Holaway Retires from SIMV. Mindy Holaway, pictured center, is joined by her parents Friday afternoon, as she retired from the Sheltered Workshop of the Meramec Valley following 21 years of service

By James B. Bartle
The Sheltered Workshop of the Meramec Valley has continued to provide jobs for the handicapped in Sullivan for over 20 years and this week the local industry saw the retirement of one of its first employees.
Mindy Halaway retired Friday with friends, co-workers and family on hand for her proud retirement ceremony.
Eric Gorzik, SIMV, read a Certificate of Achievement from SIMV covering Haloway’s nearly 21 years with the company. Gorzik commented that SIMV is going to miss Haloway’s smiling face, work ethic and commitment to SIMV.
In a prepared statement by SIMV:
“Mindy Halaway became employed at SIMV on Oct. 5, 1988. She was among the first to be hired at the newly established sheltered workshop on Acid Mine Rd. in Sullivan. She learned and became proficient at many different job skills, primarily bench-type work during the early years. As the workshop made technological advances, many of the work processes changed, resulting in Mindy adding to her job skills. As one of the original employees, Mindy has been a part of every growth spurt experienced by SIMV through the years.
Those who have never worked in a production-type environment may not fully understand or appreciate what it entails: the work can be grueling, as it is often repetitive and monotonous. Mindy’s tenacious personality served her well throughout her employment experience. She demonstrated what it means to hang in there, do your best, and if you really, really want something, stay the course and it will be yours. Those who have walked along beside her, for even a portion of her journey, understand and appreciate all she’s accomplished. Her loyalty and dedication to the job are an inspiration.
Mindy has burrowed her way into the hearts of many at SIMV and her absence will not go unnoticed. She has devoted nearly 21 years of service to Sheltered Industries of the Meramec Valley. She is wished a happy and healthy retirement from her friends and co-workers at SIMV.”
Marie Holaway, mother of Mindy, stated, “I think the workshop has really been a splendid place for Mindy and the handicapped people. Mindy was always up at 5 a.m. to get ready for work; until recently, she experienced a big change and wanted to be home with mom and dad.”
Mindy’s sister, Teresa, had retired from the workshop after serving 15 years and both had started at about the same time at the workshop.
“The people here at the workshop have been so good to Mindy,” said Marie Holaway. “We appreciate everything they have done.”
The Service Coordinator of Developmental Disabilities also assisted SIMV in holding the retirement ceremony.
SIMV presently employs 120 people with disabilities and has sales of $1.5 million.