Mourning our Loss, But Moving Ahead
We held a Hood Council meeting recently, after Asya's death. I must say a lot of our Founders were inconsolable. We are very sad this happened, and even Trinity stated that she wished she could've done more to treat Asya's problem. Despite almost losing her license to practise medicine because of the pending indictments, Trinity has forgiven Asya and offered her understanding that the SHPD was just doing its job. We embraced each other - as leaders should....through difficult times. We also talked about services that are greatly needed in the Hills, to make it an even better place to live.
Dr. Higgins, showing that she's stronger than ever after her bout with depression, presented a brilliant healthcare plan for SH, inspired by our neighbors in Harper's Cove. Dr. Maya Sheffield has instituted an awesome program there and Trinity feels it will fit SH perfectly. The new plan passed the vote, and will be instituted into our Administration and Laws at the beginning of Period 4 - Simdays 16-20.
My good friend, Cameron Masters, and Emerita Valdes, have been working together and presented applications they have accepted for a Principal/Teacher to run an Elementary School here in SH. They are both very concerned with the lack of participation at the library, by the parents, who haven't pushed their children to prepare properly for college. I must admit, Tomika and I are guilty of that as well. We must all make a valiant effort to help our children gain as many skills as they can at this influential age. (We will consider a High School once we have enough students for it, but as for now, we have 4 children, with a few toddlers almost ready for their birthdays.)
We passed a vote to build a school near the end of Period 3. A budget will not be set. Nick Michels is looking for contractors. Who we hire to run the school will be made known on Immigration Day, Simday 16.
I was visiting Apple Valley website, and noticed their cap on careers, and feel we should do that as well. Simmington Hills will be a dominant force in promoting self-owned businesses, we need to be able to fill those employee positions with local sitizens, not Townies and Downtownies all the time. I've asked Emerita Valdes to add Career Caps at the beginning of Period 4, on our Census Bureau page. To post the available/unavailable jobs. (The Criminal Career will be included, to my dismay and hesitation...but, we have to acknowledge that there will be some Sims who like to make their living shadily. My advice to you is that you don't get caught or else you will pay the consequences...that's all I'm sayin'.)
Simmerville and SUN
Everyone knows how excited I am that Simmington Hills now has the support of the Sims United Neighborhoods, and the support of a legend in Sims 1 and 2 history, the great neighborhood of Simmerville.
I would like to take the time to thank certain Sims who, behind the scenes, email me and give me support and friendship. Mr. Garmund Brybrey, Webmaster, Mr. Hedrian Appleton, SUN Registry Caretaker, both of Simmerville. Ayanna Kent, Hood Council President, and Alia Kent, SUN Core Leader, both from Apple Valley, Mandie from Fortune Shores (thanks for the HTML advice!), Evangeline Haddock, Spokes Sim from Baleen Island, and last but certainly not least, my friend and colleague, Kristin Pone-Sanchez, Spokes Sim from Riverdale.
Just to update on what has happened in this 3rd period:
We joined SUN and can now participate in a united network of events, neighborhood programs, festivals, awards, and have the ongoing support of other neighborhoods, just like ours.
We now have an affiliate program, and hope to add more sites.
We have access to all these wonderful neighborhoods, through the SUN Family Exchange, to visit and share with other Sims in Simworld.
I'm also happy to announce that we will be offering complimentary tickets to the Michels' family to visit a SUN hood for 5 simdays. They will be our first family to use this exchange program, and it's our privilege to send them. I don't have to mention how tough things have been for them, so a short getaway is in order. I will take over the bank's business while Nick is away. We plan to send the Michels after we have finalized housing arrangements for the visiting families from the exchange.
The Hood Administration plans to build a spectacular Bed & Breakfast in Camden Park, within the next two periods, that will house our visiting families from the exchange, and will also be an attraction for residents of Simmington Hills. There will be shops and eateries close by for visitors to patronize. This will be an historical lot, being the first residential lot built in Camden Park, and it will be privately owned.
We had a great turnout for our first community event, the 2007 Food Expo. It's a pity we couldn't do the entire 3 month event, but unforseen things happen, and I don't want to put anymore pressure on Sergio Spencer to host the event, when he's already got so much going on in his personal life. Hopefully, we will have next year, to do it up in grand 'Heart of the Hills' style!
-----------------------------------------------------------
I have lifted the Immigration Laws, for now, allowing up to 3 new households to enter the Hills every 5 simdays. We need to grow at a faster rate, but in a timely manner. We need businesses and a larger population, in order to get weaned off of the generosity of the NPP. Until further notice...the Immigration law is changed.
Another note to add about Immigrants...if they are Service representatives, like Seth Guthrie (Jail) and Maxine Wise (School). They don't have to move into rental spaces first...they move into their residential jobs and begin serving the community. Because of this, they don't have to pay the Immigration Tax nor do they pay 5 simdays worth of rent. They pay 1 simday of rent each period. This is a perk for 'living' their jobs.
Their rent breakdown goes like this: For example, we'll use the SH Police Department.
Cost of empty building: $96,450
Divide that by 2 (because Seth lives in the other half of the building) = $48,225
*By law, rent is 1% of the total networth of an empty house*
$48,225 x 1% = $482 (Seth's rent each period)
--Judge Sabien Cunningham, Sr., Spokes Sim
