V.C.R.10.08

Valdosta Civic Roundtable

Minutes from October 2, 2008

Secretary notes: Email reminder sent on Friday, Sept. 26, at 8:52 AM.

Treasurer’s report, given by the secretary, in Cheryl’s absence: $353.07

Members attending: Dennis Marks, Donald Davis, Harriet Messcher, Suzanne Ewing, Shannon Jenkins, Katie Hardin, Michael Bryant. New member from DFCS, who is the new Social Services Program Coordinator, Carrie Hickman, Leslie Jacobs & her guest, Carol Norris.

Meeting called to order by Dennis Marks. Old business: Minutes from the September meeting were accepted. New business: A recipient needs to be chosen for the Louie P. White Award, which will be

given at the December meeting. Two names were given, but it’s not too late to submit other nominees. The person who will be awarded this honor is very civic minded, busy in the community, furthering one

or more projects of local interest. Two names submitted today were: Sidney Morris & Roy Copeland.

Other items concerning the December meeting were the location (is the Turner Center available again this year?), & the caterer (possibly Confetti & Lace). We will continue our tradition of providing a backpack or suitcase with a stuffed animal for a child being placed in foster care. DFCS distributes these as needed. Further information & decisions will be determined soon.

Donald Davis handed out a newsletter from the Historical Society. He also had books for sale called “In Search of the Hollidays”. It is a locally produced book about Doc Holliday. Copies are available at the Historical Society for $20 each. Look at the website: www.valdostamuseum.org.

Harriet Messcher spoke of many good things going on at LAMP. They continue to provide services to many needy people, numbering 10,000! They have beds for 75 & also assist in emergency expenses & personal needs. On March 6, 2009, there will be an opportunity to be “Homeless for a night”. This is a new effort, to help those in our community realize the plight of the homeless & to raise funds for LAMP.

Suzanne Ewing – VSU Continuing Education: Call 245-6484 for more information, or go online at: www.valdosta.edu/conted. They have classes in cooking, yoga, & lots of other health & leisure activities.

Katie Hardin, who is with Hospice of South GA & Langdale Hospice House, passed out an insert that asks questions concerning end-of-life issues. There is a team of speakers willing to come to your meeting or

Church to give presentations concerning the services they provide. They are having a volunteer training on Oct. 21 & 22 from 8:30 AM – noon. Their number is 229.249.4100.

Michael Bryant was able to be with us today. He is with Sanford Bishop’s office. He encouraged the members to be sure to register to vote & to tell their acquaintances to register too. Early voting is already going on, but will end on Oct. 31.

Shannon Jenkins, from the Valdosta office of the Girl Scouts read us some interesting statistics concerning girls who participate in the Girl Scouts. There is a $10 fee to be a Girl Scout & no one has been turned away if they can’t pay that. There is a need for adult leaders. Here’s the Girl Scout website:

www.gshg.org.

Carrie Hickman is taking over the job that Barbara Corbitt was doing & Barbara has moved up to the Regional Supervisor. Welcome Carrie!

Dennis Marks wanted members to know that Mon., Oct. 6, at 6:00, there will be a meeting of the Lowndes County Democratic Party at the Fuji Restaurant. Local candidates are expected to attend. On Oct. 14, there will be a Candidates Forum held at the Rainwater Conference Center, from 5:30-7:30.

Leslie Jacobs reported that Jacobs’ Ladder had recently received their 5 year reaccreditation from the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. Accreditation with NARHA helps validate to those in our community that we are determined to provide Premier services to individuals with special needs by certified instructors. We are currently preparing riders to go to Hands & Hearts for Horses, the therapeutic riding center in Thomasville, on Oct. 11. Nov. 7-9 we will take 6 of our riders to the Special Olympics State Horse Show in Perry, GA. I was given news that the Universal Studios in Orlando is hosting an Autism Awareness Day. Tickets are $20 each, for all immediate family members of one with autism. They must be purchased in advance. For tickets or more information, please call 407.478.6330, or go to: Orlando@AutismSpeaks.org. There is still a need for volunteers for a couple mornings each month at Jacobs’ Ladder. Please call Leslie for information, at 229.794.1188.

It was mentioned that the Business Directory might need to be updated. We will try to have it printed up for the November meeting, so members can make changes. Speaking of the November meeting, we’d really like to see some renewed interest by the membership to attend the monthly meetings. Come, & bring a friend!



That concludes the minutes. They are submitted for your review. Thanks.

Leslie Jacobs

Secretary