Greetings, fellow Avilones. Here we are – 2019 has knocked the door down and entered the room. So, Happy New Year to you all! Last January I began my column with a few sentences about the state of our country, and speculated about future political unrest. If anything, I greatly underestimated what was to be. Our country seems even more fractured and divided than it was last year at this time. The major issues haven’t changed much, but the rhetoric has resulted in increasing extremism and hatred. With little relief in sight on the national and international front, I turn to my local hamlet for badly needed doses of normalcy, civility and decency. Avila Beach certainly has challenges, issues and divided interests, but it remains a community that offers more tranquility and quality of life than most places. I have friends on both sides of the political spectrum, but we agree to disagree without letting the differences hinder our relationships. Sadly, reason does not exist among the highest elected officials of the land, which in some cases filters down to the populace.
Politics and global issues aside, this January presents a particular opportunity for me to reflect because it marks the 10-year anniversary of when I first became Executive Director of the Avila Beach Community Foundation. It doesn’t seem nearly that long, primarily because the time goes quickly since it’s a only a part time gig averaging about 12 hours per week over the course of the year. Plus, I really enjoy the work, which makes time fly. I’ve never before been employed at the same place for such a long period, but here I am, well into my retirement-age years, and grateful for the role. It has been a real kick to help distribute grants each year – well over $500,000 since I became involved – and to initiate a wide variety of projects and community enhancement activities. Likewise have I enjoyed working with my colleagues and the Foundation’s Board of Trustees since 2009 – a superb cadre of Avilones dedicated to our community. So, Happy Anniversary to me!
Moving forward, I’d like to announce the “Foundation’s” Board of Trustees for 2019. Stepping into the role of President is Michael Ginn, who has been on our board since 2011. Our Vice President is Cyndy Lakowske, who joined the board in 2017. Continuing as Secretary is Gary Maier, now into his fourth year as a Trustee. Our Treasurer once again is Richard Zacky, who joined the board in 2014. Rounding out our Board of Trustees are Bev Aho (2016), Lucinda Borchard (2011), Saul Goldberg (2016), Percy Jones (2012), Barbara Nicholson (2018), Ellen Pitrowski (2017), Paul Prather (2016), and Brooke Salvini (2016). I feel extremely privileged to work with such a fine group of Avilones.
By the time you read this column, the Avila Beach Public Art Selection Panel will have met and chosen either the finalists, or the winning project, from the ten proposals submitted. Said winner will be announced in the February issue of the Avila News. I believe we remain on schedule for the artwork installation to be completed by June of this year, after which will come the public unveiling. Watch for reports. Special thanks to Project Manager Gary Maier and Artist Facilitator Angela Tahti for their efforts to keep the ball rolling.
You won’t want to miss the upcoming AVILA COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT EVENT, so I urge you to grab your calendar and save the date of Thursday, February 28th, from 3:00-6:00 pm at the Avila Beach Community Center. This will be your opportunity to learn more about the Avila Beach based non-profit organizations, public agencies and neighborhood groups that keep our community humming along. Meet staff and volunteer leaders, mingle with friends, enjoy free refreshments, win door prizes, help us celebrate the winners of the Avilones of Distinction Awards, and more! This is a “can’t miss activity,” where attendance is free, and so is use of the public parking lot (parking passes will be distributed) thanks to the benevolence of Port San Luis Harbor District. Check out our website – www.avilabeachfoundation.org - and keep an eye open for event flyers and details. We thank Chevron for the generous grant to make this event possible and free to all Avilones.
As is often the case when composing my columns for the Avila News, I again share with you some takeaway from the most recent meeting of the Avila Valley Advisory Council. What was notable this time was the size of the crowd in attendance. Showing up about five minutes early I discovered the only seats available were folding chairs along the back wall. Not a common occurrence, but the result of outreach conducted by the Concerned Citizens 4 Avila due to concern about a proposal in the county pipeline to expand the size and scope of special events at the Avila Beach Golf Resort. I offer no commentary here, but for those interested I suggest visiting www.concernedcitizens4avila.org.
That’s it for now, fellow Avilones. See you at the beach!
Announcing the End of an Era
It is with deep regret I inform you that the print version of the Avila News you have been receiving in your Post Office boxes since 2009, or picked up at various community locations, will no longer be available. The publisher of the Avila News – Tolosa Press – has ceased operations of their local print news division, which has included the Coastal News and SLO City News, to focus solely on the company’s other services.
The Avila Beach Community Foundation has covered the costs to have the print version of the Avila News mailed to 1,100 area households each month, at a total expense of over $40,000 since 2009. It is highly unlikely that another local news publisher will step up to fill the void. The “Foundation” will be in touch with the other Avila-based organizations whose information has regularly appeared in the Avila News to explore other ways to stay in communication with you loyal readers. In the meantime, I urge you to continue reading the “Foundation’s” E-Newsletter that will still be emailed to subscribers around the first of each month. And, I ask that you please encourage your neighbors who are not currently recipients of our E-Newsletter to subscribe at our website – www.avilabeachfoundation.org. Thank you.
Politics and global issues aside, this January presents a particular opportunity for me to reflect because it marks the 10-year anniversary of when I first became Executive Director of the Avila Beach Community Foundation. It doesn’t seem nearly that long, primarily because the time goes quickly since it’s a only a part time gig averaging about 12 hours per week over the course of the year. Plus, I really enjoy the work, which makes time fly. I’ve never before been employed at the same place for such a long period, but here I am, well into my retirement-age years, and grateful for the role. It has been a real kick to help distribute grants each year – well over $500,000 since I became involved – and to initiate a wide variety of projects and community enhancement activities. Likewise have I enjoyed working with my colleagues and the Foundation’s Board of Trustees since 2009 – a superb cadre of Avilones dedicated to our community. So, Happy Anniversary to me!
Moving forward, I’d like to announce the “Foundation’s” Board of Trustees for 2019. Stepping into the role of President is Michael Ginn, who has been on our board since 2011. Our Vice President is Cyndy Lakowske, who joined the board in 2017. Continuing as Secretary is Gary Maier, now into his fourth year as a Trustee. Our Treasurer once again is Richard Zacky, who joined the board in 2014. Rounding out our Board of Trustees are Bev Aho (2016), Lucinda Borchard (2011), Saul Goldberg (2016), Percy Jones (2012), Barbara Nicholson (2018), Ellen Pitrowski (2017), Paul Prather (2016), and Brooke Salvini (2016). I feel extremely privileged to work with such a fine group of Avilones.
By the time you read this column, the Avila Beach Public Art Selection Panel will have met and chosen either the finalists, or the winning project, from the ten proposals submitted. Said winner will be announced in the February issue of the Avila News. I believe we remain on schedule for the artwork installation to be completed by June of this year, after which will come the public unveiling. Watch for reports. Special thanks to Project Manager Gary Maier and Artist Facilitator Angela Tahti for their efforts to keep the ball rolling.
You won’t want to miss the upcoming AVILA COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT EVENT, so I urge you to grab your calendar and save the date of Thursday, February 28th, from 3:00-6:00 pm at the Avila Beach Community Center. This will be your opportunity to learn more about the Avila Beach based non-profit organizations, public agencies and neighborhood groups that keep our community humming along. Meet staff and volunteer leaders, mingle with friends, enjoy free refreshments, win door prizes, help us celebrate the winners of the Avilones of Distinction Awards, and more! This is a “can’t miss activity,” where attendance is free, and so is use of the public parking lot (parking passes will be distributed) thanks to the benevolence of Port San Luis Harbor District. Check out our website – www.avilabeachfoundation.org - and keep an eye open for event flyers and details. We thank Chevron for the generous grant to make this event possible and free to all Avilones.
As is often the case when composing my columns for the Avila News, I again share with you some takeaway from the most recent meeting of the Avila Valley Advisory Council. What was notable this time was the size of the crowd in attendance. Showing up about five minutes early I discovered the only seats available were folding chairs along the back wall. Not a common occurrence, but the result of outreach conducted by the Concerned Citizens 4 Avila due to concern about a proposal in the county pipeline to expand the size and scope of special events at the Avila Beach Golf Resort. I offer no commentary here, but for those interested I suggest visiting www.concernedcitizens4avila.org.
That’s it for now, fellow Avilones. See you at the beach!
Announcing the End of an Era
It is with deep regret I inform you that the print version of the Avila News you have been receiving in your Post Office boxes since 2009, or picked up at various community locations, will no longer be available. The publisher of the Avila News – Tolosa Press – has ceased operations of their local print news division, which has included the Coastal News and SLO City News, to focus solely on the company’s other services.
The Avila Beach Community Foundation has covered the costs to have the print version of the Avila News mailed to 1,100 area households each month, at a total expense of over $40,000 since 2009. It is highly unlikely that another local news publisher will step up to fill the void. The “Foundation” will be in touch with the other Avila-based organizations whose information has regularly appeared in the Avila News to explore other ways to stay in communication with you loyal readers. In the meantime, I urge you to continue reading the “Foundation’s” E-Newsletter that will still be emailed to subscribers around the first of each month. And, I ask that you please encourage your neighbors who are not currently recipients of our E-Newsletter to subscribe at our website – www.avilabeachfoundation.org. Thank you.
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