The consumers of Daily Companions, Inc. were visited by Sgt. Vigh of the Berkeley County Sherriff’s Department.  Sgt. Vigh first stressed that everyone should view any law enforcement personnel as a “friend”.  Their job is keep us safe.  Sgt. Vigh explained that if you are in a situation that you feel is “unsafe”, notice someone around you feel may be up to no good, or maybe you come across a weapon or needles in a public place, please call 911.  He assured us that no one would be angry, no one would be arrested for making a sincere call, law enforcement wants our safety above all else.

Sgt. Vigh presented situations we might encounter.  You come into someone’s home, or they come into your home and present a firearm.  They assure you it is unloaded, so it is “safe” to play with.  What should you do?  DCI consumers were able to answer “call 911 and get away”, or “tell an adult”.  The same answer held true if you were offered drugs.  He emphasized the difference in taking prescribed medication for a health reason, and someone just offering you something to “see how it feels”.

Another scenario:  you are out in public, someone comes up to you and shows a firearm or other weapon, law enforcement shows up and orders everyone to freeze.  The others run off, what do you do?  Again, DCI consumers were up to the challenge and answered “freeze”.  Sgt. Vigh commended them for that answer.  Again he emphasized that no one would be arrested for following instruction from law enforcement, rather your safety would be ensured by obeying.  The same would hold true if drugs were being pressed on you.

We questioned Sgt. Vigh on how we could be certain that someone was really law enforcement.  He showed us his uniform, his badge, and reminded us that we could always call the Sheriff’s Dept. or 911 to double check an officer’s identity.

Everyone here at Daily Companions, Inc. would like to thank the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department and Sgt. Vigh for this informative discussion.  Now, we are looking forward to a field trip out to the Department to see all the “behind the scene’s” work that goes on!

Fair Day for DCI Consumers!

What a great morning to be outdoors at the Fair!  The weather was sunny with a cool breeze.  Smells of hot dogs, fries, and cotton candy filled the air.  Who doesn’t love food from the fair?

We could hear cows, goats, sheep and pigs; students were scurrying around cleaning and prepping their animals for show.  DCI Consumers enjoyed being able to be up close with animals, petting them, and talking to them.  The Poultry Barn was exciting.  All were able to pet chickens and rabbits.  We learned that some rabbits will eat fruit!  What funny looking chickens the Silkies are, with their top knots of feathers.  The ducks, geese and turkeys were so loud!  Even though we enjoyed looking and touching the poultry, all agreed due to the noise they would not like to keep one!

Next was the horse barn.  What beautiful animals.  Some were taller than us!  We were surprised by the fact the horses wanted to be petted, and looked for treats.  One of DCI Consumers that is normally afraid of animals decided to feed one of the horses a treat with the owners help.  Boy, what fun!

All too soon it was time to leave.  We had such a good time and look forward to our visit again next year.

I/DD Waiver Consumers are not just “horsing around”

DCI Consumers had an opportunity to visit the racetrack in Charles Town.  Mr. Erich Zimny, Vice President of Racing Operations, met us and gave a very informative tour.  We were able to see the stalls where the horses wait before each race.  Both males and females can be jockey’s, and must regulate their weight.  DCI Consumers were consumed with giggles as they took turns weighting themselves.  Race horses can weigh over 1,000 pounds.  DCI Consumers decided if they all got together, they just might weigh as much as one horse!

The jockeys were busy exercising the horses, but some took time to stop and let us admire the beautiful horses.  We learned that some horses wear the “blinkers” to help keep them focused on the track.  Surprise, horses love peppermint candy!

Inside the track we saw where people can watch the races and place bets.  Lot’s of laughing and joking about who could choose a winner!  There are some beautiful display’s of pictures recording the history of the track, as well as people who have worked there.   As always, DCI Consumers enjoyed the tour very much and we thank Mr. Zimny and the Staff of Charles Town Races for giving us such a good time.

Day Habilitation Workshop. Randy Lilly, Berkeley County Emergency Preparedness Manager and Ed Dashiell presented a very informative workshop on emergency situations.

The importance of having a plan of evacuation in the event of a house fire was emphasized.  Know where to meet, never try to re-enter the home for an item, even if it is a family pet.  Wait for the professionals!

A designated meeting place is a good idea for times when there are high winds; look for any area where there are no windows.  Also noted were the warnings to never try to go outside during a tornado to try to take pictures as you could be hit by flying debris.

In times of flood, we learned to never try to walk or drive through water.  Randy pointed out that the ground underneath the roadway can give way and you would be swept away.  Even as little as 6 inches of fast running water can sweep a grown person off their feet.

Ideas for home/business Emergency Kits were discussed.  At least 3 days worth of food, water, medications, batteries, hand held can opener, NOAH radio, even a small generator would be helpful.  Ed pointed out that during times of power outages, a cell phone may not work but usually your land line will.

We thank these gentlemen for taking time out of their busy schedules to help us get better prepared for emergencies.    Please visit their website at www.berkeleywv.org for more information.

Daily Companions, Inc. will host an emergency preparedness workshop at 1486 Winchester Avenue, Martinsburg, WV on Wednesday, July 19 at 1pm.  Randy Lilly, Berkeley County Emergency Manager will speak about how to get a free app on your phone and how to use Swift 911.  Learn ways to be prepared at home, work or on the road.  Workshop is free and open to the public.  Call our Day Center at 304-263-5008 for more information.