Young Scientists Showcased at Fair
STEUBENVILLE- Young scientists put their knowledge on exhibition as the School of Bright Promise held it’s first-ever science fair May 24.
Ten projects were on display, including fireworks in a jar and homemade lava lamps, and the top three were to earn goodies as prizes. However, everyone was a winner when all of the students scored a pizza party lunch. Principal Rachel Bodo said the event helped the special needs students put their knowledge and creativity to use in an exciting way.
“We were trying to think of fun things to do and what the public schools do that we could incorporate into our school,” she said. Some of the classrooms did crafts and were coming up with some really cool things, and we thought a science fair would be nice to do.”
Each classroom submitted one project, but Bodo said next year’s event may be different.
“We didn’t want to overwhelm parents and teachers and did it by classroom, but next year we will do it individually.”
Students took more than a month to complete their displays and wound up with some unique ideas. They included lava lamps made by Jill Tucker’s class; a unique solar system from Amanda Baker’s class; a plant cell exhibit from Kathleen Kotellos’ students; fireworks in a jar from Ryan Finney’s class; electromagnets from Rich Foglia’s pupils; sweet potato vines from Amber Scott’s preschoolers; a walking water rainbow from Nannette Neary’s students; a volcano from Connie Parrise’s students; glowing crystals from Nicole Webster’s preschool class; and an egg drop exhibit from Maureen Kauffmann’s students.
Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities Superintendent Michael Mehalik and Assistant Superintendent Mike Zinno judged the displays had a difficult time choosing among the intriguing projects but ultimately selected Scott’s primary class, Foglia’s secondary students, and Neary’s intermediate pupils as first-, second-, and third-place winners, respectively. Mehalik considered the age groups in his choices while Zinno voiced his praise with the electromagnetic display from Foglia’s students, saying it could be a worthy contender in a larger science fair event.
But the students themselves gained the most joy from doing the projects.
“It was fun,” said seventh-grader Nathan Dierkes. “I liked everything. I just like science. It’s my favorite subject really.”
(Photo Cutline: School of Bright Promise student Storm Hooper helps teacher Connie Parrise prepare a diet cola and Mentos-based volcano during the school’s inaugural science fair as Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities Superintendent Michael Mehalik, far right, and Assistant Superintendent Mike Zinno, who were judges, look on.)
STEUBENVILLE- Young scientists put their knowledge on exhibition as the School of Bright Promise held it’s first-ever science fair May 24.
Ten projects were on display, including fireworks in a jar and homemade lava lamps, and the top three were to earn goodies as prizes. However, everyone was a winner when all of the students scored a pizza party lunch. Principal Rachel Bodo said the event helped the special needs students put their knowledge and creativity to use in an exciting way.
“We were trying to think of fun things to do and what the public schools do that we could incorporate into our school,” she said. Some of the classrooms did crafts and were coming up with some really cool things, and we thought a science fair would be nice to do.”
Each classroom submitted one project, but Bodo said next year’s event may be different.
“We didn’t want to overwhelm parents and teachers and did it by classroom, but next year we will do it individually.”
Students took more than a month to complete their displays and wound up with some unique ideas. They included lava lamps made by Jill Tucker’s class; a unique solar system from Amanda Baker’s class; a plant cell exhibit from Kathleen Kotellos’ students; fireworks in a jar from Ryan Finney’s class; electromagnets from Rich Foglia’s pupils; sweet potato vines from Amber Scott’s preschoolers; a walking water rainbow from Nannette Neary’s students; a volcano from Connie Parrise’s students; glowing crystals from Nicole Webster’s preschool class; and an egg drop exhibit from Maureen Kauffmann’s students.
Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities Superintendent Michael Mehalik and Assistant Superintendent Mike Zinno judged the displays had a difficult time choosing among the intriguing projects but ultimately selected Scott’s primary class, Foglia’s secondary students, and Neary’s intermediate pupils as first-, second-, and third-place winners, respectively. Mehalik considered the age groups in his choices while Zinno voiced his praise with the electromagnetic display from Foglia’s students, saying it could be a worthy contender in a larger science fair event.
But the students themselves gained the most joy from doing the projects.
“It was fun,” said seventh-grader Nathan Dierkes. “I liked everything. I just like science. It’s my favorite subject really.”
(Photo Cutline: School of Bright Promise student Storm Hooper helps teacher Connie Parrise prepare a diet cola and Mentos-based volcano during the school’s inaugural science fair as Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities Superintendent Michael Mehalik, far right, and Assistant Superintendent Mike Zinno, who were judges, look on.)
Hollywood Glamour
Photo cutline: About 80-90 students from the School of Bright Promise and Weir and Oak Glen High Schools got glammed up like superstars during the Hollywood-themed Spring Fling at the Steubenville site on May 6. They enjoyed food, dancing, and fellowship at the event, which was also decked out with a red carpet and paparazzi to set the mood. Principal Rachel Bodo said the mini-prom provided attendants with a chance to dress up, socialize, and have fun. Pictured are Jason Markja and Trinity Weaver basking in the spotlight.
School of Bright Promise Sets Spring Production
Students at the School of Bright Promise will channel Kermit and friends during their spring production of “The Muppets” on May 19.
Eighty special needs students in preschool and up will join staff members to sing, dance, and even do some acting with songs from the 2011 movie of the same name. Aimee Carroll, music instructor at the Center of Music and Art in Wintersville, is lending her talents to direct the show. The free event, which is set for 12:45 p.m. in the school gym, is open to the public and precedes the preschool graduation. The production centers around a Muppets reunion in order to save their beloved studio from the hands of an unscrupulous buyer and the cast will delight the audience with some familiar tunes. Carroll said the Muppets was an institution with adults, and now a younger generation is becoming familiar with the characters.
“I’m trying to create an easier version of musicals or movie-themed events that are popular with the kids,” said Carroll. “I try to take ideas that kids and parents can relate to. These are things the parents grew up with and the kids have a chance to grow up with it, too.”
Carroll wrote a script using songs from the most recent Muppet movie, which the students watched so they could relate to the theme and songs.
“They can see everything and know what it’s about and perform it,” she added. “I work with kids Wednesday and Thursday and we prepare nearly every day about two weeks before production. I know [Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities Superintendent Michael Mehalik] and [Principal Rachel Bodo] liked the idea and other schools are doing musicals that are themed.”
It is the second time the school has held such a production and it follows the successful “A Charlie Brown Christmas” in December. Bodo interjected that the school staff was also busy prepping for the production.
“We are working hard to get everything ready,” she said. “Each class has a different part and we have been busying making props and the backdrop.”
She also praised Carroll for her dedication with the kids.
“She works extremely hard to come up with ideas for our kids to be able to get up there and perform. She always gives it her all,” Bodo added. “I appreciate her coming and working with the students and she has high expectations with them, which is good.”
(Photo cutline: Students at the School of Bright Promise practice with Aimee Carroll, music instructor at the Center of Music and Art in Wintersville, for their spring production of “The Muppets” on May 19. Pictured are, from left, teacher’s aide Brittany Quinn, Jason Markja, Isaiah Tingler, Paige Summers, and Carroll. )
Teens Gain Job Experience through Summer Youth Program
Some local teens are gaining job experience with area businesses during the annual Summer Youth Program.
About 15 special needs youth are getting a taste of real life by working at area businesses and earning minimum wage, plus it opens them up to a variety of opportunities in the future. This marks the seventh year for the program, which is sponsored through the Bridges to Transition program at the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities (JCBDD). Bridges to Transition is a partnership between county, state, and federal governments and provides services for transitioning youth. It is open to people ages 14-22 and helps them explore different career paths and eventually gain employment in the community. Officials estimated that 60 percent of youth who have participated in the program ultimately obtained long-term jobs.
Renee Pastre, employment specialist with the JCBDD’s Community Employment Services program, was supervising four boys between the ages of 16 and 17 at the Kroger City Center in Steubenville. The program started June 13 and is offered for 20 hours per week. It began with a week of classroom work on interviewing skills, resume building, making applications and site visits followed by four weeks of on-the-job experience. Among the local businesses and agencies involved are Burger King, McDonald’s, Walmart, King’s Restaurant, Kroger of Steubenville and Wintersville, Big Lots, Riesbeck’s Food Market of Toronto, the JCBDD bus garage, the Toronto Memorial Pool, Pastre’s Service Center, Lowe’s, and the School of Bright Promise.
“They shadow individuals and observe them completing jobs,” said Pastre. “This gives ideas about jobs available in the community that these young men are able to apply for.”
The boys spent two weeks at Kroger serving as courtesy clerks, where they performed such tasks as retrieving carts, sweeping the sidewalk, bagging groceries, returning orphaned grocery items and janitorial work. Their experience will conclude at the JCBDD bus garage where they will be detailing buses and vans. The summer youth program runs through July 22 and the teens have enjoyed it thus far.
“I like bagging,” said Jared Simpson, a student in Jefferson County Joint Vocational School’s auto body program who also shares an interest in cars, yet he said he wouldn’t mind working at the store.
“I like putting items away,” added Jack Fluharty, a student in the JVS Transition to Work program. “I am saving my money for a new iPad.”
Steubenville High School student Philip Robinson said he enjoyed pushing the carts but also has an interest in vehicles. Robinson plans to save the money he makes from his paychecks.
Meanwhile, Pastre praised local businesses that have supported the program and added that it has created opportunities for those with special needs to ultimately join the mainstream workforce.
“It’s a wonderful program for youth people to see what the community has to offer them as far as employment,” Pastre concluded. “Many of the program’s participants have become successful in the community, and these young men definitely have that ability.”
(Photo Cutline: Teens Jack Fluharty, Philip Robinson, and Jared Sampson gained some job experience at Kroger City Center during the Summer Youth Program, which is offered through the Bridges to Transition program and run until July 22.)
Perkins Retires after 20 Years
Clark Perkins has officially hung up his apron after 20 years as a dishwasher on the campus of Franciscan University of Steubenville, but it also marks a major milestone since Perkins is one of the longest-serving consumers in the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ Community Employment Services program.
Perkins’ final day was Feb. 21, but he only decided to retire a month earlier. At age 54, he said time has slowed him down and he was looking forward to a change in his life.
“I made some friends here,” he said. “Not many people stick at a job for 20 years.”
The lifelong Steubenville resident got his start in the food industry by working at the former Western Sizzlin Steakhouse in the early 1990s, but then he was placed with the university in 1997. The food services program underwent management changes over the years and is currently operated under Parkhurst Dining Services, but Perkins remained on staff throughout that time.
“I had worked at Western Sizzlin for two years and then at the Jeffco Workshop. [Former CES Supervisor Marian Figgs] told me about this place in February of 1995. I came in the next day and did an assessment,” he said of the university job. “I got the job a month later.”
He worked up to five days a week over the duration of his career and counted the people among his best memories. Now he’s looking forward to having some more free time, and he enjoys going to the mall, watching television, and listening to music from his record collection. Parkhurst officials called him “dependable and independent” and said he easily jumped into his work routine. They were surprised by his decision to retire, but he had conferred with CES representatives while he mulled the move.
“Clark called me one day asking for my advice about looking towards finishing his career and enjoying his life,” said employment specialist Angela Goodrich. “He wanted time to think about it and then decided to give his notice.”
Goodrich and fellow CES employment specialist Renee Pastre praised him for his abilities and wished him well in the new chapter of his life.
“He is one of our longest working consumers,” said Goodrich. “Because Clark has been an employee, he has made friends and become part of the community.”
“Clark was one of the first when we opened the CES program. He is very independent,” added Pastre. “He lives in his own home, drives, and manages all aspects of his life. We want our people to be part of the community, and Clark is a great role model.”
Perkins credited his parents for instilling him with a strong sense of self.
“My mom and dad wanted me to be mainstream,” he noted.
CES provides employment services to people with disabilities who reside in the Jefferson County area and focuses on their unique needs. Services are then customized and provided by an employment specialist. Referrals can be made by the Bridges to Transition program, support service administrators, the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation, family members, or the person himself. The program offers job development, job coaching, follow-up services, and emergency on-call capabilities.
In addition having seven consumers on staff at Franciscan University, Pastre said clients worked at 20 other locations throughout Jefferson County, including Kroger, McDonald’s, Walmart, and Burger King. Pastre said quite a few consumers have gained long-term employment and she appreciated the local businesses for their support. For more information, contact the CES program at 266-3840, ext. 2104 or 2105.
(Photo Cutline: Clark Perkins, one of the longest-serving clients in the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ Community Employment Services program, has retired after 20 years of working as a dishwasher for Parkhurst Dining Services at the Franciscan University of Steubenville.)
NOTE: This article is in recognition of National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month for March, which includes the theme, “What’s Your Story?”
Disabilities Simulation Being Staged at ICHS
WINTERSVILLE-Indian Creek High School will set the stage for a mini simulation to help students gain a better understanding of having disabilities.
Rachel Bodo, principal at the School of Bright Promise, will attend along with physical education teacher Janie Bodo on April 27 from noon-1 p.m. Principal Bodo said ICHS students will be coordinating the event on a smaller scale of the Simulation Day held at the Steubenville school in March.
“The kids at the high school will run it and Janie and I will be there to help them out,” she said. “We are going to do an art station, visual impairment station, learning disabilities station, and one for fine motor skills.”
Last month’s event was much larger and included about 45 students from surrounding schools, but only a limited number could represent each school.
“We usually have 11 stations but cut it down to four stations [at Indian Creek],” Bodo added. “There were nine Indian Creek students who wanted to attend but we had a limit. {Advisor Julie Robinson] decided to do a simulation there and give them the experience.”
Robinson said sign-ups were being taken through the National Honor Society and Key Club and about 60 students are expected to attend.
“We are planning for 30 during the first flex period and 30 for 12:30 to 1 p.m. Future Educators of America members are facilitating three stations with the help of Mrs. Bodo, principal at the School of Bright Promise,” she continued.
She said the goal was to bring awareness of disabilities to the youth and she loved using interactive stations that show what it’s like to have a disability.
“Creek students have been attending the developmental disability program for at least seven years. The kids really like the event,” Robinson added. “For the last three years, I’ve taken students interested in teaching. Many students just fell in love immediately and it’s what they pursue in college. I hope to expose future teachers to different career teaching opportunities and give students a real insight to learning and developmental issues with children.”
Bodo hoped to increase the number of participants next year at the Steubenville school’s event. She also noted her pleasure that the students wanted to learn about living with special needs.
“I think it’s great that they have such an interest and want to be able to experience our Simulation Day. This is a good way to promote disability awareness,” Bodo commented, saying that she also hoped to get the group involved in related activities. “Janie and I will also talk about the Special Olympics on May 7. Hopefully, some of them will volunteer.”
Robinson noted that some Key Club members have volunteered at the Special Olympics in the past and she planned to promote it during the simulation.
School of Bright Promise Adds Second Preschool Unit
STEUBENVILLE-In an effort to better meet the needs of local school districts, the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities has added a second preschool unit for children with special needs.
Rachel Bodo, principal of the School of Bright Promise, said the new unit started Jan. 4 and includes seven students between the ages of 3 and 5 years old. Bodo said the class was established to assist the school districts the JCBDD serves and the two units presently have a total of 14 children. The JCBDD hired teacher Jenna Joyce to educate the young charges while current full- and part-time staff members were reassigned as aides. Bodo said space was made for the unit by relocating the sensory room to another section of the building.
“It is a classroom for students with autism,” Bodo said. “There was a need by the local school districts, so we re-opened a closed multidisciplinary preschool as an autism preschool. It was discussed in October and we relocated our old sensory room, and then we got a list of students from the school districts. The districts were all eligible to send information if they had a need and they were added to our bus routes.”
The multidisciplinary room had closed at the end of the 2013 school year, leaving only one autistic preschool until now. A parent orientation was held at the end of December and so far things have been operating smoothly.
“We had a good first week,” said Joyce, adding that the children were settling in to their new surroundings. “They have been learning about colors, sharing, good listening and all the basics.”
“If we need to grow in other areas, then we’ll wait and see what the needs are,” Bodo noted. “This is all to help the kids.”
JCBDD Superintendent Michael Mehalik said there appeared to be a growing necessity to provide assistance to young children throughout the area the board serves, including Buckeye Local, Edison Local, Indian Creek Local, Steubenville City, Toronto City Schools.
“We did it at the request of the five school districts in Jefferson County. It was something that was identified as a real need,” said Mehalik. “It’s an effort on our part to meet the needs of the school districts and the Jefferson County community.”
(Photo Cutline: Youngsters are settling in at the new autistic preschool unit at the School of Bright Promise. Youth ages 3 to 5 are learning the basics while also forming friendships. Among those enjoying playtime are Garrett Brewer in the front with James Mowry, Malachi Huffman, and Gunnar Abbott in back.)
Doggone Good Time Photo cutline: Destiny Dogs of Pottery Addition recently visited residents at Shaffer Plaza with some of its four-legged pals to provide some therapeutic support for those with special needs. The business previously stopped at the School of Bright Promise and this was the first visit to the living facility, but Shaffer Plaza officials planned another event later this month and hoped to make it a regular activity. Among those pictured with the therapeutic pets were, from left, Julie Workman, Nancy Wetzel, Renee Lemal, Lorrie Raymond, and Carol Gossett. |
Woroniak Recognized for 40 Years with All Stars
Joe Woroniak led the Jefferson County All Stars onto the basketball court to square off against Carroll Hills on Wednesday, but he was not wearing the No. 11 jersey he’s usually donned at games.
That’s because Woroniak, of Richmond, officially retired from playing after 40 years, and although he was no longer in the game he remains a huge part of the team. He was surprised before a packed audience in the gym at the School of Bright Promise in Steubenville, where his coaches and teammates paid tribute to his decades of dedication. As teammates cheered him on with signs, Assistant Coach Susie Corso called him to her side and spoke of the marvel he has been both on and off the court.
Corso explained that Woroniak began playing at age 15 and was sidelined with arthritis, but he played as long as he could because he simply loved the game.
“[He was] selfless in his playing and always a team player,” she added. “Joe was often a superhero on the court with double doubles every game. We could always count on Joe to be a role model for the team. It was never about him, yet it is tonight.”
She further described him as an All Star legend who helped the team make it to numerous state tournaments, the last of which was in 2015 where the team was runner-up. It was at that game where he scored 14 points on his own, but he never cared about the numbers.
“He would make a statement that we had a good game or we need to do better. We love you. You are our inspiration,” she concluded as she presented Woroniak with the state tournament plaque.
All Stars Coach Joe Thomas echoed many of Corso’s comments, saying Woroniak was a real team player.
“He’s a selfless player and one of the best players on the team through the years. All he’s concerned about is what we can do better,” Thomas added. “We miss him.”
Even though he doesn’t play any longer, Woroniak makes it a point to attend all of the home games and cheers on his teammates from the sidelines. He had little to say about the recognition that evening, but his smiles, hugs, and tears told more than words ever could.
Meanwhile, he was given flowers to present to his former coach, Mary Kay Scheutz, and his “favorite coach,” Tomi Moore of Carroll Hills. Scheutz, who helmed the team for roughly 20 years, said Woroniak was a stellar player and person.
“He’s always given 100 percent, even though he was hurt, he wanted to be out there playing with the team for the School of Bright Promise,” she noted.
The night concluded with refreshments in celebration in his honor, but Corso said the mark he’s made is indelible and will last a lifetime.
“He inspires all of us to be better people,” she said.
(Photo Cutline: Joe Woroniak was recognized for officially retiring from the Jefferson County All Stars basketball team on Feb. 3 after 40 years. He is pictured with Assistant Coach Susie Corso as his teammates look on.)
Zinno Named Assistant Superintendent at JCBDD
STEUBENVILLE- Longtime finance director Michael Zinno has gained a new title as assistant superintendent of the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
Zinno was recently promoted by the board and will assist with overall operations, as well as restructuring within the adult services division to meet pending Medicaid guidelines. He expressed his appreciation and said he has worked with officials to strengthen the organization during his tenure.
“I’m proud to have been named assistant superintendent and our goal is to do our best for the clients we serve,” he said.
“The board’s financial picture has improved, but it’s not only due to me. It’s because I work with the managers and superintendent. It has grown from a $6 million to $10 million business and strengthened our financial condition without additional support from the local tax levies.”
Zinno, a Steubenville resident, is a graduate of Steubenville Catholic Central High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from Kent State University and a master’s degree in business administration from Franciscan University. He is a certified public accountant and previously served as comptroller at Bethany College and staff accountant at St. John Medical Center. During his nearly 17-year tenure at JCBDD, Zinno has provided financial services in addition to supervising maintenance, transportation, and information technology services.
Superintendent Michael Mehalik credited him with improving budgetary matters and technology, plus optimizing Medicaid and federal funds for programming. Mehalik added that the restructuring will help meet mandates for adult services over the next five years and Zinno will aid in that task.
“Mike has done an excellent job over the last 17 years ensuring that the finances for our programs have been strong, and he has taken on many additional responsibilities that have benefitted the board in many ways,” Mehalik said. “[His promotion] is part of our reorganizational plan to give some additional help to the adult services division, which needs to be redesigned for the future.”
He explained that the JCBDD would require private providers for adult services and Zinno’s new role enables him to focus on the restructuring so the board could meet those guidelines. Moreover, his growing experience will enable him to succeed Mehalik upon the superintendent’s eventual retirement.
“There are going to be changes, but changes can be good,” Zinno commented, adding that he is determined to help the board fulfill its mission of serving those with special needs. “I’ve worked with two great superintendents and would like to continue the seamless transition when someone leaves, especially [Mehalik], and I hope I can accomplish that.”
The JCBDD served 330 individuals over the past year, including 140 through adult services, 80 students at the School of Bright Promise and Regional Spectrum Center, 30 residents at Shaffer Plaza, and numerous clients, known as consumers, through case management services. Most of its consumers reside in Jefferson County but students at the School of Bright Promise and Regional Spectrum Center also hail from the Harrison County area. The board also has 135 full-time staff members and 25 part-time employees.
(Photo Cutline: Longtime financial director Michael Zinno was recently named assistant superintendent at the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities and will aid in overall operations plus the restructuring of adult services to meet forthcoming guidelines. He is pictured, at left, with JCBDD Superintendent Michael Mehalik.)
JCTC Begins Day Hab Programming
STEUBENVILLE-Adults with special needs are getting out more in the community as part of a new Day Hab program provided through the Jeffco Training Center.
Manager Connie Giamos said the program was part of new federal mandates to transition consumers into society and gives groups have a chance to take part in myriad activities. She added that the program began on June 6, and since then three groups of five to six consumers have been venturing out to the Fort Steuben Mall on Mondays and Tuesdays for morning walks and later lunch at local parks. Each Wednesday and Friday, about 10 people visit Dixon Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Wintersville and Gables Care Center in Hopedale to interact with the residents during social hour, and on Thursdays the consumers head to Carmike Cinemas to see a movie. Additionally, about six to eight consumers go to the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County one Friday each month for a social movie event that is offered to the public.
“The consumers love it,” Giamos said. “That was one of the first steps in the transition and it gives them opportunities. Ideally, it would be nice to offer something five days a week, so we are also offering exercise and craft classes.”
Giamos explained it was all part of the integration process and the training center was partnering with other local businesses to provide activities both on- and off-site. So far, the center has joined forces with Rocky Road Gym of Wintersville to provide exercise classes with a personal trainer and efforts are under way to start crafting lessons with another establishment.
“Rocky Road Gym will have a personal trainer at the training center on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.,” said Giamos, who added that five consumers will take part each time. “On Thursday, the group has class [at the gym]. They will do a half-hour for a set of eight and there will be weights and some chair exercises so everybody can participate.”
She added that the class at JCTC was free and would be held in the recreation room with personal trainer Jamie Starkey, a one-time staffer at the center, while there may be a fee for the gym. Meanwhile, officials were also in talks with another business to offer craft classes and it would be coordinated in a similar fashion. A group of four or five consumers would head to the business for craft classes and a representative from the establishment will also instruct sessions at JCTC. There will be a cost of $2-$5 per person for materials, but officials said the business partner was enthusiastic about the concept.
JCTC is also looking for other area establishments to partner with for the Day Hab program. For more information, contact the facility at (740) 266-6167.
(Photo Cutline: Cheryl Kaczmarek, a consumer with the Jeffco Training Center, gets help from staff members Darlene Boyd and Amanda Halter during a day of activities in the community. Consumers are venturing out into the community as part of a new day hab program to further integrate them into society and JCTC is looking for more area sites to partner with it for activities. For more information, contact the facility at (740) 266-6167.)