| |
San
Diego Center Latest News and Happenings:
September 23, 2011
Dear Brothers and Sisters of Subud San Diego,
Last Saturday, our dear brother and sisters Hanafi and Levana Fraval gave us a presentation (thank you Grace for providing lunch to us all for the presentation!) It was about a new scholarship fund being set up by the Fravals to help provide university level education for deserving but poor young people from around the world, especially those affiliated with local Subud schools or projects.
Why? Because the cost of a 4-year university education for many of these students is less than $4000 for and entire 4 year period! And what a difference this additional education makes in the lives of these young people! And really, if we team up, how little we need to sacrifice to do it!
We have been asked, as a group, if we can see our way clear to sponsor a young man named Erpan. Attached is a lot more information about him and his story. I think you will be impressed like I was. He would be the second person to receive a scholarship - the first, named Herni Listiani, is discussed as length in the Feb 2011 issue of Subud Voice (see http://www.subudvoice.net/svbackissues/).
In order to send Erpan to university, we need to collect $70 a month earmarked for Bright Futures. We are seeking 7 people who will commit to donating $10 per month. We now have 2 - Simon Andrews and myself. We need 5 more!
Attached is a lot more information about him and his story. I think you will be impressed like I was. He would be the second person to receive a scholarship - the first, named Herni Listiani, is discussed as length in the Feb 2011 issue of Subud Voice (see http://www.subudvoice.net/svbackissues/).
Bright Futures is working in concert with our Subud charity Susila Dharma. This allows us to collect the money locally for Erpan and forward it on to Susila Dharma. However, funds can also be sent directly to Susila Dharma International as well.
Please seriously consider digging just a little deeper to make a huge difference in a young man's life.
With love, Miles
August 28, 2011
New La Casa photos have been added. Click Here for more info.
June 22, 2011
(from group email, 6/21/11)
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
It is that time of year again when we reach out for donations to provide the funds for buying school supplies to support the children of La Casa. Our goal this year is $350. We need as many folks as possible to donate whatever you can manage by July 4th.
La Casa is a center run by Marta Huerta to help indigenous children and their families living in Tijuana. Over a year ago, La Casa moved from the outskirts of Tijuana and is now more accessible for the women and children. The projects, which include a professional seamstress training course, seem to be growing as donations allow.
Six months ago, $500.00 was donated by Susila Dharma. These funds will provide building supplies for expanding the center. The plan is for a second story to be built in the near future.
Mikail Collins, a member living part time in Tijuana, has continued to be very involved with La Casa. A few months ago, Raymond and I observed the sewing class while a professional documentary filmmaker spent two hours filming the class. It is difficult to describe the special atmosphere of the class without being long-winded. To summarize, the instructor was great..warm, professional and had a deep respect for her students. The students were very engaged and seemed to relish the opportunity to learn the art of creating patterns and sewing. With this in-depth training, they will be able to really change the situation of their families.
Let me finish by reiterating the point of this e-mail: We need $350.00 by July 4th to buy school supplies for the La Casa kids.
This money, used frugally, can buy a lot of school supplies There already is $83.00 in the fund. Another member this week just donated $37.00 raised last weekend at a yard-sale. For those of us short of money, how about selling an item on Craigslist or E-bay and donating the money to La Casa.
If 12 people can manage to give $15.00 or $20.00 each, we will have enough money to meet the goal. However, any donation amount is really appreciated. According to Mikail, the need is tremendous with hundreds of children needing our help.
You can drop your check or cash in the regular donation box, mail it to the Subud house, or hand it to Athena, Raymond, or Miles.
If it is a check, make it out to Subud San Diego but earmark it for La Casa. The address is:
Subud California at San Diego
3521 Adams Avenue
San Diego, CA 92116
Thank you for your concern and contributions.
Love, Athena and Raymond
June 15, 2011
Subud San Diego News Update and Planning Dates
News from the Congress
The recent California Congress at Presentation Center was a great and enjoyable success. We were able, through testing and voting, to choose a new Chair and Vice Chair of the Region.
Chairman Daniel Foster and Vice Chair Owen Riparetti are both from Santa Cruz They intend to keep the process of implementing regional governance light and fruitful (with possible musical breaks since they both play).
Rentals
The Cairo Cafe (our prospective exterior renter) has not moved forward with an agreement, seemingly because of a slowdown in business. Realistically, a rental of the exterior spaces only is therefor unlikely.
Providentially, Stephen Kelly and Susan Van Winkle have made it their intention to find and qualify potential tenants. Steven has a background in rentals and rental management. Their willingness to step up and search out appropriate tenants is greatly appreciated. If you have ideas or a particular tenant possibility to share with Stephen or Susan, please contact them.
Please see the rental policy documents, sent in a direct email, that will guide our process. You may have amendments or additions for the extended Committee to consider. Please address these to the Chairman.
Other News
The roof repair is done! Therefore:
Saturday, June 18th (that is this coming Saturday), we invite you to join the Fresh New Ceiling-tile Party. We will have two ladders, mat knives, etc and guidance provided. The task is to remove those ugly old water-stained tiles, copy the shapes, cut new ones to fit and reinstall. You can chose from these various tasks or add your support with a snack or congratulatory ceremony after we finish. Time estimate: Under two hours with four or more volunteers. Please RSVP to Raymond.
Saturday, July 9th We will have the long awaited grand reopening of our newly refurbished Social Hall. This will be a celebratory, light lunch/brunch pot-luck affair, conveniently scheduled right after the regular Saturday 10:30 latihan. Come join in. Bring something tasty. Try out the new fresh coffee system and marvel at the possibilities.
September 1st Idul Fitri pot luck after Thursday Latihan.
August 1st to 31st will be the span of Ramadan observance this year if the moon cooperates. Therefore, everyone is invited to share in the celebration of Idul Fitri the day after Ramadan. This is another chance to party together, with the added dimension of being asked for forgiveness. How cool is that? Idul Fitri is also known for really tasty food. You may want to share something tasty yourself.
September: Date to be announced. General Meeting mainly to choose a new Chair and of our center. No experience required. Mentoring available. If you are clear without pre-testing that Chairperson is something you are willing to do on behalf of the group, you needn’t test. For those who prefer the pre-testing approach, the helpers will offer opportunities weeks prior to this event for you to test. I've always found this revealing and satisfying, whatever the result.
Thanking you for your participation,
Raymond and Athena Co-Chairs
March 13, 2011
Dear brothers and sisters,
February was a month filled with activity and improvements. The social hall is getting quite a makeover!
As a result of the work done in February
- the cracked and bulging foundation has been repaired and flattened using rebar-reinforced concrete,
- the old deteriorating drywall on the walls has been removed and discarded,
- vines and other debris have been removed from the walls and discarded,
- new studs have been placed in the east wall to reinforce studs that looked like charcoal, from the old fire,
- new custom studs were placed in the east wall to accomodate an inwardly-bulging outer stucco wall,
- soot from the fire, thickly covering all the wood behind the old drywall, has been painted over with primer,
- treated 2 by 4's have been placed along the base of the walls to resist moisture,
- water resistant drywall has been used to replace the old drywall,
- rewiring has been done to get more power to the west wall and to replace some of the older wire with heavier-duty wire,
- GFI outlets have been placed on each circuit (safety first!),
- new outlets have replaced the old ones, with new plates for them,
- the ceiling has been textured and painted,
- crown molding has been placed on two of the walls to cover defects where the ceiling drywall meets the wall, and
- the walls have been textured.
The place is looking GREAT!
The walls are ready to be primed, then painted. After that, the floor will be covered with carpet tiles. We will need to install our old counter, or a new counter, then hook up the sink, garbage disposal, and water heater. Then we should be ready to move back in!
PROJECTS LEFT TO DO (not a complete list). Others can address these issues better than I can. If you want more complete and more detailed information, please contact Raymond or Simon:
- The back yard is not draining after a rain. We need to install something to drain water from the back yard to the street.
- Water is leaking into the social hall at the southeast corner when it rains. We need to pour some concrete a few feet into the ground, next to the walls there, to prevent this.
- The roof is still needing repair. Right now we are waiting on the roofer to find some time to get to us, although it has been suggested that we should get a general contractor to deal with all the issues on the roof.
- The door into the women's latihan hall has problems, including crumbling concrete at the entry way, a broken door jam, and the threshold doesn't seem secure.
- I don't believe we have entirely solved the issue of standing water in the side yard causing chronic wetness at the base of the walls of the main building.
(Figures removed for online purposes)
With love, your brother, MILES
January 5, 2011
La Casa page has been updated.
August 11, 2010
La Casa page has been updated, including link to new video of the progress.
June 18, 2010
Brothers and sisters (that sounds quaint, doesn't it?),
Here is a quick recap of the action items we discussed at the general meeting:
We voted to go ahead with the roof repair. Part of that repair entails waterproofing the ducting and the plenum penetrations.
Bones offered to get a quote on new ducting, plenums (and routine maintenance of the heat pump).
Therefore, we will hold up the original roof repair contractor work and make a decision as to what parts of the original roof bid to act on should Bones come up with a better alternative for the HVAC part of the work.
The sidewall project was rejected as the wrong solution to wall moisture. Ruben pointed out that the problem is water trapped under the surface that causes the problem. Holly suggested we plant a paper bark melaleuca species that draws out subsurface water. I was enthusiastic about this alternative.The problem is, this plant has been designated an invasive threat to the environment. It is unlikely we could source and plant it. I had my hopes up, but this plant is problematic; see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melaleuca_quinquenervia
We agreed that we need to replace the deteriorated fencing as well. This reality will become even more glaring once the hardscape improvements are in place.
Two suggestions were made:
(a) Replace the fencing with composite fencing for durability. It is termite impervious. It is also expensive compared to cedar fencing. How expensive? We could install.
(b) Go with a professional fencing contractor. The new fencing adjoining the parking lot is an example - Steel posts and no wood to soil contact. Cost? Contractor? I was not able to get the contractors name from our neighbor yet. Would you like to ask? Danton mentioned a reputable company but I don't have that name. Any other help here?
We also agreed that the new hardscape would transform the look of the side and back "yard" spaces, providing safe and attractive pathways and replacing the nasty looking surfaces around the Social Hall. I think we can proceed with this (and the fencing replacement) subject to funding.
We have one generous (earmarked) donation for these projects already. Please consider what you can do to help. I will also pursue a loan from Subud CA.
I am about to leave town, 'till mid July. I would like all the above to proceed as normal since I am as close as your phone or email.
Thanks to all who were able to attend the meeting. Your interest, enthusiasm and can-do attitude is gratifying and greatly appreciated.
Raymond
March 26, 2010
Greetings from your co-chair,
This last Saturday's general meeting (GM) was a nice, light experience. Here are some excerpts:
Our annual California congress will be here in no time (that's May 28-31). We are using the same place near Joshua Tree that was so popular last year. We talked about the fun of ride-sharing again. Here is the link so you can check it out. Play the video or download the power point for info on what you can expect: http://www.yourcalcongress.org/
You may have noticed on the website that there is a dinner party fund raising effort in groups across California to raise some money. These funds will be used to help (up to $150) those families or individuals who don't have quite enough to attend. So far I think there is $3200 but more is needed. At our GM we decided to skip the time , effort and expenditure of a dinner party fundraiser, and instead "passed the hat". We have donations or pledges for $125, but that was from only 10 of us. This is YOUR chance to put some more coin into the symbolic hat by sending a check earmarked Congress Help to 3521 Adams Ave 92116, or slip a check or envelope into the donation box on the library shelf.
We don't need to send this right away, so fit the donation into your budget this coming month - please.
As you may have heard... Alexandra will host a selamatan April 3 (after Sat latihan) at her place. This party is for the Pulloms, celebrating Matiana's recent birth. I look forward to seeing you there.
There is also news on the hall rental front: In the past, high insurance costs were a deterrent to renters. From the recent CA Council meeting come two big changes:
Now we can offer very affordable insurance, with the lowest rates for use on a daily or weekly basis.
If you are an active member and want to run your own event - a class, lets say, you are already insured and need only pay the agreed rent, no more insurance required!.
Now all we need is an enthusiastic, commission compensated rental coordinator to market, sign up and manage the rentals. Could this be you? Call me. I can provide details. 619-252-1643
Just as we took a fresh look at fund-raising efforts, we have a new take on getting together (not just Social Hall dinners).
The concept is that you announce an event that appeals to you. Examples: Carol Williams, Magdalena Lukovic, soprano April 112PM Sunday at speckles pavilion, Balboa Park - OR - July 5: Tommy Price & The Stilettos in Coronado.
And that's just 2 of hundreds of musical events. Consider picnics, hikes, renting bikes, etc .
Just pick some activity or entertainment you like, and Email the details (when where, bag lunch?) to Raymond or Athena for further distribution.
There was more at the meeting, but I want to keep this brief . Besides, next time you could come add some more joy to the meeting.
See you around,
Raymond
March 6, 2010
March 20th General Meeting
Dear Subud Brothers and Sisters,
We are back from our travels and slowly catching up with paper work and obligations. Highlights of our post Congress trip were attending latihan in three different Australian cities (Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne). seeing gorgeous scenery while successfully navigating left hand driving on narrow roads in NZ, and witnessing a wild cyclone after a magical day of snorkeling in Tonga.
Now its time to get more task focused and there are several Subud updates.
Most important is that Glynn Bedington volunteered to become our new Subud San Diego treasurer. We are very appreciative of Glynn stepping up on behalf of the group. It feels great to have her join the Committee. We can show her our support by making our monthly donations on time and showing her a little appreciation for a job that is behind the scenes and mostly invisible.
Speaking of which, we are sending out a huge Thank You to Rachman for his years of work as Treasurer and Chairman (sometimes simultaneously). In addition to his official responsibilities, he often went above and beyond his job titles. Just a few examples were his frequent checks on the Subud property and coming up with creative solutions to support members.
The Committee now consists of Raymond, Athena and Glynn. Going forward, it would be great to have the energy of a full committee. We would like to fill two other positions; a Group Life Coordinator and a Secretary. If anyone wants more information, please contact us.
Great News! Subud San Diego received a $300.00 donation this week from Susila Dharma. Mikail, with support from Grace, has been doing the coordination and fundraising for La Casa during the past year. If anyone else is interested in becoming involved, please talk with Athena or Mikail.
We plan to have a general meeting on Saturday, March 20th after the 10:30 latihan. Please arrange your schedules accordingly.
Love from Athena and Raymond
|
