TAC, a nonprofit corporation that provides employment, habilitation and housing opportunities for people with developmental disabilities, hosts the party every year to show appreciation to its employees for the year’s work.
Russell Graham, a TAC staff member who is a machine shop supervisor, spent his morning baiting hooks and casting so TAC employees could fish safely.
“My hands are going to be permanently purple or I’m going to smell like worms all day,” he said.
This, Graham’s first fishing derby, lived up to expectations set after his co-workers promised him he’d enjoy it.
“I was told this would be a great day and they were right,” he said as he tried to convince TAC employee Ballenger to leave his bobber in the middle of the lake until he had a bite.
TAC staffers started working early Friday morning to put on the event, which included an egg relay, volleyball, cornhole, bingo and a cookout.
A new experience for TAC employees and staff this year was a show by P.T. Reptiles. Company owner Peter Rushton, brought a tarantula, boa constrictor and an assortment of lizards to share.
About 20 volunteers from the Springfield Air National Guard — members of the 251st combat communication group and the 269th combat communication squadron — were on hand for the third year to assist with setup, food preparation and supervision at the lake.
“It’s a nice day. The employees enjoy seeing us in our uniforms and we look forward to it,” said Amber Ankeny, senior airman.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0371 or elroberts@coxohio.com.
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