Managing Council Meeting Notes-2/7/17

[Sacramento Center of SRF]

MANAGING COUNCIL MEETING NOTES-2-7-17

Members present: Gary Wright, Patricia Gayman, Gale Boldt, Ingrid Appelhagen, and Jim Brunsman. Dave Williams was unable to attend.

  Following the opening prayer, Sacramento Center Coordinator Gary Wright solicited opinions regarding the recent monastic visit. The Managing Council unanimously stated that the weekend went extremely well. The highlight was the class Brother Devananda gave on introspection. Many devotees worked hard to make the weekend a success and feedback from the congregation has been overwhelmingly positive.

  Gary and Gale Boldt reported on updates to security at the Center. Brother Devananda recently forwarded the contract for the security patrol to the Mother Center’s legal department and we expect a decision soon. We are still investigating security cameras for the property. In addition, we plan to get bids for a gate for the driveway and for the open area to the east of the property. There are several factors to consider when installing the gate due to the proximity of the creek, including regulations from government entities.

  The reupholstery of the chapel pews is still moving forward and another company inspected the pews last week and will submit a bid in the next couple of weeks. Gale and Gary stressed that we want to be sure we are comparing bids as accurately as possible so we can better assess the overall cost of the project.

 In an effort to increase attendance from younger devotees, we are establishing a youth advisory board. The purpose of this group is to get ideas of how to engage young people. Gary suggested a brainstorming session to find out what is working at the Center and what can be improved so our activities are relevant to a wider group of devotees.

  Another suggestion was to start a monthly social event after Sunday services intended to welcome new people. The idea is to announce that we are having refreshments and fellowship in the social hall and to encourage newcomers to attend. 

  Following the meeting, Brother Devananda called for our monthly conference call. We discussed his recent visit and reported on the enthusiasm we have heard from the devotees. We also conversed about the security upgrades and the pew project.

  The next Managing Council meeting is scheduled for March 14.

Respectfully submitted,

Jim Brunsman