Four residents declare candidacy for Eagle Nest Board election

As previously reported on your favorite neighborhood blog, three Board of Directors seats are up for election at the Annual Meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 19, at the Clubhouse.

In the weeks ahead, please watch your U.S. mailbox for your official Eagle Nest election ballot to cast your vote(s).

Following are bios for four residents who have declared their candidacy, including current Board member Susan Millender who is seeking re-election:

Deana Armstrong, 7723 Mallard Way (Lot 128)

I am writing to express my strong interest in serving as a Homeowners Association (HOA) Board member. As a resident of 7723 Mallard Way for 4 years, I have a deep appreciation for our community and a vested interest in ensuring its continued well-being and prosperity.

During my time here, I have been an active member of the community. As you are aware, I currently volunteer my time and talents as the Crime Watch Coordinator for ENPOA. I am active in my parish, my career with law enforcement, and I participate in neighborhood events. Since I have been involved with the specific area of Crime Watch, I have obtained valuable insights into the neighborhood and want to contribute more as an active Board member.

I am committed to:

• Fostering a strong sense of community: I believe that a strong community is built on communication, engagement and mutual respect.
• Addressing community concerns: I am committed to listening to the concerns of my fellow homeowners and working collaboratively to find solutions that benefit the entire community.
• Maintaining and enhancing our property values: I will work to ensure that our community's assets are well-maintained and that our governing documents are upheld, protecting, and increasing our property values.
• Sound financial management: I will bring responsible fiscal oversight to the Board, ensuring that our Association's funds are managed effectively.

My background in accreditation with law enforcement will be an asset to the Board. I am a professional with a strong work ethic. I am dedicated, organized, and detail-oriented. I am eager to contribute my time and energy to the HOA Board and work alongside my fellow residents to achieve our common goals.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I would be honored to have the opportunity to serve you and our community.

Ben T. Clemens, 7815 Warbler Way (Lot 301)

Professional experience:

• I worked for a $1.3 billion company managing a team budget of around $4 million.
• I was the director of the creative marketing department managing up to 15 people.
• I also managed the staff's time scheduling/projects, production of end projects, external vendors printing and manufacturing costs, and schedules and material shipments to over 1,500 different locations.

Personal life:

• Since 2017, I have run my own handyman business. I perform all aspects of construction, design, electrical, plumbing, tiling and millwork related to accepted projects.
• I have even done projects within the Eagle Nest Neighborhood for 3+ neighbors.
• I am active in the neighborhood: walking Nippet, attending ENPOA events, Crime Watch Committee meetings, and getting to know my neighbors.

What I see in ENPOA's future are continued road maintenance, home beautification/simple curb appeal requirements, trash can placement, road/curb parking, additional common space maintenance and use, and neighbor participation in Eagle Nest events.

Susan Millender, 8104 Teel Way (Lot 10)

I returned to my birth state of Indiana and settled in Eagle Nest in 2021, after living and working in Seattle-King County, Wash., for 41 years. I attended Ball State University and graduated from Calumet College with a degree in mass communications. I am the mom of two adult daughters. What I love most about living in Indianapolis is being close to my nieces and nephews who live here and my sister and other family members in the Calumet Region and Chicago.

What I love most about Eagle Nest is its convenient location, lawns and wide streets, mature trees, wonderful clubhouse, and great mix of families both young and older. I believe serving on the ENPOA Board is an opportunity to work with others who are invested in maintaining the neighborhood’s safety and beauty.

John Strauss, 8116 Tanager Court (Lot 272)

My name is John Strauss, an eight-year resident of the neighborhood with my wife, Martha. I'm a former Ball State professor in media/communications and local reporter who recently retired as editor at the nonprofit Lumina Foundation. You may have seen me out walking or over at Lawrence North, where I serve as a substitute teacher and a Cat Parents volunteer at games.

I was a 10-year board member in the Cardinal Cove neighborhood before moving to Eagle Nest, and in a previous life I covered local government for the IndyStar, so I know how important it is for neighborhoods to have a voice around issues such as our streets, infrastructure and public safety. To that end, I've done ride-alongs with IMPD and with the firefighters at Station 17, and I've been a volunteer with the North Shadeland Alliance, Binford Redevelopment and Growth, LN and the Eagle Nest Property Owners Association.

If elected to the Board, I'll do my best to support our neighborhood and advocate for the residents in every way possible. If I can be of any help in the meantime, feel free to reach out or to say hi when I'm walking by your house.