VCR.01.07.10
Valdosta Civic Roundtable
Jan. 7, 2010
Members present: Jane Osborn, Dennis Marks, Harriet Messcher, Stuart Mullis, Shannon Jenkins, Donald Davis, Jerome Tucker, Gretchen Quarterman, Cheryl Oliver, Karen Yawn, & Leslie Jacobs. Visitors: Della Perkins, Alana Miller, Christy Englehart, & Tina Worms.
The first meeting of 2010 was held at the Hilton Garden Inn on Gornto Road. President, Jane Osborn called the meeting to order & welcomed members & guests.
*Shannon Jenkins, Girl Scouts: Cookie sales are starting. If you don’t know a Girl Scout, call Shannon & she’ll set you up. Cookies should be available around Valentine’s Day & are $3.50 a box. She was leaving early to meet with a prospective new leader, which leads me to believe that there is still a need for adult leaders. She reminded members that if they need to dispose of an American flag, they may be turned in to a Girl Scout for a proper ceremony & disposal.
*Jerome Tucker, American Red Cross, CPIE & Boy Scouts: Jerome reminded us that blood & disaster services work together; CPIE is continuing to mentor in 5 elementary schools & the Boy Scouts are celebrating 100 years. They will have a breakfast fundraiser on Fri. AM. He also introduced Tina Worms, an employee at Ace Electric, who has recently moved back to the area. The Mathis Auditorium is open for the next several nights, while temperatures are dangerously low for the homeless & those without heat.
*Karen Yawn, The Haven: They were at 101% capacity last month & had a new baby born in their care. They provided for 50 families for the holidays, thanks to help from Joyner ERA. On the 2nd Thurs. of each month they have a meeting at Redirect Counseling Services from 12:00-1:00. Karen brought along Christy Englehart, who is working at The Haven as well.
*Suzanne Ewing, VSU Continuing Education: There are many exciting courses available to those 50 & above. Winter courses are starting soon! Register now by calling 245-6484. Spring courses will take place in March & April.
*Gretchen Quarterman, Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange: The mission of LAKE is to encourage citizen participation in government operations. Everyone should want to know more of what is going on in our community! They meet the 1st Tuesday of each month at 5:30 at the Flavor of New Orleans. See more at: www.l-a-k-e.org.
*Della Perkins, Hospice of South GA: Katie Hardin was unable to be with us today, so Della came to share info from Hospice. She is the Volunteer Services Manager. There will be training classes for new volunteers on Sat., Jan. 23, from 8:30-3:00. Call Della to register or for more info: 671-8375.
*Cheryl Oliver, Roundtable Treasurer & Turner Center for the Arts: There was a balance of $230.49 in the account at year end. The account will be moving to Bank of America soon, to avoid incurring further service charges. News from the Turner Center – Mon. 1-11, 5:00-7:00, there will be an opening reception. On 1-25, at 7:00 PM they will host a Girls’ Night Out & will present “Mamma Mia!” the movie.
On 2-11, “Hairspray” will be put on at the Mathis Auditorium. More details soon. On 1-15, at 6:00 PM, the Official Kickoff for the Sesquicentennial will be held at the Lowndes County Courthouse steps. There will be many fun activities for everyone. Call 259-3548 for info. This also coincides with Art After Dark Downtown that evening.
*Donald Davis, Lowndes County Historical Society: The most recent Yesterday & Today publication was passed out, & was – as usual, full of interesting information of events both past & present. There is even a section for the kids, to excite them about past history of our area.
*Stuart Mullis. Habitat for Humanity: It is no surprise that Valdosta Habitat was the leading home builder in 2009. Stuart mentioned that 30,765 volunteers had helped to make that happen! The Blazer Build is coming up soon, to get the building going again this year. Don’t forget the ReStore on Cypress St.- many new items are there for greatly reduced prices. They are open Thurs. - Sat. from 9:00-5:00.
*Harriet Messcher, LAMP: Harriet expressed her appreciation for the award given to Sidney Morris, the 2009 recipient of the Louie Peeples White Award. The Valdosta Board of Realtors Festival of Trees fundraiser for LAMP was a great success. Homeless For A Night will take place on Mar. 12. More information on that - next time.
*Dennis Marks, Rotary: Their big project, in conjunction with funding through the Dolly Parton Foundation continues. Imagination Library seeks to get one book per month into the home for a child under the age of 5 years old. For $3 a month, or $36 a year, you can improve the life of a child & work to eliminate illiteracy. There will be a Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner on 2-18. Cost is $100 per plate,
which aids families or officers who have suffered loss. As part of the Lowndes County Democratic Party, Dennis reminded everyone that 2010 will be a big year for elections. If you are interested in attending their meetings, they meet the 1st Mon. of each month & in Jan., will be at Bas Bleu.
*Jane Osborn, 211, South GA Homelessness Coalition: lightly used & clean blankets are needed. It is believed that Bishops Cleaners will still accept coats, will clean them & Valdosta Junior Service League will distribute them to needy persons. The 2010 Census will be going on. Workers are needed & you are reminded that all information is held in confidence & will help get the services needed to our area.
If you don’t receive Jane’s Community Calendar, you should! Email her at: osbo1933@bellsouth.net.
*Alana Miller, Salvation Army: Alana is the new Homeless Prevention Rapid Re-housing person for 29 counties currently. The Salvation Army was awarded a grant for this stimulus funding purpose, so Alana will have a 2 year term, while completing this job. She stays on the road a lot (understandably!), but you can call her at (770) 298-5334.
*Leslie Jacobs, Jacobs’ Ladder Therapeutic Riding Center: weather is messing up our riding schedule! We are hoping that the school groups will be able to start their horseback riding classes again next Wed., Thurs., & Fri. AM. We can always use helpers when we have groups out. Pass the word: you don’t have to be a “horse” person to enjoy what goes on here! Plans are being made to attend the Challenge Show in Weirsdale, FL, on Sat., Feb. 6.
That’s about it for the notes this month. Minutes are now submitted for your review.
Leslie Jacobs,
Secretary