V.C.R.08.06.09

Valdosta Civic Roundtable

August 6, 2009

Minutes

Members present: Donald Davis, Cheryl Oliver, Dennis Marks, Shannon Jenkins, Harriet Messcher,

Gretchen Quarterman, Leslie Jacobs. Visitors today: Ethelene Hayes, Valerie Williams.

Those who replied & were unable to attend: Jane Osborn, Jerome Tucker, Stuart Mullis.

Donald Davis chaired the meeting today, in lieu of the acting chairperson, Jane Osborn. Minutes were accepted. The Treasurer, Cheryl Oliver, reported that the service charges that were erroneously taken are being refunded by the bank. There was $71 worth of fees taken which will be credited back to the Roundtable account. The balance before the refund is $238.63.

Gretchen Quarterman represents the Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange. She encouraged all to attend the community (Board of Commissioners, City Council, & political) meetings. By being informed we are all better citizens.

Cheryl Oliver, with the Turner Center for the Arts reported that the kid’s summer programs were a huge success. On Monday, Aug. 10, from 5:00-7:00 there will be a reception featuring new exhibits. Be looking for Presenter Series letters which will go out later this month. Kid’s Chance bowling tournament & auction will be tomorrow (Aug. 8) at 12:30. Fee is $25 per person to participate.

Dennis Marks spoke of the meeting of the Democratic Party in Lowndes County last Monday. He cautioned members to be aware of false statements concerning the health care updates. See the website: www.lowndesdems.org.

Shannon Jenkins, with the Girl Scouts, told us of the successful drive they recently held to recruit more girls to scouting.

Harriet Messcher handed out The LAMP-Lighter newsletter, which is full of information on LAMP’s activities. The Changing Lives Campaign runs from August to June 2010. On another subject, Harriet recommended that everyone go see South Pacific at the Dosta Theater.

Donald Davis handed out the newest edition of the Lowndes County Historical Society’s “Yesterday & Today” newsletter. There has been a lot of interest in the WW II exhibit, as evidenced by the good number of attendees at the recent reception. Donald also informed us that Ms. Louie Peeples White, the recipient of the first annual award given by the Roundtable two years ago, has recently suffered a stroke & is living at the Heritage House. Please keep her in your thoughts & prayers.

Ethelene Hayes, is with the Coastal Plains Head Start, which serves 9 counties with 13 centers.

Valerie Williams is here visiting with Ethelene & also works at Head Start.

Leslie Jacobs, with Jacobs’ Ladder Therapeutic Riding Center, is beginning to look for new or returning volunteers for the school day program, which is currently scheduled to begin on Aug. 26. A couple hours of volunteering each week will help you realize all the good that is accomplished with the special needs children we see.

We are in need of email addresses of those who would like to remain on our Roundtable list. We are aware that there are some who are no longer in positions who may need to remain informed of the goings on of the Valdosta Civic Roundtable. Please email me to stay in contact with this group. Our actual membership is rather small at this time & we’d like to see the numbers grow, but don’t wish to clutter your Inbox if you don’t want to hear from us. Thank you for your response.

Leslie Jacobs,

Secretary