Executive Director's Column - 2nd quarter, 2011
Congratulations to all of our artists who took a record-breaking 28 ribbons at the Florida State Fair this year! The paintings will be on exhibit in the Life Enrichment Center Art Gallery through the end of April, so stop by to see these beautiful pieces of art.
We have several new classes and new teachers starting with us in April. A new chair yoga class, taught by certified yoga instructor, Joceline Height, is a great addition to our health and wellness program. It is gentle, easy, and can be done by anyone with the benefit of reducing stress on your body as well as many other health benefits. Our new evening watercolor teacher, Joan Marsh, just retired from the Hillsborough County School system and was referred to us by the Arts Council. Another highly recommended and talented artist, Paula Brett, will teach a one-day workshop Experimental Acrylic Painting in May. Also in May, artist Lorraine Potocki will return by popular demand to teach her third pastels workshop at LEC. LEC instructor Brigitte Mailahn is challenging all artists to Be Creative! in her new series of classes, working with different surfaces and materials.
For those of you who have missed Jimmy Vann while he was working on a six-mural project commissioned by the Arts Council of Hillsborough County, I have good news - the murals are complete and were dedicated recently in a beautiful celebration of art; and Jimmy will be returning to teach at the Life Enrichment Center in May. Welcome back, Jimmy, and congratulations on all you have accomplished. LEC was well represented at the dedication ceremony. If you missed it, you can see the murals at the District III Headquarters of the Tampa Police Dept., on N. 22nd Street just south of MLK or you can watch the entire dedication ceremony by going to the following link:
http://www.tampagov.net/dept_cable_communication/information_resources
Participants who have stayed with our weight loss and health program, GIFT, over the past year are excited to have met or exceeded their goals. They have not only consistently lost weight, they have kept it off and continue to lose pounds in a slow, steady, and healthy manner. They encourage anyone who is trying to lose weight to join them in this simple, sensible, and affordable weight loss program.
Congratulations to all of our artists who took a record-breaking 28 ribbons at the Florida State Fair this year! The paintings will be on exhibit in the Life Enrichment Center Art Gallery through the end of April, so stop by to see these beautiful pieces of art.
We have several new classes and new teachers starting with us in April. A new chair yoga class, taught by certified yoga instructor, Joceline Height, is a great addition to our health and wellness program. It is gentle, easy, and can be done by anyone with the benefit of reducing stress on your body as well as many other health benefits. Our new evening watercolor teacher, Joan Marsh, just retired from the Hillsborough County School system and was referred to us by the Arts Council. Another highly recommended and talented artist, Paula Brett, will teach a one-day workshop Experimental Acrylic Painting in May. Also in May, artist Lorraine Potocki will return by popular demand to teach her third pastels workshop at LEC. LEC instructor Brigitte Mailahn is challenging all artists to Be Creative! in her new series of classes, working with different surfaces and materials.
For those of you who have missed Jimmy Vann while he was working on a six-mural project commissioned by the Arts Council of Hillsborough County, I have good news - the murals are complete and were dedicated recently in a beautiful celebration of art; and Jimmy will be returning to teach at the Life Enrichment Center in May. Welcome back, Jimmy, and congratulations on all you have accomplished. LEC was well represented at the dedication ceremony. If you missed it, you can see the murals at the District III Headquarters of the Tampa Police Dept., on N. 22nd Street just south of MLK or you can watch the entire dedication ceremony by going to the following link:
http://www.tampagov.net/dept_cable_communication/information_resources
Participants who have stayed with our weight loss and health program, GIFT, over the past year are excited to have met or exceeded their goals. They have not only consistently lost weight, they have kept it off and continue to lose pounds in a slow, steady, and healthy manner. They encourage anyone who is trying to lose weight to join them in this simple, sensible, and affordable weight loss program.
Executive Director's Column --- 3rd Quarter, 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
Executive Director's Column --- 1st Quarter 2009
As many of you know, I have been visiting our classes over the past two months talking about our vulnerability in this difficult economy. The Life Enrichment Center is seriously at risk. Over the past year, our grants have been cut drastically and funding is increasingly difficult to obtain. Unlike every other senior center in the Tampa Bay area, the Life Enrichment Center is not government funded. We are a private, non-profit 501(c)3 organization that relies on donations, membership dues, class fees, and grants to keep our doors open.
On November 1, 2008, in a severe cost-cutting move to save the Center, I reduced our hours of operation from 8:00-5:00 to 8:30-3:30. We had to reduce our expenses and the only place I could do that was to cut our staff salaries. There is no fat in our budget. Our administrative expenses and overhead are extremely low.
Our staff and Board of Trustees are committed to keep the doors of this wonderful 29-year-old Center open for all of you who enjoy our classes and events. However, we cannot do this alone. If you want us to be here this time next year, now is the time to step up to the plate and help your Life Enrichment Center. Become a dues paying member. Invest in your own future in this community. It is predicted that the next year, and quite possibly longer, will continue to be a struggle for all non-profits. The smaller ones, such as the LEC, will struggle hardest and many will not be here a year from now. Encourage your children and grandchildren and extended families to support the Center. Give as generously as you can, as often as you can. Let's all work together to ensure that our Center is not one of the casualties of the economy.
Be sure to check our web site for information about our new classes at satellite locations, beginning in January. See our calendar descriptions for more information.
Tampa Museum of Art -
o Pages of My Life - life writing with Paula Stahel, Professional Historian
o Postcards to Prints - explore a variety of media with Debra Radke, MFA
Aston Gardens at Tampa Bay - Painting with Tim Gibbons
Ringling Museum of Art - Field Trip. Monday, February, 2009 Date to be announced . Call to register.
I wish you - and all of us - a better year ahead. Happy new year.
Ronna Metcalf
December 11, 2008 - It is with great sadness that I add this postscript to my column. Dell Baker, my valued Executive Assistant and my friend, died early this morning in Hospice care. I will miss you more than I can say, Dell. Yours was a life well lived.
My grateful thanks to Marty Bubley, Debra Radke, Tim Gibbons, Jayne Lisbeth, and Jocelyn Dickman, who helped me get through this difficult time.
As many of you know, I have been visiting our classes over the past two months talking about our vulnerability in this difficult economy. The Life Enrichment Center is seriously at risk. Over the past year, our grants have been cut drastically and funding is increasingly difficult to obtain. Unlike every other senior center in the Tampa Bay area, the Life Enrichment Center is not government funded. We are a private, non-profit 501(c)3 organization that relies on donations, membership dues, class fees, and grants to keep our doors open.
On November 1, 2008, in a severe cost-cutting move to save the Center, I reduced our hours of operation from 8:00-5:00 to 8:30-3:30. We had to reduce our expenses and the only place I could do that was to cut our staff salaries. There is no fat in our budget. Our administrative expenses and overhead are extremely low.
Our staff and Board of Trustees are committed to keep the doors of this wonderful 29-year-old Center open for all of you who enjoy our classes and events. However, we cannot do this alone. If you want us to be here this time next year, now is the time to step up to the plate and help your Life Enrichment Center. Become a dues paying member. Invest in your own future in this community. It is predicted that the next year, and quite possibly longer, will continue to be a struggle for all non-profits. The smaller ones, such as the LEC, will struggle hardest and many will not be here a year from now. Encourage your children and grandchildren and extended families to support the Center. Give as generously as you can, as often as you can. Let's all work together to ensure that our Center is not one of the casualties of the economy.
Be sure to check our web site for information about our new classes at satellite locations, beginning in January. See our calendar descriptions for more information.
Tampa Museum of Art -
o Pages of My Life - life writing with Paula Stahel, Professional Historian
o Postcards to Prints - explore a variety of media with Debra Radke, MFA
Aston Gardens at Tampa Bay - Painting with Tim Gibbons
Ringling Museum of Art - Field Trip. Monday, February, 2009 Date to be announced . Call to register.
I wish you - and all of us - a better year ahead. Happy new year.
Ronna Metcalf
December 11, 2008 - It is with great sadness that I add this postscript to my column. Dell Baker, my valued Executive Assistant and my friend, died early this morning in Hospice care. I will miss you more than I can say, Dell. Yours was a life well lived.
My grateful thanks to Marty Bubley, Debra Radke, Tim Gibbons, Jayne Lisbeth, and Jocelyn Dickman, who helped me get through this difficult time.
Executive Director's Column --- 2nd Quarter 2009
I want to thank everyone who stepped up over the past few months and gave LEC your membership dues - many of you for the first time - and donations to help us to continue our program. But even as I thank you, I want to remind you again that it will take the concerted efforts of all of us who care about the Center to ensure that we survive these difficult economic times, both now and for the future. Do not become complacent. Every $25, $50, $100, $500 donation or more makes a difference.
Ronna Metcalf
I want to thank everyone who stepped up over the past few months and gave LEC your membership dues - many of you for the first time - and donations to help us to continue our program. But even as I thank you, I want to remind you again that it will take the concerted efforts of all of us who care about the Center to ensure that we survive these difficult economic times, both now and for the future. Do not become complacent. Every $25, $50, $100, $500 donation or more makes a difference.
Over the past 2 months the LEC has been fortunate to add 3 new members to our Board of Trustees. They have all had a relationship with the Center in one way or another over the years and each of them will be a valuable asset to our Board. I would like to welcome them and introduce them to you briefly, along with some comments about their interest in the LEC.
Dawn Johnson, Deputy Director of Programming, the Tampa Museum of Art; BA Art History, MA Health Care Administration. "I have worked with Ronna Metcalf to develop a programming partnership that brings members of Life Enrichment Center to the museum for satellite classes. I have been very impressed with the course content and the program outcomes."
Dawn Johnson, Deputy Director of Programming, the Tampa Museum of Art; BA Art History, MA Health Care Administration. "I have worked with Ronna Metcalf to develop a programming partnership that brings members of Life Enrichment Center to the museum for satellite classes. I have been very impressed with the course content and the program outcomes."
Dr. Cathy McEvoy, Ph.D., Professor and Director School of Aging Studies, USF; "As the Director of the School of Aging Studies at USF, I am very aware of the benefit that our community reaps from having a vibrant center where older adults can continually challenge themselves cognitively, as well as physically, emotionally, and socially. The research is becoming more and more clear on the benefits of maintaining cognitive stimulation, physical activity, and social interactions to reduce the risk of dementia and other health problems as we age."
Ezra Ochshorn, Information Specialist, Florida Mental Health Institute (FMHI), USF; MSW; Graduate Certificate in Gerontology. "I have always had an interest in elder affairs. I have worked with elders in mental health settings. I have written about elder issues for newspapers and academic journals."
Ezra Ochshorn, Information Specialist, Florida Mental Health Institute (FMHI), USF; MSW; Graduate Certificate in Gerontology. "I have always had an interest in elder affairs. I have worked with elders in mental health settings. I have written about elder issues for newspapers and academic journals."
Our Celebration of Life for Dell Baker was a wonderful tribute to her and all she accomplished in her life. Many thanks to everyone who helped make this a special day for Dell and her many, many friends who came and shared some wonderful and funny "Dell stories." Her portrait and photo collage are still here at the LEC. If you have not seen them, stop by. Thanks, too, to everyone who gave donations to the Center in Dell's memory.
Our classes have had a strong start this year. And our satellite classes at MOSI, the Tampa Museum of Art, Aston Gardens and Brighton Gardens continue to be successful and to enable more people to enjoy the benefits of our program. These classes are open to everyone. For more information, call the Center.
Be sure to see our Special Events at the end of our calendar. Our Forever Moving dance company will be performing once again at USF. Aston Gardens is hosting a big party and fundraiser to benefit the Life Enrichment Center. This will be a combination art show and sale, spoken word, with fun interactive events, refreshments, live music, and much more!
Happy Spring! Be sure to see our Special Events at the end of our calendar. Our Forever Moving dance company will be performing once again at USF. Aston Gardens is hosting a big party and fundraiser to benefit the Life Enrichment Center. This will be a combination art show and sale, spoken word, with fun interactive events, refreshments, live music, and much more!
Ronna Metcalf
Executive Director's Column --- 3rd Quarter 2009
As most of you know, these are challenging times. They are especially difficult for private, non-profit organizations like the Life Enrichment Center. To give you a little background, our funding comes from a variety of sources: individual donations, membership dues, class fees and donations, grants, fundraisers, and civic or corporate sponsorships. Over the past two years, much of our funding has been either eliminated or reduced due to the economic decline. It is predicted by many experts that this will not change anytime soon.
As many of you know, our funding from Hillsborough County was cut twice in 2008-2009, by a total of 45%. If the Board of County Commissioners approves the current budget plan for 2010, the Life Enrichment Center will be cut again by an additional 25%, leaving us with less than half of our previous funding in 2007. The proposed budget would undoubtedly also affect our grant with the Arts Council of Hillsborough County, since their funding from the County also has been cut. The current County budget plan for 2011shows the vast majority of grants, including the Life Enrichment Center and the Arts Council, being eliminated completely.
This is a time when many of us are being forced to make difficult decisions in order to survive. As most of you know, I lost my Executive Assistant in December. Last month, I was forced to make the difficult decision to eliminate our other staff position of Development Director. Because of our current economic situation, I have no plans to replace either of these positions at this time. I believe we will see many changes over the next two years as local and state funds continue to be cut. Many services will be reduced or eliminated. Non-profits, as well as for-profit businesses, will close. In fact, we are seeing that already. We are all going to have to think creatively in order to stay afloat in this economic storm.
Next year the Life Enrichment Center will celebrate our 30th year of service to this community. I will say once again, this is your Center. It belongs to you. I ask you to personally take ownership by supporting it in any and every way you can. Bring in new people - word of mouth is our best advertisement. Encourage your friends and families to make donations to the Life Enrichment Center and to attend our fundraisers. Give as much as you can as often as you can in any way that you can. If each of us pulls our own weight and takes on the responsibility to keep this Center open, it will be here for another 30 years.
Ronna Metcalf
As most of you know, these are challenging times. They are especially difficult for private, non-profit organizations like the Life Enrichment Center. To give you a little background, our funding comes from a variety of sources: individual donations, membership dues, class fees and donations, grants, fundraisers, and civic or corporate sponsorships. Over the past two years, much of our funding has been either eliminated or reduced due to the economic decline. It is predicted by many experts that this will not change anytime soon.
As many of you know, our funding from Hillsborough County was cut twice in 2008-2009, by a total of 45%. If the Board of County Commissioners approves the current budget plan for 2010, the Life Enrichment Center will be cut again by an additional 25%, leaving us with less than half of our previous funding in 2007. The proposed budget would undoubtedly also affect our grant with the Arts Council of Hillsborough County, since their funding from the County also has been cut. The current County budget plan for 2011shows the vast majority of grants, including the Life Enrichment Center and the Arts Council, being eliminated completely.
This is a time when many of us are being forced to make difficult decisions in order to survive. As most of you know, I lost my Executive Assistant in December. Last month, I was forced to make the difficult decision to eliminate our other staff position of Development Director. Because of our current economic situation, I have no plans to replace either of these positions at this time. I believe we will see many changes over the next two years as local and state funds continue to be cut. Many services will be reduced or eliminated. Non-profits, as well as for-profit businesses, will close. In fact, we are seeing that already. We are all going to have to think creatively in order to stay afloat in this economic storm.
Next year the Life Enrichment Center will celebrate our 30th year of service to this community. I will say once again, this is your Center. It belongs to you. I ask you to personally take ownership by supporting it in any and every way you can. Bring in new people - word of mouth is our best advertisement. Encourage your friends and families to make donations to the Life Enrichment Center and to attend our fundraisers. Give as much as you can as often as you can in any way that you can. If each of us pulls our own weight and takes on the responsibility to keep this Center open, it will be here for another 30 years.
Ronna Metcalf
Executive Director's Column --- 4th Quarter, 2010
As many of you know, the big topic here over the past couple of months has been funding. In these difficult economic times, the Life Enrichment Center has been extremely challenged as existing grants have been cut repeatedly or eliminated altogether. Much of my time has been spent visiting Hillsborough County Commissioners and their aides regarding the proposed elimination of the Arts Council's "re-granting" funds. I have also attended and spoken at the County's Budget Hearings related to this issue. Many thanks to all of you who also called and emailed the Commissioners on behalf of the Arts Council and Life Enrichment Center. With your help, the LEC had a visible and meaningful presence and the County Commissioners took notice.
For those of you who do not know, the Life Enrichment Center has two important grants that have helped us survive as a private, non-profit senior center serving our community for the past 30 years. These two critical grants are: 1) Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners Social Service grant currently $11,250, down from $25,000 two years ago; and 2) Arts Council of Hillsborough County, funding that comes through the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners for arts organizations currently $12,403, down from $24,257 two years ago. It is this funding that was threatened to be eliminated entirely. At the last Budget Hearing, 5 of the 7 County Commissioners voted to restore partial funding to the Arts Council. (Those who voted in favor were Commissioners Beckner, Ferlita, Hagan, Norman, and White. Commissioners Higginbotham and Sharpe voted no.)
It is too soon to know exactly how the reduced funding for the Arts Council will affect the Life Enrichment Center's funding for the coming year. We have always lived "on the edge" financially but the current economic downturn has presented us with even greater challenges than in the past. I will keep you posted.
By the time you receive this calendar, our 9th annual art show at TECO will be up. It will remain from September 15th to October 29th. Please join us for another fun reception on Friday, October 1st. Bring your friends and families and encourage them to buy a piece of beautiful and affordable piece of art. This event is a fundraiser and a portion of the proceeds of all art sales benefits the LEC.
The Jan Platt Traveling Art Show will move to the Lutz Library in September. And on Saturday, December 4th, we will hold our 4th annual Art Under the Trees event. This is a great opportunity to buy handmade fine art, notecards, pottery, jewelry, and much more. This event is open to both LEC members and outside artists. Call us to reserve your space. More information is available at the LEC.
Be sure to check out our fall class schedule for exciting new classes and workshops.
Have a happy holiday season! Ronna Metcalf
As many of you know, the big topic here over the past couple of months has been funding. In these difficult economic times, the Life Enrichment Center has been extremely challenged as existing grants have been cut repeatedly or eliminated altogether. Much of my time has been spent visiting Hillsborough County Commissioners and their aides regarding the proposed elimination of the Arts Council's "re-granting" funds. I have also attended and spoken at the County's Budget Hearings related to this issue. Many thanks to all of you who also called and emailed the Commissioners on behalf of the Arts Council and Life Enrichment Center. With your help, the LEC had a visible and meaningful presence and the County Commissioners took notice.
For those of you who do not know, the Life Enrichment Center has two important grants that have helped us survive as a private, non-profit senior center serving our community for the past 30 years. These two critical grants are: 1) Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners Social Service grant currently $11,250, down from $25,000 two years ago; and 2) Arts Council of Hillsborough County, funding that comes through the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners for arts organizations currently $12,403, down from $24,257 two years ago. It is this funding that was threatened to be eliminated entirely. At the last Budget Hearing, 5 of the 7 County Commissioners voted to restore partial funding to the Arts Council. (Those who voted in favor were Commissioners Beckner, Ferlita, Hagan, Norman, and White. Commissioners Higginbotham and Sharpe voted no.)
It is too soon to know exactly how the reduced funding for the Arts Council will affect the Life Enrichment Center's funding for the coming year. We have always lived "on the edge" financially but the current economic downturn has presented us with even greater challenges than in the past. I will keep you posted.
By the time you receive this calendar, our 9th annual art show at TECO will be up. It will remain from September 15th to October 29th. Please join us for another fun reception on Friday, October 1st. Bring your friends and families and encourage them to buy a piece of beautiful and affordable piece of art. This event is a fundraiser and a portion of the proceeds of all art sales benefits the LEC.
The Jan Platt Traveling Art Show will move to the Lutz Library in September. And on Saturday, December 4th, we will hold our 4th annual Art Under the Trees event. This is a great opportunity to buy handmade fine art, notecards, pottery, jewelry, and much more. This event is open to both LEC members and outside artists. Call us to reserve your space. More information is available at the LEC.
Be sure to check out our fall class schedule for exciting new classes and workshops.
Have a happy holiday season! Ronna Metcalf
Executive Director's Column - 1st quarter, 2011
Welcome to a new year - 2011! I hope that the coming year will bring good things to all of us - peace, love, the gift of good friends, good health, and an improved economy.
You will see some changes in your calendar this month, including some class fee changes. We are seriously encouraging everyone who uses the LEC and enjoys our program to become a regular dues-paying member. When you renew your membership, you will receive a membership card that can be used for discounts to selected classes at LEC (see the schedule of classes in this calendar), notice about special events and programs, discounts for art supplies at AOE, and a discount at Stay Dry Roofing, should you need it. You will find a membership application in this newsletter. Please include your email address if you have one to help us reduce our mailing costs. Our current membership list is now up to date for the past year, so stop in at our office to pick up your membership card for 2010.
UPDATES:
Funding - The Arts Council of Hillsborough County grants were anounced in October. LEC was one of 23 non-profits to receive funding for the coming year with a grant in the amount of $9,927 (down from $12,403 last year, and $24,257 three years ago). Thanks to all of our members who contacted the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners in the effort to restore partial funding to the Arts Council for this purpose. Over the past three years LEC's funding from the County has been reduced by more than $28,000 or 57%. We have more than 1,800 people on our mailing list. If 1,000 of you write us a check for your annual membership, that budget shortfall would be offset.
Awards - The Life Enrichment Center was presented with an award for "Creative Contribution Enriching the Community" last month at the 7th Annual Brush Strokes for Excellence in the Arts awards ceremony. These awards are sponsored by the Greater Brandon Arts Council and are the only annual comprehensive arts awards throughout Tampa Bay. It is hanging in our lobby by the door to the large room. We can all be proud of this award and I especially want to thank our teachers who make our program a vital creative force in our community.
...And Other Nice Things - LEC had a nice half hour voice on the Women's Show on WMNF 88.5 FM last month. I was joined by our life writing teacher, Paula Stahel and Barbara LaPresti, a student in her class, to talk about the Pages of My Life anthology that we published this summer. Paula's next class starts January 21st. We have some exciting new classes this year and are taking registrations now, so check your calendar!
Welcome to a new year - 2011! I hope that the coming year will bring good things to all of us - peace, love, the gift of good friends, good health, and an improved economy.
You will see some changes in your calendar this month, including some class fee changes. We are seriously encouraging everyone who uses the LEC and enjoys our program to become a regular dues-paying member. When you renew your membership, you will receive a membership card that can be used for discounts to selected classes at LEC (see the schedule of classes in this calendar), notice about special events and programs, discounts for art supplies at AOE, and a discount at Stay Dry Roofing, should you need it. You will find a membership application in this newsletter. Please include your email address if you have one to help us reduce our mailing costs. Our current membership list is now up to date for the past year, so stop in at our office to pick up your membership card for 2010.
UPDATES:
Funding - The Arts Council of Hillsborough County grants were anounced in October. LEC was one of 23 non-profits to receive funding for the coming year with a grant in the amount of $9,927 (down from $12,403 last year, and $24,257 three years ago). Thanks to all of our members who contacted the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners in the effort to restore partial funding to the Arts Council for this purpose. Over the past three years LEC's funding from the County has been reduced by more than $28,000 or 57%. We have more than 1,800 people on our mailing list. If 1,000 of you write us a check for your annual membership, that budget shortfall would be offset.
Awards - The Life Enrichment Center was presented with an award for "Creative Contribution Enriching the Community" last month at the 7th Annual Brush Strokes for Excellence in the Arts awards ceremony. These awards are sponsored by the Greater Brandon Arts Council and are the only annual comprehensive arts awards throughout Tampa Bay. It is hanging in our lobby by the door to the large room. We can all be proud of this award and I especially want to thank our teachers who make our program a vital creative force in our community.
...And Other Nice Things - LEC had a nice half hour voice on the Women's Show on WMNF 88.5 FM last month. I was joined by our life writing teacher, Paula Stahel and Barbara LaPresti, a student in her class, to talk about the Pages of My Life anthology that we published this summer. Paula's next class starts January 21st. We have some exciting new classes this year and are taking registrations now, so check your calendar!