Eight was enough for the Keith and Terri Stoneman family of Dover. That was the number of their family members, including four children and Keiths parents, who participated in the 12th annual Tuscarawas County Board of Developmental Disabilities (TCBDD) fun run and walk held at the Dover City Park on Saturday, May 26.
Though many times running is an individual sport, the Stonemans made it a fun family affair. It gets us up and going, said Terri. And we can have breakfast and lunch here too, Keith said with a laugh, referring to the delicious refreshments that were donated by a variety of sponsors.
On the serious side, Were here to support the cause, said Keith.
The cause is the welfare of the individuals of the TCBDD programs, which include Starlight School, Starlight Workshop, and a variety of services for adults with developmental disabilities who are seeking community employment.
Each year a portion of the money raised goes to purchase items to enhance the lives of the individuals served, such as iPads, lift chairs, and Hoyer lifts or to help send individuals to camp. Another portion is contributed to a fund to cover levy campaign costs as no public funds can be used to pay for levy campaigns.
Another family team stretched near the starting line as Madilyn Kelly, 7, of Mason, warmed up with her mother, Melissa, a former Dover resident. Madilyn was excited that she was going to participate in her first 5k ever and she thought she would do well. Though she was still smiling at the finish line, Madilyn admitted she was getting tired near the end. I asked if I could get on her back, she said, referring to her mother. It was harder than I thought it would be. Her first race wont be her last. Madilyn, who also plays soccer, vows to train harder the next time.
The event started with the National Anthem. In honor of veterans, the flag was held by area Vietnam War veteran Terry LeMonte.
Runners ran a five kilometer course, while walkers had their choice of walking one mile or the 5K route. Word has it that the hill back to the finish line at the picnic pavilion closest to the pool was the toughest part of the course, which traveled along city streets in the northern part of town.
The run is organized by Doug Ross whose sister, Michele, has benefitted from her participation in the TCBDD programs. Doug and my kids have always appreciated Starlight because of what they have done for Michele, so they wanted to give back, said Donna Ross of her familys involvement in the event. Eighteen members of the Ron and Donna Ross family attended the event as volunteers or participants.
People just need to know how blessed we are to have Starlight School and workshop in our area. The program is tremendous. I cant say enough about it, said Donna Ross. Michele loves to go to the workshop, added Donna, who also said she has much respect for the staff there.
Over the past 12 years those participating in the run have contributed more than $28,000, said Doug Ross, as he thanked the participants. Your attendance has been a real benefit for us, added Natalie Lupi, the TCBDD superintendent.
The top finishers in the run and walk were: Michele Ross, overall female consumer; Joey Dotto, overall male consumer; overall female was Kerri Curry with a time of 21:02 and overall male was Kevin Beachy with a time of 17:15. For complete race results, log onto www.GoRunIt.net.
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TCBDD and the race organizers want to thank everyone in the community for their on-going support not only by making donations to the event but also for sending teams of participants. Sponsors of this years race include Dennison Eagles, Ember Complete Care, First National Bank of Dennison, Makos Market, Neils Shirt Shop, Romig Insurance, Stepping Stones, Subway, Uhrichsville Elks, Uhrichsville Moose, WBTC 1540 AM and WTUZ 99.9 FM.
