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The Community Improver August 1966
Vol. VI

      
The Community Improver, August 1966
Special Collections, D.H. Ramsey Library, UNCA

Housing Authority of the City of Asheville

This issue of The Community Improver begins by addressing rumors and sources of misinformation.  Readers are encouraged to seek answers for their urban renewal questions from the Rehabilitation Office, rather than from “people on street corners.” A particularly worrisome rumor addressed in this issue concerns the idea that the Rehabilitation Commission “is trying to discourage property owners in the area from improving their homes.” The Commission assures readers that they only seek to prevent improvements being made to houses slated for demolition, and encourages readers to call the Rehabilitation Office before making any improvements.  Announcements of summer classes and job opportunities based on merit employment are included. 

The majority of the newsletter is taken up with pictures and a description of Project Head Start for young children. In addition to playing, learning preliminary school skills, developing social skills, and taking field trips to fun places like the zoo, the children are also taken to the dentist, doctor, and nurse for examinations, with a social worker on hand if need be.

AUGUST, 1966
VOL. VI

Asheville is on the move...
                   Progress Through Community Effort

Rehabilitation Office
86 Livingston Street
Phone: 253-4745

THE COMMUNITY IMPROVER

IS YOUR CHILD IN HEAD START? LOOK INSIDE...

"TRY HARDER"
     A report of the residents in the East Riverside Urban Renewal Area indicates that there is a need for greater concern on the part of the people of this area. The "Rehab" office has taken great pains to keep people abreast of what is being done and planned. In spite of this, some of the people still are not taking advantage of the opportunities offered. Some are still prone to accept from people on street corners explanations about such things as methods of appraisal, what to do about fixing up property, who would be eligible for public housing, what sections will undergo demolition. How and when money may become available for repairs, whether or not tenants as well as owners get the same treatment as it relates to relocation.
     There are many people in the area who use the services offered at the Rehab office. We have been able in each case to give these people reasonable answers to their problems. But we have no way of knowing who is in need of advice unless our office is contacted. We therefore strongly urge people with problems to feel free to get in touch with the staff at the Rehab office. Mr. LePore or Mr. Roland will be happy to come to your home to talk with you and answer your questions.
     We also want to encourage more community meetings. Call your chairman and request him to call a meeting. Ask those questions that are bothering you. But we repeat: get your answers at the Rehab office instead of in the street.

RUMOR
     Rumor has it that the Redevelopment Commission is trying to discourage property owners in the area from improving their houses. This is not so. The Redevelopment Commission just wants to be very careful that repairs are not made to houses that will have to be demolished. We advise anyone who considers making improvements or repairs to call us first at the Rehab office — 253-4745.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES
     The record shows that many people in the East Riverside Area are taking advantage of recent opportunities for merit employment which have not been offered in the past. We encourage those who have not yet availed themselves of these employment and training opportunities to do so. You may ask about these jobs and training programs at the Employment Security Commission at 36 Grove Street.
     Consult the directory at the main Post Office for civil service examination dates. Check at Asheville Technical Institute for training programs.
     Don't procrastinate — participate!

HEAD START

Project head start is underway. Everywhere children are busy--making new friends, working and playing together, learning about school.

This is a bright new world for the five or six year old. there are so many things to see, hear, to do; and experiences are all around.

As the children arrive there is snack time. it may be juice, milk, toast, or fruit. Serving the snack or being served by a friend is part of the learning. The day is off to a happy start.

Plans are made to get in as many activities as possible. There is music-- a time to sing, to listen, and to play the rhythm band.

Books are on hand to explore--to look at the pictures and to listen to stories. There is time to play the parts. Acting is fun!

Playtime comes and going outdoors is exciting. Boats go sailing in the big tub of water, castles, roads, and bridges take shape in the sand pile. Hoops, jump Ropes, Balls, wagons, and doll carriages are on hand. Circle games and playing on the Jungle gym are all part of the fun.

Back inside the children rest while listening to soft music. Then it's on to number activities or a special project.

During all this time, the bus is busy taking children all over town. It's going to the calf barns, hatchery, zoo, fire department, many interesting buildings, and the craftsman's fair.

The day has been busy. It has been happy, and at the same time, the children have been learning. They have been thinking for themselves and following directions. They have been working alone and in a group. They are developing the senses of hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, and touching.

This is Head Start!
            -- Mrs. Kathleen Collins
                Director, Aycock Center

Redevelopment Commission
of the
City of Asheville
P.O. Box 7148
604 City Building
Asheville, NC 28807