V.C.R.04.02.09

Valdosta Civic Roundtable

Minutes from meeting: April 2, 2009

Members present: Jane Osborn, Dennis Marks, Donald Davis, Cheryl Oliver, Jerome Tucker, Julie Halter, Katie Hardin, Gretchen Quarterman & Leslie Jacobs. Visitors: Michael Bryant, Pam Brewer, Von & Peggi Shipman, Carol Norris, & Elaine Ruggiero.

Treasurer’s Report: $274.59.

Group President, Jane Osborn, called the meeting to order.

Member Reports:

*Katie Hardin, Langdale Hospice, told us there had been a great response to the Grief Camps coming up this month & mentioned that there would be a teleconference open to the public on April 29^th, from 1:30-4:30, at the Hospice of South GA, on Pineview Drive. The topic will be on: Diversity & End of Life Care. Please RSVP, or for more info, call Katie at (229) 671-8342.

*Pam Brewer, Choice for Life of GA, distributed information about the agency which provides foster care & related services, & stressed that foster homes are needed.

*Julie Halter, VSU Continuing Education, handed out the new course schedules for Learning in Retirement. Call 245-6484 for more information. They are busy right now with Spring Break Camps & will soon be planning their Summer Camp program.

*Dennis Marks, Rotary Club, mentioned that the Rotary was in its 90^th year of service. They have almost eradicated polio worldwide. Dennis will take the office of President of the local club in July. The club’s areas of interest are clean water, healthcare & literacy.

*Cheryl Oliver, Turner Center for the Arts, invited everyone to the 22^nd Annual Spring In to Art Exhibit & Sale, on Apr. 13^th, from 6:00-9:00 PM. $45 donation per person. Call (229) 247-2787. There will be 470 pieces of art for sale! Also coming up: the summer art camp for children. Currently on display is youth art.

*Michael Bryant, representative from Sanford Bishop’s office, joined us today. On April 15th & 16^th there will be meetings in the Columbus/Ft. Valley area to discuss the President’s Stimulus Plan & how it will benefit the area.

*Jerome Tucker, American Red Cross, there continues to be a shortage of blood. Less than 5% of eligible blood donors currently give. Jerome also has a map of the new voting precincts for the Board of Elections, for those who are interested in learning more.

*Von Shipman, City Engineer, joined us today. Most are familiar with his name in conjunction with traffic lights, road improvements, etc. He invited us to come to the Traffic Management Center to see how things run around town, through the eyes of many cameras.

*Peggi Shipman works with the Batesville Casket Company. She was formerly associated with the Remerton government.

*Donald Davis, Lowndes County Historical Society, said they are busily preparing for the World War II exhibit, which will occur in late May. War vets will be interviewed, & uniforms from the period will be displayed.

*Gretchen Quarterman, Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange, has been very busy attending local commission meetings, & is interested in helping others learn more about the political arena, offices & ideas. She is also with the Lowndes County Democratic Party. Their next meeting is Mon., April 6^th.

*Jane Osborn, with 211, & the Homeless Coalition gave out information concerning a summer youth program. This will be to target teens preparing to enter the work force. She suggested that everyone who is interested in transportation issues fill out the Accessibility Survey, being conducted through VSU & the Mayor’s Council for Persons With Disabilities. The link: http://surveys.valdosta.edu/surveys/cityaccessibility/

She also mentioned that the GA Legislature will be finishing up this week & everyone should contact their representative & tell them to support & give attention to H.B. 228, which provides many Mental Health Services needed in our area. This Saturday, you are encouraged to attend the Quota Club’s Taste of Valdosta, which will benefit several deserving local agencies. VSU Theater is putting on “Footloose” this summer & the Dosta Theater is putting on “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolfe?”

*Leslie Jacobs, Jacobs’ Ladder Therapeutic Riding Center, wants everyone to know that April is a busy month. On the 11^th there will be a Bowling Fun Tournament at Jac’s Lanes at 1:00. Everyone is encouraged to help support this program. On the 18^th, there will be an Open House & Horse Show at Jacobs’ Ladder. You should come & see the riders! On the 25^th, the Azalea City Kiwanis 39^th Annual Walk for Charity will be held at the Valdosta Middle School Track. Sponsorships are needed. Call Leslie for info or to pledge: (229) 794-1188.

That concludes the minutes of the April meeting. Please plan to attend the next meeting of the Valdosta Civic Roundtable on Thursday, May 7^th.

Leslie Jacobs,

Secretary