Historical November–December 2025 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Board Members Present: Tracy Granneman (Vice President, Rosedale), Molly Rater (Secretary, Kingsbury Square), Yvette Kell (Treasurer,Washington Heights), JoAnna Schooler (Washington University), Jim Holzer (Rosedale), Adam Bergeron (Rosedale Neighbors), Stefan Pabst (Parkview Agents), Roger Harris (Washington Heights), Auriann Sehi (At large) Not Present: Mike Stephens (President, Parkview), Carl Merritt (Cote Brillante), Nathaniel Rivers (Washington Heights), Jeff and Karen Stokes (Grace Methodist), Callie Kesel (Rosedale Neighbors), Kathryn Bulard (Busey Bank), Michelle Davidson (at large on 3
month leave). Visitors: NIS Max Magee, Andy Cross (Beautification chair), Grady Vaughan (Security Chair), Samantha Smugala (East Loop, Commercial Districts), Eric Mason and Judy __ (guest NISs from other areas), Darryl Grandberry (assistant to Alderwoman Hubbard), Addisons (citizens of neighborhood) Project Manager: Victoria Headrick absent Alderperson: Shameem Clark Hubbard Meeting was called to Order at 7:05 PM in the SDCC office. Quorum with 9/16 board members present. Tracy led meeting in Mike’s absence. Public Comment: Samantha Smugala reported on upcoming Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) event to be held in the East Loop November 1st. Part of Delmar will be shut down and detour maps will be available.
There will be food, vendors and costume contests. Event is dog friendly and there will be a dog costume competition. Darryl Grandberry reported that Shameem will hold a trunk or treat event at an autoshop at Kingshighway and Enright on Oct 27th 4-6 pm.
This will be in place of her usual town hall meeting on the same date. Approval of Minutes: Minutes approved with one correction requested by JoAnna Schooler. Presidents Report: Mike was absent tonight.
He wanted to communicate that commitments are needed from board members by end of year and should be communicated to any member of the executive committee. No Project Manager Report Porchfest: Molly reported that event was a big success with more bands and attendance higher than ever. Debriefing meeting next Monday Oct 20th Financial Report: We have hit our goal of 10,000 dollars for the Friends campaign! Yvette is waiting for some information from the accountants to settle the financials Yvette reported that one of the large donors to the Dog Park has asked for a refund of their money. Yvette asked for a copy of the contract with the SDHC. Apparently there had been an agreement for naming rights. 10,000 will go back to donor and 6500 to Dog Park Committee. NIS/Aldermanic Report: Max McGee reported that there were 121 service calls since last meeting Tree work-there is a contracting team that has been surveying trees and stumps.
Some trees were already deemed hazardous even before the tornado. Emergency Stabilization Program provides compassionate demolition-all external work-for tornado victims October/November will be months for leaf removal if leaves put out on curbs. Yard waste ends at the end of November Recycling: Max reported that 55% of alley dumpsters were contaminated and down to 24% in recycling centers. Aurianne suggested that recycling dumpsters be relabeled as regular dumpsters in alleys Construction on sidewalks will start in January There will be an electronics recycling event at the City Water Division on October 25th Committee Reports: Security Report: Grady reported that crime stats are down.
There have been some incidents on the 6100 block of Washington and more patrols have been added. 2 gunshot reports were not really gunshots. Report with crime stats filed separately under committee reports on SDCC website Historic committee: No report but Bob put out a link re: Tile and Slate roofs Commercial Report: Church on Delmar above Swade got approval to hold events Committee met today re: Potential lease for 6195 Delmar for an arcade (Claw Machine) business Materials still needed for Skinker Station. Melissa Web available for informational sessions re: Metrolink Station Beautification Committee: The Triangle greenspace at Laurel/ DeGiverville/Waterman lost a large magnolia tree in the center of the park due to the tornado.
The center sculpture known as “Flight” was damaged. Large branches were cleared away last week by heavy equipment.
The beautification Committee cleared a load of broken branches and removed 5” of dirt to clear the sidewalk and is working to stabilize the soil there. Young trees in our neighborhood greenspaces are getting watered to help them survive the drought. 2 of the wood postcovers have been replaced on the Westminster/ Rosedale barricade. Our annual fall Food Drive is Sat October 25. Signs are posted and flyers are being delivered. Wintermarkt is on Sat Dec 6. New Business: Free Little Pantry: Auriann proposed establishing a Free Little Pantry by the Free Little Library across the street from Greg Freeman Park.
She was flexible on the location of the pantry. Andy has the materials to build the structure. Yvette pointed out that maintaining the pantry would be the hardest part. Suggestion made to solicit donations on the weekly e-blast. Tracy suggested that we talk to institutions about research they have done on the topic and could also help identify potential locations for the most impact.
She will connect Karen Stoles and Auriann re: Grace Methodist’s food bank. Washington University: JoAnna reported that Wash U will have Neighbor’s Day at the Football game this Saturday beginning at 11:30. Admission is free for neighbors and free refreshments available Grace Methodist: They will be sponsoring a sign making party Friday at noon for a No Kings march Aldermanic Report: Shameem reported that we have been approved for playground updates but there has been a stall in the city for this and the speed humps.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, November–December 2025.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: Continuation mislabelled September eighth in print but October thirteenth title and continuity verified. Judy __ blank surname retained. No final signature or adjournment printed, author not guessed.
Original source: SD_Times2025_11.pdf, printed page(s) 5, 6; PDF page(s) 5, 6.
