Michigan

Michigan strawberries... yummm! You may not think strawberries are grown in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, but you would be mistaken... Meet one of Michigan AgrAbility's clients - Roger Pellegrini from Vulcan in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Roger raises nine acres of u-pick strawberries, in addition to other crops such as pumpkins, corn, and rye. If that doesn't keep him busy enough, he also operates the local school district's bus maintenance garage on his farm, which includes hiring and managing the district's drivers. Roger was first injured in 1988 when a tractor tire fell on his back in the farm shop. He worked many years while dealing with arthritis that went from bad to worse. As a result of his already compromised physical condition, Roger was hit with a secondary injury to his shoulder when he fell off a tractor. In 2016, Michigan AgrAbility's Ned Stoller provided a no-cost evaluation for Roger and prioritized needs in helping Roger continue both his farm and mechanic work for the school. Through Michigan Rehab Services, Roger acquired hearing aids, which significantly improved his communications skills with farm clients and his accountant. He also acquired a John Deere Gator to help him navigate the farm and one tractor lift. AgrAbility contributed a quick hitch, the power lift creeper, and a donated man lift.

Submitted by Deb Chester