KEEP UP WITH THE ISSUES AND LEADERS IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Thursday, January 9
The West County Forum is excited to have a presentation from Sustainability Advisors with Republic Services during the January 9th Forum. Not only will we hear some history about Republic Services, but we will also learn the nuances about how to properly dispose of items, to include whether in the trash, recycling bin, in a compost bin, or other methods.
Ruthie Abelson Olivas
West County Forum Secretary
On December 12th, the Forum was honored to have Jim Becker, the CEO and President of RCF (Richmond Community Foundation) Connects as our final guest speaker of 2024. He discussed end-of-year giving tips and tools, as well how community foundations like RCF can support individuals and companies increase the impact of their philanthropy. Elections for the 2025 Board of Directors and a vote on a bylaw change were also held. Both the bylaw change and the following members were approved, by a unanimous vote, to serve on the 2025 Board of Directors.
West County Forum Board of Directors
Cristina Perez-Abelson, President
Vera Rowsey, Vice President
Ruthie Abelson Olivas, Secretary
Tiffany Harris, Co-Treasurer
Anita Mermel, Board Member
Joy Okpa, Co-Treasurer
Jim Cowen, Board Member
Rolanda Wilson, Board Member
Ruthie Abelson Olivas
West County Forum Secretary
Thursday, December 12
The West County Forum is honored to have Jim Becker, the CEO and President of RCF (Richmond Community Foundation) Connects as our final guest speaker of 2024 on December 12th. He will discuss end-of-year giving tips and tools, as well how community foundations like RCF can support individuals and companies increase the impact of their philanthropy.
ALSO ON THE DECEMBER 12th AGENDA
Paid 2024 West County Forum members will also have the opportunity to vote for the 2025 West County Forum Board of Directors (BOD). The nominating committee has been working hard to come up with a list of potential candidates to be considered. Candidates may also be nominated from the floor or voted via ballot write-ins. Additionally, members will vote whether to pay for a nominal amount to cover the cost of lunches at monthly BOD meetings. 2025 annual membership dues are now being accepted. Please bring a check (made payable to “West County Forum”) or cash for $60 to cover both your annual dues of $30 and the cost for the luncheon of $30.
Ruthie Abelson Olivas
West County Forum Secretary
On November 14th, the Forum was lucky to be joined by journalists from the new local publication, Richmondside. Kari Hulac, Editor-in-Chief, and Joel Umanzor, Reporter. Hulac and Umanzor gave us a post-election analysis as well as some background about this new local publication. It was a lively presentation and conversation with our speakers and guests.
Ruthie Abelson Olivas
West County Forum Secretary