Consent Item 4j
STAFF REPORT
City Council Consent Item
DATE: May 20, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Jennifer Lourenzo, Conference Center Manager
THROUGH: Merritt Perry, City Manager
SUBJECT: River Lodge Conference Center and Fortuna Monday Club Monthly Report for April 2024
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Receive report as an informational item.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The River Lodge and Monday Club held a total of 35 events in the month of April.
There were two Chamber luncheons held at the Monday Club, three baby showers and one memorial. April was the beginning of the First 5 Playgroup at the Monday Club. The playgroup will take place on Thursday and Friday of each week.
CalFire held a two-day training at River Lodge for unit chiefs in the Northern California and Southern Oregon areas. CalFire is so appreciative of the space here at River Lodge. The event even made the evening news. There was a vendor present who had a drone that was capable of dropping dragon eggs, or fire balls into an area, to start back fires. CC Catering catered a dinner on the first day of the training.
Fortuna Sunrise Rotary held their annual Rotary Dinner and Auction with 280 attendees. Our community was very generous with donations this year, making the event extremely successful.
The group has already set aside a date for next year.
The Buckeye Conservancy held their annual fundraiser event. This also serves as a meeting for their new members. They had a good turnout with 200 attendees. The Buckeye was formed in 2000 by a group of landowners. The group has a goal to promote good stewardship of working lands while raising awareness of the pressures forcing families off the land. With an open and inclusive approach, The Buckeye seeks common sense solutions that will strengthen the economic and ecological sustainability of working landscapes.
Providence/St. Joseph held their annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at River Lodge.
Rio Dell/Scotia Kiwanis held their second annual Bingo night at River Lodge. There was an amazing turnout of people. The funds raised go towards buying Christmas gifts for kids in need, in the towns of Rio Dell and Scotia.
Consent Item 4j
For many years, River Lodge has been the location for the Fortuna High School prom. The students always have an incredible time and this year was no different.
Sally Frey is one of three women who do quilting retreats here at River Lodge. Two out of three quilters have done them annually and we are looking forward to a new quilter having her retreat in May. The quilting retreats are 3 days of sewing, food and fun. There is even a fabric shop, Stitch from Ferndale, who sets up fabric and sewing notions for sale, on the stage area. There is always a good turnout, anywhere from 40-60 women come and enjoy themselves at the River Lodge.
Massages are available to quilters while they are here.
Soroptimists International of the Eel River Valley, or SIERV, held their annual Tea Party and Fashion Show at River Lodge. SIERV contributes to awards and scholarships for women and girls. The goal is to provide access to education and training that women need to achieve economic empowerment. (pictured below)
Fortuna Union High School held the third annual Bridging Connections Career Day. This gives students a chance to participate in a mock job interview with local business owners and county employees. The students then receive feedback on how they performed.
The FUHS Safer and Sober committee held a dinner and auction at River Lodge. Proceeds go towards an after graduation party at the Bear River Recreation Center.
Kathi Wingo of Humboldt Travelers was back at River Lodge. Kathi holds three meetings a year at River Lodge, showcasing travel packages all over the world for people who are interested.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
Receive River Lodge & Monday Club Monthly Report. Consent Agenda vote.