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After the 6:30 Potluck and socializing, Chair Dan Mullins opened the meeting at 7.00 pm.
ELECTION
OF HPAC OFFICERS
Dan
stated this would be his last meeting as Chair. A new, more time-consuming
job made the commitment impossible. At the end of our meeting, members
answered the call for new Chairs and other officers.
Carolyn and Billy Stauffer volunteered to be Co-Chairs. The parents of two small sons, they have been members for several years. Carolyn was active in the development of the Spray Park; both were active during the City Jail site opposition action of 2008-09.
Nicole Mazza agreed (by text message, because she was at work) to carry on as our Vice-Chair and will continue as Business Outreach Committee Chair.
Michelle Glassley accepted the position of Treasurer.
Michael Shilley will continue as Secretary.
Pictured above: Mike Shilley, Billy & Carolyn Stauffer, Dan Mullins,
Michelle Glassley.
Name
Change? — to be decided in February
Dina Johnson (below) presented reasons for changing the name of the
HP Action Committee: that in fact the org is NOT a committee, and the
word is not good public relations. A more inclusive, welcoming organizational
plan was proposed, possibly with a name like: "Highland Park/Riverview
Neighborhood Association". It was proposed that the "Action
Committee" remain within the organization, to address issues like
the "Low Flying Aircraft Petition" presently in circulation.
A lively discussion ensued, and continued after the close of the meeting.
Members against the proposals were passionate about the "brand
name" that HPAC had established, that we are known as an effective
public advocacy organization with past efforts to prove this. Some felt
that the acronym HPAC is very appropriate for a partner to HPIC, the
Improvement Club.
Those in favor of a change asserted that a name emphasizing (political?) action and committee work is not the best image to present to a Community Outreach program, this being part of the new proposal.
Members will have one month to consider the name change, come up with more options (such as a new name that retains the acronym), and vote to retain or change the name at the next meeting.
Speakers
The
local nonprofit
Nature Consortium was represented by Mr. Buffalo Tokowitz (left),
who gave us a report on their work in and around our green belt. Invasive
plants and trees have taken over residence; their life span coming to
an end would leave us with a dead forest. They are clearing and then
planting evergreens to give us a future of prime "Carbon Reducing"
cover.
Volunteers are performing much of this work; professionals are hired when need arises. This constitutes 60 acres of work and more volunteers are needed to complete the project. Financing comes from grants and donations; members were asked to help and to spread the word.
They have ongoing work parties Saturdays 10am. til 2pm. Contact and volunteer info: naturec.org/volunteer.htm
Healthy Parks, Healthy People, Healthy Planet
Amanda Zahler (left) told the meeting of the HP3 org's program of outreach and events. "Seattle Environmental Challenge" will hold a 16.1 mile run on April 16th— a team event with two divisions, an "Elite" and "Open" to accommodate all levels of fitness. Prizes are offered.
See full details on the website: HP3challenge.com
HP3 also promotes electricity conservation and street trash cleanup.
A note of interest: a kilowatt tester can be loaned from our local library for several weeks, to test how much power any appliance draws when on or off. You may find alarming statistics.
Neighborhood Announcements
- Our "Low Flying Aviation Petition" has 174 signatures so far.
- Member Peter DeLory has a well-reviewed photography exhibit ongoing at the Lisa Harris Gallery: 1922 Pike Place, the Market area.
- Police Reports can be found on line at www.seattle.gov/police/records/online.htm. Crimes at high risk on the list are prowlers looking for empty homes and valuables left in cars.
- Block Watch: to get involved or get information, go to wsblockwatchnet.wordpress.com or attend their meetings the 4th Tuesday each month, 6.30 to 8pm, SW Precinct. 2300 SW Webster.
- Minutes and HPAC Web site: The past several meetings, our minutes have been adapted into a webpage report with photos and hotlinks (like this one!). These minutes will be unofficial until approved at the following meeting. If you have additions or corrections, call or e-mail the secretary: 206.762.7111, or michael.j.shilley@q.com or the Web Goddess, Dina Johnson: dinalydia@yahoo.com
- Ann Owchar, a long time community member, local activist, and representative to our SW District Council, recently passed away. Ann was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by HPAC in September 2008. HPAC and HPIC were represented at her memorial service by Blair and Dina Johnson. We will miss her, and her help to the community.
- Movie Night: Highland Park Improvement Club (HPIC) is adding "Third Friday" movies, shown at the same Club facility where HPAC holds meetings. The first movie was well-received— a welcome addition to the host of activities they offer. More info at hpic1919.org
Retiring Chair Dan Mullins was warmly thanked for his two years of
leadership with a card holding tributes from members accompanied a bottle
of his favorite bourbon (left).
Reporter Patrick Sand of the West Seattle Blog told us: "I go to many of these community meetings, and HPAC has by far the best attendance." Dan's outstanding efforts have enabled this.
Delridge Council's Ron Angeles presented to Dan a certificate from the City's Department of Neighborhoods, honoring his participation.
The meeting was adjourned at 8.45pm with 30 in attendance.
We will meet next on Wednesday, February 23rd. A VOTE on the important name change will be on the agenda.
·
Report & photos by Dina Johnson
· Minutes submitted 1-27-2011 by Secretary Mike Shilley
Left:
New Co-Chairs Billy & Carolyn Stauffer
with their family.