While many have shared with me the wonderful dinners they enjoyed, the warmth of hospitality and the beauty of the homes they visited, my wow factor comes from how the community came together.

Last October, former TERA Board members eagerly agreed to join the fundraiser team. Within a couple of months, 18 Eagle Rock residents enthusiastically agreed to provide an evening to guests that would include dinner and entertainment in many cases. Go to our website http://www.TERA90041.org to see a list of all the homes that participated. One Sunday, at a local farmers' market I casually mentioned our event to Michael Nogueira, President of the Chamber of Commerce a hope that he would consider hosting the reception at his home. Without hesitation, he offered his home as well as all the party rental supplies we would need. His response was simply "Tell me what you need, I will make it happen". John Stillion, President of the Eagle Rock Beautiful Collaborative, and who has beautified so many Eagle Rock events, readily agreed to be responsible for the entire environment at the reception. The Eagle Rock Key Club, an association of teens who volunteer for community service raised their hands to help us.

Key to a fundraiser is to minimize expenses through the contributions of sponsors. Again, we were so thankful for the generosity of our business community, even in these challenging times. Please reward these businesses for their support of our community with your patronage.

• CaCao Mexicatessen
• Camilo's California Bistro
• Colombo's Italian Steakhouse
• Colorado Wine Company
• Dave's Chillin n Grillin
• Larkin's Restaurant
• New Stone Age Mosaics
• Senor Fish Restaurant
• Sir Michael's Party Rentals
• The Oinkster
• Trader Joe's
• Von's

Ticket sales continued at a brisk pace to the day of the event. On March 27 we came together at Michael and Eugenie's home on Hill Drive. John Stillion's contributions were obvious. His Great Gatsby theme was carried out with white pavilions and round tables skirted in our logo colors, lime and raspberry. Elegant gardenia covered topiaries were placed throughout the venue. The sophisticated jazz sounds of the Gonzalo Bergara Quartet perfectly complimented the afternoon. Jose Huizar and his wife helped me welcome Eagle Rock to this wonderful afternoon. At dinner at our home, a group of people truly came as strangers and left as friends.

The event was wonderful. However, the WOW is how the Eagle Rock Community supported this effort. I cheer for Eagle Rock and applaud the spirit of this place often. This event is proof positive, tangible evidence that the spirit is real and it's here!

Now TERA's responsibility is to get back to the work we are here to do. You may be certain that the income realized for this event will be invested carefully back into the Eagle Rock Community. A huge thank you to all who supported and participated in Guess Who's Coming to Dinner.

Census It is critical that everyone respond to the census survey. Beyond the important update to demographics, etc., government funding is often based on the information gathered in the census process. Completing the form is very easy and fast; it took us about ten minutes. To quote Nike "just do it".

American Tire Update At this point it appears that the owner's plan is to renovate / fix up the building. The proposed alterations will be reviewed by the Design Review Board (DRB) on April 22 at 6:00 PM at the Eagle Rock Public Library. The public is invited. Please be aware that the meeting venue may change if new library hours preclude meeting there.

Initially the owner wanted multiple tenant retail (mini-mall). However, that use is prohibited by the Specific Plan. He then asked for approval for medical office use. A natural reaction to that request would be to conclude that it was another attempt to establish a marijuana dispensary in Eagle Rock. Based on our limited information, we do not think that is the intent.

Once the owner has filed his application to redevelop the property it will be scheduled for a hearing. The hearing notice will be sent only to abutting property owners and tenants.

Further updates will be provided as more information is known.

Support the Arts The presence of artists in our midst is one of the rich threads that runs through the fabric of Eagle Rock. There are two upcoming events you should be aware of. First, there is there is the Center for the Arts April Art Auction on Sunday April 25. Eagle Rock is very fortunate to have the Center for the Arts located in our midst. Not only is the building it occupies a historical treasure, but the programs offered to the community enrich the lives of so many. Please consider supporting their April Art Auction. Second, if you love classical music and your preference is to enjoy a symphony orchestra within 10 minutes of your home, with free parking and tickets for $30 a performance, why haven't you been going to the performances of the Santa Cecilia Orchestra at Occidental / Thorne Hall? They don't have a million dollar concert hall but they do have a million dollar sound. More details below.