Winter 2019 Newsletter

Letter from the President

The Kingston Community House at 99 York St. is dedicated to providing safe inclusive meeting space for community groups and organizations. We have a vibrant board of directors, who are working hard to ensure that 99 York St. continues to be a welcoming meeting space. We want to encourage all members and supporters of the house to become more active volunteers, and to increase the sense of ‘community’ in our Community House.

There are many other ways that you can become involved in the House, such as helping with our annual fund raising drive, becoming part of the membership drive, and participating in our board meetings. If you have a few hours to dedicate, contact me. We need you!!

Liz McIlwaine
President

Our Board of Directors

Liz McIlwaine – President
Elinor Rush – Treasurer
Stuart Layland – Secretary, Technology
Louise Alexander – Director, Vesey Sale
Bruce Downey – Maintenance Coordinator
Rachel Abs – Outreach/Membership Drive Chair

Our House Coordinator/Cleaner Harold Pickering

March Membership Drive

As we enter into our March membership drive, we encourage you to renew your individual or group membership in the Kingston Community House at 99 York St.. Would you consider making a donation to this worthwhile cause? We will be happy to provide a tax receipt for any donation of $20 or more.

Local businesses and artisans have donated a number of prizes in support of our membership drive. All individual memberships that have been purchased by March 31, whether new or renewal, will be eligible for the draw.

To renew your membership or make a donation, either send an e-transfer to treasurer@kingstoncommunityhouse.org or leave cash or a cheque in a clearly marked envelope in the deposit box at the house.

Work Around the House

The board continues to address maintenance issues and carry out improvements to meet the needs of individuals and groups in our community.

At the end of last year, we added more insulation to the attic and constructed a wall, closing off our attic space from our neighbours in a manner that provides a fire separation.

The work was carried out for $1,750 over a three-day period and included the efforts of two volunteers. With this improvement we expect to reduce energy loss and the ability for the fire and a few squirrels to move from attic to attic.

You can help with these kinds of improvements by sending a cheque to: 99 York St, Kingston, ON, K7K 1P9, or e-transfer contributions to: treasurer@kingstoncommunityhouse.org. All donations over $20 will receive a tax donation receipt.

We have plans for additional improvements and general maintenance. If you want information or are interested in helping by contributing funds or labour, please contact Bruce Downey at 613-353-2068.

Rate Increase

After 5 years without change we must finally increase our rates to try and balance the 2019 budget. As of April 1 2019:

Group memberships will increase to $30/year
Individual memberships will remain at $20/year
Room rentals will also increase:
A single room rental for 4 hours will cost $12
the whole house for 4 hours with increase to $30

Vesey Bulb Sale

This year, once again, we will be selling quality Vesey bulbs. We need some volunteers to sell bulbs, or perhaps you’d like to get some bulbs and beautify your own garden. We‘ll be finalizing our order on April 12, to make sure that you’ll get your bulbs in plenty of time for planting season. If you are interested in being part of this sale, or if you’d like to buy some bulbs, please contact us at info@kingstoncommunityhouse.org.

Did you know…

  • That Kingston Community House opened in 1981 as a registered not for profit with charitable status?That we received no operational funding assistance?
  • That we got a $5666 grant to refurbish the heritage front windows on the second floor in 2018?
  • That we hosted over 700 meetings last year?
  • That we need new board members and volunteers to keep it going?
    Contact Liz at info@kingstoncommunityhouse.org if you can help!

One Person’s Junk…

It’s time to replace most of our living room furniture. Maybe you donated it long ago?! Thanks!

We need:

  • A round coffee table
  • 3-4 lightweight occasional chairs
  • A newer sofa and loveseat

Can you help? We can arrange pickup.