Bowling Tournament Sunday - October 15, 2006   SOME OF THE BOWLING TEAMS

President's Reception Monday, October 16, 2006

!!!CONFERENCE PROJECT!!! "A Success" Ms. Ruby Reid-Meeks, Consumer Rights & Access Chairperson  spearheaded the state project this year- the Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill.  Toiletry items were collected at the conference and also a second part of the project was the penny collection from offices across the state called "Playground For Pennies."  The pennies will  be used to assist in building an accessible playground at the Ronald McDonald House.  Each participating office collected pennies in a clear plastic container. The offices collecting the most pennies won money. A NOTE FROM RUBY:   It was a pleasure and an honor to serve as your Consumer Rights and Access Chairperson for our conference this year.  I would like to thank ALL of the offices that participated in the penny drive and also the collection of toiletry items.  I was very pleased at how we as a state agency came together for this worthy cause.  We raised $673.42 in pennies and that took the efforts of all of us.  I am very proud of each of you no matter if you put in two pennies or put in $10 worth of pennies.  Also thank you for your part in the toiletry items which was outstanding!!!!  Congratulations go out to the Raliegh Unit/IL Office for winning a $100 and the Wilson Unit Office for winning $75 for collecting the most pennies.

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Monday, October 16, 2006 After President's Reception "What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?"

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NCRA Annual Awards Breakfast Wednesday, October 18, 2006 T.L. McClellan Scholarships (2 -each for $1000.00) Employer of the Year - Under 200 Morrison's Health Care Food Service - Frye Regional Hospital Employer of the Year - - Over 200 FEDEX - Ground, Charlotte Organizational Award Love Inc. Outstanding Achievement Jerry Stalls Personal Achievement Barbara Lucas Claude A. Myer Leadership Award Patsy Tilley President's Award Clay Freeman

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Special Thanks to North Carolina   I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the North Carolina Rehabilitation Association for the kindness shown to me in my campaign for NRA President-Elect.  The Chapel Hill conference in October was wonderful and I was delighted to meet many members at the NCRA meeting there.  I want to especially thank NCRA 2006 President Cheryl Revels and 2007 President Kenny Gibbs, Linda Harrington, Tommy Cox, Georgia Gulledge, Ruby Reid-Meeks, the Rehab Super-Heroes (!): Annette Ruth, Michelle Erickson, and Blair Chance, and the many other great folks whom I met in North Carolina for their friendship and gracious hospitality.  I pledge to carry out my campaign promises that include:   Improve member benefits and services Improve communication Increase organizational transparency Improve NRA membership and financial infrastructure Be proactive re: big issues like the Rehab Act and WIA reauthorizations, and Rehab Counselor salary equity Foster partnerships with allied organizations to further our mission Enhance public awareness and support for the rehabilitation professions   My experience in North Carolina and other states has taught me that the heart and soul of the NRA is found at the chapter and division level.  There is much we can learn from the wonderful things going on in North Carolina.  The national leadership derives their strength and support from the NRA members and we who hold national elective office need to redouble our efforts to create positive partnerships with our state chapters and members everywhere.  We are all working together on a great mission!  We live in challenging times.  In assuming the office of 2007 President-Elect I look forward to working with NRA President Carl Flowers, NRA Executive Director Linda Winslow (from North Carolina!), and you to make this world a better place for individuals with disabilities and the professionals who dedicate their lives to the cause!  Thanks for your support, and for choosing to be a member of NRA, NCRA and its divisions!   Ray Feroz NRA President-Elect