VCR.09.08

Valdosta Civic Roundtable

Minutes from September 4, 2008

Secretary notes: Email reminder sent on Friday, August 29th.

Regrets: Joyce Aigen is at the Learning in Retirement kick-off luncheon at VSU. Dennis Marks has been out of town at the Democratic National Convention & is not back yet. Mark Kiyak contacted Dennis with an offer to put together a video for a local organization. Interested persons should contact Mark at: mkiyak@valdosta.edu

Attending: Donald Davis, Cheryl Oliver, Jane Osborn, Jerome Tucker, & Leslie Jacobs.

Treasurer’s Report: $358.07

Meeting was called to order by Donald Davis, the First Vice President of the Roundtable, in the absence of the Club President, Dennis Marks. Jerome Tucker moved that the August minutes be accepted, &

Cheryl Oliver seconded the motion.

Donald suggested that we should be making decisions soon concerning the Holiday party, but tabled further discussion for a later meeting when more members were present. He did mention that he had obtained many ‘beanie-babies’ which can be put in the back-packs & suitcases we bring for the foster children. Donald also mentioned that the Rotary Clubs will be observing their 90th anniversary in March 2009. Other news he noted: The Georgia Southern & Florida Railroad Historical Society will be meeting on Sept. 26 & 27. He also reminded members of the special ceremony being held at First Baptist on Sept. 11, 2008, at 7:00 PM. The speaker will be Dr. Kevin McCowan.

Jerome Tucker told us that the vacant building over in Folkston is still available. He also reminded members that the Red Cross continues to need blood from local citizens.

Cheryl Oliver handed out brochures announcing the Presenter Series sponsored through the Center for the Arts. We spoke of the stage & size of Mathis Auditorium & the need for a new performing arts center in Valdosta. On Oct. 4th there will be an Art Reception from 4-6 PM showing the Watercolor Society. On Oct. 9th there will be a concert at 7:30, given by Stanton Lanier from Atlanta. He is called the

“Pianist of Peace”. On Oct. 19th & 23rd there will be some Mystery Events that Cheryl wanted us to mark on our calendars. On Oct. 28th there will be a children’s program.

Jane Osborn came with a bountiful supply of information, as she usually does! VSU Symphony begins its season on Sept. 13. Angel Food Ministries is ongoing. Boxes of food can be purchased for greatly reduced prices. Orders are due by Sept. 15th. Contact Evangel Temple Church at 229.242.1260. Jane also mentioned that food can be obtained for eligible persons through the USDA Surplus Commodities.

Emory Prevention Research Center invites interested persons to hear about cancer prevention efforts at A Community Health Forum in Albany, GA on Tues., Sept. 9th, from 3-6 PM. There is no charge for attending. A reminder that free & reduced prescriptions are still available. Call 1-888-477-2669. A brochure was given pertaining to the Child Tax Credit. The AAUW is meeting next on Sept. 13th. Chamber

Of Commerce, Myrna Ballard will be the speaker. A reminder: Easter Seals has an office on Patterson St. now. There is a new program, called Champions, which may help additional eligible persons. On Nov. 4-6 there will be a Crisis Intervention Team meeting in Atlanta. For more information, call 770.234.9347, or see: www.namiga.org.

Leslie had news of the 15th Annual Awards & Recognition Banquet hosted by the Mayor’s Council for Persons with Disabilities. It will be held on Tues., Sept. 30th at VSU. The speaker will be Dr. Patrick Schloss, new president of VSU. Tickets are $12.50 early, or $15 at the door. Contact Kim Wagner at 293-7270 for tickets or information. There is also an ongoing need for volunteers able to help at Jacobs’ Ladder on weekday mornings. Please call Leslie if interested, at 794-1188.

Submitted for your approval.

Leslie Jacobs, Secretary