July 2023 Special Needs Living Akron/Canton

JARED FRANK

Kimble Company’s Biggest Fan!

PHOTO BY MICHELLE HERDLICK

OUR NEW ICF FEATURES:

· All female residents, ages 18 & up

· 6 individual rooms

· Located in a residential neighborhood within walking distance to parks, shopping, and church

· Large ADA bathrooms

· Washer and dryer on main level for independence

· Van on-site for transportation

· 24-hour nursing available, with staff trained in DD-specific, person-centered planning

WHAT IS AN INTERMEDIATE CARE FACILITY (ICF)?

GentleBrook offers seven locations in Hartville and West Lafayette. Adult residents living in our ICFs receive these benefits:

· 24-hour supervision and on-site nursing care

· Active treatment

· Therapeutic services

· Life skills mentoring & support

· Social & recreational activities

· Transportation to & from work and activities

· Respite services

Contact us! We’re committed to being a helpful resource for individuals and families who want more information about the advantages of an Intermediate Care Facility.

JULY ISSUE PREVIEW

• 05 Issue preview

• 08 Community Resources

• 15 Save The Date

• 18 Magazine Team

• 19 Contributors

• 22 Just. Saying. Thank you

• 26 Sponsor Index

• 30 Introducing Jared Frank

• 36 Nonprofit Spotlight

• 38 Chef Daniel

• 42 The Moser Family

• 45 Jared Chevraux

• 48 One Tough Cookie

• 50 Sponsor Spotlight

• 54 Hitting The Road

• 58 Q&A Veronica

• 61 James Warnken

• 62 Last Look

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

Rick Miller 330-283-8462

rick.miller@n2co.com

Scan the QR Code to Like, Subscribe or Nominate:

Facebook (@snl.cak)

Instagram (special_needs_cak)

www.TheSpecialNeedsLiving.com

Pond Wiser’s Frog Shop Russell Spokas

Jared Frank & Charlie

Caleb Moser

Chef Daniel Anschutz Chelsea Briggs

The North Canton Public Library

MUST KNOW

COMMUNITY RESOURCES & CONNECTIONS

Need to know who to connect with to ask a question? This is where you find out who you need to know!

AKRON BLIND CENTER

Phone: 330-253-2555

Website: www.akronblindcenter.org

The Akron Blind Center Inc. is a membership-based nonprofit organization incorporated in 1948 to serve the blind and lowvision communities. They also provide resources, programs, services and classes for Summit and surrounding counties.

AKRON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

Phone: 330-543-1000

Website: www.akronchildrens.org

Akron Children’s Hospital has been caring for children since 1890, and its pediatric specialties are ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report. With two hospital campuses, four health centers, and 50+ primary and specialty care locations throughout Ohio, they’re making it easier for today’s busy families to find the high-quality care they need.

ARC OF OHIO

Phone: 234-571-5689

Website: www.thearcofohio.org

The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.

AUTISM SOCIETY OF GREATER AKRON

Phone: 330-940-1441

Website: www.autismakron.org

The Autism Society is the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots autism organization committed to improving the lives of those affected by autism. The Greater Akron affiliate was founded in 1987 by parent volunteers of children with autism.

BUREAU OF SERVICES FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED (BSVI)

Website: www.ood.ohio.gov/individuals-with-disabilities/ services/services-for-the-visually-impaired

MEDINA, PORTAGE, AND SUMMIT COUNTIES

Phone: 330-643-3080

CARROLL AND STARK COUNTIES

Phone: 330-438-0500

BSVI assists eligible people, beginning at age 14, with low vision and blindness by providing direct, personalized

services to assist them in finding and retaining meaningful work and personal independence. Basic services include personal and work adjustment training, vocational training, mental and physical restoration, and placement assistance.

CALL 211

Phone: 211

Website: www.211.org

Serving four counties and covering 1.5 million people in Ohio, the United Way 2-1-1 Help Center provides free and confidential 24-hour access to a compassionate professional who will review your options for help, develop a plan and act as your advocate if you are faced with barriers to service. Simply dial 2-1-1 or chat with us for assistance. Se habla Espanol.

COMPASSION DELIVERED

Phone: 330-575-0996

Website: www.compassiondelivered.org

Compassion Delivered provides medically tailored nutritional meals to people coping with chronic, lifethreatening illnesses and diseases.

DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION OF NORTHEAST OHIO

Phone: 216-447-8763

Website: www.dsaneo.org

The Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio is a nonprofit that provides support, education, advocacy, and resources for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community.

GREENLEAF FAMILY CENTER (DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING SERVICES)

Phone: 330-376-9494

Website: www.greenleafctr.org

Greenleaf is a nonprofit organization that strengthens families in our community through counseling, education and support. By offering a variety of programs and services, we are here to help families with the many challenges of daily living and personal crises.

HELP ME GROW

Phone: 330-492-8136

Website: https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/ help-me-grow/help-me-grow

Help Me Grow is Ohio’s evidence-based parent support program that encourages early prenatal and well-baby care, as well as parenting education to promote the comprehensive health and development of children. Help Me Grow System includes Central Intake, Help Me Grow Home Visiting, and Help Me Grow Early Intervention.

OHIO’S PARENT MENTOR PROJECT

Phone: 844-382-5452

Website: www.parentmentor.osu.edu

It is the mission of the Ohio Parent Mentors to provide the necessary support and resources to families of children with disabilities and the professionals that serve them by connecting families, schools, and the community to the benefit of students with disabilities.

OHIO COALITION FOR THE EDUCATION OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

Phone: 844-382-5452

Website: www.ocecd.org

The OCECD is a statewide nonprofit organization that serves families of infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities in Ohio, educators, and agencies who provide services to them.

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAID

Phone: 800-324-8680

Website: www.medicaid.ohio.gov

The ODM provides health care coverage to more than three million Ohioans through a network of more than 165,000 providers. Learn more about Ohio’s largest state agency and the ways in which they continue to improve wellness and health outcomes for the individuals and families served at our website.

OHIO DEPT OF JOB AND FAMILY SERVICES

Phone: 800-720-9616

Website: www.jfs.ohio.gov

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) is responsible for managing many vital programs that directly affect the lives of Ohioans.

OHIO DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

PLANNING COUNCIL

Website: www.ddc.ohio.gov

Phone: 800-766-7426

The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council is a planning and advocacy body committed to community inclusion for people with developmental disabilities. It is the mission of the ODDC to create change that improves independence, productivity, and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and their families in community life.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR OHIOANS WITH DISABILITIES

Phone: 800-282-4536

Website: www.ood.ohio.gov

This state agency works to empower Ohioans with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, and independence. Amoung the many services provided, OOD is responsible for establishing and maintaining partnerships with employers.

PEOPLE FIRST OF OHIO

Website: www.peoplefirstohio.org

People First of Ohio is a statewide organization that works with state legislators and builds relationships with other advocacy groups and state agencies. These relationships promote better interaction among people who make decisions in the communities and the state.

PHILOMATHEON SOCIETY

Phone: 330-453-9157

OF THE BLIND

Website: www.philomatheon.com

This organization is a gathering of blind and visually impaired people, along with sighted family and friends, with a mission and goal to help the blind and visually impaired in the community to help themselves to remain or to become able to live independently and an active member of their community.

PORTAGE COUNTY BOARD OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Phone: (330) 297-6209

Website: www.portagedd.org

The Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities exists to connect individuals and families with the services they need for health, safety, education and a high quality of life.

RED TREEHOUSE — RONALD MCDONALD FAMILY

Website: www.redtreehouse.org

Supporting the well-being of families and children with challenges, disabilities, and health care needs. Finding tools, organizations, and events in the community to meet the needs of families.

SHARING SOLUTIONS

Phone: 330-546-2001

Website: www.sharingsolutions.info

A community of parents/guardians of individuals from transition to adult age with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, professionals who serve the IDD community, caregivers, and policymakers. The focus is to provide information, support, and assistance to all. Everyone is encouraged to play an active role in sharing their resources, knowledge, and experiences.

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION — AKRON

Phone: 800-772-1213

Website: www.secure.ssa.gov

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION — CANTON

Phone: 877-255-1509

Website: www.secure.ssa.gov

The Social Security Administration assigns Social Security numbers and administers the Social Security retirement, survivors, and disability insurance programs. They also administer the Supplemental Security Income program for the aged, blind and disabled.

STARK COUNTY BOARD OF DD

Phone: 330-477-5200

Website: www.starkdd.org

Stark DD connects individuals and families with the services persons with developmental disabilities need for health, safety, education and quality of life.

SUMMIT COUNTY DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES BOARD

Phone: 330-634-8000

Website: www.summitdd.org

Summit DD offers early intervention programs for infants and toddlers with developmental delays, as well as transition services for students with developmental disabilities to vocational, habilitation and retirement programs for adults.

TRIAD DEAF SERVICES

Phone: 330-768-7272

Website: www.triadds.org

TRIAD Deaf Services Inc is an agency providing services to the deaf community in Stark, Carroll, and Tuscarawas Counties. They provide support services, interpreting, leadership, deaf advocacy and education.

Have a suggestion for an important connection that could be added to this page? Email your suggestion to rick.miller@n2co.com.

STUDIO + SHOP

Art that EMPOWERS

Just Imagine is a unique art program o ered by TWi, that empowers artisans to create anything they imagine - backed by the resources needed to succeed. Artisans are invited to create, display, and sell their artwork in our studio + shop, earning their income through the sale of their work.

Get Your Tickets

Bowl strikes? Gutter balls? No worries! Everyone is welcome!

You are invited to the UDS All-Stars at the Alley Event Light up the night with us enjoy bowling, friends, food, and fun!

WHEN: Saturday, July 29, 2023, from 6–9 p.m. Bowling begins at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Spins Bowl Akron 2911 E. Waterloo Rd., Akron

REGISTRATION: 4 or 5 bowlers per team/ $65 per bowler

Includes 2 hours of bowling * shoe rental * appetizers/pizza/soft drinks

Register by Friday, July 21, 2023

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Friday, July 21, 2023

CONTACT: For more information call 330-762-9755, ext. 243 or by email at info@udsakron.org

To register go to www.UDSAllStars.org

All proceeds benefit All-Star Training Club ( a program of UDS)

PRESENTED BY: Huntington Bank

MEDIA SPONSOR: Special Needs Living Magazine

MEET THE MAGAZINE TEAM

SHELLEY HARKNESS Scheduling Assistant

SARAH SMITH Writer

RICK MILLER Owner

REGINA BELL Client Manager

MIKE STURDIVANT Content Director

MICHELLE HERDLICK Photographer

MELISSA KLATT Writer

JULIAN CURET Photographer

DEBORAH RILEY Writer

DAVE KELLER Client Services

ANDREA HURR Writer

DANIEL ANSCHUTZ

Meals by Chef Daniel

Chef Daniel is an Ohio native and graduate of the LeCordon Bleu Culinary Program at Brown College. He has worked in the food industry since 1997 and has been an Executive Chef since 2012. Daniel has served small dinners or two and coordinated events for up to 3,000. About Magazine’s Reader’s Choice/Best of the Best named Daniel the top chef in Stark County in 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2021! He was the runner-up in 2019. He was also the recipient of the Ystark & Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Twenty Under 40 award in 2022.

Daniel and his wife Amanda founded Compassion Delivered in 2017, a nonprofit in Stark County serving meals to those coping with life-threatening or terminal illnesses at no charge.

JARED CHEVRAUX

JTEK Solutions

Jared Chevraux is a Certified Environmental Access Consultant and Vice President of JTEK Solutions Group, LLC. In 2018, Jared was announced as a Forty Under 40 award winner in Professional Remodeler Magazine. He has also been published in HME Business and Qualified Remodeler magazines. Jared received the Best of Houzz award in the Service category in 2019, 2021, and 2022. In February 2021, Jared and JTEK were awarded Best Independent Showroom from the National Kitchen & Bath Association for his design and construction of JTEK’s Home Access Design Studio in North Canton, OH. Jared teaches Home Modification as a Fieldwork Instructor for Walsh University’s Graduate OT program. He also serves as Board Vice President for The Golden Key School for Exceptional Children in Canton, OH, specializing in early intervention and education for K-8 students on the autism spectrum. Jared holds a BA in Management from Malone University. Jared lives in North Canton with his wife, Megan, and their three boys, Will, Cole, and Cohen.

VERONICA MYERS

Whole Latte Love Cafe

Veronica Myers is currently the Café manager and DSP at Whole Latte Love Café in North Canton. She has been with Whole Latte Love since its opening in 2021. Before her time at the café, Veronica was a volunteer with various special needs organizations going back to her teenage years. Previously she has been involved with the Stark County chapter of Autism Speaks, and has helped in different classrooms, as well as helped other parents navigate initial diagnoses and IEP meetings.

JAMES WARNKEN

APEX COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK

James Warnken is a visually impaired/legally blind online accessibility specialist with a deep background in digital marketing and design. He has recently obtained my IAAP CPACC certification and is currently pursuing the IAAP WAS certification to become CPWA. Over the last few years, working in marketing and online accessibility, James has realized that he has a unique perspective compared to most. Living with a visual disability, 7+ years in the tech/marketing space, and now almost 2 years in the digital accessibility space.

MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS

JUST. SAYING. THANK YOU.

ANDY CAMPBELL

www.campbelllandscaping.com andy@campbelllandscaping.com

(Supports: Carve Your Own Path)

These local businesses are supporting our community in a big way!

MONICA RANKIN

www.paragonabs.com

monica@paragonabs.com

(Supports: GiGi’s Playhouse)

DEAN MILLER

www.facebook.com/ clearviewdsi

clearviewdsi@gmail.com

(Supports: Sharing Solutions)

BETH STROUBLE

www.stroubletrucking.com

Stroubletrucking@yahoo.com

(Supports: GiGi’s Playhouse)

BRANDI PINE

www.expresspros.com/ cantonoh brandi.pine@expresspros.com

(Supports: First Christian Church)

AKRON & CANTON SPECIAL NEEDS LIVING

The businesses shown on this page are those committing financial support to local community resources that couldn’t afford to advertise in Akron & Canton Special Needs Living magazine on their own.

Feel free to repay the generosity these local business owners are showing by giving them a Like and Follow on Social Media, a Review on Google or Facebook or if you have a need that can be met by one of these businesses, give them a call. I’m sure they will be thrilled to serve you!

DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES

This section is here to give our readers easier access when searching for a trusted neighborhood partner to use. Get to know the businesses that make this magazine possible. Please support them in return and thank them if you get the chance!

ABA SERVICES

Applied Behavioral Connections

Kristen Maple (330) 309-3133

info@appliedbehavioralconnections.com

ACCESSIBILITY & SAFETY MODIFICATIONS

JTEK Solutions Group, LLC

Jared Chevraux (330) 323-0943

www.jtekgroup.com

ACT PREP & TUTORING

Bright Minds Learning Academy

Sheila Lahoti (330) 966-7226

4900 Frank Rd. NW, North Canton, OH 44720

www.brightmindsla.us

ADULT DAY SUPPORT

Next to Kin Supportive Services, LLC (330) 288-8450

www.nexttokinservices.com

Premier Approach, LLC

Christian Manns (330) 312-6909

www.facebook.com/PremierApproachLLC

ADULT VOCATIONAL SERVICES

CLW (330) 546-0057

www.theclw.com

ALL ABOUT LOCAL BeLOCAL - Stark County

(330) 283-8462

bit.ly/3DpSwPd

ANIMAL FENCE/TRAINING

DogWatch of Northeast Ohio

Donnie Myers

(330) 915-6036

www.dogwatchneo.com

ART STUDIO

BZTAT Studios, LLC

(330) 371-3150

www.bztatstudios.com

ASSISTED LIVING

The Wow Crowd (330) 445-4482

www.thewowcrowd.com

AUTISM SUPPORT

Autism Society of Greater Akron (330) 940-1441

www.autismakron.org

BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING

Paragon Accounting and Business Services, Inc. (330) 575-2291

www.paragonabs.com

CHURCH

First Christian Church (330) 456-2600

www.firstchristian.com

The Chapel Green

Amy Troyer (330) 315-5501

www.facebook.com/greenspecialneeds

CLEANING

Elbow Grease Cleaning Solutions (234) 999-1412

www.elbowgreaseclean1.com

COFFEE SHOP

Whole Latte Love Cafe (234) 360-2233

www.wholelattelovecafe.org

COMMUNITY EVENTS

The Wow Crowd (330) 445-4482

www.thewowcrowd.com

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Bala Management, LLC (330) 758-8418

www.balamgnt.com

COUNTY DISABILITIES BOARD

Stark Board of Developmental Disabilities

Lisa Parramore (330) 479-3934

www.starkdd.org

Summit Board of Developmental Disabilities (330) 634-8877

www.summitdd.org

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY CARE

Easterseals Northern Ohio

Conor McGarvey (234) 417-0250

www.easterseals.com/noh

The Workshops, Inc

Rachel Doty (330) 497-3399

www.choosetwi.com

DISABILITY RESOURCES

REM Ohio, Inc

Jo Spargo (330) 644-9730

www.rem-oh.com

EDUCATION SERVICES

Jason’s Place

Melissa Hadnett (234) 714-9815

Facebook

Red Line Advocacy (234) 678-9622

www.redlineadvocacy.com

The Guildersleeve School (330) 571-8878

www.guildersleeve.com

EMPLOYMENT/STAFFING

Express Employment Professionals (330) 239-8709

www.expresspros.com/cantonoh

EQUESTRIAN CENTER

Pegasus Farm

Shelley Sprang (330) 935-2300

www.pegasusfarm.org

FINANCIAL PLANNING

Skylight Financial Group

Kathryn Bryan (216) 592-7319

www.skylightfinancialgroup.com

Travis DeZordo, Modern Woodmen Of America (330) 704-6211

www.reps.modernwoodmen.org/tdezordo

FRESH MEAT & SEAFOOD

Fat Daddy Meats (330) 904-0288

www.fatdaddymeats.com

FURNITURE - AMISH

Dutch Craft Furniture (330) 893-4041

www.dutchcraftfurniture.com

HARDSCAPES/ LANDSCAPES

Campbell Landscaping (330) 933-9091

www.campbelllandscaping.com

HEALTHY MEAL PLANNING/DELIVERY

Compassion Delivered (330) 575-0996

www.compassiondelivered.org

HOME CARE SERVICES

SafeInHome - Ohio (740) 207-5800

www.safeinhome.com

HOUSE OF WORSHIP

Harvestime Temple (330) 877-6544

www.harvestimeonline.org

HVAC

Henry Heating Cooling & Plumbing (330) 364-5571

www.henryheating.com

INDEPENDENT PRIVATE SCHOOL

Wings of Change Therapy Inc

Michael Asente (234) 334-0044

www.wingsofchangetherapyinc.com

INSURANCE AGENT

American Family - Richard Corns

Haley Seifert (234) 714-2300

INTERIOR DESIGN

A & J Arrangements and Design LLC

(440) 668-6388

ITALIAN ICE/CATERING

Kona Ice of Central Canton (330) 398-0120

www.kona-ice.com/local-site/ kona-ice-of-central-canton

JOB PLACEMENT SERVICES

Creative Rehab (330) 806-0497

www.creativerehab.info

Independent Employment Services

Malcolm Porter (330) 388-5778

www.independentemploy.com

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Carve Your Own Path, Inc. (330) 426-7885

www.carvemypath.org

NON EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION

Your Guardian Angels (234) 571-0975

www.ygatransportation.com

NON-PROFIT

GentleBrook

Francie Kell (330) 877-7700

www.gentlebrook.org

Teammates Center (234) 571-5876

www.teammatescenter.org

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

GiGi’s Playhouse Canton

Megan Vance (330) 493-9114

www.gigisplayhouse.org/canton

The Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio (216) 447-8763

www.dsaneo.org

PLUMBING

Henry Heating Cooling & Plumbing (330) 364-5571

www.henryheating.com

PODCAST

Special Needs Ohio Podcast

Rob Gorski (234) 817-5851

www.theautismdad.com

PONDS, FOUNTAINS, AND WATER FEATURES

Pond Wiser Inc (330) 833-3764

www.pondwiser.com

POOL WATER DELIVERY

Strouble Water Hauling (330) 877-6795

www.stroubletrucking.com

PRIVATE SCHOOL

The Golden Key Center for Exceptional Children

Gina Bannevich (330) 493-4400

www.goldenkeyschool.com

REALTOR®

eXp Realty: The Amy Wengerd Group Amy Wengerd (330) 681-6090

www.amysguarantee.com

RESTORATION & CLEANING

Brahlers Cleaning & Restoration

Stacy Ignacio (330) 834-0008

www.brahlerscrr.com

SCHOOLS - PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Julie Billiart Schools (216) 691-8916

www.juliebilliartschools.org

SUPPORT GROUP Sharing Solutions

www.sharingsolutions.info

TRANSPORTATION PROVIDER

Clearview Developmental Services

Dean Miller (330) 224-4403 Facebook

Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (330) 477-2782

www.sartaonline.com

ZOO

Akron Zoo (330) 375-2550

www.akronzoo.org

DISCLAIMER: This publication is owned by The N2 Company and is not affiliated with or sponsored by any club, developer, or homeowners association. Articles and advertisements in this publication and opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of N2 but remain solely those of the author(s) or advertiser(s). The paid advertisements contained within this magazine are not endorsed or recommended by N2.

Delivering

Neighborhood Connections © 2023 The N2 Company, Inc.

Ships and Delivers Frozen Wholesale Meats to You. We are a small locally run business and we work with local farmers to bring you the best.

We offer a variety of different bundle options. 12-month freshness guarantee. Individually wrapped USDA choice meat, vacuum sealed and packed with dry ice.

We are a small business. We are located in Massillon, Ohio. Our Storefront is open every day 8am-8pm. We offer free local delivery and Have sales representatives out every day.

We sell Frozen Wholesale Meats. We offer a variety of different bundle options. 12-month freshness guarantee. Individually wrapped USDA choice meat, vacuum sealed and packed with dry ice. Once sent out they will be received in (2) days. Please Visit Our Website For More Information:

TEAMMATES CENTER LLC

Daily Focus'

Monday- Money & ME (Self advocacy)

Tuesday- Talking & Technology Skills

Wednesday- What's Happening & Workout Skils

Thursday- Cooking (tasty) & Safety Skills

Friday- Funday Activities

Non-Medical-Transport (NMT)

Teammates Center offers Transportation for individuals in many cities who attend Teammates.

Soft Skills

Teammates Center helps individuals focus on job skills by doing mock interviews, practice job applications, community based volunteer sites, to help improve the skills of your teammate to increase their chances of getting a job of their choice.

Adult Day Services (ADS)

Teammates Center Provides Adult Day Services for your Teammate improve their independence.

Funday Friday

Teammates Center offers activities to bowling alleys, putt putt courses, the zoo, pumpkin patches, art museums, swimming pools, and many other activities chose by individuals who attend Teammates Center.

Vocational Habilitation (VOC-HAB)

Teammates Center Provides Vocational Habilitation Services for your Teammate to better their job skills

Volunteer Job Activities

Teammates Center has many non-paid volunteer job opportunities for individuals who attend Teammates. The VOC-HAB program focus' on individuals who are close to getting jobs and helps improve their skill set by volunteering at sites for an extended period of time to help improve their work stamina.

Teammates Center

323 S Main St, Munroe Falls, Suite 1 Ohio 44262 (234) 571-5876 • http://Teammatescenter.org

VOC-HAB Recorded Data

Teammates Center keeps records/data of each individual to track the improvement in areas such as quality of work, stamina, communication. We individualize our support to meet the need of the person served. Our goal is to increase the independence of the people coming to Teammates so they can gain competitive employment.

Volunteer Activities

See Continuing Ed. Activities Section of website for more information.

INTRODUCING KIMBLE COMPANY’S

INTRODUCING

JARED FRANK

JARED FRANK BIGGEST FAN!

BY MELISSA KLATT

PHOTOS BY MICHELLE HERDLICK

Meet Jared Frank, a remarkable 17-year-old soonto-be Junior at Hoover High School in North Canton, Ohio. Jared is not your typical high school student, as he faces unique challenges due to his special needs. However, what sets Jared apart is his unexpected, incredible passion for the Kimble Company, his love for helping his neighbors, and his unwavering enthusiasm for horseback riding at Pegasus Farms in Hartville, Ohio. Let’s take a closer look at Jared’s story and how he has found joy and purpose in unexpected places.

CHALLENGES JARED AND HIS FAMILY FACED DURING HIS EARLY YEARS

When Jared was younger, he had some very challenging behaviors. He loved doors; he would open and close doors or watch doors open and close.

“We worked very hard to bring Jared into our world,” says mom, Christine Frank. “Sometimes, we couldn’t go to family gatherings or our other children’s sporting events with Jared. One of us would have to stay back with him because it was too much for him to be there. But we worked hard, each and every day with him and had a lot of support to help him. Jared goes everywhere with me now! There were times I thought we would never get to take him places: now I am traveling with him and having a ton of fun!”

INTRODUCING: KIMBLE’S WALKING BILLBOARD!

Jared’s love for the Kimble Company, a local waste management and recycling company, knows no bounds. He is their biggest fan and has developed a special bond with

the company’s drivers. Every trash collection day, Jared eagerly waits for the Kimble trucks to come by his house, and he is always ready with a wave and a cheerful greeting for the drivers. Jared’s enthusiasm and love for the Kimble Company and its drivers have made him a beloved member of their community.

WHEN I GROW UP, I WANT TO BE A KIMBLE DRIVER BECAUSE I HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THAT COMPANY

FOR YEARS! -JARED FRANK

“I could go on and on about Jared’s love for Kimble, the friendship Jared and our family have with the drivers, and the kindness of the Kimble Company,” reflects Christine. “Jared and the recycle driver exchange notes each week, and every Friday, Jared is in his Kimble clothing (even if we are on vacation). He’s a walking billboard for Kimble! It is a pretty unique story: one that I have been able to watch and evolve in the kindest way.”

EVERYONE’S FAVORITE NEIGHBOR

In addition to his love for the Kimble Company, Jared is also known for his kind heart and willingness to help his neighbors. Jared takes the trash and recycling cans out for about ten of his neighbors in the Eastwood Allotment and brings them back in after Kimble picks them up. During the summer he washes their trash and recycling cans. Jared’s genuine care for others and his desire to be of service have made him a beloved figure

in his neighborhood, and he is cherished by those who know him.

ESSENTIALS FOR JARED’S PROGRESS: PEGASUS FARMS AND THE GOLDEN KEY CENTER FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN

Two things in this world that Christine shares an appreciation for are both Pegasus Farms and The Golden Key Center for Exceptional Children. Both of these organizations have made a tremendous impact on Jared.

“It takes a village to raise a child...There are so many people who have helped Jared in his seventeen years,” says Christine. “The person that comes to mind who helped us immensely in this journey is Terry Frank, Director of The Golden Key Center for Exceptional Children. Terry was very instrumental in Jared’s success. Additionally, Jared has been riding horses at Pegasus Farms since 2011. We heard that equine therapy was beneficial to children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Jared’s quad muscles were very tight and his core strength was weak. Over the years, he has gained strength and coordination.”

SEE THE WORLD THROUGH JARED’S EYES

Christine credits her changed perspective of the world to her son, Jared. “These children are gifts from God,” Christine affirms. “I learned real quick that the gift I was given was going to change my life forever. Jared

has opened my eyes to a whole different perspective on life to slow down and see the beauty in those around me. Jared loves to visit with family and friends, so this has allowed me to grow in my relationships with others. A very wise person once shared with me, we have to see the world from Jared’s eyes and embrace it!”

Jared’s family plays an essential role in his life, providing him with unconditional love, encouragement, and support. They have been his biggest advocates and have helped him navigate the challenges he faces. Jared’s story is a testament to the importance of family support and inclusive communities that embrace and empower individuals with special needs.

Jared Frank is a remarkable young man who has found joy and purpose through his passion for the Kimble Company, his love for helping his neighbors, and his enthusiasm for horseback riding at Pegasus Farms. His unwavering determination, kind heart, and infectious enthusiasm are an inspiration to all who know him.

Jared & his favorite driver Charlie!

The WOW Crowd

Wide Open World

Creating Real Opportunities for Individuals With Disabilities

What's Included?

Individuals have access to fun and interactive daily and weekly trips!

Local: Bowling, Breakfast out and about, Pumpkin Patch, Vineyards, Zoo, Plays, Fairs, Etc.

In State: Cleveland Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Mentor on the Lake, Geneva on the Lake, Columbus- Zoo, German Town, Eaton, Sandusky - Cedar Point, Kalahari, CincinnatiKings Island, Zoo, Etc.

Out of State: Pa- Hershey PA, Buffalo NY, Orlando Fl- Disney, Etc.

Out of Country: Cruise Time - Mexico, Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean, Disney Cruise And Much, Much More!

THE NORTH CANTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

Much more than books!

WRITTEN BY SARAH SMITH

The North Canton Public Library was founded in 1926, when the North Canton Library Association was established, with the purpose of owning and maintaining a free library for the residents of North Canton and its school district.

The library exists as a space that is free, safe, and accessible for the community, and it exists as an organization that constantly strives to meet the needs of its community. Public libraries are best known for their roles as information providers, but the North Canton Public Library is much more than just a building filled with books. Connection to resources and other individuals, enrichment through various programs for all interests and abilities, and access to materials that have the capability to instruct, inspire, and even change a life are available to library patrons.

“We take our role as a public space in the community very seriously, and we strive to be as accessible and inclusive as possible in every decision

we make, program we offer, or service we share,” explained Andrea Legg, North Canton Public Library Director.

“A few years ago, we partnered with KultureCity to become a sensoryfriendly space so that more patrons would be able to use our building and attend our programs while feeling completely supported and understood. In 2020, we installed a wheelchair-

charging station on our main floor so that patrons who use motorized mobility devices would never have to worry about their device losing power while they enjoy and use our building. In 2021, we introduced a universal changing table in one of our public restrooms so that everyone is given the ability to use our bathroom facilities in a way that honors their

dignity and reflects our sincere value for them as our patrons. Libraries are for everyone, and we want to do all we can to ensure that our facilities, services, and programs are as accessible as we can possibly make them.”

The North Canton Public Library strives to be a catalyst of inspiration for the community. It aspires to uphold the following values in all aspects within the North Canton and Stark County community. It wants to be service-focused, providing dependable and expert service to all with kindness, integrity, and respect. The staff strives to create an environment of trust, comfort, and inclusion for all. The library desires to be community-oriented, working as an engaged community partner committed to the empowerment and growth of all community members. It encourages curiosity and innovation by offering a wide range of opportunities that increase learning, exploration, and knowledge. And, more than anything, the library intends to be accessible by adapting to changing patron needs to remain physically and virtually approachable and convenient for all.

The best way to support the public library is to use it! Signing up for a library card is free, requires only a photo ID, and is available to anyone, regardless of city of residence. Check out the annual summer reading program; it’s fun, free, and for all

ages and reading levels. The library offers a wide array of books, movies, and music, but many don’t know that the library also checks out passes to local museums and zoos with the Community Exploration Pass program. The Tool Box collection provides access to everything from a variety of Cricut devices to an Apple Pencil to metal detectors. Book clubs for every interest, programs for older adults at the North Canton Civic Center, home delivery services for new parents and patrons who can’t access our building, support groups for caregivers, computer classes, and

more are available through the North Canton Public Library!

“Our hope and our ultimate goal as a service organization is for anyone of any age, ability, or walk of life to enter our doors and feel welcomed, included, and valued by finding support in the resources we offer, the programs we share, and the services we provide,” Andrea said.

For more information visit www. ncantonlibrary.org or call 330-4994712. The North Canton Library is located at 185 North Main Street.

Daniel Anschutz

How To Plan For You Summer BBQ With Food Allergies

By Daniel Anschutz -- Meals with Chef Daniel and Compassion Delivered

The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) reports that 27% of Americans have a disability, 26% have seasonal allergies and just 6% have a food allergy. Some disabilities are not noticeable by just looking at someone just like seasonal and food allergies are not apparent on the surface.

If you or someone in your family does not suffer from a foodborne allergy, you may not think twice when hosting or attending the next summer BBQ. It can be stressful for those attending an event like this if they or someone they care for needs to avoid foods that could cause them harm. Many of us take comfort in food and don’t have to think twice about this kind of concern. Be thankful if you don’t, but let’s talk about how we can look out for others.

The FDA (Food & Drug Administration) recognizes eight foods as major food allergens: Milk, Eggs, Fish, Crustacean Shellfish, Tree Nuts, Peanuts, Wheat, and Soybeans. Someone can develop an allergy to nearly any food, but these are the most common. Allergy reactions could be as minor as being itchy or bloating and as severe reactions as anaphylaxis where you could be unable to swallow, breathe and possibly leading to death.

As a chef, the three most common allergies I encounter are Gluten, Dairy, and Shellfish. Until you have to avoid something, you may not realize what ingredients will trigger your allergy. A Common misconception would be a dairy allergy. This refers to anything made from or containing milk from an animal and not something sold in the dairy section of the supermarket. Mayonnaise is also commonly thought of as something that is made from dairy, but it’s not. Mayonnaise is made from mostly eggs and oil. Because of this, someone who has an egg allergy and hasn’t educated themselves on what common items are made from eggs could easily make a regrettable mistake.

While any packaged foods must have identifying labels for the top eight allergens per FDA regulations, it doesn’t hurt to educate yourself on the most common forms of each allergen. In addition, while most commercial kitchens are considered a “shared space” as they cook with all ingredients in the same space, there are some that are wheat (gluten) free, dairy free, or used for other special dietary restrictive needs. Though if you go out to

eat or are unsure of any allergens, feel free to ask. Most establishments will do their best to make your dish without incident, though nothing is foolproof.

In a similar fashion, when hosting an event, asking your guests if they have any allergies when you invite them could be very helpful and show them that you’re going the extra step to look out for them. Even if it’s making someone’s burger without cheese before you make the others with. In addition, when you’re invited to an event, letting someone know about an allergy can go a long way. Whether you are hosting or attending, supplying the food, or bringing a dish to share, nowadays we need to take a moment to ensure the food safety of those we choose to break bread with.

Here are a few simple changes you can make to your next BBQ event to look out for those with food allergies. Instead of making a pasta salad, make a coleslaw or other vinegar-based side dish. This eliminates both the gluten and dairy allergies from your dish. Instead of fully assembling the hotdog or hamburgers, after cooking them, simply place them on a platter and everyone can assemble their own, that way you don’t contaminate them with a possible allergen.

Chef

These are just a couple of simple changes you can make to look out for other’s allergies.

I’ve included a recipe this month that is a perfect side dish for any gathering that is quick, simple, and doesn’t include any of the major allergens. I hope you enjoy and have a great summer full of wonderful gatherings with friends and food!

CUCUMBER, TOMATO & DILL SALAD

Vegan, Gluten Free

INGREDIENTS:

• Cucumber 3 EA.

• Roma Tomatoes 5 EA

• Fresh Dill 4 oz

• Red Onion

• ½ Julienne, Optional

• Apple Cider Vinegar ¼ Cup

• Olive Oil 1 TBSP

DIRECTIONS:

Cut your Cucumbers in ½ Lengthwise and remove the seeds. Cut in 1/2in half moons on a bias. Core your tomatoes, cut in 1/4s and deseed. Pick the fresh dill and rough chop. Julienne the red onion. Whisk the Oil, Vinegar and Dill together. Toss and coat the Cucumber, Tomato & Onion. Salt & Pepper to taste.

We o er a variety of community activities, all of which are chosen by participants of the program. At Premier Approach you’ll enjoy a fun, friendly & relaxed atmosphere. Get out and enjoy the things you already love, while also exploring other new and exciting opportunities.

YGA

YGA

Community Integration Day Program

The Community Integration Day Program offers a variety of activities designed to promote socialization and integration among individuals of all ages and abilities. The program provides structured activities, educational classes, socialization events, and recreational outings that are designed to facilitate the development of relationships, communication, and understanding. Participants are encouraged to explore their interests, express themselves, and learn new skills while engaging in meaningful activities with peers and staff. There is an

CHANGING THE WORLD ONE ADOPTION AT A TIME

Meet the Moser Family

BY DEBORAH RILEY PHOTOS BY JULIAN CURET

“Adoption won’t change the world, but for that child, their world will change.” -Unknown

The Mosers of Silver Lake, OH are a family who are like few others. They have opened their hearts and their home through adoption not once, not twice, but five times! Of those five adoptions, three of them have been children with disabilities.

18-year-old Caleb is one of those children. Caleb was adopted by the Mosers after experiencing severe abuse by his former family. Unfortunately, due to the abuse he endured, he is unable to walk or speak. However, thanks to the love of his family and the support of his staff and nurses, he is living his best life! Caleb uses a wheelchair to get around, and even

though he is non-verbal, he is great at making his needs known when he wants something. He loves Megan Trainor (he listens to her daily) and Barney is his favorite show. Caleb loves to be outdoors and to go on walks around the village. He also enjoys going to his nephew’s baseball games and swimming when he can!

Dane, who was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, was adopted by the Moser family when he was 12-years-old. Dane was a very special guy who was so fun and had a great sense of humor. He loved everyone and loved to have everyone’s attention! Dane passed away at the age of 23, but not before becoming the inspiration for The Dane Foundation. The Dane Foundation was

founded 17 years ago by Lowery Lockard and Dane’s mother, Patty Moser. Lowery has been a huge inspiration with Patty’s tenacity to do what is right and advocate for her kids relentlessly. The foundation helps to provide quality of life items to individuals with physical and developmental disabilities. The Dane Foundation also hosts the annual Ms Wheelchair USA pageant, which is held in Cuyahoga Falls, OH every July. Ladies from all over the country come to compete for this title. Dane’s legacy continues to help change the lives of others like him through the foundation.

Malachi was adopted by the Mosers at the age of 2 and had severe disabilities due to a genetic condition which made him completely

dependent for all of his daily needs. His mother Patty describes Malachi as being ornery and adorable. Patty says, “Malachai changed everyone’s world with his precious smile and his one word which he could speak, which was‘hi’.” Malachai passed away at the age of 6.

Rounding out the Mosers are Emily, Matthew, and Adam. Emily and Matthew are birth siblings who were adopted at ages 4 and 3. According to Patty, they had experienced a lot in the first few years of their life and were challenging when they were young due to some bonding and attachment issues. These days both Emily and Matthew are flourishing and have become wonderful adults with beautiful families. Finally, there is

Adam, Patty’s only birth child. Adam was an only child until 14-years-old when Dane was adopted. Adam and Dane were very close, as they were just two years apart in age when Dane was adopted. They were best friends; Dane even served as “Best Man” at Adam’s wedding. Emily, Matthew, and Adam have always been so amazing with their siblings who have special needs and never appeared left out or to feel slighted because of time spent caring for their other siblings.

Patty credits her friends Mike and Peggy Trace with being instrumental in adopting Dane as they were foster parents themselves to a young man with disabilities. She says that she will always be grateful

for their love and direction. Patty says, “Adopting a child with disabilities and giving them a forever family is one of the greatest blessings/sacrifices you can make. I would never sugarcoat the sacrifices that must be made. It is a labor of love and purpose. Approaching a decision to adopt with eyes wide open to the challenges ahead is important. However, as we know, you can never plan for all the twists and turns that will happen. Embrace the time you have with them and know that you make a huge difference, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the moment. People see you. People are

touched by your life. The ripple effect is endless.”

Patty wants people to know that there is a network for people out there. She says to research what is available to you and where your support system comes from. The Dane Foundation was developed to help families with special needs. Patty knows it can sometimes be overwhelming and feel like a lonely world. She emphasizes, don’t hesitate to ask for help!

To learn more about the The Dane Foundation and resources available, please visit: www. thedanefoundation.org.

To learn more about Ms Wheelchair USA, please visit: www. mswheelchairusa.org.

“Adoption won’t change the world, but for that child, their world will change.”

-UNKNOWN

JARED CHEVRAUX

EMPOWERING INDEPENDENCE

How smart home technology can enhance life at home.

BY JARED CHEVRAUX

You’ve probably noticed that just about every product offered for your home is being integrated with “smart” features. While I haven’t yet found the need for my toaster to be connected to WiFi, the advancement in connected devices and systems is having a positive impact in adapting homes to promote independence for those living with disabilities. What were once specialized systems with costly installation and service fees are now off-the-shelf, consumer-grade electronics that most families can set up on their own. These options also offer more privacy and control than some third-party monitoring services that may be a bit too invasive for many people. In this article, I will share some of my favorite products that make life a bit easier at home and provide some peace of mind for family members.

Power Door Operators – While you won’t find a power door operator on the shelf at Best Buy, these systems have vastly improved in the residential sector. Both swing and slidingstyle doors can now be made to open automatically. The units from AutoSlide offer apps for your smartphone and can also be paired with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control. They even feature “pet modes” that can allow your furry companion to let itself in and out of the house.

Doorbell Cameras – Doorbell cameras and floodlight cameras from companies like Ring and Nest are a great way to see who is on your property and communicate with them without unlocking the door. If mobility is an issue, a doorbell cam used in conjunction with a smart deadbolt can allow someone to unlock the door for a visitor without physically going to the door. Doorbells can also be answered remotely, so families can get set up as a user and keep an eye on things from anywhere.

Touch and Voice-Operated Faucets – Just about any water source within the home can be operated by touch or voice when paired with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. The new shower systems are also programmable so the shower can be set to the user’s preferences and turned on automatically on a set schedule. Moen, Delta, and Kohler are all offering great options for the kitchen, bathroom sink, and shower.

Water Leak Detection Systems – An often-overlooked area of concern for a homeowner living with a disability is the ability to turn off systems in the home during emergencies. Electrical is covered with the breaker panel and GFCI outlets which are all part of the building code. Water lines, on the other hand, typically do not have a failsafe or backup built into the system. With water leak detection systems, you can be alerted when a leak is detected

in the house. Most systems offer several sensors that can be placed where leaks are common – near the hot water tank, under the kitchen sink, in the bathroom vanity, etc. I would recommend a system that has the ability to automatically shut off the main water line when a leak is detected, like Flo by Moen. This feature can save thousands of dollars in damages and keep things safe and dry until a family member or plumber can arrive.

Motion Sensors and Smart Plugs from Smart Alert Tech – The small motion sensors and smart plugs offered by Smart Alert Tech are my favorite products on this list. These patented devices have an alert feature that isn’t offered anywhere else. By downloading the free app to your smartphone, you can set up push notifications for when an event that is supposed to take place doesn’t happen. For example, if your son or daughter lives alone and leaves for work every Monday morning at 8:00 AM, you’ll be notified if the front door doesn’t open between 7:50 – 8:10 (or whatever timeframe you set). They’re so customizable! You can add as many users to be notified as you want, with no monthly monitoring fees. Do you know someone who takes medication several times daily? Place a motion sensor in the medicine cabinet and set your timeframes for each dosage. If the cabinet is not opened when it should be, you’ll get a notification on your phone. Then, you can call or text your loved one to remind them to take their medication. The applications are almost limitless and, at a one-time cost of around $150.00 each, you can set up several sensors or plugs in the home and sync them to anyone’s routine. Remember, these devices only alert you during a “non-event”, meaning you’ll only get a push notification when something that should have happened does not happen. There is no thirdparty monitoring and no cameras being accessed by an unknown employee of a monitoring service. The notification goes straight to you.

When paired with the right accessible home modifications, smart home tech can offer peace of mind for families and greatly improved independence at home for many individuals. Thanks to these systems being sold to the public in masse as luxury and convenience, the price of entry is much lower than even a few years ago. I hope some of these products can help boost independence and quality of life for someone special in your life and, as always, please reach out to me with any questions on making the homework for you and your family’s unique situation.

ONE TOUGH COOKIE CHELSEA BRIGGS

A story of resilience

BY ANDREA HURR

PHOTO BY JULIAN CURET

Fighter, tenacious, strong- these words describe Chelsea Briggs, but just barely scratch the surface. You see Chelsea has been a fighter since the day she was born 33 years ago. She wasn’t breathing after birth but luckily the doctors and nurses were able to get her breathing. The next day the doctor heard a heart murmur, but didn’t jump to any conclusions as a lot of babies have a murmur that corrects itself over time. Well, by her 3rd day of life, everyone could tell something was wrong and it was discovered that she had a rare congenital heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome which is when the left side of the heart is extremely

underdeveloped, and the right side must pump blood to the lungs and the rest of the body which cannot be sustained. She had some other heart anomalies, and her conditions required her to have 3 open heart surgeries to correct what they could. Chelsea’s first surgery was at just 9 days old. Another one at 10 months old resulted in Chelsea having a stroke and leaving her unable to speak. Her last open-heart surgery was at 4 years old. She has battled heart failure and other heart-related issues throughout the years but was always a friendly, happy, hard-working person. People often didn’t know the heart battles Chelsea was fighting because she always kept moving and was very active, especially outdoors. If she

had a task or chore that she liked, she would work nonstop to complete it.

Unfortunately, even with the very best efforts of her family, most of whom are in the medical field, Chelsea contracted Covid-19. On September 10, 2021, Chelsea was taken to Aultman Hospital and then needed to be transferred to The Cleveland Clinic. Covid was attacking her body and she needed a ventilator. She was in the ICU for the next 7 weeks, clinging to life. This virus was catastrophic to Chelsea causing her to suffer from sepsis, an anoxic brain injury (occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen and neural cells begin to die), an acute kidney injury requiring dialysis, bowel obstruction with sepsis again requiring her entire large intestine to be removed and an ileostomy (surgery to create an opening in the abdominal wall through which digested food passes) to be placed. Chelsea also had bleeding in her abdomen after surgery and contracted a rare respiratory fungal infection on top of everything else. These effects of Covid on her made her reliant on a wheelchair and completely dependent on family and healthcare staff. Finally, after many rescheduled discharges, Chelsea was able to be transferred to Aultman’s rehab floor where she stayed there for another 7 weeks. She struggled with ventilator weaning and infections but on December 15, 2021, she was finally discharged home under the close supervision of her family in

which 5 immediate members are nurses, so she is in good hands!

She is thankful that her father, mother, 2 sisters, and brotherin-law are all nurses at Aultman, where they could check in on her often.

Chelsea participates in in-home rehab and continues to work hard every day. In addition to this, she has recently begun to participate in Equine Therapy at Whispering Grace Horse Farm. She is currently able to be off her ventilator 1-2 hours a day and can stand with assistance for periods of time throughout the day. She still battles infections, but this strong, tenacious fighter keeps fighting!

Chelsea’s family is very close, in fact, her sister Hailea nominated her for this article. She says that they could never get through this without family and her family considers it a joy and honor to have the wisdom and ability to care for Chelsea at home. Currently, the family is looking into ways to incorporate hiking back into Chelsea’s life now that she utilizes a wheelchair. They made modifications to their home so that they can easily get Chelsea outside when the weather is nice. Her family hopes that she gets stronger every day and hopefully completely off the ventilator soon. Chelsea’s mom Heather also added some advice;

1. “Always be your loved one’s advocate. If it feels like something needs to be changed or improved, research it and speak up.

2. Never put limits on your loved one. Our loved ones are unique, they have no limits on what they can do. Love your individual for who they are!”

HOP ON IN

Welcome to The Frog Shop

BY SARAH SMITH

You don’t have to be a herpetologist, someone who studies frogs, to hop into The Frog Shop. Located inside Pond Wiser Inc. in North Canton, The Frog Shop offers a wide selection of frogthemed gifts. While the store does not sell live frogs, despite many requests, Owner Kathy Ray may consider it in the future.

The Frog Shop hopped on the scene during the pandemic. Kathy and her husband, Dennis, have owned a Pond Wiser, a pond/lake service business, for over thirty years. During that time, they realized how much their clients love their frogs and how much joy it brings them when new frogs arrive at their pond. For a time they had joked about having a frog store.

“Then during the pandemic, I had some quiet time, and those who know me, my mind rarely stops,” explained Kathy, “Having additional quiet time set up the perfect scenario to create a frogthemed store.”

The prototype was to be an online store only. However, shipping rates skyrocketed almost at the exact moment the store went live. Kathy

moved on to plan B, which was a brick-and-mortar store. Pond Wiser leases a building and the Rays sought permission to put The Frog Shop in the same location.

On October 2nd, 2021, The Frog Shop opened at 437 Applegrove St. NW in North Canton.

“We soon realized we needed more space and opened an additional room,” Kathy said. “These two rooms of one of the area’s most unique gift stores you will ever find are filled to the brim with frog-related items for children to adults. We are a little hidden gem in the back part of the building.”

The Frog Shop has grown and has items for sale at two other locations. Beyesly’s Restaurant located at 533 N Main St. in North Canton has a few display cases in their establishment to sell merchandise. In April of 2023, the Rays connected with Northside Marketplace at 21 Furnace St in Akron.

“This became our third destination and things just continue hopping for us,”

exclaimed Kathy. “We were thrilled to display our items in Beyesly’s. It has become an ideal location for the locals to get breakfast or lunch in town and pick up a gift for someone or themselves. Lepley & Co. has done amazing things with the Northside Marketplace.”

Beyesly’s is open Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm. Lepley & Co. is open Tuesday through Saturday 11:00 am to 7:00 pm and Sunday 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

“Come take advantage of any or all of these locations where you will find unique gifts such as home goods, books, clothing, jewelry, candy, salsa and seasonings, outdoor décor, and even pond products for the do-it-yourselfer. Not every location carries all of the same products, so you might want to hop around and check each one,” said Kathy.

The Frog Shop offers DIY Days. Each month on the second Saturday from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Mr. Pondwiser, aka Denny Ray, will be available to answer questions about ponds. The pond products will be offered during that time at a 20% discount.

The shop’s current hours are Wednesday 2 pm to 7 pm, Thursday 10 am to 5 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. Follow the Facebook page to stay up to date on specials, hour changes and new product updates @thefrogshopofficialpage. Most of the products are also online at www.thefrogshop.net.

Pond Wiser is licensed by the Ohio Department of Agriculture and is a one-stop shop for pond maintenance, setup, and installation. The business also offers water features like fountains and bubbling rocks.

More information about The Frog Shop can be found by calling 330-833-FROG (3764) or by emailing thefrogshop@ pondwiser.com. Pond Wiser Inc. is located at 437 Applegrove St NW, N Canton, Ohio 44720.

“I wonder how many people on the autism spectrum are interested in driving?” is the question on Jennifer Spokas’s mind. She thinks about this because her son Russell, who is on the spectrum, was very interested in driving and now enjoys a full life with traveling on top of his list!

Russell expressed an interest in driving a car and understandably Jennifer wasn’t sure if that would work out or not. Russell is currently 22, but when he was younger his interest peaked in being able to drive. Wanting to do whatever they could to encourage and support his goal, Russell’s parents hired a Driver’s Ed instructor who was willing to teach him one on one at his pace. It took several months but Russell became more comfortable and confident in his driving abilities. “This was a goal he set out to achieve so we did what we could to help it become a reality,” says Jennifer.

Russell was diagnosed on the autism spectrum in 2003. The challenges that Russell and the Spokas family faced were verbal, fine, and gross motor skills. They were fortunate to have excellent teachers, therapists, and programs dedicated to helping Russell to achieve his goals in their community of Columbus. Besides learning to drive, Russell is a graduate of Centennial High School and works at Advanced Auto in their warehouse.

Once Russell learned to drive he took off with his knowledge and skills literally. He loves to go on adventures and travels to different

HITTING THE ROAD!

BY ANDREA HURR

states to have “mini vacations” where he spends a few days visiting festivals, shows, museums, sporting events, and restaurants. Russell loves art as well and admires Vincent Van Gogh. This love also takes him on the road and his hope is to travel the world. As Russell said, “If you stick with it, driving can become second nature to you, like brushing your teeth. If you want to drive, then just keep practicing! Good Luck!”

Jennifer credits many of Russell’s school teachers for inspiring her to have a more motivating attitude towards

Russell and to stay positive and supportive. She says that she is very grateful for their help. If you are interested in seeing if you can help your autistic child to learn to drive, Jennifer says to just call your local Driver’s Ed and see if they can help. They were lucky with driving classes at OSU and instructors in Columbus who were willing to work one on one with him and hopefully, other communities are willing to as well. It has opened up a whole new world for Russell. A world that Russell now can get in the car and explore!

PHOTO BY JULIAN CURET

We are taking a drive with Russel Spokas

Question & Answer Session with Veronica Myers

Manager at Whole Latte Love Cafe

my time and effort on his therapy and education. I have always wanted to work with people with disabilities.

QUESTION: What other professional associations are you a member of? (Board of Director, Volunteer organizations, etc)

ANSWER: Currently, Whole Latte Love Café and Landon’s therapies monopolize all of my time. In the past I was very involved in Autism Speaks Stark County chapter (Until they were dissolved) and have helped in different classrooms as well as help other parents navigate initial diagnosis and IEP meetings.

QUESTION: What do your day-to-day job responsibilities include?

QUESTION: Where do you work currently?

ANSWER: Whole Latte Love Café

QUESTION: What is your job title here?

ANSWER: I am the café manager and a DSP

Question: How long have you been employed with your current job? ANSWER: I started training before the café opened- Starting Nov 2021

QUESTION: How long have you been employed in this industry?

ANSWER: I have spent a good portion of my life volunteering to work with those with disabilities, starting when I was a young teen.

QUESTION: Educational background.

ANSWER: I attended college for about 2 years studying psychology. When my son’s needs became too great, I decided it was best to focus

ANSWER: At Whole Latte Love Café, we call our adults with disabilities our Trainees. We are training them for job skills in the community. My job as a DSP is to find out where they need the most help and create a plan or set of goals to improve those skills. Each trainee who comes to the café has a different goal in mind, so we tailor what they are learning to help them reach that goal. Some days it may require modeling good social skills, other days it may be creating a recipe using pictures so someone who may not be a strong reader has a way to follow along. Everyday we provide a program we call Empower and we teach our trainees about their rights and different skills they may need in a work environment and life. As the Café manager I help schedule maintenance for any of our equipment, make each area of the café compliant with the health department, schedule staff and trainees for their shifts, work with other DSP’s to make sure all procedures are clear and being implemented with each staff and trainee.

Cafe

QUESTION: What is the inspiration behind why you work in this field?

ANSWER: I grew up with a sister with a disability and then had a son with a disability. I have always been frustrated by the public’s perception of people’s differences and assumptions of what they cannot do. I want people to see the worth and capabilities of those who may seem different from what they are used to. Different does not equal less.

QUESTION: What part of your job are your most passionate about?

ANSWER: I love showing our trainees what they are capable of, teaching and pushing them. Then, watch the pride on their face as they realize they have mastered something they thought was impossible. You can see on their face when a new skill clicks. It’s amazing to see them light up and gain confidence in themselves.

QUESTION: What advice would you give to someone who is new to your field?

ANSWER: I think it’s important for anyone to know that being a DSP or working with those

with disabilities can be an emotional rollercoaster. Learn to take one day at a time and not take every emotion thrown your way personally.

QUESTION: If you could go back and talk to yourself at the beginning of your career, what advice would you give yourself?

ANSWER: I would have started much sooner. I spent a lot of time working in a different field because I was concerned I didn’t have enough education to work with this population. I wish that I would not have discounted my life experiences and volunteer work, because I am truly happy now!

QUESTION: What advice would you give to parents in your field to help navigate?

ANSWER: As a parent, I fully understand the want/need to protect our babies, especially when it can feel like the cards are stacked against them. I would encourage every parent to explore all options out there in our community to help them grow. Use these programs to push your children to continue to learn and better themselves.

Enjoy the rewards of a life well-lived.

for a comfor table retirement doesn’t have to be over whelming Discover the peace of mind that comes from retirement planning with a local Modern Woodmen representative And enjoy the sense of purpose that comes from giving back to your community.

Why Isn’t The Online Space Getting More Accessible?

By James Warnken- Apex Communications Network

It is estimated that 90% of websites remain inaccessible to people with disabilities. I suspect this number to be higher based on my experiences, conversations, and research. While there has been progress, from nearly every perspective, it is not significant enough to move that percentage closer to 0.

When we hear or think about digital accessibility, we likely think of blind users, users with low vision, color blindness, limited mobility, cognitive disabilities, and auditory disabilities. Or at least that is where we should start thinking. We should then think about all of the tools, technology, softwares, and devices that make accessing and engaging in the online space possible for people with disabilities.

Until a few years ago, I was under the impression that I, as a person with a visual disability, needed to make the world around me accessible to me. After I started learning and exploring the digital accessibility space, this mindset shifted towards a “meet me in the middle” mindset. If people with disabilities are purchasing softwares and other

technologies to access and engage, why, as a business or organization, are we not working to make sure our digital content works with it? This question still baffles me as it is not nearly as expensive, time-consuming, or technical as many people believe.

But wait, there is hope! Unless you’ve existed offline over the last year, you’ve likely heard about some of these AI tools and what they are doing to “change the world”. These tools are fascinating to say the least, but they make learning and implementing change easier than it has ever been before. It became common to just “Google it” when you were curious about something, but you still had to sift through all those links and find one that was reliable and worked for your specific situation. Now, with these AI tools, you can be specific, and in return, you get a specific response. Go onto Chat CPT or Google BARD and ask how to make a website accessible. It may give you a fairly generic list, but it is a good start. As you dive deeper, here are some prompts you can use to learn about specific accessibility measures:

1. How do I ensure interactive elements are keyboard accessible?

2. What should be done to make pre-recorded videos more accessible?

3. In (website builder name i.e. SquareSpace, Wix, Wordpress, Shopify), how do I make sure my images are accessible to blind users?

4. What is an accessible heading structure? Can you show me an example of it in action?

5. How can I perform manual accessibility testing on my own website?

6. How can I make my contact form more accessible?

7. Can you show me an example of an accessible form?

These examples are just the tip of the iceberg, you can ask for almost anything!

AI combined with people becoming more tech-savvy and the tools we use becoming more robust couldn’t be a recipe for anything but innovation and advancement, especially for digital accessibility. I am a firm believer in continuing to learn and explore throughout your life, and in the world we live in today, you couldn’t ask for an easier way to learn, explore, and implement change.

I’ll end by saying this if you’re not working to make your websites, social channels, documents, and applications more accessible and inclusive, it’s a choice, there’s nothing stopping you now!

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The North Canton Public Library

page 50 The Frog Shop

page 54 Russel Spokas

page 30 Jared and Charlie

page 42 Caleb & Patty Moser

page 48 Chelsea Briggs & Family

BENEFITS to JOINING OUR TEAM!

 Work Today, Pay Tomorrow

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 FT e mployees (30+ hours/week) are eligible for Medical/Dental/ Vision coverage

 401K

For over 35 years, REM Ohio is a leading provider of community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our mission is to ensure that people of all abilities have the supports they need to thrive in the communities they call home.

Who We Serve

 Group Homes. In our small group homes, individuals can enjoy home and community life with 24/7 support

 In-Home Homemaker & Personal Care. Caring staff provide support in individual’s homes

 Vocational and Day Programs. Our vibrant, community-based programs offer social and vocational skill development activities.

 Intermediate Care Facilities Our small I CFs are warm, inviting residences nestled in the community.

 Ohio Shared Living Homes. Individuals live with their dedicated caregivers who we call Mentors.

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All Applicants MUST: Be 18 years or older; have a valid driver’s license in good standing; successful clearance of Local/State Background checks including BCI

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