California Progress, Inc. (CPI) is 25 years old. At the noon, Thursday, Oct. 16, meeting at the library, the CPI Board of Directors approved invitations to past board members to commemorate the silver anniversary at the annual dinner meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 2. The board approved the dinner to be held at the Community Event Center / High Street Grill on the west side of the Moniteau County Courthouse block.
The board selected Monday, Nov. 10, as the orientation meeting for incoming CPI board members for the new year. The board also elected officers for next year: President Larry Kent; Vice-president Alex McGill; Secretary Beth Jungmeyer; and Treasurer Blake Howard.
The next California Historic District (CHD) training session was set for Thursday, Jan. 8, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. In case of inclement weather, the session will be Jan. 22.
The proposed donation of a building on the courthouse square to a non-profit organization, tabled at the last meeting, was discussed. Tom Winters presented information on the buildings condition, as well as estimated costs of either demolition or stabilization for possible renovation. Initial estimates presented indicated that stabilizing the building and putting a roof on it would be slightly less costly than demolition. Part of the issue is the common wall with a building next door. More information is to be obtained on work needed and the owner's requirements. Winters also discussed the condition of sidewalks in the same area, along the west side of North High Street, and around the corner on North Street.
The CPI Board approved support of a combined event of CHD Promotions Committee and Friends of the Finke Theatre following a presentation by Pam Green. The event, "California Christmas Classic Cinema," will be held on Friday, Nov. 28. At 2 p.m., a children's film "Elf" will be shown. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. During an intermission, free popcorn and water will be available. A More adult oriented film, "It's a Wonderful Life" will be shown at 7 p.m. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. In addition, a Christmas Backdrop will be set up in the theater from 1 to 6 p.m. for families and friends to take their 2014 Holiday Photo. In addition to adding to the holiday weekend, the event will introduce new patrons to the newly revived downtown area.
A report on the NAP (Neighborhood Assistance Program) Facade Loan funds indicated that the requirement for a credit check is now in the loan procedure. Those interested in application for a facade loan should contact Ann Albertson at CPI.
The next regular board meeting is set for noon, Nov. 20, at the library.