Important Notice -- please read!
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Andra
May 14, 2011, 2:10:06 PM5/14/11
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At our last steering committee meeting, it became evident that we are at a crossroads as an organization.
*We need input from this group! Please read and respond.*
Our primary goal has been accomplished. The City of Olympia has acquired the 4th Avenue well, and is moving forward with a plan to keep the water flowing, improve the appearance of the area around the well, and provide a space for a historical/informational marker.
The only remaining tasks for this organization, regarding that well, are:
1. to complete research, secure funding, and see to the erection of the marker, and
2. stay current with city planning and progress towards their goal of “well-area beautification.”
3. keep an eye on things, to make sure future city councils always remember the vital importance of this well to the community.
STEERING COMMITTEE
For various reasons, we are losing three members of the steering committee who will remain interested but are no longer able to serve in such an active role. Steering committee elections are due in June, and our bylaws require a steering committee of at least eight.
The following current members are still able to serve: Scuff Acuff, Steve Dirk, Alison Metheney, Karen Patrick, Wade Stine and Andra Weddington. We need at least two more! If anyone is willing to step forward, please post a note here to that effect.
Our plan is to hold a meeting on July 22, at 6:00 pm in the conference room at MIXX96 (corner of State and Washington) to hold elections and discuss the future of this group. Please plan to attend.
There are several ideas we have discussed that go beyond our initial goal of preserving the 4th Avenue well – and it seems sensible to wait until we find out whether there is sufficient energy in the community to make an active push for these ideas, before we proceed.
*This year’s steering committee elections will be a major factor in determining whether we go forward with any of these ideas.*
POSSIBLE PROJECTS
1) Daylight more wells – work with the owners of the few remaining properties that have still-flowing wells to make that water available to the public. It would be good to have more than one public source of artesian water, in case (heaven forbid) anything untoward happens to the 4th Avenue well. It would be good to have this water used in some way rather than merely being dumped into drains.
2) Work with the city or some other entity towards an artesian well park. A lot of us had hoped to see a more park-like setting around the 4th Avenue well – which simply isn’t going to happen – but there are other places and contexts in which this might still be possible.
3) Develop a plan for promoting Olympia as an Artesian City, along the lines of other towns that have made their natural water resources a local attraction. So far, we’ve found about two-dozen such towns, nationwide.
Each of these potential projects would require a lot of time and energy – and some serious community support.
If you have thoughts on any of these ideas, or if you are willing to serve on the steering committee, *please respond.*
*We need input from this group! Please read and respond.*
Our primary goal has been accomplished. The City of Olympia has acquired the 4th Avenue well, and is moving forward with a plan to keep the water flowing, improve the appearance of the area around the well, and provide a space for a historical/informational marker.
The only remaining tasks for this organization, regarding that well, are:
1. to complete research, secure funding, and see to the erection of the marker, and
2. stay current with city planning and progress towards their goal of “well-area beautification.”
3. keep an eye on things, to make sure future city councils always remember the vital importance of this well to the community.
STEERING COMMITTEE
For various reasons, we are losing three members of the steering committee who will remain interested but are no longer able to serve in such an active role. Steering committee elections are due in June, and our bylaws require a steering committee of at least eight.
The following current members are still able to serve: Scuff Acuff, Steve Dirk, Alison Metheney, Karen Patrick, Wade Stine and Andra Weddington. We need at least two more! If anyone is willing to step forward, please post a note here to that effect.
Our plan is to hold a meeting on July 22, at 6:00 pm in the conference room at MIXX96 (corner of State and Washington) to hold elections and discuss the future of this group. Please plan to attend.
There are several ideas we have discussed that go beyond our initial goal of preserving the 4th Avenue well – and it seems sensible to wait until we find out whether there is sufficient energy in the community to make an active push for these ideas, before we proceed.
*This year’s steering committee elections will be a major factor in determining whether we go forward with any of these ideas.*
POSSIBLE PROJECTS
1) Daylight more wells – work with the owners of the few remaining properties that have still-flowing wells to make that water available to the public. It would be good to have more than one public source of artesian water, in case (heaven forbid) anything untoward happens to the 4th Avenue well. It would be good to have this water used in some way rather than merely being dumped into drains.
2) Work with the city or some other entity towards an artesian well park. A lot of us had hoped to see a more park-like setting around the 4th Avenue well – which simply isn’t going to happen – but there are other places and contexts in which this might still be possible.
3) Develop a plan for promoting Olympia as an Artesian City, along the lines of other towns that have made their natural water resources a local attraction. So far, we’ve found about two-dozen such towns, nationwide.
Each of these potential projects would require a lot of time and energy – and some serious community support.
If you have thoughts on any of these ideas, or if you are willing to serve on the steering committee, *please respond.*
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