October 19, 2007 - Dads In The Hood
“Dads in the Hood” is a grassroots fatherhood initiative that honors and promotes personal and community commitment to the role of fatherhood. Founded by John Bourke in our very own Glen Meadows neighborhood, Dads in the Hood will enjoy its 13th year in 2007. Always on a Friday evening, this year's front yard campout will take place October 19th.
The idea for Dads in the Hood came to John after being challenged by one of his corporate clients. On a dare, his client proposed that John mirror the culture-shift work that he was facilitating within the organization by creating a rapid and vital positive impact in his own backyard. John accepted and with a budget of seven hours, seven phone calls, and seven dollars he launched Dads in the Hood.
Since its inception, John has managed the event with the help of his wife, Elena and a handful of sponsors and neighborhood volunteers. Tom Thumb is the founding sponsor and faithfully provides the pumpkins, paints, drinks and hay-bail stage for the famed "Abiyoyo" puppet show. Calloway’s nursery provides hundreds of beautiful pansies through a local flower supplier that insists on being a part of the event every year. Each year the Krizman family donates their time and muscle to load the tons of pumpkins into Bill's little pickup. Over the years Greg Metry has really become the co-chair for the event insuring that the music, magic and fun are all in place. I am always touched by the sentiments expressed by our local Fire and Police professionals as they join us each year. The reading of the Mayoral Proclamation has become a Plano tradition in and of itself.
The secret behind Dads in the Hood lies in the special ways that families transform it into their own intimate tradition with their kids. There is something wonderful that happens between us as family members and neighbors when we pitch our work, pitch a tent and wait for nightfall to blot out the distractions of the day.
Make this year's Dads in the Hood a wonderful memory for you and yours and remember...all family members, especially moms and grandparents are part of this wonderful family event. I look forward to seeing you all on October 19th.
You can register by visiting the Bourke & Associates Web Site at bourkeassociates.com and downloading the form.
February 2008 - Homeowners Association Meeting
The Glen Meadows Homeowners Association annual meeting will be held in February at Parr Library (6200 Windhaven Pkwy.) In the past, turnout has been very low. This year we are encouraging everyone to come out and get involved in their neighborhood association. This a chance for your voice to be heard and to volunteer to help make Glen Meadows a great place to live, so please make every effort to attend.