WNA Officers Re-Elected for Second Term
Last year’s slate of Woodgate Neighborhood Association officers agreed to serve another term in 2025 and the officers were re-elected during the Annual Meeting on January 29.
So for the second year, Matt Schreck will preside as president and be supported by Sam Miller as vice president, Mike McCarron as secretary and Diana Bixler as treasurer.
Matt, Sam, Mike and Diana were selected by a nominating committee chaired by Immediate Past President Marsha VandenDooren. There was the opportunity for nominations from the floor prior to the Annual Meeting vote, but none were made.
WNA Bylaws limit officers to two consecutive terms, so there will be new faces in 2026.
$10 WNA Dues Increased Effective January 1, 2026
A proposal discussed and adopted during the Woodgate Annual Meeting January 29 increases annual Woodgate Neighborhood Association dues from $25 to $35, effective in 2026.
“It has been over 20 years since the dues were last raised and, in that time, I think we can all agree that expenses have drastically increased,” WNA President Matt Schreck noted in a neighborhood-wide email. “The increased revenue from raised dues will help us to be able to put more into our events and programs that serve and provide entertainment for the neighborhood.”
The WNA relies on a few yearly newsletter advertisements and annual dues to (1) fund events throughout the year; (2) maintain our front island; (3) pay for our neighborhood website; (4) print and distribute a quarterly newsletter and (5) provide for committee specific expenses that are incurred through services such as our Neighbors Helping Neighbors Program and Community Outreach.
2025 Woodgate Neighborhood Directory Update
The Woodgate Neighborhood Directory, published about every three years, is now planned for April of 2025. Each Woodgate resident will receive a copy.
A working group headed by Woodgate Neighborhood Association Vice President Sam Miller and Secretary Mike McCarron is mid-way through efforts to update information for every Woodgate street address. The working group also includes Immediate Past President Marsha Vandendororen, former Secretary Mike McQuone, former Membership Chair Kelly Logan and Zone Leaders Chair Elaine Reavis.
WNA has New Membership Chair; Seeking Two other New Board Members
From WNA President Matt Schreck:
Hello neighbors,
I'm pleased to announce that we have a new Membership Chair and openings for two other committee chair positions on the WNA Board for the upcoming 2025 calendar year. The WNA provides services and hosts events for the neighborhood. We can always use fresh faces and ideas on our board.
Sally Dobson, who lives on Brandywine Drive, has agreed to become Membership Chair, succeeding longtime chair and board member Kelly Logan. Sally is a former WNA treasurer and board member. (Kelly is retiring from the board after many years of service and we will provide more on that on this site later.)
The Membership Committee is responsible for contacting new residents and encouraging them to join the Neighborhood Association. The committee will collect dues and keep an accurate list of residents and a paid membership list. Our Zone Leaders will inform the Membership Committee chairperson of all new residents in their respective zones. The Membership chairperson will have a key to the Post Office box along with our Treasurer.
Two committee positions remain open and we are looking for interest Woodgate residents to fill them:
1) Front Island/Beautification Committee: Responsible for maintaining the landscaping on the island at the entrance to Woodgate. This does not include mowing, but it could include things such as semi-regular weeding, planting of flowers, or the addition of other landscape elements to maintain/add to our island's flare.
President's Note: This position is perfect for a person interested in gardening, landscaping, planning, and service as we can use this committee, and the work involved to provide opportunities for service hours for anyone who may need them. This is not a particularly time or effort intensive position. The routine mowing/edging of the island is already taken care of monthly. It would be nice to have a committee chair to perhaps suggest areas in need, or things we could improve on relating to conditions or aesthetics, as well as to plan perhaps one day a month where weeds can be picked etc.
2) Recreation Committee: Responsible for spearheading the planning and direction of social events that may be held as prescribed by the Board of Directors.
President's Note: This position is perfect for someone who is creative and enjoys planning/executing social events where the neighborhood can come together and have a good time. This position has been vacant for some time, and I believe it's because for those who are familiar with the social events we plan and put on throughout the year, being “responsible” for planning them seems a daunting task. This position is also not a very time or effort intensive position as the responsibility to help plan and execute all events is shared amongst all board members. An ideal Recreation Committee lead would be willing to head small sub-committees that may be needed to get down into smaller details for a specific event, but you will never be solely responsible for a huge event. We are a very helpful bunch when it comes to sharing the small burdens implicit in hosting these awesome events.
Please contact me or any board member if you are interested.
$10 WNA Dues Increases Effective January 1, 2026
From WNA President Matt Schreck:
A proposal that will be discussed and voted on at the Annual Meeting increases annual Woodgate Neighborhood Association dues from $25 to $35, effective in 2026. The WNA relies on a few yearly newsletter advertisements and annual dues to (1) fund events throughout the year; (2) maintain our front island; (3) pay for our neighborhood website; (4) Print and distribute a quarterly newsletter and (5) Provide for committee specific expenses that are incurred through service such as our Neighbors Helping Neighbors Program and Community Outreach.
It has been over 20 years since the dues were last raised and, in that time, I think we can all agree that expenses have drastically increased. The increased revenue from raised dues will help us to be able to put more into our events and programs that serve and provide entertainment for the neighborhood.
If you would like your voice and opinion heard on the matter, we look forward to hearing it! Please attend our Annual Meeting which will be held on January 23rd (6:45 pm) at Dorothy B. Oven Park.
President’s Message – Matt Schreck:
“Some Amazing Developments This Year”
As we wrap up 2024, I'd like to take the time to highlight some amazing developments within our community over the past year. Your Woodgate Neighborhood Association Board is always looking for new ways to keep members of the neighborhood informed, engaged, and enthused! Here are some things I am very proud of:
1. The implementation of Venmo payments (@WoodgatePayments), making it easier and quicker than ever before to pay your annual dues.
2. The creation of our very own website: www.woodgate-tallahassee.com, keeping residents informed and up to date with all the events/resources offered by our community.
3. The roll out of our electronic Newsletter option, which is both an eco-friendly and user-friendly upgrade to the paper Newsletter system. Request the electronic Woodgate Way by contacting WNAPresident235@gmail.com or reaching out to a WNA Board member.
As 2024 come to a close, I look forward to 2025 and a new year with new opportunities to grow and improve as a neighborhood. As always, it's great to live in Woodgate!
Introducing Woodgate-Tallahassee.com; Other Communications Tools
The Woodgate Neighborhood doesn’t sit still for very long and we have introduced https://www.woodgate-tallahassee.com to help residents keep up with the wonderful opportunities available. This new Internet site, hosted by Kajal Chhaya, is free to access and is updated regularly.
It features details on upcoming neighborhood events, including the September 28 Fall General Meeting and Chili Supper and the October 25 Children’s Halloween Party. Lots of information is available in other sections, including Spotlight and Announcements and there are special photo essays from time to time.
This is a major tool for communications with our Woodgate neighbors, but not the only one. The Woodgate Way is our quarterly newsletter, which, incidentally, is archived on the Internet site. The newsletter is available in a paper copy, but also electronically and we encourage you to sign up to receive it by email. Request the electronic Woodgate way here: WNAPresident235@gmail.com.
The timeliest way to stay current on Woodgate activities is through special emails from Woodgate Neighborhood Association President Matt Schreck. These are weekly and sometimes more frequent than that. If you are not receiving Matt’s emails, please contact WNAPresident235@gmail.com. to get on this important list.
Woodgate doesn’t sit still for very long and join us for the walk, jog or ride.
Woodgate Pocket Park
The Woodgate Board of Directors is planning the development of a small “pocket park” at the north corner of Woodgate Way and Thomasville Road. This is the only property in our subdivision that the neighborhood owns that can be used as a gathering place.
A grant from the city of Tallahassee is being developed to request funding for a table and two benches as well as landscaping. Neighbors are invited to pre-purchase plants, trees, benches, or tables to memorialize or honor their family, friends, pets, or neighbors.
This area will become a place where we can rest, relax, and enjoy the outdoors. We can look forward to more events such as our holiday lantern gathering at the corner park.
2024 Spring, Summer & Holiday Yards of the Season
With homes in Woodgate so immaculately kept, it’s hard to select the very best. Three residencies did stand out, however, during 2024 and were honored as Yards of the Season.
Congratulations to Claire and Kelly Logan, 3116 Brandywine Drive, for winning the Spring Yard of the Season Award!
Congratulations to Daniel and Mary Keeler of 1601 Hedgefield Court for winning the Summer Yard of the Season Award!
Congratulations to Colleen and Chris Williams of 1519 Oldfield Drive for winning the Holiday Lighting/Winter Yard of the Season Award!