ST. CLAIRSVILLE - The Belmont Eagles Special Olympics’ basketball team will test their skills once again against their coaches and service providers for a special cause and to raise awareness. A Basketball Fun Night game featuring the Eagles will be played on Thursday, March 4 at 6:30 p.m. on Jenkins Court at St. Clairsville High School. Admission is $2 and all proceeds will be donated by the team to the St. Clairsville Stadium Improvement Project. The event is also intended to raise awareness of the Special Olympics effort in Belmont County. The game will not only showcase the ABILITIES of people with intellectual disabilities, but will also show the level of participation they can have in their community. “With a little support, and a lot of respect, people who live with intellectual disabilities can contribute as much to their communities as anyone else,” said Lisa Kazmirski of Tomorrow’s Corner, which provides coaching and other duties for Special Olympics of Belmont County. She noted that Special Olympics events depend strongly on donations, but the players enjoy raising funds for other purposes as well. “The team doesn’t always want to have things done for them, without also doing for others and feeling involved,” Kazmirski added. Tomorrow’s Corner, Inc. and Paramount Support Services, Inc. provide services to many members of the team and they will make up the Eagles’ opposition for the game.

St. Clairsville High School alumni (left to right) Tyanthony, Michael and Brad of the Belmont Eagles basketball team, are ready to take on their coaches and others in a benefit game for the St. Clairsville Stadium Project. The March 4th game will be played on Jenkins Court at St. Clairsville High School. Tip off is 6:30 p.m. Admission is $2 per person and all proceeds will benefit the stadium project. The game is being organized by Special Olympics of Belmont County in an effort to raise money and awareness that people with disabilities can also give back to their community.

As an added bonus and to encourage attendance, each company pledges to match up to $1,000 raised. Local car dealership, Whiteside, has also pledged to match all monies raised at this game.

“You don’t have to know someone on the team to attend this event. Help us pack the gym and build our stadium,” Kazmirski said. “Help us make this the start of something big – better acceptance, more awareness, and a stronger community.”

The last event like this was held in January at the School of Hope and successfully raised funds and non-perishable food items for another local charity. For information on how to help at the March 4th game or future events, contact Greg or Lisa Kazmirski at Tomorrow’s Corner at 740-695-1110 or Coach Tom King at 740-359-7432.



December 10, 2009

COLUMBUS – A Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities administrator recently was honored at the Ohio Association of County Boards (OACB) of Developmental Disabilities 26th annual CONVENTION at the Easton Hilton Dec. 2-4.

Operations Manager Willie Jones was honored by the statewide agency for his work.

“This award is given to those people with work for County Boards of Developmental Disabilities that go above and beyond the call of duty,” said Dan Ohler, OACB Executive Director.

He described Mr. Jones as someone everyone could emulate because “his passion for helping people with developmental disabilities is surpassed by no one.”

“Willie Jones is a gentleman and a professional, and it is an honor to present him with this award,” Mr. Ohler said.

“It’s a gift exchange. We get so much more back than we ever give,” Mr. Jones told the hundreds of attendees.

“We all are so much better people for the gifts we get back from the people we work with. We get patience, understanding, and acceptance,” he said.

Ohler presented Mr. Jones with one of the three Partners in Excellence awards given at the 26th annual OACB CONVENTION. Melanie Stretchbery, a superintendent from the Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities, and Mike Boaz, a business manager from the Putnam and Van Wert County Boards of Developmental Disabilities also were recognized.

Commissioned in 2006, this annual award is presented to a County Board of Developmental Disabilities staff member who demonstrates exemplary service in offering their expertise to a workgroup or specific project that benefits the County Board of Developmental Disabilities system as a whole, not just their specific county. The award is presented to a deserving individual as determined by the OACB. That person is recognized either at the annual convention, or at a local Board meeting of the recipient.

All 88 County Boards of Developmental Disabilities in Ohio are members of this organization whose purpose is to educate and advocate for the 80,000 individuals with developmental disabilities who reside in the Buckeye State.



December 4, 2009

COLUMBUS – Monty Kerr, CEO/Superintendent of the Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities was honored for “visionary leadership in administration” at the Ohio Association of County Boards of Developmental Disabilities (OACB) 26th annual convention in Columbus Dec. 2-4, 2009. Superintendent Kerr received the prestigious Kenneth Legats Award at a ceremony on Friday. This award is presented annually to an executive who has been nominated by the OACB Board of Trustees and who, over a career of more than 20 years, has shown high ideals, vision, and moral leadership in the administration of programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. The award is given in honor of Legats, a well known and respected superintendent for the Muskingum County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Cheryl Phipps, Superintendent of the Hamilton County Board of Developmental Disabilities and last year’s Legats Award winner introduced Kerr. She said that he embodies the spirit of Legats more than any other, calling him “the ultimate professional” to the more than 600 people attending the conference. “Monty always says we need to stop growing programs and start growing people’s lives,” Phipps said, adding that he is passionate about people with disabilities being included in all parts of their communities.

Monty Kerr (center), CEO/Superintendent of the Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities, received the prestigious Kenneth Legats Award for Visionary Leadership in Administration at the 26th Annual Convention of the Ohio Association of County Boards of Developmental Disabilities (OACB). The award is given annually to an executive who has shown high ideals, vision and moral leadership in the disabilities’ field. He is flanked by John Martin (right), Director of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, and Dan Ohler, OACB Executive Director

In accepting the award, Kerr said, “I must give credit where it’s due, with my staff, the board members and everyone I work with. I share this honor with all of them.”

Cindy Touvelle, a parent representative who serves on the Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities, noted the importance of Kerr’s visionary leadership.

“Monty is always looking ahead, supporting decisions that ensure the Board’s financial stability,” Touvelle said. “He is focused on making sure difficult economic times do not negatively affect people with disabilities, who depend upon us to fund the services they need.”

Board president, Jay Rodak, echoed Touvelle’s sentiment.

“Monty is focused on providing the best services for people with disabilities despite rising costs and decreasing revenue,” Rodak said. “This is at the forefront of the Board’s fiscal planning.”

Kerr led the Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities through an organizational restructuring in 2007 following a comprehensive analysis of all functions. The Board adopted self-determination, a philosophy designed to give people with disabilities more choice and control over resources spent on their behalf. This action has improved their lives and maintained the Board’s financial stability despite decreases in revenue.

“I thank God every day for the opportunity I have to serve people with disabilities and for the staff I get to work with. I truly am blessed,” Kerr said.

Kerr holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Urbana University and a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Dayton. He is the only superintendent in Ohio who serves as the CEO for three County Boards of Developmental Disabilities (Belmont, Harrison and Noble).

The Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities funds a wide array of services for over 450 children and adults with developmental disabilities in Belmont County. Those services include early intervention for infants and toddlers; preschool and school-age services; transportation; vocational, habilitation, and residential supports. It is governed by a seven-member board appointed by the county commissioners and probate and juvenile court judge.



August 21, 2009

ST. CLAIRSVILLE – The School of Hope has received a 2009 Cerebral Palsy Grant from the Ohio River Valley Elks Lodge. Pictured accepting the $1000 donation from Jim Nichelson (right), National Elks President and treasurer of the Ohio River Valley Elks, is Jamie Bauman, Children’s Services Director for the Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities, which operates the school. Looking on is Larry Jarrell, Lecturing Knight of the Ohio River Valley Elks.

Raising funds to benefit people with cerebral palsy is the Elks State Project. This donation made it possible for the school to install two overhead tracking systems, which are used to transfer students with disabilities from one point to another in a safe and comfortable manner.



July 6, 2009

ST. CLAIRSVILLE – Jay Rodak, president of the Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities, was invited to participate on a panel of Board presidents from across Ohio to discuss the future of services to people with disabilities in the state.
    The panel discussion was part at the spring conference of the Ohio Association of County Boards of MRDD (OACBMRDD), held May 21-22 in Columbus. John Martin, Director of the Ohio Department of MRDD was also on the panel.
    Rodak shared information on what the Belmont County Board of DD has done to maintain financial stability in the face of decreasing revenue and increasing costs. He noted that the Belmont County Board underwent a comprehensive analysis of its finances in 2005. It revealed the need to preserve financial resources, or face a budget deficit by 2012. A financial management plan was developed to accomplish that goal.
    “Maintaining services and conserving financial resources for those who will need services in the future was at the forefront of our fiscal planning,” Rodak said. “Our challenge was to cut costs without cutting services.”
    Early Retirement Incentive Programs, elimination or combining of positions through attrition and retirements, and elimination of all overtime are some of the cost-saving measures the Board has taken to date.
    Dan Ohler, Executive Director of the Ohio Association of County Boards had high praise for the Belmont Board’s foresight and planning. “Belmont County is one of the counties we hold up as an example,” Ohler said. “They have a strong board and superintendent who give their clients the services they need and deserve, while holding their costs down.”
    The Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities funds an array of services for 451 adults and children with developmental disabilities in Belmont County. Those services include early intervention for infants and toddlers; preschool and school-age services; vocational, habilitation and residential supports. The Board is levy-funded and does not receive money from the county’s General Fund.



June 16, 2009

ST. CLAIRSVILLE – Raising awareness and funds for Special Olympics is the reason why a Grand River, Ohio man is bicycling around the perimeter of Ohio this month, stopping to meet and talk with athletes and friends at courthouses along the way.

James “Spudd” Sasak arrived at the Belmont County Courthouse on June 4th. Sasak, whose journey began June 1st in Cleveland, is making his way through 37 counties in 26 days. He will arrive in Columbus on June 26th for the opening ceremonies of the State Summer Games.

Sasak’s focus is “Masonry in Motion,” an effort designed to promote Ohio Freemasons’ support of Special Olympics. Sasak is a member of Lakeshore Masonic Lodge #307.

On hand to greet the Bicycle Ambassador were Mike Parkinson of St. Clairsville and Daniel Pritchard of Belmont; Rodney “Hutch” Kovacs and Michael Coey, District Deputy Grand Masters of the 23rd Masonic District; Chris Lubic, Special Olympics coordinator for the Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities; and Bob Bandonee, Special Olympic coach.

For more information, photos, and a daily road report on Spudd’s whereabouts, log onto www.spudd.us



March 20, 2009

ST. CLAIRSVILLE – Belmont County Commissioner Ginny Favede is attending to business on a county level now, but it was the work she did as St. Clairsville Playground Renovation Committee chairperson that earned her a state award for 2008.
    Favede received the Merit award in the Community/Elected Official category at the Annual Ohio Public Images Awareness Awards Luncheon, held March 9th in Columbus. Ohio Public Images is a statewide, non-profit organization that promotes positive perceptions and understanding of people with developmental disabilities.
    The award was presented to her on March 19th by the Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities, which nominated her for the award.
    In the nomination, the Board noted: “As a public servant and community activist, Ginny Favede of St. Clairsville has often been the catalyst for change, yet it is a cause she took up on behalf of children with developmental disabilities that makes her worthy of an Ohio Public Images Award in 2008. She worked to dismantle the injustice of inaccessibility when she made the new St. Clairsville Memorial Park Playground a ‘playground for every child.’ ”
    The nomination noted that Favede altered original plans for a new playground after she witnessed a teacher from the School of Hope, the Board’s school-age program, struggling to get a little girl in a wheelchair down the steep, grassy embankment so she could be with her classmates in the playground area. Following the incident, Ginny realized the original playground plans were not accessible to children with disabilities. She then worked to add a sidewalk from the parking lot to the playground and around its perimeter.
    In accepting the award, Favede said, “It was one of my proudest achievements that we were able to put in the sidewalk; I appreciate this (award), but I cannot take full credit.” She cited the work of playground committee members and prisoners from Belmont Correctional Institution, who made it happen.
    “We believe Ginny Favede’s advocacy on behalf of children with disabilities is the finest example of what ‘doing the right thing’ really means and the impact it can have on an entire community,” said Monty Kerr, CEO/Superintendent of the Board.
    Ohio Public Images Awareness awards are given each year in various categories to recognize and honor the individuals and organizations across Ohio that have, through their efforts, helped people with disabilities gain greater access to the community.



October 6, 2008

ST. CLAIRSVILLE – The Belmont County Chapter of People First, a self-advocacy group, received the “Ohio Chapter of the Decade” award at the 10th Anniversary Celebration of People of First of Ohio.
    Sadie Hunter, Executive Director of Ohio People First, presented the award to chapter president, Yvette Gray of Martins Ferry, in a ceremony held September 16th in Columbus.
    “The Belmont Chapter is a perfect example of what People First is about – effective self-advocacy and teamwork,” Hunter said.
    People First is a nationwide organization that promotes the principles of self-determination. It gives people with disabilities a voice in decisions made about their lives and encourages and supports their right to do so. People First chapters are organized and operated entirely by people with disabilities. There are over 30 chapters in Ohio.
    The Belmont chapter, organized in 2004, meets monthly in the community room at the Ohio Valley Mall. To learn more or to become involved, contact Mary Lou Kent at 740-695-0500.



October 6, 2008

ST. CLAIRSVILLE – The Ohio Self-Determination Association (OSDA) recognized a local human services’ professional with its highest honor for his efforts in promoting self-determination for people with developmental disabilities.
    Willie Jones, the Director of Operations for the Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities, received an ESDY Award at the annual OSDA Conference, held September 16-17 at Columbus.
    OSDA is the major advocate for self-determination in the state of Ohio. It works to create a culture where individuals with disabilities have the freedom to plan their own lives and pursue what is important to them.
    Jones has been an advocate for people with developmental disabilities for nearly 30 years. A graduate of Kent State University, he is a licensed social worker and a trainer and consultant on issues related to the field. He is noted for accomplishments in the development, training and implementation of positive behavior supports and developed Personal Supports and Strategies, a positive approach that promotes and supports the principles of Self-Determination.
    “From his internship as an activity therapist at a southeastern Ohio developmental center, to his current position with the Belmont County Board of DD, Willie has been able to affect positive changes in the lives of people with disabilities served by private and public organizations,” said Monty Kerr, CEO/Superintendent of the Belmont County Board of DD.
    Jones served on the Ohio Self-Determination Association Board and is on the Ohio Department of MRDD Behavior Support Advisory Committee. He is also a member of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and PAR.



July 16, 2008
ST. CLAIRSVILLE – Special Olympics basketball players will bank their shots off new backboards and through new rims in 2008, thanks to the Belmont County Council of the American Legion. The Council has donated two glass NCAA-approved backboards and two goals, valued at more than $1,800, to the Belmont County Special Olympics’ program. The new equipment will be installed in the gymnasium at the School of Hope, where regular season basketball games are played.
    Leaders of the County Council made the presentation to Special Olympics representatives recently. Coaches Jimmy Cross, Bob Bandonee, Sherri Marlin, and Special Olympics coordinator, Chris Lubic, flank one of the new backboards in the first row, left to right. Council representatives seated in the second row, l-r, are: Jim McCulley, Council Commander; John McCloud, District 11 2nd Vice-Commander and Special Olympics’ chairman; John Ciesielka, Post 366; Mike Pollack, Post 159 trustee; Robert Watt, Post 521 chaplain; and Jerry Clark, Post 159 1st Vice. Third row, l-r: John J. Wodarcyk, Post 666 Commander; Floyd Burk, County Council Past Commander; Dick Johnson, 2nd Vice Commander, Post 52; Jick Weatherson, Shadyside 521, ADJ; Bill Strous, County Council Past Commander; and George Lucas, Post 159 Commander.



May 9, 2008
ST. CLAIRSVILLE – A project sponsored by the Ohio River Valley Elks Lodge 231 has benefited people with developmental disabilities employed at Belco Works. The members took on a project suggested by Larry Jarrell, Inner Guard for the lodge, and sought donations of wheelchairs for use by people employed at Belco Works. Jarrell works as a driver who transports people to work there. Three wheelchairs were presented to Belco Works in late April.
    “Several of our employees need assistance from the transport van to their work station, so having wheelchairs available is extremely important,” said Anne Haning, Executive Director at Belco Works. “We are grateful for the Elks’ support of our employees.”
    Two of the wheelchairs were donated by Medi Home Health, while Elks member John Sidon donated the other one.
    According to Tom Curley, Exalted Ruler of the Ohio River Valley Elks, the lodge has made its support of people with developmental disabilities an ongoing community service project.
    Belco Works, a non-profit organization, is the leading provider of employment opportunities for people with disabilities in Belmont County. Its light industrial setting, located at 340 Fox-Shannon Place, St. Clairsville, provides jobs in packaging, assembly, wood products, and document destruction to 250 adults with developmental disabilities.
    The Ohio River Valley Lodge is made up of approximately 300 members from the Martins Ferry, Bellaire, and Steubenville areas.



March 8, 2008
ST. CLAIRSVILLE - When Bethany college student Kayla Cline came to the School of Hope to do her student teaching, she brought a level of enthusiasm to the task that is not often seen. Her positive attitude made it easy for her to build relationships with the children with disabilities with whom she worked. What many didn’t know at the time was that Kayla was building something else.
    She was building a school in Africa.
    EduCongo, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the underprivileged children in the Democratic Republic of Congo, came to Kayla’s attention last year when she heard Lou Radja, EduCongo’s co-founder and executive director, speak at Bethany College.
    Kayla along with the Student National Education Association and the President of the Student Activities Council had joined forces with the Project (RED) advisors Keely Camden and Brian Fernandes to raise money for the Global Fund, an organization which fights AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria in Africa. She involved many campus groups and planned activities like the one where Radja spoke. Because the entire campus was so inspired by him, the Project (RED) team decided to raise money for EduCongo in 2008, with the idea that if you educate children first than you can stop the AIDS epidemic. This mission interested Kayla, who is a special education major, and she set out to help EduCongo achieve its goals.
    After learning that a school could be built in the Republic of Congo for just $10,000, Kayla was inspired. In a place where the average income is $2 per day, Kayla knew that she and her Bethany College classmates could accomplish that goal and make a huge difference in the lives of children.
    This past February, activities on the Bethany College campus for the benefit of EduCongo included a (RED) fashion show on, turning the gym (RED) for the men’s and women’s basketball game, a (RED) dinner at the Cafeteria, and a (RED) benefit dance. Lou Radja was the featured speaker and kicked the week-long activities off on Monday. While here, he also spoke to numerous classes and organizations on campus and traveled to Linsly in Wheeling and McNinch Elementary in Moundsville. Project (RED) t-shirts and Sarris Chocolate were also sold with all proceeds going to EduCongo.
    Kayla’s goal of building a new school will be realized as Bethany College met its $10,000 goal for EduCongo, thanks to the college community and Student Government Association. In addition, a donation of $10,000 was received from an anonymous donor, who was also inspired by the project.
    Kayla wanted to involve her friends at the School of Hope in this project and invited them to contribute in a unique way. Students in the preschool and school-age classes decorated two quilts with hand prints and messages for the African students and then proudly presented them to Lou Radja at the School of Hope on February 8th. A smiling Kayla looked on as Radja accepted the quilts.
    “It’s quite awesome,” Radja said of the School of Hope. “We are planting seeds of hope for all children in Africa and you are the School of Hope. We are the same.”
    Radja said the quilts will be hung in the library and in the new building at the EduCongo supported school known as La Découverte in Kisanga in the Congo. “I thank Kayla for connecting me with you and for all she continues to be for humanity,” Radja said. “I can't wait to showcase the beautiful quilts at our school.”
    As Radja made his way to the airport after leaving the School of Hope, he said, “What a great way to end such a great week.”
    Kayla’s care and kindness will not be forgotten by students at the School of Hope, and the caring she brought to them will soon be felt by children in a school far, far away.



October 18, 2007
    Following a comprehensive review, the Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities has received a four-year accreditation award from the state of Ohio. The Board scored 99.57 out of a possible 100 points.
    The preparation of an accreditation review requires many staff hours and a great deal of coordination between programs and departments. County Boards are often given at a minimum nine months notice to prepare.
    In a letter to Board president Jay Rodak, ODMRDD Director, John Martin, said, “You, the Board members, your Superintendent and staff are to be commended for your efforts in achieving this status.”
    The Board was reviewed by a team of surveyors from ODMRDD in April. During this comprehensive state review, registrations, certifications and licenses of staff, administrative policies, practices, and processes were scrutinized. The reviewers also looked at the health and safety of people served and ensured that services like Early Intervention, Service and Support Administration and Transportation were provided to eligible individuals. The reviewers talked at length with individuals in residential and work settings and their families to ensure their satisfaction with the services offered by and through the Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
    “We work each day to make certain the services we provide, or connect people to, are of the highest quality. Our staff is dedicated to the people they serve and their commitment to excellence is the reason for our high score,” said Monty Kerr, Superintendent of the Board of Developmental Disabilities.
    The Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities serves eligible adults and children in Belmont County. Services can begin at birth and continue throughout an individual’s life. For more information, call 740-695-7433 or log onto www.bcbdd.org



March 15, 2007
ST. CLAIRSVILLE – An agency that has served people in Belmont County for decades has changed its name.
    The Belmont County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (MRDD) became the Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities in a move approved by the Board of Directors at its March 1st meeting.
    “Mental retardation is a developmental disability so removing it from our name makes sense,” said Superintendent Monty Kerr. “We believe this change, taking place during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, is the right thing for us to do at this time.”
    Feedback on the proposed name change was solicited from a variety of sources that included those served and the general public. “Every response was in favor of dropping the term, ‘mental retardation,” Kerr said.
    According to the Superintendent, the term “retarded” is used in negative and hurtful ways even though people with intellectual disabilities are achieving success in greater numbers than ever before.
    “It will take more than just a new name to change attitudes, but we believe this is a necessary first step,” Kerr said. “As the public gets to know us under our new name, we encourage people to get to know someone with a developmental disability. You’ll find they have something to offer their school, workplace, church and community.”
    The Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides or links over 400 children and adults to services and supports they need for their lives. For more information, call 740-695-0407, ext. 135.



January 31, 2007
St. Clairsville - The Belmont County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities recognized retiring board member, Luanne Spigarelli, of Bellaire at its January meeting. Luanne’s term expired at the end of 2006.
    Luanne was appointed to the County Board in 1995 and filled the role as the parent of a person eligible for residential services. During her 12 year tenure, she served as vice-president for 10 of those years, witnessing many changes and improvements to the system that supports children and adults with developmental disabilities.
    In recognition of her service, Luanne was presented with an abstract painting created by her son, Terry. Board president Jay Rodak called the gift “the most touching I’ve ever seen” as he recognized Terry’s abilities and Luanne’s contribution to the County Board.
    “Services to people with developmental disabilities in Belmont County are better because of Luanne’s service and we know that she will continue to be an active and involved parent,” said Superintendent Monty Kerr.
    The Belmont County Board of MRDD serves over 400 children and adults with developmental disabilities in Belmont County. It is governed by a seven-member board of directors: five are appointed by the county commissioners and two by the probate judge. At least three board members must be in the “immediate family” of an individual eligible for services.