Signs of Spring in the VEHA

The VEHA annual Dickie Putnam Park clean-up is Saturday, April 21, 1 p.m.

In springs past, I've often written with relief about the arrival of the season after a hard winter in the VEHA (see last year's edition archived here for the story and photos about the "Ground Hog Day Blizzard"). This year, while the blossoms and green grass are welcome, they follow a rather mild winter in which I enjoyed several spring-like evenings in the backyard, and relaxing on my patio - and counting the days until the "official" start of the season.

And official it is now - not only because the calendar says so, but because the dates have been announced for our annual VEHA neighborhood events!

'Bicycle Hill' Clean-up

VEHA friends and neighbors will gather at Dickie Putnam Park - popularly known as "Bicycle Hill" (... or "Sledding Hill," depending upon the season!), on Vinsetta Blvd., on Saturday, April 21 at 1 p.m. for the annual park clean-up. Volunteers are needed to rake leaves, pick up branches, trash and debris, and get the park ready for a summer of family fun.

This is a great opportunity to get reacquainted with your neighbors and show your neighborhood pride. Please bring your own rakes and work gloves; bags will be provided. The whole family is welcome to help - the more helpers, the quicker the work!

Garage/Block/Yard Sale in mid-May

Another great way to get reacquainted with friends, and meet new neighbors (and turn unwanted or unused items into summer vacation cash), is the annual VEHA Garage/Block/Yard Sale - this year scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 18-20. Sales hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and you can participate on any one, or all of the days. The VEHA will purchase advertising to support the sale, and if you need signs, contact Norma Regenold at 248.585.7021. (Check the archive on this site for photos from previous sales.)

No VEHA Picnic in 2012

Do to a lack of participation and support over that past several years, the annual VEHA Picnic, traditionally held in mid-June at Waterworks Park, has been officially cancelled. If any neighbors are interested in re-launching this annual event, or a similar event, contact Norma Regenold, Events Chair, at 248.585.7021. (For a history of the VEHA Picnic, and photos from past events, browse the VEHA Memo archive on this site.) The picnic was a wonderful tradition, and an opportunity for neighborhood bonds to strengthen.

VEHA Neighborhood News

After 24 years as a secretary with the Royal Oak Schools, Janet Richards (of Potawatomi Blvd.) is happily retired. She and husband Dave enjoyed a trip to England and Scotland in September of 2011 - no more "back to school" for Janet! Dave reports that he will never try driving in the UK again. Congratulations, Janet - and thank you for your years of service!

If you have neighborhood news, post a comment to this site or send an email to Dan Saad, VEHA Memo Editor at daniel.saad@djscomm.com - send photos too!

Your VEHA Leadership

• Kathy Howell, Vice President - 248.288.4806
• Carl Culver, Treasurer - 248.588.1641
• Norma Regenold, Events Chair - 248.585.7021