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December 5th VIC Meeting
11:30 a.m.
Rising Hope United Methodist Mission Church
8220 Russell Road
Alexandria, VA 22309
703-360-1976
Agenda items to include:
Introductions
VIC HOP
10 Year Plan To End Homelessness
Holiday celebration
Announcements
VENTURES IN COMMUNITY MINUTES FROM NOVEMBER 7, 2007
JERI FIELDS WELCOMED ALL REMINDING VIC MINISTERS TO ATTEND BREAKFAST MEETING AT 8AM AT ELSIE’S EVERY WEDNESDAY.
REV. JOHN BAKER WELCOMED US TO ST. AIDAN’S - OPENED MEETING WITH NOON DAY PRAYER.
OCTOBER MINUTES – APPROVED
TREASURER’S REPORT - $3818.25 PRESENTLY IN TREASURY. REMINDED ALL THAT VIC YEAR IS SEPTEMBER TO SEPTEMBER MAKING DUES PAYABLE NOW.
1. JERI INTRODUCED FIRST PRESENTER – MR. EARL FLANAGAN WHO IS APPOINTED TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION FROM MT. VERNON DISTRICT.
EARL BEGAN BY SAYING THE COMMISSION IS WORKING ON “GREEN HOUSE” AND “UNIVERSAL DESIGN” HOMES. REPORTED THAT 2 YEARS AGO CHAIRMAN CONNOLLY SAID THAT SURPLUS SCHOOL SITES AND ACREAGE COULD BE USE FOR WORKFORCE HOUSING AND THAT ACROSS THE COUNTY THERE WAS 200 ACRES.
FAIRFAX COUNTY HAS A POLICY OF NO MORE MOBILE HOME PARKS IN THE COUNTY AND THAT KATRINA HOMES CAN BE BOUGHT FROM LOWE’S FOR COST OF $40,000 TO $80,000. BUT STATISTICS ARE NECESSARY TO SHOW THE NEED FOR AND LACK OF WORKFORCE HOUSING ACROSS THE COUNTY. HE SHARED STATISTICS FROM 2000 CENSUS ON OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS BY INCOME IN 1999. HE STATED THAT NOW IT WOULD TAKE 10 TO 30 THOUSAND HOUSING UNITS TO BRING THE POOREST TO HOME OWNERSHIP.
KEARY KINCANNON ASKED WHAT IS THE RESISTANCE TO WORKFORCE HOUSING AND HOW CAN WE HAVE AN IMPACT AGAINST “PIECE-MEAL” PLANNING RATHER THAN LONG-RANGE.
EARL SUGGESTED CONTACTING SUPERVISOR HYLAND WHO IS BEHIND THE BUILIDNG OF WORKFORCE HOUSING. HE THOUGHT NORTH HILL PROJECT WOULD CONTRIBUTE TO PROVIDING A PORTION OF THIS NEED AND WAS ENCOURAGED THAT THE REDEVELOPMENT HOUSING AUTHORITY (RHA) AFTER HAVING BEEN SILENT FOR LAST 15 YEARS HAVE AGREED TO WORKFORCE HOUSING BEING BUILT AT NORTH HILL.
IT WAS POINTED OUT THAT THE MOST RECENT STATISTICS SHOWED THAT THE MEDIAN INCOME IN FAIRFAX COUNTY IS $100,000 AND THAT ACCORDING TO THE STATISTICS PROVIDED TODAY ONLY 369 PARCELS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THOSE EARNING LESS THAN $100,000.
2. JERI FIELDS THEN TALKED ABOUT FAITH COUMMUNITIES UNITED FOR HOUSING AND THAT SHE, TUCK BOWERFIND AND KEARY KINCANNON HAD ATTENDED A MEETING . SHE REPORTED THAT ADVOCACY IS ON THE INCREASE AND THE THOUGHT IS THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS IS WAITING FOR THE FAITH COMMUNITIES TO TAKE UP THE CAUSE . SHE REMINDED ALL THAT HOMELESS SHELTERS IN THE COUNTY ONLY CAME TO BE BECAUSE OF THE FAITH COMMUNITIES URGING AND ADVOCACY.
WE ARE ALL URGED TO BRING 5 PEOPLE TO A MEETING OF THE HUMAN SERVICES AND HOUSING JOINT COMMITTEE PRESENTATION OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 10 YEAR PLAN ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26 AT 1PM IN ROOMS 4 AND 5 AT THE GOVERNMENT CENTER, 12000 GOVERNMENT CENTER PARKWAY. IT WAS NOTED THAT THOSE ATTENDING MAY NOT SPEAK SO WE ARE ENCOURAGED TO WEAR SIGNS STATING “TIME FOR ACTION”. IT WAS SUGGESTED FOR BACKGROUND INFORMATION TO LOG ONTO THESE WEBSITES:
Community Collaborative to End Homelessness
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dsm/cpch/cpchdefault.html
Ending Homelessness
http://www.fairfaxounty.gov/homeless
Watch the “Finding Home” video on the website
Fairfax County Redevelopment Housing Authority and Department of Housing & Development
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/rha
WE ARE URGED TO BECOME A VOICE FOR SINGLE ROOM OCCUPANCY (SROS) AND KEARY REMINDED US THAT OUR POLITICAL WILL NEEDS TO SUPPORT THE SUPERVISORS SO THEY CAN MOVE ON PLANS.
TUCK SAID OUR FIRST STEP IS FOR US TO SHOW UP IN FORCE AT THIS MEETING. HUMAN SERVICES AND HOUSING JOINT COMMITTEE WILL CONFER AND VOTE IN JANUARY.
LAURA DERBY SUGGESTED THAT ANYONE WHO WAS INTERESTED COULD COME TO RISING HOPE BY 11:30AM ON THE 26TH TO CARPOOL. RISING HOPE HAS 3 VANS THAT CAN BE UTILIZED. REMINDER TO PARK IN ALDI’S LOT CLOSEST TO RUSSELL ROAD AND DO NOT PARK IN APARTMENT COMPLEX – YOU WILL BE TOWED.
- JERI REPORTED THAT THERE IS A NEW ADVOCACY GROUP – FAIRFAX FAITH COMMUNITIES IN ACTION WHO ARE BEGINNING TO WORK TOGETHER WITH FAITH COMMUNITIES UNITED FOR HOUSING AND THERE IS A COUNTYWIDE INTERFAITH NETWORK MEETING ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14 FROM 2-4 AT THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER IN CONFERENCE ROOMS 2 AND 3. RSVP 703/324/3453 OR CILUSER@fairfaxcounty.gov
- BOB TRIMBLE SPOKE TO A PROPOSAL THAT VIC –HOUSING SPONSOR A FORUM ON HOUSING ISSUES. HE SAID HE HAD CONTACT WITH RPJ HOUSING REPRESENTATIVE, HERB COOPER WHO INDICATED HE WOULD COME TO VIC-H WHEN HE NEEDED HELP FOR SUPPORT OF A PROJECT AND ASKED THAT WE LET HIM KNOW OF ANY UNUSED PROPERTY IN OUR AREA. BOB SUGGESTED THAT A FORUM SPONSORED BY THE FAITH COMMUNITIES BE HELD AT THE SOUTH COUNTY CENTER AND INVITING THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, THE MOUNT VERNON COUNCIL OF CIVIC ASSOCIATIONS, NOTHERN VIRGINIA AFFORDABLE HOUSING ALLIANCE AND THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. HE REQUESTED ANYONE INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING ON A SMALL COMMITTEE TO PLAN A FORUM CONTACT HIM AT Fintrim@aol.com
- JERI THEN INTRODUCED VIRGINIA PATTON WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA. SHE SAID THAT THEY HAVE BEEN BUILDING HOMES HERE SINCE 1990 AND THAT THEY ARE IN THE PROCESS OF BUILDING A 12 UNIT CONDOMINIUM IN THE COUNTY. SHE THEN INVITED ALL TO A “FAITH COMMUNITY CONVERSATION” WITH ELIZABETH PEEBLES, FAITH RELATIONS COORDINATOR FOR HABITAT ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 3 AT 7PM IN
THE HOLLIN HALL FIREPLACE ROOM AT MOUNT VERNON UNITARIAN CHURCH, 1909 WINDMILL LANE, ALEXANDRIA, VA. PLEASE RSVP epeebles@habitatnova.org
GEORGIA POURCHOT ASKED HOW HABITAT DETERMINES WHERE THE HOUSES WILL BE BUILT? IT IS DETERMINED BY FINDING AFFORDABLE LAND.
SHERRY EDELKAMP ASKED IF HABITAT DID ANY OUTREACH AND IF ANY BUILDING WAS PLANNED FOR OUR AREA?
VIRGINIA RESPONDED THAT 2 TOWNHOUSES ARE UNDERCONSTRUCTION AT OLD TELEGRAPH AND TELEGRAPH ROADS ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE COAST GUARD STATION AND THAT FAMILIES ARE PLANING TO MOVE IN AFTER THE DEDICATION AT THE END OF NOVEMBER. SHE WAS ASKED WHAT IT TOOK TO QUALIFY FOR HABITAT? YOU MUST MAKE AT LEAST 25% TO 60% OF THE COST TO PARTICIPATE IN HABITAT.
- VIC-HOP – ANDREA AND LAURA WERE VERY HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE
THAT SHERRY EDELKAMP FROM ALDERSGATE CHURCH HAS COME FORWARD TO COORDINATE THE VIC-HOP TEAMS FOR 2007-2008 SESSIONS. THERE ARE STILL SOME WEEKENDS AND TUESDAYS NOT FILLED FOR THE FIRST SESSION AND IF YOU CAN HELP, EMAIL SHERRY AT sedelkamp@yahoo.com AND SHE WILL COORDINATE VOLUNTEERS INTO A TEAM.
THE TRAINING DAY FOR SESSION ONE IS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1 AT RISING HOPE 8:30AM TO 1PM. THE HEALTH DEPT. IS INVITED. THE TRAINING DAY FOR SESSION TWO IS SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, JANUARY 26 FROM 8:30AM TO 1PM AT RISING HOPE. ALL VOLUNTEERS ARE INVITED TO BOTH SESSIONS. VIC WILL PROVIDE SUPPLIES FOR BOTH SESSIONS OF VIC. VIC-HOP WILL OPEN DECEMBER 3. THE CHURCHES PARTICIPATING IN SESSION ONE ARE:
BETHLEHEM BAPTIST, MT. VERNON UNITARIAN, ALDERSGATE UNITED METHODIST, MOUNT VERNON PRESBYTERIAN.
SESION TWO PARTICIPATING CHURCHES ARE: FRIENDS/QUAKERS ALTERNATING WITH ST. AIDAN’S, WOODLAWN UNITED METHODIST, MT. VERNON UNITED METHODIST, ST. LUKE’S, MT. VERNON UNITARIAN WITH ST. MARK’S EPISCOPAL, HERITAGE PRESBYTERIAN, WESLEY UNITED METHODIST (WITH ANOTHER GROUP)
- THIRTEENTH ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR-VIC CHOIR FESTIVAL IS SCHEDULED FOR SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2008 AT 7PM AT BETHLEHEM BAPTIST CHURCH, 7836 FORDSON ROAD, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22306. ALL CHOIR DIRECTORS IN THE MOUNT VERNON/ROUTE 1 AREA ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE. PLEASE RESPOND BY DECEMBER 1ST TO JERI FIELDS AT jerif@aol.com REMINDER: SMALLER CHOIRS MAY WANT TO UNITE WITH ANOTHER CHOIR. NANCY JAMES HAS VOLUNTEERED TO HELP JERI WITH THE PLANNING.
- JERI INTRODUCED RON DUQUETTE, FOUNDER/DIRECTOR OF “THE LIVING WATER” a cappella ECUMENICAL CHOIR. THEY PERFORM ONLY SACRED MUSIC AND ARE AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING RON AT 703/362/5373 OR EMAIL AT ronart.assoc@cox.net
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sarah Allen who has filled in for Ken Disselkoen at the County Department of Systems Management for H.S. is returning to her former position and was thanked for a job well done.
Mount Vernon Presbyterian has a closet full of new and other dry-cleaned women’s clothing. If you know of anyone in need please contact Melinda at Mt. Vernon Presbyterian 703/765/6118 by Friday, Nov. 9.
Jerri Pogue introduced Katie Norberg, the new Social Minister at Good Shepherd Catholic Church.
Keary Kincannon reminded clergy members of IAF of a meeting Wednesday, November 14 at 10AM at Mt. Olive Church, Telegraph Road in Woodbridge, VA. There are 45 Congregations participating now – looking to have 15 more Clergy join.
Tuck Bowerfind spoke to a new area group forming “Mt. Vernon At Home”. They hope to build to 350-400 households in our area to help “senior” members receive services so they can remain in their homes.
St. Luke’s will be a site for Fairfax County Parenting Program starting in January for the parents of Infants and Toddlers.
Joan McLellan spoke to the Virginia Interfaith Center presenting “Social Justice 101” on Sunday, December 2 from 2:30 to 5PM at Congregation Etz Hayim, 2920 Arlington Blvd. (Rte 50) Arlington, VA 22204. Learn about policy issues on Immigration, Payday Lending and Caring for God’s Creation.
Joan reminded us to use our Gift of Stewardship and Citizenship and encouraged all to write their Legislators re A Virginia Rental Assistance Program “Home for the Holidays”, sponsored by SALT and Virginia Interfaith.
And, to send a Postcard to Senators Warner and/or Webb urging them to vote for REFORM of the current Farm Bill by supporting the amendments:
Grassley/Dorgan to put a hard cap on commodity payments to help the low-income.
Lugar/Lautenberg – to broaden agricultural safety net via a revenue insurance program
Other amendment that adds funds to nutrition programs
Laura Derby thanked all who supported the Silent Live Auction at Rising Hope on November 3rd.
UCM sponsored Fundraiser “Home for the Holidays” at the Collingwood Museum Saturday, November 10 - 10AM to 4PM and Sunday, November 11 – 11AM to 3PM.
Admission at the door if $15 and includes raffle tickets for door prizes. The Museum is located at 8301 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA
REMINDER-DECEMBER VIC MEETING WILL BE HELD AT RISING HOPE,
8220 RUSSELL ROAD ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5 AT 11:30AM
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU PARK IN THE ALDI’S LOT, RUSSELL ROAD SIDE OR ON THE STREET. DO NOT PARK IN THE APARTMENT COMPLEX ACROSSS THE STREET, YOU WILL BE TOWED!!!.
John Baker invited all to lunch in the Community Room for Soup.
Meeting adjourned: 1:15PM
Respectfully submitted, Barbara Cotter, Secretary VIC
Future locations for our 1st Wed of the month meetings:
January – First Church of Christ, Scientist
February – Bethlehem Baptist
March – Mt. Vernon Presbyterian
April – St. Luke’s Episcopal
May – Good Shepherd Catholic
June – luncheon at local restaurant
VIC Meetings:
Nov 7, 2007 VIC meeting
11:30 a.m.
St. Aidan’s Episcopal
8531 Riverside Rd
Alexandria, VA 22308
(703) 360-4220
Agenda items to include:
1. Earl Flanagan Presentation: Workforce Housing Plans: Token or Realistic
2. New advocacy group: Faith Communities United for Housing
Fairfax County Human Services and Housing Joint Committee Meeting Nov. 26
3. Bob Trimble proposal for a forum on housing and his contact with RPJ Housing
4. Habitat for Humanity
5. VIC-HOP
6. Martin Luther King, Jr Choir Festival
7. Living Water Ecumenical Choir
8. Announcements
VENTURES IN COMMUNITY MINUTES FROM OCTOBER 3, 2007
Meeting was held at United Community Ministries. All were welcomed by Cynthia Hull who presented an overview of all UCM programs, with a special plea for shortages in their Food Closet of baby food and diapers.
Jeri Fields then asked for Introductions of those present.
Minutes read and one correction made – spelling of Jeri Fields name
Treasurer Report – There was no Treasurer’s Report
1.Fairfax County Strike Force – The Strike Force Teams have been approved by the Board of Supervisors. Their goal is to assure Quality of Life for those living in overcrowded places. Dave Ellis said they want living spaces to be clean, healthy with adequate space. They are trying to prevent landlords from renting inadequate spaces and overcharging renters. FCPD has requested an increase in fines for inappropriate rentals, the former fine was not a deterrent. The Goals are to assure Legal Boarding Houses, with permits and regulations for room rentals. The Strike Force Teams are looking at criminal aspects saying there are Class One Misdemeanors with penalties of $2500 fine or 1 year in jail. The Code states that no more than 4 unrelated adults can live in one house; 8 unrelated disable can live in a house.
It was requested that the Strike Team not put people out on the street with no warnings. The shelters are overcrowded and advocates of the homeless need notice to prepare for extra residents. The Strike Force Team now contacts Sarah Allen and she accompanies them on each event. Jeri Fields suggested that all VIC groups encourage one member to attend the Nov. 26th meeting from 1-3PM at the Government Center.
2. VICtory Celebration – Jeri Fields reported that 100 attended the Celebration. Tuck, Gerry Hyland, Toddy Puller, Gerry Creedon, Keary Kincannon all spoke with passion about our achievements. It is proposed that we plan for a VICtory Celebration next year.
3. VIC-HOP – Ventures in Community Hypothermia Outreach Program for
2007-8 dates are Session I December 3 to January 31 and Session II February 1 to March 31 at Rising Hope United Methodist Mission Church from 7PM to 7AM. Andrea Attilli at New Hope Housing is the contact person aattilli@newhopehousing.org. The Commitment needed is 5 Volunteers per night – minimum: 2 to prepare, serve and clean up 3 to supervise overnight, hand out breakfast and close down VIC-HOP. A Commitment request is asked for by October 17!!!
Volunteer Training Dates: Sat. Dec. 1 or Sat. January 26 from 8:30-1PM
Some churches may team up and share coverage for one of the nights each week for One or Both Sessions. Health Department will speak at Training Sessions THERE IS NEED OF SOMEONE TO ORGANIZE WITH THE VOLUNTEERS – THIS IS A PAID POSITION – contact Andrea at New Hope Housing if interested.
4. HOPKINS HOUSE - A Learning Center for Children, Youth and Families is opening a new facility at 8543 Forest Place, Alexandria, VA 22309 (across from Jiffy Lube on Route 1 South of Frye Road. Hopkins House collaborates with UCM, VIC and area Churches. Hours of operation are 7AM to 6PM. Children 6 weeks and older are eligible with family income of up to $24,000.00. There is a multilingual person on staff all the time.
5. Barbara Watts with Medical Reserve Corp spoke to Evercare Hospice and Palliative Care facility in Vienna.
6. Bob Trimble spoke for Bikes for Teens and Tykes. Requested funds for the
Program and said it has been suggested that they consider Bikes for Adults.
7. Martin Luther King Concert is scheduled for January 20, 2008 at Behtlehem Baptist. Be sure to Alert your Choir Director about the DATE!!!
8. Bob Criswell loved all the cards he received. We have been informed that he has now had a stroke. There is some paralysis, please continue prayers for his recovery. Address: 151, Route 31, Round Top, NY 12473
9. Habitat for Humanity will host a Fall Festival at the ReStore 7770 Richmond Highway on Saturday Oct. 27 from 1-5PM. Face Painting, Pumpkin Decorating, Prizes and Games.
10. First Church of Christ, Scientist will sponsor a day of Turning to God for Help at the Sherwood Hall Regional Library 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane on Saturday, Nov. 3 – English 2PM Espanol 3:30PM .
Meeting adjourned 1PM
Respectfully submitted – Jerri Pogue substitute for Barbara Cotter, Secretary,
Next Meeting – November 7 St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, Riverside Road, 11:30AM
Future locations for our 1st Wed of the month meetings:
December – Rising Hope
January – First Church of Christ, Scientist
February – Bethlehem Baptist
March – Mt. Vernon Presbyterian
April – St. Luke’s Episcopal
May – Good Shepherd Catholic
June – luncheon at local restaurant
Regular Monthly Meetings: (First Wednesday of the Month, September to May)
**In addition to this Sunday’s 4 pm VICtory Celebration at Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church, please join us for our regular monthly meeting next week at UCM
Oct 3, 2007 VIC meeting
11:30 a.m.
United Community Ministries
7511 Fordson Road
Alexandria, VA 22306
703-768-7106
Agenda items to include:
Fairfax County Strike Force
Hopkins House
Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court
VIC HOP
VIC MINUTES – SEPTEMBER 5, 2007
We were welcomed with a Musical Performance by Mary Pace who sang Panis Angelicus accompanied by Marilyn Schwaner on Violin and Elizabeth Miller on Piano. Reverend Dennis Perry then welcomed us to Aldersgate and opened the meeting with a prayer.
Jerri Fields asked for Introductions staring with any New Members.
Minutes of May meeting – corrections noted CROP Walk 2006 raised $13,000 not $19,000.
Treasurer Report – reflects corrected amount $3,600
Jerri announced that on Sunday, September 30 at 4PM at Mt. Vernon Presbyterian there will be a Worship Celebration because so many Good Things Have Happened because of Ventures In Community. Examples: Retention and Expansion of Mt. Vernon Hospital; VIC HOP; Penny Tax; North Hill; MLK Concert;
Rev. Jerry Creedon will be the Inspirational Speaker for the Day.
She asked for everyone to publish this information in their Bulletins or Newletters.
VIC Housing paperwork is complete, the Incorporation papers are in Richmond. Our 501c3 status is yet to be compled and filed.
Have applied for 2 Grants from the following– One Great Hour Sharing and the Episcopal Church..
Member John Schelleng requested that the VIC Housing Board look into support of the New Laws that slow down the destruction of affordable housing.
Tuck Bowerfind announced that the Board of Directors had been working hard all summer and had met on April 19 with Joanne Kane to develop a Action Plan.
VIC Housing Board needs 4 more Board Members – looking for people who have expertise and are skilled in matters of Housing, are Leaders, Services Delivery and Finance and are Advocates for Affordable Housing,
The Steering Committee was then recognized and thanked for all their work.
VIC would like to encourage increased participation of Faith and Community Based Communities in working with Government Agencies.
Jerri then introduced Susan Lydick with Fairfax Partnership for Youth, Inc. who announced the opening of a new location for Support on Suspension program at the Huntington Community Center located at 5751 Liberty Drive, Alex. VA 22303.
The site will be open 9AM-2PM on School days for any Middle or High School student of Fairfax County who has been suspended from base school. The program is predominantly intended to help students with academic requirements but with time permitting, they can also receive help with anger management, conflict resolution, effective and appropriate communication skills. The students may be recommended by their respective schools and/or parents/guardians who may voluntarily enroll their student. This free program is limited in size, approximately 5-10 student per day. Transportation to and from the site must be provided by the parents.
There will be Non-English speaking liason at the site. Question was raised with reference to Base School Faculty receiving Positive Behavioral Support sessions.
Susan said it is available but Staff must agree to program.
Capt. Mike Kline spoke in support of this program as a way to keep suspended students off the streets and asked if perhaps Churches could offer Vans/Buses to transport students at a possible pick-up site of South County, as students when suspended are not allowed on School Property.
The Huntington Site will have an OPEN HOUSE on Wednesday, October 3 from 4-6PM
The Contact Person is Jessica Green – huntingtonsos@gmail.com
The Website for Fairfax Partnership for Youth is: www.fairfaxyouth.org
Susan Lydick then announced that there will be a National Depression Screening Day at the South County Center on Thursday October 11 from 12:30 to 7:30PM.
This service is available for individuals 12 years thru Seniors, is Free, Confidential and No Registration is required. For more info email: Susan.Lydick@fairfaxcounty.gov
They will have Parent Liasons available as Interpreters.
Jerri then introduced Barbara Watts with the Fairfax Medical Reserve Corps.
She explained that Fairfax County is making preparations in the event of a Bio-terrorist Smallpox or Anthrax event. They have Physicians and Nurses to staff 24 sites. They are in need of Volunteers to fill 2 Teams at each site. Each team requires 236 Volunteers.
Mt. Vernon and West Potomac High Schools are designated sites. Volunteers must attend an Orientation and can register at www.fairfaxmrc.org or call 703-246-2433.
There are presently 3600 volunteers registered, the need is 13,000. Should an event occur volunteers will be activated by the Director of Fairfax County Health Department.
Jerri then raised the question of VIC dues. Bonnie Lilley, Treasurer, reported that dues currently are $35 yearly for Faith based communities and Agencies. 30 Groups belong and there is $3600 in Treasury. Kerry Kincannon suggested an increase to $100 yearly
after coming up with Budget Needs. It was noted that VIC and VIC Housing are separate entities. A motion was made and seconded that the Steering Committee meet and suggest a reasonable increase in VIC yearly dues. Motion Passed.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
St. Luke’s Episcopal is having a Craft Fair on Saturday Sept. 15 .
Progresso Hispano is dedicating a new Computer Lab valued at 35,000 donated by AT&T on Sept. 25th at 1:30PM
Tom Davis will speak at Mt. Vernon Unitarian Church on Sept. 16.
Rising Hope will host a Silent and Live Auction with Food and Music on Nov. 3 – donations are being accepted for the Live Auction contact Kerry Kincannon at kkincannon@risinghopeumc.org
Joan McLellan announced that the Virginia Inter-Faith Center for Public Policy, based in Richmond, will host a reception for Rev. Doug Smith who will talk about the benefits of faithful advocacy on September 23 from 4-6PM at the Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church in Burke . Legislators, Organizational Partners and Religious Partners will talk about their Social Justice work. RSVP by Sept. 22 at 10AM to Ryan Rinn email:
ryan@virginianinterfaithcenter.org
Kerry Kincannon announced that Northern Virginia Clergy are encouraged to meet on Sept. 19 at 10:30AM at the Macedonia Baptist Church in Arlington sponsored by the Industrial Areas Foundation which affects Public Policy, Programs for the Working Poor and Families. As of now there are 45 Congregations who have joined with a goal of 75 before going Public.
Barbara Cotter announced that there are fliers available announcing the VIC Bible Study Session which will begin in October. And, Good Shepherd Catholic Church is sponsoring a Fall Speakers Series – Conversations on Faith on 3 Tuesdays:
Sept. 25 – Learning about Judaism – Rabbi Brett Isserow; Oct. 2 – Learning about Islam
Imam Yahya Hendi and Oct. 9 – Learning about Buddhism, Fr. JHames Wiseman, OSB.
All sessions will be at 7:30PM in Creedon Hall at the Church 8710 Mt. Vernon Highway.
For information call Cynthia Drury 703-780-4055.
Betsy Damitz announced that UCM had a 10% increase in the need for School Supplies and thanked Jerri Fields for helping them reach their needed amount.
Meeting was adjourned 12:45 with a prayer by Rev. Jason Micheli
Next meeting is Oct. 3 at United Community Ministries 7511 Fordson Road at 11:30AM
Respectfully submitted – Barbara Cotter, Secretary VIC
Future locations for our 1st Wed of the month meetings:
November – St. Aidan’s
December – Rising Hope
January – First Church of Christ, Scientist
February – Bethlehem Baptist
March – Mt. Vernon Presbyterian
April – St. Luke’s Episcopal
May – Good Shepherd Catholic
June – luncheon at local restaurant
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