New HVNA Board for 2006

Membership Elects Diverse Board to Represent Hayes Valley

At the annual meeting in February, the slate of Board members selected by our Nominating committee was unanimously approved by the membership! This group represents some people who have previously served on the Board as well as others who have been active in the neighborhood and on committees. In appointing the Nominating committee, President Paul Olsen and the Board of Directors gave them the charge of promoting the diversity of the neighborhood.

Nominating Committee Had a Great Pool of Candidates

The nominating committee consisted of Chris Pederson, Ed Bedard, Gail Baugh, Hasinah Rahim and Ruby Johnson, all active in the neighborhood and on various committees and organizations in Hayes Valley. As they reported at the annual meeting, they had a great pool of interested candidates, and put together a great slate for membership consideration. One interesting thing about the slate is the number of new members and the number of returning members who have agreed to take on new responsibilities. There are five new Board members, and 4 members whose roles on the Board are new to them.

This year’s board is made up of Paul Olsen, President; Frances Neagley, Vice President; Warren Dewar, Treasurer; Richard Johnson, Membership Secretary; Jason Henderson, Corresponding Secretary; Adam Millard-Ball, Recording Secretary; at large members Ali Shabahangi, Ed Bedard, Gerri Hayes, Jim Warshell and Robin Levitt; and associate members Horus Tolson and Sirena McCart.

Hayes Valley - A Very Special Place to Live

Olsen’s statement sums up the feelings of the entire Board very well. He says, “This next year, our hope is to continue combining the social aspects of the neighborhood with the nuts-and-bolts aspects. The beauty of our neighborhood is in more than its architecture - it is largely in the people of all walks of life who live, work, worship and enjoy recreation here. HVNA and its committees must continue to work toward more involvement of all our neighbors in the community. Our goal is to continue being supportive of the wonderful people from throughout our neighborhood who make this a very special place to live.”

Outgoing Board Members Instrumental in Our Success

Chris Pederson, Leigh Stackpole and Patricia Walkup rotated off the Board as of the election, although each has pledged to remain involved on committees and as active neighbors. Each of our retiring Board members has been instrumental in the successes we have had in the past. We owe each of them a large debt of thanks, and know we can count on their continued involvement in the neighborhood.

After the vote, those attending were able to socialize with both the incoming and outgoing Board members while enjoying dessert provided by Citizen Cake. The compliments regarding Board members rivaled those regarding Citizen Cake’s pecan sandies! The new Board is already involved in planning for the future.

Board members Paul Olsen and Jim Warshell take a break from serving attendees at the Black History Month event in February. Olsen and Warshell are among the many Board members who can be found at events throughout the neighborhood. (They are more often seen with gardening gloves!)

Photo: Barbara Wenger