2014 Annual Report - Landa Gardens Conservancy
Transcription
2014 Annual Report - Landa Gardens Conservancy
Landa Gardens Conservancy Annual Report 2014 Master Plan Committee Report Dear Friends of Landa Gardens Conservancy, Thanks to your generosity and participation in our mission, 2014 was a terrific year for the Conservancy. On behalf of the Board of Directors, please accept our heartfelt gratitude for your support. Ann Van Pelt, Master Plan Committee Chairman The Master Plan is the blueprint for the grounds of Landa. The original landscaping plans were a gift to the Conservancy by landscape architect Dave Shows. It is a remarkable plan and the Board has tasked our committee to seeing that we do not change the original concept for the grounds. The Landa Gardens Conservancy is a non-profit organization dedicated to beautifying and maintaining the gardens of the historic estate that Harry Landa donated to the City in 1946 as a library and neighborhood park. The Landa Gardens Conservancy works to make sure that Landa is maintained as a great public space and a scenic retreat from urban life for all to enjoy. Landa Gardens Conservancy Board of Directors 2014 Emily M. Jones President Tashya Riggs Treasurer Mari Pickering Secretary Lynn A. Boyd, III Immediate Past President William J. Baine Vicki Boyce Kelli Cubeta Mark A. Garcia Christina Markell-Balleza Celina Montoya Pam Morgan Sally Sohn Jill Torbert Ann Van Pelt Katharine Welder Steven F. Willson 2014 was a significant year in the history of LGC in that we renewed our long-term agreement with the City of San Antonio. Landa Gardens Conservancy and the City of San Antonio have been strong partners since LGC’s inception and I am grateful to Ramiro Salazar, Director of the San Antonio Public Library, for his longstanding support of the Conservancy. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Landa with a terrific group of fellow Board members. I would like to recognize Treasurer Tashya Riggs, Secretary Mari Pickering, and Immediate Past President Lynn Boyd for their hard work and dedication to the Conservancy’s success. I would like to recognize Board member Katharine Welder and her husband Ray along with Suzie and Mike Bacon for their terrific leadership of the 2014 Landa Nights fundraiser. Many thanks also to Sherry Doffing for her outstanding administrative support of our organization. Together, these individuals and many more are working toward the common goal of maintaining and preserving Landa Gardens for the enjoyment of future generations. Whether it’s exploring the community garden, enjoying the beautiful grounds and playgrounds, or attending events such as May Month and Landa Nights, I hope your experiences at Landa Gardens exceed your expectations and that you will visit often. Thank you for your support of the Conservancy. I look forward to seeing you soon at Landa! Emily M. Jones President, LGC Board of Directors Maintenance Report Bill Baine, Maintenance Committee Chairman Maintaining the grounds at the Landa Library this past year has been both challenging and exciting. We continue to see increased foot traffic on the grounds making maintenance of the grassy areas more challenging. We also faced continued drought conditions requiring extensive supplemental watering and we are thankful to the many volunteers who gave both time and consultation in assisting with our response to environmental conditions. We previously implemented drip based watering systems around the perimeter of the property and the results were quite noticeable in both effect and in keeping with a desire to obtain the fullest benefit possible from the allowable irrigation limitations. The recently planted trees have provided better shade for the playground and are maturing nicely. Modifications were also made in the late spring to the sprinkler system, including repositioning of sprinkler heads and changing out the heads to provide a more efficient delivery of water and better coverage in areas of high foot traffic. So far, the results have been quite positive and the areas of high foot traffic have been well maintained. The most exciting aspect of maintenance at the Landa Library is the decision by the Board of the Landa Gardens Conservancy to undertake a “green initiative” whereby the maintenance activities will be evaluated and implemented with a greater emphasis on environmental concerns. Future development will be focused on an environmentally responsible approach to maintaining the grounds. In furtherance of this goal, the LGC evaluated and implemented an organic landscape maintenance program on the grounds in a move away from chemical fertilization. The initial focus of the program is to move away from the use of chemical fertilizers to eliminate the use of pesticides and herbicides. The process began in 2014 with testing of the soils and the development and application of an organic fertilizer designed to revive the natural biology of the soil. The goal is to implement a natural method of taking care of pests and diseases. This is a 2–3 year process and will provide significant benefits in terms of less water use and better nutrient update creating a healthier environment that is a living system with good soil biology. Other initiatives currently under consideration are improving the delivery of water through the installation of additional drip systems and reducing electrical costs through the installation of lighting technology that is more efficient. These initiatives will be a focus of the Board going forward. Overall, the Board is pleased with the direction of our maintenance activities and we are especially proud of the steps taken to implement greener and more environmentally friendly activities. This spring, Bill Baine, Chairman of the Maintenance Committee, presented the Master Plan Committee plans to turn our annual fertilization of the ground into a green process. We recommended to the Board that we begin an all organic fertilization system. The Board adopted the recommendation and the process has begun in the area between the playground and the pavilion. We also planted new sod in this same area in early October. We are now in the process of re-evaluating the lighting on the grounds with the goals of providing lighting for aesthetics and safety in an environmentally responsible manner. Committee members are working closely with Ramiro Salazar, Director of the San Antonio Public Library, and his staff to develop an improved lighting plan for the grounds. Additionally, we are in discussion with electricians to re-evaluate the existing electrical power to the grounds. In summary, the Master Plan Committee is increasingly aware that, as the gardens mature, our needs are constantly changing. To continue implementing the original Master Plan and move forward with the green process we have determined a need for a capital campaign. This campaign is in the formative stages and the funds raised will be used to implement environmentally responsible processes in support of the original Master Plan. Master Plan Committee Members are Ann Van Pelt, Chairman; Emily Jones, President, Landa Gardens Conservancy; Mari Pickering, Secretary of the Board; Lynn Boyd III, Immediate Past President; Jill Torbert, Past President; Bill Baine, Chairman of the Maintenance Committee; Sally Sohn, Board member; Ann Newman, former Board member and Sam Allen of Shows + Allen Landscape Architects. Above: New website. Below: Facebook page. Bottom: San Antonio Mom Bloggers May Month: Families in the Garden Celina Montoya, May Month Chairman Five Saturdays of free family events brought art, literature, drama, dance and music to Landa Gardens. Thanks to our many sponsors and supporters, Landa Gardens Conservancy was able to engage families and make memories, showcasing some amazing entertainers, including: Ballet Folklorico, A Mother’s Day Art Project, Miss Anastasia, The Magik Theatre, and Singer/Songwriter Owen Duggan. Thanks to our sponsors we were able to raise over $4,000. We would like to thank the generous supporters of May Month 2014: Title Sponsor Presidio Title Underwriter Tashya and Lane Riggs Event Sponsors Bambinos Bill and Emilie Baine Don and Laura McDonald Jill Torbert and Vincent Johnson Event Co-Sponsors Lynn A. Boyd, III Kelli Cubeta Celina Montoya Katharine and Ray Welder Photos by: Hilmy Productions, Inga M. Cotton and Celina Montoya Supporters Selina Maloney Pam Morgan Marketing Report Celina Montoya, Marketing Chairman It has been a big year for the Marketing Committee! We started with the design of a brand new website and blog which made its debut just in time for us to participate in the first “Big Give S.A.” city-wide fundraising event. Utilizing our new website and the outreach that comes with May Month we were able to begin building a following of more than 800 individuals. We also raised nearly $2000 in less than 24 hours. Now, almost 300 people “like” Landa Gardens Conservancy, with more people being added every day. We’ve also reached out to some new groups and their networks, expanding our community engagement: •San Antonio Mom Bloggers held a play date and networking meeting, hosted by Landa Gardens Conservancy •Volunteer-match and the Community Garden Network of Green Spaces Alliance volunteered at work days in the Community Garden •Texas Public Radio helped us get the word out about Landa Nights •Hilmy Productions provided photography for May Month We are excited about the next series of articles appearing on our blog, check it out at: www.landagardens.org/blog and don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook. Landa Nights 2014: A Night to Remember! Suzie and Mike Bacon & Katharine and Ray Welder, Landa Nights Chairmen On September 26, 2014, San Antonio got over a half inch of much needed rain. That same night was the LGC Landa Nights annual fundraiser. As an outdoor event, the rain placed quite a damper on the festivities and the event had to be cancelled. However, despite the stormy weather this year’s event set a new fundraising record for Landa Nights! With 300 guests expected to attend, the event raised over $55,000 toward maintaining our beautiful gardens. The Landa Gardens Conservancy is grateful to event chairmen Katharine and Raymond Welder and Suzie and Mike Bacon for their terrific leadership. Their organizational and fundraising expertise led to the event’s financial success and their creativity produced what would have been a truly exceptional and exquisite evening in the gardens. Because raffle sales are a large portion of income on the night of the event, we increased the value of each package this year to about $2,500, with an average of 12 prize donors per package. Due to the inclement weather, we also kept raffle sales open online and promoted them until October 13. This allowed us to make up revenue which would normally have been generated at the party. Thank you to the following individuals and businesses that contributed to the success of Landa Nights: Presenting Sponsor Several patrons donned their galoshes & raincoats, and brought their tupperware to join all who did gather at Landa that rainy evening. They took home delicious meals prepared by Monte Vista residents Andrew Weissman, Jeret Peña and Chad Carey, as well as items from Biga on the Banks and Bakery Lorraine. Thank you to all who supported Landa Nights and continue to support the efforts of our Landa Gardens Conservancy through this event. Invitation Sponsor Texas Primrose Table Sponsor Favors The John and Florence Newman Foundation South Texas Money Management were generously provided by Saks Fifth Avenue and Lily’s Cookies. Spanish Lavender Table Sponsor Table Arrangements Emilie and Bill Baine Jefferson Bank Jill Torbert and Vincent R. Johnson Ann Van Pelt and John McCusker Katharine and Ray Welder Whitestone Wealth Management were presented by Danny Cuellar and Trinity Flowers. Daylily Table Sponsor Ann Griffith Ash Suzie and Mike Bacon Vicki and John Boyce Lynn A. Boyd, III Katherine and Jay Buzzini Kelli and Mike Cubeta Amy and Mark Garcia Celina Montoya and Luke Girdley Emily and Brad Jones Metropolitan Methodist Emergency Center Mission Pharmacal Pam Morgan Marion and Cameron Munk Marjory and Sam Newman Tashya and Lane Riggs Julie and Damon Van Zandt Steven Willson Insurance/Marcia and Steven Willson Co-Chairs Suzie and Mike Bacon Katharine and Ray Welder Host Committee Stephanie Bailey Katherine Buzzini Chad Carey Mary McNelis Ana Montoya Marjory Newman Lauren Pepping Mari Pickering Heather Russo Caty Shelton Sonya Medina Williams water. Visit the Community Garden’s page on the Conservancy’s web site to see a complete list. In late spring, the Garden’s annual plant sale was held. Over 100 small plants had been removed from the garden several months earlier and nurtured by volunteers into hardy plants for the sale which provides funds to sustain the garden. Throughout the year, the Garden hosts workdays where volunteers prune and replace plants as needed and sow seeds for seasonal vegetables. Often, volunteers from the Native Plant Society and Green Space Alliance, as well as from other community gardens, join our efforts and share the camaraderie. Santa Playdate Ho! Ho! Ho! A merry crew of over 200 guests enjoyed the 2nd Annual Santa Play Date at Landa on Tuesday, December 2. Families gathered at Landa to enjoy photos with Santa, holiday refreshments and beautiful decor. It was a fun and festive occasion for children of all ages. Photos with Santa were generously donated by J. Wilkinson Co. Fine Art Photography. Community Garden Jill Torbert, Community Garden Chairman “What’s that?” is a common question you hear if you hang out at the Conservancy’s Community Garden, located on the west side of Landa Gardens. Many people who have not lived on a farm or had a backyard garden do not know what the plants look like that produce the food they eat. The artichoke plant that has grown at Landa for several years is an example of a plant that yields a common vegetable, but is a mysterious plant. Yet, for those who take a minute to wander through the Community Garden and read the labels, the mystery is solved; the beautiful, silvery gray-green plant with large, spiky leaves produces the exotic looking vegetable used in “artichoke dip”. Since its creation in 2008, the Landa Gardens Community Garden has been a wonderful addition to the grounds at Landa, providing a place to teach, learn and make new friends. One afternoon Many thanks to the host committee for making the event such a success: Ann Cross, Jolie Flavin, Kim Johnson, Amelita Mauzé, Elizabeth Petty, Daniela Serna, Megan Steves, Ashley Weaver, Jessica Worth, Carla Brozovich, Gloria Dilley, Cece Griffin, Heather Haynes, Chrissy Labatt, Bonnie Muecke, Emilie Petty, Suzanne Simpson, Kristin Tips, Alice Welder, Jenevieve Zoch, Jordan Arriaga, and Lindsay Guenther. Over $4,000 was raised at the event to support the Landa Gardens Conservancy. last spring, the Conservancy hosted Daisy Troop 89, providing the girls with an opportunity to learn about gardening. First, the Girl Scouts delighted in removing shallots from the ground, amazed at their ability to yank from beneath the earth a bulbous plant that they could take home and eat! With the winter produce removed, the girls then planted seeds, which gave them a reason to revisit the garden to see the beans sprout and grow. If you know of other groups that would like to have a workshop in the garden, please contact info@LandaGardens.org. We would be delighted to host your group for a fun-filled time in the garden. Early in the year, volunteers added additional native plants to the Community Garden that attract butterflies. Yarrow, skeleton leaf goldeneye, standing cypress, gayfeather, coreopsis, chocolate daisy, purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan, and tropical milkweed are a few of the plants that were planted. Other beds in the community garden also are planted with a diverse selection of Texas native plants and regionally adapted plants to display how these can be utilized in our suburban gardens to increase diversity and conserve The Conservancy’s Community Garden has flourished under the guidance of Joan Miller who has been the garden’s manager since its inception. She has the knowledge from formal study, a bachelor’s degree in Geology and a M.S. in Forest Hydrology, and years of experience beginning with her work in Alexandria, Virginia at a public garden where she was an assistant to a horticulturist whose area included the native plant gardens and trails. After moving to San Antonio Joan became a Master Naturalist and worked for the City Arborist. In addition to her devotion to Landa, Joan has spent time volunteering with park naturalists removing invasive plant species in several local parks. Currently she is president of the San Antonio Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas and is coordinating the chapter’s local Native Landscape Certification Program classes. The Landa Gardens Conservancy is grateful to Joan for volunteering her time and sharing her expertise. Landa Gardens Conservancy 2014 Financial Activity Support & Revenue Special Events Net Income Board Contributions Other Contributions Sustaining Donor Contributions Grants TOTAL Support & Revenue $59,754 $27,300 $20,952 $13,050 $6,043 $127,099 Expenses Maintenance$57,226 Improvements$7,988 Administrative$17,248 Fundraising $5,688 TOTAL Expenses $88,150 NET Operating Income Endowment Growth Previous End of Year Investment Added from Balance Fundraising & Growth 2009 $173,205 $265,000 2010 $466,215 $50,000 2011 $485,367 $100,000 2012 $636,832 $100,000 2013 $782,417 $40,000 2014 $865,408 $40,000 $38,949 TOTAL $438,205 $516,215 $585,367 $736,832 $822,417 $905,408 Donors for 2014 $10,000 - $99,999 ART SA Valero Energy Foundation $5,000 - $9,999 Development Committee Vicki Boyce, Development Committee Chairman A Development Committee was formed in 2014 and was charged with creating an organized fundraising program to engage both new and continuing supporters of the Conservancy. Many hours in 2014 were spent updating our donor records database to ensure that LGC is operating with accurate and comprehensive donor records. The database is now used to create multiple mailing lists and to record giving histories of LGC donors. These improvements allow us to more efficiently thank and recognize our donors for their generosity. Additionally, two attractive postcards picturing some of our young playground-users were sent to neighbors, grandparents and parents with an invitation to donate towards maintenance costs of the playground and grounds. Personalized solicitation letters were mailed to current and potential sustaining sponsors inviting a five year sustaining pledge. The work of this committee is part of the Conservancy’s efforts to be good stewards of this remarkable place in our City. See the article from the Conservancy’s maintenance chairman Bill Baine for a glimpse of how these funds have been used. If you would like to become a Sustaining Donor at a level of $250 or more for each of 5 years, please visit the LGC website to join. One time donations and honoraria are very welcome also. Thank you for supporting this cause and for being part of sustaining the grounds and play areas at Landa Gardens for families from all over town. Landa Gardens Maintenance Endowment Fund of SAAF Jill Torbert and Vincent Johnson Ann Van Pelt and John J. McCusker The John and Florence Newman Foundation South Texas Money Management $1,000 - $4,999 Anonymous Ann Griffith Ash Suzie and Mike Bacon Emilie and Bill Baine Christina Markell-Balleza and Perry Balleza Vicki and John Boyce Lynn A. Boyd, III Katherine and Jay Buzzini Cross Construction Company Kelli and Mike Cubeta Veronica and Ruben Escobedo Amy and Mark Garcia Karen and Tim Hixon Pamela and Ryland Howard Jefferson Bank Emily and Brad Jones Ingrid T. Lee Selina and Pat Maloney Tim Maloney and Colleen Casey Laura and Don McDonald Metropolitan Methodist Hospital Mission Pharmacal Co. Celina Montoya and Luke Girdley Pam Morgan Marion and Cameron Munk Marjorie and Samuel Newman The Harris K. & Lois G. Oppenheimer Foundation Marisela Pickering Presidio Title Tashya and Lane Riggs San Antonio Area Foundation Sally and Bob Sohn Julie and Damon Van Zandt The Welder Group Katharine and Raymond Welder Whitestone Wealth Management Marcia and Steven Willson $25 - $999 Sheila Ali Antonio Almazan Charles Anderson Elizabeth Victor and Jonathan Ashkenaze Lindsay and J.T. Bagby Alison and Charles Bagley Bambinos Lisa Roberts and Rob Barnett Kay and Sam C. Bashara Mr. and Mrs. Michael Baucum Blackstone Studio Lindsay Bolner Alison and Taylor Boone Faye and Thomas Bracey Jean Brady Laura and Peter Broderick Aimee and Ernest Bromley Lauren and John Browning Emily S. Buescher Carol and Michael Burke Genie and Ronald K. Calgaard Lee Anthony and Travis Capps Gunter and Polly Jo Carroll Antonio Castro Milly and Richard Clark Shelley and Greg Clary Mary and Hunter Conger Kathryn Corrigan Ann and Matthew Cross Janna-Neen Cunningham Karla and Thomas Davis Marjorie Davis Erin Dempsey Sherry Doffing Josephine and Taylor Dorris Molly Houser Drought Steven Dubinski Leslie Edwards Kristin and Adam Eisenhauer Irma Enderle Stephanie and Cris Eugster Anna Falkenberg Mary Flannigan Maxine and Don Farrimond Fern “Missy” Lee Finck Lacey and Ben Fischer Martha Freeman Elizabeth and Casey Fry Kathleen Garrison Elizabeth Ann Gates Michele Giddens and Kris Kozak Erica Giese Gayle and John H. Girdley Shandelle and Michael Girdley Lauren and Shawn Golden Goldsmith Family Charitable Fund of the SAAF Suzanne and Jimmy Goudge Martha Ann and William Gray Nicole and Mark Greenberg Cecilia and James Griffin Lindsay Guenther Susie and Serhat Guven Alex and Sally Halff Family Foundation Jennifer and Charles Hargis Karen Hasty Roxana and James Hayne Heather C. Haynes Chris Heinemeyer Lynne S. Hennessey Holly and John S. Hill Jan and Roger Hill Sandra and Ronald Hornberger James Hudson Laura Cheng and Dean Hull Vanessa and Cliff Hurd Stuart Johnson Jack Jones Fabiola and Kevin Kaase Bill Kerr Christina and Evan Ketabchi George T. Kimbell II Heidi Becker and Aaron Kirkpatrick Virginia Street Koehl Christina and Thomas Labatt Barbara and Blair Labatt Laura and Weir Labatt III Las Casas Foundation Anne Elizabeth Ledet Catherine Leonard Meagan and Colby Lewis Deborah and Randy Liesman Ashley and Alcide Longoria Sebastian Lorenz Luxury Home Magazine of Greater San Antonio Daniel Markson Amelie and David Mauze Sara D. McCamish, MD, PA Kathy and James McCormick Bobbie and Stan McCormick Margaret McCusker Jonolyn and Steve McCusker Patsie McDaniel Ann and Jim McMullan Mary and Sean B. McNelis Darien and Cynthia McWhirter Janifer Meldrum Lisa Mendez Angie and Hunter Mock Kimberlyn Montford Laura and Lew Moorman Mary C. Moorman Gregory Muenster Renee and Bob Murray Kathryn Myers Kathy and David Nicolson Lea and Kyle Nye Carlisle and James O’Brien III Taylor O’Dell Laura and Michael O’Donnell Lorraine and John Olson Jenna L. Osborn Laura and Clay Page Kate Park Ernest Parker Jean and John Parsons Carolyn and Allan Paterson Mary and Aaron Penaloza Heather and Leo Perron Elizabeth Petty Mary Philip Cassie and Jack Porterfield III Gail and Marc Raney Katie Rogers Lisa and Jeff Rosenbloom Claire and Patrick Rouse Ethel T. Runion Heather W. Russo Ramiro Salazar San Antonio Public Library Foundation Elissa Sangster John T. Saunders III Cecil and William Scanlan, Jr. Erin and Bryce Seki Jocelyn and Peter C. Selig Gaynor and Adrian Senyszyn Lauren Sharples Sally and Robert Sharples Ashley and Ryan Shaw Shetler Wade Jewelers, LLC Erika and Zeke Silva Gregory L. Skillern Ron Soele and Jose Rodriguez, Jr. Anne Solsvery Barbara Stewart Drs. Allison H. and Eric Stocker Barbara and William Sullivan Charitable Fund Amanda Bashara Sykes Kristal and Casey Taber Pam and David A. Thomas III Suzanne and John Thomas Julie and Damon Van Zandt Kate Van Zandt Catherine Payer and Ben F. Vaughan IV Bette and Jack Vexler Sara C. Walker Reverend and Mrs. Clifford Waller Sharon and Buddy Walls Jenger and Steve Waters Ann B. Watson Gail Weitzenkorn C. Clark Welder William Welder Patricia Westfall Elizabeth T. Wilde Barbara B. Wood Megan and Brian Yager Lillian and Michael Yates Allison Zeller Thad W. Ziegler Susan and Larry Zinn In Honor Of VICKI AND JOHN BOYCE Ann B. Watson KATHLEEN GUNN San Antonio Area Foundation HANNAH AND ALLEN HORN Mary and Aaron Penaloza PAMELA AND RYLAND HOWARD Goldsmith Family Charitable Fund of the SAAF ELEANOR, MERYL and WYNNE JONES Cyndie and Jack Jones AMELIA MILLS Faye and Thomas Bracey TASHYA AND LANE RIGGS Lee Anthony and Travis Capps MONICA A. ROBERTS Lisa Roberts and Rob Barnett PAM RUSSELL Ann B. Watson ANN VAN PELT Cross Construction Company Margaret McCusker William Welder In Memory Of ED BADOUH-TRIBUTE Bobbie and Stan McCormick ANN BARBER Kate Park MRS. CATHERINE GUGGENHEIM Ann Van Pelt and John J. McCusker Lorraine and John Olson MARION LANE TILLOTSON Ann Van Pelt and John J. McCusker Sustaining Donors Ann Griffith Ash Lisa Roberts and Rob Barnett Kay and Sam C. Bashara Laura and Pete Broderick Aimee and Ernest Bromley Lauren and John Browning Lee Anthony and Travis Capps Kristin and Adam Eisenhauer Veronica and Ruben Escobedo Kathleen Garrison Lauren and Shawn Golden Nicole and Mark Greenberg Karen Hasty Jill Torbert and Vincent Johnson Emily and Brad Jones Heidi Becker and Aaron Kirkpatrick Ann Van Pelt and John J. McCusker Laura and Don McDonald Mary and Sean B. McNelis Mary and Aaron Penaloza Mary Philip Gail and Marc Raney Tashya and Lane Riggs Ethel T. Runion Cecil and William Scanlan, Jr. Jennifer and Robert Shemwell Gregory L. Skillern Barbara and William Sullivan Julie and Damon Van Zandt Catherine Payer and Ben F. Vaughan IV Reverend and Mrs. Clifford Waller Jenger and Steve Waters Elizabeth T. Wilde Landa Gardens Conservancy is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that beautifies and maintains the grounds at Landa Library, a branch of the San Antonio Public Library. The gardens are located at 233 Bushnell, at the corner of Shook and Bushnell. For more information contact us at 210-829-2562 or on the web at: www.landagardens.org