UNITED WAY BOARD GETS REPORT, NAMES OFFICERS

The Area Wide United Way presented new officers and board members as part of its annual luncheon meeting Thursday at Drury Lodge.

Approximately 70 United Way staff, agency directors and other guests attended the meeting, which is conducted annually to provide information about agency activities and to induct new members.

Nancy Jernigan, United Way executive director, said new members will pick up the reins and create a new year of successes for the organization.

"We're going to keep our previous successes and build on them," Jernigan said in her annual report. "The board and staff are all proud of what we have accomplished in 1996. In the coming year we plan to expand our area of service and help other communities to help others."

She said the agency has collected nearly $512,000 in the 1996 capital drive, about 96 percent of the $525,000 goal. She said she is confident the goal will be met when final pledges are collected.

Several agencies and individuals were recognized for their support to United Way. One was Harry Rediger, an outgoing board member. Rediger received a cake, gifts and a chorus of "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" for his 19 years of service to the organization.

"This is not goodbye, Harry; we'll still be calling for your help," Jernigan said.

New members include Bob Basler, Dan Berry, Dr. Leonard Clark, Dr. John Holcomb, Michael Miller, Pat Miller, Dan Muser, Richmond Payne and Max Prill. Returning board members include Pat Allen, Jim Limbaugh and Don Sherwood.

Donna Hanschen, a board member for two years previously, was elected board chairman in 1997. She said the United Way was an excellent organization that helped other agencies to maximize their services to others. The organization also provided citizens an opportunity to volunteer, she said.

"I tell everybody not to be afraid to volunteer if someone calls and asks for their help," Hanschen said. "They make it for you to volunteer. If they call you, step up to the plate. It's worth it."

Jernigan said the community support for the United Way was continually growing. People want to help the United Way, she said, and they want to see the organization grow.

"New people in the leadership roles in this community all have expressed commitment to the United Way," Jernigan said. "We have a new police chief, a new fire chief and a relatively new city manager, and they all have ties to the United Way from earlier in their lives, and want to help it grow.

"We have a number of blessings in this community, and one of them is the United Way."