Explanation of Agenda Item # 6
Request that ASNC allocate funds

Dear ASNC board members,

A bit more explanation on the event and funding request that is included in Monday's item # 6, as promised -- since I'll miss Monday's meeting.

(And, since not everyone sees/reads these emails, perhaps this could also be read at the meeting?).

Assuming that the invitation included in the related agenda item # 4 is accepted, then # 6 involves next year's board members from the Hermon community "hosting" the old and new board and all other attendees to a kick-off reception for the new neighborhood council year.

Folks from the LAI charter school would prepare carne asada for the group, and other Hermon stakeholders (including some board members), plan to provide homemade nopales salad, (plus, possibly another item, TBD), rice & beans, tortillas, and beverages, followed by flan and Mexican wedding cookies.

We expect to come in well under the requested funding amount, and should be able to feed as many as 80+ if we end have a good turnout (We'll certainly push to get Hermon folks there, since the meeting would be close to us), and having a city councilmember there to swear in new board members usually helps with attendance, as well.

We have one of the largest changeovers in board members this year -- if you count those people who joined us mid-year as appointed replacements, then more than half the board elected last year has already or is moving on. Many of those "termed-out" this year were part of the founding team for the ASNC in 2002-03, as well. They're due a bit of celebration and thanks.

And finally, the "up to $300" request is not really for "new" funds not budgeted -- but can come from unspent meeting funds from this past year. We had $525 budgeted for monthly meeting refreshments through the Jan. '08 meeting - 7 x $75 - and through October's report only $176 had been spent, so there's a surplus to date in that budget column of something like $400 - $500 (ballpark, give or take).

I hope this helps people support this agenda item. We're looking forward to helping make this happen.

Joe Riser
JosephR@mindspring.com

Hermon Community
(323) 376-9000