Looking back at 2006 we had an active, cultural year, starting with the Praulins and Cinkus concerts and ending with our gala New Year celebration. It is our hope at KLB to present you with a diversity of Latvian cultural events. We enjoy bringing them to you and thank you for your continued patronage and support.
As we look forward to 2007 and beyond, a number of issues will need to be examined. Our yearly member meeting on Feb 18. 2007, will provide such an opportunity and I encourage all who can attend to please join us.
In the past year our operational budget was nearly $40,000. Most of our expenses were related to the maintenance and upkeep of the Centrs. Nearly half of our income was derived from hall rentals to groups outside of the Latvian community. Only 10% of our income came from contributions from our members.
As Centrs ages, maintenance and capitol expenditure on the building become more of an immediate need. Last month we spent over $4,000 to support sagging in the roof which had resulted in leaking when it rained or snow melted.
Over the next few years we will need to replace the roof and HVAC unit. At current prices these two expenditures would cost about $32,000. Additionally, painting of the facility and other repairs will be necessary.
We have many issues to consider and discuss. Our yearly members meeting will offer a forum for discussion and setting forth a plan for the future.
Our Latvian Center is important to the Latvian community and provides us with a place to accomplish our mission statement. In order to accomplish the capital renovations necessary in the near future we may need to ask for pledges from the Latvian community. In the past we have been responsive in times of need and it is my thought that this trend will continue in the future.
I am happy to announce that Laura Smidchens has offered to organize this year’s spring rummage sale at the Latvian Center. In past years Laura has worked with me before, during and after the rummage sale, so she knows quite well that we depend on all your help. I would like to ask our local Latvian community and all our American friends to continue your support in donating clean and saleable items, coming to work at the center to get everything set-up and ready and help out during the actual selling days. If you would like to prepare or donate a meal or afternoon coffee treat for the workers, or maybe bake a treat for sale, please let us know.
Everyone has something to offer - if you can not help during the daytime, please consider donating just an hour in the evening. The more helpers we can get, the easier the long week at the center will be for the “regulars?. This is an important fundraiser for the Kalamazoo Latvian Association. Bring a friend and while sorting, pricing etc. for an hour you can catch up on what’s going on in your busy lives.... I thank you and especially Laura in advance,
Laima Kaugars
Since last summer KLA has received the following cash donations:| Latvian Folk Artists Group | $140.- |
| Gaida Balodis | $30.- |
| Arvids Barzdelis | $500.- |
| Aldonis Mezsets | $25.- |
| Anita Spolite | $221.- |
| Mirdza Paudrups | $25.- |
| Karlis Druva | $30.- |
| Ambati Flowers | $75.- |
| Millenium Group Restaurants | $50.- |
| Muiznieks Chiropractic | $60.- |
Individual contributions to the Christmas Lottery were also received from:
Thank you as well to Garezers for contributing stadium seats and parking passes for the lottery
Last but not least, a big thank you to Tiffany's - the greatest wine and spirit shop for their generous discounts for our New Year's door prizes.