Membership with Arlington Heights Neighborhood Association
Membership with the Arlington Heights Neighborhood Association is one of the most important factors in keeping our association alive. Dues are just $15 per household ($10 for seniors) and the payback is tenfold. For this small amount AHNA prints and distributes the bi-monthly newsletter, keeps the website current and email updates relevant, works with neighbors to tackle problems with unwanted neighborhood encroachment, crime, code violations, and even finds creative ways of honoring our beautiful neighborhood. Your dues also help to welcome new neighbors and fund the annual Thanksgiving dinner. Residents are also welcome to join one of our active committees including zoning/development, crime, historical, traffic issues, block captain program, and beautification.
This brings me to the important role of the citizen in the health and vitality of a community. All citizens bear the responsibility of a collective quality of life. Active participation in the process is the best way to ensure that the quality of life you expect is realized. Involvement can range from attending monthly meetings to being elected to serve on the AHNA Executive Committee (elections are just around the corner). Neither of these two examples is better than the other. Both are equally important. All that is important is that you as a citizen participate in the process.
Having said that, the greatest contribution you can make to our association is to make yourself available. Allow us to utilizing your enthusiasm and unique skills for the betterment of the community—I can’t think of a more fulfilling personal experience. The amount of time you spend is a very personal decision. However, the old adage that states, “a little bit is better than nothing at all” holds true. Decide how much time you have to give and then set about determining on how best to serve our community.
I encourage you to learn more about our community, become involved, and join the association. I would like to invite you to one of our monthly neighborhood meetings held on the third Monday of each month. We meet at 6:30pm at Arlington Heights United Methodist Church, 4200 Camp Bowie Blvd. (use the Hillcrest St. entrance). Our Neighborhood Police Officer always gives a crime report and we always schedule guest speakers to talk about topics of interest to the neighborhood. You don’t need to be a member to attend these meetings and it’s an easy way to get informed about local issues and impending changes, as well as expressing your views.
Thank you and I hope to see you at our next meeting!