Her Dream Came True

Through the collaborative efforts of a few committed people, a lady’s dream has been realized.

In 1992, Billy Ray Cyrus recorded “Achy Breaky Heart.” When Joyce Casson heard that song she became an instant fan. For seven years she has collected T-shirts, posters, tapes, CDs, pins, and other memorabilia. She even has a life-size cardboard cutout.

This is a example of what can happen when caring people collaborate to achieve a worthwhile goal. The sparkle in Joyce Casson’s eyes will tell you that sometimes dreams do come true.

Once, Billy Ray appeared in Chattanooga, but the concern was sold out before Joyce could get tickets. Although disappointed, she never gave up hope she would see her favorite entertainer.

Last November, The Advocacy Group (TAG), LLC, an independent support coordination (ISC) agency, began providing services in the Cleveland area. When Sheila Butler, ISC, learned of Joyce’s dream she went to work to make it happen.

“At TAG, our motto is ‘whatever it takes,’ and we mean it” stated Butler. Sheila, along with Diane Lawson, Social Services Consultant at Bradley/Cleveland Services, helped Joyce develop a plan to move her closer to her vision.

When an Internet search discovered Cyrus was to appear at the Governor’s Palace in Sevierville, Sheila’s husband Mike drove 300 miles to get tickets.

Bradley/Cleveland Services helped organize and plan the event. TAG provided two tickets, a rental car, and dinner after the concert.

The Wear House helped with new attire and jewelry for the five ladies who attended. Christy Reece, spouse of Tracy Reece, another TAG employee, added beautiful embroidery while Sheila applied beads and gems.

Joyce Casson (left) and friends got to meet country music star Billy Ray Cyrus as he prepared for his gig.

Governor’s Palace provided a ticket for the volunteer driver, Pat Wells. Joyce invited her best friend, Sandy Trammel, and on the big day Sheila found the time to style their hair while Christy drove to Chattanooga to pick up the rental car.

When they arrived in Sevierville, Joyce and Sandy received the best news of all. Besides close up sixth row seats, Sheila and Christy had backstage passes for the entire group.

They were ushered to the front of the line and were the first ones to actually meet Billy Ray Cyrus. Christy brought along a video camera and captured the excitement on film.

Billy Ray showed why he is such a popular entertainer. He was gracious, attentive, kind, and gentle to those who met him backstage.

Once on stage, Billy Ray shifted gears. His performance was electrifying! Whether they WERE SINGING ALONG OR DANCING IN THE AISLES, EVERYONE ENJOYED THEMSELVES. He gave the audience an incredible evening. No one had a better time than Joyce, whose enthusiasm was contagious.

DMRS Reports at
Status Conference

A status conference regarding the People First v. Clover Bottom settlement agreement was held on October 19, 1999.

Counsel for all parties and members of the Quality Review Panel were present. The topic for this status confer Color ence was behavioral supports and mental health services.

This included discussion of the comprehensive plan on behavioral supports and mental health services,

description of the current system and highlights of strategies for improving services. There were concerns and issues raised and the parties agreed to address them.

An additional status conference will be held Thursday, January 13, 2000 to follow up on behavioral supports and mental health services.

Dr. George Zukotynski, State Behavior Analyst Coordinator for the Division of Mental Retardation Services, gave an overview of the activities of the Division regarding the provision of behavioral supports and mental health services.

Joyce Casson meets Billy Ray Cyrus

Her Dream Came True

DMRS Reports at Status Conference

DMRS Reports at
Status Conference