My hope is that everyone remains well as we enter in the next phase of our journey through the world of Covid-19 or Corona (virus, not beer).  We have had some glorious weather during this "shut in" period and it appears as if folks are trying to make the best of it. A lot more people seem to be out walking in our community these days. However, as this pedestrian traffic is increasing, so is the vehicle traffic.  Let's all be careful and considerate whether we are on foot or behind the wheel.

It is a good time to be reminded about some best practices for pedestrians (any person standing, walking, jogging, running, or otherwise on foot) as suggested by the Georgia State Code (40-6-96).  Where a sidewalk is provided pedestrians should use it and avoid running, jogging or walking in the street. If there is no sidewalk but only a shoulder, we should use the shoulder not the street. Where neither a sidewalk nor a shoulder is available, we should walk or run as near as practicable to an outside edge of the roadway, and, if on a two-lane roadway, on the left side of the roadway. Pedestrians should remember that drivers always have the right of way except where there is a crosswalk.  Drivers and pedestrians should remember it is the law but more importantly let's do whatever possible to keep us safe.  Let's avoid any incident that would instigate a discussion about who was right and who was wrong.

Jenny and I have found during our brief, by some standards, 27-year residency that the residents of this community tend to do what is right, sensible and considerate.  That is why I use the term “suggested”.  As a community we don't mandate anything, but folks in general arrive at doing things the right way.  Most of our residents put a high priority on the common welfare of our community.  That is terrific and it another element in making Indian Hills a great place to live.  Let's keep living that way.

Be safe, be careful and stay healthy. Thanks for the opportunity to serve. 

Harold Itkin, IHCA President