Director's Column
July - September, 2008
July - September, 2008
The Life Enrichment Center often reminds me of "The Little Engine That Could"… In spite of adversity and on-going challenges, it keeps on going and we still manage to enjoy exciting new opportunities and events.
Our two most recent challenges are building related. Someone tried to steal our air conditioning unit two weeks ago (for the copper!). Cost for the repairs and a new chain link fence around it was over $1,000. And, for the past couple of weeks we have been in the midst of building repairs from the car crash last year. We appreciate your patience as we try to manage our daily work in addition to the stress of construction and furniture and file moves. I want to thank Sierra Construction for all of their excellent work on this project.
Our two most recent challenges are building related. Someone tried to steal our air conditioning unit two weeks ago (for the copper!). Cost for the repairs and a new chain link fence around it was over $1,000. And, for the past couple of weeks we have been in the midst of building repairs from the car crash last year. We appreciate your patience as we try to manage our daily work in addition to the stress of construction and furniture and file moves. I want to thank Sierra Construction for all of their excellent work on this project.
The insurance companies will hopefully cover most of the costs associated with the accident. However, it has been a long time since our building has had a face lift, and so we decided while they are already working here, we would have the contractor add additional interior painting to spruce up the image that we present to you - our members and participants. It looks like we will be in this building for quite a while and I think we all need a morale boost. So, stop by soon to see our new look.
Please join me in celebrating our newest community partnership with the Tampa Museum of Art! We will begin offering satellite classes at the Museum in October. Meanwhile, we have two exciting events coming up in September. See page 3 of this calendar for more information. It is very simple to reach TMA from the LEC area via Armenia Ave. or I-275. For more information or directions, call the Center. I hope many of you, from all classes, will join us for this kick-off for this wonderful new partnership.
Welcome to our newest art teacher, Janice McCaskill. For more information about Janice and her classes, see our calendar. Congratulations to long-time LEC member Ann Turner Cook (also known as the Gerber baby) on the publication of her fourth mystery novel, and to our art teacher, Frank Bolock, who did the cover art for the book. LEC hosted a combination book signing and art exhibition in June.
In the latest round of budget cuts by Hillsborough County, our county grant was reduced for the second time. Combining both cuts, our grant has been reduced a total of nearly 50%. Please be generous with your membership dues and donations. You are the people who will keep our doors open.
Happy summer, Everyone! Ronna Metcalf
Happy summer, Everyone! Ronna Metcalf