SCAN IS AN ASSEMBLY OF NEIGHBORHOODS

Yes, I have become active in another volunteer organization.  For folks who know my background, you know I have been a strong advocate for South Sarasota County representation in government, education and cultural development.  Up to now homeowner and neighborhood associations specifically for South County have not had the coordinated ability to voice their thoughts or viewpoints….until now.

The new South County Assembly of Neighborhoods (SCAN) is a non-political civic group committed to provide South Sarasota County neighborhoods the opportunity to connect to one another, to share information and to participate in shaping our future together.  SCAN’s geographic area covers Osprey, Laurel, Nokomis, Venice, Englewood and North Port.  Its primary service will be to provide existing and new neighborhoods and associations with information enabling them to become viable, self-sufficient, and able to make a positive difference in the community.

Priority topics that arose from the first organizational meetings included insurance issues, code enforcement, connecting neighborhoods for purchasing goods and services, helping new associations get started, working with government, grants and grant writing, and assistance in writing ne3sletters and creating websites.  We held our first general meeting on July 13 on pre-and post-hurricane preparedness for homeowner associations.   It was attended by dozens of homeowner groups…a great start.

The charter board of directors consists of John Ask of Nokomis, President; Bruce Dillon of Nokomis, Vice President; Ellen Hillstrom of South Venice, Secretary (that’s me); Tom Minnich of Englewood, Treasurer; and directors Sandra Terry of Laurel, Richard Holder of Venice, and Sam George of North Port.

South Sarasota County is growing by leaps and bounds.  Just drive along Laurel Road, Center Road, River Road, East US 41 into North Port, and SR 776 to Englewood and see all of the new “rooftops” popping up everywhere.  Those are our new neighborhoods coming in and SCAN wants to be the welcome mat in helping the residents assimilate into our quality of life.

The SCAN story can be seen on our website at www.sarasota-scan.org.  Check it out.  There is an application to join as an association or as an individual.

Ellen Hillstrom, Free Lance Writer

Venice Gondolier  7/21/2006