July 13, 2006

AVCA gives back to the community

By Lorraine Gabbert
Staff Writer

The Almaden Valley Community Association (AVCA) is planning to give back to the community by donating excess funds raised through its membership fee. Under consideration are financial gifts toward an Eagle Scout community service project, a student scholarship, teachers’ luncheon and the Almaden Library and Community Center.

President Lee Dimmitt believes in giving back to the community.

The community service project, chosen by Life Scout Josh La Plante who is working toward his Eagle Scout rank, focuses on landscaping and beautifying the front of the Almaden Valley Post Office on Crown Boulevard. “Lately the grounds have gotten in such bad shape,” says La Plante, “that post office customers have offered to help mow the weeds.”

La Plante, a sophomore and football player at Leland High School, has been pursuing this vision for more than a year, and has received a pledge of support from Pat Dando, Nancy Pyle, the postmaster for the Oakland-San Jose Postal Service and friends in Boy Scout Troop 200. The Almaden Valley Post Office has agreed to update their irrigation system to support the new landscaping, as well as supervise the project’s implementation.

Professional services have been donated by DuBridge Design, which drew up the blue prints for the project based upon La Plante’s measurements and drawings, and Earthtech Landscape, which assisted with planning, and is dedicating a crew and equipment.

La Plante has also received donations from Orchard Supply and Hardware, Almaden Valley Nursery and Safeway, but requires additional supplies and funding. AVCA is considering donating up to $1,500 toward the $3,000 required to complete the landscaping. As the work is scheduled for July 27 to 30, it is the most time-sensitive of AVCA’s considered donations and will require an online vote.

AVCA President Lee Dimmitt, who feels the funds should return to the community, is in favor of supporting the Eagle Scout project, as well as donating $1,000 to the Almaden Library and Community Center. AVCA Director Kitty Monahan agrees. “I’d like to see us support Eagle Scout projects,” she says. “Eagle Scout projects are valuable to the community.” Monahan speaks from personal experience, having backed Eagle Scout projects in New Almaden, including doors for their blacksmith shop, an enormous map desk and a shed. Monahan believes the vote will pass as they have the money available in their treasury. She is also writing a proposal for a student scholarship.

AVCA members consider recipients for donating excess membership funds. Photo by Lorraine Gabbert

However, other people in the organization prefer holding onto the excess funds, which total about $8,000. “Interest rates are going up,” said one member, “that interest pays for our expenses and we might want to keep that in mind when we reduce our treasury.”

AVCA Special Projects Lead Raymond Holly, who was an Eagle Scout himself, believes that the Eagle Scout community service project deserves their support. “Very few boys ever attain Eagle Scout rank,” notes Holly. “I am very much in favor of this donation.”

A vote by AVCA board members will take place this week to make the final decision. “Boy Scouts teach community spirit and leadership,” says Dimmitt. “How can you not support that?”

The next AVCA meeting is at 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 14 at the Almaden Library and Community Center, featuring guest speaker Det. Robert Dillon, who will address Internet crimes against children.