Many thanks to those of you who have responded with questions and concerns about the dojo.  Sometime soon, Jain will publish a summary report of where the money comes from and where it goes. 

....Finances in brief.  To hold you until then, here's the super-simplified version:  Rent is almost $2,000/month. If rent were our only expense, and dues-paying adults were our only income at $80/month, we'd need 25 members to stay afloat.  We average more like 15. (Instructors are not required to pay dues, but they do give donations.)  Obviously, there are other expenses (utilities, phone, insurance, property taxes), and income includes kids class, iaido, donations, and the occasional renters.  Stay tuned for the details.

....Kids Class.  Several of you have expressed interest in helping with the kids class:  Zenith, Felipe, Andrew, Dane; also Catherine and some kids' parents have offered to help with the administrative side of things.  The Board would like to have a meeting at the dojo on TUESDAY JULY 29 at 7:30 p.m. (after class) to discuss how the program might be configured and who could do what,  when.  If you want to help with kids class please come prepared to state when and how you want to participate.  All are invited.  RSVP to Christy:  pyrdina@...

....Dojo improvements.  Sometime in the few weeks, the landlord will have the windows and door replaced.  To facilitate the work, we will be taking down the blinds, and after the work we will get the window signs replaced and issue new keys. To better keep track of keys, we are asking EVERYONE who is issued a key to fill out a form and pay a refundable $25 deposit.  We need to know how many keys to have made.  If you need a key, please sign the paper we'll put out on the desk or tell Christy.

....Meanwhile, please remember to sweep the mat and do some dusting/vacuuming after EVERY class.  Last person out, check the door to be sure the latch is really closed.  It seems you either have to slam the door or close it and then lock it with the key. 

See you on the mat!

Christy