ARROYO SECO NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL

ASNC provides matching funds
- Jack and Denny Smith Library -


ASNC provides matching funds for the Jack and Denny Smith Library

In our Oct. 4 meeting, the ASNC voted to donate $5000 to this start up project.

Doug and Curt Smith, the two sons and trustees of the Jack and Denny Smith Literacy Foundation, have made a $1500 matching grant to the start up fund for the Jack and Denny Smith Library and Community Center at Mt Washington School. The grant can only be matched dollar for dollar by small individual donations from local residents.

Here is the website that's devoted to the project:

http://literacyla.org/

For further information, clarification and implementation please reply directly to curtis.b.smith@gmail.com and copy nnapnow@aol.com

INFORMATION ON THE START UP FUND:

The Friends of Mt Washington School, a non profit 501c3 tax exempt organization, entered into a 30 year joint use agreement with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and the State of California to use the newly constructed Jack and Denny Smith Library Building at the school as a Community Center. The building, which was designed and fully funded through the community's efforts over 13 years, is a school library, performing arts center, kitchen, and computer center. It will open in January of 2007. The joint use agreement allows for community use during all after school, summer, and all other non-use hours by the school.

To serve the various communities in the most inclusive manner, the Friends of Mt Washington School and LAUSD set up a steering committee. The steering committee, made up of 11 representatives from different organizations in the surrounding communities is responsible for the policy and programming guidelines, and this committee desires to have the building used by all communities in and around the Mt Washington School. This use includes the kitchen, library, computer center and a state of the arts performing arts facility, which will seat 400.

The steering committee is currently raising as much as they can in start up funds to help underwrite the first year's liability insurance, out reach marketing, and subsidy for the groups and individuals who wish to use this facility. Subsidy is required since the facility will be operated under a use fee arrangement that requires the facility to have LAUSD staff available to open and close the space, provide janitorial duties and supplies for any non school use event scheduled by the steering committee for community events and to underwrite a pro-rated share of the liability insurance. It is anticipated that $1000 will subsidize at least 10 three-hour events.

We would like to ask you to donate a tax donation of any amount that will be matched dollar for dollar by the Jack and Denny Smith Literacy Foundation, up to a ceiling amount of $1500. All events must be admission free and open to the public making it possible for anyone of any economic means to attend. Groups and individuals will draw their respective audiences for education and entertainment. Organizations and individuals will have a large space for meetings, workshops, performances and other approved activities and events. Kitchen facilities, with required certified kitchen personnel will be available for approved banquets. (Note: kitchen facility functions, fund-raisers, and fee based classes can be approved for use but come under special restricted guidelines and are determined solely by LAUSD policy and procedures). Events or classes that charge fees to participate (i.e.; dance, theater, exercise workshops etc.) should not be subsidized and applicants must apply through the steering committee and the LAUSD Facilities and Asset Management staff.

Please send all donations of any amount. Checks should be made out to FRIENDS OF MT WASHINGTON SCHOOL and sent to 935 WEST AVE 37, LOS ANGELES, CA 90065

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pat Griffith

patgriffit@earthlink.net

.