Our Spirit Community

 

This is John Underwood.  My email is ogimaa@ourspiritcommunity.com. Ogimaa is Anishinaabemowin for 'chief'.  I'm the owner and chief editor of this website.  It's not affiliated with L'Esprit or LPOA.

 

My wife, Reta (pronounced like Rita), is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa.  Her given name is Painted Turtle Woman.  As a medicine woman, she understands, embraces and teaches the spiritual journey.  Click on the righthand link to read an Oldham Era feature story about her (hint - she loves horses). 

 

That's one of our athletes in the Churchill Downs race photo.  He won and Reta was our licensed trainer.  A trio now enjoy luxury retirement living with us.  Years ago, Reta galloped thoroughbreds at Churchill Downs and several other racetracks. 

 

Reta doesn't recreationally ride on L'Esprit's 20+ miles of bridle path easements, most of which are 10' in width, because there aren't enough directional signs about where they're specifically located. She's also concerned that many of these easements may no longer be safe, and she refuses to trespass on private property.  LPOA volunteers have yet to contract with an independent trail riding expert to conduct an affordable safety review of all bridle path easements throughout L'Esprit's 4,200 acres.  

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The Underwoods moved to L'Esprit in 2006 because it seemed quiet and neighborly.  Unfortunately, we don't feel that's always been the case, including now.   Lawsuits.  Threats regarding use of private property.  A 'fine policy' for the first time in 40 years.  All rules not being consistently followed and enforced.  Some basic information not being conveniently shared. 

 

Since LPOA's volunteers haven't made available signed legal opinions to justify unprecedented decisions, the Underwoods engaged a law firm to clarify issues that might interest L'Esprit tract owners.  Those responses are found in numerous attachments throughout this website.  One excerpt from a 2-16-24 attorney letter to LPOA President Rollo Fox reads as follows, "Let me be absolutely clear on this: to the extent you may think LPOA has authority to simply declare new easements across the Underwoods’ property, or even to expand the existing easement: you are dead wrong. Your lawyer, Mr. Thomas, is dead wrong. Ms. Rapaport is dead wrong. Even a cursory review of Kentucky law shows as much."

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I invested 25 years of my career managing member-driven associations and also served on LPOA's board of directors during 2011-12. This website provides 'Fact Or Opinion' statements, as well as some roadside view photos and a list of questions.  Reach your own conclusion about each.  

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