Clubs & Activities | eportfolio

Membership, Clubs, & Activities

Kingston Green Homeowners Association

Initally, when taking office as President I noticed that there were many items that needed work and it seemed a little overwhelming. It was best to break it down in phases to plan out and fit our budget.

Phase One:

Install handicap ramps leading to park areas and replace stop sign/street signs to a more decorative wrought iron posts.

Phase Two:

Update swingset in playground, paint house numbers on curbs, and install solar lighting on entrance sign.

Phase Three:

Replace door to pool house bathroom and install new locks, update signage in pool area, and replace pool pump and install timer.

August 2011 - Upon taking office I did a little research and received three quotes respectively for Phase One. Within three weeks it was completed. This was very important as it was approved by the previous board members and never accomplished for over one year.

September 2011 - We had an organized neighborhood work day to help with clean up the front entrance and around the parks. At the same time we had volunteers work on Phase Two. We repainted the swingset and replaced the chains and swings. We painted the curb numbers throughout the neighborhood (Thanks Andrew).

November 2011 - One of my neighbors helped me install a new door on the pool house with push button lock. We then hung some safety/rule signs on the fence around the pool. The only exception was the electrical work regarding the pool pump and timer. Due to liability, we called in a professional electrician to handle the wiring. Phase Three complete.

All phases were completed within three months of taking office.

Update -

Since installation of the timer and more efficient pump we have seen a reduction to our power bill of 47%. As of April 2012 we changed to over to a salt water pool and our chemical costs have been reduced by 38%.

We voted on distributing a bi-monthly neighborhood newsletter to keep the neighbors informed. Becaouse of this there has been a significant increase in social activities. We have had ice cream socials around the pool area and have had movie night in the park.

As for additional maintenance, we try to stay on top of it and everyone helps out with picking up debris when walking through the neighborhood.

Member of Shriners International

We perform charitable work in the community and raise money for Shriners Hospitals. These are for children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients’ ability to pay. We also have a transportation fleet that will bring the patient to and from the hospital.

In 2011 was appointed Ambassador at Large, this is given to Shriners who go above and beyond what is expected and for organizing and promoting Shriners activities and events.

Autauga County Shrine Club

<--- Picture to the left is where I am being sworn in as Vice President.

I have been involved with this for over five years and have been in an executive capacity for two years. This photo is of my swearing in on my first year as an officer. It has been a pleasure to serve and I am proud to have the support of the members.

The main principles of Freemasonry insist that each member show tolerance, respect and kindness in his actions toward others; practices charity and care for the community as a whole; and strives to achieve high moral standards in his own personal life. We support our local community charities and offer various types of scholarships for college.

Scottish Rite Valley of Montgomery

The Scottish Rite is a Masonic organization that continues a Master Mason’s education of the first three degrees. It has two purposes, the first being continual education and the second is Alabama Scottish Rite Foundation by helping children with language and learning difficulties, including dyslexia.

<--- Here is a picture of Ihop Pancake Day fundraiser for the Children's Miracle Network which includes Shriners Hospitals in March 2014.

Montgomery HOG Chapter

One of our chapter rides to the Little Red Schoolhouse restaurant.

For a number of years I was the editor, webmaster, and safety officer for the chapter. We had a lot of family fun promoting motorcycle safety and camaraderie. We organized numerous charity rides for Toys for Tots and Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Each year we would ride to Camp ASCCA in Jackson's Gap, off of Lake Martin, and have a party for the kids there. This was in additon to the kids we sponsored to actually attend the camp. It is a very heartfelt ride for everyone.

<---- Here is a picture of Tanya Brashears with MDA presenting our club with an award for fundraising.

Click here to download a sample copy of the

Montgomery HOG Newsletter.

Carol Villa Civic Association

In 2001 the Carol Villa Civic Association (CVCA) was considered inactive. After working to get more involved in the neighborhood, I was asked to be President. We restructured the association and had a significant amount of community involvement. I solicited donations from local businesses to help with updating the three entrances. We built new signage and replaced the landscaping, organized a neighborhood watch program, encouraged interaction between neighbors, and improved the overall well being of the neighborhood. I ended up being President for 2 years before stepping down as we moved out of state.

East Montgomery Neighborhood Alliance

In 2002, while being involved with CVCA, there was a need for an alliance of neighborhood associations. They would represent the neighborhoods in dealing with issues that might come up and work with the City of Montgomery to help resolve them. I was the President of this the first year and help with planning, organizing, and implementing the bylaws. The highlight of this was when I organized a Mayoral debate that was televised on the local networks. The current Mayor Bobby Bright was up for his second term and he was debating candidate Scott Simmons. I stepped down as President after one term as we were moving out of state.

benno capshaw