In This Issue:

The dedication ceremony was held on the grounds of the home and refreshments were served after the ceremony. Mrs. Peoples, her children, Debbie, Jim and Cindy along with grandchildren, Scott, Jennifer, David, Michael, and Paul heard Representative Marion Carnell, Mayor George Rush, Dr. Stan Butkus - State Director of the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs and J. Felton Burton speak of the many contributions Dr. Peoples made to the community he served for 44 years.

Mayor Rush declared the day the "Dr. Don Peoples Day" in the Town of Ware Shoals. Linda Kidd, Chairperson of the Emerald Center Multi-County Board for Disabilities and Special Needs, welcomed the visitors with Chaplain George Hill offering the invocation. Dr. People's children unveiled the dedicatory plaque and Mrs. Peoples unveiled a portrait of Dr. Peoples that will be placed in the residence.

The prayer of dedication was made by the Reverend Gayle Summey, Pastor of the Ware Shoals United Methodist Church. Louise Robinson, Service Coordination Supervisor, sang two beautiful songs during the program. She was recognized as being the last baby Dr. Peoples delivered at the medical clinic and to honor him she sang "Can You Feel the Love" and "Bless This House". Following the ceremony, the family and honored guests joined in the ribbon cutting that officially designated the home as the Dr. Don Lester Peoples Community Residence.

What an honor it was for me to pay tribute to a man who dedicated his life to the service of mankind. Don was a genuine, compassionate man with a gentle demeanor that instantly put people at ease. The health and life of his patients was always his first priority. From the time he began ministering to the medical needs of our clients and staff there was a mutual admiration. I wonder how many doctors are greeted with hugs by their patients. We will forever be grateful for Dr. Peoples and his family.

J. Felton Burton
Executive Director

Shirley Clinkscales, Trainer/Van Driver, was named Safety Employee of the Year during Safety Week June 5 - 9 for her many contributions to the safety of our individuals and her heroic effort during a recent emergency.

Several activities were sponsored during the week by the Safety Committee to promote safety awareness. Fun Day on Friday ended Safety Week with exciting games, good food, and the highlight of the day was the dunking booth.

John Mark McQuown, James Hackett, Bob Bennett and Bobby Crawford hosted an open house recently to say hello to their new neighbors in Canterbury. A good turnout was on hand to welcome these men to the community.

John Mark, James, Bob and Bobby reside in a Community Training Home II which provides the opportunity for them to live in a homelike environment under the supervision of qualified and trained caregivers. Personalized care, supervision and individualized training are provided.

August

September

Volunteers Honored

Ricky Boyd of Saluda, Elaine Cunningham of Ware Shoals and John Mark McQuown of Greenwood, along with Louise Robinson, Service Coordination Supervisor, dedicated the song "Love Lifts Us Up" to the volunteers.

Special recognition was given to Miss Emma Gaskin, Assistant Program Coordinator in the Adult Day Program at Emerald Center. Emma was recently presented the first Champion of Youth Award by the Education Enrichment Foundation of Greenwood County and Connie Maxwell Children' Home. Emma was instrumental in creating and making the dream of a park become a reality in Magnolia Park. "Emma is a very dedicated staff member who goes above and beyond the call of duty. She unselfishly gives of her time to others. In addition to her job duties, she is raising her three nephews, active in her church and community, and recently received her BS Degree from Lander University.

The AED's will be located in Greenwood, Ware Shoals, and Saluda. Staff members in each of these locations have been trained to operate these machines. These employees are certified in Professional CPR and the use of an AED.

• 10 Year Service Awards:

Shirley Clinkscales - Greenwood Work Activity Center; Barbara Conway - Burton Community Residence; Emma Gaskin - Greenwood Day Program; Katherine Glover- Brannon Street CTHII; Mildred Kerr and Carole Meyer - Pritchard Community Residence; Kenneth Stahl - Maintenance.

• 5 Year Service Awards:

Alice Adams - SLP/Edgewood; Geraldine Allen - SLPII Ware Shoals; Williette Harrison - Greenwood Day Program; Teri Lake - Burton Community Residence; Ralph Lindsay, Jr. - Bonds Community Residence; Terrell Patten - SLPII - Edgefield; Lee Ann Pope - Debbie B CTHII; Johathan Steelmon - Ware Shoals Day Program; Jack Stewart - MIS; Flo Walls - Human Resources; Donald Wyman - Pritchard Community Residence.

Linda Kidd, Chairperson of the Emerald Center Multi-County Board for Disabilities and Special Needs, spoke to the group and offered motivational and inspirational remarks. Chairperson Kidd pointed out the many wonderful aspects of the staff's dedicated service to people with disabilities and special needs in Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, McCormick, and Saluda counties. "On behalf of the Emerald Center Multi-County Board, I want to tell you how very much we appreciate your dedication, commitment, and hard work. You are very special people," stated Kidd.

Emerald Center Night at the Ware Shoals Catfish Feastival

Ricky Boyd, Brenda Holmes, Ernestine Parks, Sharon Burns, Harry Jackson having a great time at the Feastival.

Alida Vanderwerff and Cleve Wiggley riding the spinning hearts.

Celebration 2000 at North Side Baptist Church

Bob Bennett on the drums accompanied by his father, the Reverend Nelson Bennett, gave a rousing rendition of "When the Saints Go Marching In".

Warren Sullivan, Phillip Strickland, Darryl McFadden, Robbie Hunt and Rex Johnson sang, "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands".

Developmental Learning Center Goes To The Movies

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The Developmental Learning Center recently had a real treat with a trip to REI Cinema to see the movie, "Tigger". It was hard to determine who had the most fun the children or the adults

Coach Skip Holtz and Willie Morgan swap autographs and hats. Willie performed with the Emerald Center Ensemble during lunch.

"We were delighted to have University of South Carolina Assistant Head Coach Skip Holtz and Clemson University's Sports Broadcaster, Jim Phillips, as our special guests," stated J. Felton Burton, Executive Director of Emerald Center. "We were so impressed with their enthusiasm and response. They were amazed at the community support of this special event," said Burton.

Senator John Drummond and Representative Marion Carnell were named Honorary Chairmen of the golf classic. "Because of their efforts and support, the State of South Carolina has led the nation in providing quality community programs for people with disabilities and special needs," stated Burton.

The purpose of the classics is to raise funds for the special needs of people with disabilities (autism, mental retardation, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and related disabilities) in Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, McCormick and Saluda counties.

"We would like to thank everyone who made the golf and tennis classics a great success. We had a wonderful afternoon of golf and tennis," stated Burton.