Sheltered workshop recognizes tenured staff

Cherokee County Mental Retardation Association staff and board members with 15 years or more tenure include: (from left in back) James Cromwell, president; Joyce Cox; Levell Session, Andrea Grimes and Andrea Hunt. Front row from left are Martha Garner, Hazel Luce, Karen Jackson, Barbara Polk and Elton McCune, executive director. Not pictured are Billy Reyes, W.T. Reed, Beth Benjamin, Linda Holman, Scott Howland and Kenneth Martin. A June 1 meeting of the sheltered workshop by the Cherokee County Mental Retardation Association, Inc. recognized tenured staff members with 15 years or more of service.

The board meeting was held jointly with staff members of the workshop. Thirteen of these persons have 15 or more years service. Recognized were Joyce Cox, 26 years; Martha Garner, 22 years; Andrea Grimes, 17 years; Scott Howland, 25 years; Andrea Hunt, 19 years; Karen Jackson, 17 years; Hazel Luce, 17 years; Kenneth Martin, 15 years; Elton McCune, 28 years; Barbara Polk, 24 years; W. T. Reed, 20 years; Billy Reyes, 17 years and Levell Session, 22 years.

Words of gratitude to the staff members were expressed by Executive Director Elton McCune and President Jim Cromwell.

The success of the program is determined by those who provide the leadership and service here, commented President Cromwell.

Regarding the operation of the workshop, Mr. McCune said, "We are having a very productive year. Operating cash has remained in a positive position and the next three months should also be productive for us."

Directors approved early balloon payments against the mortgage of group home property on Tremont Street. After further discussion of available, adjacent land, members authorized the executive committee to proceed with negotiations for acquisition. Prior to the meeting, early arrivers toured several of the properties operated by CCMRA including the workshop. Other routine business included the approval of previous minutes and the financial statements.

Other directors present included DeWald Lake, Gene Brumbelow, Birda Parker, Bobby Coates, Jo Lee, Marie Whitehead, Frank Waggoner, Billy Watson, Sammie Attaway and Inez Conley, Alyn Lang, ACCESS executive director.