It’s election time for the new year and the new and returning officers are as follows:

President, Joaquin Garofalo; Vice President, Amberley Pyles; Secretary, Bonnie Anderson; Treasurer, Ann Carson

We appreciate all of the volunteers that give their time to serve the Neighborhood Association.

Our largest fundraiser is fast approaching. Dickens of a Dinner that is now combined with the Victorian Ball, is scheduled for December 12^th.

As many of you may have noticed, there is a new fence around the Preservation Station as part of our efforts to make the site a meeting area for the association. Part of this plan, is to split some of the costs with TACA, who own the Station. An agreement is being written that will clearly define both of our financial obligations so that there will be no misunderstandings. We hope to start next year on doing some gardening to enhance the space and make the exterior an option for outdoor meetings.

We have been notified that there will be a request for 119 Arno SE to issue a variance for surface parking on a temporary basis. Our goal has been to eliminate as many surface parking lots as possible, but this is how the lot is used currently and a change may provide an improved situation for the immediate neighbors. We still feel that surface parking lots attract a certain amount of undesirable activities, but we may be able to help both the developers and the Neighborhood

We held a very successful workday at the Preservation Station to get things in better shape for our neighborhood meeting place. There was cleaning, painting, wiring, organizing and the scraping of very many layers of old paint off of the tiles in the bay. We had some very tasty scones to start the day and Joaquin provided pizza and soft drinks for the crew’s lunch. He is also looking into an easier way to remove the many layers of paint from the tiles in the bay. Despite all the hard work, we had a wonderful time and look forward to our partnership with TACA

The Board convened at 6:40 PM on March 3, 2009, at the Huning Highland Preservation Station and Community Center on Coal Street.  Minutes from the last meeting on February 3 were approved.

President Joaquin Garofalo reminded the Board that the deadline for the next newsletter is March 13 and that newsletters will be ready for volunteer distributors to pickup at his house on March 20.  The next monthly meeting of the Board will be on April 7 at 6:30 at the Community Center on Coal and the neighborhood will be invited.  While the current signage on this building will remain, TACA will allow us to add a smaller sign for the Community Center.  Extra chairs will be available and neighbors are encouraged to bring their ideas for neighborhood improvement. Joaquin encouraged all Board members to be present for this meeting.

The Board convened at 6:35 PM on February 3, 2009, in the office at St. George’s Greek Church on High Street.  President Joaquin Garofalo reviewed his notes from the last meeting since no minutes were taken.  His summary was accepted by the Board. 

Joaquin updated the Board on the status of David Oberstein’s remodeling project for the old hospital on Central and Elm.  David received City Council approval for his request for industrial revenue bonds and construction is expected to begin in April.

Once again, we are looking at the Newsletter and it’s distribution. We have spent a lot of time discussing what is right and what is wrong with the Newsletter and have decided to try publishing and distribution once per quarter. Our goal is to get all of the information sent via computer either using our blog site or setting up our website once again. For those who