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News...
News...
Impressive Turn Out in Support
of Carroll Hills Opening Ceremony
The Grand Opening Ceremony was held on July 8, 2008, for the new addition at the Administration Offices on Roswell Road. Ribbon cutting participants were from L-R Melissa Fletcher, County Board President, Representing Senator John Boccieri was JD Williams, Ohio Dept. Director John Martin, Matt Campbell cutting the ribbon and Rev. Mike Doak, President of the Non-Profit Board for CHI.
Superintendents's Open House Speech
Hello everyone and welcome to Carroll Hills Industries Administration open house/ribbon cutting ceremony. I wanted to give you a little history on MRDD Project 694, otherwise known as the addition to the administration building. Past Superintendent Tom Shearer started the project in 2001 by applying for a state grant. Carroll Hills Industries Non-Profit Board owns the property and they along with the County Board of MRDD saw a need to address the overcrowding problem at the workshop. The grant was approved and a contract signed in 2003 for the amount of $225,984. Match money of $56,496 was raised through various donations including Carroll Hills Industries contribution.
The workshop was busting at the seams with 94 individuals with disabilities. The staff lunchroom was turned into a habilitation room, the janitors' office was moved into a closet, and health and safety was a concern since items were stored in mechanical rooms. This 2,160 square foot addition will alleviate all those issues plus give individuals more opportunity for outside activities and more room for inside activities. The renovation and addition also addressed handicap accessibility issues.
I want to thank everyone that was involved in this project. I want to thank Tom Shearer for starting the project and securing the funds, Director Martin for attending today and funding the project, Carroll Hills Industries Non-Profit Board for providing the site and funding, County Board for funding and support, Melissa Fletcher our Board President who catered the event, County Board staff (the community employment program that watered the grass seed and landscaped both buildings, Dave Haught the Maintenance Supervisor who helped piece the puzzle together, the press for the wonderful coverage, Schalmo Builders for construction, Harris Day Architecture for design and oversight, and the community who without their support our program would not exist.
This addition and renovation project was a team effort. Wonderful things can be accomplished when local and state agencies work together with the community to complete much needed projects. When doors open we succeed. Thanks to everyone this additions doors are open so these wonderful individuals with disabilities can succeed and have a better life. I thank God for my job because I am able to help someone’s daughter, son, aunt, uncle, brother, or sister who has a disability live a fuller life. In turn, I am blessed because they also teach me how to be more patient, loving and respectful to others.