Greetings, fellow Avilones. I begin this month’s column with a nod to those in Avila Beach who toil behind the scenes as volunteers, donors and leaders of the local non-profit, community/civic/public service and neighborhood organizations. Roughly 45 years ago I began my journey into the non-profit sector. It was as a tennis instructor at the YMCA in Van Nuys, California that I first became aware of community organizations heavily reliant on volunteers and donors. During my first summer of employment at the “Y”, I was invited to be a volunteer travel camp counselor for a group of youth going on a five-day river rafting trip in Oregon. Little did I know then that I’d spend the next 4+ decades working for, then leading, several volunteer and donor driven community organizations.
One of the constants over my career is the realization that the overwhelming majority of people who volunteer and/or make financial contributions do so with little or no expectation of being recognized for their efforts. Gratification comes in the form of knowing what they do can make a difference in the lives of others. So, in my professional opinion, it becomes the job and privilege of non-profit agency staff and others in the community to help shine a light on those who selflessly give of their time and resources, above and beyond the call of duty. Last month I told you about the “Avilones of Distinction Awards,” initiated by the Avila Beach Community Foundation in conjunction with our 20-year anniversary. We are seeking everyone’s help in identifying people in our community with a deep history of devotion to Avila Beach through volunteerism, philanthropy or leadership. Please visit our website – www.avilabeachfoundation.org - and click on the information about the “Avilones of Distinction” nomination process. Announcements of this opportunity can also be found below, or in the print version of the Avila Community News. The nomination deadline is October 1st, and it takes only a few moments and thoughtful text on your part to help the community recognize the notable achievements of our friends and neighbors.
Speaking of volunteers and opportunities………………..
Concerned Citizens for Avila (CC4A) will be hosting their annual meeting on Wednesday, September 12th, 2:00 p.m., at the San Luis Bay Mobile Estates, Indian Hills Clubhouse. Avila Beach residents are invited to hear a recap of the accomplishments achieved by CC4A over the last three and a half years since the group formed. Says CC4A leaders, “we will discuss the challenges of what lies ahead, and our hopes for the future. Together we can protect the natural environment, safety and accessibility of Avila”. For those who plan on attending that live outside the San Luis Bay Estates, please email concernedcitizens4avila@yahoo.com so the gatehouse can be notified.
Also, CC4A is looking for a volunteer with 2-4 hours per month available to help with their monthly newsletter. Criteria for this position includes: (1) Good writing, editing and proofing abilities. (2) Computer skills: Email, MS Word, willingness to learn Google Docs, document filing and retrieval. (3) Develop fluency with software: Constant Contact (training available). (4) An understanding of the issues facing Avila and how CC4A is involved. (5) Ability to incorporate emails from board; send out drafts and revisions. (6) A flexible schedule. If you are interested, email concernedcitizens4avila@yahoo.com.
ECOSLO has announced the 34th annual California Coastal Cleanup Day, an international day of cleaning our coastlines, creeks, and lakes, which is scheduled for September 15th. Volunteers are needed to participate, and may choose from a list of 35 site locations here in SLO County, including; Avila Fisherman’s Beach / Olde Port Beach, Avila Beach (meet at Central Coast Aquarium), Bob Jones Trail (meet at Avila Pier), and Pirate’s Cove / Cave Landing. Sign up ahead of time to help ECOSLO estimate the amount of supplies to bring per site. Invite your family, friends, a local club or organization to join you, and enjoy a morning of helping care for our beautiful coastline and waterways. For more information visit the ECOSLO website at www.ecoslo.org.
A comprehensive guide to services for senior citizens, their family members and caregivers is published every two years by the Area Agency on Aging of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties. Known as the “Senior Information Guide”, the 2018-2020 SLO County version of the “Guide” is now available and can be picked up at the Avila Beach Community Center. This directory is a valuable tool that covers more areas related to seniors than I have space in this column to share, and contains 114 pages of must-have information.
As summer in Avila Beach is now coming down the home stretch, I hope you all enjoyed the season, spent extra time traveling or hanging out with family and friends, and generally “chilled out” during those lazy, crazy, hazy days of summer. We still have a couple months of extended daylight and warm temperatures remaining, with fewer visitors around our popular town and beaches. So, get out there and have some fun.
That’s it for now, fellow “Avilones”. See you at the beach!
One of the constants over my career is the realization that the overwhelming majority of people who volunteer and/or make financial contributions do so with little or no expectation of being recognized for their efforts. Gratification comes in the form of knowing what they do can make a difference in the lives of others. So, in my professional opinion, it becomes the job and privilege of non-profit agency staff and others in the community to help shine a light on those who selflessly give of their time and resources, above and beyond the call of duty. Last month I told you about the “Avilones of Distinction Awards,” initiated by the Avila Beach Community Foundation in conjunction with our 20-year anniversary. We are seeking everyone’s help in identifying people in our community with a deep history of devotion to Avila Beach through volunteerism, philanthropy or leadership. Please visit our website – www.avilabeachfoundation.org - and click on the information about the “Avilones of Distinction” nomination process. Announcements of this opportunity can also be found below, or in the print version of the Avila Community News. The nomination deadline is October 1st, and it takes only a few moments and thoughtful text on your part to help the community recognize the notable achievements of our friends and neighbors.
Speaking of volunteers and opportunities………………..
Concerned Citizens for Avila (CC4A) will be hosting their annual meeting on Wednesday, September 12th, 2:00 p.m., at the San Luis Bay Mobile Estates, Indian Hills Clubhouse. Avila Beach residents are invited to hear a recap of the accomplishments achieved by CC4A over the last three and a half years since the group formed. Says CC4A leaders, “we will discuss the challenges of what lies ahead, and our hopes for the future. Together we can protect the natural environment, safety and accessibility of Avila”. For those who plan on attending that live outside the San Luis Bay Estates, please email concernedcitizens4avila@yahoo.com so the gatehouse can be notified.
Also, CC4A is looking for a volunteer with 2-4 hours per month available to help with their monthly newsletter. Criteria for this position includes: (1) Good writing, editing and proofing abilities. (2) Computer skills: Email, MS Word, willingness to learn Google Docs, document filing and retrieval. (3) Develop fluency with software: Constant Contact (training available). (4) An understanding of the issues facing Avila and how CC4A is involved. (5) Ability to incorporate emails from board; send out drafts and revisions. (6) A flexible schedule. If you are interested, email concernedcitizens4avila@yahoo.com.
ECOSLO has announced the 34th annual California Coastal Cleanup Day, an international day of cleaning our coastlines, creeks, and lakes, which is scheduled for September 15th. Volunteers are needed to participate, and may choose from a list of 35 site locations here in SLO County, including; Avila Fisherman’s Beach / Olde Port Beach, Avila Beach (meet at Central Coast Aquarium), Bob Jones Trail (meet at Avila Pier), and Pirate’s Cove / Cave Landing. Sign up ahead of time to help ECOSLO estimate the amount of supplies to bring per site. Invite your family, friends, a local club or organization to join you, and enjoy a morning of helping care for our beautiful coastline and waterways. For more information visit the ECOSLO website at www.ecoslo.org.
A comprehensive guide to services for senior citizens, their family members and caregivers is published every two years by the Area Agency on Aging of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties. Known as the “Senior Information Guide”, the 2018-2020 SLO County version of the “Guide” is now available and can be picked up at the Avila Beach Community Center. This directory is a valuable tool that covers more areas related to seniors than I have space in this column to share, and contains 114 pages of must-have information.
As summer in Avila Beach is now coming down the home stretch, I hope you all enjoyed the season, spent extra time traveling or hanging out with family and friends, and generally “chilled out” during those lazy, crazy, hazy days of summer. We still have a couple months of extended daylight and warm temperatures remaining, with fewer visitors around our popular town and beaches. So, get out there and have some fun.
That’s it for now, fellow “Avilones”. See you at the beach!
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