Newsletter – November 2021
HOT TOPICS
Greenhouse & Facilities Committees
Please answer a Brief Survey on the Proposed Greenhouse Transformation!
Recently the Facilities and Greenhouse Committees sent out an email outlining a proposal to replace the existing Greenhouse with an open-air outdoor pavilion. The overwhelming response (nearly 30 households so far!) has been positive, and we’ve received several comments and ideas.
To recap the proposal, the idea is to transform the existing Greenhouse space into a more useable community gathering place — a pavilion. The existing 17′ x 32′ structure would be removed, the concrete pad expanded in both dimensions to approximately 24′ x 42′, a fireplace and additional seating would also be added. We’ve identified a local non-profit organization, Bountiful Cities, that creates urban agricultural spaces in communities that are considered “food deserts.” If we move forward, they would be willing to dismantle and remove the structure at no cost to the HOA.
The HOA Budget includes $10,000 to replace the existing leaky roof, which would be used instead for the pavilion project. Before we move forward, we’d like to hear from more HOA members — actually, we’d like to hear from all of you! Even if you responded to the previous email, please take a moment to answer the brief survey question below and share your thoughts.
If you have any questions, you can contact Facilities Committee member Mike Newton at choppermagnum@aol.com.
Thanks.
SO Facilities & Greenhouse Committees.
Social Committee Notes
Our Halloween event was great fun with close to three dozen children and lots of neighbors participating. The weather ended up being really accommodating and it was great to see so many neighbors milling about the streets near the four corners. Thanks to all who contributed in so many ways! We decorated and tidied the greenhouse and the fairy trail (Amanda Galvin, Rebekah Owings, Nancy and Jim Hoer) and the Cox family hosted a hot chocolate/apple cider sipping at the end. Many thanks to all who invited kids to their porches along Wandering Oaks and to those who met up with us at the corners to join the fun with even more treats!
The Social Committee had hoped to have a Cookie Exchange at some point in early December, convening in a neighbor’s home to celebrate the Season. Unfortunately, due to the lingering hesitancy toward indoor gatherings, we have decided to skip this in 2021. Let’s hope for a return to these types of activities in 2022.
However, in lieu of an indoor Holiday event, we are discussing instead a different opportunity to come together as a neighborhood, in a charitable fashion, to celebrate the Season of Giving. We have not ironed out the details yet but we hope to adopt 2 or 3 local charities that neighbors can contribute to (both human and animal). We would like to set a date and location, likely a driveway or garage, for folks to drop by with money/checks/items for donation. There would be no pressure to donate as everyone has different situations and preferred charities. We may include an outdoor Cookie Exchange with hot cider and/or cocoa so folks who didn’t wish to make a donation would have a reason to stop by. Be on the lookout in your email, on Slack or in the December Hot Topics for details!
The next meeting of the SO Book Club will be on January 25 at 7 pm at the home of Katie DeGroff. Katie and Kristen Eggen will lead the discussion on Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr.
We have lots of good ideas for 2022 with the first one being in March for St. Paddy’s Day. Look for more information in the new year!