Editorial Comments

By Katie Shepherd

 

 

            ~What a crazy month this has been, yet as I sit before my computer I am at a loss for words of wisdom to share with you this month. Yes Brad you heard me right—ME at a loss for words, and while my dear husband thinks that is an impossibility I have to admit that, like everyone else, I too suffer from that occasional burn out. How fortune we are however to see so many new faces coming to help. From the newly formed mail train to our aggressive new steering committee, Heights residents are truly coming together for the good of our community.

 

            As a neighborhood we have many options. We can each buy into our own homes and live in our little cocoons- caring not about the people or the community around us or we can take pride not only in our own lives, but in that of our neighborhood and neighbors as well. Appropriately called “The Friends of the Heights”, the governing board is not here to dictate or to force their own interest upon Heights residents. Instead they are a voice for our community- the megaphone that makes our voices heard. Without such a unified voice, we as a neighborhood have little to no rights.

 

            Among the many items of interest is that of the “potential” boundary changes. OK so maybe “pending” would be a more appropriate word since the boundary committee has made it all too clear that they really don’t care what our opinions might be. They’ve made up their mind- it’s a numbers game with little to no interest in the lives of those it impacts. Whether or not you agree with such a boundary change isn’t the only issue at hand here. Equally important is the fact that decisions are being made that affect our lives and our community, without the opportunity to have a voice in it. Oh sure they had a public forum, but what’s the point when they have clearly indicated that they don’t care what our arguments might be- their minds are already made up. So again I ask, “What’s the point of a public forum”?

 

            Often times you’ve heard me comment on the need for everyone in our community to have a say in the issues that affect our neighborhood. “If you don’t take the time to be heard you --have no right to complain”!! That however, seems NOT to be the reality with the School Board’s Boundary Committee. Each and every meeting we have seen to it that we had representation present. We have taken the time to make our concerns- our voices heard. Regrettably however it appears that we have been talking to a brick wall on this issue. Issues that, once again, impact our children, our lives, and our community- even the future resale value of our homes. The right for our neighborhood to have a voice has been callously swept under the rug. It is not my intention to try and sway anyone one way or the other. I’m not going to debate the schools boards’ ultimate decision instead I’ll leave those duties to our steering committee. (Remember I’m the overwhelmed one!) What I do however what you to consider is that whether you are in favor of such a change or strongly opposed to it- we still live in a country where we should have a right to have our voices heard.  Each and every month as I have compiled profiles on our neighbors I ask “What was it that made you buy into the Heights?” Each month among the many answers, is one reply that has remained constant “Because I loved the schools”! Let’s not have that taken away from us because we are too busy or too overwhelmed to take the time to make our voices heard. Our newly formed steering committee is working diligently to let the school board know we won’t sit back, with our mouths closed, while they make decisions that impact our children. Do your part to help them out.

 

            ~A couple of years ago I shared with you our experiences in the Dominican Republic. I was delighted when I heard that fellow residents, Judy and Bob Carter, were so taken by my comments that they too decided to make a vacation out of it. Judy later thanked me for the recommendation stating that they not only had a great time (for a fantastic buy) but having recognized it as an up and coming vacation resort, they decided to invest in it as well. For those that don’t remember we found our dream vacation at www.cheapcaribbean.com . We stayed at Sun Village were we enjoyed an all inclusive vacation for a fraction of the cost of a vacation elsewhere. Summer is finally upon us and I’m sure many of you have some exciting vacations ahead of you. I once again ask that you take the time to share your family’s favorite vacation photos. Did you have a really great time?? If so tell others so that they too might enjoy similar vacations. Personally I have a lot of business trips ahead of me but even they might prove to be exciting, as some of them are to parts of the country that I’ve never been before. Beyond that we hope to get some cruise time in and “while the daughter’s in Mexico” practicing up on her Spanish- we hope to sneak out west for a little adult vacation. J Guess time will tell, but whatever we decide to do you can be sure that you will hear about it too!!

 

            ~ I’m sure many of you have noticed that there is a new artist on the prowl, which most of us could do without. Graffiti has been cropping up on fences, light poles even our streets. This kind of abuse of property is inexcusable. If you happen to notice this aspiring artist at work please notify the police as soon as possible. That way we can ensure that they also learn the fine art of clean-up!

 

            ~So as I wrap up this month edition of The Heights paper I (yes once again) challenge each of you to get involved. There are many ways in which to be apart of the community in which you live. Want to have a voice in the decisions that affect you? If so make point of coming out to of the many meetings that impact Heights residents. Can’t give up a week night but love the fun activities? Get involved with our activities director and help with the planning and /or preparation of Heights events- such as the annual picnic, egg hunt, 5Krun, neighborhood clean-up or a variety of others. Have some ideas for more activities? We’d love to hear from you. Not every event is created to satisfy the interest of each resident. It’s the variety that makes any good organization successful. Are you a walker that has a little extra time on their hands? The mail train is still looking for individuals to help distribute neighborhood alerts. Like the outdoors and a knack for handiwork? If so the sign committee needs you!!! Whatever your choice might be—the most important thing is that you do get involved- the key word here is to GET INVOLVED. If each resident took the time to do their part—no single task would become overwhelming for anyone else!!              

 

            ~Till next month, I once again challenge you to get involved, be kind to a neighbor, and most of all - I wish each of you a life filled with health, happiness, good fortune and peace.

 

 

To send your submissions, responses or request- email NPBHeights@bellsouth.net.