Letter to the Editor: Good neighbor day successful in strengthening community relationship

To the Editor:

On behalf of the College Heights Civic Association (CHCA) and residents of the neighborhood, I would like to thank all of the University of Mary Washington students who volunteered their afternoon on Saturday, March 16 to participate in Good Neighbor Day.

This project was sponsored by the Student Government Association (SGA) and over 250 students gave their valuable time to assist any resident who asked for help with projects such as raking, pruning, hauling debris, garage and shed organizing, porch and deck cleaning and other light yard work.

There was no fee asked for these services and the students, dressed in their bright blue t-shirts, did these chores strictly to foster good will off campus and lend a hand where needed.

I had the pleasure of meeting many of the students at their celebratory cook out after the work was completed and found them to be friendly, courteous and very positive young ladies and gentlemen; truly good will ambassadors for UMW.

A special thanks goes to Ms. Kagan McSpadden, the SGA director of community outreach, who contacted our Board, came to a meeting to discuss and coordinate the details and was a wonderful liaison between UMW and CHCA.

Our Civic Association looks forward to more collaborative efforts with UMW to foster good relations between the university and the neighborhoods.

Again, volunteers, thanks for a job well done and much appreciated.

Meredith Beckett is president of the College Heights Civic Association.