MCP&PSG COFFEE & DISCUSSION 1-22-08 6:45AM, MANCHESTER FAMILY INN

In attendance were Ron Rada, Bob Edwards, Paul Gilligan, Joe Blazevich Sr., Ray Pardo, Peggy Warren, Bud and Wanda Larsen, M. C. Edwards, Bob Lamb.  Bud announced that the two new Port of Manchester for launch and park rules and regulations are now in place.    Thanks to Joe Guariz for donating the new 4X4" wooden post, and to The Glass Man, Les Johnson, for the plex-iglass-glass and assisting Bud with getting the signs up.   A wooden frame will be added to the sign on the launch entry.

Neighborhood Watch was discussed and it was agreed that it is time to complete the update on new names and addresses, telephone numbers, changed in ownership, etc.  In keeping with Manchester safety issues, Mary Cathern Edwards was able to tell us more about the Disaster Awareness program 'building and Strengthening Disaster Readiness Among Neighbors.     It is hoped she can bring the program to larger groups than ours in the near future, after which residents could develop their smaller immediate area for readiness and quicker response during a disaster.  The smaller groups to develop the knowledge of their neighborhood, as to who might have medical training, who owns one of the small or large generators, are all neighbors accounted for after a disaster, does everyone have food and water, are there adequate blankets and sanitary supplies.  Mary Cathern has completed the course to qualify for instructing others on safety issues.  We will be hearing more from her later.

On Monday, 2-11-08 the Port of Manchester Commissioners and the Friends of the Library will co-sponsor a speaker, Kathleen Byrne-Berretas of "Grant Solutions" at the 7:00PM Port Meeting at the Manchester Public Library.  Ms Byrne-Berrentes will give a power-points presentation on Grants and how they work.  How do obtain a grant?  What does it cost?  Will it work for our Community groups, etc.  We have already signed up 17 interested Manchester citizens.  With limited seating, we are asking interested readers of this report to call in your attendance as soon as possible (360) 769-8793, or bwlarsen@wavecable.com .   Port Commissioner Steve Pederson will provide refreshments for the event and a special thanks to the Manchester Library for the use of their equipment, at no cost.   Help with seating and refreshment setup will be appreciated.   Ms. Byrne-Berrentes comes highly recommended by 12 key public officials in Kitsap County, Port Orchard, Bremerton, Silverdale and Poulsbo.

To date, Ms. Byrne-Berrantes firm "Grant Solutions", a consulting firm, has acquired over $79 million in project funding since 2002, for environmental cleanup, conservation & restoration, parks and trails, open space plans, LID'S, wastewater and stormwater Management, Safety & Fire Prevention, Homeland Security & Education, Community Economic Development, etc.  The will outline her firm's organizational role.  Kathleen has an exceptional background as an accomplished microbiologist, project coordinator for several major Governmental and non-Governmental bodies, media liaisons, and her history of work in the environmental field.  She can offer qualifications and accomplishments in the field of Grant Writing, overseeing Grant Writing dispersals, maintaining agency requirements and extensive work with these agencies and donor organizations.  She provides fact sheets, press releases, developing administrative capacity and work plans, as well as guidance and safety requirements.    Hearing what Kathleen has to say, could be the start of looking towards funding for a Manchester Community Center,expansion of the Manchester Library, and other village improvements.   Hope to see you 2-11-08.

Please plan to attend next week's MCP&SG 6:45AM meeting at the Manchester Family Inn.  Our special guest will be Commissioner Steve Pederson.  Steve just took office this month and is already working to learn more about the Community and Port of Manchester related issues.    We always welcome one and all at our meetings and continue to work towards a larger regular attendance and more Community involvement.

Submitted by:      Wanda Larsen