Northwood News ♦ December 2004

President’s Message

By Carole Barth

As I listen to news of war, rising deficits, and human suffering, I am profoundly grateful to make my home in a neighborhood as special Northwood Four Corners.  We enjoy a great diversity of ages, races, and cultures.  We have urban conveniences such as shopping and entertainment (Silver Spring Stage) within walking distance.  We have priceless natural resources like the Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park right at hand.  (It’s amazing to think that just ten miles north of the U.S. Capitol our Park boasts more than 200 species of wildflowers.)

We have attractive and affordable housing.  We have book clubs, block parties, and the mom and baby network.  We have second-generation neighborhood residents as well as residents who are newly arrived Americans.  Earlier this year we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Northwood Park, the only successful member-run housing cooperative in the state of Maryland.  I guess it’s no surprise that many residents in search of larger homes either build additions or move within the neighborhood.

In fact, I want to produce a handout profiling the neighborhood, its history, and resources.  This fact sheet could accompany testimony we submit in public hearings.  We could also send it to businesses we are interested in attracting to the Woodmoor or Burnt Mills Shopping Centers.  Finally, it would provide some orientation to new residents.

Of course, it takes work to sustain our neighborhood quality of life.  There are always battles worth fighting — such as our current effort to preserve and enhance North Four Corners Park.  It also takes many hands to keep our civic association running.  Whatever your interests, skills, and availability, each of you can contribute to making your neighborhood an even better place to live.

You can start simply by paying your Association dues (see Maggie Hawkins’ article on NFCCA Membership on page 6).  You can attend NFCCA meetings and make your voice heard.  There are also lots of volunteer opportunities.  For example, you can deliver the newsletter, plant a tree, write a letter on the park issue, or become a neighborhood watch captain.  Have some ideas for additional community activities?  I’d love to hear them!  I look forward to working with you in the coming year.  With your help Northwood Four Corners will continue to be a wonderful place to live.   ■