JRDS celebrated 40th anniversary

Twenty-five years ago this week, a local organization was preparing to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

The March 28, 1998, edition of The Commercial Review included a story about plans to celebrate the anniversary of Jay-Randolph Developmental Services.

In 1958, a group of local parents got together in an effort to help children with developmental disabilities. They set up an area in the basement at Portland’s First Presbyterian Church and encouraged other parents to join them. As the program grew, it was moved to a new location and the Jay County Association for Retarded Citizens — the named was later changed to Jay-Randolph Developmental Services — was formed. Continued expansion saw it move again in 1966 and begin offering services to Randolph County residents.

As part of a celebration of 40 years of service, Jay-Randolph hosted Chris Burke, who played Corky Thatcher on the ABC TV series “Life Goes On” and music collaborators Joe and John DeMasi for the musical presentation “Everyone Can Be A … Singer With The Band,” with one performance each at Jay County High School and Winchester Community High School.

“I’ve always wanted to be an entertainer just like Michael Jackson,” Burke said in a press release. “To be able to have a music career with my two best friends, the guys who taught me all about music, is a dream come true.”

Burke’s run playing a teenager with Down syndrome on “Life Goes On” was credited with helping to transform America’s image of those with disabilities.

During his visit to Jay County, Burke planned to visit JRDS facilities and meet with clients and families. At that time, the organization operated three group homes in Portland and one in Winchester. It was also in the process of developing a home near New Castle State Developmental Center.