Message from the Director
Special Olympics Earns its Name
By Mike Hansen
I cannot tell you how impressed I am with the professionalism, excitement, enthusiasm, and fun of the Special Olympics Florida State Summer Games that were held near Orlando on May 18 and 19. A majority of the athletes who participate in Special Olympics are APD customers. I had the distinct honor of being a speaker at the Opening Ceremony of the games, along with Attorney General Pam Bondi, that were held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney World. I enjoyed all the pomp and circumstance that accompanied the opening ceremony. It was very dramatic when law enforcement officers ran into the stadium with the Flame of Hope accompanied by police cruisers and motorcycles with their sirens on and lights flashing. They passed the torch for a final time to several special Olympians who then lit the games’ flame. At the conclusion of the ceremony, an elaborate firework display was met with lots of oohs and aahs.
On Saturday, I enjoyed watching the various competitions. I was very proud of all these athletes who showed up ready to meet the challenge of competition. As a long time runner, I think the biggest challenge for anyone is just showing up. I took a special interest in the track and field races. I saw athletes give it their all to try to claim a medal. However, this event was much more than just about the medals. Everyone there was having fun which is good for everyone’s mental and physical health.
The games provided a wonderful opportunity for families to spend quality time together. Many families were planning to stay a few more days in Orlando to visit the various theme parks and make their Central Florida stay a family vacation. It was clear from watching the competitors interact with their families, that the Special Olympics State Games is most definitely a family affair. Another important aspect of Special Olympics activities held around the state is that the Special Olympics athletes receive a variety of health screenings at their competitions.
Screenings for vision, hearing, foot problems, various therapies, and dental issues are done free of charge with medical volunteers. If issues were found, then Special Olympics volunteers work to have them corrected without passing the cost along to the athlete. Next fiscal year, the state of Florida has given Special Olympics a $500,000 grant to increase the number of these health screenings across the state. I am hopeful the athletes who are on the waiting list for the Medicaid waiver will be able to take advantage of these health screenings next year.
It struck me how generous the Special Olympics corporate sponsors were by donating the venue and the personnel to make everything flow smoothly. In addition, all the health screening volunteers generously spent their time helping to ensure that the athletes have the care and assistance to be the best that they can be. It certainly touched my heart.
I also attended a Special Olympics Board of Directors meeting on Saturday. This board has executives from Universal Studios, Disney, Sea World, Publix, and many other well known companies. I shared with them the need to find employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. I took a behind the scenes tour of Universal Studios, which is committed to including people with disabilities in its work force. I am optimistic that these new partnerships will lead to additional employment opportunities for our customers in the future.
Sunland Shines at Special Olympics State Games
By Clint Cox
More than 2,000 athletes from throughout the state took part in the 2012 Florida Special
Olympics Summer Games, held May 18 and 19 at Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports complex in Lake Buena Vista. The athletes included twelve from Sunland Center in Marianna. Nine Sunland athletes won a total of six gold medals and three silver medals; the other three placed no lower than sixth in their respective events.
The gold medalists from Sunland are Andy Johnson, Willie Carter, Bennie Ryals, Michael Scott (Volleyball), Richard Pelz (Track and Field), and Floyd Nelson (Cycling). Silver medalists include Michael Painter, Connie Swain (Track and Field) and Richard Rummell (Cycling). Also placing at the games for their respective events in track and field were Cheryl Davison (4th), Vickie Paige (5th), and Charles Sesser (6th). In addition to the athletes from Sunland, 10 competitors from the community of Jackson County and 16 athletes from Hope School (Jackson County school system) took part in the games.
During the closing ceremonies, Jackson County athlete Brook Cummings and Sunland employee Karen Summers were presented with the Inspirational Athlete and Inspiration Coach Awards for Jackson County.
Sunland Superintendent Bryan Vaughan is very proud of the group's efforts and participation.
"Sunland and Jackson County Special Olympics had a total of 38 athletes that took part in the games. They truly represented Sunland and Jackson County very well," said Vaughan.
Tacachale Has Special Olympic Medalists
By Cindy MillicanOnce again, athletes from Tacachale Center in Gainesville brought home a busload of precious metal from the State Special Olympics on May 18 and 19. A dozen medals in all were won by our superstars. Ernestine B. and Elida D. took home a Gold Medal in the softball throw, Darrel F. in the 50-meter run, Jerald L. for the 50-meter walk and Mary M. in the 100-meter walk. Silver Medals were earned in the tennis ball throw by William C. and by Steve M. and Allan M. in the shot put. Tammie R. was awarded a Bronze Medal in the 50-meter walk, along with Teresa S. in the softball throw, David D. in cycling and Laura H. in bocce. All of their hard practice paid off!
In addition to the competition, our Tacachale athletes and employees enjoyed the opening ceremony, honoring all of the participating Florida counties, followed by an awesome fireworks display. Tacachale's winners proudly displayed their medals at the closing ceremony and had a great time at the dance. As always, this year's Special Olympics trip was a wonderful and exciting experience for everyone.
Regional Directors and Strategic Planning
On May 8 and 9, the six new regional directors for the Agency for Persons with
Disabilities (APD) met in Tallahassee to begin planning for the restructuring of
the APD offices throughout the state. APD Director Mike Hansen kicked off the
meeting. Several program areas presented updates to the regional directors to
ensure that they were aware of the latest information.
The new APD regional directors are:
- Lynne Daw for the Northwest Region
- Gayle Granger for the Northeast Region
- Merari Perez for the Central Region
- Geri Williams for the Suncoast Region
- Gerry Driscoll for the Southeast Region
- Evelyn Alvarez for the Southern Region
APD Communications Wants Your Opinion
The Communications Office of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities wants to ensure that it is meeting the communication needs of all its stakeholders which include employees, customers, and providers.
The Communications Office is responsible for all agency media relations, program marketing, brochures, posters, the Champion newsletter, websites, displays, constituent correspondence, agency customer service inquiries, Disability Employment Awareness Month activities, presentations, and other related activities.
Please spend two minutes completing this online survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/APDComm to help us improve our communication with you.
APD Reaches Out to Hispanic Families
The Family Network on Disabilities organized a conference on April 28 in
Tallahassee to share resources with families that primarily speak Spanish.
External Affairs Director Hue Reynolds and Consumer-Directed Care Plus (CDC+)
Program Administrator Liesl Ramos attended to spread the word about the Agency
for Persons with Disabilities (APD). The gathering occurred at the Early
Learning Coalition on North Monroe Street from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Each agency representative told parents what their organization does and who it serves, plus who to contact if they needed assistance.
Staying Power
By Jeff Saulich
Customers at the Walmart Superstore in North Port are very familiar with James
Chillson. He has been a greeter at the store ever since it opened in April 2006.
That's more than five years of loyalty—something that employees with
disabilities are known for.
Chillson has a developmental disability and receives services from Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities
"I greet people and tell them to have a good day," said Chillson, who also assists customers with merchandise returns. "I like the greeting the best."
As a part-time employee, Chillson works about 25 hours per week. His record of dependable service has garnered a raise and high marks from the store's management.
"James is an exceptional employee and one of the friendliest greeters we have," said Assistant Manager Bob Lautermilch. "He takes pride in his work and sets the example for other employees by always keeping the store entrance safe, clean, and ready for customers."
Chillson encourages other people with disabilities to seek employment. He wants them to know that they don't have to go it alone.
"I try to tell them, 'You need to get a job coach to help you out,'" Chillson said. "Because some people have trouble finding something."
Job coaching is provided through Supported Employment, one of APD's services, at no cost to the employer. The job coach assists the individual with finding a job and provides on-site training and motivation to help the person succeed in the workplace.
When asked what he does with his paycheck, Chillson replied, "I save some money for games, movies, and clothes."
Employing a person with a disability is a win-win situation. The employer gains a worker with staying power—like Chillson, who will soon reach the six-year mark at Walmart. And the person benefits by being a contributing member of the community.
In Chillson's words, "It's nice to be a part of the team. It feels good to work there."
Around the State
Osceola County's Rural Routes to Employment
By Jennifer Monje
Bishop Grady Villas (BGV) was one of four organizations chosen to participate
in the Rural Routes to Employment Project Site in Osceola County this year. BGV
is an Area 7 provider of Adult Day Training, Companion, Residential Habilitation
Services, Respite, Supported Employment, and Transportation services.
During the first year of this project, BGV and its rural community will receive training and technical assistance from Patty Cassidy, senior associate at Griffin-Hammis Associates, and Beth Keeton of the Center for Social Capital. They will also receive mentoring tailored to their community, job seekers, and local needs. BGV has developed a Community Action Team (CAT) to conduct resource mapping, hold town hall meetings with stakeholders, and learn about best practices of employment supports. The Rural Routes to Employment Project is funded by the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council and is operated by the Center for Social Capital. Its purpose is to promote successful employment outcomes in rural communities that have been struggling to secure competitive employment for people with disabilities. To learn more about eliminating employment barriers in rural areas or to make recommendations, contact the project's site liaison, Desiree Robles, at drobles@bishopgradyvillas.org or (407) 361-7710.
Area 9 Connects You and the Community
The APD area office and the Family Care Council in Area 9 hosted Connecting You
with the Community in West Palm Beach. The May 21 gathering was an outreach
event for families, community partners, and private sector supporters. The event
was facilitated by Joe Chapman, APD deputy director of external affairs, as an
effort to raise public awareness of the agency's strategic planning for the
upcoming fiscal year. It also introduced the newly expanded External Affairs
Office, which focuses on strengthening community outreach opportunities for
individuals with developmental disabilities.
The event's goals were to establish creative ways to serve individuals on the waiting list, develop and implement a true community outreach campaign based on stakeholder and local partners, and develop a viable plan to open up employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Participants actively participated in work group discussions; accentuated the community's strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities; and shared knowledge of resources that could be long-term solutions to current budget restraints.
A total of 32 people participated in Connecting You with the Community.
Participants included
state agencies, Palm Beach County government, nonprofit
organizations, individuals served by the Medicaid waiver, and family members.
APD staff members included Anna Glowala, supported living liaison, Area 9; Rose
Taylor, human services program supervisor; Subhash Vyas, supported employment
liaison; Rita Castor, behavior analyst, Area 9; Veronica Pappas, Area 9 Family
Care Council Chair; Jaime Sanchez, Medicaid waiver coordinator, Area 9; Mary
Higgins, independent waiver support coordinator; and Mr. Zambrano, CDC +
consumer representative.
Community partners were represented by Michael Papa, executive director, Arc of Palm Beach; Pam Heyer, adult program director, ARC of Palm Beach; Pat Murphy, executive director, United Cerebral Palsy; David Lyn, vice president, Palm Beach Habilitation Center; Rosa Bruno, Area Agency on Aging; Joan Ensink and Brooke Berger, Jewish Family Community Services; and Nancy Collins, Area 9 Family Care Council.
Autism Awareness Day Held in Cooper City
By Martha Martinez and Pamela Romack
APD staff members in Area 10 participated in the "Small Steps 4 Big Results
Walk 4 Awareness" event in Cooper City and the Town of Davie's Fourth Annual
Autism Awareness Day on May 5 at Cooper City High School in Copper City. The
event offered an opportunity for families of individuals with autism to learn
more about local resources available to them. In addition, participants had the
chance to meet with firefighters, paramedics, and law enforcement officers in
full uniform, tour their emergency vehicles, and see the equipment in a
controlled, nonthreatening environment. Area 10 employees provided agency
information and enjoyed meeting the families, professionals, and individuals of
our community.
Resource Fair Held in Fort Lauderdale
By Jameela Abdul-Malik
Wingate Oaks Center in Fort Lauderdale held its 10th Annual Community Resource
Fair on May 2. Students, parents, and the public were invited to attend to learn
more about programs and services for children and adults with developmental
disabilities and special needs.
The APD's Area 10 Office has been a longtime participant in the event, along with about 20 other public and private organizations. We were all on hand to share information and provide applications for services ranging from camping, recreation, supported employment, supported living, respite care, health and wellness, to a wide range of support services.
Para Transit provided roundtrip transportation for one person with a disability and one caregiver. Free child care and refreshments were provided, and door prizes and a silent auction added great fun to the event.
Miami Community Helps APD Customer
By Evelyn Alvarez
In the early hours of Wednesday, May 2, a group of APD staff members joined law
enforcement officers and a very special young lady, Angelyn Gutierrez, outside
Bongo's Cafe in Downtown Miami. APD wanted to lend support to the Miami Police
Department and its effort to raise money for this deserving waiting list
customer. It was incredibly humbling to see our law enforcement officers, who
already give so much of themselves, find the time to make a difference in the
life of one of our customers. Also present were her parents Flavio and Aida
Gutierrez, family members, friends, Chief of Police Manuel Orosa, law
enforcement personnel, news media, and City of Miami Commissioner Marc Sarnoff.
"Biking 280 miles to Bongo's Cafe in Downtown Disney was the mission and raising
$35,000 for
a mobility van for Angelyn is the goal," says Enrique Santos, talk
show host and DJ for The Mix 98.3 FM and one of the riders. He broadcast his
morning show live from the scene.
The media coverage was overwhelming for this event. We would hear Santos talk about APD and the need to serve individuals on the waiting list as we drove to work each morning, then watch coverage of the fundraiser on the evening news. We hope this event will carry the momentum forward for more great events and partnerships for APD in Miami in the future.
Visit http://www.gofundme.com/copsforangelyn#description for the latest info on this inspiring fundraising effort.
Sunland Excels at Equestrian Shows
By Clint Cox
Sunland Center in Marianna hosted its 2012 Equestrian Show at the center's Howell
Field on April 26. The event included horses and riders from Sunland and from
the Montgomery Therapeutic Recreation Center in Alabama. Participants were
judged in a variety of equestrian events and an enjoyable time was had by all.
On May 4 through 6, the Sunland Equestrian Team traveled to the State Equestrian Championships at the Tampa State Fairgrounds. Sunland's John Hines captured a Gold Medal in barrel racing and a Silver Medal in the pole bending event. Several other individuals from Sunland medaled at the championships, including Floyd Nelson (Silver Medal, halter event), Michael Scott (Bronze Medal, barrel racing), Benny Ryals (Bronze Medal, pole bending), and Henry Perez (Silver Medal, halter event; Bronze Medal, barrel racing).
Rep. Nelson Hosts Employment Event
By Jennifer Monje
More than 50 people attended an event hosted by State Rep. Bryan Nelson
(R-Apopka) on April 24. The session at the Apopka Veterans of Foreign Wars
facility was held to inform local employers in the Apopka, Ocoee, and Zellwood
areas about the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities.
APD's Area 7 Office participated in an interagency group organized by Linda Rimmer, vice president of vocational and community services at Goodwill Industries, representing its Real Economic Impact Tour (REIT) program committee, which helped plan and execute this event.
Warm welcomes by Rep. Nelson and Goodwill Industries Chief Executive Officer William Oakley were followed by knowledgeable speakers from several agencies and entities. They included Jeannie Amendola, public affairs, Walt Disney World Resorts; Tony Walker, director of planning and development, LYNX; Greta Dupuy, associate diversity development specialist, Publix Super Markets; Marilyn Gordon, Goodwill Industries of Central Florida; Sarah Reuter, Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation; and Katie Porta, president, Quest Inc.
An employment panel engaged in a freewheeling discussion of issues that job
seekers with
disabilities must face. The panel included Dorea Mays, Rosen
Hotels; Ramon Roman, Veterans Administration; Cheryl Outlin, T.J. Maxx; Merari
Perez, APD Area 7 administrator; Lisa Hancock, Manpower; and Blanca Taylor,
Social Security Administration.
A question-and-answer session concluded the day's activities. Many felt that this event was filled with valuable information that benefited not only employers but also the individuals with disabilities, family members, and professionals that attended. Rep. Nelson was presented with an REIT plaque in appreciation of his dedicated efforts to promote the employment of individuals with disabilities.
Project Impact in Area 7
By Jennifer Monje
A partnership between Orange County Public Schools, AmeriCorps, and APD's Area 7
office in Orlando resulted in a fun and fulfilling day for a group of high
school students with disabilities. The partnership, aptly named Project Impact,
collaborated on a service learning project on May 3 at Wekiwa Springs State
Park, near Apopka.
Ten students from the High School/High Tech program at Dr. Phillips High School (DPHS) in Orlando were mentored by ten AmeriCorps service members at the park. The students got an environmental education and had the opportunity to serve. They walked along the hiking trails and maintained them so they were clean, open, and ready for visitors to use. They also enjoyed building birdhouses for the park. The students gained valuable skills and felt that they made a difference in their community.
Beforehand, some of the students hesitated about coming to the park because of
the prospect of
working outside in the heat, according to DPHS teacher Jeanette
Jones. But as soon they got to the park, they had a great time. Jones said the
students wanted to know if they could do it again!
"I would like to thank you for coming to DPHS and showing us the way of nature," DPHS student Nick Burrows wrote in a letter to the AmeriCorps members. "I would also like to thank you for inviting us to Wekiwa Springs Park. The field trip was an effective and great learning experience. I had high expectations, and some day I wish to join the AmeriCorps team."
Each year, students with disabilities across the state are given the opportunity to participate in Project Impact activities. Project Impact is supported by The Able Trust and Volunteer Florida, in collaboration with AmeriCorps program sites and disability service organizations such as APD. This project gave DPHS students a chance to apply their skills and ideals toward helping others and meeting critical needs in the community. It showed great teamwork all around!
Agency Fair Held in Sarasota
By Michelle Pilkington
The Annual County-Wide Agency Fair was held on April 26 at Oak Park School in
Sarasota. Students with disabilities in Sarasota County schools and their
families were invited to learn about various agencies and services available in
the community. Naturally, that included APD and its Suncoast Area Office.
Turnout was excellent for the event, which gave participants an opportunity to speak to agency representatives, gather information, and ask questions. There were door prizes for attendees and babysitting was provided free of charge. All those in attendance received a directory of the participating agencies featuring brief summaries of the services offered and contact information.
Suncoast Observes National Nurses Week
National Nurses Week is celebrated annually from May 6, which is National Nurses Day, through May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.
The Suncoast Area Office took the opportunity to recognize its Medical Case Management Unit and the nurses on staff: Martha Addison, Cheryl Clark, Pamela Lassiter, Tanya Scheeler, Katherine Freeman, Blake Jordan, Michelle Tolini, and Laurie Harlow. The special message conveyed was, "Thank you for all you do!"
Pedestrian Safety
Florida leads the nation in pedestrian death rates. Even with a strong downward trend in fatal crashes over the past five years, Florida still has the highest pedestrian fatality rate per one hundred thousand people.
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities has seen an increase in the number of our customers who are being killed by cars. APD wants to make sure people are aware of the rules that keep pedestrians safe.
The Florida Department of Transportation has created a campaign to educate people about pedestrian safety called See the Blind Spots. Visit http://seetheblindspots.com to learn more.
APD Customer Bobby Nobles Passes Away
By Kim Chisolm
Many people touch the lives of others and their work goes unnoticed. Bobby Nobles was an individual who lived life to the fullest. He never allowed his disability to deter him from meeting his goals. Even though he faced numerous challenges and adversities in his life, he gained independence through supported employment, community transportation, and social interaction. Bobby passed away much too soon on April 30, in a tragic accident while running to catch a bus to get to work.
Throughout the years, Bobby's extreme shyness was replaced with an outgoing personality. He was a loving friend, co-worker, and neighbor to many. Bobby worked at Fisher Cabinets in Pensacola for more than ten years and at Pensacola Naval Air Station for six years. He was very involved in his local church and was known for singing in the choir, helping teach small children, and serving as an usher and greeter.
Many of us did not realize how much Bobby had touched the lives of others until we gathered at his funeral. That day it was very apparent how many people were encouraged by Bobby throughout his life.
Katie Beckett – A Full Life
By Rene JohnsonMary Katherine "Katie" Beckett lived a full life, and wanted everyone else with a disability or severe health problems to have the same opportunity. She died on May 18 at age 34 after being the inspiration for the home and community-based waivers that we know today.
Beckett was an infant in Iowa when she contracted encephalitis, resulting in severe breathing problems and dependency upon a respirator. When her parents' insurance ran out, Medicaid stepped in. But Medicaid would not pay for the respirator outside of the home, even though her doctor said she could leave the hospital so long as she had the supports and equipment necessary to meet her needs.
The Beckett's congressman, Rep. Tom Tauke, President Reagan, and other prominent leaders took up the cause. The result was the "Katie Beckett Waiver," which brought many landmark changes to the way that Medicaid provides services to children with disabilities or severe health problems, including home-based care and disregarding the household's income in assessing eligibility.
Thanks to the determination of Beckett's parents to have her live at home with the equipment and services that she needed, and the support of officials in Washington, Medicaid regulations were challenged and changed. President Reagan and others questioned the logic of paying thousands of dollars a month for care in a hospital or institution when, for a fraction of that cost, people could live at home with their families. Beckett's personal story inspired the passage of the Tax Equity Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) in 1982. TEFRA, which followed the passage of the federal Social Security Act of 1981 that established Medicaid home and community‐based waivers, became the foundation for the waivers that currently serve about 30,000 Floridians with developmental disabilities.
Beckett lived a full life. She continued to advocate for people with disabilities and severe health care needs, and spoke before Congress several times and to groups across the country. Although she continued to need her ventilator for several hours a day, Beckett graduated college, had her own apartment, and was working on a novel for children at the time of her death.
Remember Katie Beckett and her family and the example they set by showing how commitment and determination can change a system and improve life for others.
Feds Launch New Administration for Community Living
The federal government has started a new resource to help people with disabilities and others who want to live at home with the supports they need. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced the formation of the Administration for Community Living (ACL). It combined the efforts of the Office on Disability, Administration on Developmental Disabilities, and Administration on Aging into a single agency.
Visit the ACL's website at www.hhs.gov/acl to learn more about it.
Central Office Employees Treated to Ice Cream
The main conference room at Central Office was transformed into a 1950s-style
ice cream parlor on May 3. Not only that, but Director Hansen and members of the
Executive Management Team were transformed into ice cream servers! The occasion
was a celebration
of Public Service Recognition Week. Employees were treated to
all kinds of ice cream, toppings, cupcakes, and contests. Two Elvis
impersonators attended, as an accompanying photo will attest. Agency leaders
took pride in saluting employees for the hard work they do, and great time was
had by all.
Central Office Service Awards
APD Director Mike Hansen presented Service Awards on May 3. He recognized the employees' achievements in reaching these significant milestones in their state careers. Director Hansen also presented awards to the STARs (super terrific all 'round employees) of the quarter. Congratulations to these deserving staff members!
Service Awards
- Joe Chapman – 5 Years
- Denise Arnold – 25 Years
- Carol Sullivan – 25 Years
- Helen Inman – 35 Years
- Jennifer Hart
- Duncan Hoehn
- Susie Siets
Farewell to APD Webmaster
Central Office employees hosted a reception for APD Webmaster Lloyd Harger on
May 22—his last day with the agency. Harger accepted a position with the Florida
Department of Law Enforcement. We wish him the best of luck in his new position.
Grandma Martha
Area 10 Administrator Martha Martinez became a grandmother for the first time,
when Layla Elizabeth Caroscio was born on May 4.
"My beautiful daughter-in-law did all the work," joked Martinez.
Layla debuted at six pounds, three ounces. The baby, family, and extended family are reported to be doing just fine.
Area 11 Takes Daughters and Sons to Work
By Michael Cardello and Fanny DiazAPD's Area 11 Office in Miami welcomed some young visitors for "Take your Daughters and Sons to Work Day" on May 3. Francisco Orochena, 10-year-old son of Secretary Specialist Fanny Diaz, and Laura Cardello, 12-year-old daughter of Community Relations Coordinator Michael Cardello, entered the office excited to participate in the day. Staff members quickly noticed their friendliness toward each other and the teamwork they demonstrated in completing tasks, with Diaz's support.
Francisco and Laura were aware that their respective parents worked to help
people with disabilities. But on this day, they were able to experience some of
the tasks that help support the efforts of the Area 11 office. Although Laura
knew a little about scanning on a personal computer, she was amazed to see how
the copy machine also had scanning capabilities. Francisco said he enjoyed
working on scanning, faxing, and making copies.
Francisco said that one day he would like to be a computer engineer and Laura said she would like to be a zoologist. Both said that all the co-workers in the office were very nice to them and made them feel good.
To cap their day off, Francisco and Laura were invited by Area 11 Administrator Evelyn Alvarez to her office, where she awarded them with certificates for participating and shared kind words. It was a very special day for all involved. The children's presence was a good reminder for staff members about the importance of their work and, also, how our children can benefit by observing and participating in what we do on a daily basis.
Tampa Office Recognizes its Public Servants
May 6 through 12 was a week of celebration at APD's Suncoast Area Office.
Employees celebrated Public Service Public Service Recognition Week with a
continental breakfast, luncheon and ice cream float party.
Public Service Recognition Week is the annual observance honoring
the men and
women who serve our nation as federal, state, county, and local government
employees. It has been celebrated on the first week of May since 1985.
Champion Staff
Melanie Mowry Etters - Editor
Jeff Saulich - Writer and Photo Editor