Daily Companions

Everyone of us is affected by weather.  It dictates how we dress, if we stay indoors or out, and sometimes even if we travel or not.  Most of us watch the weather forecast in the mornings to see what to expect the next day, or the next several days.  Do you need an umbrella?  How about snow boots?  The weather forecast helps us be better prepared.

David Dickson, of WDVM News, took time to visit DCI Consumers and explain what goes into a weather forecast.  Lot’s of math for sure!  Get up at 2:30 am!  Wow, we were amazed at that (and happy we don’t need to get up that early!).

Weather person’s do not “order” weather, they just look at the numbers and try to make an accurate forecast based on the information.  DCI Consumers thought it would be great if you could order weather!  Lot’s of sun for sure!

David helped us to appreciate that lightning and thunder are a natural part of the weather system.  If you hear thunder or see lightning, it is best to get indoors as soon as possible.  Why don’t we get more snow?  David explained you need that “just right” temperature and moisture balance for snow to happen.  Too warm, too cold, too dry, no snow.  And he did confirm that no two snow flakes look alike.

DCI Consumers were intrigued by the computer presentation David provided.  It was fun seeing the weekly weather forecast, and the “green screen” where he is filmed.  What an interesting presentation.  Thank you David for visiting DCI.

Have you ever wondered what happens to the water that runs into the drains in your home?  Where does waste water go?  DCI Consumers were eager to learn more about this mystery.  Therefore, a tour was scheduled.

Daily Companions, Inc. Consumers toured the plant for the Wastewater Division of the City of Hagerstown, MD.  On the tour they learned about the process by which dirty wastewater is recycled into clean water again.  They were able to see what equipment is used to perform each step of the process.

Who knew “bugs” were involved?  Yes, that’s right!  Bacteria, or micro-organisms, are critical to the operations.  The bacteria, or bugs, need to be fed and oxygenated.  As a result, the bacteria get rid of the waste in the water, and help return the water to a clean state.  A rather “smelly” process!

DCI Consumers enjoyed the tour very much.  Their tour guide, Mr. Mills, was very informative; it was plain he knows and enjoys his job.  Now the mystery is solved.  What a fascinating tour!

Cathy Lee Irizarry-Barron, Customized Employment Grant Specialist, represented Daily Companions, Inc. at the Berkeley County Transition Summit.  This summit was set up by Berkeley County Schools to offer students an opportunity to meet agencies who will be able to provide help in transitioning from High School to either College or into the work force.

Cathy was able to give families an overview of Daily Companions, Inc. and the services we offer, such as our Day Program, Service Coordination, Supported Employment, and the Customized Employment Grant Program, which is exclusive to DCI.  Daily Companions is also the only agency in the Eastern Panhandle of WV that has on staff a nationally Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP).

DCI takes great pride in learning who the individuals we serve are, what is their interest in job (career) seeking, and help plan to get them to their goal of inclusive employment.  DCI wants their consumers to believe they can have a career, not just a job.  Parents and students were made aware this may mean going directly into the work force and finding “discovery” jobs which will enable them to narrow down what career they want to pursue.  Going to college later to enhance their knowledge of the job is an option, once they have determined their career.  Cathy was happy to point out that several business’s offer scholarships, tuition reimbursement, and other incentives for their employees to grasp their future.

When asked how she felt about participating in this transition summit Cathy stated “this was an opportunity for both parents and students to seek guidance, become more informed about after graduation options, and ultimately, to have more hope in their future.  Daily Companions, Inc. was pleased to be a part of this transition“.

Paper Mache is a great craft for all ages.  DCI Consumers had a wonderful time learning this art form.  To make their paper mache pumpkin, a round base was needed.  Each consumer was given a balloon, blown up and tied.  The balloon was then covered with white paper that had been dipped in paper mache glue.  the white paper prevented the colored balloon from showing through.  Lots of concentration was needed to be sure that all the balloon was covered!

Next step was to add orange paper over the white.  Everyone loved getting their hands in the glue!  “That was the best part” laughed Patricia.  “You have to enjoy yourself” stated Marty.  “This class was the best” stated Thomas with enthusiasm.

Now that everyone had their pumpkin base, it was time to pick out the perfect eyes – black paper or wiggly google eyes?  How about a scary or smiling mouth?  Each consumer was encouraged to make their pumpkin their way, with any decoration they felt finished it off.

Any tactile art session is beneficial for I/DD individuals.  They are able to feel the art, both in their hands and in their souls.  This is relaxing, engaging, and makes for a wonderful time for all!

DCI Consumers were filled with excitement as they got ready for their first bowling game of the year.  Most had on their personally decorated T-shirts, with their name and team number.  The atmosphere was electric.  Having chosen a ball, put on shoes, everyone waited patiently for their turn.  Much laughter and high-fives for strikes and spares!  Calls of encouragement were given for times when the score was low.

Daily Companions, Inc. is committed to helping our consumers achieve a healthy lifestyle.  Exercise, in the form of various sports, is how we look to do that.  The consumers were asked how they enjoyed bowling.

“I love the excitement”, exclaimed one consumer.  “I like the action” said another.  All agreed that keeping busy via sports was the highlight of their week.

Many activities are available for pre-school special needs children.  School age children participate during their school years, and camps are open in the summers.  But when special needs adults are out of school, opportunities are few for sports, teams, exercise.  Health conditions can develop or worsen with inactivity.  Daily Companions, Inc. feels that a schedule that includes a variety of opportunities for exercise is a priority for our consumers.  We are always looking for new ways to add movement to our schedule.

Be sure to stop and say “hi” to our consumers if you see them at the bowling alley, or if you see them at the driving range, the recreation center, or out on one of the fitness trails! 

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.