The Eden Examiner

August 2000

President's Message
Carl Shoemaker

Our speaker for August is Paul Underwood, Assistant Director of the City Library. His topic will be the new West Valley Branch Library. We have outgrown the old library. The present library will be torn down and a new, larger one built on the same site. The topic should be of interest to all of us.

Those who attended our family picnic had a very good time. Elaine Alquist and Linda LeZotte took time from their busy schedule to come by and say a few words. The K9 policemen and the firemen entered into the fun. Even members of the 17 piece Peninsula Banjo Band had a good time. The real performers were the children who danced and sang to the tunes. For an hour or so many of us were young again. The food was excellent too. See our Web Site for some pictures
Also see Andy's important note on our Political Night, October 10.

Other important news is that the section of our neighborhood adjacent to Eden Ave. is eligible for city funds for improvements as part of the Mayor's Strong Neighborhood Initiative SNI. More details are explained in the Newsletter. You are invited to attend a planning meeting on August 12th.

McKinley School District Office
645 Wool Creek Drive
8:30 to 3:30
Call for reservations
(408) 277-5350

Dick and Betty Kabanek have asked to be relieved from the Social Committee. They deserve our heartfelt thanks for their efficient service to our Association for many years.
Carl Shoemaker

Beautification Committee

Thanks are due to our recent Russian guests for doing some fine work in our flower garden. Due to a medical condition, I can't do as much as I would like. If you can help, call the hotline.

The City trimmed the trees and bushes along Williams Rd. Probably you've noticed how much nicer it looks. Many thanks to the persistence of Elayne Weldy & others who called city officials for help.

Town Hall Meeting

The Congressional election in November, in our 15th California District is already attracting nationwide attention. We will have the opportunity to hear, question and give our views to the leading candidates. Jim Cunneen and Mike Honda have both accepted our invitation to participate in a Candidates Night Town Hall Meeting at our regular Meeting on October 10th.

ENA is sponsoring the event and members of adjacent neighborhoods are invited. This meeting will be a rare opportunity to meet our next congressman. Newcomers to the neighborhood and those who want to change their registration are reminded to register to vote before the deadline. There will be information about registering at the August & September meetings.
Andy Sermersheim

Can you help?

Traditionally the social committee has overseen several events including
Garage Sales April
Summer Picnic June
Dumpster Day September
Appreciation Night October

The committee also brings light refreshments to the monthly meetings.

We'd like to separate the activities and have involvement from more of our members. It's fun and a great way to meet your neighbors. You'll have the ongoing support of association members who have volunteered in the past.

Join us. Call the hotline or talk to one of the current Board members to volunteer.

491-9229

Dumpster Day
Coming soon

Dumpster Day is September 16. The cost of about $2200 for dumpsters has been our largest expense. In past years when we had grants from the city, we allowed everyone in our neighborhood to dump free. This year we will not receive grant money for this popular event. Consequently, only ENA members will be able to dump for free. Others will be charged $15 and will receive a current membership in our association.

Strong Neighborhood Initiative

Sam Som, a coordinator for San Jose's Strong Neighborhood Initiative (SNI), met with Carl Shoemaker & I on separate occasions to explain the SNI. Here's some of what we learned:

What is it? Commitment by Mayor Gonzales and the City Council to strengthen communities
How? Allocating significant financial and planning resources resources
When? Long term 30 year project, but looking for short term interim results (within 2 years)
Where? Several geographic areas including Winchester Blvd. and Eden Avenue
Resources?

*Neighborhood residents
*San Jose Redevelopment Agency
*Planning, Building & Code Enforcement
*Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Services
*Department. of Streets & Traffic
*Public Works
*Police Housing

How?

*Input from residents and business owners of targeted areas.
*Representation on Project Area Committees (PACs)
*Each neighborhood develops & submits its own plans and priorities.

What does this mean for our neighborhood? Resources are available and will be spent on neighborhood

The Summer Picnic Was a Success Because of You

You decorated tables, shopped for food & supplies, arranged for entertainment, supervised games, cooked, served, cleaned up, and signed up guests. Together you put on a picnic to rave about. Our sincere thanks and appreciation are extended to Rose Myers, Carl Shoemaker, Betty & Susan Ford, Robert & Susan Kabanek, Paul, Sal and Mary Lipari, Chuck & Amber Hopfensperger, Betty Sousa, Jim & Naly Lawder, Vladimir Rousalov, Principal Ron Martin, Bob Leverett, Dale Rushing & her daughter, Mario Vazquez, Diane Rosano, Katherine Matsumo and Edessa Bitbadal from Linda LaZotte's office. Without your help we couldn't have done it. (Please accept our apology if we forgot to mention your name).

Thanks also to the many neighbors who showed up to share the day.
Richard & Betty Kabanek

MEMBERSHIP

ENA's membership has reached 45% of the Neighborhood. There are now 356 supporting members of the Eden Neighborhood Association. Two years ago we had 450 and last year 386. There are still some members who have not renewed their membership. If you feel that you are one, call Mario at 248-2918 or send him an email at mariorv@earthlink.net.

Since the last issue, we have had two new neighbors join. They are Lalale & Asha Bahskar and Hiroshi & Wako Izosaki. Renewals are Dr. Sulekha & Sukumar Chaudhuri, Raymond and Mary Coustier, Tom Egan, Richard & Sonia Husa, Laurel Krause, Thomas & Linda Lighthouse, Pete & Susan Michels, Donald & Melody Spradlin, Donald & Carol Shortt and Gary & Peggy Stover. All of this year's projects have been paid by your membership contributions. ENA did not apply for any grants this year. ENA appreciates those members who made additional donations. Thanks for your support.
Mario

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