If you are anything like me, your summer calendar is full of family activities and warm weather projects. But one of the biggest tasks I have taken on this summer is the annual TERA membership drive. I have a job, a toddler and a social life--why on earth would I want to spend a warm July evening stuffing hundreds of envelopes and learning the finer art of printing on Avery labels? Well, the short answer is that I really believe in the work that TERA does to make Eagle Rock a better place, and I wanted to do my part, even if I incur a few paper cuts along the way.

When my husband and I first moved to Eagle Rock six years ago, we didn't know anyone in the neighborhood. I got involved in TERA as a Home Tour volunteer, thinking it would be a great way to meet people, which indeed it was. As my involvement continued and I learned more about what TERA does as an organization, I realized that, alongside several other community groups and the Neighborhood Council, they were a huge part of the reason we were drawn to Eagle Rock in the first place.

I am amazed by the expertise, dedication and just how much actually gets done by the TERA Board members. I am a music supervisor by trade, so unless our neighborhood was in dire need of a great mix CD, I had no idea what I had to offer as part of TERA in the beginning. But here's what I have come to understand; Membership dues are essential for TERA to exist. I may not have a background in urban planning, but I am really good at stuffing envelopes. I also co-chaired the Guess Who's Coming To Dinner fundraiser, and that turned out to be pretty amazing, if I do say so myself. So now, in addition to sending in my check every year, I am on the TERA Board running the membership committee.

TERA's mission is to improve the quality of life for the residents of Eagle Rock--if you are reading this, then you probably share that concern. Right now, we are doing this by staying on top of issues such as what is next for the American Tire Company building, writing letters of support for local businesses seeking to grow in ways appropriate to their locations, and working with Occidental college to enhance their relationship with the community. We are also focused on creating a more pedestrian and bike-friendly commercial area along Colorado and Eagle Rock Boulevard.

Membership dues are vital to any community organization, and TERA is no exception. Dues help pay for everything from public meetings, printing costs and web hosting fees to bigger-ticket items such as grant-matching for larger community beautification projects, like the Make Art Not Trash mosaic trash can initiative and maintenance. This year, we will be making a substantial contribution towards the Eagle Rock Centennial celebration. Don't wait to become a new TERA member, do it now at http://tera90041.org/join-paypal.htm. For existing members, if you haven't renewed yet, please take that step now. And, if you have already renewed, I will soon be stuffing an envelope to you with a note of appreciation. Be an important part of the Eagle Rock's future by supporting The Eagle Rock Association with your membership.

Maura Duval Griffin,
Membership Chair, TERA