Volunteer
The Old Farm Estates subdivision thrives on active community involvement, making it more than just a place to live. The Trustees of OFE invite you to join us through flexible volunteer opportunities that can accommodate different schedules. Whether you can contribute a few hours each month or help with occasional projects, your involvement is crucial in fostering a vibrant and connected community.
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Each of the four volunteer-involved committees—Pool, Neighborhood Preservation, Community Engagement, and Communication—is chaired by an OFE Trustee, with additional Trustees serving on each committee. While some functions are reserved for Trustees, we often need extra hands. That’s where you come in!
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Below is general information on each of the committees and a Volunteer Interest Questionnaire to help us match you with a volunteer opportunity that suits your interests and availability.
Committee General Information
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Pool Committee
For many, the pool is a cherished amenity of OFE, drawing residents together
with its inviting waters. Even for those who don’t swim, it’s a warm-weather place to relax and
read or gather for communal spirit.
Understanding the significance of the pool and surrounding grounds, we prioritize its upkeep,
ensuring it remains a pristine and safe environment for all to enjoy. By maintaining the pool, we
aim to preserve its role as a vibrant centerpiece of our community, reflecting our commitment to
enhance the quality of life for residents.
Pool Maintenance: As the pool season approaches and then again as it winds down, there are various tasks:
(Spring) general grounds cleanup inside the pool gate; clean and weed flower and rock beds; clean and set out tables, chairs, and umbrellas; power wash concrete; weed concrete cracks and apply new caulk where needed; paint (bathroom/dressing and guard shack/concession areas); plant flowerpots; and more.
(Fall) empty flowerpots; return chairs to storage; assess condition of pool area
furnishings; and more.
Fund Raising: Occasional bake sales and collaborative events with the Community
Engagement Committee (e.g., 4th of July party).
Neighborhood Preservation Committee
This committee’s role is to maintain our common ground spaces (ball fields, playground, bike/hiking trail) and keep our streets and sidewalks in safe traveling condition.
Gardening and Landscaping: Planting, weeding, and maintaining community gardens and green spaces.
Common Ground Enhancements: Assist in the planning and development of any new, approved common ground projects.
Streets / Sidewalks / Cul-de-Sacs: District volunteers to report street potholes, buckled sidewalks, or streetlamps in need of repair. (Ideal for those who regularly walk or run in the neighborhood.)
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Architectural Reviews
This committee reviews all architectural review applications, conducts on-site visits, and then, with an eye toward St. Louis County codes and the OFE indentures, makes a recommendation to the Board of Trustees on whether the application should be approved.
Community Engagement Committee
We take pride in fostering a sense of community spirit through planned activities for all residents, from the young to the retired.
Event Planning: Organizing annual traditions and other events, such as:
Annual Tradition: Easter Egg Hunt, End-Of-School Party, 4th of July Parade,
Flick and Float, Trivia Night, Trunk or Treat
Occasional Events: Book / Game / Puzzle Swap, Plant Swap, Bake Sales, Adults-Only Sip and Swim, Karaoke Night, Subdivision Renovation Tours
In addition to regular planning, many of these events require volunteers to help with signage; obtaining food, drinks, and prizes; and putting up decorations.
Welcome Committee: Welcome new residents and provide information about the subdivision.
Communications Committee
The Board of Trustees is committed to providing various channels of communication between homeowners and the Board for sharing both general and time-sensitive information. In addition to the website (for which a redesign is already in the early phases) and social media, we currently communicate through the printed publications listed below and have hopes of developing a volunteer outreach:
Guide Book / Directory: An annual publication with subdivision information and a
resident directory consisting of those who wish to be listed.
Gazette Newsletter: A semi-annual newsletter with updates on subdivision events and
other relevant information. If you have a knack for writing and an interest in writing a
community interest article, we welcome your participation.
Volunteer Outreach: Our wish list includes district residents to help recruit volunteers
for various committees and enhancing community participation.
Intangible Benefits of Volunteering: Volunteering offers a chance to meet and connect with
neighbors, contribute to the community’s improvement, and develop new skills and experience.
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