Dear Neighbors,

We are getting there.  I dare say Spring is right around the corner.  Just to gather a vision of it, I took a vacation to see my brother in Georgia.  I love Georgia around April 1, Spring is already in full swing.  The dogwood trees are blooming as are the azaleas, the daffodils, tulips and a whole host of other plants I cannot identify.  The colors are bright and abundant.  It seems everyone has several flowering shrubs in their yard.  The town squares are cornucopias of Mother nature's bright colors, arranged just so.  The air is fragrant with the delicate blend of natural spring scents, not like the barrage of overpowering perfumes you get from the cosmetic counters that leaves you gasping for air when you enter a department store at the mall.  Both make you want to spend more time outdoors.  Alas, I returned to Madison in the cold sleet.  But, I know Spring is coming here soon.

The several nice days we have had of late remind me that not only is the vegetation growing, but so are the neighborhood children.  All those little tikes that couldn't walk last fall are out running up and down the sidewalk.  Their older siblings are shuffling back and forth through neighbors' yards and carrying on meaningful conversations.  Tricycles have become bicycles.  Small bikes are now without training wheels.  Large bikes are going through the annual ritual of raising the seat and handlebars.  Oh, the bittersweet feeling of our kids growing up seems to hit again every spring.  I am afraid my spring growing ritual has more to do with girth than height.

Spring in Orchard Ridge also brings the neighborhood garage sale.  Time to clear the decks and the basements, garages and closets of all that good stuff that someone else will assuredly use over the next year.  And they will pay cash for it.  Take the cash and have a cookout.  See below for garage sale date and other details.

Other upcoming items of interest include the ORCC membership drive, ORCC board member recruitment and sidewalk repairs.  ORCC membership is a good thing.  While we do have elected officials to whom we can voice our complaints, we have a louder voice if we are organized.  We have some potential to rally the troops.  For ten dollars per year (a two-year membership) you also get the Grapevine, social activities and a chance to enhance your neighborhood.  Talk it up to your new neighbors.  Get your forms back soon as we must meet deadlines for publishing the directory.

If you would like to help serve the neighborhood in an official, and I might add, highly prestigious position, volunteer for the ORCC board.  It is a three-year commitment with meetings held once a month September through June.  I am in my second year and have met many new people and become educated on more of the activities taking place throughout the city.   

It case you missed the formal notice from the city, maintenance crews will be coming around the neighborhood this year to determine what sections of sidewalk need to be replaced.  You will be responsible for paying for half of the replacement cost.

We can always use volunteers for the annual Fourth of July Picnic.  Please contact a board member for details. 

One last item.  If you are, perhaps, interested in advertising in the ORCC membership directory, please contact Jean Patterson at 271-1732 for deadlines and rates.

See you around the neighborhood.