President's Message 2006

Have you ever wandered into a place for no real reason and then by chance feel that you've found a home? Well that's what happened to me and my husband five years ago, when we first came to our present abode in Sherwood Forest.

We entered an enchanted forest-one diverse in its flora and fauna and unique in its inhabitants. A place so special to me, that from the very beginning I felt enveloped with peace and respect for its very existence. I knew from the start that I had to be a member of the organization that would preserve the area for future generations - S.F.N.A.

I became a member of The Council of Representatives for the Little Robin District and have not looked back. Last year I was Elected President of the organization and in doing so, have become involved with many intriguing people and ideas - a microcosm of a developing country if you will - with all its pleasures and problems that co-exist side by side. We are an organization that is running on a parallel course.

We are still engrossed in legal negotiations with the Town of Becket and their interpretation of building codes, grandfathering, acreage disputes and the like. All this will have to run its course and will take time. It also means that we have to be patient - a virtue that can be quite un-nerving. At the end of the legal actions, I do believe that everyone in the Forest will benefit; as we will then have a sound foundation that will enable both current and future inhabitants to be able to live in peace and harmony with equal rights and respect for all.

While having to wait for the hands of justice to move - we also have to keep the Forest from falling into disarray. Without legally having the capability of collecting assessments - we are still being forced to run S.F.N.A. with voluntary donations. While some people have chosen a wait and see mentality, others have stepped up to the plate and have volunteered money, time, energy, their expertise and a fervor that enables us to continue to develop and maintain the programs that keep our community going and growing. None of these things would be accomplished without a strong team effort, one found so strongly within S.F.N.A. We rely on our dedicated and devoted elected officials, volunteers, and their partners and spouses who give so freely of their time to make things happen and achieve our goals. Kudos to our Executive Board-Sally Springer-Kotelnikov - our Vice President, Caroline Summit - our Registrar, Bob Wollenberg - our Treasurer, Gail Garland - our Community Affairs Officer, and Carl Edwards - our Secretary and legal adviser. Much appreciation goes to our Council of Representatives - who along with the Speaker Howard Lerner work through and try their hardest to iron out the everyday problems we encounter in the Forest. A big thank you must be given to SOLO , which under the guidance of Stu Eldred and Bill Maier help us to maintain and keep up our greatest assets - our lakes, dams, and waterways. Kudos to our Social Committee who with the help of Paulette Feit coordinate the annual Garden Tour, Tag Sale, Pot Luck lunches, walking tours and the annual Boat Parade. Kay Lerner must be recognized for establishing and hosting our yearly Neighborhood Watch Program. Jim Grifffin should be acknowledged for being in charge of the annual Clean - Up Day, which has evolved into a day of beautification. A special thank you to Mike McEnerney for continuing to be our webmaster. Also to all the un-named, unsung heroes of our community who have volunteered to mow the beaches, beautify the entrance ways, give out boat stickers, assume the responsibility of running a fair election etc. We could never manage without your help.

However, after all is said and done, we still need to look to our future. We need to work towards insuring our property, keeping our lakes and dams in top condition, setting up a schedule of volunteers who will attend Town Meetings in order to continue to make sure that Sherwood Forest's needs are met and respected by Becket and its officials. These individuals will also make sure that our community is treated as an equal to our surrounding communities. We need to encourage more residents to be involved-perhaps by establishing a welcoming committee - that will educate newcomers to what is available in our neighborhood, as well as the prevailing community rules and regulations. We also must keep up with our communication endeavors; possibly by re-establishing a quarterly newsletter.

I would like to establish an Annual Fall Fund Raising Brunch or Dinner whose moneys would be used where needed, until we are granted the right for assessments. After such time, the fund should be used as a scholarship to help set up play areas for the children of the Forest and/or given to help support the police, fire station and ambulance services of our area.

Sherwood Forest is a gem - a treasure that I love and take pride in. I pledge to do my best for it and all its people. It is a pleasure and a privilege to be a part of both it and S.F.N.A.

Remember-BE INFORMED AND INVOLVED!!!!

Respectfully,

Murielle Forster, President S.F.N.A.