Redwood Heights Neighborhood News

by Denise Davila

Sixty and Stronger Than Ever: The Redwood Heights Improvement Association With a mission to cultivate a sense of community in the neighborhood, a group of residents got together in 1944 to form the Redwood Heights Improvement Association (RHIA). John MacDonald, Earnest Holden, Barry Boogaert, and Genevieve Wells were members of the first governing board. Today, 60 years later, residents are still getting together with the same goals: to preserve, advance, and protect the general social and civic welfare of the neighborhood; to promote and cultivate a friendly, diverse, and inclusive neighborhood; and to obtain a superior school, recreational, and other civic facilities. What has changed is the face of the RHIA Board. The 15 board members represent the diversity of the residents in the community: young parents of toddlers; retirees; parents of teenagers; single professionals; married professionals; business owners. The activities supported by RHIA are diverse, too. Under the leadership of previous board president Jim Hodgkins, the Redwood Heights/Laurel Home & Garden Tour evolved, celebrating the architecture and unique style of the community. New board president Erik Jorgenson initiated the neighborhood softball team, entering its third season. "Mommy and Me" families meet regularly. This summer marked the first RHIA Family Nights at Woodminster Amphitheater and the hugely successful second annual free picnic for the community. At the elementary school level, RHIA sponsors and participates in fundraising activities for both Redwood Heights and Laurel Schools. The Association also publishes a newsletter that is mailed to residents four times a year. Just taking office in October, Jorgenson hopes to give the board a good workout. "I see the RHIA as a voice for the community and a means for us to flex our collective muscles," he says. In addition to fundraising and events, priorities for the new board include initiating discussions and work with Lincoln Square to create a more community minded and user-friendly shopping center and addressing the growing traffic problems on 35th Avenue as housing continues to be developed on Redwood Road. "We all have many ideas and goals of how we can improve our community. Please come share your thoughts on how to help us make this corner of the world a better place. And please keep in mind that no invitation is ever required, and all residents in the area are welcome to attend RHIA meetings," Jorgenson tells the Metro. RHIA meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month, at 7:30 p.m., in the Redwood Heights Recreation Center. The next meeting is February 16. If you would like more information, or to submit a discussion item for the next agenda, contact RHIA at 482-3471, or via the Internet at www.redwood-heights.org. At 60, the Redwood Heights Improvement Association never looked better!