A special day for Wiley residents and volunteers
OREGON, OH -- Residents at the Wiley Homes for developmentally disabled adults look forward to this Sunday all year.
It was the day they were treated to a boat ride on the Maumee.
It was one of those events where it was hard to tell who enjoyed themselves more: the residents taking in the river cruise, or the boat owners and volunteers who did everything to make sure the day was special.
"I like riding a boat," said Dianne Lancer.
"I like the boat too!" said Connie Humphrey.
Wiley Home residents glowed about their special day. And will continue to for months to come!
"The residents love it. I hear about it all year long. When are we going again? What's the date? I'll see you. Can we go fast? Can we go on a ride?" said event organizer and Wiley Home nurse Marie Cousino.
For some, this was their first trip on the water.
"Boat ride, first time!" said Linda Howell.
But others have been along the past two years for the outing at the Harbor View Yacht Club.
"I came here last year. It was pretty nice," said Ray Brent.
The weather was perfect for the scenic cruise.
"Nice day, no rain," said Dean Fisher.
While all liked the boat rides best, they each had different reasons.
"Because it's fun, get away from everybody. Vacation!" said Amanda Wallace.
"On the water!" said Lancer.
"Watch the water wave," said Tammy Peeples.
"As they're going down and they see their friends on another boat and they're waving to them. It just means too much to them," said Cousino. "When you see their eyes light up nothing gives you the pleasure that you get from that day."
And after the ride... more treats.
"Have a cookout, have a cookout!" said Peeples and Humphrey.
"Pass out t-shirts!," said Howell.
But the event was not even over before many were dreaming of next year.
"I'll go again next year," said Fisher. "I'll go on a boat again."
"I'll probably be back here next year too," said Brent.
The day could not have happened without over 80 volunteers. And residents were thankful for that, too.
"Thank you. Thank you. For all the people. For all the people!" said Peeples and Humphrey.
Wiley Homes hopes to keep working with Harbor View Yacht Club to continue to make this an annual event.
Someday, they would even like to open it up to the rest of the Toledo developmentally-disabled community.