<html><head></head><body style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; ">Exactly right, Dean! Thank you for what you do. <div><br></div><div>BT<br><div><br><div>Begin forwarded message:</div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"><blockquote type="cite"><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"><span style="font-family:'Helvetica'; font-size:medium; color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 1);"><b>From: </b></span><span style="font-family:'Helvetica'; font-size:medium;">Dean W <<a href="mailto:thedeaner@gmail.com">thedeaner@gmail.com</a>><br></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"><span style="font-family:'Helvetica'; font-size:medium; color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 1);"><b>Date: </b></span><span style="font-family:'Helvetica'; font-size:medium;">October 23, 2012 5:00:48 PM EDT<br></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"><span style="font-family:'Helvetica'; font-size:medium; color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 1);"><b>To: </b></span><span style="font-family:'Helvetica'; font-size:medium;"><a href="mailto:summit@sna.providence.ri.us">summit@sna.providence.ri.us</a><br></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"><span style="font-family:'Helvetica'; font-size:medium; color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 1);"><b>Subject: </b></span><span style="font-family:'Helvetica'; font-size:medium;"><b>Re: [Summit] Fr Eng</b><br></span></div><br><div>Being critical from the sidelines is one thing, but please at least get your facts straight, get the names of those you are targeting correctly spelled, and include your own name. I think it is courteous to include your own name if you intend to call out others by first and last name, even if the spelling is horrendous.</div>
<div><br></div><div>If you want to relive the fountain experience, fine, but do not rewrite the facts to paint a picture of evil tree-cutting volunteers. People worked hard on that project, and many others are pleased with the outcome. If you miss the trees so badly, let's figure out where we can plant some new ones. It might not heal your wound of the two lost trees, but it is a step forward somewhere. </div>
<div><br></div><div>SNA did not recommend the cutting of any trees for that project. Not one tree. I was personally at the meeting where that decision was communicated to us, by the Parks Dept, who's project it was at that point. (They did have a slew of reasons for cutting the trees, but I do not think we want to go down that road for the tenth time.) </div>
<div><br></div><div>You were not at that meeting, but you were invited.</div><div><br></div><div>SNA also has never advocated for community gardens in Lippitt Park. We met on the topic a few times, decided to conduct an online survey to see what neighbors thought of the idea, and we learned that neighbors were generally against this location for community gardens. That is the beginning, middle and end of that story.</div>
<div><br></div><div>I organized and attended the candidate forum that we held last week, as well as the two forums that we hosted two years ago. All three forums consisted of questions provided by the residents of Summit. I believe we went to great lengths (being annoying on the listserv and otherwise) to solicit these questions. We tried our best to be impartial in moderating these forums. We are not the candidates running for office, so if you have a problem with them, or with politics in general, I cannot help you here. All three of these forums included all registered candidates, including those running as Independents. </div>
<div><br></div><div>It was a little hot in the room at last week's candidate forum, and the refreshments that we served were loaded with refined sugar. I guess I apologize for that, but there is only so much time in the day, and every minute we spend planning these events is another minute not spent with our own children. </div>
<div><br></div><div>We try hard to make sure that SNA is reasonably representing the desires of the neighborhood. We try hard to communicate that our meetings are open to everyone and that all are welcome, to get involved or just to provide feedback or concerns. If you are so upset about something, please get in touch or come on out and meet people in person. </div>
<div><br></div><div>SNA is not a closed group of people working behind closed doors to our own benefit. We are whoever shows up at the meeting. You want in, great, welcome to the club. </div><div><br></div><div>Next meeting: Monday, November 19, 7pm at Summit Commons.<br clear="all">
<br>Sincerely,</div><div>Dean Weinberg</div><div><br>
PS - I realize that these posts do not deserve any response at all. But they irk me, considering the significant time commitment I and others make on these projects. It is difficult enough to find people to volunteer their time, we do not need people trying to discourage them.<br>
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