(Photo Submitted) Jane Mackey, Amy Noble and Billy Mackey appeared before the Wood County Commission on Monday as representatives of the programs offered by the Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley. Noble received the Arc’s Self-Advocate of the Year Award for her efforts in getting Caroline carts placed at local stores while the Mackeys received the Gary Hellberg Award for their volunteer work and participation and being role models. The commission proclaimed March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

PARKERSBURG — On Monday, the Wood County Commission unanimously approved a proclamation declaring March as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in the county.

Representatives of the Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley appeared before the commission to have the proclamation approved and to tell commissioners about what they are doing.

National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month officially began in 1987 with a proclamation from President Ronald Reagan to help bring awareness and acceptance for people of every ability, the proclamation said.

“This year marks the 39th anniversary of that commitment,” it stated. “Whereas, we recognize and honor the families, caregivers, direct support professionals, and local organizations whose daily dedication makes true community inclusion possible right here in Wood County.”

Doug Hess, chief operating manager for the Arc, talked to the commission about people representing a wide range of abilities wanting to be able to live in the community like anyone else.

(Photo Submitted) The Wood County Commission proclaimed March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month on Monday. Representatives of the Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley appeared to inform the commission about programs and services available to clients. Pictured, from left, are Wood County Commissioners Blair Couch and Robert Tebay, Billy Mackey, Amy Noble, Jane Mackey, Commissioner Jimmy Colombo and Doug Hess, chief operating manager for the Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley.

“We want that instead of having an ‘us vs. them,'” Hess said.

The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley has served more than 1,500 people over the past year through programs like their inclusive “Summer Day,” “Secret Christmas,” “Arts for the Under Served,” and more, as well as programs where they trained 300 adults who work with people with disabilities.

The Arc also serves Region 2 of the state’s Birth to Three program where they had 936 families referred to them because their children were not walking, talking or moving at the level they should be by age 3.

“We were able to get services ongoing for 404 families,” Hess said.

Arc officials told the commission they had to close their south Parkersburg thrift shop while the one on Dudley Avenue remains in place. Special education students from Parkersburg and Parkersburg South high schools volunteer at the shop to learn how to work in a store.

“We have students do that throughout the year,” Hess said.

The Arc highlighted Ravenswood resident Amy Noble, who regularly comes to Parkersburg and is involved in a number of activities.

“She is on the go nonstop,” Hess said. “She wants to be like everyone else even though she uses a wheelchair.”

Noble was awarded the Arc’s Self-Advocate of the Year Award for her efforts in getting Caroline carts, specialized shopping carts that allow someone with special needs to be transported around the store to be able to participate in the shopping experience, placed at a number of local stores. Jane and Billy Mackey, who have been married for 26 years, were awarded the Gary Hellberg Award for their volunteer work and participation, being role models for others and more.

“(The Mackeys) are always out there participating,” Hess said. “They help with fundraisers and activities.”

The proclamation calls upon residents, employers, schools and community organizations in Wood County to observe the month with appropriate programs and activities and to advance its message.

“People with developmental disabilities are family, friends, neighbors, customers, voters and coworkers – and who, like all of us, may need support at different times in their lives, but deserve to live, work, worship and play just like everyone else,” the proclamation stated.

In other business, the commission opened bids for the demolition and cleanup of property at 96 Cedar Lane, Mineral Wells and 6372 Volcano Road, Walker.

For the Cedar Lane property, Bosley Construction bid $6,100 and Tim Graham Excavation $2,500. For the Volcano Road address, Bosley Construction bid $11,700 and Tim Graham Excavation $8,000.

The commission referred the bids to County Administrator Marty Seufer and Wood County Compliance Officer Levi Brady for review and to make a recommendation for the commission to approve.