Greetings, fellow Avilones. As we approach the third month of the year, it shepherds in such notable occasions as Easter, daylight savings, and spring training for major league baseball. And for those of you history buffs, don’t forget the “Ides of March”, which I think was the official discovery of the “Caesar Salad”. Ugh, I know, another one of my offbeat puns.
You may recall that in my January column the “Foundation” introduced three new Trustees to our board. That left only two open slots which, I am excited to report, have now been filled. Please join me in welcoming these latest additions – Lisa Ritterbuck and Bev Aho. Lisa, her husband and children reside in Avila Valley, where she is president of the family business Wind Dance, Inc. Lisa has been active in other non-profits, both professionally and as a volunteer, and brings a background in philanthropy and fundraising. Bev lives near the beach in downtown Avila, and has spent the better part of her time in SLO County volunteering for numerous charitable organizations. She is presently the executive assistant and “right-hand person” for Archie McLaren and the highly regarded Central Coast Wine Classic. We are thrilled that Lisa and Bev have chosen to lend their talents to the “Foundation’s” efforts to enhance life in Avila Beach.
If you have been following progress on the “Foundation’s” public art initiative for Avila Beach and want to see the artists and renderings of the projects that have been chosen as finalists, circle the date of March 24th on your calendar. Join us from 5:30-7:00pm.at the Community Center for our Meet the Artists Reception, where you can view the proposed artworks and chat with the finalists. And refreshments are on us!!! One week after the reception, our selection panel will convene to choose the winning project. It is our hope that this is just the first step in bringing more public art to Avila. We are extremely grateful to our public art donor partners PG&E, Chevron, and The Sara Horne Art Fund. And much appreciation to ARTS Obispo for providing valuable leadership and guidance during the process
Next, I would like to share with you portions of an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal on philanthropy, which was forwarded to me by “Foundation” Trustee Steve Johnson. Research conducted by the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy found that women and men give (donate) differently. In one study, baby-boomers and older women gave 89% more to charity than men their age, and women in the top 25% of permanent income gave 156% more than men in the same category. They also found evidence that “women give more than their male peers at virtually all income levels, even though women in general earn less and have less money in retirement than men”. In trying to explain such differences, their research found that “women tend to be more altruistic and empathetic than men, partly because of the way women are socialized regarding caring, self-sacrifice and the well-being of others.” If there is, perhaps, a message and lesson to be learned, it is that non-profit organizations that target primarily males as potential donors should cast their nets more widely. Or, we men need to step it up!
To you seniors, family members and care providers, be sure to pick up the latest edition of the Senior Information Guide for 2016-2017. There are over 100 pages of information covering topics such as Education & Training, Employment, End of Life Services, Financial Matters, Legal Affairs, Health/Food and Nutrition, In-Home Care Solutions, Transportation Services, Recreation & Volunteer Opportunities --- and more. The “Guide” is published by the Area Agency on Aging. You can visit their website at www.centralcoastseniors.org to download a copy, or stop by the Avila Beach Community Center to pick up a hard copy. Also, since tax season is upon us, information about free tax preparation services for seniors can be found by contacting Senior Connection, which is a specialized information and referral program sponsored by the Area on Aging. Their phone number is 800-510-2020.
While on the subject of “tax season”, I remind those of you with discretionary funds that it’s not too late to support your favorite charities – especially those right here in Avila Beach. There are many ways to give, including establishing a Donor Advised Fund at the Avila Beach Community Foundation. Doing so enables you to enjoy allowable tax deductions immediately and have a say in how your funds are invested locally. For information call 805-595-4095.
That’s it for now, fellow Avilones. See you at the beach!
You may recall that in my January column the “Foundation” introduced three new Trustees to our board. That left only two open slots which, I am excited to report, have now been filled. Please join me in welcoming these latest additions – Lisa Ritterbuck and Bev Aho. Lisa, her husband and children reside in Avila Valley, where she is president of the family business Wind Dance, Inc. Lisa has been active in other non-profits, both professionally and as a volunteer, and brings a background in philanthropy and fundraising. Bev lives near the beach in downtown Avila, and has spent the better part of her time in SLO County volunteering for numerous charitable organizations. She is presently the executive assistant and “right-hand person” for Archie McLaren and the highly regarded Central Coast Wine Classic. We are thrilled that Lisa and Bev have chosen to lend their talents to the “Foundation’s” efforts to enhance life in Avila Beach.
If you have been following progress on the “Foundation’s” public art initiative for Avila Beach and want to see the artists and renderings of the projects that have been chosen as finalists, circle the date of March 24th on your calendar. Join us from 5:30-7:00pm.at the Community Center for our Meet the Artists Reception, where you can view the proposed artworks and chat with the finalists. And refreshments are on us!!! One week after the reception, our selection panel will convene to choose the winning project. It is our hope that this is just the first step in bringing more public art to Avila. We are extremely grateful to our public art donor partners PG&E, Chevron, and The Sara Horne Art Fund. And much appreciation to ARTS Obispo for providing valuable leadership and guidance during the process
Next, I would like to share with you portions of an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal on philanthropy, which was forwarded to me by “Foundation” Trustee Steve Johnson. Research conducted by the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy found that women and men give (donate) differently. In one study, baby-boomers and older women gave 89% more to charity than men their age, and women in the top 25% of permanent income gave 156% more than men in the same category. They also found evidence that “women give more than their male peers at virtually all income levels, even though women in general earn less and have less money in retirement than men”. In trying to explain such differences, their research found that “women tend to be more altruistic and empathetic than men, partly because of the way women are socialized regarding caring, self-sacrifice and the well-being of others.” If there is, perhaps, a message and lesson to be learned, it is that non-profit organizations that target primarily males as potential donors should cast their nets more widely. Or, we men need to step it up!
To you seniors, family members and care providers, be sure to pick up the latest edition of the Senior Information Guide for 2016-2017. There are over 100 pages of information covering topics such as Education & Training, Employment, End of Life Services, Financial Matters, Legal Affairs, Health/Food and Nutrition, In-Home Care Solutions, Transportation Services, Recreation & Volunteer Opportunities --- and more. The “Guide” is published by the Area Agency on Aging. You can visit their website at www.centralcoastseniors.org to download a copy, or stop by the Avila Beach Community Center to pick up a hard copy. Also, since tax season is upon us, information about free tax preparation services for seniors can be found by contacting Senior Connection, which is a specialized information and referral program sponsored by the Area on Aging. Their phone number is 800-510-2020.
While on the subject of “tax season”, I remind those of you with discretionary funds that it’s not too late to support your favorite charities – especially those right here in Avila Beach. There are many ways to give, including establishing a Donor Advised Fund at the Avila Beach Community Foundation. Doing so enables you to enjoy allowable tax deductions immediately and have a say in how your funds are invested locally. For information call 805-595-4095.
That’s it for now, fellow Avilones. See you at the beach!
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