VCR.09.03.09

Valdosta Civic Roundtable

September 3, 2009

Minutes

Members present: Jane Osborn, Donald Davis, Jerome Tucker, Dennis Marks, Julie Halter, Shannon Jenkins, Charlie Oliver, Katie Hardin, & Leslie Jacobs.

Guests: From The Haven - Karen Argyle & Regina Wisenbaker, Carol Norris, Jacobs’ Ladder.

RSVP’d: Gretchen Quarterman, unable to attend due to Voter Registration going on at VSU.

               Terri Whitlock, unable to attend due to a meeting with a fire client. She sent the following news:

 Valdosta Chapter Red Cross News:

-August 1 Fundraiser was a big success-lots of community support.

-Involved in the United Way Campaign-I am one of the loaned executives. If you know of anyone that would like a United Way presentation at their business, let me know and we can get the appropriate person there.

-Participating in the Red, White & You event at Wild Adventures this weekend.

-If anyone needs CPR/1st Aid Training at their business, let us know.  (229) 242-7404

*Shannon Jenkins/Girl Scouts: There will be a free golf clinic held on 9-14 from 2-4 PM. For details & other info, please see: www.gshg.org

*Julie Halter/VSU Continuing Ed.: Fall registration is under way. There are a great variety of classes. Look them up at: www.valdosta.edu/conted.

*Jerome Tucker/Community Partners in Education: This year they have added 5 schools to their mentoring program. The CPIE Annual Banquet will be held at Valdosta Middle School on 9-17.

 American Red Cross: Type O blood is needed.

*Katie Hardin/Hospice of So GA: A paper on Caring Connections was handed out. This pertains to persons who are caring for aging parents or others facing end of life decisions. Call (229) 249-4100 or the Helpline at (800) 658-8898.

*Donald Davis/Lowndes County Historical Society: Problems at the printers delayed the publication of the latest new brochure, so we will get that next month. Donald told us of the Sesquicentennial Committee meeting. The kickoff for that will be Jan. 15, to coincide with Art After Dark.

*Jane Osborn/Homeless Coalition: There is no longer a “211” due to non-funding issues. This is very unfortunate, considering they are the hub of information for just about everything around here! A sample of the information Jane handles: 1. Greater Valdosta Navigator Team is hosting a Community Resource Fair & Parent Training on Sept. 19, from 9:00 – noon at VMS. 2. VA Substance Abuse Treatment Team, helps those who fought for US to win the battle against alcoholism & addiction. Call (229) 293-0132. 3. Homebuyer Education Workshop will be held on Sept. 12, 9-3:00. Pre-register by calling 229-245-1330/x22. 4. VSU is hosting a Conference on End-of-life & Bereavement Issues, on Sept. 24 & 25. Pre-register by 9-15 at 229.245.6484. 5. On Sept. 9 there will be a speech given for Caregivers at the Park Ave. Senior Center at 11:30. 6. A Food Pantry list is available to help families locate necessary food  assistance. 7. Recommendation was given for this website: www.wellspouse.com 8. Jack Kingston will be in town on Sept. 28 discussing health care issues.

*Dennis Marks/Rotary/Lowndes County Democratic Party: The Monday meeting of the LCDP will not take place on 9-7, due to the Labor Day holiday, but will meet the following Mon., Sept. 14^th. The Rotary Club is in the process of getting books to all students 5 & under. What a great idea! It was mentioned that the Louie P. White Award will be given in December, so members need to be thinking of nominees for this award. To qualify for this award, one has to be a volunteer, not a paid staff person. Names should be submitted at the October meeting for the Officers to vote on.

*Charlie Oliver/Literacy Program: They will be hosting a Day of Bowling on Saturday, Sept. 12^th at Jac’s Lanes, starting at 12:30. Cost is $18 per person for a 5 man team. Please call (229) 333-7515 for more information.

*Karen Argyle/The Haven: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, so they are gearing up for that.

*Leslie Jacobs/Jacobs’ Ladder: School day riding classes have begun again & morning volunteers are needed for  several mornings each month. The Azalea City Kiwanis is hosting a golf tournament,

called Winnersville “Fight in the Forest”. It will be held Oct. 3 at Kinderlou Forest Golf Club. This will benefit the United Way, Lowndes & Valdosta High School football programs. It is hoped that this will become an annual event. Call Leslie at 229.794.1188 or email at leslie@jacobsladderriding.com  for details. Your business can sponsor a hole for $100 & teams play for $300.

This concludes the minutes for September.

Leslie Jacobs,

Secretary