Phew!
September has been quite a month for us.
We had a parade that required several hours and lots of manpower to produce a nice looking float for the Popcorn Parade. It’s been a long-standing tradition for us to have a presence in the parade and we didn’t disappoint this year with our Vegas-themed float. It was great to see so many of our staff engaged in this project and working together to create a fan-favorite float. Our Special Olympians also got to participate and seemed to really enjoy themselves and all of the attention the parade brings. Good job! Thanks to your hard work, we were well represented.
With no time to rest we were preparing for our September board meeting. On the night of the board meeting our Early Intervention specialists, Marci Muciek and Angie Meade were at the Touch a Truck event held by our partners at Help Me Grow. The event was a great success with several kids that we serve in the EI program attending and having a great time. Thank you, EI for supporting this event and providing a County Board presence.
The very next day was our Annual Golf Outing. The weather held off, the dinner was phenomenal (as always), and the event was a success. Twenty-three teams participated this year and a handful of supporters came out just to enjoy the great meal. Every staff member supports this event in some way, whether it was recruiting a team, taking the day off to play, or making a dessert – it is always a true team effort. Thanks for always pitching in to ensure success.
After that, the facilities crew feverishly worked on getting things ready for the countywide auction that took place on September 20. We supplied items for the sale along with the Sheriff’s office, Marion Police Department, and the County Commissioners who provided many treasures including cars, bikes, office furniture, and various stolen, but unclaimed property. The auction was a success bringing countless people to our facility and clearing space in the Beidler Center for Phase II renovations.
Lastly, Jessica Trainer and the Staff Appreciation Committee pulled off a fun-filled Staff Appreciation Luncheon filled with great food, great company, and balmy weather. I hope that everyone had a great time. I know I don’t say it often enough – you are all very much appreciated. So thank you again.
As I reflect on the amount of work that was done in the month of September and note the contributions made by all of you, I feel grateful. You all work so hard. Not only for the people we serve but also for the good of the County Board. Each of you is an intricate part of our team and a committed community ambassador. I appreciate each and every one of you and feel fortunate to have a team that puts people first – always!
Now, take a breath, recover from September, and get ready for the hustle and bustle that fourth quarter brings. Cost reports, budgets, end of year wrap-ups, and the personal madness that is created by the holidays – they will be here before we know it.
Respectfully,
Cheryl Plaster, Superintendent
