General Membership Meeting Notes-11-6-16
1 view
Skip to first unread message
Sacramento Center of SRF
Nov 7, 2016, 9:05:32 PM11/7/16
to Center of Self-Realization Fellowship Sacramento
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING-11/6/16
Sacramento Center Coordinator Gary Wright welcomed the congregation with a prayer followed by the Treasurer’s report from Patricia Gayman. Our savings and checking accounts remain in excellent condition despite recent major improvements (carpets, baseboards). Patricia also reported on our annual food drive to help a local elementary school, which begins next week. Monetary donations are encouraged so our volunteers can buy fresh food to distribute to the needy families. Patricia stressed that these families are always very grateful for the donations because of significant financial struggle.
Gary spoke on transitions in leadership roles at the Center. Patricia is stepping down in her role as treasurer, and will be succeeded by Mary Fontaine, who has the requisite experience for the position. Carol Settlage is resigning as Managing Council member and will be replaced by Patricia. Marianne Ellis will become the new secretary, and Lynn Larke has agreed to co-chair the Usher Committee with Carol McLaughlin. Most changes become effective in January.
We have seen increasing signs of homeless activity on Center property in recent weeks and the Managing Council is exploring options for solutions. Some members prefer to have a surveillance camera system linked to an application that can be accessed through a smart phone. In theory, the devotees can monitor the Center’s video feeds to determine if a safety concern exists prior to entering the property. We are also getting bids for various levels of security patrol service. We encourage devotees who serve late at night, to coordinate arrival and departure times with other devotees to promote safety.
Victoria Williams spoke about the nascent preschool program. Victoria led a trial preschool class today which was a success and the congregation voted overwhelmingly to approve going forward with approving teachers (we are seeking preschool teachers that are not already teaching older children). If approved, the plan is to begin classes in March. Victoria also informed the group of the need for ushers, Sunday School assistants, greeters, Kirtan chair, and Kirtan scheduler.
The next topic of discussion concerned the acoustics in the social hall. Victoria spoke about the many challenges involved in developing a visually pleasing yet effective sound absorbing solution. After much research, the plan is to try a sound panel with fiberglass and other sound deadening materials with a decorative arch. The group voted to approve this trial and Victoria stressed that panels are needed only for the west and south walls of the social hall.
Charu Rawlings spoke briefly about some items that have been in the lost and found box for a long time. She also displayed the new cards SRF suggests we give to devotees seeking information about the SRF Lessons. These cards replace the booklet, “Undreamed of Possibilities.” Linda Lewis revealed the new Center business card, designed by Center member Mary Ferris. We purchased 1000 cards and devotees are encouraged to distribute the card to interested friends and neighbors.
Gary explained the monastic visit schedule, slated for January 26-29, 2017. Highlights include a class on introspection by Brother Devananda, a possible nature walk on Friday, and Haig Koobatian’s memorial service scheduled for 12:30 pm on January 29, after services. Haig’s relatives said they would provide a catered lunch following the service. The Committee Chair and General Membership meetings planned during this period need to be rescheduled.
Ingrid Appelhagen spoke on the the proposed archive of historical items of interest. The goal is to preserve the history of the Sacramento Center and to display items that might be inspiring to the devotees. Some proposals include a photo album consisting of photographs taken at the Center. The archive is limited to SRF materials.
Preeta Malelu volunteered to organize this year’s Christmas program and Linda Ferguson will emcee the event. Dave Williams led the group in a closing prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Brunsman
Sacramento Center Secretary
Sacramento Center Coordinator Gary Wright welcomed the congregation with a prayer followed by the Treasurer’s report from Patricia Gayman. Our savings and checking accounts remain in excellent condition despite recent major improvements (carpets, baseboards). Patricia also reported on our annual food drive to help a local elementary school, which begins next week. Monetary donations are encouraged so our volunteers can buy fresh food to distribute to the needy families. Patricia stressed that these families are always very grateful for the donations because of significant financial struggle.
Gary spoke on transitions in leadership roles at the Center. Patricia is stepping down in her role as treasurer, and will be succeeded by Mary Fontaine, who has the requisite experience for the position. Carol Settlage is resigning as Managing Council member and will be replaced by Patricia. Marianne Ellis will become the new secretary, and Lynn Larke has agreed to co-chair the Usher Committee with Carol McLaughlin. Most changes become effective in January.
We have seen increasing signs of homeless activity on Center property in recent weeks and the Managing Council is exploring options for solutions. Some members prefer to have a surveillance camera system linked to an application that can be accessed through a smart phone. In theory, the devotees can monitor the Center’s video feeds to determine if a safety concern exists prior to entering the property. We are also getting bids for various levels of security patrol service. We encourage devotees who serve late at night, to coordinate arrival and departure times with other devotees to promote safety.
Victoria Williams spoke about the nascent preschool program. Victoria led a trial preschool class today which was a success and the congregation voted overwhelmingly to approve going forward with approving teachers (we are seeking preschool teachers that are not already teaching older children). If approved, the plan is to begin classes in March. Victoria also informed the group of the need for ushers, Sunday School assistants, greeters, Kirtan chair, and Kirtan scheduler.
The next topic of discussion concerned the acoustics in the social hall. Victoria spoke about the many challenges involved in developing a visually pleasing yet effective sound absorbing solution. After much research, the plan is to try a sound panel with fiberglass and other sound deadening materials with a decorative arch. The group voted to approve this trial and Victoria stressed that panels are needed only for the west and south walls of the social hall.
Charu Rawlings spoke briefly about some items that have been in the lost and found box for a long time. She also displayed the new cards SRF suggests we give to devotees seeking information about the SRF Lessons. These cards replace the booklet, “Undreamed of Possibilities.” Linda Lewis revealed the new Center business card, designed by Center member Mary Ferris. We purchased 1000 cards and devotees are encouraged to distribute the card to interested friends and neighbors.
Gary explained the monastic visit schedule, slated for January 26-29, 2017. Highlights include a class on introspection by Brother Devananda, a possible nature walk on Friday, and Haig Koobatian’s memorial service scheduled for 12:30 pm on January 29, after services. Haig’s relatives said they would provide a catered lunch following the service. The Committee Chair and General Membership meetings planned during this period need to be rescheduled.
Ingrid Appelhagen spoke on the the proposed archive of historical items of interest. The goal is to preserve the history of the Sacramento Center and to display items that might be inspiring to the devotees. Some proposals include a photo album consisting of photographs taken at the Center. The archive is limited to SRF materials.
Preeta Malelu volunteered to organize this year’s Christmas program and Linda Ferguson will emcee the event. Dave Williams led the group in a closing prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Brunsman
Sacramento Center Secretary
Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages