Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Governor M. Michael Rounds has declared March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in South Dakota.    This year's theme is, "Just like You-Living, Learning, Working, Playing".    "Just Like You" encourages people to bring diversity to their communities by welcoming people with disabilities into local neighborhoods, workplaces, places of worship and schools. 

NHTC will have a table at the Spearfish Optimist Home & Trade Show on March 13 and 14 at Black Hills State University.   The display will include photos, brochures, products from Harvard and Tinton programs and Treasure Island Thrift Store.

Congratulations February Blue Diamond Award Winner

Carl Edwards is the Quality Assurance Officer and supervises the center's Information Technology. 

Carl is recognized for his time spent answering numerous computer and technology questions throughout the center's programs.    Carl is also recognized for his devotion to Special Olympics and NHTC's Special Olympians.

Nominees included:

Blythe C., Jackie C., Marcie H., Robin B., and Ryan B.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL NOMINEES!!

Congratulations January's Harvard Employee of the Month

John Krambeck has been part of Northern Hills Training Center since 1977.   He currently is employed in the Harvard Program where he scoops Slugbuster Powder for RamVac.   John is also part of the City of Spearfish Cleaning Crew.

John's hobbies include putting together puzzles, working on math problems, snowmobiling and interacting with friends. 

(People First members presenting at the Hickory House)

                  HOW IS NHTC INVOLVED IN THE SPEARFISH COMMUNITY???

• People First exists to create a self-directed, supportive community for adults with developmental disabilities.  People First members have made two presentations to the residents of the Hickory House.  The first presentation addressed Dignity and Respect, while the second presentation was on language and its effect on people with disabilities.  Following the presentations, the residents were treated to root beer floats.  People First hopes to schedule speaking engagements with other organizations.
• Eric Bowers, a person who receives services from NHTC, has joined the Spearfish Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors.    Eric will attend monthly meetings and help welcome new businesses to the area.
• A number of people supported volunteer their time at the Western Hills Humane Society by playing with kittens, walking dogs and cleaning the kennel areas.
• NHTC crews, working through the Adopt-A-Highway program, are responsible for road clean-up on a 1/4 mile section of Tinton Road.
• NHTC has volunteers who assist with planting, weeding, watering and moving plants at the City of Spearfish flower garden.
• Meals-on-Wheels benefits from NHTC involvement through the delivery of meals on Wednesdays and Thursdays.    These meals are delivered to homebound seniors in Spearfish.
• Treasure Island, the NHTC thrift store, accepts donations from the community.  Clothing is shared with those in need at the VA and the reservations.  Winter clothing is shared with the schools.  Torn blankets are given to the Western Hills Humane Society for use in kennels.     
• NHTC crews work at Kid Konnection, a local day care.
• Cleaning crews for the Spearfish city park bathrooms, homes and businesses.
• Tinton Program recycles aluminum and accepts community recycables.
• Runners/walkers of Team NHTC support local fundraising events by participating in area running/walking events.   Look for their royal blue shirts at these events.