President's Note

In the preparation for this month’s LENA meeting, I had the opportunity to reflect on the past year:  Reflect on the goals we set for ourselves, relationships and connections made, the events that took place, things we tried, the successes and the challenges.  The Board operated with one less member for the majority of the year and as the time went on, three left standing.  As many would see this as a setback, I would like to think of it as an accomplishment. Despite the fact that we were lean, we kept moving forward.  What a display and testament of the commitment and determination of a volunteer-based community-centered organization!  I would be remiss not to acknowledge the contributions of my fellow Board members whom we started the year with and those who joined later.  It has been a great pleasure to have you on the team and serve alongside you.

While we have much to celebrate, there are also challenges however the positives outweigh the challenges.  Unfortunately we have had to cancel two of the fall events: Rake and Fall Fest.  The decision to cancel Rake Fest was a difficult one because it was one of the few events where we got to do something as a community to help a neighbor in need.  I was hoping that it'll take off this year with more rakers and all-around participants.  Sadly, due to the continued infestation of the jumping worms and a conscience effort to reduce minimize the spread, we arrived to the conclusion to cancel the event.  We had some ideas for Fall Fest but ultimately, time got away from us and we didn't have enough volunteers to help with the planning and execution of the event.  It is our hope to be diligent in our planning for the upcoming year.  So, if there is a particular event you want to see continue, please either let us know and better yet, volunteer to help plan the event! 

This brings me to the last point, if you ever find yourself wondering about the association and what you can do to contribute or to be engaged, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or to one of the Board members.  I have found the experience to be extremely rewarding.  To that end, you now have an opportunity because we were not able to hold the Board elections at the Annual Meeting this month as the minimum household requirement was not met.  As such, we will be having the election for Board members at our winter event; Pizza Party.  We love volunteers even if you do not think you’re able to commit regularly, let us know of your interests and skill set.  We may have just the right task for you!  There will not be a meeting held next month, however, do not hesitate to reach out via email or through our website, should there be an urgent need.  Happy Thanksgiving, neighbors!

East Side Club Survey- Would love your feedback!

By Robyn Klinge

Hi there!

New Things To Do to Get Ready for Winter

Check the batteries in your programmable thermostat.  Don't come home to a cold house!  Check the batteries before the winter weather gets here.
Check smoke detectors. Test smoke detectors to make sure they are working and change the battery if needed.
Install a carbon monoxide (CO) detector.  CO is a silent killer!  If you have a furnace, fireplace, water heater or other appliance that is fueled by fossil fuel, the changes of CO poisoning from malfunctioning appliances increases substantially as houses are closed up for the winter.  Exhaust fumes from an attached garage can also leak into living areas.  CO detectors are inexpensive - just plug in, and they could save your life.
Change your furnace filter.  Before the heating season starts, change your furnace filter.  If you haven't had your furnace serviced for more than two years, now's a good time to do that also. 
Clean and inspect the fireplace.  Wood-burning fireplaces can get a buildup of creosote in the chimney.  Have the chimney checked and cleaned if necessary.  Close the damper when not in use. 
 

Check weatherstripping.  Check the weatherstripping around doors and windows and replace as needed.  Leaks around windows and doors not only crate drafts but also waste heat. 
Check and clean gutters.  Blcoked gutters and downspouts can cause water backup.  Clean your gutters of leaves and other tree debris.  Check all connections. 
Check and clean dryer venting system.  Replace white plastic vent hose with metallic vent pipe. 
Turn off outdoor faucets.  Disconnect and drain hoses.  Install freeze-proof faucet covers as needed.