Dear members of SPAN,
HAPPY NEW YEAR ! ! We wanted to summarize for you the schedule we followed in 2014 and give you some ideas about 2015. As always, we appreciate your support and we would like you to renew your $10.00 membership.
Part of our mission statement states that “the mission of Clyde SPAN is to provide leadership, as necessary, or collaboration, when possible with other local groups.” In the year 2014, we complied with the wording and spirit of our mission statement.
In January, we began to collaborate with a local group called SOAR (Strengthening Our Area Residents). The group led by Sandi Bastedo, of Cornell Extension, submitted and received a three year grant from the Greater Rochester Health Foundation. SPAN will be playing a major role in working with SOAR.
In February, we identified and defined our goals and mapped out the assets of the community.
In March, we rented office space at 70 Glasgow St. and we held our meetings there throughout the year. Also, in March in our efforts to reach out to the community, we arranged for a Master Gardener Workshop.
In April, we participated in the “Canal Clean Sweep” in conjunction with the Erie Canal Corporation.
In May, SPAN became active in organizing the Clyde Community Market. We also began to implement the projects approved by SOAR. Hugh Miner organized a community band. It consisted of 17 enthusiastic musicians. They performed at the Community Market and their efforts culminated with a performance at the Veteran’s Day ceremonies in November in the park.
In June, we began our relationship with the Family Reading Partnership out of Ithaca. Our goal is to ensure that all children from birth to Grade 3 have access to age appropriate books. Our project is known as the “Bright Red Bookshelf”. Members of the community donated books that were then placed in bright, red bookshelves in various locations and the books were available free of charge. Since June, over a thousand books have been recirculated and in the homes of our youngsters.
In June/July, SPAN undertook a partnership with the Galen Historical Society to clean up the Mill Museum.
In August, SPAN authorized the purchase of picture frames to display photos during the August 15th festivities.
In September, Roxanne Kise, Executive Director of the Western Erie Canal Alliance, explained the Main Street program. SPAN joined with Savannah to submit an application. We also held our annual Colossal Flea Market.
In October, Canal Corporation officials explored the possible expansion of the Lauraville Loop on the South Side of Clyde. We walked the area to further our plan.
In November, Mrs. Kise informed us that our WECA application was approved. She went on to say, “that the SOAR (SPAN) organizations have embraced the development of a capacity building Main Street Revitalization with the Western Erie Canal program.” Beginning on January 10, 2015 we will learn the tools needed to advocate for success. The Director of Coordinating Services will conduct a hands-on, task oriented training session on that date.
With your support, 2015 promises to be an even more interesting year,
Sincerely,
Tom Castellano – Chairperson – tcastel244@aol.com
Renee Schloupt – Vice Chairperson
David Hickey – Secretary – dhickey2@rochester.rr.com
John Robert – Treasurer – jrjrobert2@gmail.com
Rose Jeanne Strakal – Membership Chairperson – rjstrakal@rochester.rr.com
