2023 Summer Issue Vistas

2023 Summer Newsletter Vol. 35

1973 From Left to Right, Front Row: Virginia Van Steenberg, Molly Denman Branton, Emily Denman Thuss, Luella Owen. Back Row: Gus Van Steenberg, Dr. Donald E. Everett, Sam Dibrell

It all began 50 years ago with the demolition of the beautiful and significant home on West French Place. This year is all about celebrating the achievements of those who laid the groundwork for our organization. Just think where we would be today if the Monte Vista Historical Association had not been established.

2023

From Left to Right, Gus Van Steenberg, Charles Thuss (son of the late Emily Denman Thuss), John Kuntz, Molly Denman Branton, Virginia Van Steenberg Photo by David Smith.

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2023 President’s Letter

CONTACT US Monte Vista Historical Association P.O. Box 12386 San Antonio, TX 78212 210-737-8212 Visit us at our website montevistasa.org E-mail mail@montevista-sa.org City of San Antonio Customer Service (7 am to 11 pm, 7 days a week) Dial 311 Councilperson Mario Bravo City Council District 1 Contact person: Anisa Schell Field Office 210-207-8253 Email anisa.schell@sanantonio.gov SAPD SAFFE Officer Jesse Armendariz 210-207-7413 Email Jesse.Armendariz@sanantonio.gov

MISSION STATEMENT “To encourage the preservation of

the

distinctive

heritage

of

the Monte Vista area; to keep the

physical

late

nineteenth-early

century

district

identity

of

this

twentieth

intact;

and

to

educate the public, especially the youth, with knowledge of our inherited

neighborhood

values

which contribute to a wholesome urban environment.”

Contributors

Lynn Boyd Robin Teague Trudy Kinnison Katharine Martin Lydia McAfee

Images

David Smith Lydia McAfee

For Advertising Info: mail@montevista-sa.org Vistas is the newsletter of the

Monte Vista Historical Association

Greetings to all Monte Vista Residents,

The first half of this year has been full of incredible achievements and remarkable milestones! We have had unprecedented participation from our membership this year to help celebrate the 50th year of Monte Vista Historic Association. It is a celebration that marks the grit and determination of our founding members and the stewards that have followed to bring our Historic Association into our 50th year.

Preservation is key to our mission statement and that is what this organization has fought to insure throughout the years. It is through the participation of our residents that this goal has been achieved for the past five decades.

Some of the highlights of the first half of the year include, Our Annual Easter Egg Hunt held on the grounds of Landa Library, a Past President’s Reception hosted by Lisa and Wade Caldwell at their East Kings Highway home where the past presidents were honored by the Association. Sold out Historic walking tours were conducted in March and May for interested participants. March, April, and May had Third Thursdays that our residents enjoyed: especially the stormy weather that Mother Nature provided on the roof top of the Bushnell, a collaboration with Landa Gardens Conservancy in May, and a special time in March at the home of Mickey Amaker on Ledge Lane.

As an Association we have several important events on the horizon. First and foremost is our 50th Jubilee which will be held on the 19th of October of this year.

This will be the fundraising event to celebrate the 50 years prior and the 50 years to come of Monte Vista Historical Association! We need our membership and residents to participate in this celebration to make it a financial success that propels us forward. The 4th of July parade and picnic at Landa Gardens will bring our community together to celebrate our country’s Day of Independence with friends and family.

In closing, I hope that all of us can find a way to be part of the fabric of our unique neighborhood that suits our individual and unique styles. We can accomplish so much when we join together for a common goal. I look forward to the months ahead and having the opportunity to see each and everyone of you involved in some way in this fantastic place that we call home.

Sincerely, Lynn Boyd III, President Monte Vista Historic Association, 2023

MONTE VISTA HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION 2023 OFFICERS President Lynn Boyd President-Elect Chris Scruggs Past President Toni Van Buren Treasurer Amanda Holmes Corresponding Secretary Mary Allen-Martin

BOARD MEMBERS Art Campsey David Smith Judy Warren Kathy Kennedy Kristin Kellum Mallory Baird Michele Giddens Peter Hugill Rick Wilson Robin Teague Sally Bullock Ann Van Pelt Tom Archer Fred Suchy Tony Garcia

ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS Ryan Reed Melody Hull Trudy Kinnison

OFFICE ADMIN Lydia McAfee Interested in being a part of the 2023 MVHA Board?

Call 210-737-8212 or email mail@montevista-sa.org for more information.

MVHA Office makeover in progress We have achieved great success in raising money to refresh our MVHA office with fresh paint, flooring, window coverings, and audio visual equipment to transform this former office space into a community resource that can be utilized by our membership and organizations that impact our association. Thank you to

the numerous neighbors that have donated big and small to this project. We are still a little shy of our goal so donations are still appreciated! Donations can be made by cash/check mailed to PO Box 12386, San Antonio, TX 78212 or through www.montevistasa.org/support.

Before

After

Before

After

Many thanks to Katharine Martin and Jill Torbert who have tackled going through files and archives to achieve some much needed organization to our record keeping.

Trinity University Urban Studies major Helen Perry is helping sort and organize 50 years’ worth of Monte Vista Historical Association’s meeting minutes, planning documents, photos, and so much more as a summer intern. A native of Oregon, Helen is also doing her own research this summer into San Antonio’s development. “I crave a deeper understanding of San Antonio and the histories that have created the place I

live in today,” says Helen, who will be a junior in the fall.

By the end of July, we hope to have established Monte Vista’s archives, complete with a catalog.If you would like to help with this project, email (katharinemmartin@gmail. com). Even an hour of your time putting house tour invitations into chronological order will be valuable.

Intern Helen Perry

Vistas is made possible by The John and Florence Newman Family Foundation. www.montevistasa.org

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Event honors Past Presidents and Founders

By Trudy Kinnison The 50th Anniversary of MVHA has been a perfect reason to contact all of the Past Presidents and the Founders of our association and honor them with a special spring garden party.

The gracious host on the first Sunday in May for this very special occasion was Past President Wade Caldwell and his wife, Lisa. A large 50th arrangement of gold balloons greeted the guests in the Caldwells’ front garden on W. Kings Hwy. The Monte Vista Historical Association’s Founders were 6 families who were neighbors in the early 1970’s.

They visited each other often and one of the topics of their conversations was a concern about the demolition of homes in the neighborhood. They specifically pointed to the 1973 demolition of the prominent Denman home at W. French and N. Main. From these conversations, frustrations became a neighborhood association that has grown and prospered for 50 years.

The founding families represented at our May celebration included Gus and Virginia Van Steenberg (1st President, 1973-1975); Molly Denman Branton; Charles Thuss, eldest son of founder Emily Denman Thuss (d); and John Kuntz. Unable to attend was Jack Juen.

The attending 22 Past Presidents and spouses, along with the founding families, and several major supporters of the association enjoyed a 50th anniversary cake and a champagne toast while discussing “the good old days.”

Past President Caldwell read the roster of Past Presidents from 1973 to 2023. Those deceased were honored by the tolling of a bell. Past Presidents attending received a certificate of appreciation for their service.

Tertia Emerson, also a Past President , received special recognition for 10 years of extraordinary service as Monte Vista’s administrator.

There was great congeniality among the guests and many warm friendships were renewed. The Monte Vista Historical Association thanks its founders and Past Presidents for 50 years of leadership and neighborhood involvement and looks forward to preserving Monte Vista for future generations.

The Monte Vista Historical Association 50th Anniversary Committee is grateful to Wade and Lisa Caldwell for honoring our past leadership with such an elegant event.

L to R: Dru Van Steenberg (2006), Virginia Van Steenberg (1973-1975), Gus Van Steenberg (1982), Lisa Caldwell

L to R: Irene Kissling (1988), Son John Kissling, Molly Branton & Nephew Charles Thuss

Wade Caldwell (2011) & Jane Lewis (2012)

L to R: Ann Van Pelt (2001), John McCusker, Vincent Johnson, Jill Torbert (1998)

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Past Presidents Trudy Kinnison & Paul Kinnison (1978) Arthur Emerson & Tertia Emerson (1987)

Cee Parker (2015), Dolly Holmes (2017), David Smith

Carol Estefan Swanson (2009)

John Kuntz (1979) & spouse Diane Abdo & Rick Noll (2008)

Ryan Reed (2019,2020) & Elizabeth Reed

Lynn Boyd (2023),Col. Dennis Behrens, Lisa Caldwell

Jacelyn Blanchard, Mike Balkum, Jerilyn Blanchard Toni Van Buren (2022)

Patty Jewett & Harry Jewett (1977)

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Virginia Van Steenberg 1973-1975 Mike Callaway / Sam Dibrell (d) 1976 Harry Jewett 1977 Paul Kinnison Jr. 1978 John Kuntz 1979 Tom Toudouze (d) 1980 Don Everett (d) 1981 Gus Van Steenberg 1982 Aloys J. Notzon III 1983 George Boyd 1984 Emily Thuss (d) 1985-1986 Tertia Emerson 1987 Irene Kissling 1988 Tim Turner 1989 Clyde Ellis (d) 1990 Robert A. Rose (d) 1991 Charles Tribolet (d) 1992 Loretta Behrens 1993 Frank Davila 1994 Brian D. Wright 1995 Lou Boffa 1996 Rick Noll 1997 Jill Torbert 1998 Marcus Weiser 1999 Roy Stewart (d) 2000 Ann Van Pelt 2001 Day McNeel 2002 Jose Rodriguez (d) 2003 Jean Brady 2004 Roy Stewart (d) 2005 Dru Van Steenberg 2006 Tim Henson (d) 2007 Rick Noll 2008 Carol Estefan Swanson 2009 Jeff Blanchard (d) 2010 Wade Caldwell 2011 Jane Lewis 2012 Linda Daniels 2013 Antonio Garcia 2014 Ernest Cee Parker 2015 Paula Bondurant 2016 Dolly Holmes 2017 Melody Hull 2018 Ryan Reed 2019-2020 Chris Berry 2021 Toni-Marie Van Buren 2022 Lynn Boyd III 2023 *(d) is deceased

Frank Davila (1994) & Kathy Davila

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March Third Thursday We had a great time at our March Third Thursday event at 22 Ledge Lane, the home of longtime resident Mickey Amacker. Guests enjoyed food & drinks on Mickey’s beautiful patio.

Photos by David Smith.

Ann Van Pelt OVER a QUARTER of a BILLION DOLLARS IN SALES Call me and I will be delighted to help you buy or sell.

Together we can be SUCCESSFUL. ANN VAN PELT REALTOR ®

www.montevistasa.org

MOBILE

Phyllis Browning Company

( 2 1 0) 8 4 4 -70 0 1

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April Happenings in Monte Vista We had a busy April in the neighborhood! Our Annual Easter Egg Hunt took place on April 8th at Landa Library. Over 2500 eggs were found by some very happy participants! Special thanks to Becky Kirbo & Amanda Holmes for planning the great event, Monte Vista Youth Commission & St. Anthony High School for sending students to help set up and all the amazing neighbor volunteers. We look forward to doing it again next year!

Photos by David Smith.

Our April Third Thursday was one to remember on the rooftop of the Bushnell Apartments. A storm rolled in just as guests were arriving. Neighbors toughed it out during the torrential downpour and still had a fun time (the margaritas definitely helped!). Special thanks to all of the volunteers for serving food & drinks, setting up & taking down and keeping spirits high.

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MVHA host tour group MVHA and the Garden Volunteers of South Texas (GVST) coordinated tours of two Monte Vista Gardens for Wisconsin’s Obrich Botanical Garden Tour Group on April 20th. Clay & Kim Cauthorn at 314 W Elsmere Place and Dick & Leith Negley at 325 W Lynwood were kind enough to open their homes for the tour. A luncheon was held at the Negley’s house after the tours for 50 very delighted visitors! Photos by David Smith.

1301 BELKNAP PLACE | MONTE VISTA 4 Bedrooms | 2.5 Baths | 4,106± Sq.Ft. | 0.28± Acre

Lynn A. Boyd III

GRI, REALTOR® 6061 Broadway San Antonio, Texas 78209 O (210) 824-7878 C (210) 863-5758 lboyd@phyllisbrowning.com

LIVING & SELLING in MONTE VISTA

B R I N G I N G H O M E R E S U LT S www.montevistasa.org

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G O L D E N J U B I L E E C E L E B R AT I O N for the M O N T E V I STA H I STO R I C A L ASS O C I AT I O N

sponsorship

G O L D E N J U B I L E E C E L E B R AT I O N for the VV E LJISSTA M O LNDTLEEN CRAAT L ASS GO U B I LH E EI STO C E LREI B I O NO C I AT I O N

sponsorship sponsorship

forName/Company the Name (as you wish it to appear) The Jubilee Celebration of the MVHA offers the opportunity to raise MContact O N TNamed E V I STA H I STO R I C A L ASS O C I AT I O N funds to preserve the integrity of this historic district. The proceeds will Address LEVELS allow to continue to educate the public Phonethe all-volunteer organization Email Name/Company Name (as you wish it to appear) about the and values of this unique time capsule of early 20th  I TA L I A Nbenefits R E V I VA L LEVELS Contact Named $25,000 century homes.

Your participation not only aforunique evening with Premier seating for 8; VIP reception for table host and guest; insures recognition on all MVHA materials one year; personal server for your Address table; premium champagne; eight Monte Vista Metals; eight Monte Vista glasses.

Name/Company Name (as you wish it to appear) Monte Vista neighbors and friends but also the assurance that historic Phone Email  S PANamed N I S H R E V I VA L Contact $10,000 preservation isVIPareception priority for our organization. In order to be listed as a Address Seating for table host and guests, recognition on all MVHA materials for six months; personal server for your  I TA L I A NforReight; E V I VA L table, premium champagne. sponsor please respond noEmail later than August 31, 2023. $25,000 Phone

Premier V I C TOseating R I A Nfor 8; VIP reception for table host and guest; recognition on all MVHA materials for one year; personal server for your table; premium champagne; eight Monte Vista Metals; eight Monte Vista glasses. $8,000  I TA L I A N R E V I VA L Seating for eight; VIP reception for table host and guests; recognition on all MVHA materials for three months.

PA N I S H R E V I VA L  S$25,000 Premier VIPL reception for table host and guest; recognition on all MVHA materials for one year; personal server for your $10,000 C L ASSseating I C A L for R E V8;I VA $5,000 table; premium eightfor Monte Metals; eight Monte Vista Seating for eight;champagne; VIP reception table Vista host and guests, recognition on glasses. all MVHA materials for six months; personal server for your Seating for eight; VIP reception for table host and guests; recognition on all MVHA materials for five months. table, premium champagne.  S PA N I S H R E V I VA L E ERNI AAN NN IQ CUTO  V$10,000 $3,000for eight; VIP reception for table host and guests, recognition on all MVHA materials for six months; personal server for your Seating $8,000 Seating for eight; recognition on all MVHA materials for two months. table, premium Seating for eight;champagne.

VIP reception for table host and guests; recognition on all MVHA materials for three months.

 C R A F TS M A N V LI$2,000 C TOIRCI A N  C ASS L R E V I VA L  $8,000 $5,000 Seating for eight; recognition in the magazine Vistas for one edition.

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Seating for for eight; eight; VIP VIP reception reception for for table table host host and and guests; guests; recognition recognition on on all all MVHA MVHA materials materials for for five three months.

Seating months.  I N D I V I D U A L T I C K E TS C $225.00 LUASS  Q E E NI CAANL NR E V I VA L  $5,000 $3,000  UNDERWRITING SPONSORSHIP Seating for for eight; eight; recognition VIP reception table host and guests; recognition Seating on for all MVHA materials for two months. on all MVHA materials for five months.

In lieu of sponsorship, please accept my 100% tax deductible donation of:

QRUAEFETS N MAANNN  C   Check enclosed payable to Monte Vista Historical Association. $3,000 $2,000 Mail to PO Box 12386, San Antonio, Texas 78212 Seating for for eight; eight; recognition recognition onthe all magazine MVHA materials forone twoedition. months.

Seating in Vistas for $  ICNRDAIFVTS  I DM U A LNTCharge I C K Emy TS credit card for a total of *  VISA  Mastercard  AMEX $2,000 $225.00 Seating for eight; recognition in the magazine Vistas for one edition. onECard UND RWRITING SPONSORSHIP  Name I Nlieu D I VofI D U A L T I C Kplease E TS accept my 100% tax deductible donation of:  In sponsorship, Credit Card # $225.00 Exp Date

CVV Code

Vista Historical Association.

NG Senclosed P O tickets N Spayable O R S HtoI PMonte  U N D E R W RI T ICheck Sponsorships and can be purchased through our website, Mail toplease PO Box 12386, Antonio, Texas 78212 In lieu of sponsorship, accept mySan 100% tax deductible donation of: montevistasa.org.

Credit Cards  Charge my credit card for a total of * can $ be taken over the phone by  Check enclosed payable to Monte Vista Historical Association.  VISA  Mastercard  AMEX calling 210-737-8212.

Checks/cash can be mailed to the Monte Vista Mail to PO Box 12386, San Antonio, Texas 78212 Name on Card  Charge my credit card for a total of * $ Historical Association, PO Box 12386, San Antonio, TX 78212. *If using a credit card, please add an extra 3% to cover the card charges.

Or you may go to the Monte Vista Historical Association website at montevista.org. Go to the Golden Jubilee tab to make your purchase online.

All proceeds benefit the Monte Vista Historical Association, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. A portion of your table sponsorship is tax deductible.

Credit Card #

Exp Date Name on Card

 VISA

 Mastercard

 AMEX

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CVV Code

*If using aCard credit#card, please add an extra 3% to cover the card charges.

Credit Or you may go to the Monte Vista Historical Association website at montevista.org. Go to the Golden Jubilee tab to make your purchase online.

www.montevistasa.org

Exp Date benefit the Monte VistaCVV CodeAssociation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. A portion of your table sponsorship is tax deductible.

All proceeds Historical *If using a credit card, please add an extra 3% to cover the card charges.

Or you may go to the Monte Vista Historical Association website at montevista.org. Go to the Golden Jubilee tab to make your purchase online.

All proceeds benefit the Monte Vista Historical Association, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. A portion of your table sponsorship is tax deductible.

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Upcoming Events

July 4th Parade & Picnic July 4 Reception at Trinity August 17 Walking Tour Sept 16 September Third Thursday Sept 21 142 E Summit Golden Jubilee Oct 19 Block on Agarita November Third Thursday Nov 16 139 Oakmont Holiday Party Dec 14 Location TBA Board Meetings, every second Tuesday of the Month @ 6pm MVHA Office at Landa Library & over Zoom Architectural Review Committee, every first Monday of the Month @ 6pm MVHA Office at Landa Library Sign up for our Monte Vista Monday Newsletter!

Email mail@montevista-sa.org or visit the home page of our website to sign up.

www.montevistasa.org

Show your love of Monte Vista with a 50th Anniversary yard sign!

Purchase at www.montevistasa.org or by mailing a check/cash to PO Box 12386, San Antonio, TX 78212. Please include your delivery address.

Advertising Available for Monte Vista Directory We are working on a new Directory for Monte Vista! The Directory is printed and mailed out to over 500+ members of the Monte Vista Historical Association every few years.

Advertisements available include Full Page Ad ($450) or a 1/3 Page Ad ($150). In addition, all buisness members are listed if you would like to sign up for a Business Membership. If you are interested in reserving a space, please email mail@montevista-sa.org.

MV Book for sale

Trinity University Press recently reprinted “San Antonio’s Monte Vista Architecture and Society in a Gilded Age” by Donald E. Everett. Books can be purchased for $20 at montevisasa.org.

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Quarterly Monte Vista Block Captain Report Welcome SAPD SAFFE Officer Jesse Armendariz III as the new SAFFE Officer for the Monte Vista Historic District. Actually, he has been one of two SAFFE Officers for the District, and now becomes the only SAFFE Officer for the District.

Call 911 for emergencies, including fires for which the SA Fire Department should respond. Call 210.207-7273 for nonemergencies. After those calls, you may, and should, make reports of all suspicious and criminal activity and persons to Officer Armendariz: SAFFE Officer Jesse Armendariz #184 San Antonio Police Department Central S.A.F.F.E. Officer 515 S. FRIO St. San Antonio, TX 78207 Office 210 207 7413 Work cell 210 394 9638

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Store the name, address and these numbers in your mobile phones and mobile phones used by your family.

Ask neighbors on your street/block to store the name of Officer Armendariz and these numbers in mobile phones they use.

Ask Officer Armendariz to follow up with you if you experience a recurring or ongoing problem.

Please call, text or email me to follow up on any suspicious or criminal activity or person with whom you come into contact. Thank you. – Robin Teague The Conservation Society of San Antonio offers competitive grants once a year for the restoration or rehabilitation of residential or commercial historic structures built in the past 50 years. Applications for the 2023 Building Grants begin August 1, 2023. Grants submission deadline will be September 29, 2023. To learn more information, visit https://www.saconservation.org/what-wedo/building-grants/

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CALENDAR

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID San Antonio, TX Permit No. 2614

Architectural Review Committee Send questions or requests for assistance to mail@montevista-sa.org. Consultation is online and by phone.

P.O. Box 12386 San Antonio, Texas 78212

MVHA Board Meetings In person and Zoom Meeting 2nd Tuesday of the month. 6:00 p.m.

Contact Lynn Boyd, President, to put an item on the agenda. Leave a message at 210-737-8212 or mail@montevista-sa.org.

Vistas is made possible

by The John and Florence Newman Family Foundation.

Thank you to HEB for their donation to our Easter Egg Hunt & 4th of July events.

Monte Vista Historical Association

2023 Membership Form Membership is valid for 365 days from date of payment.

Questions? Call 210-737-8212 or Email mail@montevista-sa.org Website: www.montevistasa.org

Pay online at www.montevista-sa.org or complete this form and mail check payable to the Monte Vista Historical Association, P.O. Box 12386, San Antonio, Texas 78212. Please print!

The newsletter of Monte Vista Phone 210-737-8212 Email mail@montevista-sa.org Interested in advertising in Vistas?

1/2 page ads - $500 1/4 ads - $250 Ads can be purchased on our website or checks mailed to MVHA.

Join online today at montevistasa.org

Date _______________________________________ 1st Member's Name _________________________ 1st Member's Phone _________________________ 1st Member's Email __________________________ Home Address & Zip Code___________________ ____________________________________________

Indicate:__Renewing Member or __New Member 2nd Member's Name________________________________ 2nd Member's Phone_______________________________ 2nd Member's Email________________________________ Mailing Address (if different) ________________________ ____________________________________________________

Membership and Sponsorship Categories Annual Member $50 per household $_______________ Sustaining Member $100 per household________________ $ Lifetime Member $1,000 per household________________ $ $ ________________ 5 Year Member $200 (2022-2026) Annual Business Membership $100 $________________ 5 Year Business Membership $500 (2022-2026)

_______________ _______________

________________

Business Name_________________________________

Business Website __________________________________

Business Contact Name_________________________

Business Address __________________________________

Founders Fund in memory/honor of $_______

_____________________________________________

Amount

__ Yes, include our household in the next printed membership directory, or __ No, please do not list my information in the directory.

LIST YOUR VOLUNTEER INTEREST __ Serve on the MVHA board __Host a Third Thursday Social at your home.

COMMITTEES __ Architectural Review __ Historic Preservation __ Social __Code Compliance __Membership __Home Tour __ Communications __ Neighborhood Safety and Services List a topic or activity for the MVHA board to pursue: ___________________________________________________