As the 2011-2012 year comes to a close, the FICRA Board is very proud of the things that have been accomplished though the hard work of many volunteers. From the great support for the Island’s annual activities, to the energy and enthusiasm behind creating new events, this year has been a busy one! The Nichols Center had a number of projects going on, from big (drainage!) to small (well… was there really a small project?). The FICRA Board is grateful to all the members and volunteers who worked so hard to continue the great tradition of this Island organization.
Please take a moment to read about some of the things that have been accomplished in the last year and THANK YOU for the support of your Island organizations!
EVENTS
• 14 new events this year, plus continuing great other events, including: Men’s Coffee, Game Night, Astronomy Night, Beach Walk, Mom & Me Playgroup, New to You Clothing Swap, Ice Cream Social, Halloween Party, Caspar BabyPants children’s concert, Art class for kids, Foxy Ladies Spa Events and more.
• 4 Informational forums were held: Kindergarten meeting, Emergency Preparedness Panel, and Living with Wildlife, and the Peninsula School District Levy Information Forum
BUILDING AND GROUNDS
• Completion of the oil clean-up and repair of the damaged oil tank fuel line.
• New roof installed
• Downspout drains around the building completed
• Parking lot expanded with a generous donation of gravel
• Front steps painted
• Cleaned out underneath deck
• Insulation of pipes/floors/crawl space and furnace repair
• Improvements to children’s play area and equipment (with a Pen Met Parks grant)
• Park benches sanded and stained
• Landscaping plan in place, and initial plantings begun
• The Nature Center committee has studied and worked regularly on the Center and brought in experts to advise on best practices to use. Plans are to add educational programs for children and adults.
• Blackberries cleared out on North side of property
• Outside doors repaired and weather strips added
• Boy Scout Project to improve the boardwalk in the Nature Center
INTERIOR
• Plaster repair and new paint in entry hall and bathrooms
• New picture moldings installed in entry, refurbished furniture, added historic photographs and clocks
• Updated fixtures installed in bathrooms
• Sanding and painting of cubby/locker counter top in North Classroom
• Bulletin board updated
• Bathroom stalls enlarged in both restrooms
• Slate chalkboard restored in classrooms.
• Thorough cleaning and restocking of kitchen
• Shop lights in hall and restrooms replaced with matching fixtures in auditorium
• Estimates obtained for restoration of wooden floors
COMMUNICATIONS
• New FICRA website, www.FICRA.org, (includes our new blog)
• New FICRA monthly email outreach: The FICRA Flash via Constant Contact
• New FICRA Facebook page www.facebook.com/foxislandficra
• FICRA postcard membership invitations sent to all members
• Improved street signs for meetings and events
• Bridge sign refocus and upgrade
• New sponsorship of Cub Scout Pack 27
• Consulted with pro bono attorney for advice on the by-laws revisions, met with Pierce County Council members, participated in community event sponsored by Greater Gig Harbor Foundation, talked with other community organizations and advisers about fundraising.
FINANCE
• An annual budget created and implemented to insure transparency and accountability.
• Membership base increased from 240 to 350 families
• Volunteer base increased to more than 30 people
• Fundraising procured over $5000 for the ‘Spruce Up’ of the building
• Fundraising Concert, Caspar Babypants, raised over $700 for the playground
• Secured sponsor for Membership Event
• Fox Island Garage Sale with the Fox Island Historical Society raised money for CrimeWatch
• Fundraising plan for the future is now being written in conjunction with the 2nd Annual Wine and Cheese Party and Auction
THANK YOU to each and every person who put in time to this year’s events, activities, fundraisers, crime watch, landscaping, Nature Center, the list goes on and on! We appreciate you!