Swiss Avenue Historic District Association meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month, at 7pm. Meeting locations vary and will be announced when the venue is confirmed. Check back for details on the June meeting as the date approaches. All residents and their guests are welcome and encouraged to attend. Come meet your neighbors and learn what’s happening in the district.
A community typically refers to a social unit largerthan a small village that shares common values. Asthe new president for the Swiss Avenue HistoricDistrict Association (SAHDA), I am pleased to bepart of a community and a neighborhood associationthat facilitates citizen involvement at the local level,as well as offers a venue for entertainment andrecreation through social activities, and addressessecurity concerns of the residents.
Having lived in the Swiss Avenue Historic Districtfor three years now, I believe that I have become partof a community and not just a resident in aneighborhood. This has been evident following thehail storm in June as homeowners came together toshare information.
As you know, joining or participating in theassociation is voluntary, but participation canprovide valuable tools for networking, crimeprevention and civic engagement. Participation inthe association as a member of the Home TourCommittee, Planning & Zoning Committee, SocialCommittee, Median Committee, elected BoardMember or just an active association member allowseach of us an opportunity to make a difference in ourcommunity.
Projects:
In the upcoming year the SAHDA will participate inmultiple projects that are a reflection of bothcommunity concerns and about creating andsustaining a better community. The association maywork with volunteers on an annual clean up orbeautification project or we might work directly withplanning and zoning commissions to addressupcoming resident and business concerns. Overallour association engages in projects that better thequality of life and safety for everyone in thecommunity.
Social Activities:
In addition to the projects the SAHDA also providesa venue for social interaction and networkingthrough a number of activities throughout the year inthe community space available, whether at theAldredge House, Savage Park, or a neighbor’s home.Events in the upcoming year may include picnics,dinners, dances, concerts or festivals such as theannual home tour.
Security:
The Swiss Avenue Alliance Against Crime, established in1990, uses off duty Dallas police officers to patrol ourneighborhood. The police officers provide a variety ofservices to the district including: answer burglary inprocess calls in our area, 911 calls in our area, confiscatefirearms, ticket speeders and failure to stop offenses, checkabandoned cars, rescue lost pets, and listen to/act uponmessages left on our voice mail system. Residents mayeven request extra protection while away on vacation orbusiness by using the Alliance’s voice mail system. TheAlliance Against Crime is funded by contributions fromthe SAHDA annual budget and contributions by residentsin the district.
The SAHDA Board of Directors is here to serve thecommunity and support community participation inprojects, host social activities and coordinateneighborhood security; however the association and thecommunity will only continue to grow with yourinvolvement and support. The board looks forward toserving the community in 2013 and getting to know ourneighbors through the events and meetings in theupcoming year.
Brenden Martin
President, SAHDA
Dear SAHD Residents,
So much has happened since the last publication of the Occasional:
As a result of our annual meeting in September, there were a few changes in the officers:
Bob Bracken is finally being able to step down as Treasurer and, though still in the process of the change-over, is being replaced by Robert Thomas. Bob has been a wonderful and diligent treasurer for many years and after a well deserved, andhopefully short, rest will once again take aposition on the board. (That is once hestops doing his happy dance up and downBryan Parkway.)
After serving two years, Gaye Jacksonstepped down as President of the District.She has left an indelible mark ofgraciousness and neighborhood spirit.Luckily we have not lost her completely, asshe is this year’s Parliamentarian and oneof the 2012 co-chairs of the Home Tour.Hers will be difficult shoes to fill!
Halloween was a success, as always.Thank you to all the houses thatparticipated. It is hard work, but you madea lot of children happy. Personally, it was awonderful opportunity for me to meetmany of my neighbors on Swiss whom Ihad not met. To each of you, thank you foryour hospitality that evening both towardsme and the minions!
Speaking of Halloween, our children’scommittee hosted two great partiestowards the end of last year. Fromeverything I have heard both theHalloween and Christmas parties werehowling successes!
In December, as has become tradition, nobusiness was conducted at our monthly meeting.Instead we shared fellowship, a mashed potatobar, loads of wine and good times. The turnoutwas awesome. To those of you unable to attend,know that you were missed and, hopefully, weshall see you at next year’s party.
And, finally, yes there will be a 39th annualSwiss Avenue Historic District Home Tour. Thisyear’s co-chairs are Gaye Jackson, LarryWaisanen and me. Meetings are underway,committees are established, warm bodies areneeded and that includes yours. I know theDistrict can count on the invaluable help ofresidents to make this the best year ever!
Well, that pretty much brings you up-to-date withpast happenings.
Thank you for allowing me the privilege of beingyour 2011/2012 president.
Cynthia A. Robinson
President, SAHDA
