Today Penn-Vassar park has once again become a peaceful neighborhood park were kids can play and families are proud to have it as an asset to the community. Neighbors and S.O.D.A. members around the park continue to pick up trash, notify us and the city when equipment needs fixing, and maintain the natural ice rink over the winter. Are there issues still in the neighborhood? Sure. Continued larcenies from vehicles, home invasions, and vandalism still seem to be happening at an alarming rate. One way we can combat these issues is to be on the lookout for each other, and knowing your neighbors helps bring the community together.
Events like the Easter Egg Hunt, Movie Night In The Park, and Track or Treat at Penn-Vassar have been a resounding success and help to get everyone together and meet each other. We have many events planned and in the works for this year. As we move forward we look to expand some new events to other parks in our boundaries.
As you may or may not know S.O.D.A. is celebrating it's 20th Anniversary this year. 20 years ago after moving to the neighborhood Michele Featherston inquired if there was a neighborhood association in the area. As it turned out, the previous association had recently dissolved and had donated their remaining money to the PTA at Whitmore-Bolles. Michele took it upon herself with the help of others to register S.O.D.A. with the State of Michigan and begin a new association. It is in no small part that S.O.D.A. still exists today thanks to Michele. We are blessed to have her still supporting the neighborhood and keeping the books. I would also like to thank past officers Judy Struble and Regan Ford for their continued support of S.O.D.A. Also current officers Michelle Rebecca for her detailed recording and keeping the member and mailing lists straight, and Jeremy Roth who brings access to much needed resources.
I would finally like to thank all the volunteers and committee chairs that have donated their time, talents, and treasures to support and run the many events we have. I look forward to continuing to work with all of you on our future events!
Here is a list of events planned for this year:
March 19th - Easter Egg Hunt - Penn-Vassar Park
April 16th - Spring Meetup - Schemansky Park
May (date tbd) - Park Cleanup
May/June (date tbd) - Summer-Stephens Pool Cleanup with SOP (Save Our Pools)
June 18th - Summer 3rd Saturdays, Lunch in The Park - Penn-Vassar
July 16th - Summer 3rd Saturdays, Lunch in The Park - Penn-Vassar
August 20th - Summer 3rd Saturdays, Lunch in The Park - Penn-Vassar
September (date tbd) - Movie Night in The Park - Penn-Vassar
October (date tbd) - Track of Treat - Penn-Vassar
More information will be forth coming on many of these events and more.
TOGETHER WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Timothy S. Harrison
S.O.D.A. President
