Summer 2007 Neighborhood Improvement Award Winner Announced

The Bakers' Daughter Jackie and her son Peyton pose in front of Award Winning House

Not even a fallen leaf mars the lawn and street in front of Jackie and Clenice Baker’s well-kept home at 409 Herndon Street in Shreveport’s Highland neighborhood. As one way of recognizing the Bakers’ positive contribution to the community, the Highland Restoration Association (HRA) has presented them with the HRA Neighborhood Improvement Award for Summer 2007. This award is presented quarterly to a home owner or business that serves as a role model for others.

The Bakers moved to their Highland home in 2003 from Blanchard. “I wanted to live in a historic home,” Clenice Baker said. The interior had been restored by the previous owners but the Bakers have continually enhanced the outdoor living space by adding covered parking and additional storage, and maintaining an immaculate yard.

The Bakers have also put in a bid to purchase the house next to them and the vacant lot next to that house. They want to improve their whole block.

Clenice Baker has mixed family heirlooms with bargain buys to make the interior of the home as inviting as the exterior. “I love the high ceilings and the crown molding in this house,” said Clenice Baker. “When I go into other people’s houses, I sometimes feel like the ceilings are too low and I feel closed in.”

The cottage has three bedrooms, including one for the Baker’s grandchildren who are frequent visitors to their grandparents’ house. When he isn’t caring for his lawn, Jackie Baker can often be found sitting on his porch watching his grandchildren play.

“I want the young people of this neighborhood to appreciate the history of the houses and take care of the old homes in Highland,” said Clenice Baker.

The Highland Restoration Association could not agree more.

Clean Team Event--August 4

The Highland Restoration Association joined forces with Shreveport-Bossier Community Renewal, Highland Area Partnership, Brookshires on Kings Highway, VOA Highland Center and Shreveport Police Department Weed and Seed to co-sponsor the August 4 Highland Clean Team event at Columbia Park. A trailer was loaded with cleaning supplies, i.e., paper products, hand sanitizer, and spray cleanser, that were collected for distribution to neighborhood schools.

This annual event is held in conjunction with the Shreveport-Bossier Community Renewal's Highland Neighborhood picnic, which this year featured a water slide for the children, time to explore the new Columbia Park playground equipment, cake walks for all ages and lunch for everyone.

Several HRA board members attended this event and shared their photographs of the event. The pictures tell the story of this worthy and fun-filled event.














Photo Credit: James Eakin, HRA Board Member www.eakinphotography.com

150 Dogs and Cats Receive Rabies Vaccinations

The Highland Rabies Clinic vaccinated about 150 dogs and cats during the Saturday, May 12 clinic at the VOA Highland Center This event is sponsored by the Highland Restoration Association, Caddo Paish Animal Control, and the Humane Society of NW Louisiana. Watch for information on this blog about dates for a fall clinic.

Concert in the Park Series Kicked Off in Columbia Park May 7

Highland residents of all ages and species came to Columbia Park Monday evening, May 7, to hear the Sheveport Metropolitan Band perform in SPAR's Concert in the Park Summer Series. This was the first of seven concerts scheduled for May and June in Shreveport parks. Check out SPAR's website at www.myspar.org to find out more about planned summer activities.

Highland area children are enjoying the new playground equipment recently installed at Columbia Park. Many thanks to SPAR Director Shelly Ragle and her staff for this badly needed upgrade. Check out the other park improvements including an access walkway from Rutherford Street into the park. Many Highland walkers enjoy communing with nature as they walk the paved path through the park.

Join HRA in our partnership with SPAR to continue beautification projects in Columbia Park, one of Sheveport's prettiest small parks.

Highland Restoration Association Receives NIP Grant

HRA was notified that we have been approved for a Phase III Neighborhood Investment Grant from the City of Shreveport's Department of Community Development. We are still waiting to receive our contract and meet with department officials to finalize the grant.

Our proposal targeted the following projects: a Health Fair at Highland Center in September; a neighborhood clean-up in the fall; Clean Team project and picnic in August with Shreveport-Bossier Community Development to help neighborhood schools with classroom supplies; Adopt-a-Park for additional beautification projects at Columbia Park; and a Highland Historic District program that also celebrates HRA's 30 years of service in Highland.

These are ambitious plans. We will need the help of our HRA members and other Highland residents to make them reality. Watch this space for additional information as we develop our plans.

Photos from General Meeting

April 19 General Meeting

Thirty-two people enjoyed a lassagna dinner during the Highland Restoration Association General Membership meeting April 19. President Teresa Edgerton outlined HRA accomplishments in 2006 and discussed plans for 2007. The HRA website was unveiled by web designer Ginger Broussard. Watch this site for more 2007 plans.