Workshop re-elects directors
CCMR officers will remain unchanged
BY MARIE WHITEHEAD

Directors for the Cherokee County Mental Retardation Association, Inc. met Friday, Dec. 7 at the workshop facility in Jacksonville. By unanimous vote, current officers and directors were reelected. They are James H. Cromwell, president; DeWald Lake, vice president; Marie Whitehead, secretary; Frank Waggoner, treasurer; and directors Gene Brumbelow, Birda Parker, Bobby Coates, Jo Lee, Billy Watson, Sammie Attaway, Mary Germany and Inez Conley.

Among reports given during the business session was a presentation of the fiscal year 2007 financial audit of operations as prepared by Tricia Murdock, CPA. Jeannie Means, manager of fiscal services, made the presentation along with October's financial statements.

Angie Goff, program manager, reported on the facility's major contract, WilsonArt and the establishment of that company's hot line department.

While noting that the workshop program had enjoyed a good year, Executive Director Elton McCune's forecast called for "less volume and less money" for the facility's services in 2008. "We hope to break even next year. That would be fortunate," said Mr. McCune. "Right now, we are in an excellent cash position."

The future of the facility's day habilitation was discussed. The program has experienced rapid growth over the past year. This is the provision of day services to persons from the Cherokee County Mental Retardation's HCS homes, persons referred by ACCESS and persons residing in the BlueBonnet group homes.

"Two factors that are and will be increasing the numbers of persons needing non-vocational day services are an aging consumer population and the number of special needs persons that will be presenting for services in the near future.

"Indeed, we believe that we will soon see a mini-explosion of persons needing very structured and specialized day habilitation services. The evidence of this latter factor became plain during our summer respite program funded by ACCESS when the number of young people, with an autistic diagnosis, presented for services far outstripped our expectations," reported Mr. McCune.

"Future recipients of services will have special challenges that will require a setting tailored for their needs. We want to visit other nearby programs and plan for what we will need in the way of a facility in the future. By next summer, we hope to bring to you plans and ideas for your consideration."

An executive session followed the regular agenda, during which bonuses from 2006 were reviewed prior to a decision for 2007.

The executive director noted this was a "very productive" year. He further credited the more than 50 staff members for their dedication to ensure quality outcomes in all areas of the organization.

In addition to those already named, present were Andrea Grimes, Peggy Munsinger, Billy Reyes and Jon Tyler, staff members.