PRESIDENT’S CORNER
2014-March
by Kyle Jensen, MHA President
Over the last year, I have devoted a significant amount of time into strengthening our neighborhood association. Part of those efforts are aimed at gathering input from residents on their opinions of what needs to improve or change in the neighborhood.
I have been told that is the key to successful community engagement. One of the primary lessons Mayor Betsy Price has shared with me is to create civic participation in communities like Mistletoe Heights. Such a task is easier when residents are involved in meaningful ways around issues that impact them, like area and neighborhood redevelopment.
A good example of residents coming together and improving our community is when MHA decided they wanted to revitalize Newby Park. Residents worked with the city and raised funds for the addition of playground equipment, pavilion, and updated watering system. The pavilion now serves as a spot for our movie nights, Easter egg hunts, picnics, and after school and summer recreation for our children.
The past few years have seen similar calls to action. Residents have helped identify a vision for Mistletoe Heights and provided a pathway for others to get involved and improve our neighborhood. Community meetings have helped shape our neighborhood into what it is today. Neighborhood leaders are desperately needed in communities. Theses leaders help to identify neighborhood important issues and priorities, such as safety and responsiveness from our city government.
I am involved in a group called SteerFW (an initiative by the Mayor to inspire young leaders); it is often cited as a strong example of city-led independent governance. The initiative has brought community members and leaders together with the city to launch comprehensive revitalization programs, all focused on the people. The goal of this group is to engage the next generation in making the city what they want; it is a way to inspire residents to start initiatives that clean up buildings, push safety, reinvent communities, and promote healthy living. It is vital for residents to take ownership of their communities and support it by getting involved.
It is important that while our new neighborhood slogan, A Front Porch Community, is still fresh that we inspire each other to take action. The front porch is a sign of openness, a place to let others know you are available and interested in what is going on around us.
As we move into 2014, and with a year as your neighborhood leader under my belt, I hope to inspire you to help with the many projects and events that are on our to-do list.
We have tasks such as neighborhood safety projects, like sidewalks on Jerome, and a tornado evacuation guide, to events like the annual Easter-Egg Hunt and Fourth of July parade. All of these events and projects require volunteers. Take a look back at the Mistletoe Express February Edition to see the different events that you can be involved in. It is a great way to meet new people and attain the Mistletoe Heights, A Front Porch Community, mission.
Get connected. Be more engaging. We have lots of avenues to make our community better than the way we found it.
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Facebook Chat Room www.facebook.com/groups/ mhneighbors
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NextDoor page www.mistletoeheights.nextdoor.com
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Webpage www.mistletoeheights.org/contact
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Next neighborhood meeting
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The back of the newsletter
Join us as we make an effort to clean up our neighborhood and improve the quality of life for all those that live here.