creation of this project include: Angela
Dillon, Cam Miller, Gabi Barker, Josh Akers, Karen Akers, Christina (Bear) Lafferty, Felix Rios, Doris Tanner, Erin
Luke, Gloria Paine, Tori Flower, Angela Luke. The art department of the Bryan High School handled the rolling and
cutting of the clay used in the project. Photographing the progress was Dennis Myers and Joan Miller. A wonderful,
lasting work of art for the memory of a beautiful spirit who “Took Time to See the Beauty”.
Ability Connection
Page 6
Special Olympics Basketball Ends, Bowling Continues
It was sad to see the basketball season come to an end for the Williams County Sharks. The Sharks had an impressive
6-4 season. Way to go TEAM! Special thanks to coaches Jay Tingley and Beth Votaw who did a great job!
Bowling continues to bring enthusiasm and high 5’s to fellow bowlers. Some of the recent high scorers:
Chris Tomlinson, 157; Jeff Schweinhagen, 141; Jeremiah Brace, 123; Martin Wallen, 122.
DD Awareness & Advocacy Day
On March 8, Angie Dillon, member of the advocacy group “Voices of the People” had the
opportunity to attend the DD Awareness & Advocacy Day at the Ohio Statehouse. It was a
great chance to hear the stories of several individuals including a personal story from Director
John Martin. Shari Cooper, who had a college degree found many road blocks on the road to
employment, but is now in the communication field. Renee Wood spoke on rights. Adam
Helbling, told his story of being a scholar athlete and during a bipolar event, thinking he was
Jesus Christ, was in an accident leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. He spoke of the
transportation needs in the State of Ohio. For Bill Adams, his story was that of Medicaid
benefits and the “Marriage Penalty”. Speaking of finding his ‘soulmate’, but when planning a
future together found his benefits would remain the same while her benefits would drop to $80
a month, the future didn’t look as bright. The keynote speaker was Jason McCabe. Jason, who is from Miami County is
the DJ of many of the Special Olympics events and receives standing ovations for his action reports. One thing about
Jason that is significant, he is considered legally blind.
This event was held in the Statehouse Atrium with a record number of attendees; 450 coming from all over the State.
Twenty counties were first time attendees. Additionally, individuals and their family or support person were able to meet
with their state representatives.
If you are interested in hearing the entire
program,
check
out:
https://
ddohio.wordpress.com/photos . You may
also click on the link under the video to
see the many photos taken at the event.
It was a wonderful day full of stories and
an opportunity to meet other individuals
from neighboring counties or reconnecting
with people.
Ability Connection
Page 7
Advocacy Group Receives Answer to Request
In December, Lisa Blum, president of the advocacy group, “Voices of the People,” addressed the
Williams County Fair Board requesting they change ’Handicap Day’ to ’Disability Awareness
Day’. It was learned that during the March meeting of the Williams County Fair Board, members
agreed to change the day from ’Handicap Day’ to ’Disability Awareness Day’. Additionally, the
group requested the Board consider changing hours of free admission since many of the
individuals work. The Fair Board did not make this change, however, they did agree to have free
admission on Tuesday, September 13 from 9 AM—3 PM and admission cost reduced to
everyone to $2 after 3 PM.
Help with DD Awareness Displays
This year, library displays were set up at Bryan Public Library and at the
Montpelier Public Library. Helping with the Bryan display is Doris Tanner.
Doris assisted with the table tents that could be found around Williams County
during March.
The displays included the March edition of the Ability Connection, brochures
about available services through Williams County Board of DD, posters, books
on various disabilities, and information leading to the “What’s Your Story?”
video link.
Visitors could also find a list of well known authors who had disabilities. A few you may be surprised to know about,
like Agatha Christie, George Bernard Shaw, Jules Verne and a very popular Ohio-born children’s author, Dav Pilkey.
IN MEMORY
Ann M. Rittenhouse
(March 17, 1965—January 26, 2016)
Ann previously lived in the Edon area prior to moving to Bryan, Ohio. Ann worked for
many years at Quadco Rehabilitation Center in Stryker. She had also worked at Dairy
Queen and a few other businesses in the area.
She had been a member of the Bryan Church of Christ. Ann was also a member of the
Ladies Auxiliary of Bryan VFW. She enjoyed many things like playing card games, putting
puzzles together and listening to music.
Ann will be missed by her uncle, Duane Rittenhouse; aunts, Helen Johnson, Naida Rittenhouse, Audrey Wilder,
and Betty (Roger) Brandeberry.
Phone: 419.485.8331
Fax:
419.485.5495
E-mail: [email protected]
Assisting individuals with developmental
disabilities achieve a life of increasing capability and
satisfaction.
Find us at:
www.wmscodd.org
or
https://www.facebook.com/
WilliamsCountyBoardofDD
Williams County Board of DD Staff Directory
11246 State Route 15, Montpelier, OH 43543
419.485.8331
Deb Guilford, Superintendent
Ext. 14
[email protected]
Cody Chrisman, Community Services Director
Ext. 33
[email protected]
Dennis Myers, Director of Children’s Services
Ext. 15
[email protected]
Terri Aschemeier, Service & Support Admin.
Ext. 17
[email protected]
Kristin Fidler, Service & Support Admin.
Ext. 18
[email protected]
Heidi Hull, Service & Support Admin.
Ext. 19
[email protected]
Lindsay Ruggles, Service & Support Admin.
Ext. 20
[email protected]
Eric Sierra, Service & Support Admin.
Ext. 27
[email protected]
Joan Miller, Community Inclusion Specialist
Ext. 21
[email protected]
Mary Dietsch, Human Resources
Ext. 13
[email protected]
Dawn Merillat, Secretary
Ext. 10
[email protected]
Angela Luke, Early Intervention
Ext. 23
[email protected]
Sharon Jacobs, Early Intervention
Ext. 22
[email protected]
Help Me Grow Contract Manager