COAL GROVE — Employees and clients from Tri-State Industries rocked around the Christmas tree this week to get in the holiday spirit.

Tri-State Industries, a corporation under the Lawrence County Board of DD, hosted its annual Christmas dinner and dance at the Knights of Columbus on Tuesday night. Approximately 140 clients, consumers and employees attended the event, which was paid for by the Employee Council and TSI.

Dinner, consisting of steak, potatoes, salad and desserts, was served and lasted for about an hour until the dance began.

Clients and employees danced with one another to popular music, as well as Christmas carols and tunes. Door prizes were awarded to the participants, who dressed seasonally, formally or informally.

“For many, it is the social event of the year,” says Tammy Lilly, employee at Tri-State Industries. “We take things like this for granted, but to the people we serve, it is a rare thing to get to go out and have fun with friends, have a nice dinner, and just relax without the time restrictions they have at work. The staff enjoys watching how excited everyone gets over this dinner and dance.”

Josh Tackett, the workshop director at TSI, agrees that the social event is beneficial for the clients, as well as the employees. “It is a chance for our people to socialize with their ‘bosses’ on a personal level,” says Tackett.

The Open Door School held a Christmas Program for parents and staff.

The Open Door Bell Choir performed songs such as Jingle Bells and Silent Night.

Poems were read and student performed skits such as a reenactment of Charlie Brown’s Christmas. Santa Claus paid a visit to the Open Door following the conclusion of the program

“This program was not only cute but also great. The students and faculty put a lot of effort into it, you can tell they were really in the Christmas Spirit while working on the program.” Paul Mollett, Superintendent, LCBDD

The LCBDD serves more than 500 children and adults with developmental disabilities from throughout the county.

Tri-State Industries, Inc., is a private, non-profit corporation in conjunction with the Lawrence County Board of DD, which serves more than 500 children and adults with developmental disabilities from throughout the county.

For more information about the LCBDD, and Tri-State Industries, call 1-800-231-6733 or (740) 532-7401.