As 2019 begins to dwindle into a memory, I want to reflect on what a great year I have had; it was filled with many fun times and exciting opportunities.
My year kicked off by celebrating my dog, Tiny aka Moo Moo, first birthday. That’s my big 100-pound girl, so of course, her day was made special. Then, me and my favorite guy’s birthdays followed, and we had big fun!
I was fortunate to once again partake in one of my favorite things, emceeing the Ohio DD Awareness and Advocacy Day event at the statehouse. This is always an honor as well as a very empowering event.
This year was also the introduction of my new talk show, Mission Moments with Shari Cooper. I went around Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley’s campus and interviewed my co-workers about services and programs offered. I think Mission Moments was well received and brought awareness about our programs to the community.
The icing on the cake this year, I was nominated and won the very prestigious Goodwill Industries International Edgar J. Helms Award for Graduate Staff. I traveled to Pittsburgh to receive the award and my family joined me which made the experience even more special. Shortly after that, I attended the National Association of Councils for Developmental Disabilities Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. I was honored to be invited to sit on a panel and share how the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council mentored me and helped me become the leader I am today for Advocacy. The conference was great and the whole NOLA experience, especially the food, was amazing.
Other things that made this year good…..teaching a class for the Ohio State University Nisonger Center’s LEND program, presenting on sensitivity to a group of students at South Community, emceeing a session at the Synergy Conference, speaking at the Ohio Housing Conference, helping make changes and spread awareness by being a member on the Task Force for Advocacy and APSI Community Leadership Council, participating in the “That’s Medicaid” stories and being featured in the Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities’ state awareness and etiquette video. I was also inducted into the Montgomery County Developmental Disabilities Hall of Fame for the second time, participated in Self Advocates Becoming Empowered Go Voter’s Project and am a board member on The Disability Foundation and The Gorman Hewitt-Ayers Fund as well as, a Community Contributor for Dayton Daily News.
WOW! I would say my year was busy, but exciting. It was filled with many wonderful opportunities. Next year, well, it is also starting off with a bang and maybe a little boom mixed in. I was selected as one of the twenty-five women in business to watch and will be honored at a big gala.
One of my important goals for next year is to try and pump up my walking game. I must admit, I’ve gotten lazy. Since my last reporting, I was up to sixteen feet of walking on my walker. I’m going to try and motivate myself to make it at least thirty feet by April; so, stay tuned!
I’ll miss you 2019 but I’m ready for anew. Bring on 2020!
Shari, you are certainly one amazing woman. A gift from God to this world. Keep on spreading the good news of working hard and reaching for higher goals. Merry Christmas and blessings this coming year. Don’t forget to choose joy always. Marty
Marty,
Thanks for the kind comment and I’ll always choose joy.
Happy Holidays
Shari,
You have had a busy year, and are involved in so many organizations. I seen you at the Ohio DD Awareness & AdvocCy Day. You did a Wonderful job being the emcee. You are a Great Advocate and I commend you on all that you do. May 2020 be an exciting year for you.
Sheri Horsley
Sheri,
Thanks for the comment and for reading the blog post. Hope our path crosses in 2020!
Happy Holidays
Amen and Happy New Year to you!
Kim,
Happy New Year to you too my friend!
Carol Burnett always ended the show with two things I remember, one was pulling her ear. I understood that was message to her grandmother, and the other one was the singing, which actually was before the ear pulling, “I’m so glad we had this time together, just to sing a song, and have a laugh, and when things get started, and before you know it, come the time to say so-long.” I love her show and always felt special, as if she was singing to me. Thank you for all the blogs, I have enjoyed reading them and others comments. Trusting all will have a safe and warm holiday. Looking to see all in the New Year.
Jerome,
Thanks for this wonderful comment and all the previous ones. You have been a faithful reader and I greatly appreciate it. Happy Holidays and here’s to a prosperous new year!
Wow! What a busy and accomplished year! Proud to hear all about it.Wishing you more exciting opportunities in 2020!!
Mary Ellen,
Thanks for the comment and for being a faithful supporter of the blog. Happy New Year my friend!
Shari, thanks for sharing! I enjoy reading and sharing your blog with others! The information and inspiration that you provide is always invaluable. This blog featuring a wrap of what God did for you and your family in 2019 was incredible. Wishing you nothing but blessings in 2020. May God continue to bless, you exceedingly abundantly, above all you can ask or think!!
Mrs. Witcher,
Thanks for kind words and support. Wishing many blessings for you and your family in 2020!