Open letter to Wally and Norma

March 5, 2002

Dear Wally and Norma,

Every time I pass by your home and see the For Sale Sign, I am saddened. Especially over the last year, you have both become very special friends, and I have marveled at your dedication and devotion to our Stafford Circle/Drive neighborhood.

While working with you in the planning committee, I saw first hand how many hours of hard work you so generously put into being Block Captains. Even though I had lived in the neighborhood for over six years -- I got to make new friendships and acquaintances on Stafford Circle/Drive thanks to you and the events that you organized and led. The neighborhood, for me, just became a more friendly, exciting place to live.

Thanks to your leadership and hardwork, Stafford Circle/Drive had twenty-two events from February 1 to December 20, 2001, including three Breakfasts at Tiffany's, a bowling party, two book discussions, golf tournament, pinochle games, a garage sale, an annual picnic, dinner and dancing at Bobby Palermo's, two pontoon-boat days out, pool/pizza party, ice cream social at the Senior Center, Octoberfest, Oxford Tea House (Ladies Day Out), and our annual Christmas Party. I have the list at my fingertips because I posted them all on the website as the year went along.

Of course, you did have some generous people assisting you, but it was always you two -- Wally and Norma -- that took on the greatest responsibility to make sure things ran well. It amazes me that even with your house up for sale now and all the pressures that must be on you during this transition period, you still continue on with your block-captain efforts, especially in organizing the garage sale. It could be so easy to give up trying to be of service to the neighborhood and instead turn all your efforts to working out the countless details that will come with your move.

I wish something I could do or say would change your mind, and that you would remain with us, but I understand that sometimes circumstances make us move on -- but wherever you go, please know that I will always be grateful for all your efforts as block captains in making Stafford Circle/Drive a more cordial, exciting place for me to live. I will miss you both very much Wally and Norma -- not only as block captains, but as dear friends.

Your friend always,

Richard Gordon

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