Envision Opelika Foundation, Inc.
Annual Report
October 1, 2014-September 30, 2015
Board:
- New board members elected: Lisa Ruffin, Trip Garner, Billy Parker, Richard LaGrande, Tommy Cummings
Vision Statement:
- 2025 Vision Statement adopted
Web Site:
- Dale Vaughn of V-3 Media agreed to help with the website and process is
ongoing
Task Forces:
1. Downtown Redevelopment
- Met with Jeff Kappelman and Pam Powers-Smith for update on downtown
termite treatment
- Received updates on new businesses locating in downtown
- Opelika Character Council
* Promoted the monthly character traits through various media and articles
- Character signs were placed at Sportsplex and Police Department in addition to public school buildings and central office
- Partnered with Southern Union to host the 5K and 1 mile run/walk fundraiser
And renamed the 2 X 2 Unity Run to the Bison Stampede to raise funds for the Character Council projects and for Southern Union Wellness program
* Recognized students with perfect attendance at OHS in March
* Recognized students on the honor roll at OMS
* Delegation met with Dr. Mark Neighbors about emphasis on the arts and
athletic programs and recruiting young families
* Commendation to City Schools through a resolution presented to the Opelika
School Board for character development and for perfect attendance
- Explored possibility of billboard but decided against it
- Distributed OHS Perspective Magazine to 20 individuals
- Transferred $2,000 to the Community Foundation
3. Cultural Arts Center
* New sign designed
* Purchased a stove for the kitchen
* Resolved issue with insurance on stolen copper pipe from HVAC unit
* Trinity Presbyterian Church leased the building through September 6th 2015
* Museum of East Alabama approved to store items in building gratis
* Planning underway for the Arts Association of East Alabama to move their
Offices into the building
Envision Opelika 2025 Update
- Neighborhood Development/Housing Begin to develop a plan to recruit young families to live in Opelika
- Arts and EntertainmentUpdates monthly on various art activities in downtownDiscussions about new arts facility downtownBegin to explore possibility of Art Magnet School
- Crime and Safety
* Participated in National Night Out and helped expand the event
4. Recreation, Health, Wellness, Environmental/Green Space
* Shirley Lazenby spearheading a bicycle group to develop bike plan for the city
* Matthew Battles of Parks and Rec developing plan to develop Floral Park
- Education, Family and Youth Development
* Focused on 2 issues: resilience of perseverance of youth and fatherhood
* Partnering with the Family Resource Center
* Antoine Harvis from the Family Resource Center introduced as coordinator of the new Fatherhood Initiative
Guest Speakers at Board Meetings:
- Pam Powers-Smith and Jeff Kappelman – Termite Issue
- Chris George and Kyle Sandler – Round House
- Shirley Lazenby – Opelika a Bicycle Friendly City
- Dr. Glenda Colagross and Dr. Linda North – presentation on Southern Union Community College programs, events and partnerships
Outside Meetings:
- Tom and Barbara met with Aaron Fortner, Nathan and Jimmy Wright and received report on Carver-Jeter plan
- Tom and Barbara met with Dr. Glenda Colagross, Dr. Linda North, and Amy Rogers to discuss Southern Union becoming more involved in community
- Tom, Dora, Jake, and Rusty met with Dr. Mark Neighbors to discuss working with the school system and how we can help with education and recruitment of young families through various means