On February 25, 2008 the Community Redevelopment Agency approved a grant to The Miami Woman's Club that would immediately allocate approximately $1.8 million to enable the commencement of Phase I repairs for our 40-year recertification.  The motion carried by a vote of 3-2.   The CRA also voted to add a line item to their fiscal year 2009 budget of approximately $1.9 million for Phase II repairs and completion of the recertification.  This motion also carried by a 3-2 vote.  The FY09 budget prepared by the CRA will be submitted to the City Commission in July of this year.  After the budget is reviewed and approved by the City, hopefully with our $1.9 million intact, we will again need to appear before the CRA for these funds to be allocated to the MWC.   There are a number of criteria set forth by the CRA that will be included in the grant contract such an easement for a Baywalk behind the Miami Woman's Club, to be built by the City, parking for CRA meetings and hosting of CRA meetings.   Our Parliamentarian will advise us on the requirements in accordance with our Charter and By-laws as well as our attorney reviewing and processing the final contract.  All stipulations will require the vote of the Board of Advisors and general membership.   The recertification process is critical.  Once we embark on this course, we can hold fundraising and marketing events at the Club and begin to raise the approximately nine million dollars necessary for the historical and green restoration of our community treasure.  This CRA grant can also be used as matching dollars when seeking grants from other organizations.   Lloyd Boggio gave a presentation to the Finance Committee about tax credits.  This resource represents approximately $2 million of potential revenue towards funding for restoration.   Linda Joseph, Stephanie Carfagno Olavarrieta, our architect Richard Heisenbottle and I will be meeting with the Buildings Department soon to start the permitting and recertification process.  Any member seeking involvement with this aspect of our repair and restoration please contact Stephanie at 305-450-9041.   Equally important is our organizational objectives for community service and other societal goals.  We are currently involved with several initiatives and are continuing to expand our outreach.  The Board has been diligently handling most of these efforts; we call on you, the membership to become more involved to help people and transform our world.  Several events are currently planned over the next year including various art projects, library reading events, exhibits and an Economic Roundtable Forum.   Our attorney, John Schulte, has advised us that we can review and take photos of the items belonging to the MWC which remain in the Withers' storage facility.  Several Board members will be undertaking this project the week of March 3, 2008.   The MWC is actively pursuing our lawsuit against the school for the damages incurred during their tenure.  To facilitate this process, the Archives Committee has been gathering documentation relative to the school's lease and maintenance records.   The next few months are critical for our organization and our building; our Board appreciates your ideas and involvement. If anyone wishes to be actively involved please contact me at president@miamiwomansclub.org.   Thank you for your support and I look forward to working with each and every one of you to accomplish our goals.   "Individually, we care; together, we make a difference."                                                              Noreen Timoney