january 2018

JANUARY 2018
Bringing about a vibrant community where people lead fulfilling lives and make meaningful contributions.
A Season of GIVING and RECEIVING at Fairfield DD
In December, the Forest Rose Senior
classroom students and staff volunteered
to ring the bells for the Salvation
Army at Kroger on Mondays
and Tuesdays. This is an activity they
have enjoyed participating in for five
years. The students liked greeting the
shoppers as they entered and exited
the store. In addition, the class has
been volunteering at The First Baptist
Church’s free clothing store sorting
and hanging clothing every other
Thursday morning. The students enjoy
the opportunity to help with this
worthwhile outreach project while
learning something valuable outside
of the classroom.
This ramp was recently built for a
family in Early Intervention. The Fairfield
Center For disAbilities’s Rods
and Ramps program paid for the
materials and it was constructed by
a group of church volunteers called
the SMART Team. The family is very
grateful for its completion and
thankful for everyone’s efforts.
The students at Forest Rose
were on the receiving end of
wonderful gifts this holiday!
Missing Links, the motorcycle
club that has adopted our
school age classrooms and
gifted them at Christmas,
came to deliver the presents
to each class on December
8th and enjoyed the reactions
of the students as they
opened their gifts.
Rotary held their December
meeting here on Monday the
11th. All the children were entertained
with a play about
inclusiveness at Christmas performed
by the Garrett players
and of course, the visit by Santa
who delivered specific presents
that each student had
asked for!
Pam Whiteley
Fairfield DD staff donated dozens of requested
items to the Fairfield Community
Action Stuff the Bus Pantry Drive.
Students in the Fairfield Medical Center’ Project SEARCH
program were able to learn about the importance of
voting and even go through a mock voting session
thanks to the Carroll Board of Elections who hosted the
group and allowed students to try out the voting machines.

Though I’m not a fan of New Year
resolutions, I do get invigorated each
January as I look ahead to what the
new year will bring.
This year began with a fairly large
change as Fairfield DD officially transitioned
out of the operation of adult day services.
Learning Never Ends is now the official provider of service
at the Opportunity Center and Fairfield DD is concentrating
on new and innovative ways to support all
of the providers operating in Fairfield County.
We began hosting monthly provider meetings last
year that have proved successful in many ways. A
monthly gathering is a much-need way for us to connect
face-to-face with providers, as well as affording
the providers a chance to interact with one another.
Together, we have had the ability to come up with a
variety of topics to be discussed—ranging from internal
and external guest speakers to the highlighting of specific
providers and what they are doing to support people
with developmental disabilities. The meetings also
give us a more thorough way to distribute and communicate
information from a state level to providers
while also having the time and opportunity to delve
deeper into that information. And together, we all are
determining criteria and values that will form the backbone
of an “Excellence Network” of providers, ultimately
resulting in quality standards for all members of the
network—allowing prospective customers to thoroughly
research options for services and supports throughout
Fairfield County.
The collaboration of providers and Fairfield DD
proves, once again, that we are truly stronger together.
By agreeing to take a person-centered approach to
supporting people in our community, we are all striving
toward a common goal and the result will be a higher
quality of life for everyone with a developmental disability,
as well as their families.
I have long said that the people we support need to
be “of the community,” not simply “in the community.”
It is beyond rewarding to share this goal with the providers
throughout the county.
We have work to do, of course, but I’m invigorated.
And if you’d like more information about monthly provider
meetings—don’t hesitate to give us a call!
Happy New Year!
John Pekar, Superintendent
County Budget Approved
The Board of County Commissioners approved
county budget for 2018 last month. The general
fund expenditure budget for 2018 is $46.5 million, a
decrease of 2% as compared to the current 2017
budget. The general fund covers expenditures for
the daily operations of county services.
Decreases in the 2018 budget were largely due to
the existence of one-time expenditures in 2017, such
as the purchase and improvement of property; cybersecurity
improvements; law enforcement radios;
and furniture, fixtures, and equipment for the new
jail and public safety facility which opened in June
of 2017.
Increases were approved for salaries and fringe
benefits, $800,000 for employees and $17,800 for
elected officials in accordance with statute. A 2%
increase for raises was approved for employees.
However, health insurance rates were flat.
The main priority of the budget is public safety operations,
with the Sheriff’s department and related
jail expenditures totaling 37.9% of the budget. Approximately
26.5% of expenditures are for the Coroner,
Prosecutor, and Courts. An additional approximate
3.5% is allocated to Child Protective Services,
bringing 67.9% of general fund budget dedicated
to public safety.
Commissioner Steve Davis, Board President stated,
“The appropriations within the general fund reflect
the ongoing priority of public safety. Ultraconservatism
of the general fund budget is necessary
given the sales tax revenue loss associated with
managed care organizations (MCOs). In future
years, all county departments must adhere to conservative
parameters because of the MCO loss in
sales tax revenue.”
The state is providing transitional aid to offset a
portion of the MCO sales tax revenue loss. In 2017,
$434,000 state transitional aid was set aside to supplement
general fund dollars for the purchase of
law enforcement radios. In 2018, an additional
$434,000 of transitional aid will be available to supplement
general fund revenues.
For 2018, some unique items were approved in the
budget:
• $147,000 for the Board of Elections to meet needs
of a gubernatorial election;
• $120,000 for the Sheriff’s Office to build a firing
range;
• $100,000 to build a tower to support radio communications;
• $59,000 for the Prosecutor’s Office to hire a staff
member, offset in part by reductions in a grant
match;
• $50,000 for Juvenile Court to replace reductions of
state revenue;
(continued)

(Budget Continued)
* $24,000 for the Major Crimes Unit to match state
grant funds for a pre-arrest jail diversion program
in response to the opioid epidemic; and
• $20,000 for Sheriff’s Office vehicles to allow for
the purchase of larger vehicles for the Sheriff’s
Office fleet, for the second consecutive year.
For 2017, the carry over cash balance is expected
to exceed $10 million. Carry over cash is a
balance needed for expenditures planned in the
first part of the year and to plan for future expenditures.
The county website includes the full general
fund budget, as well as reports about county finances.
https://www.co.fairfield.oh.us/sunshinereview-ten-point-checklist.html
For more information contact Carri Brown,
County Administrator,
carri.brown@fairfieldcountyohio.gov.
CHECK Out Chess!
Have you ever wanted to learn
how to play chess? Do you like to
play chess and are looking for a partner?
Join the community at the Fairfield
County District Library in learning how to play this ancient
board game, or pair up with a partner for free
play. Registration is required to ensure they have
enough game boards for everyone. Each individual
attending needs to register. Open to kids, teens and
adults! For information, visit www.fcdlibrary.org.
January Game Night
Like to play games? Join the fun on January 14 from 6
to 7:30 pm at Crossroads TV Church in River Valley
Mall for an accessible evening of board games and
laughter. Everyone is welcome!
Keeping It Clean
To protect your family this cold and flu season, start with these germ-free guidelines for your
home:
● Know the duration of colds. If someone in your home gets a cold or flu virus, you should
know that they can shelter the virus for one day before getting sick and for up to seven
days after getting sick. During that time, designate a special part of the house for the sick
person, such as an extra bedroom or the comfiest couch in the living room, to keep them
from contaminating other parts of the house.
Beware of sharing. Don't share cups, glasses, plates, and utensils that can pass germs from one family member
to another. Clean everything in hot soapy water or in the dishwasher.
Clean surfaces. Wipe down surfaces with a clean, disposable paper towel instead of a sponge, and then
throw out the towel. Pay special attention to bedside tables, bathroom counters, faucet handles, and kitchen
counters.
Read labels on cleaning products. To use the word "sanitize" a product must kill more than 99 percent of
specified bacteria within 30 seconds. The word "disinfect" means a product must kill all specified germs within 10
minutes.
Go “green.” Consider non-toxic cleaning products that kill viruses and bacteria using natural disinfectants
such as thyme or citric acids. Many are safe to disinfect children's toys and high-chair surfaces, but read the label
carefully to be sure.
Keep plenty of tissues available around the house. Teach your children to use tissues for sneezing, coughing,
and nose blowing. Make sure tissues are thrown out directly into the trash after using them.
Teach kids proper hand washing. Make sure your bathrooms have soap. Wash hands in soapy water for as long
as it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice. Between washings, avoid touching your hands to your face. Set out
paper towels instead of cloth towels for hand drying in your kitchen and bathrooms.
Offer hand sanitizers. Distribute hand sanitizers around the house. Make sure your hand sanitizer contains at
least 60 percent alcohol. Spray the hand sanitizer into the hands and rub hands together until they are dry.
A healthy home doesn't need to be completely germ-free. Contagious cold and flu viruses don't come from
dirty homes — they come from people. But take common-sense precautions to keep hands and surfaces free of
germs. You can also talk to your doctor about whether your child should get a flu shot.
For question or concerns about seasonal colds and flu, visit www.myfhd.org.

United Way Offers Free Tax Preparation
By: Scott Spangler, Director Community Impact
In Fairfield County, hardworking individuals and families are finding it difficult to keep up financially. The cost
of living continues to rise while wages seem to be faltering. If individuals and families are to realize long-term
financial stability and independence, they must have access to tools and resources to maximize their income
and help them begin to build assets for themselves and the next generation.
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps bridge the gap between what people earn and what is needed
to survive. Claimed on a person’s tax return, it is designed to supplement wages and reward work – depending
on income level, marital status and the number of dependent children, taxpayers earning less than
$54,000 can claim the EITC and receive a refund of up to $6,269. The IRS estimates that approximately 20% of
eligible workers do not claim the EITC.
Recognizing the EITC’s potential benefit to individuals, families and communities, The United Way of Fairfield
County is launching its 12 th year as a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Site (VITA) and its 9 th year as a Tax
Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) site for the upcoming tax season. Through these programs, United Way offers
free tax preparation for low- to moderate-income individuals and families in Fairfield County as well as any
person over the age of 60.
United Way’s VITA site utilizes IRS Certified Volunteers to prepare and file tax returns. The goal is to continue to
increase the number of claims of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) in our county. During the 2017 filing season,
the United Way of Fairfield County was able to provide free tax preparation to 1,754 tax clients, an increase
of 7% over 2016 (1,646 returns filed). The site also provided Earned Income Tax Claims totaling $989,446.
In total, the VITA site provided $2.4 million in federal refunds and $249,936 in state refunds.
The United Way strives to increase tax assistance efforts and community awareness of the EITC and ask that
you be a part of these efforts in whatever capacity possible. Consider becoming a volunteer tax counselor,
make a donation, or refer eligible family, friends and neighbors to our free tax assistance program. We are currently
taking appointments to prepare taxes throughout the tax season and help individuals and families in the
community receive the tax credits they are entitled to, avoid costly fees, and receive the money they deserve!
Contact Scott Spangler at the United Way of Fairfield County at 740-653-0643 to receive more information.

Project SEARCH Hosts Open House
In November the Project Search students and faculty team from Fairfield Medical Center held their annual
Information night. Students used their public speaking skills to inform their audience about their participation in
the internship program, including the department they work in, the school they are from, what they are learning
and why they would encourage other prospective students and their families to apply for selection to the
sought-after program. Instructors explained that the program is a collaboration between FMC, Fairfield Career
Center, OOD and Fairfield DD. Following a selection process, students who have earned their diploma
credit requirements defer graduation for another year as they get real-life work experience with the help of
job coaches and FMC mentors.
Several parents shared the transformation they have seen in their teens since beginning the program. It was
a great evening to share in the positive accomplishments of all the youth involved!
Dr. Onna Sanders
Doing Good in
Our Neighborhood
DOCTOR
Certified Stuffed Animal
& Doll Specialist
ABCDEFG 1234567
Project DAWN Community Information
Session
What: Project DAWN is a community-based overdose
education and naloxone distribution program.
During this event, attendees will receive a
free naloxone (narcan) kit upon completion of
the training.
When: Jan. 25, 5-7 p.m.
Where: Assembly Rooms at Fairfield Medical Center
Cost: Free
RSVP: Not required, but encouraged. Call 740-687
-8007.
Paging Doctor Sanders!
What does a little girl who has spent an unusual amount of
time in the hospital want for Christmas? Well, her very own
MRI machine, of
course!
When Onna told
Santa Claus that
she expected to
see a MRI under
the tree this year,
her mother panicked;
but her stepfather
immediately
assembled his team
of elves and got to
work. The result—a
miniature machine
complete with
lights and a camera
[baby monitor]
that allows Onna to
talk to and see her
dolls and stuffed
animals when they
are inside!

Adult Services Department Transitions
As of this month, Fairfield DD no longer offers adult day services.
This is in accordance with Ohio Department of Developmental
Disabilities' Transition Plan for Medicaid. Services previously
offered by Fairfield DD at the Opportunity Center are now
provided by Learning Never Ends. The transition went smoothly
and now the Adult Service Options Department is focusing on
the redesign of the department for the future.
“We’ve identified ways that we can be a resource to the
people we support and their families, as well as other stakeholders
so that we can all ensure that progress and growth are
occurring for the people we serve,” said Kyle Miller, Director of
Adult Services. “ Our team will be rolling our plan out to
[Fairfield DD] leadership this month, and plan to speak to the service coordination teams soon to share how
we plan to help support them in all that they do. Our other primary goal will be to function as a resource to
other providers by equipping them to provide supports that encourage progress and growth as well as supporting
them in utilizing best practices to make that happen.”
Subsequently, two changes to JobFusion, the employment arm of Fairfield DD, are taking place. The first
change involves DiscoverU regarding the free classes that have previously been offered to the public.
“As good stewards of the public dollar, we felt it imperative to evaluate the quality of what we were offering
and to determine next steps,” Miller said. “ As we were in the midst of doing so, we received further
correspondence from OOD that the free classes we were offering were, in fact, identified within the OOD/
VR Provider Manual as billable services. As we move forward, we will no longer be publishing the monthly
DiscoverU calendar, rather offering these services as a vendor of OOD to those that have chosen Job-
Fusion for these supports.”
The second change is in regards to those individuals that utilize JobFusion for follow-along services that
are billed through Medicaid. As Fairfield DD continues to adapt to Medicaid’s stance regarding conflictfree
case management, the Board must make an effort to find established private providers to maintain
these follow-along services. JobFusion can only provide follow-along services to those that have exhausted
all other opportunities to locate another willing provider.
“Moving forward, we are requesting that each individual service coordinator complete a Request for Provider
(RFP) for each person currently supported by JobFusion in follow-along services,” Miller said. “ We
have contacted numerous new providers who have expressed an interest in providing the services that will
decrease and eventually eliminate the need for JobFusion to provide Medicaid services.”
The future holds many exciting opportunities for the Adult Services Department and objectives will be explained
as they solidify. In the meantime, any questions for Kyle and his team are welcomed. He can be
reached at 740.652.7220.
“Change your thoughts and you change your world.”
- Norman Vincent Peale
Grab your foam fingers and pom poms and come cheer on the
Special Olympics/Fairfield Athletic Association’s Basketball Teams this month!
With two teams this season, the home gym at Forest Rose School will be busy.
Game times are as follows:
Saturday, January 6—11:30 am &1:15 pm
Friday, January 12— 6:30 pm
Tuesday, January 23—6:30 pm
Friday January 26— 6:30 pm
Best of luck to both teams for an incredible season!

CAREGIVERS’
Geneva Hills is partnering with Fairfield DD to provide Night
Out, a time for parents to take a break and children to enjoy
a variety of activities and making new friends.
To begin, Night Out will be offered the first Thursday of February,
March and April for children ages 5-14, with the idea of
expanding to include older children and adults in the future.
The first Night Out is Thursday, February 1 st from 5:30-8:30pm.
Dinner and snacks will be provided to help parents get to Geneva
Hills after a busy day at home, school and/or work. The
caregivers for the evening will be provided by the Geneva
Hills staff and their approved volunteers, ensuring a quality
experience.
The cost for Night Out has been kept low, thanks to a generous
donation from Fairfield Federal Savings and Loan— $10
for the first child and $5 for each additional child. To register,
call Geneva Hills at 740-746-8439 or go to
www.genevahills.com.
Your Voice Matters!
An Evening Self Advocacy Group will meet from 5:30 to 6:30
pm , Friday February 2 in the Forest Rose Large Conference
Room. Join others with disabilities to learn about your rights
and responsibilities, and how best to speak up for yourself.
Call Julie at 740.652.7220 for information. Join us afterwards
for the Community Dance!
Health and Welfare Alert:
Brush
Those
Teeth!

795 College Avenue
Lancaster, OH 43130
Contact Us
Temple Custer Montanez, Editor
www.FairfieldDD.com
Administration ...................................................... 740-652-7220
Superintendent ..................................................... 740-652-7220
Services and Supports ......................................... 740-652-7220
Family Support Services ....................................... 740-652-7220
Department of Quality .......................................... 740-652-7235
Forest Rose School .............................................. 740-652-7225
Early Intervention/Birth to 3 ............................... 740-652-7225
Opportunity Center ............................................... 740-652-7230
Art & Clay on Main/Square 7 Coffeehouse ......... 740-653-1755
JobFusion ................................ 614-835-2700 or 740-652-7235
Transportation ...................................................... 740-652-7228
Pickerington Regional Office .. 614-835-2700 or 740-652-7235
Volunteer Opportunities ....................................... 740-652-7220
Our Mission
To bring about a vibrant community
where people lead fulfilling lives and
make meaningful contributions.
Superintendent
Board Members:
Mark Weedy, President
Theresa Nixon, VP
Linda Barber, Sec.
John R. Pekar
Robert Competti
Sharon Scruggs
Sharon Murphy
Elizabeth Burwell
You are never too old to set another goal or
to dream a new dream.
- C.S. Lewis