Friday, June 3, saw the Grand Re-Opening of Daily Companions, Inc. There was a great turn out for our event. Tina Combs, President & CEO of the Martinsburg Chamber of Commerce, brought the red ribbon and gold scissors for the ribbon cutting ceremony. On hand to cut the ribbon were Ms. Cloughfeather, CEO, Shannon Ball, CFO, Kat Hagedorn, Waiver Manager, Holly Barry, Placement Specialist, and Cathy Irizarry-Barron, Employment Program Specialist. Teresa Hayes, mother of a DCI Member, was on hand to give a brief speech about how much DCI’s program has meant to her daughter. It was a touching moment for all of us.
After the ribbon cutting, everyone toured DCI facilities and enjoyed refreshments. Many positive comments were made about our new layout, with round tables and comfortable seating areas for learning and relaxing. Framed photographs of Friday Field Trips adorn the walls. Andrew Nelson, M.Ed., ISA-CI, Program Coordinator with WV Autism Training Center at Marshall University was on hand to speak with families. Autism Speaks will now have office space at DCI and Andrew or his staff will be able to answer questions from the general public on Autism. Background music was provided by DCI Volunteer Emily Stotler. DCI Members are very enthusiastic about their music sessions with Emily on Tuesday afternoons.
Mike Collier, a former Pittsburgh Steeler’s player, was on hand to give autographs to his fans. Everyone was excited to meet him and hear stories about his days playing football. Many of DCI’s members were eager to get an autograph to take home. One DCI Member, Chris, was unable to meet Mike due to his work schedule. Mike, on hearing that Chris, (who is one of the biggest Steeler fans ever) was missing this event, made plans to surprise Chris at Cracker Barrel later that evening. A quick call was put in to Cracker Barrel Manager Kevin Kobarcik and operation “Surprise Chris” was on. And boy was Chris surprised!
Asked about the visit Chris grinned and said “ I was very surprised! It was great to meet Mike. He shook my hand and gave me an autographed copy of his picture. Some of the other employees were peeking out and excited to see him too. I won’t ever forget!“
Daily Companions, Inc. would like to thank all those who attended our Grand re-Opening and made it such a great success. We also want to thank The Journal News for sending their reporter, and Jon Howard for taking such great shots of our employees.