developed into a work program ….

developed into a work program as an expanded array of services, training and sheltered employment was developed to accommodate approximately 43 clients at the time.

“We started out making and selling macrame and woodworking projects - including redwood patio furniture and non-toxic wooden toy trucks — and by 1980 we were also doing some custodial work, lawn and garden care, and spring-clipping of plastic knobs for Phillips Plastics after receiving a grant to set up a model work training situation,” Thornton said.

That was also the year the center got the Commission on Aging contract to provide meal delivery for the county’s Meals on Wheels program — from menu planning through food preparation to delivery to the homes.

They started cooking and delivering meals to about 20 homes five days a week and by 1993 they were serving more than 29,000 meals a year.

The TCAC also began contracting with the COA in 1980 to run the county’s transportation program for the elderly. Name change Following its formal incorporation in 1981, the, the name of the TCAC was changed to Black River Industries.

It was in 1985 that BRI applied for a $750,000 grant to build a new sheltered work facility to replace the one in the old IGA building. The Community Development Block Grant was awarded the following year and with $130,000 from Catholic Charities, ground was broken for a new 16,000 square foot facility on South Second Street in December 1986. “A lot of people in the community gave time and equipment for that facility,” Noland said.

Just short of 12 months later, BRI’s staff and 55 employees with disabilities moved into the new facility.

Alexander signed as BRI’s director in 1988. During his 10 years here, BRI’s program changed from and educational roll to one with an emphasis on work for all people with disabilities including those with severe handicaps.

Elio Pascutti of Rhinelander was the interim administrator until Keith Will was named director that August. Will had previously been director of an Achievement Center in Worthington, Minn., leaving a year later to go to Appleton.

Bill Hrabe was named to succeed Will, coming from being the training manager at Minnesota Diversified Industries in St. Paul.