Lets talk about a new subject! I have been talking with some of the old crowd that use to be involved in the starting of Historic Kenwood. Its strange in hearing how upset they are because after all these years they feel
un-welcome at the meetings. Many of them worked hard on the building in the park, or helped install signs, planted bushes, and helped in other areas of making this a nice place to live. They laugh at how the gardening club gives away an award to non members who add some plants and let them die. Why so they might join the assoc! How many of them do? But the other homeowners who slave in trying to make their yard a show piece never get looked at. Shame on you! There are some very pretty yards in this neighborhood and most of you never even see them. The thing that bothers me is the unwelcome part. In my day we treated people with respect. There are many people in this neighborhood that go beyond being a nice person. They assist us old folks in our yard and on our homes and they never ask for anything in return. Does the assoc see them NO! And why you might ask cause you all got your head up your ass! Get out of the car you hide in every day and walk around the area! Look at their homes and yard. Talk to them you just might find that there are nice folks out there to help you. I know i did and I've been watched over all this time. If my mother was alive today she would all put you over her knee and tan your back sides... Gladice

By A little old Lady

AH! The Glory Days.

I agree with a lot of what you say. Although, the tone may be alittle strong. I know people get fed up with things. Sometimes they feel unwelcome. I wish all were treated with respect. However, except for the porch parties, these are public meetings, in a public building. The Association has some clubs in it, but its not a ''club'' itself. It's not supposed to be
''fun time''. If you want to be involved and make a difference, the meetings are open and all should come.
As for the gardening club, as well as the good neighbor, if you know of someone deserving, nominate them. I can't tell you how many times I've heard the call at the meetings or read in the newsletter those asking for names or homes of deserving neighbors. How many of these people you mention have you put forth for recognition?
You mention a lot of projects we did in the old days. I was there for all of them. I too wish we would do more like them. Seems now we spend most of our time preparing for Bungalowfest.
As for your mother, after she washed out you mouth for your choice of words, she would probably chastise you for quiting. Only those who stay involved can change things. I have many times not gotten my way. I have been outvoted on more than one occasion. I have also seen people roll their eyes when I raise my hand. But to go away and let the ones that make you feel uncomforatable rule the roost leaves you with nothing to do but complain and reminisce about the good old days.

By Bill H.

Hey Sonny!

My mother would have said the same thing ''God bless her soul''! I'm not one who quits, not yet anyway. The only ''club'' I see is the one they use on some folks who try to help correct problems, but then get hung fore doing so. Back in my day Pa would take you out behind the wood shed, and show you what it meant to respect others. Maybe Old pa need to do that again to some. If back when you were younger and you had projects to bring the folks together maybe you need to start them again. By helping your neighbors work in their yards or work on there homes. Form paint parties, or parties to help others improve their house The must be lots of knowledge in all the neighbors who would be happy instead of winning about it to help them improve it. There is no unity or team ideas in the place anymore Everyone just works comes homes closes the door and blocks out what is happening in the neighborhood. The only thing now adays that upsets me more than most is those folks who like to park in the right-of-way and their front yard! It makes the area look like a slum. Gladis

Thanks!

As I've just turned 40, it is refreshing to be called ''Sonny''.
As for not quiting, what would you call it? How many of these things you wish would happen, have YOU organized? Have you tried, or are you all thumbs(green, that is)? As for correcting problems, all have different ways and toes are bound to be stepped on. You can't be afraid of that. You need to be a true ''czar'' about it. As for car parking, it's been my pet peeve for years. Boy, oh boy, son of a beach, that idea is ''golden''. So much so that it one of those things that causes the eyes to roll whenever I bring it up. Unless enough people help to push the issue at the meetings and to our CPO, nothing will change. But, I am still trying. Can you still say the same?

By Bill H.