Aloha, fellow Avilones! No, I’m not writing from Hawaii, but it is 80 degrees here in Avila on the day I’m penning this column. If it’s still that warm when you read this, we will all likely be into serious water conservation measures. No car washes, shorter showers, desert-scaping, etc. Is anyone up for a group “rain dance”?
I am devoting this month’s column to bring you up to speed on activities and projects of the Avila Beach Community Foundation. 2014 sees us continuing some of the functions to which you are accustomed - such as the bi-annual Avila Beach Town Hall Forum and our annual grant-making initiatives – and some new projects which I will describe in a minute. The “Forum”, scheduled for February 20th, was sold out within days of registration opening. Those of you who subscribe to the Foundation’s E-newsletter were the first to learn of the event, which was fully booked by the time the Avila Community News reached your PO boxes. If you want to be among the first to learn of upcoming and future activities, be sure to subscribe to the Foundation’s E-newsletter by logging onto www.avilabeachfoundation.org. And while you’re at it, take a moment to sign up for AVILA ALERTS, and be notified in advance of pending roadwork, closures, anticipated traffic and parking issues related to special events, etc. during the Avila high season.
Among the new projects and initiatives I referred to above, I am excited to report that we are moving ahead nicely with discussions and plans to launch the inaugural AVILA APPLES FESTIVAL. The local apple growers and other local stakeholders have been meeting to map out what we hope will become a signature event featuring an area product (apples) known for its popularity throughout the county and beyond. The event is being organized by Foundation project specialist Penny Burciaga, who brings a high degree of energy and creativity. Stay tuned for updates. I also wish to inform you of the Foundation’s initiative to help the Community Center build a capital improvements reserve fund. As with any building, structure or commercial facility, time and the elements conspire to wear down or wear out what can be costly to repair or replace. While the leaders of the Civic Association have done a tremendous job improving revenue streams to maintain operations, only lately have funds been set aside for future capital expenditures. Recognizing this need, the Avila Beach Foundation Board of Trustees has authorized a matching contributions opportunity over the next three years to raise $30,000 for a Community Center capital reserve fund. In other words, if members of the community step up to the plate by donating a total of $15,000 the Foundation will match that amount. Many of you have come to enjoy the social and recreational events held each year at the Center. To help ensure the longevity of a quality facility I invite you to send a check to the Foundation earmarked for the Community Center’s capital reserve fund. Please mail your contribution to ABCF, PO Box 297, Avila Beach, CA 93424.
Another new opportunity for which the community should be most grateful is the recent establishment of the Bellevue-Santa Fe School Student Experiences Fund. Thanks to the initial monetary contribution of a generous Avila Beach family that wishes to remain anonymous, this fund is designed to support various campus enrichment activities that are not funded through usual school district sources. For those of you who aren’t aware, Bellevue-Santa Fe has been in its present location since 1964. It became a charter school in 1996, and has a current student body population of 146 children, about 80-85% of who live in the greater Avila area. 5-10% of these students come from economically disadvantaged households. The school is served by one administrator, ten teachers (7 fulltime, 3 part-time) and two support staff. Like all schools across the state, reduced funding has resulted in cutbacks to the student experience, be it for music or art programs, field trips, etc. With the establishment of this new fund, we and the donor hope to encourage additional financial support from the Avila community at large. If you believe kids are our future, and that education is the key to success, we invite you to help us grow the fund and support the school’s efforts. If you wish to participate, please email back, or call me at 595-4095.
Did anybody say “art”? The final new initiative I wish to share with you is the Foundation’s decision to allocate some funds for the creation and placement of a permanent public art piece somewhere near the beach. Said art is to carry a theme consistent with Avila’s past or present. We will be seeking entries later this year, and form a committee to review and select the piece of art. Are you an artist interested in submitting a proposal, or a member of the community willing to serve on the selection committee? If so, you know how to reach me. That’s it for now, fellow Avilones. See you at the beach!
I am devoting this month’s column to bring you up to speed on activities and projects of the Avila Beach Community Foundation. 2014 sees us continuing some of the functions to which you are accustomed - such as the bi-annual Avila Beach Town Hall Forum and our annual grant-making initiatives – and some new projects which I will describe in a minute. The “Forum”, scheduled for February 20th, was sold out within days of registration opening. Those of you who subscribe to the Foundation’s E-newsletter were the first to learn of the event, which was fully booked by the time the Avila Community News reached your PO boxes. If you want to be among the first to learn of upcoming and future activities, be sure to subscribe to the Foundation’s E-newsletter by logging onto www.avilabeachfoundation.org. And while you’re at it, take a moment to sign up for AVILA ALERTS, and be notified in advance of pending roadwork, closures, anticipated traffic and parking issues related to special events, etc. during the Avila high season.
Among the new projects and initiatives I referred to above, I am excited to report that we are moving ahead nicely with discussions and plans to launch the inaugural AVILA APPLES FESTIVAL. The local apple growers and other local stakeholders have been meeting to map out what we hope will become a signature event featuring an area product (apples) known for its popularity throughout the county and beyond. The event is being organized by Foundation project specialist Penny Burciaga, who brings a high degree of energy and creativity. Stay tuned for updates. I also wish to inform you of the Foundation’s initiative to help the Community Center build a capital improvements reserve fund. As with any building, structure or commercial facility, time and the elements conspire to wear down or wear out what can be costly to repair or replace. While the leaders of the Civic Association have done a tremendous job improving revenue streams to maintain operations, only lately have funds been set aside for future capital expenditures. Recognizing this need, the Avila Beach Foundation Board of Trustees has authorized a matching contributions opportunity over the next three years to raise $30,000 for a Community Center capital reserve fund. In other words, if members of the community step up to the plate by donating a total of $15,000 the Foundation will match that amount. Many of you have come to enjoy the social and recreational events held each year at the Center. To help ensure the longevity of a quality facility I invite you to send a check to the Foundation earmarked for the Community Center’s capital reserve fund. Please mail your contribution to ABCF, PO Box 297, Avila Beach, CA 93424.
Another new opportunity for which the community should be most grateful is the recent establishment of the Bellevue-Santa Fe School Student Experiences Fund. Thanks to the initial monetary contribution of a generous Avila Beach family that wishes to remain anonymous, this fund is designed to support various campus enrichment activities that are not funded through usual school district sources. For those of you who aren’t aware, Bellevue-Santa Fe has been in its present location since 1964. It became a charter school in 1996, and has a current student body population of 146 children, about 80-85% of who live in the greater Avila area. 5-10% of these students come from economically disadvantaged households. The school is served by one administrator, ten teachers (7 fulltime, 3 part-time) and two support staff. Like all schools across the state, reduced funding has resulted in cutbacks to the student experience, be it for music or art programs, field trips, etc. With the establishment of this new fund, we and the donor hope to encourage additional financial support from the Avila community at large. If you believe kids are our future, and that education is the key to success, we invite you to help us grow the fund and support the school’s efforts. If you wish to participate, please email back, or call me at 595-4095.
Did anybody say “art”? The final new initiative I wish to share with you is the Foundation’s decision to allocate some funds for the creation and placement of a permanent public art piece somewhere near the beach. Said art is to carry a theme consistent with Avila’s past or present. We will be seeking entries later this year, and form a committee to review and select the piece of art. Are you an artist interested in submitting a proposal, or a member of the community willing to serve on the selection committee? If so, you know how to reach me. That’s it for now, fellow Avilones. See you at the beach!
RSS Feed