volunteer

Quigley House is looking for volunteers as it moves into a very busy time of advocacy during the month of October, also designated National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

If you or someone you know needs a few extra volunteer hours or just wants to lend a helping hand, call Tina Neas at (904) 284-0340.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 10
Event: Volunteer Fair on the Green
Where: University of North Florida
Info: Depart Orange Park approx. 9:00 a.m.  End at 1:00p.m.  One to two volunteers requested to assist our Child Advocate Chan (say Shawn) Rigsby with the Quigley House volunteer information table at this event. Transportation and lunch provided. Contact Chan Rigsby directly at 904-284-0340, ext. 22.

I worked for over 20 years in a corporate business and one of the things that I was often involved in was process improvement.  We often used a methodology called “Six Sigma”.  Based on my corporate experience, I hate waste and unorganized methods.  I do volunteer work in Clay County and we interface with a corporation who has primary responsibility in the process.  I have done this volunteer work for almost three years.

Here is my issue.  I see such lack of communication between the organizations and lack of processes.  The time I spend on my volunteer work is often extended because I don’t have the information I need. I see so many improvements that could be made if the process between the two organizations was looked at with an objective eye.  I am sure this would take time but I believe it could improve the process and help us all do a better job possibly even saving time and money.   I have brought this up several times to our volunteer leader who is a paid employee and have received no help and actually discouragement in that she stated that there was no interest by the other organization in making improvements that would help us.   Frankly, I question if there is any interest in my own volunteer organization.  I have thought about going around my coordinator but if the real scenario is no one is interested in improvement and this kind of unorganization is in every volunteer organization, then I have just created ill feelings and added no value.  I realize this is very vague but I do not feel comfortable nor am I in a position to name these two groups.  However, I do wish to know if this is prevalent in other volunteer organizations.  You input would be appreciated.

People aren't the only ones who are 'feeling the burn' this summer. Can you imagine wearing a fur coat 24/7 in 100% humidity?

Animals in the Bradford County Animal Shelter, an outdoor shelter, are feeling it. When I spoke with Capt. Randall Zipperer on the phone earlier this month, he confirmed that a few of the dogs had died from the conditions - "one older and one very young, at least" he said.

While the tin-rooofed, open air shelter has a drip-line to try and help cool the dogs and cats (drip-lines are like what you see spritzing flowers or produce at the grocery), it's just not enough.

The search for Austin Davis, the 26-year-old Argyle man who has been missing for about seven weeks, will continue in High Springs tomorrow, Sunday August 12. The search is prompted by reports of Davis sightings in the area, according to his family.

Anyone wishing to volunteer any amount of time is asked to join in the hunt for Austin. He is Caucasian, 5' 8" weighing 160-180 pounds, with dark brown hair, blue eyes, dimples and a scar on his right cheek. He disappeared without notice on June 26, 2007, and did not take any belongings with him.

There will be a 'command post'/meeting area at the Winn-Dixie, located at 1080 NW Santa Fe Blvd. off 441. Law enforcement agencies will be on the scene to assist in the search, which the family expects to last until dark. Any time you can spare to help would be useful.