Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By admin on March 21, 2024

Teresa Sprowls, center, accepts a plaque in recognition of her continued employment of Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities client John Conkle at Sprinklz on Top restaurant in East Palestine. Pictured are CCBDD Support and Service Administrator Caitlin Cole, CCBDD Reach 4 More Engagement Specialist Paul Anthony, Sprowls, Conkle, and CCBDD Assistant Superintendent Josh Martin. (Submitted photo)

EAST PALESTINE The admiration in his voice is quite evident as Josh Martin, assistant superintendent of the Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities, talks about East Palestine resident John Conkle.

John is probably just one of a handful of developmental disabilities clients throughout the state of Ohio who was able to purchase his own home, said Martin. There are a number of clients who have become homeowners through bequests and legacies, but very seldom do you hear of one who actually earns the money to purchase his own home.

Conkle and his roommate of 30 years Gary Needham, who is also a CCBDD client, were able to purchase their East Palestine home in 2008, after years and years of hard work and working extra shifts.

I have known John since I first started with CCBDD as a service and Sspport administrator 21 years ago, Martin noted. He was one of my very first clients. When we were operating the sheltered workshops, John was one of the top earning employees. He would work five days each week at the workshop. Then, John would look to pick up a couple of extra days at local businesses.

Conkle has been working as a dishwasher at the Sprinklz on Top restaurant for almost four years. Prior to that he worked at a local car detailing business.

I came here so that I could make more money, said Conkle, who turned 62 last month. I like to work and to be around people. Everyone is very nice to me here.

Sprinklz on Top owner Teresa Sprowls appreciates Conkles hard work and his upbeat attitude.

John is truly a ray of sunshine. He is extremely helpful, willing to do anything that is asked of him. If he sees that something needs done, he goes ahead and does it. He doesnt have to be told, said Sprowls. John works five days a week. He loves working the early shift. He is super- duper fantastic.

Sprinklz on Top is located at 78 N. Market St. in East Palestine.

Caitlin Cole, Conkles SSA from the CCBDD echoed Sprowls comments, saying, John is such a hard worker. His positivity shines through into his work and his interaction with the other staff members and the customers. He is a person who truly loves coming to work.

For many years, Conkle was a stalwart on the Columbiana County Special Olympics basketball team.

John was a pretty good hoopster, said Martin. He could rebound and put the ball in the basket.

It was due to Conkles intense work program that the CCBDD initiated a remote support program for their clients.

John was working so many hours at various businesses, that whenever anyone from our office tried to stop by to check on him, he wouldnt be at home. Many times, he wouldnt be home when the SSAs came to visit. We had no idea when he would be home, said Martin. That became our impetus to utilize a remote support system that made it possible for John to let us know whenever he needed something. It also allows us to check in with him on a regular basis.

Martin summed up John Conkle quite succinctly when he said, John is a perfect example of what hard work can achieve, if you have a goal, and are willing to work toward it.

Conkle originally worked with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities and Blue Sky Employment LLC for placement at Sprinklz on Top.

Teresa is a caring person, who truly considers her employees here at Sprinklz on Top to be part of her family, said CCBDD Reach 4 More Employment Engagement Specialist Paul Anthony. Coupled with Johns diligence and work ethic, this makes a fantastic situation for one of our clients.

Businesses or individuals desiring more information on Reach 4 More can contact Anthony via email at p.anthony@ccbdd.net. Their website is http://www.reach4more.org.

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Hard work pays off for East Palestine's John Conkle - SalemNews.net

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