Holden Image

Earl Neal, Johnson County Ambulance District director presented the 2006 proposed budget for first reading at the regularly scheduled November meeting of the district’s board of directors.

Neal gave a line-by-line review of the document showing proposed income and expenditures and answered questions regarding the budget totaling $2,122,910.

In other financial matters covered during the meeting, a total of $39,625.16 in monthly bill payments was unanimously approved. The board also discussed purchasing a six-month certificate of deposit from the R-G Federal Credit Union at a rate of 4.37 percent. Director Neal will watch rates and make investments based on the district’s cash flow needs.

In the district’s zone report, it was reported that 397 calls were run in October compared to 461 in October 2004. Of that total, 257 resulted in transport, with seven of those being by helicopter. Sixty-five of the calls were run in Zone 2, which includes Holden.

In other board business, a check has been written for the property purchase in Pittsville. The district is now purchasing fuel from Johnson County and it was decided that this year’s Christmas party will be held Friday, December 16 at 6:30 p.m.

By Steve Sullins
Editor

HOPE Coalition elected four board members at its annual general meeting last week. Returning to the board is Bob Mickey who was elected to a four-year term. He will be joined by Donna LaHue, four-year term; Georgia Jarman, two-year term; and Fred Christenson, four-year term. Election of officers will take place in December.

Following the election of new board members, board president Mickey presented plaques to several board members whose terms have expired. Plaques were presented to Patricia Williams for her service of two years; Jane Christenson, who has served for two years and Charlotte Timmons who has served on the board for eight years.

Mickey also gave a year in review update saying, “HOPE has had a very successful year; we’ve come a long way. We’ve had some success with the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) and built from there. We have carried on the services we offer and hired an executive director who’s doing good things for us. I’m looking forward to an even better year in 2006.”

Mickey also said a strategic planning committee is in place to make the HOPE organization more effective.

After this business was concluded, the board voted to close the annual general meeting and begin the regular session.

Executive Director John Roberts explained in more detail about strategic planning that is underway. The committee met with Scott Paterson from Prairie Rose Conservation and Development Council who asked them to think about these questions, “Who are we?” “How do people perceive us?” “What is our goal?” and “How do we implement our goal?” Paterson indicated two more meetings should take place to complete the planning and that as many board members as possible should attend.

In old business, Roberts reported on the success of the “Pink Tea” which was organized by HOPE and held at the Community Activity Center (CAC) on October 18. Approximately 80 women were in attendance. Speakers included Roberts, board members Aline Kirchhoff, Patricia Williams, Crystal Harper and a representative for breast cancer awareness. According to Roberts the purpose of the event was to acquaint ladies from church groups and sororities with HOPE and promote volunteerism. It took place during breast cancer awareness month so it was an opportunity to educate women on a serious health concern as well, Roberts added.

In new business, Roberts told the board he had met with Holden School District Superintendent Scott Slava. The meeting was to educate Slava on the HOPE organization and to inquire if there is any way HOPE can complement the school in the overall education effort. The possibility of working with potential drop-outs and interesting them in a GED program was discussed, among other items.

In a related matter, Roberts informed the board that seven individuals took the GED TABE test October 18 at the CAC, administered by Deb Williams from State Fair Community College.

In other CAC business, volunteer CAC director Rusty Hartwell informed Roberts that Angie Leonard would be doing the book work for the CAC in the future. Leonard has experience in bookkeeping and this will ensure that Community Service Center (CSC) office manager Crystal Harper will receive all related materials in a timely manner.

In other CSC business, Roberts reported that after an evaluation by former clothes closet coordinator Pat Talley, there are a few changes that could further enhance the clothes closet program. A plan of action will be implemented by current clothes closet coordinator Patricia Williams.

“Wesley Freeman, First Baptist Church pastor visited the HOPE office and offered volunteer help whenever the plan is completed. Others from our “Pink Tea” in October have expressed a desire to help as well,” added Roberts.

In other CSC business, Fred Christenson reported he had done research on the lighting problems in the CSC building. According to Christenson, approximately 60 light fixtures need to be repaired, at a cost of $1,500. He indicated he would begin the repair process with a small quantity and continue with the replacement cycle as funds become available.

In fund-raising business, Roberts told the board the car that had been donated to HOPE was taken to CARMAX and sold for $1,300.

“Also, a previous NAP donor responded to our solicitation of past contributors last week by sending a check for $1,000,” said Roberts.

In a related matter, Roberts reported that approximately 3,000 pieces of information/solicitation materials are being mailed. Follow-up calls and reminder post cards will be placed next month to those determined to be the most likely supporters/contributors to HOPE.

In other public relations matters, four press releases have been provided and published in the Holden Image in the past month according to Roberts.

“These include information about HOPE’s Angel Tree Program, a holiday garage sale, GED programs, and a Holden Area Ministerial Alliance financial planning class,” said Roberts.

In financial business, treasurer Dorothy Salsman reported to the board that she and Harper are currently working on the NAP audit. The audit for 2004 is complete and a revised audit for 2003 is complete, said Salsman.

In other business, board member Aileen Kirchhoff reported that the annual United Way Chili Cook-Off was successful with 17 organizations participating.

In other business, the board questioned Roberts about the Christian Youth Family Alliance (CYFA) group, asking if dates had been cleared for them to hold their meetings at the CAC. Roberts reported that at this time no dates have been set for their meetings but they are storing some of their equipment there.

Also Roberts updated the board on the possibility of the CAC becoming a new polling site.

“We have not yet heard from the county clerk’s office as to whether the CAC will be an election site for April, 2006. We should know soon and at that time determine when to pour the handicapped accessibility ramp and pad in the rear of the CAC,” Roberts stated.
In other CAC business, Roberts reported that the CAC building was hit once again by a car or truck at the same location reported last month. According to Roberts, Merle LaHue has suggested placing railroad ties along the side wall.

“This looks to be a very workable and cost-efficient means of protection. LaHue and I will pursue this option and report back to the board,” said Roberts.

The regular meeting was closed to reopen on Monday, December 12.

By Dana Neubert
News Staff