Jamie Gaskin, President/CEO of United Way in Genesee County, returned to the Club at our Liberty Family Dining location for our weekly Thursday breakfast and shared information about status and changes in his organization and life with our 16 members and 2 guests (Jack Proffitt’s grandson, Landon; and John Bradburn, guest of Jeff Gauger).
In his 13th year at United Way, Jamie’s job has been to manage $100M in assets (including $1.3M from “individual donors”, $2M for “Project Management” because of United Way’s reputation for handling specific programs, and $2-4M for “fiduciary manager” functions) while continuing to survive and reallocate given funding and personnel cuts and pressures guided by politics rather than need. Having built 19 playgrounds in the area already, United Way is overseeing the building of a $19M “Skate Park in the State Park” in Flint. Housing, in particular, is a major concern in our area and, in particular, affordability of housing (for “fixed-income” and “seniors” with reduced flexibility and earning potential, as well as “debilitated” or “low-income” residents, but also for people just entering the workforce without credit history or assets). Reduced funding and increased demand for “emergency” housing remains a huge concern, but “land bank” properties renovation and allocation of $15M for are helping to narrow the gap.
“Introduction of guests”:
- gave Jack Proffitt reason to “brag” on his grandson (substantially taller and more mature than in his prior visits), and
- gave John Bradburn a chance to discuss his “pre-retirement” role in managing material disposal, recycling, and reuse in General Motors workplaces. “Still getting calls”, his “post-retirement” access to good quality lumber left over from used pallets seems to be a source of lumber for use in Sleep in Heavenly Peace bed-building and is the specific impetus for Jeff Gauger’s invitation to the meeting.
OTHER NEWS:
- “Acting President” and Club Treasurer Jeff Dennings will be able to give us the summative statement about Summerfest tent success after he gets a credit from the beverage distributor for returns and the final bill from City of Flushing for security coverage, both in process and expected at any time.
- Phil Holmblade announced that he will be part of an SHP “Delivery Day” on Saturday, noting that other volunteers are welcome. He also was pleased to confirm that the OIF “Dime-A-Day” goal has been met for the fiscal year.
- “King” Matt Strnad proudly wore and brandished his brand new Crown by levying a fine against “Quasi-” President Jeff Dennings, who was compelled to acknowledge and pass the “stupid” fine against Jeff (paid by Greg Hilliker, incidentally). Jeff also imposed a fine against anyone “whining” about his “generosity”.
- Bill Reaves paid a fine for “wearing lederhosen” to breakfast instead of his more familiar “kilt” and also paid fines for “keeping short” his review of issues introduced at the most recent OI convention and for failure to follow through on notification (“warning?”) of his return from Florida.
- “King” Matt Strnad bought the “lucky” ticket for the “50/50 Progressive Pot” drawing today, worth $119 did not turn over the Queen of Diamonds. (WAH-WAH!)
July 16 – Becky Gaskin, from American Red Cross, will be next week’s guest speaker.
Until next time, “Promise Yourself…”