Core 4

Web Master

Orchard Civic Association

Fishers, Indiana, USA

Orchard At Sunblest OCA Purpose/Mission Statement:

Aid in the pursuit to ensure a positive living experience for all our neighborhood families, to protect the value of our community and homes and to further enhance the overall quality for our family’s and neighbor’s lives.

The OCA "Core 4"

What do we mean by "Safety?"

Safety is arguably the most important of the "Core 4" guiding values. And when we talk about safety, what do we mean? We mean the safety of our families, our neighbors, our visitors, our belongings, our homes and yes, even our pets! The other "Core 4" values, Accountability, Value and Camaraderie certainly don't mean as much if we don't feel safe in our own community.

How do I support the Safety component of our "Core 4?"

There are many ways in which you can help ensure that we continue to live in a safe community. The most important contribution you can make is by supporting your Block Captain and the Neighborhood Crime Watch program. Get to know your Block Captains! They are your neighbors and their goal is to help you and all of us have a safer community in which to live. Also, you can make a direct difference; if only by being observant and active in your support. For example, most of us are aware that the posted speed limit in the Orchard is 25mph. If you observe someone clearly traveling at a faster rate of speed, by all means report it to either the Fishers Police department of your Block Captain. This will at least be a first step in determining if this is an isolated incident or a chronic case with the identified vehicle and driver.

What do we mean by "Accountability?"

If we expect to have a safe, clean and respectable community, we all need to pitch in to do some very basic things. Keep your grass mowed, don't let trash build up in places that are highly visible to your neighbors, be responsible for the actions of people who live in your home. It goes beyond mere good citizenship and is incumbent upon us all to hold each other accountable towards maintaining the value of our community.

How do I support the Accountability component of our Core 4?

One if the simplest and best means is to continue to have pride in your community. For example, if you see someone has started to pile trash on their front yard, ask them how long they plan to have it there. Ask them if they considered renting a large dumpster to get rid of it. Just by you asking, they will know that there is a sense of pride in the community that we all believe is important.

Accountability is viral:

If you know that someone might ask you about a car being on blocks in your driveway, you may choose to keep it in your garage or simply have it fixed at a garage. Being more cognizant of how your actions affect your neighbors and affect the perceptions of our community can only improve our neighborhood overall.

What do we mean by "Value?"

Value means a variety of things to many different people. It means the value of the experience of living in a safe and clean community, it is the monetary value of your home and property and it is the value of camaraderie amongst caring neighbors. It is one of the "Core 4" because everybody has something that they value in their home or community. Therefore, we all have reason to work towards a better neighborhood.

How do I support the Value component of our "Core 4?"

The price of your home is based on square footage, layout, and extras. It is also based on pure economics - supply and demand. Does a family feel as if they want to live in your neighborhood? How much will they pay to live in your neighborhood? Would a prospective neighbor rather buy a home in a place where neighbors have some sense of camaraderie, where kids are safe to play outside without fear, where people take pride in their homes? Most would imagine the answer is yes.

What do we mean by "Camaraderie?"

Do you talk to your neighbor? Do you know your neighbor? You may or you may not. When we interact with our neighbors, we begin to improve our understanding of each other. And in turn, we increase our chances of having a safer, friendlier and happier neighborhood; we also make it a more natural pathway to help hold each other accountable for neighborhood and community enhancement. Bottom line, having a healthy relationship with some or all of your neighbors provides for a better experience for all in our community.

How do I support the Camaraderie component of our "Core 4?"

Throw a block party. Participate in a block party. Offer to house sit for a neighbor if you know they're going to be away. Welcome a new neighbor with some muffins or cookies. Offer to baby-sit for a new parent. Wave at someone. Seems easy? Well it is!