2007 was a banner year for the Community Center. All of our programs operated at very high levels --many new initiatives in all phases of our programs and services were put into place. We are pleased to report some of this past year’s highlights in this report:

FACILITIES

The San Geronimo Valley Gym and Youth Center

• The Center’s Board and Executive Staff worked very closely with the Lagunitas School District in fund development and planning for the new community Gymnasium – a joint-use facility of the School District and the Community Center. Construction is underway and the building will be ready for occupancy in FY 2009. The building will include a dedicated space for Community Center Youth programs.

Construction on the gym started in the Spring of 2007. This photo was taken on November 1. We’re looking forward to opening the doors in the Fall of 2008.

Photo by Dave Cort

Community Center space is made available for classes, forums, celebrations, and other community use at affordable fees. Many local nonprofit organizations used the Center last year for programs and presentation.

The Community Center serves individuals and families in many different ways

What is there for three generations to like about the San Geronimo Community Center? As grandmother, it pleasures me to see Uma, age 7 3/4, move around comfortably in and outside as if it is second home. If we come early to Ramon Pruitt’s fine karate class (her second year enjoying the learning there) she happily runs to see her friends at Zoila’s. Her busy mom, Elizabeth. has benefited so much by knowing that has been a safe after-school spot for Uma these past two years. And has loved the family movie nights and great festivals like the Himalayas. I benefit from the Center, being able to count on the Food Bank as my end of the month finances move toward empty. And the events; let’s just take the Great Oak reception. It was a sensual feast: great food, fine music, lovely poetry, and art to die for. I stood in the middle of the second room before many people came and had a green bath experience I usually only find in the woods. And beside that, it was a brain grower as we learned so much about the oak and its current illness. All the contributors of events to the Center bring a rich and broad life to those of us who take advantage of their talents and ideas. I’ll be attending events at the Center even in a wheelchair, since, considerately, it has been accessible for a long time!

--Lynn Scott

THE ARTS

Performing artists this past year included the San Franciso Mime Troupe, and an abundance of local talent showcased at the annual St. Patrick’s Day Talent Show.

Attendance at Community Center Arts and Events programs was at an all time high last year. Programs included our annual Spring Art Show, a Chinese New Year Celebration, the Summer of Love Revival, the Himalayan Festival, and the Sprout Festival – the latter event developed, organized and managed by local youth. The Holiday Arts Faire in December and outdoor movie nights during the warm summer evenings in the Courtyard are community get-togethers providing families opurtunities a fun place tobe together.

Solstice placed in the top three nationally at the Harmony Sweepstakes Competition this year after becoming the Bay Area Regional A Cappella champions were here last January for a sold-out standing ovation.

HUMAN SERVICES

Our Summer Bridge program provides a free program for children entering Kindergarten in the Lagunitas and Nicasio School Districts.

Local folk singer and entertainer, Tim Cain provided a fun-filled morning for kindergarteners and preschoolers organized by our First 5 School Readiness Program.

The Community Center Youth Program serves 100 children each year with after school enrichment classes, childcare after school and during school breaks, Summer Camp, and special programs for teens throughout the year. VAST –offers low-cost one-on-one tutoring for children in elementary grades through high school. An Emotional Literacy program in Middle School and Parent Education classes are important parts of our

The Emergency Food Pantry supplies more than 400 boxes of food to local families each month with special distribution at Thanksgiving and Christmas and Chanukah. Our nutrition program provides information on healthy food choices. Health and wellness education and family cooking nights are important parts of what we do. Free health screenings and immunization clinics are offered are various times of the year. Our Valley Health Fair brought in healthcare providers from Health and Human Services, West Marin Senior Services, Huckleberry Youth Programs and Coastal Health Alliance with health information and prevention services.

Grants