VCR.2.3.11

Valdosta Civic Roundtable

February 3, 2011

 

Members present: Jane Osborn, Jerome Tucker, Gretchen Quarterman, Suzanne Ewing, Heather Evans, & visitors: Judy Bernadin & Kathryn Grant.

RSVP’d: Karen Yawn was unable to attend because she was meeting with legislators in Atlanta for Haven business.

Meeting called to order by Jane Osborn. News from members is as follows:

Jerome Tucker: Community Partners in Education continues to put mentors in the elementary schools; the American Red Cross is trying to continue organizing much needed blood drives; Jerome has been busy working in rural communities trying to help with revitalization. He also made us aware that Sanford Bishop will have a meeting on Friday, Feb. 4th at Albany Tech, at 6:00 PM in the Kirkland Conference Center to discuss VA benefits.

Suzanne Ewing: VSU/Continuing Ed. – Spring term of Learning in Retirement is gearing up. Suzanne handed out the Course Schedule for L.I.R., as well as the spring book for continuing education. Call (229) 245-6484, or see info at www.valdosta.edu/conted.

Gretchen Quarterman: Lowndes County Democratic Party will have their leadership meeting on Saturday, & their monthly meeting on Mon., Feb. 7th at 6:00 PM, at Hildegard’s. Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange (LAKE) – their membership is picking up. They meet on the 1st Tuesday of each month. You can find out more information on their Facebook page.

Heather Evans: Goodwill career center has many opportunities for job finding & training. Call (229) 316-1216 for details. Goodwill is also a sponsor of VITA, where many households will find that they are eligible for free income tax preparation. Call (229) 234-2364.

Judy Bernadin: LAMP/ New Horizons – March 26-27 is the date set for Homeless for a Night. It will take place at the Valdosta Middle School track. You can find out more information at LAMPInc.org.

Kathryn Grant: She is visiting today, but knows Gretchen & Jane. Kathryn is at VSU & is interested in migrant issues. She is involved with the Blazer Garden. We also discussed that the Volunteer Services Department has a food pantry open for students one day a week where they can get food if they need it.

Jane Osborn: The Community Calendar went out to everyone on the email list yesterday. Jane has more information listed there than can be entered here. She had business cards from Melba Bridges, who works with Consumer Credit Counseling Service. She is in Valdosta one day a month. Call (229)247-9221, for an appointment. There will be a Prayer Breakfast on Fri., Feb. 4, at Crossing Jordan Baptist Church on Cypress Street. It starts at 7:00 AM & is sponsored by the South GA Partnership to End Homelessness.

Cheryl Oliver: Turner Center was unable to attend, but wants everyone to know about the Wine Down on Friday, Feb. 4, from 5:00-6:00 PM at the Turner Center.

Leslie Jacobs: Jacobs’ Ladder has been a little slow this past month due to cold & wet weather. If you are able to volunteer some time, please call Leslie at (229) 794-1188. We have school groups in the mornings & Saturday afternoon riders from 1:00-5:00.

That concludes the minutes for this month. Next month’s meeting will take place on Thursday, March 3rd, at Studio 51 on Baytree Road. Please plan to join us!

Leslie Jacobs,

Secretary