Founded in 1987, MIHI has been actively involved in making recreation accessible
for those of all abilities throughout our quad-state region. Pictured above in the
Rainbow Connection Boundless Playground located at Halfway's Marty Snook Park
The playground designed for those of all abilities was a project of MIHI.

MIHI's 2007 Initiatives ... we need your help!

•  The continuing development of the MIHI Seniors Enriched Living program.
  This program is conducted in close coordination with the Washington County Commission on Aging.
   

•  MIHI will continue to sponsor fishing competitions in cooperation with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in 2007. This year three “Fishin’ Frenzy” events are planned for the Star Community Center on Broadfording Road, Hagerstown’s Pangborn Park and the Byron Memorial Park in Williamsport. The events are open to seniors, children and those with disabilities.
   

• MIHI will be working with the Autism Society of Washington County, the City of Hagerstown Police Department, the Washington County Sheriff's Department, and the Washington County Public Schools to organize and fund "Project Lifesaver" for those that have a tendency to 'wander' due to to a variety of memory lose issues.
   

• Continue to support computer lab operations for seniors and people with disabilities at the Western Maryland Hospital Center and Potomac Towers in Hagerstown.

In 2005, MIHI held two extremely successful fishing outings for people with disabilities, senior citizens and children from the Washington County community. The two Fishin' Frenzy events were held at the Star Community Lake off Broadfording Road and at the City of Hagerstown's Pangborn Park. The trout for the two events were  supplied by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Pictured in the back row with Senator Donald Munson and Delegate Chris Shank are representatives from the Department of Natural Resources and the Albert Powell Fish Hatchery in Washington County. In the front row, are three successful trout fisherman from the Western Maryland Hospital Center ... Dennis McMillen, Ben Wager and Linda Folk.

•  Manage MIHI's David Clift Accessible Grant Fund enabling those with disabilities to apply for funding for automatic-door openers to make their lives more independent in their activities of daily living.
   

• In 2007, MIHI will announce the recipient of the Second-Annual MIHI Spirit Award. The award will be presented to the individual who is a prime example of the MIHI's mission in the Washington County community.
   

• Continue to support and sponsor team in Washington County Challenge
  Bowling League. This year MIHI will be expanding its efforts in the “challenge” area of activities for those with disabilities. .
   

• Beginning in 2007, MIHI will be working closely with the Hagerstown Alsatia Club to develop new programs that will benefit the community. Currently, MIHI and members of the Alsatia organization are developing a plan to make the playground at the Byron Memorial Park in Williamsport accessible for children of all abilities. The Alsatia Club will also be assisting with the “Fishin’ Frenzy” events and will assist with a variety of fundraising activities, including our annual Valentine Basket Bingo in February.
   

• MIHI and the St. John’s Episcopal Church will sponsor the “Holiday Gala” at the Western Maryland Hospital Center for the sixth consecutive year.
   

• MIHI will continue to offer a continuing education class at the Hagerstown Community College in 2007 on the subject of “universal design” housing. This class encouraged architects, developers and realtors to build more user friendly housing units in our community to better accommodate the needs of our aging population and those individuals with disabilities.