Thursday, August 23, 2012

Volume 97; Number 9

www.bladepublishing.net

A community newspaper serving Browerville, MN and surrounding areas. USPS 067-560

Todd County DAC serves individuals with developmental disabilities

Thread Sheds are stores that provide a unique community employment experience for consumers. The pubic donates used clothing and miscellaneous items, while the Thread Shed staff assists consumers to sort, display, and sell the merchandise. Most of the proceeds go to support the DAC programs. In 1984, the DAC took over the Thread Shed from the county, bought the old St. Peter lot and school building, and moved the Thred Shed I into it. The store has been in Browerville ever since. Later on, the Thred Shed (used clothing store) concept was expanded to another store in Staples (Thread Shed II), and then another in Sauk Centre (Thread Shed III). Just a few years ago the DAC also set up and operates a Dollar Store next to the Thread Shed in Sauk Centre. Clothing that does not sell at these Thread Sheds are brought back to the DAC and baled into mill sized bales. The cloth bales are, most often, shipped overseas to countries to be re-used, explained Johnston. If you took a vacation to Europe you could very likely see a Browerville Tigers Tshirt being worn by another kid in France or Italy. American clothing is in demand, it is a market. The DAC also opened a senior site, which was developed to provide services for an aging population of developmentally disabled people. Among the many activities available are reminiscent therapy, relaxation, community outings, and participation at the Senior Centers in Long Prairie and Browerville. In February of 2000, the DAC opened a renovated downtown storefront in Browerville as a new day-program facility. Another feature of the DAC is On Site Employment. On site employment consists of a variety of contract jobs such as packaging coin wrappers and metal construction clips. The program also provides janitorial services at the DAC facility. The DAC also has contracts with local businesses to provide consumers with supported community work experience. During the early years of the DAC, they used to do the recycling for Todd County. They had drop off bins for recycling located throughout the county and picked them up on a regular basis, sorted them accordingly, and shipped the sorted Continued on page 12.

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Syndicated Senior Stories by Nancy Leasman The machinery is lining up on Marvin Hilligs lot on the south side of Long Prairie. In three weeks each piece will be auctioned off and head on down the road to a new home somewhere in an eight-state region. The next consignment auction, one that is likely to attract 4000 bidders, is scheduled for September 8. A veteran of 50 years in the machinery business, Marvin Hillig knows what farm equipment should be worth. Twelve years ago, the former implement dealer put that knowledge to work by offering consignment machinery auctions on his property on the south edge of town. Working with Mid-American Auction Service, Hillig listed 200 items on that first auction. His most recent auction this spring featured more than 2700 and attracted buyers from eight states, Mexico and Canada making it one of the largest of its kind in Minnesota. People like to go to auctions and Continued on page 12. as Hillig learned long ago, the name

Hillig consignment machinery auction impacts area economy

What is the future of Motzko Field?

John Johnston, above, has been Executive Director of the Todd County DAC since 1987. He has seen many changes throughout the years he has been there and looks forwards to the changes to come. The DAC has a history and legacy that needs to be nurtured, commented Johnston. There is more to the Todd County Developmental Achievement Center (commonly known as the DAC) than one may think. What many people know as the building next to the school has a greater history than one realizes. The Todd County DAC serves individuals with developmental disabilities, providing vocational and living skills training to assist each person to attain his or her highest ability level. The DAC is funded through various streams, including Todd County dollars, and state dollars that get filtered down through the various federal programs. The revenue generated through the stores and contract services also provide funds. More recently, private pay dollars have filtered through other streams like Consumer Services. History In 1973 the Articles of Incorporation were duly signed and acknowledged in the office of the Secretary of State. The Todd County DAC, as it is known today, started business providing services to people with disabilities. In 1978, a building permit was granted by the city of Browerville to build its new building in the Brower Addition, adjacent to the school as stated on the permit. To some, this building became known as that place up the hill by the school. Many people thought Thats where those kind of kids learn to work and spend the day, explains John Johnston, who is the Executive Director of the Todd County DAC. And of course many other descriptions, by no means not derogatory, but not knowing for sure just what the DAC was about, it was explained that way. John Johnston has been the Executive Director for the Todd County DAC since 1987. I have seen the DAC grow from one building to what it is today, said Johnston. What does the DAC do? Over the years, the Todd County DAC has expanded to provide multiple programs, which includes: Thread Sheds, a Senior Citizen Program, Work Enclaves, Transportation Services, and other special services that are provided as needs of those they serve are identified.

What began years ago as a simple softball field has been evolving into something much more in the past few years due to the hard work and dedication of several residents and community organizations. Located just east of Browerville, Motzko Field was for many years the home of the Polish Softball Tournament. However, over the years the size and participation in the event has dwindled, and now the long-time tournament is no longer held. This does not mean, however, that Motzko field is dead. Far from it. Today many events, including volleyball and softball tournaments are held there each year during Browerville's annual celebration. The field is also used by community members for family reunions and anniversary parties, plus other outdoor activities. The facility offers several primitive camps sites, with camper hook-ups and a dump station among the future plans for the facility. Through proceeds generated by clubs such as the Browerville Lions and Commercial Clubs, the facility has seen the addition of two regulation size volleyball courts and a new concession stand complete with handicap accessible showers and rest rooms. Continued on page 12.

WEEKLY WEATHER REPORT

Wed. Aug. 22 Mostly Sunny 83/61 Thur. Aug. 23 Isolated T-Storms 74/59 Fri. Aug. 24 Mostly Sunny 82/63 Sat. Aug. 25 Partly Cloudy 80/56 Sun. Aug. 26 Partly Cloudy 77/53 Mon. Aug. 27 Sunny 76/52