Yale Park News - Spring 2008

I'm sure that many of you saw the recent article in The Dallas Morning News about the disputes and legal battles some members are having with their homeowners associations.  We would like to reiterate that we do not have a list of rules that you must abide by.

Membership in the Yale Park Homeowners Association is not mandatory ... we will not file a lien or foreclose on your house if you don't join!  We use your membership dues for beautification projects in our neighborhood, thereby investing your money back into the neighborhood.  Please help us by joining today!

YPHA Board of Directors

Dr. Ray Nannis will be the guest speaker and he will present an interesting and informative program on health and wellness that you won't want to miss!  Also, Richardson City Council Representative will be available for questions and answers.

Refreshments will be provided

Music and art abound during Richardson's 16th annual Wildflower!  Arts and Music Festival.  This award-winning festival features events and activities for the whole family; local, regional and national headliner entertainment; The Marketplace - Showcasing arts and crafts; The Kidz Korner with children's games and activities; Street Performers, Buskers, Acrobats & Entertainers; the Singer/Songwriter Stage and Contest, the Taste of Texas Food Garden; the Acoustic Café; the Art Guitar Auction; and Paramount's Original LaserSpectacular featuring the music of Pink Floyd ... plus so much more!  Dates and times are:

• May 16, 6 p.m. to midnight
• May 17, 11 a.m. to midnight
• May 18, 1-8 p.m.

Full schedule available at www.wildflowerfestival.com or E-mail wildflower@cor.gov or call Suazanne Etman at 972-744-4584.

Spring is approaching, rain is falling and trees and flowers are budding out with vibrant colors.  It is also during these next few months of nature's renewal period that Mother Nature sometimes exhibits the more powerful and destructive side of her nature.  This exhibit is in the form of severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and flash flooding as well as strong winds and lightning.  The Richardson Fire Department would like to share some facts and tips on how to protect yourself and property during these severe storm events.  Thunderstorms affect relatively small areas when compared with hurricanes and winter storms.  A typical thunderstorm is 15 miles in diameter and last an average of 30 minutes.  Despite their small size all thunderstorms are dangerous.  Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which kills more people each year than tornadoes.  Heavy rain from thunderstorms can lead to flash floods.  Strong winds, hail, and tornadoes are also dangers associated with some thunderstorms.  Take the time NOW to understand these dangers and learn basic safety rules!

Families should be prepared for all hazards that affect their safety and lifestyle.  The City of Richardson public safety departments urge you to develop a family disaster plan.  There are a number of Web sites that provide information on disaster and disaster planning for families.  Sites such as:

• http://www.fema.gov
• http://www.nws.noaa.gov
• http://www.redcross.org

All these sites have very valuable information that can be printed.  You are encouraged to seek out this information and share it with your family.

Stephen A. Dossett
Fire Marshall

Children who have completed kindergarten and not yet entered 4th grade are eligible for Summer Safety Camp presented by the Richardson Police Department.  Registration has begun for this popular safety program for City of Richardson Residents.  For more information and an application, go to cor.net and find Summer Safety Camp.  Applications can be picked up at the Police Station at 140 N. Greenville Ave.  Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

In honor of the Shop Smart/Shop Locally campaign sponsored by the Richardson Chamber of Commerce, we would like to begin highlighting local Yale Park businesses who are members of the Yale Park Homeowners Association.  Sometimes exactly what you need is right around the corner!

In this issue, we would like to spotlight Nannis Chiropractic Family Health Center, which has been in business in Richardson since 1996.  Dr. Ray Nannis actually grew up in Yale Park and chose to come back to the neighborhood to open his practice.  He and his staff provide safe, gentle, effective chiropractic care for children and adults.  His practice focuses on a healing experience that combines state of the art natural health techniques and diagnostics with a blend of Traditional philosophy.  Dr. Nannis's mission is to get the sick well and keep the well from getting sick allowing each individual to express his or her potential in life.  His office accepts most health insurance and also offers payment plans for those without insurance benefits.  Nannis Chiropractic Family Health Center is located at 1600 North Plano Road, Suite 1000.  If you would like top make an appointment or get additional information, contact Steve at 972-671-2225 or visit their website at www.nannischiropractic.com.

Please join them as they celebrate 12 years in Richardson with a wine and Cheese reception on May 29th at 7:00 pm

What does the Yale Park Homeowners Association do?
The YPHA's main purpose is helping make our neighborhood a more attractive and desirable place to live.  It is NOT an enforcement agency.  You will NOT be told what you can and cannot do.

Why should I join the YPHA?
There is power in numbers.  The more members we have, the more power we will have fulfilling our mission.  A properly functioning homeowners association can help maintain an attractive and well-kept neighborhood, thereby increasing property values.  Look around ... did you notice the trees and flowers planted in some of the medians; did you notice the nice landscaping at some of the entrances to our neighborhood?  Those were all accomplished because of the YPHA.  And we have many more beautification projects planned so we need your help.  PLEASE JOIN TODAY!

How many members does the YPHA have now?
Out of approximately 1,500 homes, the average number of members is usually around 150.  You don't have to be a homeowner to join.  Just think how much more effective our association could be if we had more members.  And if each member would bring one new member to the association, just think what we could do!

Does the YPHA have a website?
Yes, please visit our website at yaleparkhomeownersassociation.com for information about our association and what is happening in our neighborhood.

Do I have to attend meetings?
No, attendance is strictly voluntary.  You can choose to be an observer or an active participant.

When and where are the meetings held?
Meetings are held only three times a year at the Yale Elementary Cafetorium.

How much does membership cost? Membership in the YPHA is very low, only $25.00 per year.

How do I join the YPHA?
Complete the membership invitation on the reverse side and mail it, along with your check for $25.00, to the address shown or bring it with you to the next meeting.  We look forward to meeting you!

Invest in your neighborhood, and in the future of your home!
$25 a year is a very small investment with the potential of a huge return!