Editorial Comments

By Katie Shepherd

 

 

            ~ Another month- another edition- and yet here I sit wondering what words of wisdom I might offer you this month. Ok, so maybe “wisdom” isn’t exactly the right word for the ramblings I put you through each month, but nonetheless as my thoughts find their way to this column I do hope that you the reader are able to take something useful from it. What is it they say, “Nothing Good Comes Easy!” Certainly anyone that has ever been involved in a worthy project knows that to be all too true. As you can imagine turning this paper out each and every month is anything BUT easy!!!

 

            Before you say to yourself—“Oh here she goes again” hear me out. Anyone -- and I do mean anyone -- that has ever been involved in a good cause knows better than most how hard it can be to get others on board. Ask any scout leader how much of the work falls in the lap of just a few.  Ask your church what percentage of the congregation can be counted on to lend a hand. Ask any school teacher (especially in the upper grades) how many parents step up to help --- not just with the cool trips or fun activities, but rather with the everyday time consuming tasks. Certainly those neighbors that band together each month for the good of the neighborhood know all too well how hard of a goal this can be. While other communities have HOA’s dictating their every move- the Heights chose instead to establish a committee built on friendships. “Friends of The Heights” is an important element in distinguishing our neighborhood as an organized community- one worthy of perks, recognition and similar benefits enjoyed by the organized communities all around us.

 

            Running a nonprofit I know first hand the challenges that come with not only building a good cause but keeping it fueled as well. A favorite saying in the head lice community is “You have to walk the walk to appreciate the need for more proactive measures.” To some extent many of these same principles are seen within our neighborhood- when a problem directly impacts you or your family it is easy to stand up and scream “No Way --not in our neighborhood!” Thank goodness for that because it does help to move mountains. The problem however comes when after the crusade, we fade into the woodwork until the next inconvenience steps on our toes- happy instead to float through life, without a care in the world as to what is happening around us. That is until something changes that we don’t agree with. Our immediate reaction is to question how such a thing could occur. After all surely someone did something to prevent it- Right?? SOMEONE----—just not necessarily us!

 

            Our neighborhood, however, consists of some 1500 homes—even 10% of that population would bring out 150 homeowners, yet did you realize that most decisions are made by fewer than 20 people. You heard me twenty people—OR LESS--- making decisions that directly impact you the homeowner. Oh, it’s easy to sit back and just let it happen when it’s a non issue type decision like- whether or not to add disposable collection bags to our walkways so our neighbors can pick up their dog droppings. Or which Saturday in May we should hold our annual picnic.  But, what if that decision had a greater impact on your life? What if instead it was to ban all trucks from the neighborhood- or, God forbid, to ban all Holiday decorations?  What would you do then? Who would you blame if you didn’t agree?? After all we were all offered the same opportunity to be a part of our community.

 

            Over the last few months the Board has worked diligently to revamp our By-Laws as they look to make changes that will better exemplify the goals and responsibilities of the Board. They look, too, to reaffirm basis guidelines within our neighborhood. Imagine for just a moment that instead of asking for a mere $100.00 a year annual donation from each homeowner- a donation that helps to ensure continued improvements within our neighborhood- the board instead established a quarterly fee of $100.00 or $150.00. Would you blindly pay the money and accept the fact that to live in any community requires some financial outlay, in order to maintain a certain level of tranquility? Or would you instead scream “How is this possible? Who decided this and what gives them the right?” Decisions such as these are rarely built in a moment. That is why we hold monthly meetings allowing each homeowner to express their opinions and ideas.

 

            As we wrap up yet another year I encourage each of you to reflect back on the past year and ask yourself if you have done your share in making The Heights a better place to live. After all, don’t we all benefit (in oh so many ways) from the peace of mind that comes with living in a safe, friendly and family orientated environment? Please make your New Years Resolution one that you can be proud of- Remember charity begins at home---Make a point of giving back to your neighborhood.

 

            ~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.