Saturday, February 26th, Wingspan hosted Senator Dan Hall for a site visit in Bloomington. Below is a story and photo re-capping the visit.
Great job Wingspan!
February 26 at 2 pm Sheridan stood still awaiting Senator Dan Hall’s arrival. He is the Senator for Bloomington in which Sheridan is located.
Two staff, including myself, were helping a resident in on the ramp when Senator Dan Hall walked up our driveway smiling and offering a hand at the same time.
Andy, from Portland Place, couldn’t wait to get in and get settled so she could give her letter to the Senator. Lisa from York Lane came with Christine Lasley; Gary and Tim from Oliver came with Andy Potter. One special staff came too. His name is Travis Burton, our very own Senate candidate.
Renita, Linda and Dot were great hostesses. Dot came out a couple times to join in on the laughter and fun. Linda sat and enjoyed a one-on-one with the Senator informing him she is an artist and sells paintings. She showed him her photo albums and they laughed. She offered the Senator an autographed painting and he accepted it with the most humble look. Renita introduced the Senator to her boyfriend, Richard, who took plenty of pictures of the two of them. She shared her stories with the Senator about finding her beloved brother and aunt in California. She showed him photos of a Pow Wow and invited him to come to the one coming up this August.
Lisa from York Lane took pictures with the Senator and boy was she an angel; her smile lit up the room. She was so warm and light hearted; it was such a joy to have her there to help represent the ladies of Wingspan. Gary and Tim charmed all the ladies with their jokes and gut busting comments. Gary told everyone when I snuck him an extra piece of cake, “Do not tell the Senator” all the while pointing at the Senator. Everyone laughed and laughed. The Senator loved his cake and took the time to give us a little of himself in a small speech. He told us he grew up poor and with an alcoholic father and lived in the projects. He has eight children, one of whom works with people with disabilities. Senator Dan Hall also stated he helps to look out for a nephew who happens to be paraplegic.
The Senator took single pictures and pictures with three or four people. He took group pictures, standing up pictures, and sitting down pictures. In closing I asked him if when he was in session he could please remember our faces and to be our voice.
Thanks to my co-workers who were able to make it and support Sheridan on a very important day for all of us.
Thanks also to the staff at Sheridan. The staff came up with a great saying for the cake, “Spreading Our Wings to Welcome Senator Dan Hall.” They carefully budgeted and made a little look like a lot, decorated, made sure the ladies looked their best and were great hostesses. Many thanks to them for being who they are and doing what they do. A huge shout out goes to those who helped make this happen!”
Comments