Tag: WCBA

Harrisburg Day on the Hill

The Westmoreland County Blind Association was invited to attend an event in Harrisburg earlier this week called “Day on the Hill”. The event was sponsored by UniqueSource. The purpose of the trip was to allow our consumers an opportunity to thank our state representatives and senators for helping to support “My Work, My Choice”.

We attended a dinner on Monday, October 16th at the West Shore Country Club, followed by a day of scheduled meetings with various congressmen on Tuesday, October 17th. During each visit, our consumers and past UniqueSource Employee Award Winners, Michael Kissell and David Marks, met with these congressmen and expressed their appreciation for their recent support. They also provided each congressman with a gift of a “My Work, My Choice” picture, shirt and hat. Additional WCBA staff who participated in the trip included Tim Miller (Executive Director), Amy Matenkosky (Executive Assistant), Karen Booley (Production Manager), and Greg Millar who assisted with our transportation.

Click on the image below or visit our Day on the Hill Photo Album to see photos of the trip.

Congratulations to Michael Kissell

Congratulations to Michael Kissell, an amazing co-worker and friend of ours! He received a UniqueSource Achievement Award for demonstrating outstanding and exceptional character in living and coping with disabilities, particularly in the workplace.

You can use this link to read the full press release.

The Pittsburgh Tribune Review also recently posted this nice article and video about his award, “Greensburg man receives UniqueSource Achievement Award“.

Tips To Protect Your Vision

As Spring arrives in western Pennsylvania, we are called to the outdoors. We rediscover what has been hidden by snow and lay dormant during the winter months. The nice weather is our inspiration to collect branches or leaves that have accumulated in the corners of the yard; stain the deck in time for grilling season or break out the bicycle.

The Westmoreland County Blind Association wants you to enjoy the season, and most importantly be safe and prevent eye damage. Please consider these tips to protect your vision in the coming months:

  • Wear sunglasses outside when the sun shines. Look for lenses that block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays.
  • View fireworks from at least 500 feet away. Never let children play with fireworks.
  • Wear safety glasses when doing work that may produce chips, dust or flying particles. When working with chemicals, choose goggles that fit snugly against your face and secure with a strap.
  • Thoroughly wash your hands before touching the eye.
  • Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Foods rich in antioxidants, lutein, Vitamins C and E are good for eye health.
  • If you know something has scratched your eye, seek treatment from your doctor/emergency room for your eye injury.

Thanks To The Mt. Pleasant Lions Club

WCBA would like to give a big thank you to the Mt. Pleasant Lions Club for a $3,500 donation to be used for our kitchen renovations. They also gave us a $100 donation for Beacon Lodge (special needs summer camp) travel expenses.

The Melvin Jones award was presented to Ray Shick by District 14-E Governor Sam Snively.

We are grateful for the Lions’ Clubs continued generosity.

RALLY & Hearing Information

As you know, the Rally will be on March 13th at 10:30 a.m. There is going to be a hearing at 11:30 a.m. as well. The location of the Rally is the East Wing Rotunda, Main Capital Harrisburg.

We are anticipating approximately 750 – 1,000 to attend. Many individuals will be wearing white hats and red shirts with the “My Work, My Choice” logo.

It is recommended that you utilize the rear entrance to the Capital (East side) near the fountain. This is the closest entrance to the Rally and Hearing. It is also the entrance to utilize for individuals in wheelchairs.

GPS Address:
Capital Building
East Wing Entrance
500 Commonwealth Avenue
Harrisburg PA

There is parking lot information available for those interested.

Please contact Tim Miller at 724-309-9056 with questions or if you need assistance on the 13th.

My Work, My Choice

Lions Club Donation

Thanks to the 
District 14-E Lions Club (Westmoreland County) who recently donated a check to the Westmoreland County Blind Association in the amount of $3,240 for equipment needed in our Work Activity Center!

Our Shredding Department has many options to fit your document or hard drive destruction needs. Whether you are a large company, small business, or have your own personal documents, no job is too big or small! By selecting WCBA as your document destruction service, you will be supporting our employees with visual, intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to help maintain their independence and productivity.

For many, finding meaningful employment in today’s economic climate is difficult and have diminished employment opportunities in our community. It is through the kindness of our neighbors that the WCBA mission endures!