Historic Atkins-Porter Neighborhood Association Meeting Minutes

August 17, 2016

The following 20 neighbors were in attendance: Sheree Johnson, Vickey and Ed Roberts, Cat McGavin, Nina Mitchell, Sara Simonis, Shannon McFarlin, Victor Brisendine, Kelli Zwayer, River Byrd, Jackie Jones, Pat Stephens, Rhonda Dias, Annette Douglas, Pat and Rachel Terrell, Gaines and Becky Hedges, Ray and Noragene Harding.

President Ed Roberts welcomed the group and the attendees introduced themselves. Minutes from the last meeting were approved.

Clean Sweep Day - Vickey discussed Clean Sweep Day, Saturday, August 27. We will start at 8 am at HCMC Rehab/Hospice, 311 East Wood (Old Piggly Wiggly). We hope to be finished by 11am. The work will be done from Dunlap to Blythe to Blakemore to Aden, which includes 75 houses or less. Lunch will be served by the city. Please bring gloves, rakes, pruners, shovels, weed eaters, wheelbarrows, salt, mowers etc. Rain date is September 10. Please come help your neighborhood!!

Ice Cream Social – Ed showed off our BEST THEME TROPHY from the Downtown Paris Association Ice Cream Social and Antique Car Show. “WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM” was a big winner!

Newsletter – Look for our new, quarterly newsletter, HAPNA HAPPENINGS! Coming to each neighbors’ doorstep soon.

Membership – Annette discussed membership. Everyone who lives in or owns property in the neighborhood can be a member. To encourage added participation, folks who live outside the boundaries can join us with an Honorary Membership for $20. There will be a membership form with basic questions so members get notifications, etc.

Neighborhood Watch – Ed said that crime in our neighborhood was a constant complaint on FB and Nextdoor. Unfortunately, no one has stepped up to lead Neighborhood Watch. It was suggested that we invite Neighborhood Watch from Pedan Hill to speak about their organization. It was also suggested we get a group together to go walking each evening for exercise. Sara noted that one of her elderly neighbors would like a call list for the street. Three deputies and a state trooper live in the neighborhood, so that might be helpful. Neighborhood Watch signs might help, too. The challenge for next month was for everyone to look online for more information and report back next meeting.

Meeting Space – We have to have a new meeting space beginning in October. Kelli will ask if Bethel University would let us have space in their building across from HCMC.

Christmas Potluck – Come meet your neighbors at the Christmas potluck on Wednesday, December 14.

Meeting was adjourned.

Susan Jones, secretary