Since 2003 I have served as both vice president and president of the Forest Lake Neighborhood Association, Inc. A significant number of the houses in parts of Forest Lake have become student rentals. We have had issues with a small minority that we did not think respected the neighborhood.

The FLNA Board held our first recovery meeting Saturday, May 7, just after the storm. I was authorized at that time to write this letter for the board. In the wake of the April 27 tornado we would like to offer kudos to our student neighbors for their fast thinking, courage, and kindness.

Immediately after the storm, students were going door-to-door asking if everybody was out and okay. On my street a couple could not get out of their house because huge trees had fallen in both the front and rear of the house. A group of students made a narrow path so that the couple could walk out.

A woman could be heard inside her house obviously injured. Students broke into the house and stayed until a medic and nurse were there. Emergency vehicles could not get in. They carried her out, using a door as a makeshift stretcher.

In the days following the storm and as we continue to go forward with the recovery, the help from so many has been overwhelming at times. UA students and many from other schools have been in the forefront. Thanks to all who have come to our aid.

Special thanks to our student neighbors.

“We Are Coming Back.”

George W. Harris is the vice president of the Forest Lake Neighborhood Association, Inc.