81st Street Block Club Vermont Knolls

81st Street Block Club Vermont Knolls

The Goals of 81st Street Block Club Vermont Knolls

To reach our goals as stated elsewhere in the Web Site are some of the Committees we have established in order to do this. Each component is responsible for specifics in creating a smooth running block club. Committees that are well organized can have a tangible impact on the quality of life in the neighborhood and community served.Block Club Committees truly represent and reflect the ebb and tide of the Community.Their very presence assures that the concerns and issues of a neighborhood are heard. Some of our Committees are listed below:

Hospitality Committee
Welcomes new residents in neighborhood and seeks means and ways of how to create harmonious attitudes to reach our goals. Also coordinate Block Club Fund-Raisers.

Senior Citizen Committee
Serves as senior citizen advocates, address unique issues that affect our seniors. Issues such as transportation, quality of life,health care, affordable prescription medications and coordinate special activities for our Seniors.

Communications Committee
Keeps members updated on community, city, county state and federal issues. Advise members on what issues that may affect them negatively or positively. Such as events taking place; what, where, when, time and topics. Monitor calendars of Mayor and Councilperson and advise members.

Community Standards Committee
This Committee has the most tangible effect on the neighborhood. In both pride and in property values.Addresses issues concerning physical maintenance of community. Community Beautiful Committee which is a sub-committee of the above handles graffiti cleanup, works with sanitation dept.,street lighting dept. and assures upkeep of property in neighborhood.

Recreation and Activities Committee
Seeks ways to create games,events and activities that block club sponsors. Seeks donations of food, funds and dry goods to put on the affair. Picks out logistics and transportation means if necessary. Makes menus for block parties and picnics.

Public Safety Committees
Monitors crimminal activity in neighborhood and law enforcement. Works with Senior Lead-Officer in our neighborhood. Also Attends Community Police Advisory Board Meetings and report back to members at monthly block club meeting. Note residents safety concerns and notify authorities and let members know disposition of their complaints.

Economic Development Committee
Seek to stimulate economic growth in community. Attend Community Redevolopment Association meetings to learn what new or additional building or businesses are taking place in community. Also monitor any negative business trying to move into our communities.Meet with local and other officials to seek new business and manufacturing to our area.

Political Action Committee
Keep up on activity that city, county, state and federal government are doing that affects our community. Analyze pending legislation and meet with officials to suggest ligislation that benefit our community. Present Pros And Cons to residents so that they may make an intelligent decisions on political issues.

Email us
ldksrlac@hotmail.com or l.kooncesr@worldnet.att.net

Links

Los Angeles City

About our association

Formation of 81st Street Block Club Vermont Knolls

81st Street Block Club was formed and organized in 2000 by Lawrence D. Koonce Sr. In order to bring Community together, Lawrence thought that block needed a common goal in which residents could agree on. Speeding cars thru our street was his focus. 81st street is a straight shot from Normandie Ave. to Vermont Ave.& vice-versa. It endangered the lives of our very young and the elderly alike. So in early 1999 , Lawrence began collecting signatures. It was not a problem getting the 75% signatures needed to qualify for the "Street Hump" project.

As Lawrence collected signatures, he spoke to residents about their thoughts on a block club. All had positive responses on block club idea.The neighborhood finally had a common rallying point. This aided us in forming the block club. Street humps were installed in early 2000.

First Block Club Meeting

Our first block club meeting was in March 2000. At the beginning only residents between Budlong Ave. and New Hampshire Ave. was sought out. We wanted to start out small in order to manage the initial stages of block club. As none of us had any experience at this new but exciting adventure.

We celebrated our first year anniversary in June with a successful block club party. Entire Vermont Knolls community and surrounding areas was encouraged and welcomed to participate. Police Dept. along with Captain James Miller of 77th St. station and several officers participated. They made an immediate bond with residents, especially the kids as officers played several rounds of volley ball with the youths. Community Coalition, Community Build, Social Services Dept. and others all had informational booths set up. Congresswoman Maxine Waters spent about two hours meeting and greeting residents.

We have now had our 2nd Biennial Block Club Street Party extravenga event this past June 21st, 2003. It was a roaring success! Community organizations numbering over 30 participated. Each B/C event gets better each time. Over 250 people participated! We look forward to our 2005 B/C Street Party!

Beginning with Oct. 2001 meeting all residents between Normandie Ave. and Vermont Ave. have been encouraged to join us and become active members. Together we can make a difference in our community.

Our Mission , Our Purpose

Our Mission is to unite neighborhood. To improve ethetics. To have a grass root power base in order to acqiure needed city, county, state and federal services. To exert political pressure where needed for the good of the neighborhood and community. To make our neighborhood and community safe for all our residents. To assist our senior citizens wherever we can. To be charitable.

Please join your neighborhood organization. For through numbers we garner the attention of those who represent us and make decisions that affect our daily lives. As one voice we can make a difference!

To see a list of 81st street block club officers, click on "81st Street Block Club Vermont Knolls" on the Home Page.

Email us
ldksrlac@hotmail.com or l.kooncesr@worldnet.att.net

Links

Los Angeles City
National Council on the Aging
National Retiree Volunteer Coalition
Oasis
Senior Corps--Rsvp Programs
Loving Care
Aarps'''' Message to Congress
Bible Scriptures
Crenshaw Christian Center
Beyond Shelter Family Services