| Springport Area Growth Association The meeting was called to order by President Lisa Mitchell at 7:05 pm. Members and guests present included: Minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved. Under old business, the 501(c)3 status was discussed. Paperwork is currently being completed and as soon as it is done, we will know more as to the final approval. The printing of the brochures was also discussed. Currently there are 100 brochures that have been passed out at various locations such as the Jackson Mall, Jackson Visitors Bureau, real-estate companies, and businesses. More brochures are available for distribution; please contact Lisa Mitchell for information. Treasurer, Dan Merritt, reported a balance as of November 16, 2005 to be $5,256.34. The Fundraising, Membership, and Events committee reported that plans for the Bake Sale are being finalized and there will be a total of 5 crafters and more than 14 dozen cookies have been made for the event this Saturday. If anyone would like to donate, please drop your items off at the Township Hall between 5:00 – 8:00 pm. The Christmas Home Tour which will be held on Saturday December 4th is also approaching quickly. Tickets can be purchased at Merritt’s Hardware or the featured homes. SAGA was proud to welcome Noel Engelter from Parma Township and John Tuttle from Tompkins Township who joined us for the meeting this week, as well as Sean Noler from the Centennial House, which is reopening. The Media and Public Relations Committee reported good progress toward educating the community on the streetscape and SAGA events. Committee members, Lisa Mitchell and I presented to the Lion’s Club Meeting on Monday evening. If your organization would like to learn more, contact Lisa or Megan by going to www.springportmi.com, and click on the SAGA Officers section of the web page. The Youth Outreach Committee reported that the students would like to hold an auction of items donated at a result of a letter writing campaign that they plan to initiate. The students plan to write to business and celebrities. They plan to report back at the January or February meeting as to the progress of the event. SAGA welcomed Mark Brusseau and Karen Tursich of the Greater Jackson Habitat for Humanity for a special presentation. The Greater Jackson Habitat for Humanity works to build new homes and rehabs older ones by utilizing an amazing pool of over 700 volunteers. Habitat for Humanity is a Christian centered organization, but in not exclusive to only Christians as their purposes serves those who are in need. The program reaches low-income families with an average income that is 31-50% lower than what the average person makes. Families are selected based upon 3 criteria: Need, Ability or Willingness to Pay, and Will to Partner. The homes that are built value $90,000, yet the family pays only $66,000 for the home. The Greater Jackson Habitat has built 16 homes in that last 4 years and has pledged to build 7 in 2006, with a goal to reach beyond the city limits of Jackson. “The only thing holding us from venturing out of the city is land”, said director Karen Tursich. If you are interested in donating land for Habitat for Humanity, please contact Karen at (517)784-3890 or visit them on the web at http://localhabitat.org/jackson. The Greater Jackson Habitat also offers a “Re-Store” in Jackson at 430 Addison St. The store features nearly new items for anyone who wishes to do improvements on their homes at a super reduced price. “Most items are right of the Lowe’s display floor… the store features carpet, windows, light fixtures, and home décor” said Mark Brusseau of Jackson Habitat. During the open forum part of the meeting, Mr. Pakonen, Superintendent of Springport Public Schools, thanked the community for their support on the bond proposal and that we look forward to beginning construction this spring. Meeting adjourned at 8:23 pm. Respectfully Submitted, |