Beaches Democratic Club Meeting

Adele Grage Cultural Center

 July 17, 2007

President Peyton Hopkins called the meeting to order at 7 PM, made a few humorous remarks, and asked members to join him in the pledge of allegiance to the flag, which was followed by a moment of silence. The minutes of the June meeting were approved. Frances Wiggins reported for Shirley King, Treasurer, a current balance of $418.81 after payment of four months rent at Adele Grage Cultural Center and BDC newsletter costs from December, 2006 through July, 2007. Hopkins announced that future editions of Making Waves would be a one-page edition as BDC members would continue to receive the DCDEC newsletter. Beth Cole suggested e-mail as an ecological, economic way of newsletter delivery. She described how those members without e-mail access could be paired with a partner with e-mail who could deliver a printed version. After some discussion, Kathy Carithers moved that the newsletter be emailed if someone would volunteer to oversee the pairing process. Beth Cole volunteered to take care of that process. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Other announcements:

• Candice Rue presented information on the Hometown Democracy petitions available for signatures. The petition supports residents’ participation in decisions about local development.
• Diana Townsend announced the 8 AM July 21 A1A pick-up event.
• Kathy Carithers explained the new member emphasis for the September general meeting. Members are urged to bring guests for a lasagna and salad dinner courtesy of the BDC board.
• Carithers explained four ways members could be involved in the campaign committee: (a) attend strategy meeting at her home, 223 Ocean Boulevard, Atlantic Beach, August 4^th at 10 AM; (b) become a precinct 13 captain; (c) take five doorhangers to distribute; and (d) sign up to be on an e-mail tree for election information to members.
• Hopkins announced the BDC by-laws will be adjusted to conform with the DCDEC and FDP by-laws when those are completed.

Helen Williams of Mayport Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) gave us a description of her background and experience before her last six years with FFSC. She described the function of her agency as (a) information and referral; (b) various on-site counseling resources for dependent families: child therapist, victim advocacy, transition and relocation assistance, financial education and counseling; work source resources; new parent skills; deployment support and re-entry into home setting education.She  and Jay Meyer, co-worker work 50% of their time in the field and 50% in the office. With parents, they use Dr. Benelock’s assessment method to identify needs around five core areas and adapt their method to the individual.

Carolyn Viafora announced the death of Jackie Brown and volunteered to check with Brown’s son about an appropriate donation. Contact Viafora at 249-4922 to contribute.

The meeting adjourned at 8:05 PM.