The New Focus Inc. Board of Directors held its annual meeting on Nov. 19. New Focus, a community rehabilitation provider, has been in business for 33 years and provides employment and community support services. Stan Maddy, board president, opened the business meeting by welcoming all guest, consumers, and staff then invited everyone to tell how they are associated with New Focus.

Election of new board members was held with three people, Ray Tresemer, Teiko Nickle and Connie Steinbach being nominated and elected to fill the three vacancies. Other directors include Stan Maddy, Deb George, Darin Turner and Alan Sells of Centerville and Francis Benell of Moravia. Retiring members were Dan Jay of Moulton, Verlin Akers of Corydon and Georgia Colflesh of Belton, Mo.

The annual audit, the annual report, and the outcome measures report were distributed to all board members. Missy Johnson, administrative assistant, was thanked by the board president for her design and hard work in compiling the annual report.

Peggy Oden, executive director, recognized four people for length of service. They were Rebecca Roberts, 25 years, Judy Williams, 20 years, Chris Benell, 20 years and Dan Jones, 15 years. All received a certificate of recognition and a gift. Oden also introduced Tera Easton, who announced the Person of the Year, to her uncle Danny Coady. Person of the Year is decided by the staff each year to honor the person who has the best or most improved work and social skills. Coady was presented with a certificate and a gift to commemorate the occasion.

Maddy presented outgoing board members certificates of appreciation and thanked them for their support during their six years on the board. Maddy also presented the Staff Incentive award to Jenny Hoover for 20 years of employment at New Focus. Also given awards were Jolene Woodward, Karol Banks, Cynthia Potter and Tera Easton each for five years of service.

Oden thanked her staff for all of their hard work during the past year stating it had been tough with all of the budget cuts but that everyone had worked together to provide quality services for the consumers.

The Board of Directors of the New Focus Foundation held its annual meeting following the New Focus meeting. Verlin Akers, in absence of President Alan Wilson, conducted the business meeting. Foundation board members are Dennis Thomas, Alan Wilson, Akers, Linda Zirnhelt of Centerville and Dan Jay of Moulton.

Election of officers was held. Alan Wilson was elected president; Dan Jay, vice and Dennis Thomas was elected secretary/treasurer. No new board members were elected.

The annual report was distributed, reviewed and approved.

Oden, registered agent, commented on the improvements and successes of the Second Time Around Store over the past year. She stated that for the good people of Centerville and the surrounding areas there would be no store as the donations given are what keeps the store going. Oden said the store has seen many regular customers, many new customers and many people from the lake and the resort shopping in the store. She attributed much of the success to Monica Blizek, store manager, and Dusty Hatfield, store assistant, the great donations, and the low prices that are appreciated by all. Many consumers receive retail experience at the store and more than any other year, have worked at the store to help Monica and Dusty.

Akers thanked the board members for their continued participation on the board, the staff for keeping the store in such wonderful condition, and Johnson for the annual report that she designed.