Lori Graham
Contributing Writer
After the retirement announcement of President, Dr. Pat Huber earlier this year, a search for a New River Community College President is underway, with a posted timeline of how the process will unfold.
Eric Johnson, who serves on the New River Community College Advisory Board, as appointed by the Board of Supervisors, gave an update on their search for a new president. President Pat Huber has announced her retirement from the position effective Jan. 10, 2024; however, Chancellor of the Virginia Community College Dr. David Dore has requested she stay until the end of the year, Johnson said.
The search for the next candidate for the NRCC president will be national, Johnson said. In April, an official announcement will be posted and listed on many university websites and national job recruiting locations; however, Johnson said this doesn’t mean there will not be internal candidates as well.
A full list of the recruiting process timeline can be viewed at the www.montva.com website in the Feb. 26 meeting agenda.
Alexandria Strickler, Human Services Director, also presented on Volunteer Montgomery, the former Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), during the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors meeting.
“We decided about a year ago to go in a little bit different direction and get away from the grant funding because it wasn’t a significant amount and it was really constraining us some, so these ladies are here to share with us. I’m excited to hear about it,” County Administrator Angie Hill said.
This program has been ongoing for over 50 years, changing to the new Volunteer Montgomery in April 2023.
“Volunteer Montgomery networks to create volunteer opportunities and serve as a resource for area organizations,” the Feb. 24 agenda stated. “The program links the skills, knowledge, and experience of volunteers with the needs of their community. The program provides support while providing volunteer opportunities. In April 2023, RSVP transitioned to Volunteer Montgomery. This program is now fully funded by Montgomery County. There are no longer age restrictions, so any resident of Montgomery County is eligible to volunteer. Although the program name and age restrictions have changed, our valuable programs that we provide to the community remain the same.”
Some of the events Volunteer Montgomery does annually are Patriot Day Baskets and Flowers for Vets. The Patriot Day Baskets are put together by volunteers and contain goodies for first responders that are delivered throughout Montgomery County, Strickler said. The Flowers for Vets campaign partners with Gates Florists for flowers and take in donations of flower vases all year.
“This last year we were able to take 55 flower arrangements throughout Montgomery County,” Strickler said.
Two of the biggest programs, Stricker said, are the Holiday Tote Bags and Supplies for Seniors to be presented to individuals in local nursing homes. Donations are accepted for these programs.
“A record number of 36 volunteers came out and packed 230 bags,” Strickler said, for the Supplies for Seniors program.
Also, a recent program is Valentines for Veterans, which this year had children as young as three-years-old to come out and assist with making almost 500 cards that were delivered to the Salem VA Medical Center.
As of Feb. 26, Volunteer Montgomery has over 200 volunteers with the largest number of new volunteers falling in the 65+ and 18-24 age ranges. Seven volunteers under the age of 18 have also signed up.
“I am happy to see such a spread of age in new volunteers,” Strickler said.
Some of the challenges Strickler presented to the supervisors are seeking family-oriented volunteer opportunities and chances for volunteers of all ages to participate. Additionally, with the rising number of volunteers and programs the group is offering, there is a need for more administrative and supervising roles.
Deena Flinchum said she has volunteered with the organization for at least 16 years and has lived in the New River Valley for 22 years. Her main work is with the Agency on Aging where she is a representative on their board, previously as chair and now serving as treasurer.
“My area of volunteer work there is in Medicare counseling,” Flinchum said. “[Policies] can change every year and we help people find the ones that would work best for them… In 2023, two agency staff members, five volunteer counselors, and three volunteer support staff helped 600 people in the New River Valley save over $477,000.”
Flinchum also said since 2013, a total of 5.4 million dollars has been saved for New River Valley residents through the support of this agency.
Rosemary Jones is a second-generation volunteer. Her mom volunteered prior to her and now the family tradition of volunteerism has been passed on to her son as well.
Jones said she clips coupons for overseas veterans, fill bags for seniors, write cards, and helps deliver totes to seniors in Montgomery County. Through Jones, supervisors heard how important these programs impact, for example, the seniors who receive the totes of supplies that the volunteers deliver to them.
One NRV senior Jones delivered to said, “Oh, I needed these things, and I was all out of money.”
Residents interested in donating funds to Volunteer Montgomery may visit the website at www.givelocalnrv.org, or sign up to volunteer time at www.montva.gov.
