Friday, August 10, 2012 12:30 PM   Hello all, sorry I was a day late on getting out the status of the off leash pilot program announcement that came down on Wednesdays Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting.  Doug Long officially announced that based on the performance of Burton and Highland off leash pilot programs, we have been granted an official off leash program, under the conditions that we continue to self police, keep up the volunteerism, and support each other in following the rules that were given when the program was in its pilot stages.     Of course you all know the rules right?  Of course!  Stay in the boundaries designated, walk your dog with leash when not in the boundaries,  stay out of the sponsored games,  have your dog under voice command and control,  keeping your dog from jumping up or scaring anyone that does not invite your dog to "investigate" them,  and obviosly Pick up the doo doo of your doggie(s) by paying attention on the yard at all times.  Pay attention to field closure A frames (barricades) ,  follow the times alloted to us.  Help each other out as always when a pooping dog is spotted!   At the meeting Wednesday, Doug was very impressed with Burton, stating that before the pilot program when the amout of dogs were not nearly as many, the poo happened to be significantly more. Since the program, the diligence of the dog owner's, the buddy system that we created, and the liaisons that help assist, the yard has never been more feces free.  So great job everyone.    Highlands still is in desperate need of evening liasons and the cooperation of its goers there to stay within the boundaries and pick up the poop.   Please volunteer if you go in the evenings there, you may be having to go elsewhere if the "act" isn't straigtenend up there soon.  It may be closed down during the evening times and left open in the mornings when the liaisons are around to monitor. We really need volunteers to act as liasons at Highlands for the evenings. Burton of course, is always open to the extra help, though please remember to be kind to your liaison's and offer help when you they ask.  (Mary, Penny, Gail, Rich, Georgia -liasions-- off the top of my head) Did I miss anyone.   CAUTION:  Doug can and will pull the plug at any time for any reason he deems fit.  This is not a get out of jail card for free card. Even though we have proven we can do well doesn't mean we can get complacent!!   He was very adement about that.    Lastly, thanks to everyone who has been responsible for their doggies and also those who have helped in various ways making this program successful.   We really appreciate your contributions.   Muchos Gracias to Penny (Burton) and Donna (Highlands) who have worked side by side with me to help distibrute information to keep everyone informed, and being involved in the meetings after meetings and making flyers, postings to FB, helping me maintain the website,  brainstorming, and so much more.   Donna has struggled with being very much alone up there at Highlands, with some help from Mike and Brad, but its been tough feeling solo i am sure.  Penny has suffered a bad back and despite her physical challenges and pain level she is still putting out 100 percent. I have so much gratitude for these two, and you I am sure do too!  We couldn't have done it without their help, please be sure to thank them in particular.    With all that said,  Ta Da!  We did it !  :)   Keep up the good work!   Sheila