Board of Directors Corner

Hello Neighbors,

This month I want you to think about the benefits of living here at CTC. Like most communities in Minnesota, we have neighbors from here in Minnesota and the United States. Unlike most communities, we have, additionally, many neighbors from around the world. We have a wonderful, multicultural community; a community that gives us the opportunity to gain insight into other cultures and experiences. CTC is more than a place we live while gaining education or contributing to research in our chosen field; it is, itself, a place of education; a place where we have come together to learn from, and share with, new friends.

I have one simple question for you: Are you taking advantage of that opportunity?

At CTC, there are many ways that we can meet new neighbors, get involved in our community, and to give back for the enrichment we are offered here! Please consider sharing your voice and your unique insight to make CTC even better! We are deeply in need of neighbors who wish to volunteer their time and knowledge with the co-op. Volunteer to share your talents, and gain some real-world insight by joining one of our committees at CTC. These also look great on a resume (CV)!

• The Operations Committee really needs your help right now. Join the committee and work with CTC to develop polices and proposals relating to environmental sustainability, the grounds at CTC, and increasing safety for our neighbors. It meets once a month, throughout most of the school year. Join the committee and bring your ideas for improving CTC; you can easily make a difference! To join the Operations Committee, contact Jeff atjeffc@umnctc.org.

• The Finance Committee also needs volunteers right now. The Finance Committee reviews the budget, the audit, proposed rent and fees schedule, and CTC investments. This committee will help you gain insight into how a co-op like CTC is managed financially. This committee meets twice in the fall, and occasionally again, if needed. To join the Finance Committee, contact me at bigwo013@umn.edu. I’d love to have you take part!

• The Programs Committee plans welcoming events, sports, and community involvement activities. Give back to CTC by helping plan ways to give back at CTC! Contact Shanea atshanea@umnctc.org.

Every month, several events are scheduled for us:

• There is a New Comers Tea and Coffee Hour held every month; this month it is on October 7th; you don’t have to be a newcomer to attend this, you can drop in and meet your new neighbors. Perhaps you can share with them some of your favorite Minnesota experiences, or give them advice about living through a Minnesota Winter!
• There is a Movie Night every month; this month it is on October 20th; bring your family and enjoy a movie with your neighbors!
• There is a Monthly Cooking Class; this month it is on October 19th; learn how to make something new! Perhaps even consider teaching your neighbors how to cook your favorite dish at a future class!
• Do you want to practice your English speaking, or are you a native English speaker who wants to meet non-native English speakers? Every month you can stop into the English Conversation Group and talk with Gloria and Warren, the volunteers who share their time, coffee, tea, and treats! This happens every Tuesday from 10-11:30 am.
• There are many other fun events on the schedule here at CTC; this month, join your neighbors to do Halloween Pumpkin Carvingon October 27^th!

Lately, these events have been experiencing a low turnout. They offer us a free opportunity to have fun, while meeting, learning from, and sharing with, our community. When you decide to take advantage of these events, check the CTC Schedule Page for upcoming events!

You don’t have to be a ward rep to engage with your neighbors. Join in and attend a gathering or meeting, give back to CTC and get more out of CTC; you owe it to yourself!

Paul Bigwood
Board Treasurer