EATON — L&M celebrated a move to a new facility and its 50-year anniversary with a ribbon cutting on Tuesday, Aug. 22.

“We’re delighted to welcome you as we celebrate 50 years of L&M serving individuals with disabilities in our community, and also celebrating their return to this location,” Preble County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Karen Moss said in introducing L&M Executive Director Cindy Kaufman and Director of Operations Chris Armstrong.

“We feel extremely blessed to be here to celebrate our 50th anniversary at the intersection that gave us our name, Lexington and Maple,” Kaufman said, while thanking L&M’s Board members for their support. “This new renovation, it was a lot of work, and we asked a lot of our board during these times so we appreciate you so much.”

Along with thanking all of L&M’s vendors and suppliers, Armstrong also thanked the staff’s families. “Thank you guys for always showing up and supporting us,” Armstrong said of the vendors. “Whenever we need you guys, you are here. Thank you to our families for all their hard work, dedication to our agency and supporting our long, countless hours.”

“And lastly, our amazing staff,” Armstrong continued. “What a journey right? Thank you for your hard work and dedication to providing the most amazing services each day. We truly appreciate each and every one of you. You guys are superstars. We are extremely excited to get settled into our new space back on Lexington and Maple. We hope our new space will continue to provide and create amazing new memories and opportunities for years to come.”

This year marks the 50th year for the non-profit L&M Products, and special celebratory events are scheduled throughout the remainder of the year.

All of the events will focus on the individuals served and the service professionals that provide these services. Most of the events will be held at L&M’s new location which returns the agency to a familiar intersection from the past — Lexington and Maple.

In early 2023, L&M purchased the First Baptist Church property located at the northeast intersection of Lexington and Maple Street. In January, the offices were relocated and services followed in April.

Until 2016, L&M had operated at the southwest corner of the intersection and was named for the streets Lexington and Maple — L&M. The move and subsequent remodeling was managed by Armstrong and Kaufman.

There will also be a Golf Scramble Fundraiser on Friday, Sept. 29, at the Eaton Country Club, to raise funds for the annual client Christmas party. Contact Kaufman at [email protected] if interested in playing in, or sponsoring the event.

In October, the individuals, families, staff and board members will come together for the return of the annual awards ceremony. This has not happened since the March 2020 event was canceled due to COVID.

The anniversary year will end with the annual Christmas party for the individuals who attend L&M.

For more information, follow L&M Products on Facebook, or visit our website www.LMproducts.org.

Reach Eddie Mowen Jr. at 937-683-4061 and follow on X @emowenjr.