Board Update: Making our snow plowing effective, “Meet the Neighbors,” Crime Watch recap, dues reminder

Hello Eagle Nest residents,

Here’s a look at neighborhood news for the week of February 8:

HOW YOU CAN HELP MAKE OUR SNOW REMOVAL EFFECTIVE

When it snows, we all expect the Association to address the roads in a timely, effective fashion. And with few exceptions, that historically has been the case, thanks to our longtime plowing contractor and our Clubhouse manager’s coordination. However, this year’s recent snows have been especially challenging.

It wasn’t because of big precipitation, high winds or freezing rain. The problem was numerous vehicles left in the streets. Such obstacles complicate the plowing process and actually wind up costing the Association more because of the extra labor hours required to adjust plowing paths. Also, several vehicles moved after plowing left behind large ice piles, creating road hazards for motorists, especially during deep-freeze periods with little thawing.

So, we kindly ask, please move your vehicles into your driveway or garage when snow is forecast, no matter how much is expected. For everyone’s safety. Thanks.

CRIME WATCH MEETING DRAWS A CROWD

More than a dozen residents turned out for our Crime Watch meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 2, at the Clubhouse. The one-hour, in-person socially distanced presentation by our Crime Watch coordinator Carolyn Goldenetz focused primarily on cyber security, namely how to keep your online identity safe, best practices for passwords and passphrases, and how social media affects our thinking. Carolyn also shared updates on neighborhood crime trends and recent activity in our development (Good news: No major incidents to report, unlike other nearby residential developments.) Those who attended were treated to Jimmy Johns subs and other goodies, and four lucky residents won a $25 gift card to Crew Car Wash (Who wouldn’t love a clean car this time of year?).

Next Crime Watch meeting: Join us May 4 for a discussion on protecting our homes for the summer crime season. Want more information about last week’s meeting or volunteer? Contact Carolyn at goldenetz@gmail.com.

ANNUAL DUES STATEMENTS HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED

By now, all residents should have received their annual dues statements in the U.S. mail. If we have your current email address, you also should have received an online link to pay securely via ACH debit. If you didn’t receive a statement, please email Bookkeeper Chris’e Van Meter at enpoa_sec@att.net and include your name, address and contact information. The deadline to pay your $400 dues – unchanged for the third-consecutive year – is May 1 to ENPOA, 8075 Teel Way, Indianapolis, IN 46256. Thank you for your prompt and timely payment!

MEET THE NEIGHBORS: DON AND SUZANNE CRAIG OF TEEL WAY

If you see Don and Suzanne Craig of Eagle Nest, you might tell them congratulations: They’re celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this year – a milestone reached by only 7 percent of married couples.

They moved to Eagle Nest 35 years ago from a Far Eastside neighborhood along German Church Road, raising two sons – both Eagle Scouts – as Suzanne worked for RCA Records in Indianapolis, as an executive with Boy Scouts of America, and as a Taxpayer Service Representative with the IRS.

Don’s field was in health planning, starting with the Federal Health Planning Agency before moving to the Indiana State Department of Health, where he retired after 20 years. Retired, yes. Idle, definitely not.

“We keep very busy following our three grandchildren (including twin boys),” Don says. He’s been researching his family’s Scottish heritage, written two books and started wood-relief carving, giving his creations to family, friends and his church.

He says Eagle Nest is a quiet place to raise a family, and is glad to see neighbors pulling together during the health crisis.

“Most neighbors are friendly and offer information or help to each other,” Don says. “The pandemic has shown a willingness for neighbors to reach out and help in very uncertain times.”

Then there’s Rosie, the third member of the Craig household. She is a striking, all-black German Shepherd – and a big fan of the Fort Harrison State Park Dog Park.

“She takes good care of me,” Don says. He likes dogs in general and is always on the lookout for lost pets who need help.

“For some reason, many strays have stopped by our house in past years,” he says.

“Once, while walking my two terriers, we came across a large, roaming Alaskan Malamute.” He knew the dog was Mika, from the neighborhood behind his house who occasionally went on a “freedom walk.”

The Malamute is a sled dog breed of the Arctic, loyal, playful, recognized by its wolf-like howl. Mika was very friendly and would walk with Don.

“When I returned her home that first time, little did I know that a precedent had been started. About once every three or four years, she would stop by the house and look for me.”

Mika’s family has since moved away, and the Malamute visits no longer. The Craigs still tell the story, though, about when one of their visiting grandchildren noticed something outside the front window – “Look, a wolf!” she said.

Not really, of course. It was only the amiable Mika, wandering through Eagle Nest, looking for her friend Don to go for a walk.

About this occasional series: Got a minute to help "Meet the Neighbors"? This newsletter feature includes short introductions to help Eagle Nest folks get to know each other. Just email scottthien@comcast.net a couple photos and answers to the following questions:

• How long have you lived in Eagle Nest and where did you move from?
• The kind of work you do or have done.
• What you do for fun.
• The things you like best about the neighborhood, and what you appreciate the most about your neighbors.
• A fun or amusing story about your time in Eagle Nest.

Our neighborhood is filled with so many interesting people, so please feel free to nominate a resident for a “Meet the Neighbors” introduction. We think this feature will help more residents get to know each other and feel a greater sense of community and support for each other – and for a great neighborhood. – Compiled by Tanager Court resident John Strauss

POLL: BUILDING A COMMUNITY GARDEN

Last week’s Constant Contact poll asked, “Would you support building and maintaining a community garden near the basketball court?” The results: 38 responses – Yes 60.5% (23), No 39.5% (15).

The Board’s take: It’s always great to get resident feedback on neighborhood issues. Since our weekly Board Updates started last summer, we’ve gathered some interesting feedback on a wide variety of topics, from Pool and Clubhouse use to social activities and common grounds. We never get a 100% response rate, but usually 40% to 60% is enough to show trendlines. Further, our poll questions don’t mean the Board has already decided something; we’re really just testing the waters, so to speak. So, about that community garden ... We have a lot of unused land by the courts, and we’re always looking for ways to maximize our resources and assets for the good of our community. We’ll continue to consider the garden idea, as well as other concepts. Please continue to fill out our Constant Contact polls, and feel free to contact any Board member with suggestions/ideas.

In other news:

COVID-19 vaccines: Indiana recently lowered the age required for COVID-19 vaccinations to 65, so if you are 65 or older, or a healthcare worker or first responder, you can sign up to get a COVID-19 vaccine. To sign up, go online here: https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/vaccine/

Binford Farmers Market: A free public preview is scheduled for April 10 in the parking lot of Northview Church, 6620 Northview Way, Indianapolis IN 46220. Masks required. The market opens May 1 and runs through October 30. More information is available on Binford Farmers Market website.

On behalf of the Board,
Scott Thien, President