THE HISTORY OF WETHERBYRNE WOODS RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
1984-85 and 1985-86
1984-1985
A neighborhood coffee was held in October of 1984 at the home of Dede Tignor. Twenty-four women and six children attended. Following a social hour, a group discussion was held. It was suggested that "interest groups" be formed, such as for crafts, exercise, bridge, Bible study, and gardening.
It was also agreed that a Neighborhood Watch Program and a Neighborhood Association could be advantageous for Wetherbyrne Woods residents.
A date was set for a second morning get-together, and two programs ideas were suggested: Neighborhood Watch, and the History of Cobb County.
A neighborhood list was put on the computer by Barbara Siller. A map was developed by Doug and Nancy Triestram. A committee delivered them to each residence along with an invitation to the next morning get-together.
Jo Thorne volunteered to help plan "Tour and Lunch" outings. A committee met at her home to make arrangements for the next several months. The first "Tour and Lunch" bunch went to Roswell for lunch at the Public House and to visit the shops in Roswell Square.
Dr. Tom Scott from Kennesaw College was the featured guest at the second morning get-together on November 2. He showed slides of the history of Cobb County. Nineteen women and eleven children attended. Child care was provided. The date was set for the next coffee.
Evening meetings were held in homes of the six existing cluster areas of Wetherbyrne Woods to set up a Neighborhood Watch program. Cluster Captains were selected. Residents filled out information sheets about cars, etc.
Neighborhood Watch information was sent out by Becky King, along with invitation to hear Lieutenant LeCroy.
Lt. LeCroy from the Cobb County Police came to Nadine Bender's house to inform residents about Neighborhood Watch, on November 20. Twenty-seven families were represented.
A proposed structure for a Neighborhood Association was set up at a meeting of three couples (Apts, McCranies, Tignors). It was decided that the idea would be presented at a meeting of residents in late January or early February. The location for a meeting seemed to be a problem. Walter Apt agreed to be Temporary Chairman.
In December, there were several holiday activities: a cookie and crafts ideas exchange at the morning get-together at Denise Weeks’; a Holiday Open House for all residents at Malinda and Cliff Johnson's; a coffee for mothers visiting from out of town, at the Tignor’s; and Christmas Caroling for families on Settlebench Lane, hosted by Dee and Rick Reader.
In January, a second monthly newsletter was sent out by Dede Tignor. It informed residents about upcoming activities and listed the names and addresses of newcomer families. At the morning get-together, people volunteered to help her by delivering it monthly; among them were Kristi Graves, Louise Hornick, Elaine Smith, and Joyce Lyons.
It was decided that the morning get-togethers and tour-and-lunches become regular monthly events.
The FIRST organizational meeting was held on February 6 at Pinetree Country Club. It was determined that there was enough interest to form a residents association. Butch Thompson, developer of WW, (and a member of the County Commission) addressed the group. He gave us a check for $1500 to pay for legal and other expenses required to organize the group. He committed to donate the costs of the sprinkler system (water and electricity) for the next three years or as long as the subdivision is under development.
A temporary board of directors was elected to serve for a brief term of service until June 1, 1986. They were charged with adopting an organizational structure, establishing standing committees, and preparing a proposed "legal" structure for acceptance or revision by the residents. They were:
President: Walter Apt
Vice President: Gary Cooper
Treasurer: John Campbell
Secretary: Dede Tignor
These committees were suggested as necessary for the WWRA: Architectural Control, Finance, Government/Liaison, Landscape/Beautification, Membership, Neighborhood Watch, and Social. $24.00 was suggested as annual dues, per family.
On March 19, a second WW Residents Association meeting was held at Pinetree Country Club. A short summary of future activities was presented by these committee chairs:
Finance: John Campbell
Landscape: Louise White
Membership: Doug and Nancy Triestram
Social: Dee Reader
Neighborhood Watch: Becky King
Other committee chairs were introduced:
Architectural Control: Jim Blanchard
Government Liaison: Larry McCranie
There was discussion concerning a possible annexation of WW by the city of Kennesaw. Because 90% of our neighborhood would need to vote for it before we could be annexed and it was assumed we would vote against it, the matter was dropped.
Residents signed up to indicate interest in running for office. These suggestions were made for committees to handle:
1. Include names and ages of children on WW List.
2. Add house numbers on the map.
3. Develop a "Helping Hand" system for children
4. Post a "No Soliciting" sign at the neighborhood entrances to discourage door-to-door salespeople from outside the neighborhood.
In April, the Temporary Board of Directors approved articles of incorporation and found a lawyer to draw up the contract. They added a Newsletter Committee to the structure.
A slate of officers was published and delivered to all residents.
Judy Basnett and Ann Cooper and their committee organized food and decorations for the Annual Meeting.
On May 17, the FIRST Annual Meeting of WWRA was held at Dobbins Air Force Base. Walter Apt turned the meeting over to Gary Cooper. Following the election, Bill Basnett, Chair of the Nominating Committee announced the new slate of officers who would also act as the 1985-86 Directors of the WWRA, Inc.:
President: Larry Knudson
Vice President: Larry McCranie
Treasurer: Becky King
Director-at-large: Keith Smith (Rick Reader, alternate)
Secretary: Dede Tignor
Larry McCranie reported that when Big Shanty Road is widened, it will be along the southwest side, away from Wetherbyrne Woods property. Doug Triestram reported that 36 families had joined the WWRA!
On May 30, an Initial Corporation Meeting was held. Articles of Corporation were read, approved, and signed.
1985-86
Committee chairs:
Membership Doug and Nancy Triestram
Social Laura Scoggins
Architecture Donna Chalk
Finance Becky King
Welcoming Ann Cooper
Newsletter Elaine Smith
Landscape Joyce Lyons and Louise White
Government Liaison Larry McCranie and Bill Basnett
Neighborhood Watch Becky King
These are the accomplishments and activities during the first term of WWRA.
· A twelve-page Welcoming Booklet was designed, printed, and delivered to not only fifty-two newcomers but to ill residents.
· A committee was established to coordinate a first visit with food and a second visit with the Welcoming Booklet and information about the Association, for every family that moves in the neighborhood.
· A budget was approved for each committee, and the organization as a whole. At year end, there was a positive balance of $ 1,121.56
· The Big Shanty entrance was re-landscaped. John and Lois Croley volunteered to let us use their spigot and pay them for water used. At least twelve volunteers worked at the entrance at different times during the year. It was kept mowed on a regular basis.
· WWRA became a member of the Federation of Cobb Homeowners Association, a group formed to represent the homeowners in the community because the Cobb County Commissioners seem to be more pro-developer.
· Letters were sent to the Federation to express suggestions to improve dangerous conditions affecting our residents: (1. At the railroad crossing on McCollum, and (2. On McCollum and Big Shanty where trucks coming from the quarry are not only speeding, but also dropping rocks which hit our vehicles.
· Representatives attended community meetings about the proposed expansion of McCollum airport; residents were informed in the newsletter.
· A position letter was written to thirteen local, state and federal officials as well as to the FAA and land-owners affected by the proposed expansion of McCollum airport. They were signed at the Annual Meeting.
· Problems in the neighborhood were addressed by the President in the newsletter: parking on the curbs, dogs running loose in the neighborhood, and burning garbage.
· Two updated neighborhood maps and lists, twelve monthly newsletters, and a number of reminders for events were delivered to residents.
· There was an increase in the number of dues-paying members from 36 to 63!
· Louise White began a Sunshine Committee. It was added to the By-Laws.
· There were a variety of social events including not only the monthly morning get-togethers, adult dinner clubs, and tour and lunch, but also groups meeting for bridge and crafts. There were well-attended functions on Labor Day, during the Christmas holidays, and at two Association meetings: one at Pinetree Country Club, and the second Annual Meeting at Dobbins Air Force Base. There were events especially for school-age children.
These items of business were not completed, but become New Business for the 1986-87 Board:
· Steps to take when residents break Covenants.
· Asking the builders and Northside Realty for a $50 contribution to our Welcoming fund.
· A plan for Neighborhood Watch in Phase III; importance of annual or semi-annual NW cluster meetings in all phases.
· Suggestions made at the March 19, 1985 association meeting have not all been acted upon.
· Membership dues from 90"/4 of residents in Wetherbyrne Woods