The Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities held a reception on June 16 to honor their non-profit board, Clerco, Inc. This was an all-volunteer board whose members where community individuals who had been involved with CCDD for thirty-eight years. The board supported CCDD’s efforts during levies, poor economic times, and all of the years in between.
When the Clerco Board was established in 1973, the original members had no idea it would still be going strong in 2011. At their first meeting, Paul Schnurr was elected President; at their last meeting on June 16, Schnurr was there, continuing to serve as an active member of the Board.
“I was still in the Air Force when the Board was formed,” said Schnurr, who was a US Air Force Recruiter in Clermont County in 1973. “I am proud to have been at the Board’s first and last meetings.”
Clerco (which was a shortened version of the words “Clermont County”) had many members throughout its existence; those who were current members had been with the Board for several years and were committed to the CCDD agency mission in various ways. Carl Rayles of Stonelick Township was President and became a member in the 1980s, as did member Ralph Lewis of Batavia. Vice President Don Collins of Williamsburg Township was asked to be part of the Board when he retired as Superintendent of CCDD in 1989; other members who were retirees of CCDD were Joyce Parker of Milford and June Ludwick of Williamsburg Township, who served as Treasurer. Dianne Boland of Batavia served as Secretary and became involved with Clerco in the early 2000s and is the parent of an adult served by CCDD. Jean Miller of Batavia the Board’s Clerk and was also a retiree of CCDD.
This year the Clermont County Board of DD contracted with Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries Inc. to handle all work activities under their non-profit, Clermont Sheltered Work Administration Services because of their extensive history and experience with work programs for people with disabilities. The Clerco Board will formally dissolve at the end of their fiscal year which is June 30, 2011.
“There is no way to properly thank these seven generous people for their years of dedicated service to the adults receiving services from the Clermont County Board of DD,” said Sharon Woodrow, CCDD Superintendent. “Because of them, individuals were able to earn a paycheck and to learn about meaningful work activities. Additionally, this board served as our fundraising arm and many people benefited from the money raised. We will be forever grateful.”
At their reception on June 16, the Clerco Board members received a glass statue commemorating their dedication and support to CCDD, as well as a framed copy of a print from Frank Herman who is a well-known artist in Clermont County and who receives services from CCDD.
Although their Board has dissolved, many of the members will remain involved with CCDD. Having volunteered for so many years, they just can’t get it out of their blood.