Volume 11 Issue 4

RCOMO  NEWS

August 2004

Parent Power

Parent Power

Parent Power

Annual Meeting Edition       

Our Annual Meeting has been organized to reflect important issues of today. We’ve attracted a top-notch, diverse group of “presenters” to cover these various topics. Hear about DMH’s folly of removing clients from Habilitation Centers. Meet members of the “Partnership for Quality Care” and their efforts to put some sense back into the MR/DD Division. Be aware of what the Department of Education is doing to raise awareness in your schools of the appropriateness of Sheltered Workshops as good places to work. Learn of the good work being done in our State Schools for the Severely Handicapped and the way they augment the public schools. Tour first class residential facilities in Cape Girardeau; you can have them too! Experience the heartache of the relationship between Thimerosal and Autism.

Meet John Coll’s family and Senator A. M. Spradling, Jr., two giants in our efforts these past 40 years of improving the lives of people with mental retardation.

In addition, we’ve thrown in several entertaining events to enhance your weekend:

An informal evening at the Black Forest [2 1880 German Villages] Great Food; Entertainment by “Coyote Creek”; Craft Demonstrations

Free Kids day at the SEMO District Fair  Saturday 10 - 4 pm

The Jerry Ford 12 Piece Orchestra featuring sounds of the “ BIG BAND ERA.”

So come, bring your families and spend a challenging, informative, entertaining weekend with us. Network with old and new parents, friends and advocates.

YOU WILL LEARN AND BE INSPIRED!

Registration $60 per person-Sons & Daughters Free 
Except Black Forest
Black Forest $8.50 per person

Click Here for our Online Registration Form.

Make Check to: MRC of MO
P.O. Box 831
Cape Girardeau, MO 63702

JOHN COLL

John Coll was a founder of the Bellefontaine Parents Association and President from 1990 until his death in 2002. He was instrumental in building the residential cottages on the grounds and the therapeutic swimming pool. He was cashier of the Thrift Shop upon his retirement from McDonnell-Douglas. The Shop contributes over $50,000 each year to Bellefontaine! He also arranged for the 25th anniversary celebration of the Parents Association. John was treasurer of the Retardation Association of Missouri for many years. Governor Hearnes appointed him to the Presidents Committee on Mental Retardation in recognition of his many contributions.

John and his wife Betty spent many hours educating elected officials in St. Louis and Jefferson City about the needs of people with mental retardation and the appropriateness of Habilitation Centers. He leaves a great legacy of public service that will live for decades.

A.M. SPRADLING, JR.

Senator Al Spradling served in the Missouri Senate from 1952 to 1977. He is the “Father of Mental Health” as we know it today! His investigative committee made history when it reported the warehouse conditions of our mentally ill and mentally retarded citizens in those days. He not only reported those conditions, he corrected them with the help of John Coll and others. Spradling sponsored and passed both the Sheltered Workshop and SB 40 laws that give meaningful work and safe residences to people with mental retardation in our state. He handled every piece of major legislation dealing with mental health from 1954 to 1977!

Senator Spradling is still active in the Cape Girardeau community and goes to his law office every day. He has received numerous awards and honors throughout his illustrious career.

ANNUAL MEETING
SCHEDULE
Drury Lodge I-55/Route K, Cape Girardeau