Franklin Estates Residents Association

July 2003 Newsletter - Announcing E-Directory Launch!

Jul 06, 2003

July 2, 2003


Dear Neighbors:


Happy 4th of July! We hope that you and your families are enjoying vacations, outdoor activities, and the many other fun things that accompany warm summer days! Have a safe holiday weekend!

Welcome to Franklin Estates!

We welcome our newer members to FERA:

Jimmy and Sora Park of Mt. Vernon
Saul Solomon and Nancy Solomon of Lexington
Dino and Debbie Damico of Mt. Vernon
Kris and Renae Macurdy of Jefferson

We also welcome the new little arrivals who have made their way into our neighborhood! It?’s great to see all of the pink and blue balloons announcing the arrival! Congratulations!

FE Expansion

Thank you again to all who responded to our request for opinions regarding your desire for a park in the neighborhood. Of approximately 25 people who responded, a majority are in favor of a small, municipal park that will provide for recreation in our plan. As the FERA Board continues to work with Murrysville Council and IDC (developer of Franklin Estates) on any future development plans, we will ensure that green space and a park are considered for the benefit our neighborhood. Additionally, as more information becomes available regarding any proposals from IDC, we will continue to update you.

FERA 2003 Directory

We are currently in the process of updating the FERA Neighborhood Directory. In order to ensure that information is accurate in this year?’s edition, please inform us if there are any changes you would like to have made. Please reference your 2001 Directory and/or 2002 Addendum. If there are any changes regarding family members or email addresses, please request a Change Form by emailing franklinestates@hotmail.com

Additionally, please inform us if you have any family members who are interested in pet sitting or babysitting. We will be starting those lists from scratch, so only if you express an interest in either of those activities will you be listed as such in the 2003 Directory.

We need any updates by August 1st! Thanks for your help!


The Launch of an E-Directory

On a similar note, this year we will be launching an E-Directory instead of the traditional paper copy. Thankfully, with heavier reliance on computerized technologies, we believe that an E-Directory will help to streamline the process and provide an opportunity to get quality, updated information into your hands more readily.

The benefits of an E-Directory include the following:

1. No cost in publication/photocopying

2. No administrative time in copying, collating, figuring out who gets a ?‘free?’ copy (FERA members have traditionally received a free copy; while non-member residents paid)

3. No depletion of FERA?’s funds, in any manner, to off-set any update or full directory costs

4. No need to solicit advertisers to fund the publication

5. No delivery of directories to new members by FERA officers, which often results in a wet copy if not properly bagged against the weather as it hangs on the door.

6. Directories could be copied onto FE residents?’ hard drives which would eliminate people misplacing their copy and requesting another

7. Hard copies of directories could be printed from residents?’ computer if they wanted a hard copy versus e-copy

8. More timely updates could be sent out electronically (annually, quarterly, semi-annually, etc.) verses waiting every 2 years for a full directory

Again, this year, we will launch a strictly electronic directory. Due to the sensitivity of the information contained in the directory, it is not secure to put the information on our website. However, an E-Directory will be sent via email to all whom we have email address for. Just as with our paper version, the caveat still exists that recipients of an E-Directory are expected to use the information for their own exclusive, personal information, and not forward any of the contents electronically to those outside of FE.

For the few neighbors who don?’t have email access, accommodations can be made by either having them ask a friend/neighbor print them a copy, or having them pay for the cost of printing a traditional paper copy from the copy center.


Garage Sale

Are old toys, sports equipment, and furniture piling up in your basement? Want to get rid of those items and make a little cash? We need 2 coordinators to help organize this year?’s Fall garage sale. Please express your interest by emailing Monica Diacopoulos at franklinestates@hotmail.com

Vandalism Report

Two minor incidents were reported in the neighborhood. Recently, a neighbor had eggs thrown at her house, and another has had her flower tops pulled off consistently. The pesky squirrels are not to blame regarding the later incident; as the homeowner is quite the floral expert. She clearly feels the damage is kids not animals.

Work at the Mt. Vernon Entrance to FE

Thanks to all neighbors who volunteered their time and effort to fix the lamps at the Mt. Vernon/Jefferson entrance. The construction workers accidentally cut the gas line that powered the lights. Not only did we not have gas leading to the lamps, but the mantels were no longer working. However, we now have the gas back on, the billing issues resolved, and the lamps working! A special ?‘thanks?’ to Betty Male, Fred Holcomb, Tom McLaughlin and Sharky Hozempa for helping to get this resolved! Thank you also to Tom McLaughlin and Clarence Anderson (who live on the corner lots at that entrance) who have been doing routine maintenance, cleaning, and changing of the mantles!

Franklin Estates?’ Moms

We are launching FE Moms, a group dedicated to creating positive support for moms of children, ages infant through pre-school. FE Moms will offer a variety of weekly playgroups, moms?’ night out, and much more!

For Summer 2003, we will meet weekly at a different local park beginning in mid-July. Older siblings are welcome to attend. Even if you work during the week, please consider joining us, as there are events that are also held in the evenings and on weekends! This is an opportunity for you and your kids to met people in your ?“own backyard!?” Please join us! Email franklinestates@hotmail.com for information, or phone Monica Diacopoulos at 724-327-6568.


Please Drive Slowly - Kids are Playing!

Happy 4th of July & have a Happy Summer!




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