V.C.R.11.08

Valdosta Civic Roundtable

Minutes from November 6, 2008

Secretary notes: Emailed reminder sent on Friday, October 31st. I received an email from Antoinette Sapp at Smart Recovery, Inc. This is a non-profit that deals with counseling at risk youth. To contact her call: 229.226.5440 or 229.227-2835. Her email is: Antoinette.Sapp@yahoo.com. She was invited to attend our meeting, but didn’t show. Regrets were received from Jerome Tucker & Joyce Aigen, who were out of town. Katie Hardin was unable to be with us, but sent Brenda Freeman in her place, from Hospice. Present today: Dennis Marks, Cheryl Oliver, Donald Davis, Harriet Messcher, Stuart Mullis, December Smith, Sarah Gillette, Suzanne Ewing, Brenda Freeman & Leslie Jacobs.

Treasurer’s report: $358.07

Meeting called to order by Dennis Marks. The October minutes were accepted & new business was: The December meeting will be held at the Turner Center for the Arts on Dec. 4th at 12:30. Members who have paid may attend at no additional cost. Those who have not paid may also attend, but should plan to pay $15. All who attend MUST R.S.V.P.! Covington’s will do the catering & will only bring enough dinners for those who have replied. You should do that by Dec. 1, either by calling Leslie at 794.1188 or by email: leslie@jacobsladderriding.com. Those who attend are asked to bring a small suitcase with a stuffed animal for children in DFCS. The Executive Committee voted to award this year’s Louie Peeple White Award to Roy Copeland of 100 Black Men, a local organization which provides scholarship & mentoring. Stuart made the motion to accept this proposal & Donald seconded. The 2009 V.C.R. officers will be: Jane Osborn – President, 1st V.P. – Donald Davis, 2nd V.P. – Jerome Tucker, Treasurer – Cheryl Oliver, & Secretary – Leslie Jacobs. This decision was made through the Executive Committee & new officers will be installed at the December meeting. Dennis Marks will have other pressing duties next year & felt it best to step down. Jane Osborn accepted the offer to lead the Roundtable next year.

*Donald Davis passed out the most recent copy of the Historical Society’s Newsletter. There are many interesting articles in it, be sure to get a copy! Donald also told us that he was able to acquire a number of beanie babies, which will be used to decorate the tables in Dec. & then given to DFCS for distribution.

*Sarah Gillette is new with the Valdosta Easter Seals office. She is the Residential Coordinator. Easter Seals is having an Open House on Dec. 4th, from 2-4 PM. There will be a ribbon-cutting & all are invited.

*December Smith was also present from Easter Seals. She is the Respite & Family Support person you should contact if you know of someone who needs Easter Seals’ services.

*Stuart Mullis, from Habitat for Humanity shared that they are currently working on 4 houses. Last year the local chapter built 23 houses! They rank 41st in the national ranking of all Habitat for Humanity chapters. Way to go, Stuart! If you know of a church group that would like to get involved in the Houses

Of Faith builds, they will be coming up soon.

*Cheryl Oliver was excited that Three Redneck Tenors were singing tonight. There is still time to get season tickets for the Presenter Series. Call 247.ARTS. On Nov. 17th, from 5-7:00 the Gallery will be open. Go see what’s new! Dec. 1st, Whilby Coleman will be there for a book signing. On Dec. 2nd, Chad Rice will be available to make Silhouettes. You must have an appointment & the cost is $40 per person for 2 copies of the same person. Kid’s Chance, which has moved to Atlanta is doing well there & providing more scholarships.

*Harriet Messcher told us about the Little Actor’s Theater. They are having a “Showtime at Fox’s”. It is a performance by kids & for kids. It will be held on Nov. 9 & 16th. A $12 ticket will include: Meal, 8 tokens, & the show. Call 293.1369 for more details. LAMP is hosting the 8th Annual Community Block Festival on Nov. 22nd, from 10-2:00. There will be free food & drinks, music, dancing, games & prizes. There will also be turkey baskets given away to qualifying families.

*Brenda Freeman visited today with us from Hospice. There will be several Lunch & Learns coming up on the 12th & 19th. Lunch is a very reasonable $7.50, a reservation is required to attend. Call 671.8342.

*Suzanne Ewing, with VSU’s Learning in Retirement told us of a Community Health Fair being held on Nov. 13th, from 9 – 3:00, at the Regional Center for Continuing Education, across from the Crescent. This is available for anyone. You don’t have to be enrolled in the Learning in Retirement program to benefit.

*Dennis Marks said that the voter turnout during the recent election was over the top. He reminded us that there will be important run-off elections held on Dec. 2nd & urged everyone to go back to the polls.

*Leslie Jacobs is heading out on Friday AM to the Special Olympics State Horse Show in Perry, GA. There will be 6 local participants from Jacobs’ Ladder, along with their families, our volunteers & horses spending the weekend in competition. Results posted later!

This concludes the minutes for this month. They are submitted for your review. Thanks,

Leslie Jacobs,

Secretary