After 29 years, Frazier steps down from workshop board
Group receives $50,000 grant from T.L.L. Temple
BY MARIE WHITEHEAD

Cherokee County Mental Retardation board members accepted the resignation of their president Woody Frazier at a meeting Friday. Board members also received a $50,000 grant from T.L.L.Temple Foundation. Executive Director Elton McCune is shown left. Newly named President Jim Cromwell displays the check and resigning president Woody Frazier holds a plaque of appreciation from his colleagues. Paul Mayberry, former superintendent of Lufkin State School, right, spoke to the group about Mr. Frazier's 29 years of service.

Directors of the Cherokee County Mental Retardation Association, Inc. met Friday, March 9 for a regular meeting and the celebration of progress for the workshop program and to celebrate the service of retiring president Woody Frazier. Mr. Frazier was presented a plaque by new president Jim Cromwell in recognition of his service from 1982 to the present.

"Mr. Frazier is moving back to his home state of Washington and has submitted his resignation. He was among the group of citizens who met in 1978, leading to the formation of the CCMRA. He was elected board chairman in 1982 and has overseen the building of the Jacksonville facility and growth of this program since," said Mr. Cromwell. "We accept your resignation and promise to fill out your term as we think you would have if you were still here."

During a ceremony of commemoration, one of the CCMRA leaders Paul Mayberry of Lufkin reviewed his memories of the early beginning of service to this area's mentally challenged citizens.

"Mr. (W.W.) Beaver was our superintendent at Lufkin State School where I worked, and one day Rep. Whitehead (Emmett) called him and said, 'I would like for you to help us get something to serve the men- tally retarded of this area,' and that was the beginning," Mr. Mayberry stated. "I remember our meeting in Rusk with Rep. Whitehead and the beginning plans."

Initially, the program began at the former National Guard Armory, now owned by the City of Rusk. In subsequent years, what began as a work/study program, was expanded to include living facilities.

Mr. Mayberry added, "Mr. Frazier has been a good friend through our mutual service to Lion Clubs since 1970, and since 1978 through this board. In the loss of his service, we expect all of you to keep up the good work, as it has been from the beginning. You're one of the best operations in Texas."

The departing president reflected briefly on the time spent on behalf of CCMRA and expressed regret in leaving. "It has been an honor and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with you. I am relocating to be nearer family and return to my roots." His new home is Chehalis, Wash.

Friday's meeting was also marked by the announcement that a grant for $50,000 had been approved from the T.L.L.Temple Foundation in Lufkin. Mr. Mayberry recalled that it was a $10,000 gift from Temple that paid for the first, used van put into service by CCMRA. These latest funds are earmarked for the construction of a 3,600 square foot addition to the workshop. Work has begun with the pouring of a concrete foundation to the south and east of the existing structure.

In other business, reports were given by Executive Director Elton McCune and staff concerning the possible purchase of another group home to accommodate several consumers; financial reports and previous minutes.

Allyn Lang, executive director of ACCESS, gave an overview of proposed legislation that would affect the workshop's operation. "We still have a long way to go," he explained, "but we don't foresee any problems for us."

Mr. McCune indicated that the Wilsonart contract will be the largest ever. He outlined plans for meeting the additional demands. And he reported a contract with TxDOT has been negotiated for maintaining four roadside parks in Cherokee County.

During a reception after the business session, members and staff conveyed their best wishes to Mr. Frazier and welcomed DeWald Lake as the new vice president.

In addition to those named, present were Billy Watson, Mary Germany, Inez Conley, Jo Lee, Bobby Coates, Marie Whitehead and staff members Andrea Grimes, Martha Garner, Jeanie Means, Billy Reyes and Peggy Munsinger.