Gaŗezera ziņas - Garezers

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Dear Garezers community,
This spring I’ve gotten a feel for the colorful daily life of Garezers, and for the many aspects of the Executive Director
position. I can describe my impressions and approach as follows: First, Garezers’ infrastructure is rapidly aging, therefore
we must constantly expect the unexpected. Second, Garezers’ staff and volunteers are always ready to pitch in to
help resolve problems quickly and efficiently. Third, my personal goal is to try to think ahead as much as possible,
avoiding problems before they become crises, and to keep in mind the “big picture” - namely, to continually improve
and develop Garezers, so that it can continue to grow and to serve the community.
By the beginning of the summer we will have completed an astonishing number of projects. Throughout Garezers’ territory,
we’ve implemented electrical upgrades and expanded wireless internet access. You’ll read in this issue about
the major renovation of the GVV Kronvalda building after this spring’s water damage. We will essentially have a brand
new high school this summer! Next door at the Grasa Pavilion we’ve utilized Mrs. Ieva Szentivanyi’s generous donation
to build a proper backstage dressing and storage area, as well as upgrading that facility’s lighting, electrical and sound
systems.
The next major repair on the horizon is to replace the forty-plus year old well that services the dining hall, health office
and five other regions. The cost for the well might exceed $20,000. We have just received the necessary permits
so that we can get the job finished before the camp programs begin.
A reminder to parents - it’s not too late to register your children for summer programs! I would like to thank all the organizations
that continue year after year to support Garezers families with financial aid and scholarships. On the same
note, many thanks to all of you who contributed to the Annual Education Fund this year!
I have learned that the list of people who deserve gratitude for their work on behalf of Garezers is so long that it’s impossible
to name everyone. This is a GOOD problem! I only have room here to list a few. First, thanks to the three outgoing
board members: Martins Grendze, Peteris Lazdins and Ingrida Velkme. All three have earned some free time on
the weekends! Thanks also to Martins Putelis and Karlis Vizulis, who have agreed to continue serving on the board,
and to our newest board members Franz Bauer, Andris Lizenbergs and Katrina Pipasts.
Many thanks to Ilze Antons, Sandra Robeznieks and Ruta Vitands for organizing another successful “Dailas damas”
ladies’ retreat, and to Karina Hazners for organizing the first annual Garezers Walkathon. Both events have generated
substantial donations for Garezers!
On the front cover you’ll notice a photo of Zigurds Riders, head of the Daugavas Vanagi, handing Board President Karlis
Vizulis a check for $25,000 - a donation to complete the construction of the third lakeview cabin “Vanagi.” We are
grateful to DV for their support and look forward to future collaboration.
I would personally like to invite each of you to visit Garezers this summer! You’ll have the chance to see all of our new
developments first-hand. After all, our goal is to create a beautiful place for our youth and visitors to experience Latvian
education, culture and society. I encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities, at the 45th Anniversary
Celebration and throughout the summer.
See you at Garezers!
Andrejs Dumpis
Executive Director
Gaŗezera ziņas
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