A Message from the Northern Hills Neighborhood Association

By Mike Gallagher

NHHA President

 

 

Dear Northern Hills Neighbors,

 

We have had a lot of activity in our neighborhood since the last newsletter. In addition to the very successful neighborhood clean up and  neighborhood-wide garage sale, we also saw the completion of the transition to the city’s new garbage pick up system.

 

As you might expect, there were scores of questions from our residents on how the new system operates. I want to thank our Covenant Compliance Chief, Bill Smith and all our Area Representatives for working hard to get the word out on the new program. Attendees at the last Homeowners Association meeting got answers to many of their questions directly from the city’s  Director of Solid Waste Management, David McCary.

 

Not only was Mr. McCary’s presentation informative, it was also quite entertaining. He left us with a poem to help us remember which container is for garbage and which is for recycling. He explained, “Bag in brown, recycle in blue…it’s easy to do!” That’s when Bill Smith reminded me of an easy way to remember when to put out the recycle cart. He said, “Don’t forget it’s always Blue Monday.”

 

One of my biggest concerns about this new system is how it affects the appearance of Northern Hills. I encourage all our residents to find ways to hide the carts on non-pick up days. The new carts should be placed behind a fence, in the garage or hidden from view. Some residents have told me they have so much junk in their garage that they have no place for the containers. There is a perfect solution. Put the “garage junk” in the garbage container and then let the City haul it off. If you do this enough times, you may end up with room for your vehicle as well.

 

Without doubt, the highlight of the last Homeowners Association meeting was the announcement of the five winners of this year’s Northern Hills Scholarships. The records of achievement of these fine young residents were most impressive. Their parents and our entire neighborhood can be very proud of them. We wish them the best of luck as they pursue their college degrees and future careers.

 

I hope all of you have had the opportunity recently to drive by the beautiful Northern Hills swimming pool. Clem Spalding and many volunteers have worked very hard to improve the look of the pool area. The next Homeowners Association meeting set for August 18, 2009 will feature another silent auction to raise funds for the swimming pool. The funds from last year’s auction paid for that good looking wroughtiron fence. We want to continue the repair and upgrade efforts that are currently underway. This facility is a wonderful asset for our neighborhood and like our golf course, it increases the value of our homes.

 

Many of you have probably read the recent reports on the increase in crime in our city. These statistics re-enforce the necessity of security initiatives like COP. Because of the strength of our Northern Hills COP program, we have not experienced the number of thefts, break-ins, vandalism, etc. as have other neighborhoods. We could always use extra patrols for this program. PLEASE consider joining COP and  do your part in protecting the neighborhood. Call Jim Long at 655-0217 to learn how to get involved. The more eyes we have out watching for us, the more secure our neighborhood and our residents will be.

 

The District 10 Neighborhood Alliance recently received a briefing from Gordon Hartman on the new Morgan’s Wonderland park off Thousand Oaks Drive and the Wurzbach Parkway. This magnificent facility is designed as “the world’s largest park for children and adults with special needs.” If construction and funding continue as planned, the facility should be open this Fall. I bring this to your attention because we need to spread the word about this outstanding project. All of us know of someone who could benefit by visiting Morgan’s Wonderland. Please go to www.MorgansWonderland.com to learn more about this tremendous asset to District 10 and San Antonio.