Weekly Acorn #12
Happy New Year Oak Crest Neighbors! I want to wish everyone a very happy, healthy, and prosperous 2008!
Last year was a great year for Oak Crest. We made a lot of progress towards the revitalization of the neighborhood and our relationships with the community. Here is a brief look at what we accomplished in 2007:
University Area Neighborhood Association (UANA) finally got a much needed website so members can keep up with what’s happening in the neighborhood.
UANA is also establishing relationships with other neighborhood associations in the area in order to be more effective in addressing mutual concerns.
Dedicated residents have taken the time to assist in patrolling the area to help reduce disturbances and to create a more peaceful environment for residents to enjoy.
A newly formed group called the University Area Community Partnership (UACP) between UANA, WFU Residence Life and Housing, WFU-PD, and Winston-Salem PD are working closely together to address concerns in the neighborhood and implement plans of action to effectively resolve the issues.
I (Kent Strupe) had this website created that contains the history of Oak Crest and also includes a large photo gallery and this blog for documenting the fascinating history of our neighborhood and the interesting residents that have made it so special.
It is our goal that 2008 will bring forth even more progress in our efforts to revitalize Oak Crest (and Long Acres) and put us much closer to our petition for the historic designation of Oak Crest. Here is what I plan to do to contribute to this effort:
Resume interviews with OC residents for complete and accurate facts about our history.
Continue to update the website, photo gallery, and this blog with interesting facts as I learn them.
Continue to build the vintage photos portion of the photo gallery.
Create a “time-line” using maps of the area to illustrate the growth and development of OC from 1920 – present.
Become involved in a newly formed organization, Preserve Historic Forsyth, that is focusing on learning the histories of structures and preserving them.
Explore options for possible signage and public recognition of OC (i.e. a “Welcome to Historic Oak Crest” sign along Polo Rd, or little “Historic Oak Crest” toppers on all existing street signs in the neighborhood, and also some media coverage on our neighborhood and what we are doing to preserve it).
Form a sub-group(s) to focus on other areas of my original proposal to preserve and improve the neighborhood.
Learn more about and begin the formal process of petitioning for historic designation.
This is a very exciting time for Oak Crest! I want to encourage everyone to show your support by getting involved, attending UANA meetings, attending picnics and other social functions, sharing your thoughts, and actually BEING part of this wonderful neighborhood!