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2011 SESSION

11104193D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 777
Offered January 31, 2011
Commending Joy Ranch on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.
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Patrons-- Carrico, Armstrong, Albo, Anderson, Athey, Barlow, Bell, Richard P., Byron, Cleaveland, Cole, Comstock, Cosgrove, Cox, J.A., Cox, M.K., Dance, Ebbin, Habeeb, Herring, Howell, A.T., Hugo, Iaquinto, Ingram, Johnson, Jones, Kilgore, Knight, Landes, Lingamfelter, Loupassi, Marshall, D.W., Marshall, R.G., Massie, May, McClellan, Merricks, Miller, P.J., Morgan, Morrissey, O'Bannon, Oder, Orrock, Plum, Pogge, Poindexter, Pollard, Purkey, Putney, Robinson, Rust, Scott, E.T., Sherwood, Shuler, Spruill, Stolle, Tata, Villanueva, Ware, O., Ware, R.L., Watts, Wilt and Wright
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WHEREAS, Joy Ranch, a Christian Home for Children located in the small community of Woodlawn in Carroll County, celebrates 50 years of making a lasting difference in the lives of children; and

WHEREAS, Joy Ranch had its beginnings in the hearts of the Reverend Richard McHenry and his wife, Mary, as they realized that due to death, incarceration, addictions, abandonment, or abuse that some children did not have a place to live; and

WHEREAS, Reverend McHenry and Mary McHenry began to share their vision with the local community of providing a safe, welcoming, and family-like environment to help children and their families in crisis; and

WHEREAS, the McHenrys purchased 18 acres for $6,000 from Palmer Turner, who generously supported Joy Ranch until his death, while physician Dr. Robert Waddell provided thoughtful guidance and expertise and local residents contributed to the cause; and

WHEREAS, the McHenrys incorporated Joy Ranch in 1957 and welcomed the first children, Susan, Frances, and Edgar Gates, in 1961; the McHenrys lovingly and faithfully directed Joy Ranch until their retirement in 1978; and

WHEREAS, today, Joy Ranch has grown to five ranch-style cottages on 62 acres and includes a gymnasium/auditorium complex, administrative and counseling offices, a recreation facility, and soccer field and ball diamond; and

WHEREAS, Joy Ranch is staffed by loving, committed Christians who provide adult supervision and create a home-like atmosphere while children attend local public schools, participate in meal preparation, and complete chores; and

WHEREAS, Joy Ranch has provided a safe and supportive sanctuary to over 5,000 children since its inception in 1961; and

WHEREAS, Joy Ranch has designated 2011 as its “Year of Jubilee” and will mark its 50th anniversary with a special commemoration and reception at McHenry Cottage on March 23, 2011; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend Joy Ranch on the occasion of its 50th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Executive Director Tim Lewis as an expression of the General Assembly’s congratulations and respect for Joy Ranch’s commitment to helping children and families in crisis.