Twenty-three years ago, my family settled in Memorial Northwest because of the location of our church, the best rated schools and being close to work. Having four kids required enough space to periodically seek refuge from the normal chaos of a thriving family. Memorial Northwest homes were built for families to thrive and prosper. We were fortunate to grow up in a safe, family friendly neighborhood where you knew your neighbors. When we settled in, we were visited by Eleanor Naremore providing us with a welcome basket and in her Texan drawl told us what we could and could not do in our HOA. I was so astounded by the politeness of her words even though I may have been rebuked for something I did or didn’t do. I don’t recall and I am grateful to have known Eleanor and her passion throughout the years.
Despite the home problems revealed in the first month, the new roof, plumbing and electrical repairs were just the beginning of our home ownership. Neglect is not an option as I was reminded of the quotes by Sir Robert Baden-Powel.
Sir Robert Baden-Powell was considered the founder of Scouting. His simple two-character traits ring true and are worth living by: “Leave this world a little better than you found it” and “We never fail when we try to do our duty, we always fail when we neglect to do it.” Today, finding selfless volunteers is challenging as criticism prevails on social platforms. This makes it hard to start doing big things.
The Facility Strategy Committee of 2010 developed the master plan we see today at the Community Center property. Volunteers like Oran Woody, Rick Harris, Tim McWilliams, Eileen Koscho, Connie Shinaver, Joe Bond and others volunteered many hours and endured some criticism before this vision became a reality. A testament to making things better than when you found them.
The completion of the aquatics center was many years later, well after my children had grown and left home. Perhaps one day my grandchildren may have the opportunity to enjoy the pool at Memorial Northwest. Melissa and I have moved back to New Orleans to be near family as my parents are up in age. Memorial Northwest is the best place to raise a family, but the home is too big for just two. We leave our neighborhood and house much better than we found it.
Our community leaders with Jay Jackson, Kelley Minor and Ryan Aduddell have many years of experience to help keep us moving forward. Our Board Members are dedicated to the mission preserving property values and enhancing the quality of life. We will periodically visit to see how life continues to be better in Memorial Northwest.
Thanks Greg for the post.
There is no way we would be where we are without the past efforts made by all who have volunteered and the partners we have worked with.
We have all learned much from you and all before us. We are in a good place right now. We are not without issues. We have a property that is showing its age, decking that must be replaced around the tennis courts, monuments that need some care, club house that needs paint and some refurbishment, pool maintenance issues, a parking lot that needs to be surfaced and emerging issues in the community. We appear to be on track for reserve study report planning.
Right now, we have an almost full board. We are still getting the new volunteers and elected positions up to speed.
Jerry is doing a great job with the budget planning, Brandon is taking to contracts, Kelley is working ACC and Deed Restrictions, Ryan is preparing for his exit and turning over security to Gregg Williams. I am working with our new management company daily and I really could not be more pleased with where we are with them right now.
We have a list of things to do. One of the biggest items is our current accounts receivable. We are going to have a focus on this over the next year. Unfortunately, the only resolution for most of the A/R is through the legal system. I hope to have an article out in the next month about this and the simple things people can do to not find themselves in this position.
We are also taking on Deed Restriction violations. We are assuring the management company is in lock step with the boards desired for violation reporting, letter and reminder cadence, and ultimately referral to legal when it becomes necessary. Watch for an article on this too in the coming months.
Thanks to everyone who has invested their blood, sweat and tears, in the past, present and future for making MNW on of the best places to live.
I agree. We lost a real treasure when Eleanor retired. I was on Eleanores community of welcomers,We worked to keep our community prestigious in appearance. I’m an original home owner. I lived in MNW for over 50 years. In my opinion, the personal touch has been lost. You don’t see children playing in the streets anymore. No neighbor get together. No welcome from the subdivision. Property neglect..I could go on, but you get what I’m trying to say. IMy spouse an I have always been active in our community. If you want property values to go up, and continued single family dwellings to continue every family need to step up to the plate, welcome your new neighbors, tell them how it’s done in MNW, report neglect to the HOA. Be a good MNW owner.
Thank you all who have volunteered to make MNW a great place to live. We are going on 34 years here and we
Still love it!
The cover email shows old management company First Residential. Confusing
Thank you, Debbie, I will check on where that address is coming from, I am sure I have changed it more than once now.
Seriously, thank you to all our volunteers. It’s because of your time and dedication to our community that we are able to live in such a wonderful neighborhood. We appreciate all you do!
I would like to thank Greg for his continued dedication over the years. I enjoyed working with him on many projects such as the community center and our gorgeous pool area.
I wish his family well!