Dear Neighbors,
As we approach the end of another year, we want to reflect on our community’s collective accomplishments and share our plans for 2024.
2023: A Year of Beautification and Engagement
This year was marked by beautification and community-building efforts. We began and ended the year making improvements and repairs to both entrances, some more visible than others. New beds, upgrades to irrigation systems, lighting, and more. Most recently, holiday lights at both entrances brought about a festive touch to our community.
The removal of old-growth and dying trees and bushes throughout the neighborhood also continues. As does humane deer thinning to maintain the balance of our local ecosystem and maintain a beautiful and safe environment.
It was wonderful seeing so many of you at our annual Town Hall and recent virtual Town Hall to ask questions about the proposed annexation. Both brought us together and paved the way for important decisions, including a necessary annual assessment increase. This decision, though difficult, was essential to offset inflation and support our current budgetary expenditures and we are grateful for everyone’s thoughtful feedback and overwhelming support.
We’ve also heard your feedback through our monthly surveys and are taking your thoughts to heart as we plan for 2024.
There was also time to celebrate this year. It was delightful seeing so many of you at the Easter Bunny and Egg Hunt event, the Halloween Block Party, and our entrance decorating event for the holiday season. These gatherings were not only enjoyable but also strengthened our community’s bonds.
Finally, with incredible support from our engaged neighbors, 2023 was also a year of expansion for our HOA board. This small change has dramatically impacted our planning and execution, including recurring communications, which we hope you’ve enjoyed.
Looking Forward to 2024
As we enter the new year, we are excited for what it offers and look forward to your involvement. We’ll continue to hold a midsummer annual Town Hall and will be adding quarterly virtual town halls as well as a virtual meeting for the new Trustee elections as we continue to expand our board.
Keeping up with social traditions, we’re adding a Summer Block Party featuring the West County Fire Department, Christmas Carols with Santa, canceled this year due to illness, and an expansion of our current holiday decorations.
We have big plans as we continue our focus on beautification efforts. A Garden Club refresh is in the works. Under the guidance of our neighbor Karen Young, you can anticipate informational meetings to share best practices, help find deer-resistant natives, and find ways to beautify our cul-de-sacs and entrances. There will also be opportunities to volunteer for special projects as they arise.
We will continue our collaboration with local entities as we work with the County to repair our street lighting and, through a partnership with Ameren, upgrade to more energy-efficient LED lights. We will also enlist the support of county arborists as we prioritize the care of our old-growth trees, especially those leading to our Dietrich entrance.
As we wrap up 2023 and embrace the new year, we are grateful for your continued support, engagement, and dedication to making Ridgemont the wonderful community it is. Together, we will continue strengthening our community connections, enhancing our neighborhood’s beauty, and ensuring that Ridgemont remains a place we are all proud to call home.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!
Warm regards,
Ridgemont Board of Trustees
P.S. We always welcome your ideas and suggestions. Please don’t hesitate to contact any of us on the board with your thoughts and feedback. Let’s make 2024 a year to remember!