JULY 2010

On July 20, 2010 the commissioners heard an update about clients served through the Dayton - Montgomery County Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program (HPRP) in the first ten months of the program.  The City of Dayton and Montgomery County received $4 million total funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for this program.  The county adopted a Homeless Solutions Community 10-Year Plan several years ago.  The focus up to this point has been on shelter and rehousing.   These ARRA funds have allowed the county to provide prevention services to keep people out of the shelters.   Five organizations are providing prevention assistance throughout the community to prevent homelessness and to help people who are homeless rapidly exit to housing.  Commissioner Foley stated that the commissioners are very proud to have a structure in place to help people who call.

Mark Gerhardstein, director of the Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities (MCBDDS) and Joe Szoke, director of the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board were recognized for receiving a 2010 NACo Achievement Award.  The Mental Health Supports and Services Program of MCBDDS, in Partnership with the ADAMHS Board, was awarded a 2010 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award in recognition of an effective and innovative program which contributes to and enhances county government in the United States.  The collaborative partnership that MCBDDS and ADAMHS have undertaken is an innovative way to overcome funding challenges as they relate to the services provided to the Mental Health Support Services (MHSS) program.

JUNE 2010

 Several times a year the Commissioners hold the meeting in other jurisdictions within Montgomery County to bring local government closer to the people.  The June 29, 2010 Board of County Commissioners meeting was hosted by the City of Centerville.   Prior to the meeting the commissioners joined the mayor, city manager, and several council members on a tour of the city and hear about their economic development efforts.  

June 29, 2010 Tom Kelley, director of the Office of Family and Children First Council, presented an overview of the Human Services Levy.  He explained that in 1984 Montgomery County began combining its six single-purpose levies into what are currently two health and human services levies:  Levy A (7.21 mills) approved in November 2007, and Levy B (6.03 mills) approved in November 2003.   Levy B will expire December 31, 2011.  Earlier this year the commissioners approved replacing the expiring Levy B with the same millage.  The Human Services Levy supports many locally state mandated agencies and services:  Children Services, Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disability Services (MCBDDS), Public Health – Dayton and Montgomery County, and Alcohol Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS).   Other critical local services include frail elderly services, Juvenile Court (intervention and prevention), Stillwater Center, Homeless Solutions, Indigent Hospital Healthcare, care for children with medical handicaps, support for over 30 not-for-profit community-based services, and additional programs to support strategic community improvements. 

 The commissioners received an update about CHOICES, Inc. on June 8, 2010 from executive director Shellie Sholfo.  CHOICES, which stands for Children Have Options In Caring Environments, is a foster care agency founded in 1986 which serves youth and families throughout Dayton, Cincinnati, and southwest Ohio and focuses on both preventative and transition services.  Their mission is to foster a meaningful quality of life for youth and families.  They strive to inspire hope, strengthen foundations, and enrich environments through supportive individualized programs and services which include Family & Treatment Foster Care, Scattered Site Independent Living (ages 17 – 21), Home Based Services, and Foster Parent & Youth Mentoring.  Recreational and cultural activities inspire hope, build confidence and teach leadership. 

The Montgomery County Commissioners designated June 15, 2010 as "Elder Abuse Awareness Day" to draw attention to the neglect and exploitation of older and vulnerable adults.  Last year in Montgomery County, there were 1,400 reports of elder abuse, including 407 suspected reports of self neglect.  To report suspected elder abuse for individuals over the age of 60, contact Montgomery County Adult Protective Services at 225-4906, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

MAY 2010

May is National Foster Care Month.  On May 4, 2010, Alma Nelson, Adoption & Foster Care Supervisor provided an overview of the adoption/foster care program in Montgomery County. Ms. Nelson stated that the campaign raises awareness for individuals to get involved as a foster care giver, becoming a mentor to a foster child. Foster Care offers a temporary home for a child when his or her birth parents are physically or emotionally unable to care for them. Children come into foster care because they have been physically or emotionally abused or they become dependent because their birth parent is unable to care for them.  There is a need for foster parents who are capable of caring for some of the special needs children, pre-adolescents, teens, sibling groups, and teen moms.  They also need people who are willing to provide emergency or respite care.   For more information about foster care or adoption, you may call 224-KIDS.

Tom Fodor, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Dayton Area Chapter, presented an update on their activities.  He explained how the local chapter provides disaster relief, education and transportation, as well as youth, community, military and international services.   Over 25,000 people are educated in First Aid and CPR each year. Locally their emergency housing programs are working with the county and other providers to provide emergency housing for many families. Debbie Feldman thanked him for his efforts to increase permanent supportive housing at the emergency shelter.  Mr. Fodor reviewed many of the programs that allow the Red Cross to remain ready to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the emergencies and disasters impacting the families of our community.  The commissioners presented Mr. Fodor with a proclamation which recognized the Dayton Area Chapter of the American Red Cross for the significant role they play in our community and thanked them for all of their dedicated work.

Susan Pearson, President of the Master Gardener's Association, provided an update on May 11, 2010.  The Montgomery County Master Gardener Association is a non-profit educational service organization of trained volunteers who provide sound, research-based horticultural information to the community.  Montgomery County Master Gardener Association is comprised of Montgomery County residents who are certified Master Gardeners having had the benefit of instruction and training on an array of horticultural topics by acknowledged experts.  In 2009, Master Gardeners donated 6,095 volunteer service hours at many locations around the county including Cox Arboretum, Wegerzyn, Aullwood, Riverscape, Rain Gardens at the Soil and Water Conservation District, the OSU Extension office at the Fairgrounds, Prass Elementary School, and United Rehabilitation Services.   Over 770 calls and walk-in clientele were assisted with home horticulture.  Residents may call the Hort Helpline at 224-9654 or for more information about becoming a Master Gardener they may call the OSU Extension Office at 224-9654.

On May 11, 2010, Ken Neufeld provided an update on the Victoria Theatre Association.   Mr. Neufeld began by thanking the commissioners for their ongoing support of the Arts in Montgomery County.  The Victoria Theatre provides a variety of compelling Dayton entertainment options and is home to performances by many of Dayton's arts organizations, including Dayton Ballet, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC), The Muse Machine and CityFolk. In addition, Victoria Theatre Association presents the Miami Valley & Good Samaritan Hospitals Broadway Series, Star Attractions, the Young at Heart Family Series, the Michelob Ultra Cool Films series, the Physicians for Kids Education Series and the Universal 1 Variety Series at the Victoria Theatre.  He noted that over 45,000 kids have been involved in arts programs.  The performance of Wicked brought 53,000 people downtown to the Schuster Performing Arts Center during a three week period, many of which had not come downtown in many years.  Over 7,000 of those people came from outside the region.    Mr. Neufeld commented on the growing collaboration between the arts organizations.  A group of those organizations have begun meeting to discuss ways to share services, programming, marketing, and other ideas.  He stressed the importance of looking at the impact of the arts on economic development.   The arts revitalize downtown by attracting businesses and residents to the community.

Maureen Patterson, Chair of the Human Services Levy Council, presented the commissioners with the Council's Human Services Levy Millage Recommendation on May 11, 2010.  She explained that there are currently two Health and Human Services Levies:  Levy A (7.21 mills) approved in November 2007 and Levy B (6.03 mills) approved in November 2003.   Levy B will expire December 31, 2010.  After receiving presentations on community need from the agencies funded by the Levies, the Human Services Levy Council is recommending the placement of an eight-year, replacement levy on the November ballot. The replacement levy would cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $1.30 more per month or about $16 a year. The property tax would generate an estimated additional $4.5 million in funding to pay for an array of services to children, people with developmental disabilities and mental illness, public health, the elderly, the homeless and others in need.  Millage would remain at the current 6.03 mills if approved by voters, but property tax bills would be based on 2010 valuations.  This levy equals almost half of all local funding for health and human services.  If the levy would fail, the vital safety net services for those in need throughout the community will be greatly reduced at a time when these needs are increasing.  Debbie Feldman commented that the Levy Council had to balance the challenges of the public in this economic climate with the community's need.   The Human Services Levy is all about providing services to the community.  The four major agencies receiving this funding make up the community's safety net.  She added that it is important to note that even with passage of this replacement levy the agencies will receive lower funding due to state cuts in social services.  She recognized Franz Hoge who is the Human Services Levy Campaign Chair.   He will be going out into the community to present information on the levy.   The commissioners thanked the Human Services Levy Council for their hard work developing this recommendation and noted that most citizens in our community have received or know someone who has received services through the Levy. 

Jim McCarthy, President/CEO of the Miami Valley Fair Housing Center, explained that April was Fair Housing Month and marked the anniversary of the passage of the U.S. Fair Housing Act of 1968 which made it illegal to refuse to sell or rent houses or apartments based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, family status or disability.  Mr. McCarthy acknowledged the long standing vision and commitment they have received from the commissioners and county staff which has helped make the Miami Valley Fair Housing Centers one of the leading organizations in the country. Last year MVFHC received $465,000 through three grants from the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to do equal opportunity employment education & outreach, fair housing & discrimination enforcement, and intervention assistance to victims of predatory lending who are facing foreclosure.   The MVFHC is committed to continuing to address discrimination in our community, to support programs that will educate the public about their right to equal housing opportunities, and to plan partnership efforts with other organizations to help assure every American has a right to fair housing.   He noted that the top three complaints of discrimination that come to MVFHC are disability, familiar status and race.   It takes anywhere from six months to three years to address one client's complaint.  Commissioner Lieberman complemented them on their ability to do so much with such a small staff.

On May 18, 2010, Dennis Grant, Director, United Rehabilitation Services (URS) presented on the 7th Annual Rubber Duck Regatta. He announced that the Regatta will be held on Friday, June 11th in conjunction with the Cookout for Scouting. The Rubber Duck Regatta is an annual release and river race of 15,000 – 20,000 ducks down the Great Miami River. Mr. Grant explained that this event helps URS continue to provide the highest level of service to children and adults with disabilities. Ducks will be "released" from a crane south of downtown's Pedestrian Bridge, float down the river and finish at RiverScape's Festival Plaza. Duck sales will be held at several locations around the County including county buildings, Kroger's and Fifth Third banks. They can also be purchased online at http://www.ursdayton.org/Ducks.html or by calling (937) 233-1230. The Grand Prize will be a $3,000.00 gift card from Kroger's plus a chance to win $1,000,000.00 with the James Investment Research Million Dollar Duck.  Mr. Grant thanked the Commissioners for their continued support. Commissioner Dodge noted that the commissioners have all toured the URS facility and support their efforts. They encouraged everyone to adopt a duck and support United Rehabilitation Services.

On May 18, 2010, Tony Sculimbrene and Amanda Wright Lane announced that voting is now going on to get the public's input on which Ohioan should represent the state in Statuary Hall in the Capitol in Washington, D.C.  Dayton-area backers of Wilbur and Orville Wright - considered as one entity - are waging a campaign to promote the aviation pioneers.  The Dayton Development Coalition and the National Aviation Heritage Alliance are coordinating aviation interests throughout the state to make sure Dayton-area residents know how to vote to promote their hometown sons.  Ohioans of all ages are eligible to vote through June 12 at the historical center and 35 other sites around the state. They may also download ballots at www.legacyforohio.org.   Other finalists include inventor Thomas Edison; Olympic champion Jesse Owens; President and Civil War Gen. Ulysses S. Grant; abolitionist James M. Ashley and Albert Sabin, who developed the oral vaccine to combat polio.  After reviewing many historical aviation facts related to Ohio, Amanda Wright Lane stated that placing a statue of the Wright Brothers in Washington will show where we have been and show that Ohio is still a state of cutting edge technology.  Many visitors will be familiar with the Wright Brothers but will now recognize them as coming from Ohio.

May 25, 2010 - The Montgomery County Commissioners recognized the staff from the Animal Resource Center for some major accomplishments.  The National Animal Control Association (NACA) has selected the Montgomery County Animal Resource Center as the recipient of the 2009 NACA Outstanding Agency Award.  In addition, Montgomery County Animal Care and Control Officer Cynthia Dawn Gilbert has been named the 2009 NACA Outstanding Animal Control Employee of the Year.  The Animal Resource Center is celebrating its five year anniversary.

APRIL 2010

April 20, 2010 - The Montgomery County Commissioners recognized the staff at Erma's House for the services they provide. Erma's House is a comfortable, homelike atmosphere that provides a safe, structured, neutral alternative to unsupervised visits. The Family Visitation Center offers a warm, friendly atmosphere where children of any age may visit with their non-custodial parents. Erma's House was created to assist families that have difficulty interacting in a nonthreatening, appropriate manner. Erma's House is structured to provide safety to both the custodial parent and the children.

MARCH 2010

On March 16, 2010, the Montgomery County Commissioners recognized Dayton Ohio Habitat For Humanity for its outstanding efforts in recycling, litter prevention and beautification.  The Commissioners presented the Solid Waste Services "Take Pride Business" Award to Dayton Ohio Habitat For Humanity.  Diane Graham and Larry Stein from Dayton Ohio Habitat For Humanity accepted the award.

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. "Just Like You", the statewide theme for this year's Awareness Month activities, encourages people to think about the similarities people have, rather than the differences, and encourages everyone to welcome people with disabilities into their communities as equal partners.  On February 23, 2010, the Montgomery County Commissioners received a briefing by Dr. Mark Gerhardstein, Superintendent of the Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities Services.  Dr. Gerhardstein was joined by John Browning who is a client through the MCBDDS.

JANUARY 2010

Montgomery County Employees Raise Over $9,000 for United Way.  On Tuesday, January 12, 2010, Montgomery County employees presented a check for $9,081.58 to the United Way of the Greater Dayton Area. County employees kicked off the United Way campaign in September, 2009 with a fair featuring raffles, a book sale, rummage sale and lots of food.  The Montgomery County Commissioners recognized Linda Gum-Montgomery County United Way Steering Committee, Montgomery County Recorder Willis Blackshear and United Way of the Greater Dayton Area President & CEO Allen Elijah.

Recognition of Solid Waste Services Awards.  The commissioners recognized the staff of Solid Waste Services for receiving three national awards:   2009 Keep America Beautiful Innovation Award, Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) 2009 Bronze Transfer Station Award, and Keep America Beautiful President's Circle Recognition Award.  Bob Downing and Jane Tomcisin described the activities that allowed them to achieve the standards of excellence to merit the awards.  During 2009 twenty-one projects utilized the Community Pride Cleanup Supply Trailer which is available for free to groups for beautification projects.  This amounted to 5,019 volunteer hours devoted to trash removal (including tires and metal), flower/bulb planting, illegal dump site clearance, and vacant lot mowing.  More information about programs at the Solid Waste District is available by calling 225-4999 or at http://www.mcswd.org/ including details on how to qualify for a free day at Walt Disney World through the Give a Day, Get a Disney Day promotion that began January 1, 2010.