Minutes June 26, 2018

• Charvalla West - UWVP Community Resource Center
• Elizabeth Miller - Office of Community Engagement, William and Mary
• Benjamin Goldberg - Williamsburg Regional Library
• Michael VanAudenhove - Superintendent for Parks, City of Williamsburg
• Rachel Widenhouse - Avalon
• Kim Spencer - Lackey Free Clinic
• Amber Martens - Lackey Free Clinic
• Shandran Thornburgh, Virginia Living Museum
• Larissa Stebler, Virginia Living Museum

G.W.A.V.A. members recently were hosted by the Virginia Living Museum (VLM). Executive director of VLM, Rebecca Kleinhample, welcomed attendees and praised everyone for the work being done with volunteers. Next, Charvalla asked attendees to introduce themselves. She also emphasized the need for members to serve on the G.W.A.V.A. Executive committee.

Before VLM made presentations, members shared announcements.

• Registration for WRL's children's and adult summer reading programs start June 11. There will be a kick-off celebration on June 17.
• Avalon is holding a Summer Strong Camp during the first two weeks of July. The day camp is focused on resiliency and will include lunches.
• Lackey Free Clinic is investigating what the expansion of Medicaid benefits in Virginia means to their service model.
• William and Mary has begun thinking about fall programs, when students are back on campus. The college also is working on its Civic Action Plan to examine what college faculty, staff, and students are going in the community and what they should be doing in the community.
• Williamsburg Parks is taking the opportunity to complete several construction projects. In August programming will begin in earnest again.
• VLM has dinosaurs this summer. In July and August the museum will be open late on Thursdays.

Charvalla asked G.W.A.V.A. members about their efforts to recognize volunteers during April's National Volunteer Week. At VLM each department sponsors a different day to recognize the VLM volunteers. Next year Lackey Free Clinic plans to theme the clinic as a cruise ship and convert each department into a different port. Avalon gave Thyme plant ot thank volunteers for their time. The United Way Community Resource Center and the library both offered their volunteers a reception with food, camaraderie, and organization updates.

Larissa next brought out a male American kestrel, native to Virginia. She shared information about the kestrel and answered questions about VLM programs.

Shandran offered an informative powerpoint about integrating volunteers and the Service Enterprise Initiative. She shareda powerpoint presentation about VLM’s efforts to better integrate volunteers into their organization, specifically through the Service Enterprise Initiative. As a certified Service Enterprise, the museum operates more efficiently and can offer better programs and services to their visitors.

Following the presentation, Shandran gave a brief overview of the museum and encouraged G.W.A.V.A. members to tour the exhibits.

The next G.W.A.V.A. membership meeting will be in September, 2018. Details will be forthcoming.

• The Next GWAVA meeting will be in May and will involve lunch. Closer to the meeting, a poll of restaurant options will be center to members.Members then enjoyed an excellent tour of the renovated Olde Towne Medical and Dental Center facilities. The Center was formed in 1993 to address the needs of Greater Williamsburg's uninsured and medically underserved residents. OTMDC was established as a public-private, non-profit, 501(c)3 agency with a mission "to provide quality, cost-effective, coordinated and preventative primary health care to clients, regardless of ability to pay."Today, OTMDC is a Rural Health Center operated as a family practice staffed by a Medical Director, Dental Director, Clinical Director, Physician and Dental Assistants. In addition, extensive volunteer community support includes 11 physicians, 16 dentists and 45 other non-medical individuals who provide on average over 650 volunteer hours per month.Announcement:Olde Towne Medical and Dental Center - April 5 Healthy Aging Conference at King of Glory Church
• Williamsburg Regional Library -April 7 Community Appreciations Celebration.
• JCC Parks & Rec. - JCC Volunteer Opportunities are avialable. April 14 Bee Shelter installation project at York River State Park. JCC accepts Court Ordered volunteers.The ARC - April 15 Life Animated Fim fundraiser.
• Lackey Free Clinic - April is Chosen Few Fundraisiner at King of Glory Church.

The next G.W.A.V.A. membership meeting is scheduled as a lunch meeting in May, 2018. Details will be forthcoming.

Minutes from February 23, 2018

• Charvalla West - UWGW Community Resource Center
• Latara Branch - JCC HR/Volunteers
• JoLynda Lawecki - Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
• Diane Scharz - Hospice House and Support Care of Williamsburg
• Elizabeth Miller - Office of Community Engagement, William and Mary
• Benjamin Goldberg - Williamsburg Regional Library

G.W.A.V.A. members recently were hosted by the Williamsburg Regional Library, at Stryker Center in the heart of the City of Williamsburg. At the start of the meeting members shared personal and professional updates.

Charvalla emphasized the need for members to serve on the G.W.A.V.A. Executive committee and reviewed planned 2018 meetings.

She noted that the Executive committee meets 3-4 times annually to share the responsibilities of managing G.W.A.V.A. memberships and dues, maintaining the G.W.A.V.A. email list, recruiting new agency partners, and coordinating with member agencies to offer relevant and insightful networking opportunities for the group.

Open Positions:

• Treasurer: The Treasurer oversees incoming and outgoing funds for the agency, and participates as a functioning member of the G.W.A.V.A. Executive Committee. (2 year term)
• President Elect: The President Elect serves as a functioning member of the G.W.A.V.A. Executive Committee, and accepts the role of G.W.A.V.A. President at the end of the current President’s term. (2 years)
• The Next G.W.A.V.A. President will serve 2019-2020

Charvalla also shared that one of the things that makes G.W.A.V.A. so beneficial is the behind-the-scenes experiences of our host sites. Below are the available months to host. If you are interested and available to host a meeting this year, please email us at GWAVA.email@gmail.com.

• March- Hosted by Olde Towne Medical Center 3/23 9:30 a.m.
• April- No Meeting, Volunteer Appreciation Month
• May- G.W.A.V.A. Lunch
• June- Hosted by Virginia Living Museum in June (6/6 or 6/13)
• July and August- No Meeting
• September - Hospice House
• October - AVAILABLE
• November- No Meeting
• December- G.W.A.V.A. Lunch

Members then enjoyed a robust discussion focused on best practices for the training and screening of volunteers. Topics included how member organizations handle confidentiality issues, behavioral issues, and related challenges. Following the conversation members shared announcements.

Announcement:

• W&M - March 24 is Spring Into Action for W&M student volunteers.
• Hospice House - Business manager position is open.
• JCC - Skimino Creek public meeting on March 1 at the James City County Library and Neighborhood Forum on March 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Rec. center.
• JYF - children's programs including Youth Volunteer programs and Broadsides camps are on the horizon for the summer.
• Youthleadva.org is accepting applications for its youth leadership program.

The next G.W.A.V.A. membership meeting is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on March 23 at Olde Towne Medical and Dental Center. Details will be forthcoming.

Minutes from November 8, 2017

• Charvalla West - UWGW Community Resource Center
• Angie Sims - JCC Park & Recreation
• Amy Fiedor - JCC Program Coordinator of "The Lounge"
• Magdalene Staples - Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
• Diane Scharz - Hospice House and Support Care of Williamsburg
• Benjamin Goldberg - Williamsburg Regional Library

G.W.A.V.A. members recently met at "The Lounge" in the James City County Recreation Center.

G.W.A.V.A. President Charvalla West welcomed members and announced again there is an Executive Committee vacancy. Members who are interested in serving should contact her, Elizabeth Miller, or Benjamin Goldberg.

Following introductions around the table Angie Sims introduced Amy Fiedor, program manager for "The Lounge." The county has operated the Lounge since 2014, following the dissolution of the Historical Triangle Senior Center. Amy provided a comprehensive and interesting review of Lounge programs and activities available to those in the community who are age 55 and over. These include fitness classes, line dancing, bingo, bridge, mah jong, monthly trips, and more. Annual membership is $60 for residents and $70 for non-residents. Benefits include discounts on trips, access to classess, and invitations to events.

Longe programs are supported by staff, volunteer instructors, and local organizations (e.g. Peninsula Ageny on Aging and Williamsburg Regional Library). An advisory committee meets monthly to plan activites and consider any issues.

Following the presentation and a question and answer period, Charvalla distrubted G.W.A.V.A. membership forms and announced that the annual luncheon will be held at Le Yaca in December (cost is anticipated at $15 per attendee). More information about the luncheon will be emailed to members very soon. G.W.A.V.A. membership meetings at Olde Towne Medical and Dental Center and Hospice House and Support Care of Williamsburg are anticipated diring the winter and spring of 2018. Members who are interested in hosting a 2018 G.W.A.V.A. meeting can contact Charvalla, Elizabeth, or Benjamin.

Announcement:

• JCC Parks and Rec. is seeking volunteers for the Santa Calling Program. Angie needs eight to ten more pairs to make calls in December.
• JamestownYorktown Foundation announced the Matthew Hansbury lecture at ARM-Y on 11/15, Foods and Feasts of Colonial Virginia (11/23-11/25), and the Yortown Lighted Board parade on December 2. The ARM-Y special exhibit "AfterWARd" will close on 11/27.
• In November the Lounge will offer line dancing, Wii bowling, discussion groups, mah jong, among other programs. Call 259.3232 and select option #8 for the activity hotline.

The next G.W.A.V.A. membership meeting is the December luncheon at Le Yaca. Details will be finalized soon.

Minutes from September 12, 2017

• Charvalla West - UWGW Community Resource Center
• Bette Faye Poythress-King - The ARC
• Sarah Sherman-VanDeventer - Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
• Magdalene Staples - Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
• JoLynda Lawecki - Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
• Natalie Clevenger - Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
• Elaine Swartz - Olde Towne Medical and Dental
• Benjamin Goldberg - Williamsburg Regional Library
• Elizabeth Miller - Office of Community Engagement, William and Mary
• Kim Spencer - Lackey Clinic
• Michael VanAudenhove - City of Williamsburg, Waller Mill Park
• Marcia Morton - Habitat for Humanity ReStore
• Diane Kieffaber - Habitat for Humanity ReStore

G.W.A.V.A. members recently met at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation volunteer coordinators and G.W.A.V.A. members Magdalene Staples and Sarah Sherman-Vandeventer hosted the meeting.

G.W.A.V.A. President Charvalla West welcomed members after the summer hiatus. Members went around the room and introduced themselves. Charvalla announced there is an Executive Committee vacancy. Members who are interested in serving should contact her, Elizabeth Miller, or Benjamin Goldberg. The October meeting will be announced in the coming weeks. Also, the fall G.W.A.V.A. meeting schedule will be determined soon.

Announcements:

• The ARC on 10/7 holds their 5K fundraiser at Williamsburg Landing. On 10/23 the ARC holds their volunteer appreciation night and training. Bette Faye asked if members could share volunteer handbooks.
• ReStore will move the Newport News store to Chattam, making for a larger store. The Williamsburg store is number three for sales among the 1,000 ReStores nationwide.
• Lackey Clinic is developing a new program to provide health coaches for chronic care patients.
• Williamsburg Regional Library will hold a grand opening celebration on September 27 at the James City County Library for the marketplace renovations.
• Wiliam and Mary holds its volunteer fair on 9/12. The College has instituted "tribelink," which will allow students to record individual volunteer hours. Organizations may receive emails to confirm student volunteer hours.
• United Way of Virginia Peninsula holds Dayof Caring on 9/15. The merger of United Way of Greater Williamsburg and Virginia Penisnula is complete and very much the best arrangement for the entire community.
• Waller Mill Park holds its Canine Canival in 10/14. Vendors can participate for $25.
• Olde Towne Medical and Dental will participate in the Live Well Expo on 11/3 at the James City County Rec Center.
• Jamestown Yorktown Foundation has programs and events happening all the time, including homeschool programs, other educational programs, and lectures. See the website for the calendar (www.historyisfun.org). The Jamestown Setttlement museum galleries are due for a refresh and that process is beginning.

Following brief business and announcements, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation staff provided a comprehensive behind-the-scenes and museum tour. The new museum offers a more comprehensive history of the American Revoluntionary War. The new galleries include information on battles, soldiers, civilians, and society, as well as extensive artificts.

The next G.W.A.V.A. membership meeting is scheduled for October. Details will be finalized soon.

Minutes for March 23, 2017

• Charvalla West - UWGW Community Resource Center
• Benjamin Goldberg - Williamsburg Regional Library
• Debra M. Podish - Williamsburg Hospice House and Support Care
• Diane Schwarz - Williamsburg Hospice House and Support Care
• Michael VanAudenhove - City of Williamsburg, Waller Mill Park
• Elizabeth Miller - College of William and Mary
• Kristin Erickson - Habitat for Humanity ReStore
• Diane Kieffaber - Habitat for Humanity ReStore

• Volunteer Coordinators and G.W.A.V.A. members Kristin Erickson and Diane Kieffaber hosted the meeting. Greater Williamsburg Association for Volunteer Administration (G.W.A.V.A.) members recently met at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. ReStoreMembers met to discuss different volunteer data management techniques and programs. Several organizations use excel spreadsheets to track volunteer hours. Among the other programs discussed were Volgistics, Volunteer Matrix, Giftworks, and Wild Apricot. Volgistics is used by several G.W.A.V.A. member organizations. Members wondered if a single cloud based product might allow multiple organizations to record volunteer hours in a single location for volunteers who help at various organizations. That would allow volunteers to have a record of their total volunteer hours from a single source. It is not clear such a product exists at present and there might be logistical inputting issues for different nonprofit groups.Announcement:April 1 is William and Mary's Spring into Actin Day. Projects are still welcome. In May W&M will host the Community Partnership meeting. G.W.A.V.A. members are encouraged to suggest ideas of presentations.
• April 22 is the ReStore's 5th anniversary celebration. Everyone is invited.
• April 22 is the Hospice House Annual Hike for Hospice. Everyone is invited. Debra introduced Diane Schwarz, the Hospice House Volunteer and Operations Director.
• April 22 is the Williamsburg Parks and Rec. Earth Day celebration. Everyone is invited.
• The United Way of Greater Williamsburg will be consolidating offices. Administration offices will move into the Community Resourse Center building.
• The new Williamsburg Regional Library director, Betsy Fowler, has started.

Following discussion and announcements, the group toured the ReStore facilities. They learned about how the ReStore is supported by many volunteers and the meticulous process volunteers use to prepare donations for sale in the store. Members also learned about the rigorous application for approval for a recipient of a Habitat for Humanity home.

There next G.W.A.V.A. membership meeting is tentatively scheduled for June 1. Details will be finalized soon.

Minutes from February 23, 2017

• Charvalla West - UWGW Community Resource Center
• Trish Barner - Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
• Benjamin Goldberg - Williamsburg Regional Library
• Debra M. Podish - Williamsburg Hospice House and Support Care
• Lisa Youngers - Jamestown Yorktown Foundation
• Michael VanAudenhove - City of Williamsburg, Waller Mill Park
• Elizabeth Miller - College of William and Mary
• Debi Harden - Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical

G.W.A.V.A. grants are available for professional development and volunteer programs. Elizabeth noted that the June meeting will be a lunch event. Attendees were asked to consider their restaurant preferences from several options suggested.Next Melody Porter, Director of the College of William and Mary’s Office of Community Engagement, made a presentation to attendees about reimagining the volunteer sector. Her talk focused on four principles; (1) creating a volunteer ecosystem in which nonprofits, businesses, and the faith based community are involved, (2) making volunteering core to an organization and measuring the impact of volunteers, (3) understanding and identifying community needs, and (4) institutional investment in volunteerism. Melody led the group in several discussion points to explore these principles and examine how they might be applied in practice. Melody also shared a resource to assess institutional capacity building. The next G.W.A.V.A. meeting with be at 9:00 a.m. on March 24. Details will be forthcoming.