|
Over The Coffeecups
Warren Mitchell - Editor
TODAY'S
PROGRAM
Jean
Ash will introduce Kay Ivey,
Alabama's State Treasurer, whose topic will be the 2004 annual
report: "The Treasurer's office and The Dollars of State
Government".
What is the office of the Treasurer for the
State of Alabama all about? For one thing, the Treasurer
administers the Alabama College Savings Program. For another,
there's the matter of unclaimed property, and there's more.
Find out how much more from our speaker this
morning. She's the 38th Treasurer for the State of Alabama.
LAST
WEEKS PROGRAM
Dick
Bennett introduced Vanessa
Brandau, Coordinator of the Retired Seniors Volunteer
Program (RSVP) and Jennifer Williams, the Director of the
program, who accompanied Vanessa.
She began by saying if Ken Carrick had
been there to introduce her it would have been a much longer
introduction. This was the 4th time she has visited us in the
spring. She is also known as Matt's wife, who helps with HOBY
each year at Huntingdon. She missed the Pancake Breakfast
this year as they were out-of-town; they always attend.
She wanted to catch us up on what is going on
with RSVP. She started by introducing Jennifer, who replaced
the director who had been with RSVP for 25 years in
Montgomery, Autauga and Elmore Counties. Monday, April 5th,
Jennifer assumed directorship of RSVP. Vanessa wanted to
introduce her to the members and have her get to know us,
because we have been great supporters over the years.
RSVP is sponsored by the Montgomery Council
On Aging. Their purpose is to see that people 55 year and
over are given meaningful opportunities to serve in the
community. There are different kinds of things that
volunteers can do. Working at hospitals, State Archives of
History, and tutoring at schools. Last year she brought a
police officer with her; Corp. Brooks, the coordinator of a
new program, at that time, VIPS, Volunteers In Police Service.
She asked if we had seen the volunteer car
with the green lights. That started a year ago with a very
small group and now there are 68 people who have served 1,500
hours in the month of March. Not only do they supply
administrative support and back up for the police department,
but they go out doing vacation home checks. If you go out of
town, let the police know and they send the VIPS around a
couple times a day to see if everything is secure around your
house.
During Christmas they helped out at the
smaller shopping areas to provide security and patrol. They
provide extra
support and call for help. They will be able
to issue parking tickets downtown.
She has spoken to Ken and hopes to partner,
next year, with the lady in charge of the RIFF program. He
sat next to the lady at the International Conference.
Hopefully RSVP can get involved. She spoke with the RIFF
coordinator and decided it would be best to start in the fall.
Another event coming up; one in which George
Oetting participates in as a magician, is the Recognition
Luncheon for the volunteers in September. There is going to
be a new location, as the Civic Center is being remodeled.
They are going to take the event up to a new level and do
great things. She will keep us informed. Last year 150,000
hours were served in the tri-county area.
Volunteer hours are kept on work sheets,
sign-in sheets and some are e-mailed.
All opportunities are rewarding; it depends
on the taste of the volunteer. Schools need people to read
throughout the year.
The Council On Aging manages 390 volunteers
that serve Meals On Wheels. The program was 100% state
financed; then went to 25% and now it is down to zero. One of
the things that had been paid for was the meals at the
Recognition Luncheon. They are looking at creative ways to
raise money and still save money.
Vanessa said she helped our peanut sales by
putting peanuts in her office. People would snack on them.
Pamphlets were given out and
members were invited to join in the program.
Ed Melton presented Vanessa with a $1,000
check.
ENTERTAINMENT
Al McLellan sang "It Ain't Going To
Rain No More", saying he hoped the opposite would happen.
THOUGHT
FOR THE DAY
Ed
Melton found the following on the internet. If you woke
up this morning with more health than illness you are more
blessed than million who won't survive the week.
If you have not experienced the danger of
battle, the loneliness of prison, the agony of torture of the
pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 20 million people around
the world.
If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes
on your back, a roof over your head, and a place to sleep, you
are richer than 75% of the people in the world.
If you have money in the bank, change in a
dish, and money in your wallet, you are among the top 8% of
the world in wealth.
If you can read
this message you are more blessed than 2
billion people in the world who can't read.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
April 12th - Board meeting was
held at Al McLellan & John Burch's office.
April 22nd - Friend's Day, be sure to
inform Scott Powell of the friends you are bringing to
the meeting.
May 1st -
Right To Read
May 6th - Members will read at Dalraida
School. Dick Bennett will enlist volunteers while
Ken is recuperating
May 28th - HOBY Day at Huntingdon
College. George Worley will need volunteers to park
cars, cook, serve food and help Ken entertain students.
CORRECTION
Ken Carrick is at rehab undergoing
therapy and not at home as reported. Give Ken a call and let
him know we are thinking of him.
|
