WMAN announced board changes, budget in last summer meeting

In the last meeting before summer recess, the West Mt. Airy Neighbors (WMAN) announced a new budget, goals for the coming year and slight changes in the board of directors.

In a large-scale effort to slash spending WMAN embarked on an initiative to increase membership to 1,000 members.

Although they didn’t hit the mark, WMAN came in with a grand total of 683 members. Last October, there were only 432 members.

Chief financial officer Martin Schmieg says WMAN still plans on increasing membership.

In addition to gaining new members, WMAN gave up physical space to operate on a virtual platform.

The efforts have closed the gap in the neighborhood association’s debts—taking it from a $94,000 in expenses last year to $64,000 as of the June meeting.

Schmieg says their work is not done.

“WMAN’s membership [has reached] 17.5 percent of the estimated 4,000 households that exist in Mt. Airy,” said Schmieg. “That’s right on the national average.”

WMAN is tacking on a few more fundraisers than the typical Eat Your Hearts Out and Mt. Airy Day events. In October, WMAN will be organizing its first ever 5-mile run. Schmieg said he predicts 300 runners and walkers entering the race at $40 per person.

“We’re projecting limited grants and income,” he said. “With fundraisers throughout the year, we’re projecting it’ll raise $25,000.”

WMAN also announced at the meeting on Tuesday that Dan Rhoton will now serve as the executive vice president and vice president for community affairs. Doris Kessler has also joined the board as a general member.

WMAN’s next board meeting will be September 11 at 7 p.m. at 6703 Germantown Avenue. But executive committees will meet as needed throughout the summer.