Blaxton’s Blog Stan Blaxton — Executive Director
Well, it is safe to say that we made it through 2016!! It has been a great ride this last
quarter, but nobody told me how busy it would be. September began with bowling
and preparations for a visit from the General. Bowling is always eagerly anticipated
by all participants, and all enjoy the involvement and the competition. The visit from
the General was very successful and introduced Happy Hour to a large number of
influential people. We expect this to be very beneficial to us in the future. We began
the process to start a service organization on our campus and Happy Hour Civitan
Club was formed and chartered. I am very proud that our individuals will now have
the opportunity to help others. That is a great feeling! October brought us Fall
Festival and Halloween. This was my first Fall Festival and that is quite an experience.
The snacks and treats were good but the music and dancing were awesome! A good
time was had by all. Everybody dressed up for Halloween and “trick or treated” all
over campus. The smiles, at times, overcame the scary costumes. Also, October
brought us the Georgia National Fair. We have been attending for years but had not
had the opportunity to attend the circus due to timing. We decided to try and make
this happen and through the efforts of Rose Neal-Moore, Deanne Nethaway in
transportation, and the cooperation of all the staff here at Happy Hour, we made it
happen. Thanks to all those that were involved because I have had many positive
comments about the circus.
November saw us complete Workshop V and begin to handle our recycling there.
This is working very efficiently and we are much closer to securing our provider
number so that our individuals can be included to work in this facility. By utilizing
this extra space, it will provide us more room and opportunities in our other
buildings. Hopefully, safety and efficiency will be by-products of this move.
December at Happy Hour is a short month but crammed with lots of activity. First,
our “float committee” did a great job and we won 1st place in the civic division! We
finished several training courses that were mandatory, thanks Rose. Then we got
ready for Santa. It takes a lot of preparation to make this happen, but it is worth the
effort. Several staff and individuals assisted with the Luminaries at Magnolia Park
again this year, we are so thankful to have this opportunity. Thank you to all who
participated. All enjoyed the visit from Santa and received a present. Smiles and
laughter were everywhere. The blessing of Christmas is alive and well here at Happy
Happy Hour Happenings Happy Hour Service Center
Houston County Association for Exceptional Citizens, Inc.
Falcon Park, Inc. & Falcon Park III, Inc.
January 2017 - Issue 1
Inside This Issue: Human Resources............ 2
Retirement Program....... 2
Self-Advocacy ……........... 2
AD Report…..…............. 3
Robins Review .............. 3
Exceptional Mail & More … 3
Ryals Wing........................ 4
Recreation News ……..... 4
Workshop Words …….. 5
Social Service Dept.......... 6
Recycled Treasures......... 6
Trans. & Maintenance .... 6
Community Employment.. 7
Falcon Park..................... 7
Accounting Counts.... ..... 7
Dates to Remember…...... 8
Congratulations and a great big thank you to the 2016
Christmas Float committee for their Best in Show in the Civic
category!!! This group of dedicated staff not only served our
individuals, but they also made time to help construct a magical
Christmas float. Thank you, thank you... Liz Thompson, Deanne
Nethaway,
We’ve had more great people join our Happy Hour Team;
help us welcome:
Semorn Odige – Direct Care Aide
Tracey Johnson – Direct Care Aide
Jeff Revell – Truck Driver
Nikia Hayes – Direct Care Aide
Chris Jackson – Exceptional Mail & More
Ciera Ross – Direct Care Aide
Eulanda Hamilton – Direct Care Aide
If you haven’t had a chance to visit our newly designed website,
we encourage you to do so. More improvements are in the works
for the near future. www.happyhourservicecenter.org
Our new logo has been a hit and is being used throughout the
Center. If you are interested in purchasing a t-shirt with this new
Page 2 Happy Hour Happenings
Human Resources Department Lori Chaney — Human Resources Director
Self-Advocacy
Wrap It Up … as we wrap up our 2016 year
we would like to thank everyone who
volunteered, donated, supported or just
dropped by to say hello throughout the year.
Interaction with others is an important
component of our Senior Program and they
love to talk to others every day.
Some of the activities that we engaged in
were spooky, fun filled, thankful, jolly and full
of song. Halloween is a fun time to dress up
and be spooky. While around the
Thanksgiving holidays we learned about our
history and being thankful for food and
special people. Recently in December we
have had the most fun practicing our
Christmas carols daily, decorating everything
that could be decorated including ourselves
and getting ready for Santa’s visit. By the
way they were so ready!!! It’s been lots of
fun.
Now we look forward to the new 2017 year.
We are hoping to join in community activities
as they come into season. We would love to
have any potential individuals for our
program come and spend the day with us to
check us out.
Requirements for the Donnie Jones Senior
Program are; they must be over the age of
52, want to stop working, need to be mobile
(we are an active
group) and must
be a good fit
for the program/
group.
The Self-Advocacy Committee would like to extend a Happy New
Year to all the individuals served at Happy Hour and their families
and our dedicated staff.
Our committee members ended the year serving our
community by collecting and donating non-perishable food items
to First United Methodist Church for the food bank they operate.
This project entailed decorating boxes and placing the boxes in
each workshop and the Stafford Building. On December 9th the
Self-Advocacy Committee visited the food bank to deliver the non
-perishable food items, and we were graciously given a tour by
the food bank manager, Mr. Hunt. The food bank provides many
families in our community with food, and the Self-Advocacy
Committee was proud to have a small part in helping others. Our
committee also collected new and gently worn coats that will be
donated to those in need at the first of the year.
The Self-Advocacy Committee would like to thank all that
donated food and coats to make our effort a success, and we
salute your generosity and kindness.
Retirement Program
Happy Hour Happenings Page 3
Robins
The festive season has arrived and we in
Robins Recycling are excited about spending
time with family and friends. It’s been a long, hot
and dry summer and we are all ready for a little
cool weather with some rest and relaxation
sprinkled in throughout the holidays.
Our base contract is funded through 31 Dec 16
and we are anxiously waiting for congress to
approve an extension so we can continue to
provide recycling services to Robins AFB. Since
our contract changes have now removed plastic
recycling we are still adjusting to our new work
schedules and procedures.
Happy Holidays to all from the Robins Recycling
Exceptional Mail & More Darryl Kitchens—Program Manager
EM&M survived a hectic and busy quarter. From
mailing off Absentee Ballots to shipping Christmas
packages to love ones, EM&M wants to thank our
customers for using us as their shipping center of
choice.
In 2017, customers will see an increase in shipping
prices and stamps. DHL and FEDEX effective on
January 2nd and USPS effective on January 22nd. We
will continue to offer personal mailboxes at a great
rate; the cheapest in Middle Georgia. Please come
visit us for pricing and availability.
Services such as notary, shipping and packaging,
money orders and reproduction of documents will
continue to be offered. Don’t forget!!!! We give a
10% discount for employees, military members
(active duty, retired, dependents and contractors),
senior citizens (62 and older) and board members.
Please have your ID available to receive the
discount.
Also for 2017, We have applied to become a FEDEX
Holding Center. This will allow Non-Mailbox
Customers, the opportunity to receive packages
when they are away from home.
Well, my six months probation period has passed. If
you had hoped I wouldn't make, sorry!
As we discussed at our last In-Service day in December,
I really want us to focus on how we treat each other as
staff. There is really no place for bickering. We should all
be very proud of what we do and how well we do it. I take
great pride in what you accomplish on a daily basis.
If you have been by my office lately and taken a look at
my project wall, you have seen that a great deal has been
completed. We are nearing completion on Recycled
Treasures and it is something we can all take pride in.
Workshop V down on Green Street is fully functional and
production has increased significantly. Workshop II has
been moved over to Workshop III. Cedric and the Totes
have moved to Workshop II. Jackie is now entrenched in
Workshop I. Now, all we have to do is remember, who is
where?
In the Ryals wing/Schoolhouse, Transportation, as the old
poem goes "we have settled in for a long winter's nap,
Not. Deanne and her crew have been busy. We have
established a new contract with XPRESS Lube on Watson
for getting our vehicles serviced and the oil changed. In
addition, providing the capability for each of you, driving
our vehicles, on a regular basis, to take them by to get
them washed and vacuumed.
We have recently completed Fire/Safety Inspection for all
our residential buildings and all have passed. Thanks to
everyone involved in making sure we stay on top. Safety is
absolutely critical! Our cafeteria's again have excelled,
receiving a 100% rating. Thank Ms. Ann and Ms. Ramona
for not taking things for granted.
Senior Program: We, as a staff, decided to rethink utilizing
Booker Street for our Senior program and collectively
agreed, it would be better for everyone, to keep them here
on the main campus. We are currently processing
applications for supplemental
waivers for our seniors for establishing
a wellness program for them but with
The AD Report
Mike Brashear — Associate Director of JR Dean — Contract
Page 4 Happy Hour Happenings
Ryals Wing Wallace Pitts—Ryals Wing Supervisor
Recreation News
Rose R. Neal-Moore—Recreation Technician
Recreation News 2017
December 2, 2016 - Our Christmas Dance was a big success;
the D.J. played some of our favorite songs as well as some
oldies but goodies. Ms. Ann was back catering some of her
special dishes that we all enjoy very much, Thanks Ms. Ann!!
February 10, 2017 – Our Valentine Dance, will be hosted by the
Association this year the Mother`s Group will be taking a
break, Mrs. Ramon will be catering the dance this year so we
are looking forward to a great dance.
Special Olympics News
Volleyball practice will be starting up soon for the year March
2017. Practice will be on Wednesdays 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. we
don`t have a date but the month for Local Games will April
2017.
Bowling will be ending on March 28, 2017. We will have a
bowling party and an award ceremony for the person Served.
Special Olympics News – we have new Athlete Registration
Forms and Athlete Medical Forms. These form must be
completed by a licensed Medical Doctor, Physician`s Assistant,
Registered Nurse Practitioner or Doctor of Osteopathic
Medicine can complete and sign the medical form. These
forms must be updated and completed so that your Athlete
can be in compliance with Special Olympics to participate in
Bowling or any other Special Olympic sports that your center
offers.
We also have a new Participant Release Form
All Participants Must agree to the following:
1. Able to participate
2. Photo Release
3. Overnight Stay
4. SOGA Housing Policy
5. Emergency Care
6. Medical refusal form
7. Health Programs
8. Concussions
9. Athletes Health diagnose
forms
10. Medication list
11. Medical Physical information
Through-out the past couple of months we
have been working with the individuals in
preparing for so many events and activities here
on the Ryals Wing (Day Program). The
individuals have shown extensive participation in
their goals. The instructor/aides work with them
in achieving various assigned projects. The
month of October individuals work on
numerous projects concerning fall festivities.
Individuals danced and interacted with their
peers, friends, and staff. Some consumers had
worn their costumes for occasion. There were so
many refreshments that were served. Popcorn
machine, boiled peanuts, nachos with cheese,
cotton candy, etc. Ryals Wing was decorated for
Halloween and the individuals were very excited
as they participated in the activities.
We then began to prepare for the month of
November. We asked every one of the
individuals did they want to say; what they’re
thankful for? They were thrilled with that!
November brought on a host of training in
which the staff prepared to accommodate, such
as; First Aid/CPR, body mechanics, etc. We were
served a delightful delicious Thanksgiving
dinner by Ms. Ann. Our individuals enjoyed and
were very grateful as usual. The individuals
worked on their activities preparing for Santa
Claus arrival…..
The month of December is one we all get so
excited about. We began preparing for the “Big
Guy” in the red and white suit. Santa Claus is
coming to town and we must have everything
ready for him as elves. We stayed so busy
decorating, checking
bulbs, putting up trees,
lights and wreaths while
the individuals drew and
decorated the trees in their
room. Everyone enjoyed their
annual Christmas
dance, and Christmas
dinner too! Happy New
Year!!!!!
Happy Hour Happenings Page 5
Workshop Cedric Singleton—Workshop I Supervisor
I pray this article finds all of our readers still in the most
joyous, festive and Ho-Ho-Holiday spirit without all the holiday
season hangover. Please allow us to take you on a magical
journey through the past couple of months. As the
temperature started to drop so did the leaves from the trees
which told our individuals that the Fall Festival and Trick-or-
Treating were not far ahead. They participated in several
events (i.e. cake walk, ring toss, and visiting other departments
collecting candy from staff dressed up as ghosts, ghouls and
goblins) giving them the opportunity to increase their social
skills with others. The individuals had the opportunity to sit
down to a very special lunch and share what they were
THANKFUL for. As December rolled in with gingerbread and
candy all over the workshop as our CANDYLAND came to life,
all the individuals had sugarplums dancing in their heads and
SANTA arrived to see smiling faces all around. I wish all the
parents could have seen that moment because it was
“PRICELESS”.
Please join us in congratulating Cindy H. for earning the
Superstar Award for 3rd qtr. and Michael T. for 4th qtr. These
Cont. on Page 7 — Workshop II
Emory Askew—Workshop II Supervisor
The staff in workshop II welcomes the Holiday season. We had
a ton of fun activities held by the center and everyone enjoyed
themselves. With the Thanksgiving and Christmas Lunch, The
Christmas float and Santa and gift exchange and The Christmas
Dance and as well as the Luminaries. Emory would also like to
thank everyone Staff and Individuals who came out and helped
with the Luminaries.
We appreciate Kohls Company for allowing us to continue to
be apart of the hangers and the contract. In the last few months
we have continued to work on the hangers and our productivity.
We have sent several shipments to China in the past couple of
months. Our person’s served in this workshop II are doing a very
good job. As a group we continue to grow and serve our
person’s served.
Another thanks goes out to Northside High, Warner Robins
High and Houston County High School students who came to
the workshop three days a week to work on the hanger contract.
We also welcome back Jimmy Swope to the workshop. Congrats
to Enniesha Harris for earning Individual of the quarter. We also
Jackie Barnett—Workshop III Supervisor
Another year has come and gone,
UNBELIEVABLE! Our individuals, staff and VR’s
have been working hard each day to get
Workshop III ready for the move. We have
completed the cardboard and plastic. We are still
working on the newspaper and the mixed paper
is almost done. The glass is almost ready for the
last shipment and still baling hangers for the
Kohl’s contract. It has been hectic at times but
with our strong teamwork we’re getting it done.
The individuals were excited to see Santa
Clause and open their gifts at the Annual
Christmas Party. Workshop III wants to say Merry
Christmas and Happy New Year to each and
every one of you, be safe and enjoy the time off.
Jeffery Strong —WS V Supervisor
The staff in workshop V are
very excited about being part
of our big startup . We are
staying very busy with baling
cardboard, having processed
350 bales and shipped 244
bales since October 17, 2016. We have been
receiving positive feedback from the truck drivers
of the company that we ship to. They just love
the easy access of getting in and loaded very
quickly. Our individuals are very happy and
excited about working in our new workshop very
soon! A special thanks to:
Mr. Mike Brashear, Rose Neal-Moore,
Rita Shelley, Emory Askew, Lori Chaney, Kevin
Taylor, Mr. Stan Blaxton, Deanne Nethaway, Jr.
Dean, Roshunda Smith, Liz Thompson, and Jeff
Ridley for supplying us the tools to be
successful. Also, a big THANK YOU to Lachelle
Bryant for continuing to help us improve on the
documentation. The Voc. Rehab. individuals have
Page 6 Happy Hour Happenings
The Social Workers are sad to announce that one of
our Social Workers, Lester Ward has moved on to a new
position and opportunity with Support Coordination.
Lester proudly served the individuals here at Happy
Hour Service Center for six years in many capacities of
our great organization with gracious professionalism.
He served as a: Direct Care Aide with Residential
Services, Job Coach with Community Employment, and
Social Worker in the Social Services Department.
Fortunately, Lester will still be involved with Happy
Hour Service Center in his new position by serving
Social Services Carla Plant, Debra Spears & Andrew
These last few months have been hectic for the staff
and individuals of Recycled Treasures. Not only did we
handle holiday shoppers, we worked around major
demolition and remodeling. We are so excited about
the future renovations of our building and about
opening up road front. At this point, all of the painting
is complete and we are now waiting on the installation
of the heating and air conditioning system. The
expansion will give us the opportunity to display more
items for sale and to collect more donations.
Krista Melton will soon kick off our website/yard sale
sales. She will have an operational email address to
answer questions and help interested buyers. Please
continue to refer donations which support our store
and organization. We are available to arrange for
pickups if needed. Just give us a call at (478) 602-5101
or (478)919-3439.
Please like our Facebook page to stay
current on the deals and promotions we have! https://
www.facebook.com/RecycledTreasuresYardsale/?fref=ts
Have a warm and cozy winter and we
Recycled
Transportation &
PLEASE CALL 478-929-6603 FOR
TRANSPORTATION CHANGES!
Happy Hour follows the Houston County School
District schedule for weather related closures. Tune
in to 13WMAZ or WNNG AM 1350 if bad weather is
coming our way and you are wondering about
possible closures.
For individuals that are transported by Happy Hour
please call 929-6603 for ALL changes to your
schedule. (Not coming into center, not needing ride
home, etc.) We would like to be as efficient as
possible and not make unnecessary trips. Your
phone calls are always welcome!
“A Day Without Laughter Is A Day Wasted” - Charlie
Chaplin
Happy New Year To All!! 2016 is gone, with lots of
change started, and continuing. In the transportation
area our new approach in leasing three vans from
Enterprise to serve individuals on our daily routes is
going well (this to shift the maintenance costs off of us
to the leasing company.) Our older vans & buses are
costing a lot to keep serviceable and running, but we do
want to safely serve as many individuals as is reasonably
possible with the fleet we have. An additional demand
on transportation is the increasing need for more
vehicles that can transport wheelchairs, both for day
services and in the residential program.
We want to thank drivers in all our programs for safe
driving—continue to be “watching out for the other
guy” We had only two minor incidents in ‘16 where we
were at fault, and they both fell into a state statistic
(“70% of accidents involve hitting a fixed object or rear
ending someone”) - We had two low speed
entanglements with fixed objects! All other incidents
were also minor, but the fault of other drivers. Whether
driving for Happy Hour or personal—watch out for the
other guy and buckle up!
As the summer wore on (or is it still with us—high 70’s
for Christmas!?), we were able to catch up with air
conditioning maintenance. Then it was a spate of
plumbing problems. Our maintenance guys are kept
busy with responding to calls small and large for quick
fixes, while also working on projects. Kevin caught up a
list of items identified in a HUD inspection at group
homes. Dan and Jeff were involved with helping
prepare the float for the Christmas parade (the winning
float, I might add!)
Happy Hour Happenings Page 7
Kelvin Taylor —
Community Employment Manager
Community Employment hopes that everyone
enjoyed their New Year! We are still offering the
special on carpet cleaning for two rooms and a
hall for $99.00 (different rate for staff)!!
Our janitorial contracts are going well and we
are glad that we are able to give the Happy Hour
individuals more work opportunities in the
community and getting them out of the
workshops into a different work environment. We
are seeing an increase in servicing businesses for
floor services. Latrice, Arthur and the individuals
are doing a great job on our custodial contracts!
The Vocational Rehabilitation program is going
well. Flora, Lucius, Tonya, Kristen, Ann, and
Angela are working diligently in finding
opportunities for our Voc Rehab individuals. If
you have a need for VR help in the workshops
please call Kelvin.
Community Employment is working hard every
day to open new opportunities for our individuals
served. Please continue to keep your eyes and
Community
Falcon Park
What a busy few months we’ve had at Falcon Park!
There were so many activities to enjoy from the Fall
Festival to Santa visiting the facility with presents! The
residential program also attended a mass outing at the
movies for Cinema for a Cause. The individuals enjoyed
putting up Christmas trees and shopping for gifts for
their loved ones.
Please help us welcome new hires Mari Brown, Angela
Wipel, Semorn Odige, Tracey Johnson, Nikia Hayes, Ciera
Ross, and Eulanda Hamilton! They have hit the ground
running and really did their part to make the season
bright for our program!
Accounting Counts Deletta Hall —Accounting Manager
Happy New Year! Can you believe another year has
come and gone? We had a busy, busy, busy fourth
quarter with the National Fair week, Fall Festival,
Thanksgiving, Christmas Parade float, Illuminaries,
Christmas Dance and Santa Christmas Party. Whew!
As we move into the new year our goal in accounting
is to begin utilizing our new accounting software
system, so please be patient with your requests and
ours. We currently plan to have the W2 forms out by
January 31, 2017, earlier IF possible.
Thank you to all who have helped our accounting
department during our transition, I especially want to
thank my staff Rhonda, Rita, Helen and Wilson for your
effort and dedication to your job and our organization.
Congratulations to Employees of the Quarter-
Roshunda Smith/WS, Rose Neal Moore/Administrative,
Social Workers Debra Spears, Carla Plant,
Andrew Dennis/Group and Alexis
Patterson/Residential. Congratulations to
Kristen Lattimer for Employee of the Year.
Thank you so much to everyone who attended
and to everyone who made it all possible.
celebrated together the birth of Jesus Christ.
There was such a positive vibe in the building as
we celebrated together the birth of Jesus Christ.
We look forward to the quiet days of winter and a
fun-filled spring! Until then, take care and God
bless!
~Rhonda Pittman
HAPPY HOUR Houston County Association for Exceptional Citizens, Inc.
202 N. Davis Dr. PMB 164
Warner Robins, GA 31093
For more information about
Happy Hour please call Stan Blaxton
@ 478-929-6614
Employee Dates to
To:
Staff/Consumers/Parents/
Guardians/Service Providers/
Business Partners
January
Board Meeting—19th 2:00
(Tentative) st
Fellowship Breakfast—20th 7:00-
9:00
February Valentine Dance –10th 6:00-
8:00
Board Meeting—16th 2:00
(Tentative) st
March
We’re on the Web!
www.happyhourservicecenter.org Houston County Association for
Exceptional Citizens, Inc., working as Happy Hour, has been in operation since 1956, and is one of the oldest organizations in the Middle Georgia area serving d e v e l o p m e n t a l l y d i s a b l e d individuals. Over these years, there have been many expansions from the original seven consumers to the present one hundred seventy (170).
Happy Hour is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). We are also a United Way Agency and a non-profit agency under IRS rule 501 (C) (3).
Superstars of 4th Quarter
Sarah B. — Retirement
Program
Fred D. —Ryals Wing
Michael T. —WSI
Enneisha H. —WS II
Charles B.—WS III
Joe P.—WS
IV
Employees of the Year
2016 Kristen Lattimer
Employees of 4th
Quarter Rose Neal-Moore—
Administrative
Alexis Patterson—Residential
Roshunda Smith—WS
Happy Hour Team
Award
Participant
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