news-record.com

WENTWORTH — A Sept. 18 open house will kick off the 45th anniversary of the former Rockingham Opportunity Center.

The open house is planned for 1 to 5 p.m. at UMAR at the ROC, 345 Cherokee Camp Road, behind the Rockingham County Governmental Center.

UMAR, a United Methodist Church organization founded in 1983, officially took over services at the opportunity center on July 1.

The Northeast District covers Rockingham, Stokes, Surry, and parts of Caswell and Yadkin counties in North Carolina and Patrick County in Virginia.

The organization provides vocational services in Rockingham County to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, said administrative assistant Lisa Williams, an Eden resident.

She said the open house not only will provide an afternoon of fun activities for all ages but also will allow the community to meet new staff members.

Some on the staff have worked at ROC for more than 30 years.

Guided tours will be given. Art lovers will have the opportunity to purchase artworks made by adult artists with disabilities who participate in the art center.

Biggles the Clown will wander around greeting and entertaining children.

Hayrides, therapeutic horse rides and a bouncy slide combo are also on the program.

A hand bell choir from UMAR at the ROC will perform and three church choirs will entertain throughout the afternoon.

People also can pay for the opportunity to dunk local candidates for elected office and other dignitaries in the dunking booth.

Another special activity is called “Paint A White Horse.” During this activity, children get to finger paint on a live horse.

Those who come with an appetite will get free hot dogs, homemade desserts and drinks.

Williams is asking those planning to attend to RSVP at 427-4454 by 5 p.m. Sept. 17.

UMAR’s mission is to promote community inclusion, independence and growth for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through residential, employment and cultural enrichment opportunities.

UMAR’s 23 group homes and six apartments allow individuals to experience independent living in a homelike atmosphere.

UMAR at the ROC has facilities in Wentworth that allow many of these individuals to work on projects provided by various industries and small businesses in the county.

UMAR at the ROC has 72 clients enrolled in the day services programs.

It employs 18 staff members to oversee the daily operations of the facility.

Ann Fish is a Reidsville native but has lived in Eden since 1979. She is a retired newspaper editor and reporter. Contact her at annsomersfish@yahoo.com.