Civic Association Overview 2014–15

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

Enthusiasm was high at the Sept. 17 Sewanee Civic Association dinner meeting, the first meeting of the 2014–15 academic year. More than 40 members and guests turned out to hear updates on the Civic Association’s three main programs: the Classifieds email list, the SewaneeCommunity Chest and parks and playgrounds renovation project.

Classifieds manager Elizabeth Clark Duncan reminded the group that Civic Association members are automatically enrolled as Classifieds subscribers by paying their annual $10 dues. Others needing to renew their subscription are encouraged to use Pay Pal at the Civic Association website <www.sewaneecivic.wordpress.com>. Folks with overdue subscriptions will be alerted in the comings weeks; unpaid subscriptions will be deleted after the notice.

New subscribers can also request to join the group by following the website links. 

Duncan, who manages the list as a volunteer, spends 7–10 hours a week reviewing enrollment requests and email posts to prevent misuse of the service, intended as a way for community members to share information. The Civic Association board has been overseeing the list. Following the recommendation of board president Kiki Beavers, the membership voted to assign the responsibility to a committee composed of Duncan, Beavers, Aaron Welch and Alyssa Sumpter.

A local business owner asked that the rule allowing only three posts per week by businesses be relaxed. The membership will consider the request at the Oct. 15 meeting.

Marilyn and Tom Phelps will serve as Community Chest stewards for 2014–15. The Community Chest, which provides funding to help sustain community projects and programs, received 27 applications requesting a total of $128,000. The steering committee approved a goal of $101,000.

Parks and playgrounds committee chair Steve Burnett said based on a community survey last year, the committee identified three parks for renewal, Elliott Park, Woodlands Park and the ballpark. Renovation of Elliott Park is top on the list. The committee sent requests for proposals to four playground companies.

JoAnn McKiernan presented an overview of AngelFest, scheduled for 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., today (Friday) Sept. 26, at Angel Park in downtown Sewanee. University Avenue will be closed to traffic in the downtown area for the family-friendly event that is focused on kids and dogs. “Everything is free,” McKiernan said. Games include an inflatable obstacle course, treasure hunt, paw-print art, and canine musical chairs. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., the award-winning WannaBeatles will take the stage to perform Beatles-inspired music.

Sewanee-Monteagle Rotary President John Goodson encouraged the members of the Civic Association to support a Rotary-sponsored Walk-a-thon to benefit the Community Action Committee (CAC). Business owner and developer Goodson also serves on the Housing Sewanee board and through that affiliation became acquainted with the CAC, directed by Betty Carpenter. “Poverty here is overwhelming,” Goodson said. The CAC provides needy families with groceries and help paying utility bills. Goodson envisions walkers securing pledges for participating in the Walk-a-thon and hopes to raise $1,000 or more for the CAC. The event is tentatively planned for next spring.

At the Oct. 15 Civic Association meeting, Dixon Myers will talk about Housing Sewanee.