Northwood News ♦ February 2006

President’s Message

By Carole Barth

I hope 2006 will be a year of progress and positive changes for all of us and for our community.  Certainly, NFCCA is busier than ever and the year has just begun.  In addition to pursuing long-standing issues such as traffic control and protecting North Four Corners Park (see article), we are looking into power reliability and zoning issues.  In addition to our regular events such as the Creek cleanup in April and Neighborhood Night Out in August, we are trying to develop some new fun events (see article).

Of course all of these endeavors only work with your help.  If you haven’t done so already, please renew your NFCCA membership.  Come to a membership meeting or NFCCA event.  I guarantee you’ll meet some really great folks.  And even if you can’t attend, there are lots of ways you can help out.  You don’t need special skills or even a lot of time because every little bit helps.

The great thing about a new year is we can get a fresh start and celebrate a sense of renewal.  Personally, I often find it a challenge to hold onto that “fresh start” mentality as the holidays end and daily life resumes.  Fortunately, Chinese New Year comes along at just the right time.  No matter how grey or cold the weather, watching the dragon and lion dances, hearing all the firecrackers, and pasting up a fresh Kitchen God above the stove raises my spirits.

In a neighborhood as diverse as ours, there must be many other celebrations occurring as we move through the wheel of the year.  So how do you celebrate renewal?  I think the more we learn about each other, the more we realize what a wonderful community we have.  I hope in the coming year we will have many opportunities to know our neighbors better.  So in addition to wishing all of you a wonderful 2006, let me wish you a joyous Year of the Dog!   ■