As the beginning of the third year of the Brentwood Neighborhood Association began in October 2020, new board members were installed. The current board consists of the following:
- Mert Seaton, president
- Cindy Cook, vice president
- Pam Buhr, treasurer
- Jane Augustine, secretary
- David Buhr, member at large
- Lisa Meeks, member at large
- Brent Rinker, member at large.
Brentwood Neighborhood Association wrapped up 2020 with two new events meant to enhance the lives of our neighbors during COVID-19.
Reverse trick-or-treating
On Halloween, neighbor volunteers gathered in Field Elementary School’s parking lot in costume and inside decorated vehicles to form the reverse trick-or-treating car line. This idea was born from association president Mert Seaton to meet the social distancing requirements and eliminate the risk of children going door to door. Association members prepared safe, grab-and-go candy bags for kids who registered for a visit.
Multiple individual candy bags were created for each child based on their age and any food allergies. The bags of candy were arranged by the households on the car line route. On Halloween, cars lined up with baskets attached to their side mirror. As the line of vehicles began their route with masked and costumed occupants, bags of candy specific to the household were placed in the basket upon arrival. Children visited each car to gather their goodies out of the Halloween baskets. In total, 40 children were greeted and 200 bags of candy were distributed.
Fall cleanup
The neighborhood clean-up day was held with social distancing and masks in place. We were visited by 68 households who filled five dumpsters to equal 8.63 tons of waste.
Bass Pro Marathon cheering section
The Bass Pro Marathon cheering section occurred on Nov. 1, 2020 with chilly weather, but with rousing support and cheers for the runners. We were asked to post at the corner of Fremont and Seminole this year at the last minute. Twelve of our Brentwood Neighborhood Association members appeared as the “Tie Dye Troupe” decked out in tie-dye apparel and decorations. This participation earned the association $1,000.
Holiday concert
On Tuesday, Dec. 15, the neighborhood association presented a holiday concert live via Zoom featuring the Red Shoe Pickers.
Neighborhood Works proposal
Brentwood Neighborhood Association and the Neighborhood Works proposal to improve Kirkwood Park was submitted March 1. If funded, Kirkwood Park would expand its playground equipment to the space to the northeast of the existing park. This enhancement would provide a playground module to serve children ages 5 to 12.
City Council candidate visits
At the February and March general meetings, any City Council candidate on the April ballot was invited to speak at our Zoom meetings. To participate, candidates must have registered with Mert to receive a time slot. This event met one of association’s goals, which is to educate and inform the residents in our neighborhood to increase participation and growth in our community.