Hello fellow Avilones. I hope you are enjoying your summer either here at home or vacationing in one or more of your favorite spots elsewhere. Personally, I am looking forward to a first-ever Alaskan cruise with my wife - though our dog will have to stay home despite his protests and big brown, usually effective, sad-eyed stares. The poor little guy thinks he should accompany us whenever we go away, and he usually does. He will just have to get used to staying under someone else's "woof" this time. Sorry, I couldn't resist the pun.
So as to not be derelict in my duty as executive director of the Avila Beach Community Foundation, let me bring you up-to-date on some business matters coming up this summer. We have recently launched our second "Avila Speaks" online community survey. You may recall our first such survey - conducted about three years ago - that provided the "Foundation" and other local organizations and establishments with some valuable insights as respondents shared their likes, dislikes, interests and preferences related to life here in Avila. Since a lot can change in three years, we believe it is time to do some more probing. Recognizing that time is valuable, and that completing surveys and questionnaires is not at the top of everyone's to-do list, we will once again offer an incentive to those willing to spend 5-10 minutes online to share their thoughts. Each person that completes the survey will be entered into a drawing for some special prizes. My associate, Penny Burciaga, has been busy securing a number of tantalizing items to be used for a drawing that will take place at the close of the survey (see list of prizes below). You may participate in the survey by visiting our website www.avilabeachfoundation.org. Also upcoming is the "Foundation's" annual grant-making season, which begins with our July release of request for proposals (RFP). As in years past, local non-profit organizations, special interest groups and individuals are invited to apply for project grants for funding of projects or services to be delivered next year. Grant requests are due by late September, qualified applicants will be interviewed in October, and the Foundation's board of trustees will meet in November to make their selections. Last year the "Foundation" awarded ten grants totaling nearly $60,000. We anticipate awarding roughly the same amount this coming year. Since inception, the "Foundation" has allocated approximately $2 million for Avila Beach renovations, enhancement and community service projects. For more information visit our website and look for the grants link, or feel free to contact me personally at 595-4095.
As you know, Port San Luis is a major presence and asset to Avila Beach and the surrounding areas. It was brought to my attention that the Harbor District said goodbye to a longtime employee who has a lot of history behind him. This past June 25th the Harbor Commissioners recognized Marty Smith for his 28 years of service. Marty was hired by then Harbor Manager Bill King on February 11, 1985. He began working at the trailer boat launch and mobile hoist pier at the height of salmon season, and eventually progressed to the "pier crew", where he worked alongside crew legends Henry Lepley, Norm Coy and Steve Suisse, and under facility supervisors Marlin Stebbins, Matt Collar and Bill Casella. Marty's most memorable storm recollection was that while being instructed on storm watch procedures and how to recognize a boat when it breaks free from a mooring, instructor Jack Rodin Jr. pointed to the sport fishing vessel, "The Marauder", as an example. As it turned out, the Marauder had actually broken free of its mooring, so Jack and Marty launched into action to save the vessel. Marty also played a significant role in saving the 42 foot Grand Banks "The Mahi Mahi III" on March 23, 1990. Best wishes, Marty, for a happy retirement!!!
As a side note, I must say that I enjoy the occasional opportunity to devote some of my column space for the recognition of people long attached to Avila Beach. When such information comes my way I will gladly try to include it in an upcoming edition of the Avila Community News and Avila Beach Foundation E-newsletter. So, please feel free to contact me if you have someone in mind and can furnish me with a paragraph about the individual that local readers will find of interest.
I would like to extend my congratulations to Avila Beach resident Shirley Goetz for moving forward with her project to have Avila Beach become a designated "Bird Sanctuary". After receiving several local letters of support, and financial assistance from the Avila Beach Tourism Alliance (as part of the SLO County Tourism Business Improvement District - CBID), Shirley now awaits approval for a resolution from the County Board of Supervisors. Once everything is finalized, two signs showing Avila Beach as a designated bird sanctuary will be produced and placed at both primary entrances to our beachfront community. Shirley believes this step will help Avila attract more nature lovers and wildlife observers, and could become a natural stop on the international itinerary of birders. Well done, Shirley! This project, and recently that of SLBE resident Saul Goldberg's Bob Jones Trail marker signs project, are two wonderful examples of locals stepping forward to enhance the Avila Beach experience. The "Foundation" encourages others with good ideas to follow their lead. And let us not forget the Zackys (Richard and Kathy) and Joan Sargen for establishing donor advised funds at the "Foundation" from which we can draw upon for community enrichment projects.
That's about it for now, fellow "Avilones". If you hit the road this summer please remember to be safe travelers, and if you are hosting some out-of-towners please be responsible stewards of this jewel of the Central Coast. See you at the beach!!!
So as to not be derelict in my duty as executive director of the Avila Beach Community Foundation, let me bring you up-to-date on some business matters coming up this summer. We have recently launched our second "Avila Speaks" online community survey. You may recall our first such survey - conducted about three years ago - that provided the "Foundation" and other local organizations and establishments with some valuable insights as respondents shared their likes, dislikes, interests and preferences related to life here in Avila. Since a lot can change in three years, we believe it is time to do some more probing. Recognizing that time is valuable, and that completing surveys and questionnaires is not at the top of everyone's to-do list, we will once again offer an incentive to those willing to spend 5-10 minutes online to share their thoughts. Each person that completes the survey will be entered into a drawing for some special prizes. My associate, Penny Burciaga, has been busy securing a number of tantalizing items to be used for a drawing that will take place at the close of the survey (see list of prizes below). You may participate in the survey by visiting our website www.avilabeachfoundation.org. Also upcoming is the "Foundation's" annual grant-making season, which begins with our July release of request for proposals (RFP). As in years past, local non-profit organizations, special interest groups and individuals are invited to apply for project grants for funding of projects or services to be delivered next year. Grant requests are due by late September, qualified applicants will be interviewed in October, and the Foundation's board of trustees will meet in November to make their selections. Last year the "Foundation" awarded ten grants totaling nearly $60,000. We anticipate awarding roughly the same amount this coming year. Since inception, the "Foundation" has allocated approximately $2 million for Avila Beach renovations, enhancement and community service projects. For more information visit our website and look for the grants link, or feel free to contact me personally at 595-4095.
As you know, Port San Luis is a major presence and asset to Avila Beach and the surrounding areas. It was brought to my attention that the Harbor District said goodbye to a longtime employee who has a lot of history behind him. This past June 25th the Harbor Commissioners recognized Marty Smith for his 28 years of service. Marty was hired by then Harbor Manager Bill King on February 11, 1985. He began working at the trailer boat launch and mobile hoist pier at the height of salmon season, and eventually progressed to the "pier crew", where he worked alongside crew legends Henry Lepley, Norm Coy and Steve Suisse, and under facility supervisors Marlin Stebbins, Matt Collar and Bill Casella. Marty's most memorable storm recollection was that while being instructed on storm watch procedures and how to recognize a boat when it breaks free from a mooring, instructor Jack Rodin Jr. pointed to the sport fishing vessel, "The Marauder", as an example. As it turned out, the Marauder had actually broken free of its mooring, so Jack and Marty launched into action to save the vessel. Marty also played a significant role in saving the 42 foot Grand Banks "The Mahi Mahi III" on March 23, 1990. Best wishes, Marty, for a happy retirement!!!
As a side note, I must say that I enjoy the occasional opportunity to devote some of my column space for the recognition of people long attached to Avila Beach. When such information comes my way I will gladly try to include it in an upcoming edition of the Avila Community News and Avila Beach Foundation E-newsletter. So, please feel free to contact me if you have someone in mind and can furnish me with a paragraph about the individual that local readers will find of interest.
I would like to extend my congratulations to Avila Beach resident Shirley Goetz for moving forward with her project to have Avila Beach become a designated "Bird Sanctuary". After receiving several local letters of support, and financial assistance from the Avila Beach Tourism Alliance (as part of the SLO County Tourism Business Improvement District - CBID), Shirley now awaits approval for a resolution from the County Board of Supervisors. Once everything is finalized, two signs showing Avila Beach as a designated bird sanctuary will be produced and placed at both primary entrances to our beachfront community. Shirley believes this step will help Avila attract more nature lovers and wildlife observers, and could become a natural stop on the international itinerary of birders. Well done, Shirley! This project, and recently that of SLBE resident Saul Goldberg's Bob Jones Trail marker signs project, are two wonderful examples of locals stepping forward to enhance the Avila Beach experience. The "Foundation" encourages others with good ideas to follow their lead. And let us not forget the Zackys (Richard and Kathy) and Joan Sargen for establishing donor advised funds at the "Foundation" from which we can draw upon for community enrichment projects.
That's about it for now, fellow "Avilones". If you hit the road this summer please remember to be safe travelers, and if you are hosting some out-of-towners please be responsible stewards of this jewel of the Central Coast. See you at the beach!!!
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