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Around Town
Embracing the Season in Pinehurst
December 14, 2007
District 3 contains the great prism of neighborhoods in Columbia, ranging from the city’s most affluent to its most needy. One neighborhood that faces numerous challenges is Pinehurst, located between Forest Dive and Two Notch Road near Providence Hospital and Middleborough Mall Office complex. Although Pinehurst may lack some of the material wealth of other neighborhoods , it is blessed with extraordinary leadership squarely focused on enriching the lives of its children and addressing issues of neighborhood sustainability.
Today I attended the Pinehurst Neighborhood Association (PNA) Christmas Party held for over 60 children at Pinehurst Park. Under the dynamic leadership of President Brenda Oliver and a core of dedicated women activists, the PNA communicates high expectations to its children while at the same time combats serious threats to neighborhood life including violent crime and drugs. It is not surprising that Brenda and other Pinehurst leaders are passionate advocates for a strong and visible community policing program and the highest standards in the delivery of basic city services. Pinehurst Park, a widely used neighborhood asset, serves as a venue for youth development, and our city’s investment here pays compelling dividends.Over the past months I have visited Pinehurst several times , and, last August, I attended the PNA “Back to School” ceremony where neighborhood leaders presented each child with a bookbag filled with the necessary supplies to begin the school year with success. Each visit to Pinehurst reminds me that as the District 3 Council member I must address the needs of every neighborhood. It also renews my appreciation for the great capacity of individuals to create caring communities that are exactly what the concept of “neighborhood” is all about.