Douglas and Ozark Counties RTA members, Jane Elder, Barbara Roberts, Ida Mae Huse, Lena Pierce, Julane Williams, Doris Morrison, Thelma Chisam, Betty Moore, Norma Stillings, Terri Hall, Marie Bristol, and Barbara Groover, and their guest, Oren Alcorn, met for lunch at the Highway House Café in Ava, Tuesday, November 9.
President Doris Morrison called the meeting to order. Norma Stillings asked a blessing on the lunch. Lena Pierce read from a collection of excuses parents had written explaining the absences of their children.
Oren Alcorn, pastor of the Ava General Baptist Church, gave a report on the history of the Salvation Army in the Ava/Douglas County area. For many years the Ava Area Ministerial Alliance have worked behind the scenes to help people in crises. Back in the 1980’s $35 could provide overnight housing and a warm meal or pay a utility bill. Back then maybe twenty families a year would come seeking that kind of help. The Ministerial Alliance raised the money for these efforts in community meetings at Easter and Thanksgiving.
As the years went by the Ministerial Alliance was asked to take over the Salvation Army Bell Ringer Campaign in Ava. This increased the amount of money available, but at the same time the requests for help also increased. It was also noted that some of the people were abusing the system by going from organization to organization asking for help. This year the Heart of the Hills Food Pantry will handle the screening and provide food and special help to the people who are in crises.
When a donation is made at a Salvation Army kettle, 85% of the money will remain in the Ava Area providing help to people living on the edge.
The minutes of the last meeting and the treasurer’s report were accepted as read. Doris handed out a copy of the MRTA 2011 Legislative Platform and a copy of State and Regional Committee Chairmen.
Jane Elder made a plea to RTA members to turn in reports of volunteer hours so that she can submit the totals to the Region 10 Community Service Chairman in January. Norma Stillings reported that MRTA Memberships are due and that there is a need to maintain and increase membership numbers.
The next meeting will be held Tuesday, December 14 at the Highway House Café in Ava. There will be Christmas Music presented by students from Ava Schools.
