Chapter News

Meet Carol Reeves, chapter president for 2008-2009.

Last year Carol served as President-Elect, overseeing the orientation of the chapter’s newest members; prior to that she filled various roles in the chapter, including serving for two years as co-chairman of Winter’s Eve Corvallis, our primary fundraiser.

Although our Nominating Committee filled all of the slots for elected officers, Carol recruited all appointed officers and committee chairmen before she took office at the end of May.  Almost immediately after her installation, Carol left Corvallis for a training session in beautiful, downtown Burbank, where she and chapter presidents from across the nation learned the ins and outs of leading their groups.  Since her return, she has been distributing materials and information to her many officers and committee chairmen and efficiently conducting Board meetings.

Although Board members meet almost every month during the year, the general membership takes the summer off—at least from regular monthly meetings.  However, all summer long, the chapter plans and prepares for activities and events which will occur in the coming year.  Thus, as an ex-officio member of every committee, even during the summer Carol always found herself busy.  Because Carol is always cheerful and enthusiastic, officers and members consult with her often—especially when problems arise.  Fortunately, she’s unflappable!

The President’s job description includes conducting and attending meetings, reporting to National, signing documents, and overseeing the general operation of the chapter, a very broad scope!  Consequently, you might find Carol answering emailed questions and giving advice by telephone to her officers and committee chairmen, as well as carrying furniture to the basement in preparation for the housepainters, sorting mail or checking the chapter’s email messages, and even unloading the chapter house’s dishwasher!  Her innate common sense, her experience in both Assistance League and other venues, and the assistance of her able officers will make Carol’s year as chapter president successful and enjoyable.  She epitomizes Assistance League’s motto:  Caring and Commitment in Action.

How Lucky Are You?  Win a Wysocki Print

The Galleria will include a raffle for a limited-edition, Charles Wysocki print entitled “Remington the Horticulturist,” donated by a chapter member. With the border, it measures 24 5/8” x 21 ½”.  It’s one of 15,000 signed and consecutively numbered prints, and the print registration form is included.  Estimated value is between $210 and $295.  Tickets will be $1 each or 6 for $5, available at The Galleria. If you would like to see the print, search for “Remington the Horticulturist” on the internet.

CONNECTIONS Made and Delivered

Public Relations spent the summer preparing our first community newsletter, mailed in late August.  The idea for such a newsletter came from National and has been a strategic goal for several years. 
A community newsletter provides us a way to be accountable to our donors.  All 2007-2008 donors received a copy.

Hygiene, Helping, and Heat

The New Member Class of ALC met for the first time on August 5th.  Their first undertaking was the completion of over 300 hygiene kits for Operation School Bell on one of the hottest days of the year.  Not a complaint was heard, but—needless to say— all  were “glistening” at the end.  That’s truly caring and commitment in action!

Assistance League Turns 40

Assistance League of Corvallis celebrated 40 years of service with a special luncheon at the Clubhouse at Adair Village.  The April regular meeting was followed by a social hour with appetizers, slides, and displays.  At noon, members enjoyed a catered lunch featuring recipes from our own Assistance League of Corvallis cookbooks to celebrate all that Assistance League has accomplished in the past 40 years.  Assistance League memorabilia was displayed during our social hour.

ASSISTANCE LEAGUE RECEIVES GRANTS

Assistance League of Corvallis has received several major grants to aid us in “lending a hand” to the people of Benton County.  Legend Homes Corvallis Communities donated a sizeable sum to be used to purchase jackets for Operation School Bell.  The Benton County Foundation  has provided funds to purchase items for hygiene kits (toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, comb, etc.) to accompany each Operation School Bell clothing order.  The Chambers Family Foundation provided a considerable donation to enable us to increase the amount allotted for each pair of shoes provided by Operation School Bell.  The Wal-Mart Super Center (Lebanon) also provided a much-needed grant to be used to further the philanthropic programs of our chapter.  We thank all of these wonderful donors!

This thank-you note came from young child: 

“Thank you for the clothes.  You are the best.  When I was trying on all of the clothes it felt like Christmas.  I appreciate the fact that you did this for me and I am very grateful.”