Frank Giannola and Scott Steiner were reappointed to serve on the Logan County Board of Developmental Disabilities during the board’s annual organizational meeting Jan. 25.
The two board members were sworn in by the Notary Public, Becky Robison.
During the regular board meeting that followed, Superintendent Krista Oldiges reviewed the 2024 schedule for the annual board member training, which will include presentations from two-day program providers, Downsize Farm and Friends of Leroy Brown.
The board also reviewed eight policies and approved three contracts.
LCBDD’s Preschool, the Discovery Center, is currently serving 188 children. Preschool staff have received training on Progress Book and Positive Behavior Intervention Supports.
Planning has also kicked off for the Summer Autism Academy.
LCBDD accepted the resignation of Connie Hall, preschool secretary, which will be effective at the end of the school year. She has worked for the board for 29 years and will be greatly missed, members noted. “The board wishes her the best as she enjoys her retirement.”
The board also reviewed the numbers of people served, which has increased over the past year to 601 people. This is the highest number of people that the board has served over the years, officials said.
The Early Intervention (EI) Department received positive results from a family survey conducted by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD).
Liz Rose, EI director, will be attending the Early Intervention Leadership Circle, which is sponsored by DODD to help strengthen leadership skills in EI administrators.
LCBDD provided CPR, first aid and AED training to 56 providers in 2023. This service is provided to assist providers in obtaining or maintaining their certification. SSA Director Jason Moyer will be receiving Crisis Intervention training to become certified as a trainer as well.
The Community Recreation and Special Olympics Coordinators have been busy with a number of activities. Special Olympics hosted their annual volunteer appreciation and athlete banquet. Approximately 170 athletes, parents, providers, volunteers and staff attended the banquet.
A recent winter dance also was well-attended. Snacks were available to participants for a donation to the Ty Ferguson Advocacy and Leadership Scholarship.
A Valentine’s Murder Mystery Dinner is being planned for February in the Grange Hall at the Logan County Fairgrounds.
The board is preparing for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March, which will include a Sensory Friendly movie at the Bellefontaine 8 Cinema movie theater.
A Solvita community blood drive is slated for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 5, from at the board office, located at 1851 W. State Route 47, Bellefontaine.
Board meetings are typically conducted the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Discovery Center, 1973 W. State Route 47, Bellefontaine. The next meeting is 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 7. For further information on services, contact (937) 592-0015.
GIANNOLA
STEINER