The Marina Dock January 2003 Newsletter

The Marina Dock Newsletter january 2003

Dear Marina Dock members and patrons alike,

n February, it will be seventeen years since we first opened our doors (February 1986), originally, as the Dry Dock and now as the Marina Dock. In that time, literally thousands of individuals have come though our doors. My relationship with the establishment began in the late summer of 1986. I had all of two years sobriety still gravely defective and full of fear and trepidation about a future that looked anything but bright. The only thing I knew for sure was "if I come here everyday no matter how I feel I will be OK today." Then, one day I grabbed a broom and started sweeping the tattered linoleum floor in the old west room. I set out a few chairs for the 3:30 pm meeting and before I knew it, David M gave me a job. Seventeen years later, I am still trying to figure out what I want to do when I grow up. I did go to College and have my teeth fixed, which are two of the unofficial steps of recovery. However, I have not taken step sixteen yet, which is understood to be a "move to Marin County".

the year in review

I would have to say a very successful one. Our doors are still open. Our lease is secure. We made many interior improvements including the completion of a new storage room and the enlargement of the East Room by removing the old (not so feng shui) storage room.

the new year

We definitely need new chairs and if our budget permits a new carpet for the East Room. The chairs are around $22.00 a piece. We will set up a special fund for people who want to contribute to the chair project.

membership drive

Last count, we had about two hundred and twenty (220) paying members. This number is less than half of what we need realistically to keep our doors open. If people (nonmembers) knew that their membership dues or contributions guarantee our continued existence at this location, how would that information impact their decision-making?

as an incentive

For the first two months of 2003 (through the end of February), we will discount new memberships. If you join for two years, you can become a member for $500. One-year membership for $265 and 6 months membership for $150. The monthly membership will remain at $30 a month, or 1 dollar a day.
Currently, our dues are as follows: Yearly $325, six months $165, Monthly $30. Again, this offer is for two months only.
As an added incentive, I am hoping to have Internet service available to all our patrons plus some new seating in the social room by the end of January. The Internet service will operate on the same principle as a phone card system: 20 minutes, 40 minutes, and 1 hour. You buy time via a card at the counter and you use it at your leisure.

Again, a reminder that all membership dues and donations are 501 (c) (3) tax-deductible. For anyone wishing to make large contributions a copy of our letter of 501 (c) (3) Federal Tax Exemption would be issued upon request. Our Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN) is 94-3356957 is usually enough for donors to satisfy Federal requirements.

the logic

Right now, like the rest of the world, we are experiencing cash flow problems. We need funds now rather than later when the economy picks up in November (2004). I was about to say "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" but that could leave me open to all kinds of questions and misunderstanding.

Until next time, the solution is love,

Anthony T. Murray ("Irish Tony")