Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

McKenzie updates Rotary Club on future of M&M Enterprises

Mike McKenzie was the guest speaker at the Thursday, July 26, meeting of the Gurdon Rotary Club.

McKenzie updated everyone on the new M&M Enterprises building that is being built in the Smithton community were the charcoal plant used to be located.

M&M Enterprises was located on Hwy. 53 South until it was burned by arsonists. After the fire McKenzie moved his business to the old Gurdon High School gym until it was set on fire, reportedly by the same arsonists.

Luckily for McKenzie the arsonists were arrested and are awaiting a trial date.

McKenzie informed the Rotarians M&M's new building is 20,000 sq. ft. with a 2,400 sq. ft. office space in the front of the structure. If needed the facility can be added to on either end.

McKenzie also reported a plant in California producing the same products as M&M will be shutting down. This means M&M will be able to employ 15-20 more individuals to help meet the extra demand.

Since McKenzie's second arson fire on March 3, he has been operating out of the old Gurdon High School auditorium. McKenzie said, "We'll probably keep running a skeleton crew at the old auditorium and keep producing trees there." When the new facility is completed M&M will employ around 60 people.

McKenzie also gave an update on the new Therapeutic Family Services located in the old Pineview Nursing Home building. The service is for children ages 6-18 and can take in up to 24 children at a time.

McKenzie said, "This is not a juvenile delinquent facility, it is a foster home for children who just need someone to care for them."

Since the facility opened McKenzie said he has had lots of citizens asking if the children are "locked down." McKenzie said he hopes to educate everyone into understanding these are not bad children, they are children waiting to be adopted or taken into a positive environment to be loved.

Therapeutic Family Services has 12 employees on staff as of right now and plans to have more soon.

Dr. Mike Kelly is on duty to care for the children and Pam Taylor of Gurdon is the R.N. at the facility. Fred Peffercorn is the head of the facility and has many years of experience as he has ran a similar service in Fordyce.

McKenzie told the crowd Peffercorn would be glad to answer any questions that anyone might have. The facility is open 24 hours a day and welcomes everyone.

Therapeutic Family Services has six children ranging from 12-16 yrs of age staying there right now. McKenzie said the children enjoy going to the farm with him and they have attended church with him this past week at Beech Street Baptist Church's revival.

McKenzie is optimistic on the outcome of the facility and the children it houses.

If you would like to find out more about the services call Fred Peffercorn at (870)353-2488.