August Newsletter 
It's time for the kids and grandkids to go back to school!
This time of year, when school is starting, we know a new season and the holidays are close at hand. Spring and summer sure have gone by fast and it is hard to believe that Labor Day is right around the corner. At least, after this month, it will start cooling down some and if we are lucky we will not have a hurricane come close to Houston, even though some rain would be nice. 
 
So here is to all the parents and grandparents who are helping prepare the young ones for a new school year! May all the students have a good year!

Missions:
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With school startin g and summer being over, we believe the number of requests for Missions will start to increase. There are 42 Open Missions listed on the website right now.  Please consider visiting the website to see if there is a Mission that fits your schedule. Our patients are counting on us!
Thank you to all of our Volunteers ! 

How Are We Doing? 
Houston Ground Angels
Management Review   August 2016
From Tony Castiglie,  
Vice President & Treasurer

July turned out to be a relatively slow month, indicative of a slower than expected year. Something that has remained constant is the gratitude expressed by the patients & their companion we serve.

We ran 190 missions during July bringing this year's total to 1,440. Our goal for the year remains at 2,500.

Thus far during 2016, 86 volunteers have run missions. Volunteers leading the way - Paulette Blackburn (124), Richard Chidlow (117), Charles Whitworth (111), Charles Gibson (75) & Ruthanne Bowser (65)- are leading the way. Thanks to any & all whole run missions.

We continue in our ability to satisfy most mission requests but we hope to do better. Our fulfillment rate for the year is 92%, over our stated goal of 95%. Usually, those missions not chosen by volunteers are those either late into the night or very early in the morning.
One new volunteer, Barbara Kneisler who resides in The Woodlands, joined us during July. Barbara was with us once before. Welcome back! This now adds 8 new volunteers this year.

To every volunteer, "Thank You" for being part of this wonderful organization and making it the success that it is. Our expectation is that 2016 will be another great year ever!

Sincerely,
Tony


Recruiting Volunteers!
If  you know someone who might consider joining us as a volunteer, please ask them to call Mary at 281-900-7377.
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Pet Lovers: Did you Know? 

If you give you cat or dog salmon, either canned or fresh, once a week or even every other week, it will not only help them stay healthier, it will also keep fleas away. Salmon works better that flea pills or liquids that are squeezed onto their back. You'll be able to see the difference within a couple of weeks. Salmon for humans is also a heart healthy treat!


How I Became a Ground Angel

Almost seven years ago, I was working on an article about the new additions to the Sugar Land Airport. As I interviewed the airport director he said that Houston Ground Angels had just been there picking up a patient. I asked who Houston Ground Angels were, and the director gave me the contact number. I called.

A few days later, I met with Tony Castiglie and the then president. We met and talked for a few hours and they were added to the article, then we did another article on HGA. 

After our initial contact, I began working with Tony and the different presidents of Houston Ground Angels, behind the scenes, writing some grants and helping in different areas. 

I just celebrated my one year anniversary in my new role with HGA. I love being part of this wonderful organization and it is such a pleasure meeting and talking to all of the volunteers. To those I have not met yet, I hope to see you soon at an event. 

We are planning a Holiday/Christmas party for the first week of December and I should hear back from the venue in the next day or so. It will be announced as soon as I have a confirmation. 

We are also looking at hosting a Barbecue in October, and the venue and details will be announced as soon as I have everything confirmed. 

We hope you will share how you became a Houston Ground Angel! Please call or email me with your story.

Rebecca Maitland
Cell: 832.752.9645
Email: [email protected]
Have a Great August and Please Check the Website
to see if there is a Mission that fits your schedule!
Thank you!