Oasis nonprofit installs new president

The oversized check outgoing Friends of Oasis President Ed Romeo and Treasurer John Kraus handed Newport Beach Mayor Steve Rosansky at an installation ceremony Friday was not real, but every cent of its $1 million value was.

It represented the amount spent by the nonprofit support group on Oasis Senior Center programs and services during Romeo’s and Kraus’ tenure, which ended today with the induction of several new board members and new President Evelyn Hart.

“Devoted volunteers like these are what really makes this city go,” Rosansky said, gesturing to the group of incoming and outgoing board members. “Oasis fills a very important role for our seniors through the programs they offer, keeping them healthy, both physically and mentally.”

Though state Sen. Tom Harman was unable to attend because of a family illness, District Officer Cynthia Determan represented him at Friday’s gathering, also expressing the senator’s gratitude for the support the center provides to the community.

Sitting at her desk in the President’s Office for the first time, Hart said she didn’t have any “big plans” for the center as it commemorates its 30th anniversary, hoping to keep up the momentum set by her predecessor.

“When he stepped in, he brought Oasis membership together and increased it significantly, giving us a sense of comfort that this is a really fun place to go,” Hart said. “Ed has brought us to where we are today.”

After being honored as Newport Beach’s Citizen of the Year last month, Hart was chosen as president based on her experience and commitment to the community.

“Evelyn Hart was selected because of her past experience, her competencies and her vast contact in the community,” Romeo said. “I mean everybody knows who Evelyn Hart is, and we’re very fortunate to be able to have a person of her stature to take the presidency of the Friends of Oasis.”

Hart will also continue to serve as co-chairwoman for the Oasis Building Fund Committee, and plans to focus her attention on the planned renewal of the facility. The Friends, through a partnership with the city and Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, is set to begin a community outreach campaign in fall and a fundraising campaign early next year.

Leaving his position as treasurer, John Kraus left a $36,000 budget surplus in his place, and will continue as a skipper for the Oasis Sailing Club and member of the board of directors and building fund board.

He will be replaced by John Whitney, while other new board members include Jeff Gwin, Rosemary Hurley, Oakley Jordan, Ken Nottle, Doris Sommers and Don Spitz.