Alton, Mo. – On November 3, 2025, the Oregon County Sheltered Workshop Board of Directors presented Herman Holmes a plaque for his 38 years of service.
Herman
Herman Holmes was one of the first employees of the Oregon County Sheltered Workshop. Before Herman went to work at the workshop, he was self-employed, mowing yards. Teralyn Hensley, one of the founding board members, stated of Herman, “He has a heart of gold.”
The Workshop
The Oregon County Sheltered Workshop was started in 1987. The workshop is more than just an entity: it’s a way for disabled individuals to be a part of the community. Being able to work at the workshop is sometimes the only social interaction the individuals have; they don’t necessarily work there for money, but to see people.
Tax
While talking with Teralyn Hensley and Larry Rowe, board members, they said that when they applied for the tax for the workshop, they were told that it usually doesn’t pass the first time; it takes multiple times. Despite those words, the tax passed for the first time. According to Rowe, Hensley and her late husband were instrumental in getting the tax passed.
Part of the Community
Presentation
In honor of Herman Holmes’ 38 years of service, the Oregon County Sheltered Workshop Board of Directors- Teralyn Hensley, Larry Rowe, Mike Sullivan, Stephen Colley, and Chester Taylor- presented Herman with a plaque on November 3, 2025. All the Sheltered Workshop workers were present at the presentation. After the presentation, the individuals had a pizza party.
