When last we met, I was off to Australia to do my one-woman show. The show was a hit and I don’t care if I ever see the inside of my suitcase again! (“Living out of my luggage” is not part of my job description.) Despite the un-ironed clothes and continually leaving socks behind, the tour was successful, thank-you-very-much to all who were involved in the create of it.
Since my return, I have continued with my Happy House (building better families) activities, but decided I did not have enough on my already busy schedule. So, local realtor, Chris Williams (a.k.a. “Weed-whacker” Chris) and I have formed a neighborhood watch group called “Our Back-yard…and then some.” Chris has lived here for 18 years and raised her four children here. She has a reputation of being one of the best “weed-whackers” around. For the past 15 years, Chris has gone out and helped to clean up little sections of our community by picking up trash, throwing away bottles and most recently cutting down the weeds on all the major streets in Northridge, including Devonshire, Tampa and Corbin. She does her part to safeguard and improve our environment, and I think we all could do just a little bit more.
As for me, one the main reasons why I originally chose to move to Northridge was because this community reminded me of what it was like growing up in the Midwest—Ohio. It has a sense of “community” that I really miss. With two kids of my own, I love the fact that the mall is so near and that they can ride their bikes there. Unfortunately, I have also seen the areas that need some help. Graffiti, trash, and overgrown weeds.
Well, it is a new day in Northridge, and as Honorary Mayor, I pledge that “Our Backyard” will be devoted to their goal: “To beautify, clean up and maintain the area, and make Northridge an ABOVE average place to live while watching out for each other.” It is a worthwhile goal, and one that aligns well with my other activities.
You know, it all starts at home! Ask yourself, what can you do to help make this neighborhood a better place to live? Want to join “Our Backyard” to make a difference? Good. We could use your help.
We are looking for some volunteers to “adopt” some neglected sidewalk areas. If you are interested, contact us at: or call: (818) 670-0100 or log on to www.nancycartwright.com where you can always find more information.
This has been a public service message from your Honorary Mayor and her “weed-whacking” sidekick, Chris Williams. Thanks for listening.
Nancy Cartwright