A Publication for Friends and Supporters of Orange Grove CenterTTHEHEOSAGE

“To recognize, support and celebrate the qualities of the individual”

Capital Campaign kicks off with former Alabama coach Gene Stallings

Firstgiving.com makes donating easy for OGC supporters

Learn more about a recent Autism study from Dr. Rick Rader

See what sports fi gure is “Vol”unteering his time to speak at Orange Grove!

Community RecyclingCommunity Recycling

OGC Retirees RecognizedOGC Retirees Recognized

Disaster Planning for the developmentally disabledDisaster Planning for the developmentally disabled

Vol. 2, Issue 2Vol. 2, Issue 2March - June 2008March - June 2008

Michael A. Barto President

Hugh J. Moore, Jr.Chairman

Dillard EdgemonVice President

Susan Gouger RouseVice President

Thomas H. Cox Treasurer

Dr. Bruce HutchinsonAsst. Treasurer

Thomas A. CaldwellSecretary

John F. GermMember-At-Large

Celeste BradleyBarton C. BurnsJohn BuhrmanLarry CashTom CoferHerbert J. Haile, Jr.Daniel J. LaGraffBill LuskSharon MatthewsAndrew “Skip” NardoRosie RussellRichard Sadowitz, MDS. Scott ShortAvery SmithJerry Summers

HONORARY BOARDT. Hicks ArmorT. Maxfi eld BahnerCharles A. ComerHoward GrayMorton J. KentMrs. Helen C. MahnMrs. Emily C. McKenzieWilliam R. RussellMrs. Janet Strang

THEOSAGE

Contents

33 From the Executive Director’s Desk: “The Long Haul”

44 Spotlight: OGC’s Capital Campaign 2008

8-9 8-9 ”Around the Grove”

10 10 A look at recycling in the community

11 11 Disaster planning and special needs

12 12 Breakfast for Champions

13 13 OGC/UTC course on Special Education

14-15 14-15 Center recognition of retirees

15 15 New Board Members

Page2

A quarterly publication of Orange Grove Center Inc. of Chattanooga© 2008

Design: Leslie Smith, CoordinatorPublic Relations and Marketinglesmith@orangegrove.org

Photography: Dennis Wilkes OGC Art Dept.

Printer: Graphic Impressions Chattanooga, TN

Page3 Executive Director’s Desk

From

the

The theme of our December 2007 Founders’ Day program was “We’re in for the Long Haul.” It was an absolutely perfect theme for Orange Grove, and I was most thankful to Dr. Rick Rader for coining the title. At the same time, we were planning our Founders’ Day program, the Tennessee Division of Mental Retardation Services (DMRS) began to initiate an unprecedented, unabated, undesirable, untenable, and completely unbelievable cost savings effort that shocked the provider community.

Still shell-shocked from the notifi cation that DMRS was refusing to make payment for approved services and cutting every provider’s funding by 6.1%, we hosted our annual Founders’ Day to pay tribute to all the people who make Orange Grove the vibrant and person-centered organization that it is. I was thankful for the slogan “We’re in for the Long Haul,” because it reminded me that every worthwhile investment deserves our patience and resolve.

As one of our founding board members, Tom Caldwell, has pointed out to me, Orange Grove existed before there was any State funding and has managed to make a way for people with intellectual disabilities when there was lit-erally nothing available. Somehow, we will ride out this disastrous situation, and will be stronger and even more determined to maintain the level of support that our service recipients expect and deserve. I know this by refl ecting upon the history of Orange Grove and talking with the many OGC founders who are some of the most tenacious and zealous advocates for individuals with disabilities who have ever lived.

We recently had a retirement celebration for Fred Galletta, who remained faithful to our cause for over 37 years. Throughout his tenure as our Director of Education and Training, Orange Grove made some remarkable gains. With Fred’s leadership and the many other staff and volunteers who devoted their lives to the OGC mission, Orange Grove thrived in the best and worst of times. As part of our recognition to Fred, Orange Grove planted an Osage orange tree on our campus in Fred’s honor. It was most benefi tting that we paid tribute to Fred in this way. A tree symbolizes strength, shelter, durability and hope. These are all qualities that Orange Grove has fostered because of Fred and the other champions of Orange Grove.

As we prepare to weather the funding storm that we are now facing, I have great hope in knowing that Orange Grove will sustain the losses and become even stronger as we endure this crucible.

A Dendrochronologist studies trees through time. Dendrochronologists count the number of rings in a slice of a tree to see how old the tree was when it died. There is one ring for each year the tree lived. A thick ring means that there was an abundance of food and it was a good year for the tree. A thin ring can mean that there was a drought that year or maybe the tree was sick.

I’m sure that one day we will look back and fi nd that 2008 created a very thin ring in our history, but where other agencies will fall due to this ruthless drought, Orange Grove will remain. We’re in it for the long haul.

“The Long Haul”

Fred Galletta (far right) is presented with an award for his service, and an Osage tree to be planted in his honor.

Orange Grove’s Individual of the Year, Melissa Moore, was again acknowledged during Founders’ Day for her consistent efforts at achievement.

Page4

Above is Orange Grove’s Capital Campaign banner for 2007-2008. It can be seen on Amnicola Highway, Dayton Boulevard, and other locations around Chattanooga. Many OGC buses also carry bus signs featuring the banner.

Orange Grove conducts Third Capital Campaign in Fifty-Five Year

Orange Grove is well into their third signifi cant capital campaign since the Center was chartered in 1953. This campaign is being led by John Germ as Chairman with the help of Tom Caldwell as Chairman Emeritus. These two Board members chaired the last campaign which was con-ducted in 1991 and exceeded the $5.425 million goal. That campaign established the Habilitation Center, the Recycling processing and education Center, the Hydrother-apy Center and campus renovations for greater accessibility.

The Center’s fi rst campaign was conducted in 1967 and led by Morton Kent and Tom Caldwell. It was held to relocate the campus from the original site on Main St. to the present location on Derby St. There was an auspicious amount, for that time, of over $1/2 million raised in the local community which served as seed and match funds to develop the $5 million campus in East Chattanooga, over a three year period.

The current campaign has a goal of $4,775,000 to expand and improve the facilities and services for individuals with developmental disabilities who are attending Orange Grove, or who may need services in the future.

This campaign was initiated by the Board of Directors under the leadership of Hugh Moore. When clearance was given by the United Way the fi rst request went to the Board of Directors who responded with a 100% commitment by the members as the lead gift. Subsequent requests to traditional supporters, family and staff have brought the total pledged to nearly $750,000 at the time of this publication.

Requests are pending to local and national foundations and government entities. There are teams soliciting individuals in various groups and professions under the leadership of Bill Wilder.

Frank Schriner and Hicks Armor are taking the lead in the corporate category while Jerry Adams has taken on the responsibility of major gifts given by our most generous citizens.

The campaign was announced formally at a luncheon at the Convention and Trade Center January 11th with an address by famed football coach Gene Stallings to about 400 guests.

Four prominent area law fi rms sponsored the luncheon and Pioneer Credit arranged for Coach Stallings transportation.

This campaign will result in some dramatic improvements to the Orange Grove campus, some of which will be very obvious and some of which will be felt but not seen. The classrooms and training areas will all be renovated to con-temporary standards and the heating and air-conditioning system will be upgraded to dependable status. Telecom-munications will be drastically improved and the recycling center will be modifi ed to match the current collection methods employed by the City of Chattanooga.

(Left to right) Bill Wilder, Professional Division Chairman; Frank Schriner, Corporate Chairman; John F. Germ, Campaign Chairman; and Jerry Adams, Major Gifts Chairman.

Former University of Alabama coach and football legend, Gene Stallings, made a special appearance at Orange Grove’s “Lunch with Gene Stallings” on Monday, January 7. The event kicked off the Capital Campaign, and was held at the Chattanooga Convention and Trade Center.

Stallings made the early morning trek from Paris, TX, to Lovell Field’s TAC Air South within hours of his appearance. His early arrival enabled him to visit Orange Grove before heading to the Trade Center for a special reception in his honor.

He was greeted by a mix of Orange Grove supporters, staff and clients, Alabama fans, and others wishing to catch a glimpse or speak to the sports giant. Stallings graciously shook hands, gave hugs, signed autographs and spared moments to chat with everyone.

The program consisted of Orange Grove history, invocation by Reverend Olan Ivey (Pilgrim Congregational Church), a song by Linda Romans (under the direction of music director, Monty Parks), and was emceed by Campaign Chair, John F. Germ.

Stallings infused his speech with tough, sportsman-like wit and a soft side of compassion for individuals with disabili-ties. When speaking of his only son, John Mark, or “Johnny,” as he calls him, he spoke lovingly of him as any father would about his son.

He recounted nearly punching the doctor when he announced his son’s disability, shortly after his birth, then passing out from the news. Stallings encouraged those in attendance to continue supporting Orange Grove, and for others to consider giving because “it’s the right thing to do.”

Event sponsors included Pioneer Credit Company; Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, P.C.; Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C.; Miller & Martin PLLC and Summers & Wyatt, P.C.

A special thank you to Mr. John Holden, President and CEO of Pioneer Credit Company, for furnishing transpor-tation for Coach Stallings to and from Texas!

Orange Grove’s Morris McDowell has a one-on-one with Coach Stallings.

Coach Stallings is pictured with (left to right) Mayor Ron Littlefi eld, John Holden of Pioneer Credit Company and Jerry Summers.

Stallings is presented with an offi cial Chattanooga Police Department badge from Mayor Ron Littlefi eld. OGC Campaign Chair, John F. Germ, is to his right.

“Lunch with Gene Stallings” a touchdown for Orange Grove

Clyde Doss shakes hands with Stallings as Dianne Aytes, OGC Deputy Director, and Bobby Thomas (in red) look on.

Page5

Fund-raising made easy for OGC through

Contributed by Mike Cook, OGC Staff Tom Cox, OGC Board Member

Thanks to our friend and OGC fund-raising consultant, Dan Bowers, we have connected with the latest in Internet innovation, to a meaningful system of aiding the Center in securing additional funding.

This program enhances fund-raising methods, enabling us to unite and play host to a fun, creative and unique body of infi nite possibilities for the Center.

Orange Grove has signed up with Firstgiving.com, a website that enables individuals to raise money online for any nonprofi t organization in the US.

If you want to join us in fundraising, it’s fairly simple. With a little assistance from staff, we set up our own individual, personal pages within minutes. We were given our own web addresses to personalize our page. We each wrote a letter that states our reason for creating the page, then we added photos of choice.

When we were fi nished, we shared our pages with others by adding a link to the site within email messages. We’ve encouraged send-ing to everyone you know to increase the likelihood of raising more money. The approach has been a success. To date, the combined group of staff, parent and volunteers who are registered to Firstgiving have raised over $5000 in just a couple of months.

If the two of us are able to create pages, then it is possible for you to create a page. We encourage Center supporters, staff, parents and others to consider making a personal webpage to help this cause for which we are passionate.

You may also visit the website at www.fi rstgiving.com. If you choose to become a donor, all donations are secure and private, and confi rmations are sent to you via email. Proceeds are given directly to OGC.

For additional assistance or information, contact one of the following OGC staff members for face-to-face or telephone consultation:

Leslie Smith Hal BakerPR and Marketing Coord. Deputy Director(423) 308-1160 (423) 493-2912

Visit www.fi rstgiving.com/orangegrovecenter to start your page today!

Sample web page on Firstgiving.com

Page6

The Staff of Pulse-Radio and its partners are proud to host the fi rst of its kind, never before done on Internet Radio, Web-A-Thon to benefi t the

Orange Grove Center of Chattanooga, TN.

Starting March 28 at 6:00AM until March 30 midnight, Pulse Radio will be broadcasting LIVE and accepting donations to benefi t the Center.

Please Join Us,To help Us To Help Them.

www.pulse-radio.com

Page7Orange Grove embarks on new Autism studyHal Baker, OGC Deputy Director

Orange Grove Center is taking the bold step of bringing together all of the interested agencies, services and family leaders who are concerned with the development of long term support for the children and adults in our community who are on the Autism Spectrum.

It is well publicized today that the incidence of Autism is one in every 150 births. This is an overwhelming statistic and has dramatic implications for all educational institutions, social service agencies, health care providers and business interests. How a community prepares for the high prevalence of individuals who can contribute signifi cantly to the overall well-being of the community, if some considerations are granted, will defi ne the communities that are positioned to move into the 21st Century with all of its citizens in jobs and homes with valuable social relations and productive lives.

Orange Grove is partnering with the Hamilton County Schools, Siskin Institute, Signal Centers, Team Centers, UTC, par-ent leaders, and others to research and review exemplary programs across the country, and to determine how they may impact our communities sequence of service. In addition, all of the important entities in our area will be involved and instrumental in fulfi lling their critical role in the provision of life long service and support, from initial diagnosis to appropriate education to vocational placement, social relationships and independent living. We are fortunate that the Community Research Council will lead this strategic study for our community.

Chattanooga accomplished this very thing for individuals with intellectual disabilities when it established a series of services in the early 1950’s, which have resulted in a community with world class service throughout an individual’s life. This is a chance to repeat the process for individuals on the Autism Spectrum.

Owens goes from the classroom to administratorLeslie Smith, Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator

Orange Grove Center is proud to announce that Darcy Owens (right) has been named Director of Education and Training. Owens was previously principal of Children’s Services, a position she accepted last July.

She has been with Orange Grove since 1984, beginning in rotating positions as a Vocational Supervisor. In 1986, she became a CPC (Client Program Coordinator), maintaining her post through recent years.

Owens is popular with many of those whom she formerly and currently serves. For example, she remains in the heart of Debbie Chadwick, who received an award for volunteerism last year for her service in the community. Debbie was awarded the honor by President George W. Bush, and her spirit for volunteerism may partially be credited to her experiences with Owens.

Some of Owens’ Center-related milestones include a client securing and maintaining long-term employment with a local radio station, a client giving birth to a son who would later attend college, and many others who have gone on to hold jobs within the community and maintain them.

Her plans as Director are to “continue to see improvements and growth in our department, as far as meeting individualized students needs,” she said. “I want to make sure the best is brought out in every student.”

Page8P.E.

Music

Res Hab

OGC’s Michael Duke, Travis Henderson and Paul Leamon competed in the 2008 Special Olympics Winter Games held in Gatlinburg, TN, January 27 - 30. Duke and Henderson competed in the Alpine Skiing event, while Leamon competed in snowboarding. Duke came in second and third, receiving silver and bronze medals. Henderson came in fi rst and sixth, earning a gold medal. Leamon came in second and third in snowboarding, and was awarded silver and bronze.

The weekend would not have been possible without the support of Recreation Coordinator, Brandy Beeson, and Recreation Assistant, Teresa Jenkins.

The Music Department of OGC has enjoyed a number of performance outings by both the Chorus and long-time client, Linda Romans.

Director, Monty Parks, accompanied Romans during her solo recital at White Oak Baptist Church last November, and in December, the Chorus made their annual appearance at Christmas at the Courthouse, which aired on WRCB Channel 3.

Director Ann Shea’s, OGC Dancers, were also present for a special holiday performance.

Residential Services is selling window decalsto help with the Capital Campaign. The idea for this item came to several of thestaff when discussing how to promoteOGC in a positive light to the community.

Many schools or resort areas have window decals that people proudly display on their vehicles.We felt that OGC was something to be proud of also, so the design mimics those images. For $2, you can proudly display this decal on your car or bulletin board. All of the OGC vehicles will be sporting this decal, and we hope your vehicle will as well. You may purchase one by contacting any Residential Administration employee at (423) 493-2954.

-Contributed by Ruth Toon, Director of Residential Habilitation

(Left to right) Paul Leamon, Brandy Beeson, Michael Duke, Teresa Jenkins and Travis Henderson (also pictured to the right)

Cindy Sexton served as emcee for the event. She is seen here with OGC client and Chorus member, Robert Scudgins.

William “Chris” Adkins received the “Employee of the Month” award last November. He has worked at Wal-Mart on Brainerd Rd. for 3 years, as a cart pusher and gatherer. Chris is served by Orange Grove’s Employment Supports Follow-Along Program. He is a graduate of East Ridge High School, and this is his fi rst job. His future plans include learning duties inside the store.

-Contributed by Leslie Hayes, Support Manager

Employment Supports

Page9

Around the Grove

Dr. Rick Rader threw out the fi rst pitch at the Chattanooga Lookout’s game against the Mississippi Braves on July 27. The Editor-in-Chief of Exceptional Parent maga-zine, and Director of Orange Grove Center’s Morton J. Kent Habilitation Center, was also awarded the Maxwell J. Schleifer Distinguished Service Award for his many years of service as an advocate for people with disabilities. Capital Financial Group/MassMutual sponsored the Chattanooga Disabilities Awareness Night (DAN) event, which is held annually at athletic events nationwide.

(Left to right) Joseph M. Valenzano, Jr., President and CEO of EP Global Communications, Inc.; Tims Sinks, Capital Financial Group/ MassMutual; Mark Cuttle, with Capital Financial Group/MassMutual;

Dr. Rick Rader, Exceptional Parent Editor-in-Chief and honoree; and Frank Murphy, President of the EP Foundation

for Education.

Hab Center

Center-Wide

Dr. Rader was nominated and inducted into the prestigious National Academy of Medicine, in recognition of his work in the fi eld of intellectual and developmental disabilities. He received Distinguished Practitioner status in the Academy which is limited to a total of 150physicians nationwide, attesting to the honor of the designation.

On Thursday, October 25, Miss Tennessee, Grace Gore, visited with clients and

staff of Orange Grove Center.

After touring the facility, she signed autographs and took

photos before heading to other parts of the city and

state.

Therapy Services/Employment Supports

Orange Grove’s Shira Shropshire recently received United Way’s Tocqueville Courage Award for overcoming adversity and achieving his dreams. He was nominated by the Center. At Orange Grove, he surpassed limitations through the use of a new power wheelchair and assistance from caring therapists. His determination has led to ownership of a shredding business, work experience at Erlanger Hospital, and perhaps his greatest endeavor - learning how to read!

The annual Founders’ Day luncheon and dinner were held on Tuesday, December 4, at the Bessie Smith Hall. Staff, volunteers, supporters and others were in attendance, as they dined on barbeque provided by Sticky Fingers.

Awards were given by all departments, with a few special awards presented to the family of former board member, Jim Goldman, and an award for efforts to Melissa Moore, who is served by the Center.

Founders’ Day is set aside to honor staff and others who’ve made contributions to the Center. Visit www.orangegrovecenter.org to see photos from the event.

Compiled by Leslie Smith

businesses each week to pick up and sort all their cans, bottles and the large amounts of paper produced as a by-product of doing business. Chattanooga area businesses are recognizing the benefi ts they gain by producing less garbage and by being environmentally-minded corporate recyclers.

And, of course, our largest single source of employment for Orange Grove clients in recycling is at the John F. Germ Recycling Center on the campus of Orange Grove. For the last 14 years, the Center has processed, sorted, and marketed all of the recyclables collected through the City of Chattanooga’s curbside collection program. We have experienced a growing trend of the materials collected being cleaner and freer of non- recyclable residues, which can be attributed partially to Orange Grove’s vigorous recycling education program.

Any way you look at it, Orange Grove Center’s engagement with the Chattanooga community through recycling benefi ts everybody. When people recycle, they’re helping to create jobs that Orange Grove clients can be proud of, in addition to keeping waste out of the landfi ll. This work also gives area residents the opportunity to get to know our clients and learn about our programs.

So when you put your can or bottle in the recycle bin rather than the garbage can, you can rest assured that you are not only helping the environment, but you’re also helping your fellow Chattanoogans to have the opportunity to do what we all deserve the chance to do, which is to have a job and earn a paycheck.

Orange Grove Recycling helps to keep Chattanooga cleanAustin Jett, Recycling Eduation Coordinator

Around Chattanooga, Orange Grove Center is becoming synonymous with recycling. Through a combination of increasing the number of Recycling Convenience Centers around town and growing participation on the part of local businesses in the Recycle Express program, Orange Grove clients are making quite a splash in the recycling community.

Over the course of the last year, the City of Chattanooga, in partnership with Orange Grove, has opened up three new recycling convenience centers. These new centers have helped the people of Lookout Valley, Hixson, and East Brainerd to more easily make recycling a part of their routines.

But that’s not the only benefi t. Each one of these new centers provides up to six new, high-quality jobs for Orange Grove clients. Not only do our clients have the opportunity to develop and sharpen valuable work skills, but the resulting interaction between clients and resi-dents of the Chattanooga area creates a positive social impact for everybody. Chattanoogans have come to know and love our clients through their experiences at the four Recycling Conve-nience Centers. The overall participation level at the Recycling Convenience Centers have grown steadily over the last year, both in terms of numbers of individual participants and of tonnage of recyclable materials collected.

In addition to the new drop-off centers, Orange Grove Recycling has seen a marked increase in the number of area businesses participating in the Recycle Express program. For a small fee, OGC clients and a supervisor visit the

Robin Fouraker, top, sorts and deposits paper in an Orange Grove Recycling collection bin along with Orange Grove clients Teresa Morton, right, and Teri White. Teresa and Teri are both employed at one of Orange Grove’s new Recycling Convenience Centers at Access Road across from DuPont.

Page10

Contributions Orange Grove would like to thank and acknowledge those who are supporting the Capital Campaign:

Courtesy of the Chattanooga Times Free Press

2NDS in Building Materials, Inc.Adele B. AckellMr. & Mrs. Don B. ArpFrieda ArnoldAthens Distributing Marion Auerbach Auto Glass ExpressBarbara Aycock Earlene Aytes

Ronald Boucek Dan Bowers Celeste Bradley Andy & Jane Bricard John Buhrman Bart Burns Ray Burriss Tom Caldwell Anne Camp

Earlene AytesJane J. AytesMax Bahner Hal Baker Mike Barto Fred & Joyce Beckert Jacque Benderman Mr & Mrs Charles Best Travis Boles

Disaster Planning and Special Needs Contributed by OGC Habilitation Center Staff

Among the many lessons we learned from Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath was that people with disabilities are at high risk for negative outcomes in major disasters. In the best of times the population we support is highly vulnerable; but in the chaos that accompanies a disaster they are at increased risk for misadventures, displacement and mishaps.

When the sponsors of the National Emergency Management Summit (Washington DC, February 2-5, 2008) were inviting national experts to present on the “lessons learned” and to share best practices in emergency management they knew they needed to include strategies for people with disabilities. Orange Grove’s Dr. Rick Rader, Director of the Morton J. Kent Habilitation Center, was tapped to represent the best thinking in the fi eld of developmental disabilities. Dr. Rader had previously served as a consultant to the National Council on Readiness and Preparedness (NCORP) in helping to create a National Blueprint for disaster planning.

Dr. Rader is currently working as a consultant with the Hamilton County Emergency Services in establishing protocols that would mitigate the consequences of supporting individuals with disabilities in a major disaster. Orange Grove is currently looking at the feasibility of serving as a potential shelter for people with complex disabilities in the event that a major disaster impacts the area.

One thing from evaluating disasters is evident; and that is in addition to national, regional and local disaster planning from both the government and the myriad organizations that are in place, the “family” is critical in planning for preparedness, response, shelter-ing, recovery, and relocation. Families can decrease the impact of a disaster by taking steps to prepare BEFORE an event occurs. There is an obvious need to become “self reliant” for at least 72 and possibly 96 hours. According to the National Organization on Disability and their Emergency Preparedness Initiative, “Families are in the best position to know their special needs before, during, and after a disaster.” There are many sample planning templates and checklists available to guide you but your plans must fi t your own unique circumstances.

The following organizations provide materials for disaster planning for people with disabilities: American Red Cross (www.redcross.org), U.S. Department of Homeland Security (www.ready.gov), Federal Emergency Management Agency (www.fema.gov/preparedness), National Organization on Disability (www.nod.org/emergency) andNOAA Weather Radio (www.weather.gov/nwer/special_needs.htm).

It is not possible to do away with the devastation due to natural hazards completely. However, destruction from natural hazards can be minimized by the presence of well-functioning warning systems, combined with preparedness on the part of the vulnerable community. If you need assistance in disaster planning for your family with special needs, Dr. Rader is available to consult with you (Email: HABCTRMD@aol.com, tel: 493-2936).

Page11

Harriet Campbell Steve & Sherry Campbell Larry Cash Janet Catlet Jac Chamblis Chattanooga Christian Community FoundationMr. & Mrs. James CiglianoTom Cofer David Collins Charles A. Comer Community Foundation Charles Conley

Scott Ferguson First Tennessee John F. Germ Jack GalvinRobert Giles M..D.James Gallagher Mr. & Mrs. Craig GillBruce Goodwin Graphic Impressions Buddy HaileVirginia C. HareElizabeth HarrisMary Hartline

Dr. & Mrs. Dan ConnerDavid & Ivy Cowan Tom Cox Lee Cullom M. H. Dabit Nellie Davis Jane & Alan DerthickDisplaycraft Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Maurice A. DoddMartha Dooley Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence DosterDillard Edgemon Sharon Farber

Kyle Hauth C. W. Hayes Dr. Warren Henry Ted & Monica Hupp Paul & Leslie Hutchins Bruce Hutchinson K. Donald Jensen Steve Jett Don & Anita Johnson Sara Johnson Larry Jones Mr & Mrs R. Steele Jones

Plan to attend the next Orange Grove Parent Meeting on Tuesday, April 22 at 7 p.m. in the Training Room of the OGC

Habilitation Center.

Your concerns matter! Join us to share your voice!

Contributions, continued from page 11

Bruce Pearl to host “Breakfast for Champions” Leslie Smith, Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator

What better way to kick off this year’s “Breakfast for Champions, than to have the honor of the highly anticipated, college coach, Bruce Pearl, serve as guest speaker.

The event will take place in the OGC cafeteria beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, April 18. In its nineteen year history, “Breakfast for Champions” is conducted annually to recognize the supporters and contributors of Orange Grove.

Pearl has a heart for organizations that serve individuals with dis-abilities, which will make his visit to the Center even more special. Vols fans may also appreciate his visit, as his team is on the heels of several major wins throughout the 2007-2008 basketball season.

In previous years, sports legends including former University of Alabama football coach, Gene Stallings, and UTC football coach, Rodney Allison, spoke on behalf of the occasion.

“Breakfast for Champions” is by invitation only. For contributions to the Center, call (423) 308-1160.

UT Basketball Coach, Bruce Pearl (center) will host this year’s “Breakfast for Champions.”

Page12

“The Voice Of The Titans,” Mike Keith, BFC 2003

Baylor School Leadership Program Head, Bill Curry,

BFC 2005

UTC men’s basketball coach, John Shulman, BFC 2006

College football coach, Steve Sloan,BFC 2004

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V. E. & Wilma Kelsey Morton J. Kent John & Jane KillebrewMr. & Mrs. R. C. KirkseyKiwanis Duck Race Dan LaGraffKevin J. LaGraffMr. & Mrs. Harry L. LawsonVirginia Lerch Paul & Sharon Lewis George Linder David & Linda Longley John T. LuptonBill Lusk Lyndhurst FoundationLee MadduxPeter J. Mallen Helen Mahn Eugene T. Mann Masonic Lodge No. 199

Mr & Mrs. George Oliphant Fred Oliver Orange Grove Center Community SupportsJane T. OvertonMichael Patrick Phillips Foundation Malcomb Phipps Joseph & Susan PlevaFrancis Popham Dudley Porter Scott Probasco Dr. Rick RaderPauline Raulston Charles Renneisen Jim & Susan Reynolds Manuel Rico D. V. Riley Jim & Connie Riley Susan RouseRosie Russell

Joe T. MathisSharon Matthews Eunice McCarson John McCravey Sue McCulloughFrancis M. McDanielWalter McFarland Emily C. McKenzie W. Thorpe McKenzie Rayford J. McLaurin Hugh Moore Mary & Ted Moore Hugh Morrow Helen Morton Andrew NardoMolly Nolan John Noll B.C. Northern Linda Norwood Mr. & Mrs. A. E. Ogden

OGC, UTC collaborate to form course on teaching students with developmental disabilitiesContributed by OGC Habilitation Center Staff

One of the historical drawbacks of under-graduate professional education (whether it’s in engineering, nursing, or business) is the “disconnect” between the “lectures” and life in the real world. This is especially most dramatic in the fi eld of preparing students for the fi eld of educating students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Realizing that this “great divide” was becoming more apparent, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga approached Orange Grove with a proposal, starting with a “clean sheet of paper” design a new curriculum for Special Ed students that would be relevant, practical, competency based and founded in the best practices.

To Orange Grove, this was music to our ears. For one, it demonstrated that Orange Grove was indeed the bastion of excellence in special education. For two, it provided a curriculum where the UTC students could learn practical teaching skills which would fortify the pool of potential teachers for Orange Grove. Lastly, it allowed the OGC professional staff to impact on the global knowledge base that the next generation of Special Ed teachers will need to succeed with the increasingly complex disabilities that were appearing in their classrooms.

The leading role for the development and implementation of this course fell to Dr. Rick Rader, the Director of the Morton J. Kent Habilitation Center. Along with a cadre of opinion leaders from “all” the departments at Orange Grove, a curriculum was created that refl ected a balance of theory and didactic lectures complemented with being “imbedded” in the OGC class-rooms and the opportunity to “shadow” a student with signifi cant disabilities.

Working in collaboration with UTC Special Education leaders, notably Dr. Linda Johnston, the UTC liaison, the course is formally known as “The Collaboration Course for Teaching Students with

Complex Developmental Disabilities,” and is actually an amalgam of three previously separate courses.

The students are typically in their junior or senior years, and often come with specifi c professional goals. One of the welcome by-products of this course is that students who never considered working with students with signifi cant disabilities realize that this is the challenge they had always dreamed about. Conversely, those students who come anticipating a career with signifi cantly challenging disabilities soon realize they need to revisit their career decisions. For us at Orange Grove, this is a great benefi t as it serves to provide a realistic window of what the reality of this population provides to the novice teacher.

Of course, the “meat and potatoes” of the course is the opportunity to be “embedded” in the classroom under the tutelage of the Orange Grove classroom teacher. The insights, experience and expertise provided by OGC teachers, coupled with the hands-on experience, is unattainable in the univer-sity campus setting. Years after completing the program, UTC graduates report that this course was the most signifi cant aspect of their teacher preparation.

A milestone component of the course is the fi nal “presentation” by the UTC student of the OGC student they shadowed. The UTC student has the opportunity to present the entire profi le of their student to colleagues, teachers, parents, UTC Special Ed profes-sors, physicians, therapists and special invited guests. The opportunity to demon-strate “thinking on their feet” by fi elding questions from this panel of judges is the icing on the cake.

Over the years, UTC Special Ed professors have “presented” the collaboration course at national Special Ed conferences, as well as providing consultation to other universi-ties interested in replicating the program.

Page13

Lisa Breedlove, a teacher in OGC’s classroom #2, took the course in 2000 while working towards a degree in Special Education at UTC. She is one of a few who returned to the Center for employment.

Breedlove is picutred above with Cortez, a student in her class.

“He is just a remarkable kid,” she said. “He’s like a little treasure chest. If you can fi nd the key, and open it, there’s no telling what you’ll fi nd in there.”

To learn more, contact the College of Health, Education and

Professional Studies at the University of Tennessee at

Chattanooga, or call the Orange Grove Habiliation Center at

493-2924.

Mrs. S. B. Rymer Dr. Richard Sadowitz Mr. & Mrs. Martin R. SampleyArthur SeesselMelville J. Seessel V. P. SerodinoDr. Tyson & Kathy Smith

Southern Champion TrayCarole SteinCarolyn StilwellJanet Strang Dr. Tyson & Kathy Smith Southern Champion TrayCarole Stein

Carolyn Stilwell Janet Strang Mr & Mrs Thornton Strang Jerry Summers TRC Yacht Sales & Watersports CenterRoland Thomas Beverly Turner

Wanda Fleming FundBlair Weigle Mr. & Mrs. Raulston Wells Brenda Whitfi eldBill & Kathy WilderHanna Witherspoon Judy Wohlwend

Deborah Hilbert (Music) came to Orange Grove Center in the fall of 1973 from Georgia, where she had taught for three years. Her 33 years were fi lled with many memorable milestones for the music program, including the Center’s ever increasing presence in the community, many personal client accomplishments and innovative programs like the Very Special Arts Festival (VSAF).

In her early years, she challenged the music students at Orange Grove Center with gala Christmas and End of the Year Programs that tested the clients limits of performance, and treated the families, friends and staff of Orange Grove to the most entertaining and memorable of nights. She instructed, trained and took the Orange Grove Chorus to performances at Washington, DC, in front of the President of the United States, to the governor of Tennessee’s home and every year to the closing day of the Christmas at the Courthouse Music Celebration. She was instrumental in bringing the VSAF to Orange Grove. She worked to secure the initial VSAF grant that brought dance to the already fi ne music department. She worked with many students and clients over the years and gave them 1-on-1 instruction. She helped them develop their musical skills as well as their personal social skills, which in turn has given them a chance to become more independent. She was also a recipient of Orange Grove’s coveted Wanda Fleming Award in 2003. She retired on April 13, 2007.

Carol Jemison (Children’s Services) started in July 1983 as a House Manager for the Residential Department. She became a classroom assistant in 1987 in the school program and she continued in that role until she retired in 2007. She was very soft spoken and was a great supporter of the classroom teachers with whom she worked. She rarely missed work and often did not take all of alotted annual leave. Her personality worked well with active school age individuals. She took all classroom assignments in stride and with a big smile She was a mother-like support to many of the children in the school program.

Jemison retired on April 27, 2007.

Lawrence Griffi n (Recycling) was known as the “original recycling guy” by those who worked with him at the John F. Germ Recycling Center. He started at the Center in May 1984 in Recycling when the fi rst glass crushers and can fl atteners were introduced, and before the partnership with the City of Chattanooga. Former co-workers have said he was always fi rst to unlock the building each morning. A college graduate, Griffi n previously worked as a DT in group homes, and later worked 10-12 years in buyback until dropoff centers opened. Griffi n spent his last days at OGC at the Warner Park dropoff location, working “well past normal retirement.”

According to John Chamberlin, Coordinator of Recycling, Griffi n was had a “wonderful work ethic, related to clients very well, was compassionate and understanding.”

Griffi n retired on September 30, 2007.

Barbara Davis (Accounting) was employed by the Center for over 20 years, working in various positions within the Accounting Department.

“She has been a dear friend of mine, even before coming to OGC,” said Joy Smith, co-worker and friend. “She’s just a precious person. Everyone likes Barbara.”

Barbara retired on February 15 of this year.

Page14Thanks for the years....

Orange Grove is very proud and appreciative of those who were employed by the Center for numerous years, and provided a stellar report of quality service.

Page15Andrew J. “Skip” Nardo (bottom) is a Chattanooga native, having attended Notre Dame High School and the University of Chattanooga.

In previous years, he held various manufacturing management positions at DuPont, including serving as a Technical and a Direct Sales Marketing Representative. During his tenure, he was responsible for $200 million in business annually.

In 1994, he was the recipient of the DuPont Marketing Excellence Award. He is a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Signal Mountain Golf and Country Club and Walden Club. He is past president and current board member of the Chattanooga Sierra Club.

Nardo is retired, and currently lives on Signal Mountain with his wife, Carolyn.

Dr. Richard H. Sadowitz, M.D. (left) received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida at Gainesville, and his doctorate from the University of Miami, School of Medicine. He completed an Internship and Residency in Internal Medicine at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.

Dr. Sadowitz completed a Fellowship in Digestive Diseases at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark, New Jersey. He is Board Certi-fi ed in Gastroenterology and has been practicing in Chat-tanooga since 1994. Professional offi ces for Chattanooga Gastroenterology, PC are located at Parkridge Medical Center Campus and at Hutcheson Medical Center.

Dr. Sadowitz is a member in the American College of Gastroenterology, American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, Chattanooga- Hamilton County Medical Society and the Tennessee Medical Association. He has served as a professional speaker for Jansen Pharmaceuticals, Tap Pharmaceuticals and Astra Pharmaceuticals.

Dr. Sadowitz lives in Chattanooga with his wife Jacque. He is the proud father of three teenage children.

Fred may be gone, but he wants to make sure that Orange Grove is not forgotten!

Visit him at:www.fi rstgiving.com/fredgalletta and support OGC.

Fred GallettaFred Galletta (Education and Training) Fred applied his analytical mind to a multitude of perplexing problems at Orange Grove over his career and always was able to come up with several courses of action to solve them.

Fred had a wonderful capacity to lead his staff to decisions that they all believed in no matter how long it would take and he never sought credit for the successes his programs achieved.

He was generous in his complements and miserly with his criticisms.

Fred could always be counted on to join in any extracurricular activity that Orange Grove conducted. He probably never missed a Christmas or Spring program, a basketball game, a special Olympic event or any type of staff or client function.

Even though Fred spent his entire working life at Orange Grove he was able to occupy offi ces in every corner of the campus and at one time or another was responsible for every department except residential.

Even though there were many diffi cult days and many diffi cult decisions to be made over his thirty seven year career Fred approached each new day as one with possibilities for improvement for everyone.

Fred is joined by his family at his retirement reception.

New

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PAIDChattanooga, TNPermit No. 770A publication of

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The osage orange (background), or the hedgeapple, is a woody shrub with green fruit that was found in abundance around the location of the original Orange Grove School on Main Street in Chattanooga and for which the school

was named.

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Upcoming Events

Capital Campaign (continuing through June 30)Breakfast for Champions (featuring UT Basketball Coach, Bruce Pearl), April 18Kiwanis Duck Race (benefi tting Orange Grove Center), June 14Fairway Dreams Golf Tournament, (OGC benefi t), August 23

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