The 2008 Annual Meeting of the Covington County Chapter of the American Red Cross was held Thursday, September 11, 2008 at the former Andalusia Health Care facility – the site utilized by the chapter as an evacuation shelter for Hurricane Gustav just a week earlier.

“This was an exceptional evening for our chapter,” said Chapter Executive Director Jeffery Biggs. “More than 40 people were in attendance at the meeting and everyone had a great time.”

During the meeting new board members and officers were installed, as well as recognition of outgoing board members and volunteer recognition.

“During the meeting we recognized several outstanding individuals,” Biggs commented. “We awarded certificates of appreciation to many volunteers for their tremendous contributions to our chapter throughout this past year.”

Receiving honors at the meeting were: Doris Palmer and Betty Bass – Blood Services Volunteers of the Year; Jeff Holland – Health and Safety Services Volunteer of the Year; Paula Hester – Board Member of the Year; Marie Armstrong - Joyce Cook Project SHARE Award; and the highest honor of the evening, the Janice Castleberry Volunteer of the Year was presented to Jean Johnson and Kathi Kelley.

“All of these people made a significant contribution to our chapter,” Biggs said. “Without them, our year would not have been as successful as it was. We cannot thank them all enough.”

In addition to recognizing the volunteers, the chapter also recognized retiring board members Wem Mellown and Dallas Merritt.

“These two men have played an important role in our chapter for the past few years,” he said. “Just because they’re leaving our board doesn’t mean they are leaving our chapter. We look forward to many more years of working together with them.”

New board members installed during the evening’s festivities were Gregg Ramer of Opp, Staci Wilson of Opp, and Dr. Mark Gable of Andalusia. New officers installed for the evening were Paula Hester, vice-chair; Melissa Copeland, secretary; and Nancy Robbins, treasurer. Tari McClung will be entering her second year as board chair.

“I am excited at the prospects of working with this dynamic board from all across Covington County, and the new board officers,” Biggs said. “Together, I truly believe we will be able to move our chapter forward and increase our service to the people of Covington County.”