Notes from Sept. 6th meeting: Strong financial performance reduces year-end loss

Financial Committee

Jonathan LaTurner reported that the financials for June were strong, reducing the year-end loss to only $50,000 from a projected loss of $70,000. Expenses have been kept low, but facility repairs and utility costs have increased. Ongoing lease negotiations with Councilmember Jay Schenirer and the city have given SCNA a few options regarding the maintenance of the facility, including the possible purchase of Sierra 2.

Executive Committee

The executive committee previously approved planting a peace tree in Curtis Park, which was scheduled for Sept. 30. Kate Van Buren and John Mathews updated the board on the program and dedication. Dan Pskowski recommended the “Autumn Gold” Ginkgo species, which would be the only one of its kind in the park. Kim Tucker of the Impact Foundry will update the board in October on the progress made with the strategic plan for SCNA.

Executive director report

Jonathan LaTurner will collect money from all board members for a wine fridge to raffle off at the Oct. 14 annual Wine Tasting event. The fridge is a popular raffle item, bringing in $1,500 last year.

This year, board members are helping SCNA staff in contacting sponsors and wineries. There are 14 confirmed restaurants so far. Andrea Rosen and Lori Harder will assist Terri and Faith by making phone calls and sending emails. Bret Harte Elementary will volunteer the day before the event. Heather Hogan will be assembling the auction baskets. Six community dinners up for bid have been confirmed so far, but 12 would be optimal.

Curtis Fest was one of the best-organized events SCNA has produced. Attendees loved it, but the extreme heat on one of the hottest days of the year kept the crowds away. There is no other time of the year to schedule Curtis Fest, so we will continue to have the event in summer while taking heat-mitigation measures such as installing misters. SCNA received nearly a dozen donations from the Curtis Fest artists. Larry Easterling contributed to the event by delivering and removing set-up equipment from Sierra 2 Center.

The Learnery took in $5,364 for the first quarter of classes. There have been 72 attendees with only a sampling of class offerings. Beginning Spanish has sold out; food, guitar and computer classes (Photoshop & Photo Organizing) are also popular. The Learnery has a goal of 12 class offerings per quarter. These are in addition to Senior Center classes and other ongoing activities offered by renters and tenants.

The new website’s events page has become a resource for the community, with more than 4,000 hits in the past two months.

WHAT IF, a team-building workshop for nonprofits, will be on Oct. 5. The workshop is organized by the Impact Foundry. Board members are encouraged to attend.

Neighborhood Concerns

The boundaries of Curtis Park as outlined in the bylaws will come up for a vote at the annual members meeting.

Dan Pskowski reported that trees have been taken down around the neighborhood in the past two years and have yet to be replaced. He is creating a list and will send it to Urban Forestry for an update on the timeline for replacement. He advised waiting for the next round of treatment of the elm trees until an aerial inspection can be done.

Traffic calming measures for 24th Street are moving forward. A traffic circle will be installed at 24th Street and Marshall Way, along with crosswalks at Portola Way to keep pedestrians safe. A semi-permanent homeless camp has developed by the railroad tracks in Curtis Park Village. Syringes, human waste and rotten food have been causing a health hazard. Police are routinely called, but they are limited in what they can do. Patrick Soluri reported that a “Justice for Neighbors” nuisance abatement team may be an option.

 

Senior Center

Angela Mia reported the committee met in July and August as preparations for the open house in September were under way. The center had its highest attendance ever for the month of August. Some people who registered for Learnery classes have started coming to the Senior Center.

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— Submitted by Kate Van Buren, board secretary

 

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