Marie Mills Spring 2007 News...  

Moving In and Moving Out

During this past winter two individuals, Steve Everett (left) and Jim Taksdal (right), who had lived in our Nestucca House group home for many years moved into their own apartment as roommates. These two individuals have strived for this for many years and because of their hard work and efforts these two individuals achieved their goal of independent living. Good Job Guys and Congratulations!

During this same time our Nestucca House group home expanded through the construction of an additional bedroom. Bob Jacobsen Construction was chosen by the State of Oregon to complete this project. This addition was funded by the State to accomplish the need of serving an individual from our community wait list. This addition allows every individual in this home to have their own private bedroom. Uldine Anderson (right) recently moved into this room from our Madrona House group home. Uldine is enjoying the home with only four other housemates compared to the nine other housemates that she was used to at the Madrona House. She is also very pleased to be surrounded by the vast landscaping of the Nestucca House yard.

Uldine's move opened up a vacancy allowing Gregg Carter (left) from our community wait list to move in. Gregg has been involved in our vocational program since 1986. Gregg lived with his family in North County and rode The Wave into Central County to go to work at the Tillamook Country Smoker in Bay City or to Marie Mills Center in Tillamook. This move is a big step for Gregg and his family that will provide him new opportunities while still being close to his family who are very involved with him and the Center.

Marie Mills Foundation News

Loss of a Friend

Earlier this year we were all saddened to learn of the loss of our dear friend Katy Scovell. Katy had worked within our vocational program since the early years until a few years ago. Katy’s primary work in our program was on janitorial crews. Katy’s smile warmed the soul of those who new her and she will always hold a special place in our hearts.  We send our thoughts, prayers and condolences to Katy’s family.

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A Wild, Wild Winter

Water Level after receding about 16 Inches

As any one living in Tillamook County can attest, this past winter started off with a bang. We had many extremes in the weather ranging from major flooding to significant wind storms and snow storms. Happily, we survived these weather events. The flood waters from the November flood came within 3 to 5 inches of entering into our Front Street Facility. Thankfully we were able to stay dry although there were many anxious moments. Other than the fact that we had to close the Front Street facility for a couple of days, the only other impact from the flood was damage to our parking lot. We are currently in the process of having the parking lot repaired, which will be accomplished through FEMA Grant Funds.

In mid-December our county was again racked by severe weather with a wind storm having winds in excess of 100 mph. Other than temporary day program closures and a prolonged power outage we were fortunate to have only suffered relatively minor damages to our facilities.

And finally, during January we encountered a significant snow storm which temporarily impacted daily operations in our program. However, we all survived and enjoyed the snow.

Annual Open House

As usual we had a very busy fall and winter starting with our Annual Open House. This year’s event was well attended and quite possibly our best ever.  During our Open House we recognized long term employees of Marie Mills Center. Cindy Green (far right) has been with us for 20 years; reaching the 15 year mark were Kim Armitage (center), Jodi Bradley (far left), and Carol Pippenger (right center); and reaching the 10 year mark was Jenny Byrne (left center). We extend a sincere thank you to these individuals for their longevity and their dedication to their jobs, as well as their service to those with disabilities. Pictured behind the recognized employees are Ron Rush, Executive Director and Jill Carter, Board Chairperson.

Additionally at our Open House we recognized a long time employer of those with developmental disabilities in Tillamook County.  The Tillamook Country Smoker has partnered with Marie Mills Center to provide jobs for the disabled since October of 1987. Dick Crossley (left), co-owner of the Smoker was presented with a plaque of appreciation. Dick has been very enthusiastic about having multiple crews of Marie Mills Center employees work in their establishment providing productions support to those employed by the Smoker. Over the years our crews have performed many tasks such as packaging jerky chew, cutting ends off of “ribbon”, packaging marshmallow treats, as well as applying labels to many of the containers that the Smoker uses to package a wide variety of products produced right here in our area.

Thanks to Dick and the rest of the Smoker Owners and crew, many of the individuals that Marie Mills Center serves can earn a living and be a contributing member of our community.

Parties, Parties, Parties!

The day after our Annual Open House, Marie Mills Center & TARC along with the Recreation Committee held its 20th Annual Halloween Party and Dance.  With admission being a non-perishable food item, this year we collected 252 lbs. that was then donated to the local food bank. Over the years it is estimated that this event, with the help of party goers has been able to contribute an estimated 3,252 lbs. of food to help those in need in Tillamook County. A special thank you to all who assisted and made this event possible and fun for those with disabilities and other members of Tillamook County.

Due to the wild weather of December, this year’s Marie Mills Center Christmas Party had to be delayed one week. Fortunately Santa and a couple of helper elves were able to join us the following week to deliver gifts to many of our people after they all enjoyed and ham dinner with pumpkin pie for dessert. Thanks to community organizations and loving members of our community, the people we serve (especially those with out local family) are able to experience a joyful Christmas receiving gifts and spending time with friends. Thank you all for your generosity and warm wishes during the Holiday Season. Because of those like you the lives of our people as well as our own are touched in a special way.

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A New Van for Our Residents

Proudly sporting our newly digitized logo (right) our Madrona House Group Home staff can easily transport our residents through town in this recently acquired vehicle purchased through the State of Oregon Price Agreement Contract with Schetkey Northwest Sales in Portland, Oregon. This purchase would not have been possible without grants from the Public Transit Division and The Collins Foundation.

This new vehicle has replaced a larger van which is being transitioned back into our vocational transportation program as a back up vehicle. Having this as a secondary vehicle will also provide us with more flexibility to be able to share vehicles with our local Special Olympics Program.

Upcoming Events

Important People at Marie Mills

Employees of the Month in 2006

Dale O. - August	Sarah W.— September
Shirley H. - October	Shauna H. - November
Tory W. - December	Jim P. - February 2007

We would like to welcome Linda Kay Marshall to Marie Mills Center. Linda Kay is training to be the new Office Manager / Bookkeeper. She will be taking over for Velma Reid who is planning on moving to the Hillsboro area.

Congratulations to Shaun, Sonya, & Billy Richardson on the birth of their daughter/baby sister. Olivia Adriana Rayanne Richardson was born on April 3, 2007, weighing 6 lb. 2.5 oz. and measuring in at 18 1/4 inches.

Past Newsletters

• Fall 2006 Newsletter

• Spring 2006 Newsletter

• Fall 2005 Newsletter

We invite you to tour Marie Mills Center. You will observe individuals at work and see our programs in action. Call Ron Rush at 503-842-2539 ext. 12 or visit us on the web at www.mariemillscenter.com

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