Last Update: 06/09/2008

Oakridge Neighborhood March Article

by Mark Monroe, ONA President

E-mail address: mtmonroe@msn.com

Well, well, well! I thought my days of writing articles for the ONA were over. But, by the good graces of my mother-in-law and my seemingly sparse free-time, I have accepted the challenge of being the ONA president for this year. As many of you know, I always discuss how the family is doing because after serving as a council member for this area as a council member, I’ve met many, many people who know Tami, Hunter and Case, and I wanted you to know they are doing extremely well. Both boys are growing extremely strong and eating me out of house and home.

I’ve always held the ONA with highest regards. There are few and far between associations that are not mandatory associations which carry close to 50 % membership. This truly speaks volumes of the people who are dedicated to insuring our neighborhood is a safe, friendly environment for family and friends. A great example of this is our past executive officers of the ONA from Nelson Prater to Mike Dollar. They have been committed and visionary in making our neighborhood what it is today. Many thanks to these gentlemen for leading us in the right direction.

Our current board consists of seasoned veterans and some newcomers like myself, James Chanez, Kim Fentress. I am excited to be working with these people because they are truly people who make things happen. I have some goals and objectives for the next year for the ONA, but the most important goal of the association is to continue the implementation of the neighborhood vitality grant. I will be setting up a committee that includes Mike Dollar, Keith Engler, and someone soon to be named . . . . . Most likely the person who doesn’t show up to the next board meeting. This committee is very important as Mike started the neighborhood vitality process last year and it is important for us to keep continuity for this program. For next month’s article I will elaborate on the goals and objectives for the ONA for the next year.

By the time you are reading this, we are in the process of or finishing up our neighborhood block parties. I was excited to see these events return this year because our family had a tremendous time at our block party two years ago, and we have to remember this association was formed to promote our neighborhood by providing maintenance to our landscapes and an outlet for family and friends to come together.

I look forward to visiting with you throughout the next year and if you have questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Mark Monroe