Northwood News ♦ February 2003

President’s Message

By Vincent A. Jankoski

On behalf of the executive board, I would like to wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year.  I trust we can all work together to make 2003 as successful as previous years.

I expect that you were impressed (as was I) by the beauty of our neighborhood recently covered in snow.  I also expect that you shared my welcome when drought conditions were lifted.  Unfortunately, as we all know, winter precipitation has its drawbacks.  Our recent bouts of inclement weather have called to mind the need for neighborliness above and beyond what we normally express.  I am thinking of two situations which occasion themselves whenever a winter storm passes through.

First, we are fortunate to have senior citizens living among us.  They give stability to our neighborhood and provide the wisdom of their experience.  We must keep in mind our elderly, infirm, or disabled neighbors whenever we are struck by severe winter weather.  Snow and ice may limit their mobility.  Some may find it difficult to keep their normal routine, even to the point of being unable to go to the grocery store or visit the doctor’s office.  I ask each of you to keep these neighbors in your thoughts during times of extreme winter weather.  A timely visit, a telephone call, or the offer of assistance will help our seniors through this winter.

The second situation, while more mundane, is no less important to survival during a snow storm.  Snowfalls in excess of about six inches will cover fire hydrant connections, particularly when drifting occurs or after the streets are plowed.  Firefighters need to locate and access the hydrants if they are to do their job in protecting your family and your home.  Help them out and do yourself a very big favor at the same time.  Shovel out the hydrants.

It will be my pleasure to serve each of you in the New Year.  Best wishes.   ■