Last Thursday the HPCC meeting drew a nice crowd. We heard from zone 5 police officers, the Allegheny County Health Department and the PWSA. In addition, we elected new officers and a new board member or two. But something else happened that night that I can't let pass unnoticed. Bob Staresinic stepped down as Secretary of the Highland Park Community Council. Through his involvement in the HPCC Bob has served our neighborhood for more than twenty years including acting as President, Vice President, Board Member and Secretary. He often stepped up to fill a position when volunteers were scarce. Bob has written a number of grants when funds were low so that we could support the Reservoir of Jazz, children's activities, and the Bryant Street Festival. He has served on the welcoming committee, hauled hay and pumpkins at fall festivals, dyed Easter Eggs in the spring and set up and taken down more tents than we can count. He has sold raffle tickets, attended meetings, talked to the business owners to help facilitate neighborhood cohesiveness. More than once he has told me the best part of his work in the community is meeting and talking to the people. Our neighborhood is undoubtedly a better, more friendly, welcoming place because of Bob and his efforts. The good news is he has assured us he is willing to stay involved in an informal way now that he is no longer an officer. So when you see Bob at the Halloween event or walking the streets of the neighborhood, say hello and take a minute to thank him.