Letter from the Community Services Director,
 

On the heels of another beautiful summer in Avalon, the Community Services staff is working on continuing to enhance the program opportunities for the community.  Please let us know if there are other programs you would like to see offered and/or you have a talent that you might be willing to share with the community in the way of a class or program?

As we get ready for our children to go back to school, staff led by Matt Quezeda, have been working really hard on the makeover of the Teen Center, downstairs of the Avalon Community Church.  With wonderful support by ACC to use the facility and run by the City of Avalon, Matt had a vision to enhance both the program offerings for our pre-teen/teens as well as upgrade the facility.  Over the summer the center has seen: a new coat of paint; new lighting and ceiling fans; new carpeting and tv’s; along with some of the furnishings being  replaced.  This would not be possible without the very generous donations of the following youth supporters:

· Caleb Lins $6,000

· Catalina Yacht Club $5,000

· Lion’s Club of Catalina $2,000

· Santa Catalina Island Foundation $5,000

· Anonymous            $1,000

This fall we will also be unveiling the findings for the Recreation Master Plan.  The department has been working with City Fabrick out of Long Beach to assist with community outreach to identify the parks, recreation facilities and program needs for the City of Avalon.  Through a series of surveys, community meetings and stakeholder meetings; areas of priorities have been identified for the City of Avalon and their planning for the next 10 years.

Lastly, I would like to thank the Rotary Club of Avalon for being named Citizen of the Year.  I am humbled and honored for the recognition and could not have done it without the support of the dedicated staff in the department and the support of the City Council.  It is an honor to serve this community and I feel extremely blessed by the community support I have seen over my first two years on the island.     

Please feel free to contact me with your comments on suggestions on ways to improve the recreational offerings in the community.  I can be reached by email at dhuncke@cityofavalon.com or by phone at (310)510-0220 ext. 230.

Wishing you and your family good health,

Dan Huncke

Community Services Director

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