Skidaway Community Institute

FAQ’s Regarding Merger with The Learning Center of Senior Citizens, Inc.

 

 

WHAT

  • What is the merger and what does it entail?

The Skidaway Community Institute is merging its entire operation and assets with The Learning Center of Senior Citizens, Inc.  All future curriculum planning, marketing, offerings, community events and administrative operations will be under the auspices of Mr. Roger Smith, Director of The Learning Center (TLC) and Mrs. Patricia Lyons, President of Senior Citizens, Inc.

 

  • What will this new organization be called?

The Skidaway Community Institute (SCI) name will no longer be used.  Having two “SCI”s would be too confusing.  All programs under this combined organization will be under “The Learning Center of Senior Citizens, Inc.” For simplicity, we will refer to this organization simply as “TLC” in the Q’s and A’s.

 

WHY

  • Why is this merger with TLC taking place?

There are several key benefits with this merger:

      • Both organizations will eliminate duplicative efforts and expense in curriculum planning, marketing, event management, administrative overhead, and other costs incurred in running two separate organizations with exactly the same mission.
      • The combined organization will provide a more comprehensive set of offerings with a choice of locations for all members.
      • The combined organization will adopt the best practices of each original organization improving the operation and providing better services to the membership.

 

WHEN

  • When will the organizations merge?

The announcement of this merger is taking place in late April 2010. However, the financial transfer of assets and dissolution of the Skidaway Community Institute will occur in two phases: 

        1. at the end of SCI’s fiscal year on June 30, 2010.  At that time all Skidaway Community Institute’s physical assets and most financial assets will be transferred to Senior Citizens, Inc.  
        2. at the end of SCI’s fiscal year on June 30, 2011.  During the fiscal year from July 1, 2010 until June 30, 2011, the Skidaway Community Institute will complete its financial obligations (e.g., tax filing) and oversight of the merged operation.  The remaining assets will transfer to Senior Citizens, Inc. on June 30, 2011.  At that time, the Skidaway Community Institute, Inc. will be dissolved.

 

  • Should I renew my membership with the Skidaway Community Institute if it has expired?

After SCI completes the spring program, no further registrations or memberships will be accepted.  All future registrations, memberships, operations and management will be done through TLC.

 

HOW

  • How will this new organization work?

TLC will create a “multi-campus” curriculum.   The “Wednesday learning immersion” at the Bull Street location will continue and a new “Monday learning immersion” will be introduced on Skidaway Island.   Offerings may not be limited to these two days at either location.

 

  • Will the offerings be the same at the two campuses?

No.  The offerings will be unique at each campus.  It is hoped that Skidaway Island residents will attend the Wednesday programs at the Bull Street campus and the downtown members will come to Skidaway Island for programs on Mondays.

 

  • What does this mean regarding my SCI membership?

All memberships in the Skidaway Community Institute expire by June 30, 2010.  You will be asked to purchase an annual TLC membership to participate in any TLC offering starting with their summer program.  If you happen to be a member of The Club at Senior Citizens, Inc., your membership is good until the anniversary date of that purchase.

 

  • How much does it cost to be a member of TLC?

TLC will offer a membership for each person (no “family membership”) that is for 12 months from the date you sign up. This annual membership fee is $75.00 and will cover the fixed cost overhead of running the organization. 

 

  • Will this membership fee be tax deductible as it is today for the Skidaway Community Institute?

Many free classes and services will be included in the TLC membership.  Therefore, this membership is NOT considered a donation and will not be tax deductible.

 

  • Will the offerings be free with the membership?

Each offering price will usually be set according to the underlying program expense.  There will be many programs “free to members” and they will be listed in the catalog.

 

  • How will I be kept informed about programs and other offerings?

The current mailing lists of both organizations are being combined, so if you have received information from either organization in the past, you will continue to do so through email and/or printed programs. In addition, the TLC website through  www.seniorcitizens-inc.org provides up-to-date information on all programs.

 

  • Can I register for offerings on-line using my credit card?

TLC will provide shopping cart capability so that you may register and pay for offerings online.  You will be able to link to the shopping cart through www.seniorcitizens-inc.org or may link directly through www.skidawayci.org/tlc/home.php. You may also mail your registration with your check to TLC at Senior Citizens, Inc., 3025 Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31405.

 

  • How will the interests and expectations of Skidaway Island residents be represented this new organization?

They will be represented in three ways:

        1. by resident participation in curriculum planning,
        2. by Allison R. Smith, our current Event Manager continuing as the Marketing and Program Coordinator for all activities that occur on Skidaway Island, and
        3. by a small “Oversight Committee” of current SCI board members who will  ensure a successful transition for the first year of joint operation.

 

WHERE

 

  • Where will programs and courses be offered?

As in the past, the plan is to hold programs on Skidaway Island at the Skidaway Island Presbyterian Church, unless otherwise noted. Should you want to attend programs at Senior Citizens Inc., most are offered at their 3025 Bull Street location at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Bull Street.