Mark Mead of the Eagles Club lets the saw dust fly as he cuts a board to size.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

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DSRC Celebrates Thirteen Years of Ramp Building

June 2, 2013       2 Comments
By: John Keuvelaar

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Pleasant weather was just an extra benefit for those volunteers building ramps for the Disability Services Resource Center. Partnering with Habitat for Humanity and the Bay County Housing Commission, teams of builders partnered with volunteers ascended upon Bay County to build ramps for Bay County families in need of ramps.

One home in need of a ramp was the home of Regina Turner. This became a special home as an approval was needed before construction could begin. Sequin Lumber provided the design plans for the projects.

This home's ramp building was led by Kevin Light and First Presbyterian Church Reverend Jeff Weenink. The two were join by many other workers including several from the Noon Rotary Club who all joined in making the much needed ramp a reality. Also joining in the work project was Anatoliy, a foreign exchange student from Spain. Anatoliy was born in Russia but now lives in Spain. He spent this year attending Garber High School and was able to learn firsthand the giving back power of the American Spirit. Of special note of the Turner ramp was the DSCR's ability to save money by reusing previous ramps. You could tell by the coloration of the wood several sections were from past ramps. Several workers were assigned the task of disassembling the previous railing only to put them back together after refitting had taken place.

There were two homes that no longer needed their DSRC ramps so crews from the First Presbyterian Church Youth group were put in charge of recovering those ramps. The Youth group has been a steady fixture of at the ramp buildings over the years.

Jim DeCorte of J&R Contracting tackled a home on N. VanBuren. As Jim explained, many of the Bay City homes pose a challenge as they have 50 foot lots making it a code challenge. But with Sequin plans in hand, he was ready to take on the challenge.

The Bay City Eagles Club literally swooped in on the home of Rita Beaudin. Some 20 members jumped in to insure that Rita, 91 years old, could still live at home while getting out for daily functions. Ed Beaudin, son of Rita, couldn't thank the good people enough. Ed noted that Rita still has that independence and getting out of the home and walking down the steps has been a big hindrance for her getting out. They often have to drive up on the lawn to get her in the car. Now with the ramp, he is hoping that this will allow her to leave the home more often for various activities.

The Eagles Club announced they will be hosting a fundraising cruise on the Princess Wenonah on Sunday August 18 from 3:00 to 6:00 pm. Entertainment will be provided by the Dixie Hi-Way Band with a cash bar and raffles. Tickets are $20 per person but you must be 21 or older to attend. Immediately following the cruise everyone is invited to return to the Eagles Club located at 350 River Road where they will be selling Sloppy Joes and Chips for just $2.00. All proceeds from the cruise and dinner will be donated to the DSCR ramp building project.

The support of the community made this event possible and more ramps will be put up as the year goes on. Sequin Lumber provided the building plans for the various homes while the following builders donated their time, talents and tools to insure this was yet another success: Schubert's Great Improvements, Scott Doyen Builders, J&R Contractors, the crew from the DSRC and Ken Pawlak Builders.

And hard work builds up an appetite. Food was provided by Mr. Hot Dog, Subway at WalMart, Heather's, Intermission Deli, G's Pizzeria, Eudici's Pizza and Pizza Hut.

If you or someone you know is in need of a ramp to allow access into their home, or you just want to help make that ramp possible through volunteering your time of making a donation, please contact the DSRC at 989-895-5444. Disability Services Resource Center is located at 1820 N. Trumbull, Bay City, MI next to the North East Little League field at the base of the Independence Bridge.

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tmoultane Says:       On June 03, 2013 at 01:35 PM Your article incorrectly states that approval was needed from the Historical Society before construction of the ramp could begin. The City of Bay City Historic District Commission is the responsible committee for reviewing work in the historic districts of Bay City. The Bay County Historical Society is not involved with the review of work being performed to structures in the historic districts. Terry Moultane City of Bay City Historic Preservation Officer EDITOR'S NOTE: Correction has been made. Sorry for any confusion.

j Says:       On June 05, 2013 at 09:58 AM The correct contact number for DSRC is 989-895-5444 Mark Janke, President Disability Services Resource Center EDITOR'S NOTE: Correction made as requested

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John Keuvelaar
John Keuvelaar is a college student at Midwest Photography Workshops and Delta College. More from John Keuvelaar

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