2014 GARC ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

The Griffin Area Resource Center, Inc. held its 59th annual membership meeting the end of May on the grounds of their campus. The celebration included dinner, recognition of volunteers and community organizations, approval of By-Law revisions, a new slate of GARC Board of Director’s and staff recognitions. Following dinner, Lisa Sassaman, Executive Director and Dr. Robert Hayden, GARC Board President recognized the Junior Guild of the Griffin-Spalding Historical Society. For over twenty five years the Junior Guild has faithfully provided their time, talent and energy to the people served through the GARC by putting together the best parties; usually with music, dancing, games and refreshments.

The Spalding Kiwanis Club was also recognized as an outstanding volunteer organization. Representing the club were Ivan Betts, Jim Goolsby, Ronnie Cox and Henry Moxley. The Spalding Kiwanis Club began volunteering with the GARC back in the earliest history of the organization, some 55 years ago. At that time the GARC was known as Play to Learn, located at St. George’s Episcopal Church. Each year the Spalding Kiwanis Club sponsors the best GARC Men’s Christmas party. The Christmas party always includes dinner, singing Christmas carols, and a special gift for each man.

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The Bridge Builder Award this year was presented to Caterpillar Incorporated. For many years, the GARC has worked with Caterpillar. At the beginning, GARC participants completed the work for Caterpillar at the Griffin Community Workshop. After completion, the work was packaged and brought back to Caterpillar. The GARC now has an off-site person to oversee four people working in caterpillar, along with other employees. This is truly bridge building in the community, where everyone, people with and without disabilities share a sense of belonging.

The Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Tim Allen. Over the year, Tim volunteered faithfully providing countless hours of his time and talent repairing lighting and balusters, plumbing and drain issues, roof repairs, air conditioners, replacing ceiling tiles, cutting tree limbs, building wheelchair ramps and sheet rock repair.

At the close of the meeting, the GARC recognized Dr. Robert Hayden for serving as Board President for the past two years.