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Dear Alumni and Friends,

This is to inform you of the status of Laurelbrook Sanitarium and School, concerning its leadership. 

A brief summary of history, approximately two years ago, Mr. Bob Zollinger had questioned whether it might be better for Laurelbrook to have a new chair person for the Laurelbrook Board.   A sub-committee of the board was formed to come up with names for nomination and make a recommendation.  The subcommittee recommended that Mr. Bob continue to chair the board, as long as he felt comfortable with that role of leadership.  This year he requested to resign from the board chair.  The subcommittee met again on the 25^th of June 2009, and recommended two names for nomination of the board chair, to be presented to the constituency meeting held on June 28, 2009.  That same evening, June 25 2009, President Charles Hess e-mailed the board members of his resignation as president/principal of Laurelbrook.

On June 28, 2009 the constituency voted Mr. Wilbur Atwood to be chair of the board.  Because of prior obligations he will not be available for 90 days.  The constituency voted to accept Mr. Bert Coolidge as interim board chair.  After Chuck Hess gave the President's report, he announced his resignation to the constituency.

Actions of the board:

1. Voted to accept the resignation of Chuck Hess as president/principal, effective June 28, 2009.
2. Voted to grant Chuck Hess full retirement, effective immediately.
3. Voted to ask Chuck Hess to serve as advisor to the chairman of the board, effective June 29, 2009.
4. Voted to accept Paul Frechette’s letter of resignation as treasurer/business manager, effective no later than September 1, 2009.
5. Voted to grant Paul Frechette full retirement according to policy.
6. Voted to remove all positions held by Chuck Hess, except executive committee, until the vacant positions are filled.
7. Voted to retain current vice presidents of operations.

8. All Board members present are on one of the sub committees - executive president search committee, education committee, financial committee, or communication committee.

These changes are for a better Laurelbrook.  Laurelbrook has a future!!!

In these challenging times, your continued prayer and financial support is needed and appreciated.

If you have any questions, suggestions or comments, Please address them to Bert Coolidge at:

1. **E-mail preferred,   Coolidge@southern.edu

2. Mail to Bert Coolidge Laymans Foundation,  P.O. Box 481, Collegedale, TN  37315

3. Office phone - 423-643-4080

4. Cell - 423-544-9285