Chris Grimm Celebrates in Style
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At 9 a.m. on Oct. 16, 2009, the Mosaic staff members and others who participate in the workshop gathered outside as a limousine carrying Grimm, and his Mosaic staff member Kara Dalen, pulled into the parking lot. After it stopped, a red carpet was rolled out and the driver opened the door for Grimm to emerge with both hands open wide in the air signifying his ten years at Mosaic. The applause, yelling and laughter of those gathered showed the enthusiasm for the event.
After many hugs, Grimm returned to the limousine to get a bouquet of flowers, which he presented to Amy Cross, Direct Support Manager, who, coincidentally, started working at Mosaic the very same day in 1999 as Grimm did.
Cross remembers their first day together. Grimm, she said, hid in the closet because he was intimidated by the noise and activity of the workshop. He didn't want to speak with others, didn't want to work, and wouldn't even join the others for break or for lunch. In spite of those early, challenging days, Grimm has done well at Mosaic, she said.
Through small steps, Grimm has become more comfortable around crowds and noise. In fact, his family notes with pride that a few years back Grimm attended a raucous World Wrestling Entertainment event and enjoyed it so much he wants to go back sometime. He also began to open up more, and today mentions a couple of Mosaic staff members among his favorite people, including Dalen, who has been with him for seven years and made sure his tie was perfect for his anniversary celebration.
The anniversary celebration was Grimm's idea after hearing talk in his family of upcoming wedding anniversaries and at work of Cross' employment anniversary. He also decided how it would be celebrated and provided a cake each for himself and for Cross, wore a suit and tie, and invited all of his workshop friends.
In addition to his workshop duties, Grimm also works two days a week at Account Recovery, Inc. shredding paper. His parents, Don and Janey Grimm, are familiar faces around Mosaic and were 2009 Mosaic Spirit Award recipients at Mosaic in Omaha's summer picnic.
