RiponWatch: "Don't Stop Believin"

Well, RiponWatch.com is just a few days away from officially signing off and after scouring over hundreds of pictures, I pulled together some of my favorite pics that best reflected how RiponWatch began and how it continued to represent a community determined to power through some tough times.

Our community has seen it all, neglected foreclosure homes, mortgage fraud, a tree replacement recovery project, a real estate market free fall, and job losses. Despite all of these challenges, neighbors have rallied together and continue to power through one of the most difficult times in history. The inner strength of our community has proven that Believin that we can overcome tough times is the first step in making a difference.

I have been inspired by friends, family and countless Ripon residents. I have received hundreds of emails and have had the pleasure of making some amazing partnerships. Working morning, noon and night, I have maintained a steady diet of Java & Journey, my double-shot for successful blogging. It has been my saving grace running a 24 hour neighborhood watch blog!

Thanks everybody, for inspiring me to do more than I ever thought I could:)- Lisa Suender

"Don't Stop Believin" Top RiponWatch Moments from Lisa Suender on Vimeo.

RiponWatch signing off March 1, 2009

Lisa Suender speaks at Friends of the Library luncheon

Hello Friends & Neighbors! Wow, here it is, almost the end of 2008 and it has been quite a year! The election, the budget crisis, and a real estate market that not even the best analysts could have predicted. If you are like Cynthia and I, this is a year that we are happy to see coming to a close. We know that 2009 will have it's own share of challenges but this past year has certainly taught everyone that nothing is for certain, and nothing should be taken for granted. As we head into 2009, Cynthia and I will be entering our 4thLisa discusses blight homes with ModBee journalist Inga Miller and final year as Neighborhood Watch Commanders, and both will be looking to get reconnected with family, friends, and personal ventures.

Cynthia's photography business Captured Moments By Cynthia continues to flourish and I have been busy devoted to community service including our neighborhood website RiponWatch.com, and to the Friends of the Ripon Memorial Library. Despite my passion for both, I will be exiting both of these projects at the end of 2009. It was a very tough decision to make, but despite my reservations, I will be pursuing a new path which promises new growth and exploration. We hope to host our final Neighborhood Watch gathering in the Summer of 2009, and look forward to making connections with all of the new neighbors that have become a part of our special community. As a young community, we have had our share of challenges and triumphs but we have shared and experienced them together.

Sgt. Terri Jensen, Lisa Suender, Councilman Red NuttWithout the continued support of our amazing community, our network of strength would not have been able to weather the real estate and foreclosure storm. In some cases, we have had to say good-bye to some of our neighbors, and our community will continue to be tested through 2009 with additional foreclosures and more real estate uncertainty. While some communities have turned their back on neighborhood challenges, we have rallied together and fought to preserve the quality of life that brought us to Ripon in the first place. Through all of your efforts we have been able to demonstrate amazing resiliency, and that is something to be extremely proud of!

I would like to personally thank Sgt. Terri Jensen for her continued support, education, and undying commitment to our community and to RiponWatch.com. Sgt. Jensen and her amazing team has always had our back, and has been our strongest advocate for the value in connecting neighborhoods with local law enforcement. I hope that our combined efforts have helped to shape and educate residents that communication is key, and by participating in your community, you can make a difference. If nothing else, I hope that people have a better understanding that working together towards a common goal has provided our community with a safer standard of living and a promise of continued support by all of the parties involved. Chief Bull, thanks for continued support, and for giving me the freedom to publically educate residents both in our community and to the entire City of Ripon. It has been a blessing to have met you and to be connected to such a dedicated and devoted team of law enforcement. Cynthia Outram chats with neighbor at picnic

Neighbors, you have all been amazing! Cynthia and I could not have asked for a better group of neighbors to travel with during our journey over the last couple years. We have accomplished so much and can see the efforts of so many played out through continued home sales, and neighborhood watch participation. Look how far we have come!


Neighbors chat during 3rd Annual Picnic/PotluckCynthia and I encourage anyone who would like to become more involved in the community and is interested in becoming a Neighborhood Watch Commander, to contact the Ripon Police Department at 599-2102 for specifics. It is never too late to form a neighborhood watch program and there is no limit to the size. We hope that residents will continue to stay connected both with Cynthia and I but with the Ripon PD as well. We will certainly look forward to seeing everyone at our final event later in 2009.

All of best wishes go out to everyone, and we hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday season!
Lisa Suender & Cynthia Outram
Your Neighborhood Watch Commanders
www.riponwatch.com
riponwatch@gmail.com