Board Meeting Highlights – October 16, 2022
New interim practice location
During the month of November, we will be preparing what we are calling Giddings Zendo (for its location at 2255 W. Giddings) for our move-in. We hope to have it all cleaned, painted, and ready for use by early December. Watch for a special one-day sit to celebrate this important upgrade to our in-person practice!
COVID response update
The board decided to continue to require vaccinations and masks for in-person gatherings, and to request that participants wash hands regularly when together and stay home if experiencing any symptoms of an illness. In recognition that Chicago has moved to a moderate level of risk, zabutons (meditation mats) will be arranged closer together, to allow for more participants in the zendo. Two air purifiers will be in use in the new practice space, in the hope of not having to keep windows open during cold months.
Temple Search Committee
Taigen and Ed Donley continue to look at buildings for sale; Taigen will be meeting soon with consultants at DePaul University about helping us develop a business plan for purchase; and Douglas is working on hypothetical costs for buying, finishing out, and maintaining a purchased building.
New Intern from University of Chicago Master of Divinity program
We welcome Sophia DeVita, who will be joining us as our 2022-2023 intern. Please introduce yourself to her when you get a chance.
Finances
Our income and expenses are holding steady, with no large, unusual expenses. The balance on our building fund is currently $245,868. Currently there are 54 active pledging supporters, representing $3,252/month pledged.
Elections to the Board of Directors
3 seats on the board will be open for election later this winter: 1 two-year term and 2 three-year positions. Please send an email to info@ancientdragon.org if you are interested in serving.
Date of next meeting – 1:30pm Sunday November 20, 2022. All are welcome to attend, through our online zendo via our website.