I hope that this letter finds everyone in good health. There have been a few changes in RPA.  I assumed the role of President of the Association after 5 years of strong and dynamic leadership by Terri Cassidy.

Terri has decided to focus her energies as the Chairperson of our Board.   On behalf of the Directors and Officers of the RPA, I would like to thank Terri Cassidy for her years of service and support as our President and wish her nothing but the best in her new role.  I would also like to thank Bridget Murphy for her service as RPA Chairperson in 2008.  We wish Bridget and our retiring board members, Frances DeRosa and Hugh White, well and thank them   for the countless hours they spent trying to make Rockaway Point a better place.

We welcome 3 new officers to RPA:  Jerry Trollo joins as our 1^st Vice President, Karen Trollo joins as 3^rd Vice President, and Jimmy Gemmel joins as Sergeant-At-Arms.  Former officers Ed Flaherty and Claudia McDade assumed roles on the Board of Directors and are joined by new board members, Danny Latham and Eileen Young.  Thank you to them and to the standing Officers and Directors for the commitment that they’ve given and continue to give to our Association. 

I urge the prompt payment of your 2009 RPA dues and your continued support to help sustain RPA programs for children and adults throughout the year.  Our annual events are enjoyed by people of all ages in the community.  There is sincere concern for the youth and seniors.  The Association continues to sponsor successful events and is open to exploring additional events that there might be interest in.  As a reminder, your RPA dues must be paid prior to submitting a letter of reference for sales, rentals and transfers. 

Please continue to attend the RPA General Membership meetings. The meeting agendas reflect the concerns of the community and allow Association members the opportunity to express their opinions and share ideas with fellow shareholders.   You will see familiar faces and have the opportunity to meet new members of the RPA.  If you haven’t attended our meetings in the past, mark your calendars and make an effort to attend.  Attendance at RPA meetings and participation in Association and Cooperative programs has been the key to our success. The Association is only as strong as our membership and we need the input and ideas of each and every member.

I am proud to be the new leader of the Rockaway Point Association.  We are an organization that has active participation by its members, Officers and Board of Directors.  I am looking forward to seeing you at our meetings, participating and volunteering at our scheduled events and seeing you in the community. 

What is the Rockaway Point Association?

The Breezy Point Cooperative is comprised of three areas: Roxbury, Rockaway Point and Breezy Point. Each community has their own civic association.  All stockholders must be members of an Association.  The Rockaway Point Association represents the shareholders of all homes from the main gate west to Ocean Avenue, more than 1100 homes.

The Rockaway Point Association (RPA) is a community group comprised of shareholders whose goal is to ensure the safety, beautification and quality of life in our community.  The RPA acts as a liaison between the Breezy Point Coop and the Rockaway Point community.  The Association also represents the membership in dealing with our neighboring civic associations, the Cooperative, and other agencies. Afterall, many voices are better than one.

Who runs the Rockaway Point Association?

The officers and board members of the Association are Rockaway Point shareholders elected by you. They give their time voluntarily for the betterment of our entire community.  They meet on a regular basis during the year.  Elections are held at the last general meeting of the summer (August 24, 2009).

How do you participate in the Association?

The RPA holds 7 general meetings a year and you are encouraged to attend. These meetings provide a great opportunity to meet your neighbors, keep informed and up-to-date on community issues, express your opinions and share your thoughts and ideas.  Occasionally guest speakers, local politicians and Cooperative representatives are invited to discuss local issues.

What are the annual dues and what are they used for?

RPA dues invoices are mailed to all members at the beginning of each year.  The 2009 dues notice is enclosed with this newsletter. Payment is due now -- please don’t wait until a summer general meeting.  You will receive an RPA membership card upon payment. Please bring your RPA membership card to RPA general meetings.  RPA dues are charged annually and should not be confused with your monthly BP Cooperative assessment.

The following is a partial list and description of some of our services that are funded by you:

In conclusion, we hope you enjoy living in Rockaway Point as much as we do. We look forward to seeing you at the Association meetings. We encourage you to become active; our Association will be strengthened by your involvement.  Please join with your neighbors to provide a healthy, happy and caring community.