East Mt. Airy Neighbors sees fiscal improvements in past year

East Mt. Airy Neighbors (EMAN) is feeling rather flush these days. At EMAN’s annual meeting, Treasurer Laurence “Dutch” Klugman stated that the organization’s 2011 fiscal year ended with a $6500 deficit – an improvement from the $10,000 deficits seen in each of the past two years. EMAN board members convened at the Mt. Airy Presbyterian Church before taking summer hiatus. The organization will resume its monthly meetings in September.

Klugman noted that so far, EMAN has been “breaking even” in the first five months of 2012. This is good news considering that the organization still has yet to host its annual fundraiser, Swing Into Summer  . The fundraising dance party will be held at the Gathering Place, 6755 Germantown Avenue, on June 23.

EMAN Executive Director, Elayne Bender stated that membership is in decline, however a new membership drive will soon be underway. The organization’s annual memberships are up for renewal in July.

 

EMAN Successes

EMAN President Kent Reichert said a successful Mt. Airy Day generated $7,000 in profit shared between EMAN and West Mount Airy Neighbors (WMAN). EMAN’s Cooking With Who? fundraising event raised $3000 split with the Neighborhood Interfaith Movement and the Lutheran Theological Seminary.

Reichert presented past year highlights which included the Green Tree School expansion move, public safety meetings, and the election of former EMAN board member Cindy Bass to represent the 8th District in City Council. “It’s nice to have a family member in Council,” Reichert remarked.

Reichert said the board also recently met with WMAN and the Chestnut Hill Community Association to figure out how to prevent future cannibalization of fundraising efforts. The associations often vie for the same grants and sponsors.

 

Former EMAN President Receives Award

EMAN’s Edgar A. Baker Award for outstanding community service was presented to former EMAN president Dan Muroff. Muroff who was recognized for having served four years as president – the longest term to date in the organization. Board member David Bell said the term length speaks to the difficulty of finding people who have both time and commitment to serve in an increasingly demanding world. Muroff was praised for his constancy and continued availability since stepping down as president.

 

Board Member Elections

Without much fanfare, EMAN elected Matt Mueller as its new Vice President. EMAN also welcomed their newest board member, the Rev. Heidi Rodrick-Schnaath. The other executive board positions remain the same.

It was noted that some board positions still remain open and interested participants are welcome to join. “The more people we have, the more vital we can be,” commented Reichert.