FISH News

President's Report
by Janet Hyman, FISH President 2011

The FISH fiscal year has gotten off to a tremendous start. In preparation for our year a new Budget was developed using Quick Books Online by the Budget Committee. Elections were held at our June meeting and the Board of Directors and Officers were selected. Many members of the BOD continue to serve FISH, some are returning former members and some are new to our BOD. All are eager to work diligently for FISH, helping us achieve our goal of bringing Friendly Instant Sympathetic Help to those in need in our communities. The preparations were completed with a great many ideas being shared and discussed at a "Brainstorming" meeting and many of these will become part of our operating procedures.

After taking over as President on July 1,2011 our Annual Meeting and initial BOD meeting took place at my home. The Board along with about 25 other FISH volunteers came together to begin fiscal year 2012 on July 25, 2011. While a thunderstorm raged outside, a luncheon and FISH business were carried conducted with warm camaraderie. We shifted the time and location of our monthly BOD meetings which will now take place at 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM at the Dominion Virginia Power Company offices on Centreville Road in Herndon. These will be Brown Bag meetings at which guests will be welcome. It is a secure facility so please check in with the receptionist.

One big change is that we have expanded our committees and the bulk of planning work will occur within these committees. Committees will be Chaired by a member of the Board and comprised of other members and possibly other volunteers. The full BOD will discuss and vote on all major decisions. Committees will meet on an as needed basis and are moving along with their work.

Mega Millions Lottery Winner Makes Donation to FISH

We are reveling in our good fortune of being selected by Brian McCarthy, the Virginia Lottery Mega Millions winner, to be one of the two local charities helped by his generous contribution. His gift of $25,000.00 came at a time when our treasury was running low because of the continuing economic problems impacting so many in our communities. Mayor Steve DeBenedittis, of Herndon, was instrumental in directing Brian to FISH. We are all very grateful.

From left to right Brian McCarthy (lottery winner), Janet Hyman
(President of FISH) , Stephen DeBenedittis (Mayor of Herndon)

Drivers Are Urgently Needed

Do you have a couple of hours a month that you could spare to drive an individual to and from a medical appointment? If interested in volunteering to drive, please call the FISH Hotline or visit our Volunteer page. Note that we require evidence of auto insurance, good driving record and we will do a background check, a common practice among volunteer organizations that serve children and/or elderly persons.