Gene Suhr, president of the CDC board of directors, presents a Consumer of the Year award to Brandon Been. Photo provided The CDC Resources Annual Meeting & Award Celebration was Oct. 28 at the American Legion in Monticello.

Double awards are presented annually - to recipients in the north section and south section of the fivecounty service area.

This year there were three Carroll County recipients from the south section. The Flower Shoppe and Downtown Flora Merchants received the Community Spirit Award, Brandon Been received the Consumer of the Year award, and Bassett & Talbert received the Employer of the Year award.

Mike Cruz, CDC executive director, was the master of ceremonies. He explained why The Flower Shoppe and Downtown Flora Merchants received the Community Spirit Award.

"We often talk about the best way for individuals with developmental disabilities to live is with natural supports - from friends, family and the community as a whole," he said. "Small towns in Indiana are known for being friendly and caring but what has happened in Flora is remarkable none the less.

Theresa Brown accepts a Community Spirit Award on behalf of the Flower Shoppe and Downtown Flora Merchants. Photo provided "Ron Rice moved to that town a number of years ago to get away from a bad situation. Since that time he has come to treasure this community and the town has embraced him.

"Several years ago some of the local merchants were looking at ways to spruce up the downtown appearance and decided to place flowers throughout the shopping district. Ron was asked if he would be willing to water these plants during the summer and he accepted. Ron and his water wagon have become a familiar face as he takes his work very seriously. Most flowers should be so lucky and so is Ron.

He has value and an important role in the community because a group of merchants saw a winwin situation and reached out for him. He has made many friends in the community and is an integral member of the town.

"The ladies at the Flower Shoppe and other downtown merchants in Flora who are part of this project have set a wonderful example of what it means to look out for your neighbor and richly deserve the CDC Community Spirit Award this year. They have become friends and supporters of Ron and he in turn has a much larger extended family now that look out for him."

Theresa Brown from The Flower Shoppe accepted the award. Other employees from The Flower Shoppe also attended as well as a representative from the Town Office and another downtown merchant.

Brandon Been lives in CDC's group home in Delphi.

"When you believe in an individual, they will believe in themselves, and when that happens there is no limit to what can be achieved," Cruz said. "Brandon is a prime example of this. Many Day Services staff thought that Brandon couldn't talk. During the course of his year though he has proved that assumption wrong and is now vocalizing his wants and needs throughout the day. As Brandon's social skills have blossomed, he has no longer been content to be a passive observer during classes and activities; he now actively participates, which in turn is leading Brandon to new opportunities to learn even more skills."

Cruz said those who work with the developmentally disabled should never consider anyone un-teachable and should never stop trying to teach them new skills.

Heartland Employment Services recognized Bassett and Talbert in Delphi as the Employer of the Year. Terri Wagner is the manager that works directly with the clients.

The following was said about the Delphi employer:

"Bassett and Talbert has a long history with Heartland Employment Services and its clients. They realize that people with barriers need more opportunities when it comes to community employment and they have been willing to help. Currently, two Heartland clients work at Bassett and Talbert where they have grown as people and as employees because of the patience, understanding and accommodations staff make. A special attribute about Terri is that she is concerned about our clients outside of work as well as at the workplace. She is also willing to work through problems in order to help our clients retain their employment."

Some of those served by CDC are taking lessons with Snow's Tae Kwon Do of Carroll County, and they gave a demonstration that night.

CDC has been offering services to this area for 55 years.