Espanita Homeowners Association

NEWSLETTER
April 2009

Annual Meeting –The annual meeting of the Espanita Homeowners Association will be held Thursday, April 16 at the Spring Creek Barbeque Restaurant, 3514 W. Airport Freeway (Highway 183).  Greet and eat will begin at 6:30, the meeting will start at 7:15.  We will be electing officers for the 2009-2010 term.   The meals at Spring Creek will be free of charge for all Espanita Homeowners Association members (including all family members living in the home) who have paid their dues for 2009.   You will be able to pay your membership at the door; we encourage everyone living in the Espanita Addition to join the Association (dues are $20 for the family).  Come and enjoy some very good Spring Creek barbeque, and participate in the annual Homeowners Association meeting. 

About the Association—The Espanita Homeowners Association, founded in 1968, is dedicated to maintaining the quality of life, property values, and safety of our neighborhood. In the past we have requested and obtained a jogging trail and tennis courts in our park, have prevented zoning changes that were not in our best interests, lobbied the city to install severe weather warning sirens, and worked with other organizations to limit use of the close-in DFW airport runway.  We strive to promote a feeling of community and friendliness in the neighborhood.  In this regard, while we would like everyone in the addition to join the Association, we have neither the desire nor the authority to compel membership or enforce code restrictions.  An annual meeting (described above) is held in the spring each year to elect board members.  During other times of the year, the board meets at 7:00 pm, the second Thursday of each month at the Northwest Recreation Center. All meetings are open to the membership.

Election of Officers—The First Vice President automatically becomes President at the annual meeting in the spring.  With that exception, all board members stand for election at the annual meeting.  A slate of candidates will be presented at that meeting.  This is not intended to control nominations but only to ensure all positions are filled with persons willing to serve.  We encourage persons interested in serving on the board to contact any board member for inclusion on the list of nominees.  Phone numbers of four board members are:  Jerry McCorkle (972-252-3492), Betsy Edens (972-252-3629), Sarah Galyon (972-258-6052), and Judy Hula (972-252-5469). Nominations from the floor will also be solicited during the annual meeting. During the election each family has one vote per office.

Police Educational Briefing at the Annual Meeting—There have been two instances in the past six weeks of burglaries in our neighborhood.  Both instances occurred mid-morning during week days in the homes of people who are nominally home during that time, but happened to be gone.  At our request, the Irving Police Department will send a representative to our annual meeting to discuss measures we can take to better protect ourselves.
Yard of the Month—In May the Association will reinitiate the Yard of the Month contest.  We have changed the rules; homes which are not members of the Association are now eligible to win the award.  In addition to a sign placed in the yard, the winner will receive $50 if a member, $25 if not.

Curb Painting—The Boy Scouts will soon resume curb painting in the neighborhood.  If we missed you please request curb painting by phone or email.  This is free to all Espanita residences.  Contact:
Joanna Jones;  phone, 214 542 4546; e-mail, joanna4875@aol.com,  or
Jerry McCorkle; phone, 972 252 3492; e-mail, mccorklegs@msn.com

Top 10 reasons to become a member of the Espanita Homeowners Association:

1. Your family can enjoy a free catered dinner at our annual meeting and can enjoy other social events during the year.
2.  You can meet other neighbors and make new friends.
3.  You can have a say in what goes on in your neighborhood, including neighborhood activities, beautification projects, and input to the Irving City Government.
4.  You can be eligible to win an increased cash prize in the Yard of the Month contest May through October.
5. You can be eligible to win the Holiday Lighting Contest.
6. You can be informed of political issues that affect our neighborhood.
7. You can be involved in neighborhood crime watch programs.
8. You can help make one of the best neighborhoods even better!
9. We want to know you!
10.  It only costs $20 per family per year to join!

Membership is open to persons living in or owning property in the Espanita Addition.  Checks should be made payable to the Espanita Homeowners Association.