Meeting Minutes: 06/06/07

Last night's meeting of the Southeast Action Forum was the best attended meeting in quite some time. Not to say we could not use more members, but I would say we are off to a rolling start coming into the summer months.

The meeting was underway on time at 7pm, with representatives of the Roanoke City Police Department and the Roanoke City Housing and Neighborhood Services division in attendance. We welcomed a new neighbor and member to the group, who also has her own blog. Not bad for only being here in Roanoke for a week and a half.

First on the agenda was the conferring of Lifetime Members status to past president Richard Nichols, long time treasurer Eralene Poindexter, and long time member Mrs. Mildred Prater. Lifetime members pay no dues, have no responsibilities to the group, and can feel free to set us "youngun's" straight anytime they see fit.

Next - the representative from the Roanoke City Police Department; Officer R.G. Parte asked us to voice some concerns we might have about problem areas in Southeast. Aside from the already known 600 block of Mountain Ave. SE - with it's recurring graffiti, we learned about a similar problem on the 700 block - direct vandalism. Apparently someone unknown has taken to smashing out car windows with large rocks, which brings to mind the BB shooting spree of just a few months ago which occurred in numerous locations - one of which being Montrose Ave. SE.

After several situations were discussed, Officer Parte asked the residents of Southeast, and Roanoke at large - that if they see something going on - to not only call the police, but attempt to document it. With the easy availability of cameras (digital and regular 35mm), video cameras, cell phone cameras of all sorts, and the like - the more evidence we can gather, the stronger the case the police can make. Especially when it comes to repeat offenders. Which brought us on to the next topic.

Joy Sylvester-Johnson from the Rescue Mission of Roanoke (also a resident and member) gave us a double-update. First was the announcement of a "Back to School" event to be held on August 30th at the former Foursquare Church at the Elm-Bullitt-Jamison split. Registration will be taking place at the Presbyterian Community Center on Jamison and 13th for a day of preparation for the coming school year. Families will be able to get much needed school supplies (which are not exactly cheap these days) like notebooks, pens and pencils, rulers, and the like. And something which is nearly unheard of - a group of hairdressers has graciously donated their time to give school children some spiffy back to school haircuts. First time I have ever heard of that being included in a "get ready for school" event.

Stay posted for more details as we near the date.

The 2nd part of Mrs. Sylvester-Johnson's update was some new rules, effective June 1, at the Rescue Mission. If a person seeking assistance at the Mission is found drinking or causing any kind of public nuisance - there is now a 3 step process to deal with it. First, they will receive a verbal warning, the next time will be a written one, and the final time they will receive a letter stating they are no longer allowed to receive services at the Rescue Mission. With any luck - this will be a great motivational tool.

It was brought up that the next meeting, normally scheduled for the 1st Wednesday of each month will be in conflict with the 4th of July next month. It was decided that the meeting shall be moved to the 2nd Wednesday in July - the 11th.

Then came the big moment, elections were held. Nominees for the executive committee positions of President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary were all voted into the positions.

Next up was a report on the Ice Cream Social held last month. With the general reception and success of the project - the group began to brainstorm about other projects we could take on in the coming months. First was the idea of one-upping OSW in the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Then the Christmas Parade was discussed, as a show of force that HOSE (Historic, Old SouthEast) still exists, and is on the march.

An idea for "Best in Show" yards and lawns throughout Southeast was presented, and will be developed in the coming months.

And with that, the most productive and energized that Southeast had seen in quite some time was called to a close, and a new chapter in the history of the Southeast Action Forum was opened.

We look forward to seeing you all at the next meeting, and remember - if you have any issues, concerns, or questions - feel free to leave a comment or e-mail us directly here.