The Shadow
The Covington Woman’s Club held its March General Meeting Monday, March 18.
Club President Cynthia Baroody called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. She welcomed three guests: Roger Baroody, Mike Kasnick and Todd Anderson.
Charlotte Williamson led the pledge to the American flag.
Anita Proffitt introduced the guest speaker, Todd Anderson, CEO of Jackson River Enterprises, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Anderson is a native of Covington, having graduated from Covington High School in 1984, followed by graduation at Virginia Tech in 1988. He has been the CEO at Jackson River Enterprises since 2015.
The organization opened its doors in 1964 to provide day activities and work for individuals of the Alleghany Highlands challenged with disabilities.
These disabilities include intellectual delays, mental illness, emotional issues, physical disabilities, autism and traumatic brain injuries.
For over 50 years, JRE has helped hundreds of individuals increase their work skills, social skills, and independence. Currently, JRE employs about 30 adults with disabilities.
The goal of the organization is to provide jobs for individuals who would otherwise struggle to find employment.
He spoke about the challenges of having to pour a portion of the concrete floor in the recycling building. Because of the repair work, they were unable to accept glass and plastic. JRE resumed accepting plastics and glass for recycling Monday.
Funding for JRE comes from Covington, Clifton Forge, Iron Gate, Alleghany local governments, and The Alleghany Foundation.
They recycle about 1.5 million tons a year that does not go to landfills. They accept and shred documents, cardboard boxes, and provide lawn care at WestRock. In April and November, they sponsor electronic waste disposal.
Anderson concluded his remarks by inviting the members to schedule a tour by calling the office Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Secretary Charlotte Williamson read the minutes which were approved with one correction.
Christine Hodges in-formed the club of the passing of Elroy Basham, father of Bonnie Keyser, and the funeral arrangements. A sympathy card will be sent.
Treasurer Gayle Kitchen gave a report.
Anita Proffit reported for Nominating Committee: President, Cynthia Baroody; first vice president Lisa Cole; second vice president Nancy Moga; corresponding secretary Harriett Byers; secretary Charlotte Williamson; treasurer Gayle Kitchen. The nominating committee was Carolyn Young, Anita Proffit and Debbie Rose.
The Education Committee is working with the two high schools toward the presentation of the Margaret Gresham Scholarships.
Members brought in career clothing for the Dabney S. Lancaster Com-munity College Road Runner Cubby. They also gave $31 in donations which were delivered by Charlotte Williamson and Gayle Kitchen.
Cynthia reported on the Garden Tour being planned for Saturday, June 8, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. This tour will benefit the Covington Woman’s Club and the Jackson River Garden Club and the cost will be $15. It will include a visit to a lavender farm and several gardens of residents in the area.
April 6 will be the clean-up day at the Eastern Children’s Forest. Several organizations are expected to participate. The days for the school children to visit will be some time in May.
Cynthia and Charlotte attended the Shenandoah District meeting in Staunton on March 29 and 30, representing our club. They took 11 blue ribbon high school entries, and 11 blue ribbon middle school entries for judging in an art show.
The meeting concluded with Joyce Loving leading the Club Collect.
The next general meeting will be on Monday, April 15, and a speaker from Safe-home Systems, Inc., will present the program.
Jackson River Enterprises is located in the Edgemont section of Covington at 825 W. Edgemont Drive.
For more information on the recycling program, employment opportunities, business hours, the history of Jackson River Enterprises or more on Jackson River Enterprises, call the facility at 540-962-3441 or get in touch with the CEO?of Jackson River Enterprises, Todd Anderson.
