Mayor McGee Signs Proclamation to Members of "Arc of the Pine Belt"

HATTIESBURG, MISS. - The Mayor of Laurel, Johnny McGee presented a proclamation to members of an organization called Arc of the Pine Belt. The Arc of the Pine Belt is a volunteer-based membership organization made up of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “We are just trying to make people aware of people with intellectual disabilities and their needs and what they can do and contribute to the community. Not only their disabilities but their abilities,” Arc of the Pine Belt’s treasurer, Betty Busbea said. “They have talents, they have skills, and they just happen to have some developmental issues, but they are still a part of our community and we recognize them and want to do all we can to make sure they are easily integrated into our community,” Mayor McGee said. The Arc of the Pine Belt Region serves residents of Jones, Wayne, Jasper, Smith, and Covington counties.