2010 Year End Review

Education Notes:

The new building for the elementary school has been a huge success.  Elementary teacher Jessica Ebadi says, "This building is much easier to navigate than the older building.  It's smaller, so it's easier to get around, but the rooms seem more spacious.  There's less wasted space.  James [McMillian] did a terrific job designing the building."
Since the new building is working out so well, it has been decided that the Jr/Sr High will move to this facility as well in 2012.  Though students and teachers may miss the gymnasium and auditorium, the improved layout should be worth the loss of these amenities.  Architect James McMillian will continue construction of the school building, adding a second floor with additional classrooms for the older students, a teacher's lounge, and computer lab.
Also the boarding school for Jr/Sr High will be discontinued after 2011.  In 2011 boarding school enrollment will have declined by one half, due to students graduating or leaving the school district.  Since it seems unlikely that any new students will need boarding, this option will be discontinued.  Teachers and students currently living in the boarding house will be moved to regular housing for the 2012 school year.

The hood is re-examining the possibility of in-hood housing for college students.  A new facility is expected to be built and ready for occupancy by next fall.  In the future we will be looking towards adding more skill building activities and equipment for the college students to use in their education and research.

The university is also implimenting more varied levels of degrees.  Beginning this year, students with 2 semesters completed will be eligible for a associate's degree, students with 4 semesters will be eligible for a bachelor's degree, 6 semesters will earn a master's degree, and 8 semesters will earn a doctorate. One semester at university will be equivalent to one simyear in the main hood.
Community Projects:

Several new community lots are in the works to add to our neighborhood and to encourage residents to get out and socialize and explore their home neighborhood.  Last fall, the annual festival marked the grand opening of the Central Market Square.  In the heart of New Eden, this lot features a small park, a grocery store, and room for another business to open their doors.  Plans are in place for a community garden to be planted on this lot.  Residents are encouraged to get out of the house and shop locally rather than calling for delivery.

A new community lot will be officially opened by summer 2011 in time for the summer festival.  A new community swimming pool and public beach lot will be the site for the summer festival.  We hope to see everyone there.

Preliminary plans are being made for a medical center and a government administration building.  These may possibly be contained within the same lot.  Dr. Seth First and Dr. Bruce Lillard (of Eden) are working together to pool their monetary resources and expertise for the future medical center.  Both projects are hoped to be underway by the end of 2012.
Government Notes:
Our neighborhood has never had an organized hood council, but we are working on changing that. Robin Harris will continue in her role as hood president and will be announcing which officers or departments are needed for the council early next year (suggestions are welcomed).  Nominations will be accepted and elections held at the end of 2011.
Financial Notes:
As announced at the last hood meeting loan repayments and taxes would be collected in 2011.  Since the bills were late in being calculated and sent out, payments will not be due until 2012.  Sims are encouraged to keep in mind that taxes will be due in 2012 and to make sure they start reserving funds in 2011.
Loan repayment amounts have been divided into yearly payments over the next 10 simyears.  Additional credits are given to home businesses.  For hood records,  a list of households who still owe money on loans and the amount owed will be posted to a separate page on the blog.

Taxes will be determined by income with a credit given for dependents (teens and younger) living in the household.

Taxes and loan repayments are on a trial basis.

Hood Data:

2010 Census
Adult Males - 8, Adult Females - 10
Young Adult Males - 2, Females - 3
Teen Males - 3, Teen Females - 6
Child Males - 2, Child Females - 3
Toddler Males - 1, Toddler Females - 2
Infant Males - 1, Infant Females - 2

Household Net Worth
First - 147,092
Havers - 142,263
Thayer - 87,651 (including 15,267 worth of historical paintings in the art museum)
Cormier - 48,001
Crabtree - 46,195
Huffington - 45,429
McMillian - 35,599
Harris - 34,822 (including the Harris Gym)
Straight - 29,262
Ebadi - 26,919
D'Sim - 22,316
The Year in Review:

Congratulations to Christopher and Sophie Straight on the birth of their daughter, Sydni.  Sydni joins proud big sister, Elsa, and is the family's second daughter.



Congratulations to the graduates!  Maia Hayes and Sofia Hartman have graduated from New Eden Jr/Sr High School this year.  Maia is going on to continue her studies at New Eden University while Sofia will be focusing on  pursuing her music career. 



Joy London has graduated from New Eden University with a bachelor's degree in drama .  She earned a 3.0 gpa and will pursuing a career in acting.



Farewell and best of luck to Charlotte Platz who is moving from back to Eden to reside with her parents.  Charlotte was a freshman at New Eden Jr/Sr High and a resident of the boarding school.