VCR.09.02.10

Valdosta Civic Roundtable

September 2, 2010

 

Minutes:

 

Members present: Jane Osborn, Jerome Tucker, Charlie Oliver, Karen Yawn, Pam Brewer, Dennis Marks, Rebecca Barnes, & Leslie Jacobs.

 

The meeting was called to order by Jane Osborn. There was not a Treasurer’s Report, as Cheryl Oliver was unable to be here today.

Karen Yawn/The Haven: There has been a fire at the shelter, so current residents are being housed in a motel for now. There are a lot of activities going on concerning domestic awareness. On Sept. 24, there will be a kick-off luncheon at the Valdosta City Hall Annex from 11:30 -1:00. On Oct. 2, there will be an event in Homerville. On Oct. 16, there will be a 2 K Benefit Walk for The Haven. Mayor John Fretti has plans to speak there. On Oct. 13, there will be a Domestic Violence Training at VSU. Call Teresa for information, at 242-1594. On Oct. 23, there will be a Kid’s Fall Safety Festival from 10:00-2:00 at Mackey Park.

Jerome Tucker/Department of Agriculture: Jerome has been traveling on behalf of Rural Development. He has been researching the 9 poorest counties in GA, trying to determine how best to help. There was 1.97 billion dollars distributed in 2009, & that amount has already been exceeded in 2010. Jerome also mentioned that the Community Partners in Education will be having a banquet on Sept. 23 at Lowndes High School. They will be celebrating their 20th year of doing the CPIE.

Charlie Oliver/Adult Literacy: September is Literacy Month. Bowl for Literacy will be held at Jac’s Lanes on Sept. 18, with check-in at 12:00 & bowling to begin at 1:00. There will be door prizes & a silent auction also. Call 333-7515 for details. There will also be an Antique Show Sept. 17-19.

Pam Brewer/Choices for Life: Foster parents are needed for the children who come to Choices for Life. The office number is 244-1707 for more information.

Dennis Marks/Rotary & Lowndes Democratic Party: The Rotary Club is still working on the Imagination Library Project for young children, & has recently begun “The League of Extraordinary Students” for high school & college students, to involve them in the work of Rotary. Concerning voting, the next election is right around the corner. The next meeting of Lowndes Democrats is September 13, at Hildegard’s, at 6:00. The start of voting is September 20; the last day to register to vote in this election is October 4; the LCDP meeting after next is also October 4; the election is on November 2. It is indeed right around the corner.

Jane Osborn/Community Calendar: There will be a Financial Literacy Workshop on 9-14 in Blackshear. There is a new organization called VITA, Volunteers in Tax Assistance, which intends to help low income

persons with their tax preparation. Habitat for Humanity is having a Homebuyer Workshop on 9-14 & they also offer free classes to help prospective home buyers achieve their dream home. Call them at 245-1330 x 22. There is a wealth of information on many local organizations on Jane’s Community Calendar.

Rebecca Barnes/American Red Cross: September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Blood transfusions are necessary for sickle cell patients & all blood types are needed. The Donor Center is open 6 days a week.

Leslie Jacobs/Jacobs’ Ladder: Last month 6 riders competed in the Special Olympics State Horse Show in Perry. Last week, we were the recipients of a $5000 gift from United Way. The Day of Caring, which is the kick-off for the United Way fundraising, was last Friday. Pledge cards & campaign brochures were available today, to anyone who wanted one. United Way helps all of us. Please support this effort when you are asked to give through your employer. School groups will start coming to Jacobs’ Ladder this month & weekday morning volunteers are always welcome. Please call Leslie for details, at 794-1188.

 

This concludes the news given at the meeting today. Please plan to join us on October 7th for the next meeting of the Valdosta Civic Roundtable.

 

Leslie Jacobs,

Secretary