Taxpayers I have spoken with in the County and the City (whom both contribute to these agencies' particular budgets) are outraged and will probably file an injunction to prevent what we consider to be "illegal" activity, on behalf of a few.
In case you didn't receive the invitation, here goes -- A Taste For Art a& History
A FUNDRAISING EVENT INTENDED FOR PUBLIC CONSUMPTION (May I dare ask what the fundraising monies will go towards?)
WORLD CLASS WINES
MARVELOUS MICROBREWS
SCINTILLATION SILENT AUCTION
FABULOUS FOOD
JAMMIN' JAZZ
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2007, 6:30 PM (Sorry, the www.carnegiecenter.org web site on schedule of events states it starts at 6:00, not 6:30)
CARNEGIE CENTER FOR ART & HISTORY
IN THE HISTORIC CARNEGIE LIBRARY BUILDING
201 EAST SPRING STREET, NEW ALBANY
AFTERTASTE
THE EVENING CONTINUES AT THE SPEAKEASY JAZZ CLUB
225 STATE STREET, NEW ALBANY
$60.00 PER PERSON ($55.00 MEMBERS) (May I ask MEMBERS of what?)
RSVP BY SEPT. 1, 2007 - (812) 944-7336 (This is the Library's number, not the Museum. Again I ask, a fundraiser for whom or what? These are publically owned and financed buildings and go against both of their mission statements, thus my interest!)
AFTER CONFERRING WITH VARIOUS TAXPAYERS FROM THE CITY AND COUNTY ABOUT WINE AND BEER AT THE MUSEUM FOR A FUNDRAISER -- WE POSE THE FOLLOWING OPINIONS:
TAXPAYERS OBJECT TO A BEER AND WINE PARTY IN A TAX SUPPORTED PUBLIC OWNED BUILDING.
WE ARE APPALLED AT THE ANNOUNCEMENT ON THE INVITATION PUT OUT BY THE CARNEGIE MUSEUM.
THE CARNEGIE MUSEUM ON SPRING STREET IS OWNED AND SUPPORTED WITH OUR TAX MONEY.
IS IT EVEN LEGAL (GOT THAT?) TO HOLD THIS BEER-WINE DRINKING PARTY IN A TAX SUPPORTED BUILDING?
WHY DID THE LIBRARY BOARD EVEN APPROVE THIS BEER-WINE PARTY?
IS THERE A MUSEUM BOARD? WHO APPROVES THE MUSEUM AND LIBRARY BUDGETS? WHO REPRESENTS THE TAXPAYERS ON THOSE BOARDS?
HOW MUCH OF OUR TAX MONEY IS GIVEN TO THE LIBRARY AND MUSEUM FOR THEIR 2007 BUDGETS?
THE ANNOUNCEMENT SAYS THEY WILL START THEIR BEER AND WINE PARTY AT THE CARNEGIE MUSEUM AND THEN CARRY THE PARTY ON OVER TO THE NEW SPEAKEASY ON STATE STREET.
WHY DIDN'T THEY JUST HAVE ALL OF THEIR LIQUOR DRINKING PARTY AT THE SPEAKEASY BOAR AND LEAVE OUR TAX SUPPORTED MUSEUM ALONE?
THE IMAGE OF THE LIBRARY AND MUSEUM IS SUPPOSED TO SET A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR FLOYD COUNTY TEENS AND YOUNG CHILDREN.
WHAT KIND OF IMAGE IS THIS DRINKING PARTY IN A TAX SUPPORTED BUILDING SHOWING TO OUR TEENS AND YOUNG CHILDREN?
OUR TAX MONEY IN THE MUSEUM AND LIBRARY BUDGETS ARE SUPPOSED TO TEACH THE VALUE OF OUR HISTORY AND EXAMPLE OF GOOD BEHAVIOR, AS WELL AS GOOD EDUCATION.
HOW MANY AREA TEENS HAVE BEEN KILLED IN ACCIDENT BY DRUNKEN DRIVERS?
DOWNTOWN NEW ALBANY HAS BOASTED ABOUT THE NUMBER OF NEW BARS FOR DRINKERS THEY HAVE BROUGHT IN.
WHY DON'T THEY USE THOSE BARS FOR THEIR ALCOHOL DRINKING AND LEAVE OUR TAX SUPPORTED PUBLIC BUILDINGS ALONE?
INFORMATION:
The Carnegie Center for Art & History is a contemporary art gallery and history museum offering a full schedule of changing exhibits.
The Center offers residents of Southern Indiana and visitors to the area an opportunity to enjoy art works in a variety of media, to take part in lectures and workshops based on those exhibits, and to learn more about the colorful history of Floyd County, Indiana.
Housed in the meticulously-preserved, historic Carnegie Library building, the Center's open, well-lit galleries and spacious comfortable meeting room are as easily accessible as they are attractive.
A division of the New Albany-Floyd County Library, the Carnegie Center is a FAMILY-ORIENTED INSTITUTION as well, offering its popular "Family Fun Workshops" on the second Saturday of every month as well as classes for children and students and other special events.
Their "MISSION STATEMENT" is as follows:
"The mission of the Carnegie Center for Art & History is to serve as a cultural resource for the education and the enjoyment of the citizens of Floyd County, Indiana, and the surrounding metropolitan area. To that end, we will collect, preserve and interpret the history and heritage of Floyd County, promote an appreciation of and participation in the visual arts, and preserve the historic Carnegie Library Building in which the museum is housed."
My opinion, and several others, disagree with a taxpayer funded building used to promote "certain people's business" (DRINKING), who also serves on a Board. An Attorney has already advised me this is illegal. What did "your all's say"?
Again, I ask, a FUNDRAISER FOR WHOM AND WHAT?
44 comments:
This is a new low for you, and I've registered my response elsewhere.
How did I know you would be the first to respond? Gee!
People's property taxes are exploding; county has frozen their budget two years standing and you actually expect no one to have a problem using OUR tax funded properties for drinking purposes.
Still got to ask that all consuming question -- invitation says a "FUNDRAISING EVENT INTENDED FOR PUBLIC CONSUMPTION" -- what the hey does that mean?
Yeah, you can bet some citizens are angry their taxes went up so much and when they see their tax dollars being used for "things" like this, which go against the very mission standards these two organizations have -- yeah, there is a problem or two.
Sorry, Anon, the invitation just doesn't read like that....... A FUNDRAISER FOR PUBLIC CONSUMPTION... not a fundraiser for this or that -- just showcasing some local micro-breweries and fine wines and then on to the Speakeasy Club for "Aftertaste" (oh, I forgot the special catered meal that will be served...dare I make a guess who's doing the catering...hmmmmm.....)
This is indeed a sad day for New Albany. What agencies are in charge of this event ?
First, food and drink are donated to the event by civic minded businesses. Next, civic minded people pay an admission fee to sample them, and then these same civic minded people pay a second time to purchase other donated items at a silent auction. When all is finished, the museum has money to pursue its mission, and people are happy.
What part of "donated" fails to register with you?
Tax money is not being spent, it is being saved, because companies like mine donate items.
You're so incredibly off base that you fail to notice that "members" are those who've already paid to support the institution as "friends", and receive a whopping $5 discount to sample wine and cheese.
Should alcohol be served at professional sports venues, most of which are funded by tax dollars?
Help me out here. There's just no way you can fail to see the benefit of such fundraising events, so what's the real beef behind the smokescreen this time?
To Anon, I'm not sure if the Carnegie Center is, but the Library is over the Arts.
All I have is the following info:
Telephone Directory
Front Desk - 944-8864
Business Office 949-3734
Carnegie Center for Art & History 944-7336 (Tues - Sat, 10 am to 5:30 pm)
Children's Services 949-3528
Circulation & Registration 949-3522
Dial-A-Story 949-1313
Fax 949-3733
Local History ^ Genealogy 949-3527
Media Services 949-3529
Reference & Interlibrary Loan 949-3523
www.nafclibrary.org
Editor:
Stephen Day
Board of Trustees:
Roger Whaley, President
Joanne Hale, Vice-President
Gabrielle Carr, Secretary
Debbie Beckham, Treasurer
Morris Middleton
Margaret Sager
Lowell Smith
Director: Stephen Day
Associated Director: Libby Pollard
"Bookmark" is published by the New Albany-Floyd County Public Library
180 West Spring Street
New Albany, IN 47150
Newsletter Design:
Barbara Nelson
Supposed there is a Board of Directors for the Museum; but are those directors ruled by the Library's? My, how confusing.
Hope some of it helps, lol.
Hope that helps.
New Albanian:
1. First paragraph, the invitation does not say this is a "fundraiser for the Carnegie Museum". It states it is a "fundraiser for public consumption".
2. Several taxpayers do not feel like "donating our building with our electricity, after museum hours, for your benefit and others; certainly not the majority.
3. Tax money IS BEING SPENT IN UTILITIES AND CLEANING OF PREMISES AFTERWARDS, right?
4. The "wine and cheese parties" have been held outside the building. History...History.
This is not a wine and cheese tasting party. IT'S A FUNDRAISER.
5. Hey, I guess you can sell liqour such as beer as a sports venue supported by tax revenue, AS LONG AS THEY HAVE A BEER LICENSE. Hmmmmmm.
6. And you still think there is a "smokescreen". Obviously, little do you know how up in arms taxpayers in the city/county are -- and this "thang" to promote "micro-brewers" just doesn't fit in with what I THINK THE LIBRARY AND CARNEGIE SHOULD REPRESENT. Is there any possible way to make it any clearer to you?
Take it on down to the Speakeasy. Leave taxpayer buildings alone.
Again, those words -- "A FUNDRAISER FOR PUBLIC CONSUMPTION" -- not a "FUNDRAISER FOR THE MUSEUM, THE LIBRARY, ETC."; no - a "FUNDRAISER FOR PUBLIC CONSUMPTION".
Guess we'll see where the money ends up, right? Gotta follow that money.
Rest easy -- you just had a big victory! Don't worry about little ole' me...
Do you really think that the cost of electricity even today is but a fraction of the money raised by such an event, one that has taken place within that building for at least five years, and probably more, without you apparently ever being aware of it until yesterday?
Last time I looked, I'm a taxpayer, too, and using $25 or so of electricity to raise a couple grand seems like a fine deal to me.
Worry? Not at all. However, I'll continue to point it out when "little ole you" spreads rank falsehoods that stem from your own absence of irony and a startling lack of reading comprehension. You're free to make literal judgments on shaky cultural grounds -- just don't pretend that there's a mathematical rationale.
Some times, mysticism and numerology actually don't help to explain things.
No Falsehoods. The invitation stands as stated. Please explain why it says "A FUNDRAISING EVENT INTENDED FOR PUBLIC CONSUMPTION"?
Are you the only micro-brewery being showcased? Nah, there's got to be more competition.
You worry about your tax dollars, and I will worry about mine.
Peace.
Couldn't agree with you more, Anon. I'd rather give my taxpayer money to a homeless person, also. Thanks for writing.
As of tonight, I'm not aware that we've been invited. If we have, I know noting about it.
However, you've accomplished one positive thing today: I sent an e-mail asking if I could donate beer -- so long as we can consume it on the premise.
I promise to send photos.
Yvonne,
I just want to touch on part of your post, exploding property taxes.
Generally speaking, the increase in property taxes, for home owners, is due to the increased valuation of the property. The tax rate actually went down a "smidgen". The re-evaluation was intended to make valuation more current and correct. If If a home owner thinks that their valuation in incorrect, there is an appeals process. Also, a big increase probably means that the property was UNDER valued for several years and the home owner actually paid less than their fair share for those years.
Did the Carnegie Museum obtain a liquor license to serve liquor at this location?
What does Indiana Code say about liquor service in public owned buildings?
Who is the Chairman of the Committee that planned this event ?
Is it true that new downtown liquor establishments are only paying $1,000 for their liquor license and that
earlier bars paid $35,000 for their
license ?
What New Albany Board made this
agreement to help the new bars ?
Yvonne, I'm curious what really annoys you about this fundraiser? If you have a beef with Roger, why dump that on the Carnegie? We all need to support the Carnegie and all their fundraising efforts.
And, I would expect nothing less from a self-proclaimed "hedonist, athiest and paganist".
Shocked?
To IAMHOOSIER: Check with the Auditor or Treasurer on the County level. There was a catch-22 on those appeals, and taxpayers are just finding out their appeal process went out the window.
Thanks.
To The First Anon: I have no clue. If it had said it was a fundraiser for the Carnegie Center, I wouldn't have thought another thing about it. But, it didn't. Sorry, I smell politics. My opinion only, though (and I was pretty sure it didn't matter).
To the Second Anon:
Yes, it's true the Hitching Post, Hughie's and several others all have that big fat cost of a liquor license as part of their assets.
Redevelopment coming up with a 3-way liquor license (?) kind of hurt some assets, you know?
Talk with Stan.
Gina, if I thought it had something to do with the betterment of the Carnegie Museum, there would be nothing but 100% support from me and mine.
The invitation does not say it's a fundraiser for them -- therein lies MY rub. Hope you understand, or at least can appreciate my own opinion. Thanks for writing.
P.S. There's no beef with Roger -- hey, I didn't even know he was involved except suspecting because of a celebration of micro-breweries. Trust me, I'm not saying he may not have a beef with me. It's all in a day's worth of opinions. Thanks.
Redevelopment coming up with a 3-way liquor license (?) kind of hurt some assets, you know?
Redevelopment itself didn't come up with anything of the sort. Three-way licenses in a designated Rivefront Development area are offered by the ATC and state of Indiana, which has jurisdiction over all such questions.
The three-ways created cannot be transferred or sold for profit, and are intended for use with restaurants, not bars; food sale percentages must be demonstrated.
NA Redevelopment proposed creation of the district itself, and in a rare display of lucidity, our city council approved.
Yes, that's right. Even Steve Price -- like you seemingly opposed to development in any form -- voted "yes" three times on G-06-15.
But thanks for confessing to what I knew all along was your chief complaint.
On the Museum web page announcements, it lists THE CARNEGIE CENTER, INC.
Who or what is the CARNEGIE CENTER, INC. ?
The Carnegie Museum is a tax funded
museum.
CARNEGIE CENTER,INC ???? Curious ??
Nah, that's not my chief complaint with a Fundraising invitation that says the Fundraising is for Public Consumption.
Your argument sounds logical to me; wish we could convice the older bars you are right.
Thanks for the "praise" for Steve.
Peace
I am still confused. If this "party" is actually for benefit of the Carnegie Center, it's okay with you? They just need to be more clear on the invitations?
Yes, that's how I feel. If it was for the Carnegie Center's benefit, why didn't it say so? Why so ambigious? A fundraiser for "public consumption" -- never heard of such a thing.
Anyone I know, including myself, would be over there making donations or offering community service to this organization.
And, do you know the "history" of micro-brewers in New Albany?
Sorry, that was a little tongue-in-cheek there.
Peace.
Sorry - ambiguous.
Thanks for clearing that up for me.
I am somewhat familiar of the recent history!(smile)
Please note that the "copy" you provided of the invitation does not say LOCAL micro brews.
If I may be so bold as to through my 2 cents worth in here.
If there is to be a wine a cheese tasting, so be it. How can a wine a cheese spread effect the number of underaged drinkers involved in auto accidents (sorry but that fault falls sqaurely on the shoulders of the parents of the underaged drinkers)
Having wine in a tax funded building? I for one dont really mind, if the end result is to bring more commerce to our starting to revive downtown!
Outside of that, anyone who is willing to pay that amount of money to sample various flavors of spoiled cow milk, and fermented rotten fruits (hey, thats all wine and cheese is after all) I think the chances for attracting "undesirables" to the function is rather small.
While having the whole thing at speakeasy would be cool, but unless I am mistaken the guests are invited and encouraged to visit the various displays and showings at the museum. So if we can increase local interest in this little museum we have, then so be it.
One impressed guest could result in thousands upon thousands of dollars in donations to the foundation.
Being so closely familiar with the operation of a non-profit agency (and we are an "INC.", and we recieve tax money), every penny you draw in makes a difference come the close of the fiscal year.
Don't you wish the invitation read that it is a "wine and cheese tasting fundraising event for the Museum"? No, a "fundraising event for public consumption" -- thus why we are chatting.
$60.00 -- we smell something else, and there is no mention of cheese (probably hordeourves).
A true lover of the arts may be more educated in order to understand what is being stated here. That subject may be called "reading comprehension".
"Semantics" -- who is always holding EVERYONE to that bad boy?
It's election time and when an invite such as the one worded as stated, radar and antennaes go up, whether you are the kind of person who wonders why it didn't say it was a fundraiser for the Arts. Maybe.
Peace, NA
Would it not just be easier to admit your error? Not that easier is always the right thing to do, but when combined with true error and contrition, most people can be amazingly forgiving.
Mark
Why do you selectively edit comments?
Is it because you have to retain control?
Doesn't that lessen the impact of dialogue?
Ah, but perhaps dialogue isn't the aim.
Now that you've staged this week's marvelous (and senseless) performance, how about getting Randy Hubbard to commit publicly to a platform. He's your man, right?
Mark, I do not believe I am in error, and neither do others. Simply plenty an invitation stating a fundraising for "public consumption" to be continued at the Speakeasy...
Thank you for your forgiving ways and understanding; but I'm not asking for it today. There may be others needing it, though.
Peace.
1. Why do I selectively edit comments? Weren't you the Great Blog Teacher, informing us of our rights and responsibilities as such? Pat yourself on the back for doing such a good job, I say.
2. Control what? My Blog? Thank you, but I am already attempting to do so, amidst the much goings on in life.
3. It doesn't seem to be impacting the "dialogue". We're corresponding here, or are we?
4. Perhaps dialogue isn't the aim; perhaps the simple printing of a non-profit organization taxpayers pay for wanting to make sure the monies go where they're intended MIGHT be enough.
5. As far as Randy Hubbard goes, I've checked out the Republican website, and you can find out all about him, call him, etc. It's all there -- educate yourself. Unfortunately, we all only know you support Doug England. Your insinuations will carry you far in life, trust me. Got Doug's cell?
Got Hubbard's number?
Gee, what's the world coming to?
Peace, NA
Yvonne,
I'm done with this topic.
I do want to thank you for the suggestion to visit the Republican website to "find out all about him".
Now I know how long he has been married, how many children he has, how many grandchildren he has, and what church he attends. So what? Mr. Hubbard will not debate, will not answer questions that the media has posed to him. He is for "beautification" but how is he going accomplish it? He is for cooperation, but how is he going to get cooperation? Who is going to make up his staff? I could not find one plan for me to either agree with OR disagree with. If I missed it, please point me in the right direction.
Believe me,I really don't want to vote for Mr. England, I don't trust him. I am not "big" or powerful enough for him to bother personally convincing me otherwise but what choice is Mr. Hubbard giving me?
Let's leave the "England-Hubbard" subject alone until after Labor Day. Appreciate it -- be happy to discuss all and everything with you.
Have good holidays.
Gee, shucks.
Okay, it's now after Labor Day. Do I need to re-post?
Hope you had good holidays! My weekend was spent in Cherokee, NC discussing some of my heritage and genealogy research in to family history...
Please give me time to unpack and catch up on miscellaneous items before I respond...I promise I will.
Our car was totalled in an accident in Louisville on Friday; my $500 vacuum cleaner blew up Friday; got to rest up from my journey.
When I do post, it will probably be about the need for "ENFORCEMENT"; "ENFORCEMENT" in all areas seems to be a problem.
You surely could help before my new posting sharing your ideas on that subject. Input would surely be appreciated.
Thanks for re-posting and reminding me, but I haven't forgotten -- just catching up with life.
Peace
Understand. I can wait.
Nobody hurt I hope.
Mark
Thank you for that, and thankfully, no one was seriously injured.
Here it remains, days later, as yet posted on the marquee, and merrily misleading the world.
Will you publish this thought, Yvonne? Or shall there be more selective editing to give you the opportunity to respond? Or perhaps this time it was pornographer space aliens who wreaked the havoc, not you.
Be advised: The Weekly World News has gone out of business.
See how much he's worried about litle ole me? Gee...downright humbling, I must say.
BTW, where was Maury at the Democrat picnic?
Surely he has his England sign up; though I haven't noticed it.
Mr. Coffey sure has his area covered with England signs... Big job (and stress) for precinct committeepeople to get the signs and the voters out...and to protect the integrity of the vote.
Best of luck....
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