Midtown Neighborhood Association
Minutes of General Meeting held April 17, 2001
John B. Wright Elementary
GREETINGS:
Brad Holland, MNA President, welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.MINUTES: Copies of the minutes from the March 2001 meeting were distributed among attendees prior to the meeting. On a motion by Moji Agha and a second by Martha Cooper, the Minutes of 03/20/01 were approved.
TREASURER’S REPORT: (David Kha)
Fund
Cash on Hand
Deposits
Expenses
Balance
Midtown General $ 503.59
$ 65.14
$ 19.81
$ 548.92
JBW Nature Park $ 212.38
$ 0.00
$ 33.31
$ 179.07
JBW Marquee $ 2,247.01
$ 0.00
$ 0.00
$ 2,247.01
Green Retrofit $ 4,171.81
$ 0.00
$ 937.50
$ 3,234.31
Totals
$7134.79
$ 65.14
$ 990.62
$6,209.31
Brad Holland asks for a motion to accept the Treasures report. On a motion by Connie Tadeo
and a second Anne Marie Patty, the Treasures report was approved.
UPDATES:
· John B. Wright Report (Lisa Langford)
1) Lisa reports that the book fair held in March was so successful that JBW was able to give every child that attends JBW a free book. Many thanks and congratulations went out to Lisa and JBW.
2) With the help of Diane Fields, a teacher at JBW, and Lisa, they have single handily put JBW in 11th place in the Tucson Malls Shopping to Educate Club. There are 20 schools participating in the Tucson Mall and Lisa reports that each time she and Diane go to a meeting they up JBW’s ranking, so keep shopping to Educate so the points will go to JBW. Don’t forget to ask for the 100
points to be credited to JBW when you sign up. These points are also credited when you eat at
the mall.
3) Lisa brings us up to date on our Marquee. Lisa states that she was hoping that the Marquee would have been in place in time for Tuesday’s meeting, however, there needs to be more Blue Staking done. The sign making company will meet with the District and the Blue Stake people to finalize and hopefully by next month the Marquee will be up so we can begin posting fun things. Lisa also talked about having some type of ceremony to welcome in the Marquee, a ribbon cutting was mentioned. Many aaah’s were given in support of the Marquee being erected next month.
4) Lisa discusses the reports that have been on the news regarding JBW being one of the 17 worst schools in TUSD. Lisa states that she does not agree. She commends the many great people at JBW who work for the Kids, the parents that give their time and effort for the Kids. She gives her thanks to the group attending the meeting for their support to JBW. Lisa says that she sees fantastic things happening in JBW. The news report is based on the test scores. She agrees that the test scores needs to improve. There is help being given monetarily and personnel from the District because of this status. Lisa welcomes the help and she thanks them for it, however, she does not agree with the label given to JBW and states that JBW is a good place and a great place for kids. You may give your comments and write a letter to the Editor of the Newspaper. Lisa mentions that the news media should be invited to come and see the school and see for themselves. And also makes a suggestion that the Kids themselves write to the media.
· Midtown Library and Learning Center: (Carol Clark) Carol was out of town so Martha Cooper gave this report: Martha states that they are meeting on Wednesday nights to continue the planning of the Library and Learning Center. The meetings are in place so that when they meet with the Architects they will be able to say: "here are all the things that we would like to have." David Kha talked about having a walkway from JBW to the Library so that the students can follow the path and reach the Library. Martha tells of a walking tour in Boston that has footprints in the cement. We would do footprints from John B. Wright to the Library/Learning Center. The idea was welcomed. It was also suggested that we have a Footpath the Botanical Gardens either from the school or from the Library. Again, a welcomed idea.
· Computer Club Report: (David Kha) David tells about the new Web Page that he and Howard Ward have been working on. David asks Howard Ward to tell about the page. Howard talked about the pages new content. It includes written History, points of interest, photographs and much more about MNA. Howard says: "It has been said that you cannot decide where you are going, if you do not know where you have been." This page and its links attempt to provide some historical context for the future development decisions in the Midtown area. Such context can also build pride among residents for the place in which they live. This pride and ownership of place may go a long way toward reducing societal problems in the Midtown area. You may learn more about "your" neighborhood and by visiting:http://www.terrasw.com/terrasw/midtown/about/aboutmid.htm
In order to assist children and adults in computer literacy and skills, MNA has built computer labs, there are (2) locations: TIARC Center, 4228 E. Grant RD. Suite 4B, open for individual practice Mon – Sat 10a.m –8p.m and St. Vincent de Paul Center, 829 S. Sixth Ave. open for individual practice Mon –Fri 10a.m –4p.m For more information please call David Kha 323-8278
· Chess Club Report: (David Kha) David says the Chess Club has been running okay. He says that they need more players besides the Russian people, why? "Because they are so good!"
The Chess Club meets on Saturdays 10a.m to 12 p.m at the TIARC center, located at 4228 E. Grant RD all are welcome and encouraged to participate. For more information please call David 323-8278
· Bike Club Report: (David Kha) David introduces his helper, Roman (not the old Roman that went to Boston). This Roman is a 14-year-old young man from Russia with many skills and is very dedicated to the Bike club. He came to the Bike Club 7 months ago with his Father and has put in many hours (overtime too!) to helping David and the club. He keeps the tools in order, he makes sure that the tools are accounted for as well. Thank You Roman for your help and dedication! We also learned to say "hello" in Russian: Zdravstvuite, come on now, say it J
This "no fee" program is for children and adults; it offers hands on training in basic bicycle repair. The club meets on Saturdays from 8 am till noon. You may also give some volunteer time to this club. For more information please call David Kha 323-8278
· Green Retrofit/Tree Planting & The October Chile Fest: (Anna Marie Patti) Anna Marie states that the Chile Fest is right on target. The first meeting is in September. Please call Anna Marie and purchase the "pop cycles from last time!
Trees for Tucson: Anna Marie reports that there will be no trees this Spring due to lack of funding. The plans for trees are next fiscal year in July. If your interested in next years trees, please call Anna Marie @ 881-0244 Anna Marie reports that we received a Grant from the State of Arizona. We have $22.000 each, that’s $176.000, for 8 Owner occupied houses in the MNA. The criteria is not in place, however, is to be very strict. The Grant is funded from TMM Family Services. The monies are for people who fall into the 50 –80% income bracket. The chain falls like this: 2 homes, owner occupied by elderly. 2 homes, owner occupied, for the disabled. 2 homes, owner occupied, that are single and head of household. And the other 2 are still not known. The money is not to be used for down payments or purchasing, it is for improvements: i.e. heating, cooling, new roofs etc. The money should be received in June. If you know of anyone that would fall into the above categories, please contact Anna Marie @ 881-0244 Anna Marie will keep us informed as to the status.
· Special Announcement: Brad said that Martha Cooper had a very special announcement:
Martha held up a beautiful glass plague award and announced that our very own, David Kha, was voted Volunteer of the Year! David spoke to the attendees, giving his appreciation to the people who have assisted in MNA projects and clubs and at the meetings. David gave a special thank you to Martha Copper for her many, many hours given to MNA. He shares his award with these special people. He so deserves this award, thank you David!
Brad has a serious announcement. Brad states: As the MNA President, he constantly receives required notices from the City. Brad was informed that a Level 3 Convicted Sex Offender has moved into Midtown. His conviction was due to Adult Women Sex Offences. It was discussed that this information maybe posted to the Midtown Website, it was further discussed to link to a Website that does list convicted offenders. Edie ?, who is part of a State Wide Collision, gives the definition of a level 3 offender. She states that the level 3 has a very high likelihood of re-offending. She also states that many of these offenders have been through much training, classes etc. and are ready to re-enter life, she states that this sort of announcement really puts them at a disadvantage. It is against the law to harass an offender. This is a delicate subject and if you have any questions please contact Brad @ 327-2558. Brad will be happy to address your concerns. Being informed is important! The website address for offenders in Arizona is: http://www.azsexoffender.com
· New Business: A special Guest, Edie Lauver, who is part of a State-wide Coalition". In 1997 The Coalition had a student-mentoring project to support homeless and near homeless students in school that were in danger of dropping out of school. What was learned from the project that there was a serious lack of services for teens between the ages of 14 and 18 who were non-adjudicated kids." They found that there were plenty of beds for runaways, throwaways and kids that had been through the Pima County juvenile system but there were fewer than 10 beds for kids that were struggling to stay in school. Consequently Edie’s Board of Directors is addressing the problem. They are partnering with Family Council agency that is helping with funding and they also will be in charge of counseling. Edie proposed a shelter type home for these kids in Midtown. Located in the Pima/Alvernon area. In the beginning the project will house 6 girls. There will be officers and volunteers on the premises. Then as the funds become available the will be the same type project for the boys. Interfaith train volunteers to work with these kids. Interfaith started in 1997 with 4 volunteers and has since trained over 65. If you have questions you may call Edie @ 747-3607 Please support this project.
Frank, our resident Police officer brought the crime statistics for all to view. Brad introduced Gail Hartman, who is the Democratic Candidate for the Ward 6 Counsel. Fred Ronstadt spoke about the Back to Basics, it was discussed that Midtown need apply for the program. Mr. Ronstadt commended David for his award for being "Volunteer of the Year".
Brad spoke that it was decided at the March meeting that we would be discussing the organizing of committees. Due to the lack of time it was suggested that the meeting go on for another ½ hour. Samantha Sims asked that since we did not cover the Committee talk this meeting that we table the talk till next meeting, giving it the attention that it warrants. Moji Agha suggested that we get started on the talk and it was decided that whoever wanted to, could stay and talk, brainstorm about the types of committees needed. Many people left. The people that stayed tossed around some names for the committees. We discussed the "needs" for committees and that there can be sub-committees under the main committee.
What was suggested for names for these committees:
1) Grant Writing
2) Transportation
3) Communications
4) Youth and Senior’s working together
5) Quality of Life: How to help your neighbor
6) Newsletter and By-Laws
7) Graffiti
8) Fund Raising
9) Voices/Networking
10) Beautification i.e. trash/junk
11) The Midtown Screaming Committee (Brad’s) LOL, This issue will be the new business on the May agenda.
· ADJOURNMENT: On a motion by Candace Salisbury and a second by Margaret Leonard, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.