Membership meeting 11-18-08, approved 1-20-09

Present:32, including board and officers (Amanda West, Carla Lee, Jan Decker, Jane Byrnes, Jim Byrum, Joyce Wood, Ron Nutt, Steve Beer, Sheryl Nutt, Tony Decker).

Cookies were baked by Sheryl Nutt. President Ron Nutt opened the meeting. Acting secretary Jane Byrnes summarized the minutes of the member meeting of 9-16-08. Treasurer Jan Decker stated $219.99 in WNA account.

Community Policing Officer Robyn Douty reported there were thefts of Hondas and Acuras, and all should keep our garage doors closed. She and Officer Heather Frazier stated two repeat offenders had been temporarily arrested for thefts in our neighborhood. Lastly, if you call for a non-emergency, request to be contacted if you want a reply. 

Speaker John D'Angelo, director of Wichita Arts and Cultural Services, said we are changing the way Wichita looks. We are creating an identity with arts and culture, such as the Indian Center, Cowtown, Keeper of the Plains, Botanica, Wichita Art Museum (especially its world-renowned western art), and Allen Lambe House."Public art" integrates art into the built environment such as the renovation of the 13th Street Bridge near North High. In our past, we had the 5th busiest airport in the U.S., and should support an aviation museum to protect history and documents better than the Smithsonian. Money for these museums and attractions stays local, about $49 million in 21 organizations. Public art also attracts businesses and professionals to Wichita. John finished, "Let's build a beautiful city."

Ways and Means chair Carla Lee announced the 501c3 begun in April, has now been received for the Westlink Neighborhood Foundation, WNA's philanthropic arm. Donations to the community center are tax-exempt. Communications chair Tony Decker stated he contacts 127 households with occasional email updates. He asked for helpers to deliver Link Letters especially south of Central. He took a show-of-hands to see which residents attended this meeting because of street signs, banners, emails, Link Letter and article in the Eagle.

Activities: Jane Byrnes reported that Sunshine Committee cards will be signed on 11-19-08 and 12-17-08 in the Park West Plaza community room. Folks can send names of people who need cards, to John and Joyce Handley. There will be a Holiday Decorating Contest with prizes for one individual house and a cluster of three adjacent houses. Phone Amanda with questions: 990-1497.

Community Center:Ron stated that the community center can no longer be at the old theater at the Westlink Shopping Center but that he has a new site in mind for new construction for $1 million.

2009 Election:Steve Beer and Sharlou Messerschmidt will join Carla Lee on the nominating committee. In addition to the nominees they recruit, residents are encouraged to nominate from the floor at the election meeting 1-20-09.