Washington Park East Neighborhood Association

May 2005 - Joan's Farewell Letter

May 02, 2005

Farewell Letter to the WPENA Membership
Dear Washington Park East Neighbors:
The Washington Park East Neighborhood Association Board Member elections are coming up in May. As announced in the March issue of the WPE News, I will be stepping down as President after three years, and as Newsletter Editor after six years. I have truly enjoyed the wonderful relationships I have established over the years with my colleagues on the Board, neighbors, business owners, the Inter-neighborhood Cooperation (INC) organization, and the police, firemen, and Denver city and county representatives.

What are Board member responsibilities? Members attend two-hour Board meetings about every other month. These are usually held prior to the three or four general membership meetings we hold per year, which Board members are also expected to attend. All Board members must serve on at least one Committee (Newsletter, Membership, Transportation, Parks & Graffiti, and Zoning) and our by-laws require that a minimum of three Directors/Officers serve on the Board. The responsibility for representation at INC general meetings is rotated among Board members. Board members select officers for the upcoming year at the first Board meeting after the election.

Rotation of Board members is essential if we are to ensure fresh perspectives and the continued health of our organization. I realize that serving on a Board is not for everyone, but the more who serve, the less the volunteer burden on individuals. I encourage those of you for whom this is true to contact the WPENA Board members from time to time to get involved in an event or issue that interests you. We appreciate the ideas and comments that neighbors put forth on their dues remittance envelopes, but we frankly need more volunteer help to turn those ideas into action. Our neighborhood is truly exceptional and worthy of your volunteer involvement.

Won't you consider becoming a Board member? Please contact any of the Board members (Emilie Ailts, Vice-President, 303/777-2325; Cindy Johnstone, Treasurer, 303/733-6570; Marilyn Holmes, Secretary, 303/722-9059; Gerard Zschoche, Zoning Chair, 303/777-7445; Lynn Pressnall, 303/765-2167; Charles Malek, 303/722-5357; or Bob Shaklee, 303/722-2045) to indicate your interest in being listed on the ballot or plan to write yourself in on the ballot election night.

Thank you and all the best wishes. Joan Deming