V.C.R.03.05.09

Valdosta Civic Roundtable

Minutes from March 5, 2009

Members present: Jane Osborn, Dennis Marks, Donald Davis, Jerome Tucker, Charlie Oliver, Leslie Jacobs, & Gretchen Quarterman. Visitors: Kim Carey, Pam Brewer, Kimberly Copeland, Sharon Lodge, Elaine Ruggiero, & Shane Novack.

The meeting was called to order by Donald Davis. February minutes were accepted. There were no additional Secretary notes. Roundtable Treasurer, Cheryl Oliver was not with us today, due to sickness, but sent Sharon Lodge to update us on the happenings at the Turner Center.

Member reports:

~Dennis Marks, representative of the Lowndes County Democratic Party & is also a representative of the Rotary Club.

~Donald Davis was not able to stay long & had no report from the Historical Society.

~Katie Hardin, from Hospice of South GA, was unable to be with us today, so sent her co-worker, Kim Carey, to be with us. There will be several Grief Camps for children of different ages in April. Camp Lean on Me, is an overnight camp for children ages 10-17. It will be held at the Lowndes 4-H Camp in Lake Park from April 17-19. Camp Good Mourning is a one day camp for children 6-9 years old. It is held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on April 25. For more information, call 229-249-4100.

~Pam Brewer & Kimberly Copeland were with us today from Choices for Life Foster Care. Foster parents are needed in general, but specifically for older children. Their number is 229-244-1707.

~Gretchen Quarterman joined the membership today. She is hoping to help in a community-wide information exchange. Her website is L-A-K-E.org. LAKE stands for Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange.

~Jerome Tucker said that the American Red Cross is down in donors of money & blood, however the VSU drive was very successful. In the Communities in Schools, Jerome said there is a need for mentors. An applicant for mentor must undergo training & background check, but is a great way to help the children currently in Lowndes High, Clyattville Elementary, & S L Mason. There will be a Community Day in Clyattville on Apr. 18, from 2:00-6:00. Free food, medical screenings, games & concerts.

~Charlie Oliver works with the Literacy Volunteer Program. They are located in the Department of Labor

Building. Tutor training will be scheduled soon. Call 333-7515. They hope to have the website up soon. It will be found at: www.literacyvolunteerprogram.org.

~Sharon Lodge is representing the Turner Center for the Arts today. March 12: The New Shanghai Circus,

March 20: Hootenanny with Atwater-Donnelly. Call the Turner Center for tickets or info: 247-ARTS.

~Jane Osborn puts out all the latest information in the Community Calendar. If you’re not on her email list, you’re missing out! You can contact her at: osbo1933@bellsouth.net. Some things she mentioned today: there will be Tax Help now through April 15 at the Senior Center & Trinity Presbyterian for low income persons; the Partnership Health Center is available to help citizens without insurance or who live below the poverty level; there will be a Homeless Fair held in April; the Legislators need to hear from us as they are making decisions that will affect many in the area.

~ Leslie Jacobs has several upcoming events that were noted. April 11: a family fun day at Jac’s Lanes;

Apr. 18: Horse Show & Open House, come see the riders at Jacobs’ Ladder & others, as they compete for ribbons & show off their skills! April 25: Azalea City Kiwanis Club Walk for Charity (ask for a pledge card!); May 2: Belk Charity Day Sale - $5 tickets available now; June 1-5: Summer Camp. Volunteers are always welcome. Minimum age is 12 – a great project for summer!

That was all I managed to jot down. Please let me know if there is something you feel should be included in this month’s minutes. Minutes are submitted for your approval.

Leslie Jacobs,