Forest Hills Association

PRESIDENT'S CORNER

Mar 06, 2001

It's always so hard to come up with the first line: My fellow Americans ... (no, that's been done), My dear and loyal, subjects ... (nah, 'dear' doesn't work), Greetings Earthlings... (has a nice ring to it). Well, anyway...

Your Forest Hills Association Board -is hard at work this year on several fronts:

COMMUNITYAFFAIRS. We tend to have several remodeling projects going on at any one time in Forest Hills and it helps to pay attention to these projects as they progress to insure that work is being performed in compliance with city codes and our PDD setbacks. Several neighbors called to express concern about a couple of ongoing redo's which they felt did not meet the required setback. The board contacted city building officials and Mary Poss. One of the projects was permitted pre-PDD and the other has been issued a "stop work order" for violating the setback, thanks to those folks who voiced their concern. The Board is continuing to meet with Code Compliance officials regarding neighbor-hood improvement and we'll keep you posted on our progress.

I met with Vikkie Martin of the Ferguson Road Initiative (FRI) this week to discuss several objectives of their group and how it will affect Forest Hills. We plan to participate in a neighborhood cleanup with the FRI "Weed & Seed" Litter Cleanup on March 24 - see details on the back page calendar.

I believe we will see a marked improvement of the area as FRI works to reduce crime, cleanup the neighborhoods, create a strong coalition of neighborhood groups and develop community revitalization plans. Ms. Martin thanked those Forest Hills residents, Clayton Devin, Margaret Smith, and Tommy Johns among others, who have worked with FRI in years past. FRI is currently looking for a representative from Forest Hills to serve on the FRI Steering Committee which meets bimonthly on the second Monday. Please call me if you are interested in this important position.

SERVICE LEAGUE - These guys/gals know how to throw a Holiday Party - the red Ferrari door prize was a huge hit (and a surprise to our Treasurer)-l only wish y'all could have been there! We did have about 150 neighbors attend and I think everyone had a great time - it was nice to see new faces mingling with the old guard. And you can't go wrong with Santa and a train. The Service League is currently planning a special Fall neighborhood event, and is currently kicking around location ideas- please call them with any thoughts you may have.

You will also find details on the front page of this newsletter about our 1st Annual Forest Hills White Rock Golf Tournament on May 4. This will certainly be a lot of fun, and we hope you can bring every golfer you know out to Tenison.

SANGER ELEMENTARY- Max Hardesty is hard at work raising money for a track at Sanger. It may be cheaper just to give him the money instead of buying the candy bars he's pushing. This guy has no mercy. Mary Preussel is ramrodding the Sanger Preschool PTA group and bringing in A-List speakers to boot. If you get a chance, stop by Sanger and ask to volunteer. They really appreciate our help.

ANNUAL MEETING - I hope everyone can attend our Annual Meeting at Lakewood Country Club on Thursday evening, February 22. In addition to our illustrious guest, Mayor Pro-Tem Mary Poss, we, will be hearing from our Committee Chairs and will, as always, be soliciting feedback from you for ideas to keep Forest Hills "Forest Hills". Our attendance at neighborhood events has been increasing over the last few years and let's hope the trend continues. Your participation in the Forest Hills Association, both as a dues-paying resident and event attendee, is vitally important to the neighborhood. See you on the 22nd...

Robert Shive